dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-27--How Trump, Biden are preparing for first presidential debate

WASHINGTON -- Ahead of the first debate-stage matchup between President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger Joe Biden , each campaign is promising a stark contrast in policy , personality and preparation .
Trump has decided to skip any formal preparation .
And while Biden 's team believes the significance of the debate may be exaggerated , the Democratic nominee has been aggressively preparing to take on the president .
Biden 's campaign has been holding mock debate sessions featuring Bob Bauer , a senior Biden adviser and former White House general counsel , playing the role of Trump , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the preparations who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal strategy .
Bauer has not actually donned a Trump costume in line with Trump stand-ins from previous years , but he is representing his style and expected strategy .
`` I 'm sure the president will throw everything he can at ( Biden ) .
My guess is that they 're preparing for that -- bombarding him with insults and weird digressions , '' said Jay Carney , a former aide to Biden and President Barack Obama .
Trump and Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stage for the first time Tuesday night at Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland , Ohio .
The 90-minute event moderated by Fox News host Chris Wallace is the first of three scheduled presidential debates .
Vice President Mike Pence and California Sen. Kamala Harris , Biden 's running mate , will also debate in October .
For some , the debates represent the most important moments in the 2020 campaign 's closing days , a rare opportunity for millions of voters to compare the candidates ' policies and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been trailing Biden in the polls for the entire year , a reality that gives the president an urgent incentive to change the direction of the contest on national television if he can .
Others , including those close to Biden 's campaign , do not expect the debates to fundamentally change the race no matter what happens , given voters ' daily struggles with the pandemic and the economy .
They also point to high-profile debates in past elections thought to be game-changing moments at the time but that ultimately had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Biden 's preparations suggest he will not take the fight to Trump if he can avoid it .
But on Saturday , at least , he was on the attack when he discussed his strategy on MSNBC .
`` I 'm prepared to go out and make my case as to why I think he 's failed and why I think the answers I have to proceed will help the American people , the American economy and make us safer internationally , '' Biden said , arguing that Trump wo n't persuade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know the president is a liar . ''
He also compared Trump to Adolf Hitler 's propaganda minister , Joseph Goebbels , saying , `` He 's sort of like Goebbels .
You say the lie long enough , keep repeating , repeating , repeating , it becomes common knowledge . ''
While Biden has said he will try to be a fact checker of sorts on stage , the Democrat is being advised to avoid direct confrontations and instead redirect the conversation to more familiar campaign themes of unity and issues that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , health care and the pandemic .
`` Arguing over facts , litigating whether what he 's saying is accurate , that is not winning to Biden , '' said Jen Psaki , a former Obama aide who is close to Biden 's team .
`` This is an opportunity to speak directly to the American people .
His objective should be to speak directly to them , but not be pulled in by Trump .
That is hard . ''
Trump has not been doing any formal preparation , according to aides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of anonymity to discuss private conversations .
No set has been constructed and aides refused to say whether anyone is playing Biden .
Trump , instead , has maintained that the best preparation is doing his day job -- particularly his frequent and often contentious interactions with reporters .
White House aides also scheduled an ABC town hall earlier this month to expose Trump to real voter questions for the first time in months in preparation for the second debate .
Privately some aides and allies are worried that Trump 's lack of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the same hubris trap as other incumbents in their first general election debate .
Obama , for example , famously struggled in his first matchup against Mitt Romney in 2012 .
But other Trump backers are confident that the president is ready to handle any tough questions or pushback from Biden .
`` The debates matter , '' said Lara Trump , a senior adviser to the campaign and the president 's daughter-in-law .
`` Donald Trump certainly did a great job on the debates ( in 2016 ) and I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lara Trump also seemed to simultaneously raise and lower expectations for Biden .
`` Joe Biden spent a lot of time in his basement to study up .
He 's been in this game for 47 years .
I assume he 'll do okay , '' she said .
`` Quite frankly , the bar has been lowered so much for Joe Biden that if he stays awake for the whole thing it 's like maybe he won . ''
The mixed messages were in line with those of Trump 's allies who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about Biden 's physical and mental strength , while in recent days trying to cast him as a strong and experienced debater facing a relative neophyte in Trump .
Trump offered a preview of his approach on Sunday when he raised accusations with no evidence that Biden 's previous debate performances were influenced by medication .
In a tweet , Trump said he would demand that Biden take a drug test and that he would as well .
Trump 's message seemed to be an attempt at both tripping up Biden and preemptively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Democratic nominee has a strong performance .
A former reality show star , the president is keenly aware of the power and pitfalls of live television .
Aides say he is acutely mindful of the power of `` moments '' to define how a debate is perceived and that he intends to make his share of them happen .
Terry McAuliffe , the former Virginia governor and onetime national Democratic chairman , said Biden must fashion a succinct , debate-stage version of his message since the spring : draw a straight line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handling of the pandemic , its economic fallout , the national reckoning on race and then explain why a Biden presidency would be different .
`` Trump 's just looking for a Hail Mary here , '' McAuliffe said .
`` He knows he 's in trouble . ''

How Trump, Biden are preparing for first presidential debate
FILE - In this Sept. 23, 2020, file photo Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden speaks during a Biden for President Black economic summit at Camp North End in Charlotte, N.C. The final stretch of a presidential campaign is typically a nonstop mix of travel, caffeine and adrenaline. But as the worst pandemic in a century bears down on the United States, Joe Biden is taking a lower key approach.
WASHINGTON -- Ahead of the first debate-stage matchup between President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger Joe Biden, each campaign is promising a stark contrast in policy, personality and preparation.
Trump has decided to skip any formal preparation. And while Biden's team believes the significance of the debate may be exaggerated, the Democratic nominee has been aggressively preparing to take on the president.
Biden's campaign has been holding mock debate sessions featuring Bob Bauer, a senior Biden adviser and former White House general counsel, playing the role of Trump, according to a person with direct knowledge of the preparations who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal strategy. Bauer has not actually donned a Trump costume in line with Trump stand-ins from previous years, but he is representing his style and expected strategy.
"I'm sure the president will throw everything he can at (Biden). My guess is that they're preparing for that -- bombarding him with insults and weird digressions," said Jay Carney, a former aide to Biden and President Barack Obama.
Trump and Biden are scheduled to meet on the debate stage for the first time Tuesday night at Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. The 90-minute event moderated by Fox News host Chris Wallace is the first of three scheduled presidential debates. Vice President Mike Pence and California Sen. Kamala Harris, Biden's running mate, will also debate in October.
For some, the debates represent the most important moments in the 2020 campaign's closing days, a rare opportunity for millions of voters to compare the candidates' policies and personalities side-by-side on prime-time television. Trump has been trailing Biden in the polls for the entire year, a reality that gives the president an urgent incentive to change the direction of the contest on national television if he can.
Others, including those close to Biden's campaign, do not expect the debates to fundamentally change the race no matter what happens, given voters' daily struggles with the pandemic and the economy. They also point to high-profile debates in past elections thought to be game-changing moments at the time but that ultimately had little lasting effect.
Those with knowledge of Biden's preparations suggest he will not take the fight to Trump if he can avoid it. But on Saturday, at least, he was on the attack when he discussed his strategy on MSNBC.
"I'm prepared to go out and make my case as to why I think he's failed and why I think the answers I have to proceed will help the American people, the American economy and make us safer internationally," Biden said, arguing that Trump won't persuade voters with broadsides because "the people know the president is a liar."
He also compared Trump to Adolf Hitler's propaganda minister, Joseph Goebbels, saying, "He's sort of like Goebbels. You say the lie long enough, keep repeating, repeating, repeating, it becomes common knowledge."
While Biden has said he will try to be a fact checker of sorts on stage, the Democrat is being advised to avoid direct confrontations and instead redirect the conversation to more familiar campaign themes of unity and issues that matter most to voters: the economy, health care and the pandemic.
"Arguing over facts, litigating whether what he's saying is accurate, that is not winning to Biden," said Jen Psaki, a former Obama aide who is close to Biden's team. "This is an opportunity to speak directly to the American people. His objective should be to speak directly to them, but not be pulled in by Trump. That is hard."
Trump has not been doing any formal preparation, according to aides and allies who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations.
No set has been constructed and aides refused to say whether anyone is playing Biden. Trump, instead, has maintained that the best preparation is doing his day job -- particularly his frequent and often contentious interactions with reporters. White House aides also scheduled an ABC town hall earlier this month to expose Trump to real voter questions for the first time in months in preparation for the second debate.
Privately some aides and allies are worried that Trump's lack of formal preparation will lead him to fall into the same hubris trap as other incumbents in their first general election debate. Obama, for example, famously struggled in his first matchup against Mitt Romney in 2012.
But other Trump backers are confident that the president is ready to handle any tough questions or pushback from Biden.
"The debates matter," said Lara Trump, a senior adviser to the campaign and the president's daughter-in-law. "Donald Trump certainly did a great job on the debates (in 2016) and I think this will be no different."
Lara Trump also seemed to simultaneously raise and lower expectations for Biden.
"Joe Biden spent a lot of time in his basement to study up. He's been in this game for 47 years. I assume he'll do okay," she said. "Quite frankly, the bar has been lowered so much for Joe Biden that if he stays awake for the whole thing it's like maybe he won."
The mixed messages were in line with those of Trump's allies who spent much of the year raising questions about Biden's physical and mental strength, while in recent days trying to cast him as a strong and experienced debater facing a relative neophyte in Trump.
Trump offered a preview of his approach on Sunday when he raised accusations with no evidence that Biden's previous debate performances were influenced by medication. In a tweet, Trump said he would demand that Biden take a drug test and that he would as well.
Trump's message seemed to be an attempt at both tripping up Biden and preemptively offering an explanation to his supporters if the Democratic nominee has a strong performance.
A former reality show star, the president is keenly aware of the power and pitfalls of live television. Aides say he is acutely mindful of the power of "moments" to define how a debate is perceived and that he intends to make his share of them happen.
Terry McAuliffe, the former Virginia governor and onetime national Democratic chairman, said Biden must fashion a succinct, debate-stage version of his message since the spring: draw a straight line from Trump's personal deficiencies to his handling of the pandemic, its economic fallout, the national reckoning on race and then explain why a Biden presidency would be different.
"Trump's just looking for a Hail Mary here," McAuliffe said. "He knows he's in trouble."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-25--My co-workers won't wear face masks and it's stressing me out

Q : I recently started an entry-level job at a small nonprofit after two months of being unemployed .
We work with students , and masks are strictly enforced for them .
In my second week , one student tested positive for the novel coronavirus .
Soon after I started working , the executive director ( my direct supervisor ) and another director started taking their masks off .
A third director only wears a face shield , which is not recommended by the CDC as an effective alternative .
People come into my office without masks .
In staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to talk .
In addition to the health concern , I feel disrespected anytime I see the lower half of someone 's face .
I feel like they 're saying , `` I do n't care about you or your family . ''
( I live with my parents . )
I spoke with one of the directors and my boss about the lack of masks .
They apologized and told me to `` call them out on it '' if I see them not wearing masks .
Things got better for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back into their old habits .
There 's no HR and no office above my boss .
I refuse to be the mask police , but I 'm really uncomfortable , and the anxiety is weighing on me .
A : So essentially , your bosses are abdicating their responsibility to maintain a safe work environment , opting instead to nominate a junior staffer to be their shoulder cricket .
No matter how politely or persistently you chirp , you can not hope to pierce that kind of blind , selfish indifference .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; it 's just that their convenience and comfort outweigh their sense of self-preservation or obligation to the greater good .
Your managers should count themselves lucky you have n't tipped off state authorities ( assuming they care ) , local media , and the community they serve about their lax behind-the-scenes coronavirus-prevention standards .
But as you say , you 're not the mask police , and you have neither the authority nor the job security to fill that role .
You also may not have the stomach just now for putting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter outside the company .
Fortunately , where common sense and self-awareness fall short , etiquette and social conventions can step in .
In addition to being a key component in preventing the spread of the coronavirus , wearing masks has become shorthand for indicating respect for others .
A whole system of `` covidiquette '' is evolving around face masks .
And the time-honored way of dealing with those who refuse to adhere to etiquette is for you to adhere even tighter .
You can remind others of their obligations directly -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grabbing a mask before we meet ?
`` - or indirectly , if you 're reluctant to call out their carelessness , by being relentlessly , visibly vigilant about your own habits .
For example : • Always have your face mask on , and have extras available to offer .
• Keep a giant pump of hand sanitizer and a container of wipes out on your desk , where you might ordinarily place a community candy bowl .
• If telecommuting is not an option , stay in your personal workspace and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible .
Arrange your seat and guest seating to promote safe distancing .
• Ask your boss if you can join meetings by video from your desk .
Even if he does n't allow it , he 'll have no excuse to act surprised when you sit or stand , masked , in the most isolated corner of the room .
• Silently reinforce desired behavior through visual cues .
Step back when someone approaches you to talk .
When speaking with someone whose mask is down , casually touch or tug on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , even if it does n't need adjusting .
Smooth sanitizer on your hands before you pass a paper or pen to someone .
If you 're worried about seeming obsessive , you can laugh it off -- `` If I give everyone covid-19 , I 'll never get promoted !
`` - or plead filial piety : `` I promised my parents I 'd be super careful . ''
Or just say straight out that because one case of the coronavirus has already been reported , you are taking no chances .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing to protect yourself and your family .
And , of course , follow the usual precautions outside the office , including changing clothes and washing up when you get home .
I know it 's exhausting and unfair to have to make an antiseptic spectacle of yourself to compensate for others ' thoughtlessness .
But when you ca n't rely on the folks in charge to make the minimum effort to keep you safe , and you 're not ready or able to quit , the next most effective defense is in @ @ @ @

My co-workers won't wear face masks and it's stressing me out
In addition to being a key component in preventing the spread of the coronavirus, wearing masks has become shorthand for indicating respect for others. A whole system of "covidiquette" is evolving around face masks. And the time-honored way of dealing with those who refuse to adhere to etiquette is for you to adhere even tighter. Getty Images
Q: I recently started an entry-level job at a small nonprofit after two months of being unemployed. We work with students, and masks are strictly enforced for them. In my second week, one student tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
Soon after I started working, the executive director (my direct supervisor) and another director started taking their masks off. A third director only wears a face shield, which is not recommended by the CDC as an effective alternative. People come into my office without masks. In staff meetings, people pull down their masks to talk. In addition to the health concern, I feel disrespected anytime I see the lower half of someone's face. I feel like they're saying, "I don't care about you or your family." (I live with my parents.)
I spoke with one of the directors and my boss about the lack of masks. They apologized and told me to "call them out on it" if I see them not wearing masks. Things got better for a few days, but unsurprisingly they slipped back into their old habits. There's no HR and no office above my boss. I refuse to be the mask police, but I'm really uncomfortable, and the anxiety is weighing on me.
A: So essentially, your bosses are abdicating their responsibility to maintain a safe work environment, opting instead to nominate a junior staffer to be their shoulder cricket. No matter how politely or persistently you chirp, you cannot hope to pierce that kind of blind, selfish indifference. Not that they're intentionally disrespecting you; it's just that their convenience and comfort outweigh their sense of self-preservation or obligation to the greater good.
Your managers should count themselves lucky you haven't tipped off state authorities (assuming they care), local media, and the community they serve about their lax behind-the-scenes coronavirus-prevention standards. But as you say, you're not the mask police, and you have neither the authority nor the job security to fill that role. You also may not have the stomach just now for putting your paycheck in jeopardy by escalating the matter outside the company.
Fortunately, where common sense and self-awareness fall short, etiquette and social conventions can step in. In addition to being a key component in preventing the spread of the coronavirus, wearing masks has become shorthand for indicating respect for others. A whole system of "covidiquette" is evolving around face masks. And the time-honored way of dealing with those who refuse to adhere to etiquette is for you to adhere even tighter.
You can remind others of their obligations directly -- "Oh hey, would you mind grabbing a mask before we meet?"- or indirectly, if you're reluctant to call out their carelessness, by being relentlessly, visibly vigilant about your own habits. For example:
• Always have your face mask on, and have extras available to offer.
• Keep a giant pump of hand sanitizer and a container of wipes out on your desk, where you might ordinarily place a community candy bowl.
• If telecommuting is not an option, stay in your personal workspace and out of common areas as much as possible. Arrange your seat and guest seating to promote safe distancing.
• Ask your boss if you can join meetings by video from your desk. Even if he doesn't allow it, he'll have no excuse to act surprised when you sit or stand, masked, in the most isolated corner of the room.
• Silently reinforce desired behavior through visual cues. Step back when someone approaches you to talk. When speaking with someone whose mask is down, casually touch or tug on the ear straps of your own mask, even if it doesn't need adjusting. Smooth sanitizer on your hands before you pass a paper or pen to someone.
If you're worried about seeming obsessive, you can laugh it off -- "If I give everyone covid-19, I'll never get promoted!"- or plead filial piety: "I promised my parents I'd be super careful." Or just say straight out that because one case of the coronavirus has already been reported, you are taking no chances. Then keep doing exactly what you're doing to protect yourself and your family.
And, of course, follow the usual precautions outside the office, including changing clothes and washing up when you get home.
I know it's exhausting and unfair to have to make an antiseptic spectacle of yourself to compensate for others' thoughtlessness. But when you can't rely on the folks in charge to make the minimum effort to keep you safe, and you're not ready or able to quit, the next most effective defense is in your own hands.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-27--Breaking down barriers to a good walk

Breaking down barriers to a good walk

I 've taken to walking the streets of my neighborhood during the coronavirus pandemic .
It 's a way to get out of the house when most of us are spending more time at home than ever before .
It 's a simple and effective way to get exercise .
Many doctors and public health organizations -- such as the American Heart Association , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Diabetes Association -- promote walking for exercise .
For good reason , too ; walking can help people manage their weight and reduce their risk for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diabetes , depression and some cancers .
People who promote walking for exercise emphasize how easy it is -- no gym membership or pricey equipment required .
And yet , walking is not completely free of discomforts or barriers to access .
For instance , certain consequences of walking may dissuade people from a regular practice , such as blisters .
Also , physical problems , such as arthritic knees , may keep people from taking it up even though walking can help joint problems .
The easiness of walking poses another paradoxical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't consider walking to be exercise , '' says Jessica Schwartz , a New York-based physical therapist and spokeswoman for the American Physical Therapy Association .
In her practice , Schwartz often sees more injuries after a walkathon than after the New York City Marathon .
That 's because people do n't think they need to train for a 5- or 6-mile walk .
If you are one of the 80 percent of Americans who do n't get the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week , it 's best to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Walk up and down your street several times .
Then add an extra block , '' Schwartz says .
`` Physical and psychological barriers are a normal part of getting started with exercise , '' says Heather Vincent , a specialist in sports medicine and director of the UF Health Sports Performance Center at the University of Florida .
This is true for any exercise , she says .
`` If you 're currently sedentary , you may experience some discomforts . ''
It 's not uncommon to feel twinges or stiffness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but you may just need a warm-up period , Vincent says .
`` Give it a few minutes , '' she says , if you 're doubting the wisdom of pushing on in the face of specific sensations -- a stitch in your side or an achy knee .
As you walk , your blood is flowing to joints and muscles .
Keep breathing deeply .
Those early twinges should let up soon enough , Vincent says .
`` Walking is wonderful for chronic aches and pains . ''
A 2015 review of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have chronic muscle or joint pain , those who walked for exercise had less pain and better mobility than those who did n't exercise .
Vincent says , however , it 's a red flag if you start moving and the pain worsens in intensity , especially if it 's a sharp or radiating type of pain .
`` That 's something that probably needs to be checked out , '' she says .
The benefits of walking go beyond arthritis pain .
`` Walking is probably the best exercise you can do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of exercise science at George Washington University .
It 's aerobic , which is good for cardiovascular health .
It 's weight-bearing , which is good for bone health .
It works your muscles , which helps with leg strength and stability .
It benefits your brain and your mood , making you feel better .
And it helps you control your blood sugar .
DiPietro conducted a study of inactive people 60 and older with a risk of diabetes .
When participants took a 15-minute walk after eating a meal , their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Schwartz talks about dosing -- how far you walk and at what intensity .
There 's a huge range that can satisfy the novice to the extreme athlete .
And if you run into obstacles , here are some ways to deal with them .
`` Footwear is important , '' Vincent says .
Wear comfortable-to-you shoes -- and lace them properly .
Lacing should be snug , she says , `` but not so snug that you ca n't squeeze a finger under laces . ''
A good fit means some space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should not slide against the back of the shoe .
For other foot problems , a podiatrist may be able to assess and treat with orthopedic insoles .
If you fear the sudden urge to go while out walking , plan a route around lavatory access , such as in public buildings , but check for good ventilation in advance .
And carry hand sanitizer .
Runners who have experienced runner 's diarrhea can plan their eating and exercise routine ahead of time .
Do n't eat right before a walk and avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air pollution can trigger shortness of breath in sensitive people .
Avoid air-quality problems by using indoor spaces , keeping a safe distance from others and wearing a mask .
Those with exercise-induced asthma should carry inhalers .
As for those hot summer days , Vincent says , `` The best times to get out are early or late . ''
Wear sunglasses and a brimmed hat for further protection from the sun -- and find routes with lots of tree shade .
Some people find their fingers swell on long walks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not clear why this happens , although that does n't keep people from theorizing everything from blood pooling to low salt levels .
The only study on the phenomenon found that 29 percent of women and 16 percent of men noticed some swelling of their hands after walking .
Anecdotal reports on hiking forums suggest that using trekking poles helps prevent swelling .
Some doctors advise stretching and fisting your hands while you walk .
Vincent calls this the biggest barrier : `` The drive to get out there and do it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and keep goals .
Schwartz says that socially distant walking with a buddy or a family member can help with motivation .
And , she says , if buying a new pair of sneakers helps you start a walking program , then go ahead and do it .

Breaking down barriers to a good walk
If you are among those who suffer from hand swelling when you walk, you might consider trying to use trekking poles, which some hikers have said help reduce the symptom. stock photo
Walking might seem too easier to be considered valid exercise, but the truth is it's actually a good workout and those who are starting the activity after being sedentary should start slow, gradually increasing the distance walked. stock photo
I've taken to walking the streets of my neighborhood during the coronavirus pandemic. It's a way to get out of the house when most of us are spending more time at home than ever before. It's a simple and effective way to get exercise.
Many doctors and public health organizations -- such as the American Heart Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Diabetes Association -- promote walking for exercise. For good reason, too; walking can help people manage their weight and reduce their risk for heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, depression and some cancers.
People who promote walking for exercise emphasize how easy it is -- no gym membership or pricey equipment required.
And yet, walking is not completely free of discomforts or barriers to access. For instance, certain consequences of walking may dissuade people from a regular practice, such as blisters. Also, physical problems, such as arthritic knees, may keep people from taking it up even though walking can help joint problems.
The easiness of walking poses another paradoxical problem.
"A lot of people don't consider walking to be exercise," says Jessica Schwartz, a New York-based physical therapist and spokeswoman for the American Physical Therapy Association. In her practice, Schwartz often sees more injuries after a walkathon than after the New York City Marathon. That's because people don't think they need to train for a 5- or 6-mile walk.
If you are one of the 80 percent of Americans who don't get the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week, it's best to work up to those distances gradually. "Walk up and down your street several times. Then add an extra block," Schwartz says.
"Physical and psychological barriers are a normal part of getting started with exercise," says Heather Vincent, a specialist in sports medicine and director of the UF Health Sports Performance Center at the University of Florida. This is true for any exercise, she says. "If you're currently sedentary, you may experience some discomforts."
It's not uncommon to feel twinges or stiffness as you start on a walk, but you may just need a warm-up period, Vincent says. "Give it a few minutes," she says, if you're doubting the wisdom of pushing on in the face of specific sensations -- a stitch in your side or an achy knee.
As you walk, your blood is flowing to joints and muscles. Keep breathing deeply. Those early twinges should let up soon enough, Vincent says. "Walking is wonderful for chronic aches and pains."
A 2015 review of 26 studies found that in people who have chronic muscle or joint pain, those who walked for exercise had less pain and better mobility than those who didn't exercise.
Vincent says, however, it's a red flag if you start moving and the pain worsens in intensity, especially if it's a sharp or radiating type of pain. "That's something that probably needs to be checked out," she says.
The benefits of walking go beyond arthritis pain. "Walking is probably the best exercise you can do," says Loretta DiPietro, professor of exercise science at George Washington University.
It's aerobic, which is good for cardiovascular health. It's weight-bearing, which is good for bone health. It works your muscles, which helps with leg strength and stability. It benefits your brain and your mood, making you feel better.
And it helps you control your blood sugar. DiPietro conducted a study of inactive people 60 and older with a risk of diabetes. When participants took a 15-minute walk after eating a meal, their blood glucose levels came down quickly.
Schwartz talks about dosing -- how far you walk and at what intensity. There's a huge range that can satisfy the novice to the extreme athlete.
And if you run into obstacles, here are some ways to deal with them.
Blisters
"Footwear is important," Vincent says. Wear comfortable-to-you shoes -- and lace them properly. Lacing should be snug, she says, "but not so snug that you can't squeeze a finger under laces." A good fit means some space around the toes, and your heel should not slide against the back of the shoe.
For other foot problems, a podiatrist may be able to assess and treat with orthopedic insoles.
Gastrointestinal problems
If you fear the sudden urge to go while out walking, plan a route around lavatory access, such as in public buildings, but check for good ventilation in advance. And carry hand sanitizer.
Runners who have experienced runner's diarrhea can plan their eating and exercise routine ahead of time. Don't eat right before a walk and avoid caffeine and high-fat foods.
Air quality, heat and humidity
Allergens and air pollution can trigger shortness of breath in sensitive people. Avoid air-quality problems by using indoor spaces, keeping a safe distance from others and wearing a mask. Those with exercise-induced asthma should carry inhalers.
As for those hot summer days, Vincent says, "The best times to get out are early or late." Wear sunglasses and a brimmed hat for further protection from the sun -- and find routes with lots of tree shade.
Hand swelling
Some people find their fingers swell on long walks, particularly on warm days. It's not clear why this happens, although that doesn't keep people from theorizing everything from blood pooling to low salt levels. The only study on the phenomenon found that 29 percent of women and 16 percent of men noticed some swelling of their hands after walking. Anecdotal reports on hiking forums suggest that using trekking poles helps prevent swelling. Some doctors advise stretching and fisting your hands while you walk.
Motivation
Vincent calls this the biggest barrier: "The drive to get out there and do it." Fitness trackers help many people set and keep goals.
Schwartz says that socially distant walking with a buddy or a family member can help with motivation. And, she says, if buying a new pair of sneakers helps you start a walking program, then go ahead and do it.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-27--Marquez's debut with Cubs one to forget, but potential is there

Brailyn Marquez 's major-league debut on Sunday was n't exactly long-awaited .
The Cubs ' top prospect , according to Baseball America , spent all of last season in Single A .
When the 6-foot-4 lefthander did take the mound in the eighth inning against the White Sox , his performance was n't very good , but did include one highlight .
Marquez gave up 5 runs on 3 walks and 2 singles , to go with a pair of wild pitches .
His highlight was striking out Jose Abreu on a 99-mile-per-hour high fastball .
The Cubs wanted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mound and see if maybe he could be a secret weapon for the playoffs .
The answer is in : Probably not .
`` I know people were calling for him earlier .
He was n't ready , '' team president Theo Epstein said before the game .
`` It was definitely a process .
`` When he showed up back when we started going again at the alternate site , he needed to get in shape , which he did .
Then there were some mechanical issues he needed to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , worked through those mechanical issues .
Then it was a process of getting his stuff back up to where it had been and then refining it .
`` He 's actually made a lot of improvements .
He 's added some pitches .
His sinker is a relatively new pitch for him that 's been looking really effective and his changeup as well .
It 's just the last few weeks he 's really come on strong and we felt like he deserved this opportunity . ''
The Dominican Republic native went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starts between South Bend and Myrtle Beach in 2019 .
After clinching the NL Central title for the third time in six years , there was plenty of talk about how far the Cubs have progressed as a franchise '' I feel like we just win here , '' Kris Bryant said .
`` If you look at the course of these last six years , it kind of just feels like this whole culture in this clubhouse and in the city , it 's just a winning culture now .
That had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time and it 's a testament to everybody involved here -- players , past players , front office , coaches . ''
`` Nobody 's satisfied with just one ( championship ) .
We all know that .
You always want more . ''
Manager David Ross said injured starter Tyler Chatwood had a good bullpen session on Saturday , but still has a little way to go before he 'd be ready to return to game action .
Ross would n't reveal his playoff rotation , but agreed it makes sense to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first two games against Miami , and Jon Lester if a Game 3 is needed .

Marquez's debut with Cubs one to forget, but potential is there
Brailyn Marquez's major-league debut on Sunday wasn't exactly long-awaited. The Cubs' top prospect, according to Baseball America, spent all of last season in Single A.
When the 6-foot-4 lefthander did take the mound in the eighth inning against the White Sox, his performance wasn't very good, but did include one highlight.
Marquez gave up 5 runs on 3 walks and 2 singles, to go with a pair of wild pitches. His highlight was striking out Jose Abreu on a 99-mile-per-hour high fastball.
The Cubs wanted to give Marquez a chance to get on the mound and see if maybe he could be a secret weapon for the playoffs. The answer is in: Probably not.
"I know people were calling for him earlier. He wasn't ready," team president Theo Epstein said before the game. "It was definitely a process.
"When he showed up back when we started going again at the alternate site, he needed to get in shape, which he did. Then there were some mechanical issues he needed to work through. He put in the work, worked through those mechanical issues. Then it was a process of getting his stuff back up to where it had been and then refining it.
"He's actually made a lot of improvements. He's added some pitches. His sinker is a relatively new pitch for him that's been looking really effective and his changeup as well. It's just the last few weeks he's really come on strong and we felt like he deserved this opportunity."
The Dominican Republic native went 9-5 with a 3.13 ERA in 22 starts between South Bend and Myrtle Beach in 2019.
Winning culture arrives:
After clinching the NL Central title for the third time in six years, there was plenty of talk about how far the Cubs have progressed as a franchise
"I feel like we just win here," Kris Bryant said. "If you look at the course of these last six years, it kind of just feels like this whole culture in this clubhouse and in the city, it's just a winning culture now. That hadn't been here in a very long time and it's a testament to everybody involved here -- players, past players, front office, coaches."
"Nobody's satisfied with just one (championship). We all know that. You always want more."
Pitching updates:
Manager David Ross said injured starter Tyler Chatwood had a good bullpen session on Saturday, but still has a little way to go before he'd be ready to return to game action.
Ross wouldn't reveal his playoff rotation, but agreed it makes sense to expect Kyle Hendricks and Yu Darvish in the first two games against Miami, and Jon Lester if a Game 3 is needed.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-27--Railway collisions plummet nationwide, but not in Illinois

With train traffic decreasing in 2020 because of COVID-19 and Illinoisans hunkering down in the spring , it seems logical that railway crossing crashes would plummet , right ?
That 's true for most of America , but Illinois is bucking that trend , causing some head-scratching for safety experts .
Across the U.S. , collisions at public train crossings declined by 19.8 % from January through June 2020 compared to 2019 , officials said .
In contrast , rail crossing crashes dipped by just 2.2 % in Illinois , according to the Federal Railroad Administration .
`` Illinois remains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so while freight train volume was down by about 10 % to 15 % nationally and Metra and Amtrak also ran fewer trains , human behavior does n't change , '' Illinois Commerce Commission Railroad Safety Specialist Steve Laffey said .
Forty-four public rail crossing crashes between trains and vehicles or pedestrians occurred in Illinois in the first six months of 2020 compared with 45 in 2019 , according to the Federal Railroad Administration .
However , in the period from March 21 , when Illinois ' stay-at-home order began , to May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public crossing crashes decreased from 17 in 2019 to 10 this year .
Four people died during that two-month time frame in both years , although five nonfatal injuries occurred in 2020 compared to one in 2019 at public and private crossings .
Suburban crashes in the spring included one in which an 11-year-old boy wearing headphones was hit by an Amtrak train traveling at 50 mph the afternoon of March 28 in Brookfield .
He miraculously survived .
But a 76-year-old man was killed when he walked around gates lowered for an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Naperville .
`` We can be thankful that crashes are down during the pandemic , but , overall , the numbers remain distressingly high , '' said Joseph Schwieterman , director of DePaul University 's Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development .
`` Illinois should be outperforming the national average during the pandemic on account of our state having so many passenger-train routes in which schedules were dramatically reduced . ''
Federal statistics show public railway crossing crashes went down by 23 % in Indiana , 45 % in Michigan , and 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 2020 .
Deaths from trespassing , where people are typically walking on the tracks not at crossings , stayed flat in Illinois with 16 from January to June in 2019 and in 2020 .
But the number of injuries rose from seven to 11 , or 57 % .
Nationally , trespassing fatalities dipped from 275 to 268 , a 2.6 % decrease , while injuries declined from 287 to 271 , a 5.6 % reduction .
Meanwhile , Metra reported fewer fatalities on its train lines as of Thursday .
Suicides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 to 10 in 2020 , year to date .
Overall , fatalities went down from 21 in 2019 to 11 so far this year .
`` Lower street and highway traffic between March and June reduced the number of distractions facing drivers , which tends to lessen the risk of accidents .
I suspect things by now have returned to normal , which -- tragically -- means more loss of life , '' Schwieterman warned .
Northwestern University economist and rail safety expert Ian Savage noted , `` it is a bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to less rail and road traffic ) , but not in Illinois . ''
However , he said that 12 months of data are needed to get a complete picture .
National Rail Safety Week wrapped up on Sunday ; send questions or comments about trains in the suburbs to mpyke @ dailyherald.com .
You should know Prairie Path afficionados will hit a bump in the Naperville/Warrenville area through Oct. 8 .
The Illinois tollway will close the pedestrian and bicycle underpass on the Prairie Path between Eola Road and Route 59 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detour to a barrier-protected sidewalk along Eola Road will be posted , and work might be delayed by bad weather .
Union Pacific Northwest and North Line riders can expect some tweaks as of today .
As a result of a bridge replacement project involving 11 structures in Chicago , UP North inbound Train 304 will leave Waukegan at 5:31 a.m. and Train 309 will depart from Ogilvie Transportation Center at 6:40 a.m. And on the UP Northwest , inbound Train 658 will be rescheduled to leave 15 minutes later to `` reflect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a beautiful sight if you 're not in a hurry .
As fall approaches , Chicago begins its autumn bridge lifts to allow boats to dock for the winter .
Scheduled lifts at the Chicago River between Lake Shore Drive and Ashland Avenue occur Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. and Saturdays at 9 a.m. through Nov. 14 .
Each lift can stretch from eight to 12 minutes ; for a complete list , go to chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdot.html .

Railway collisions plummet nationwide, but not in Illinois
Pedestrians walk past lowered gates at the Arlington Heights train station. Crashes at railway crossings dropped by only 2% in Illinois compared with nearly 20% nationwide for the first half of 2020. Daily Herald File Photo
With train traffic decreasing in 2020 because of COVID-19 and Illinoisans hunkering down in the spring, it seems logical that railway crossing crashes would plummet, right?
That's true for most of America, but Illinois is bucking that trend, causing some head-scratching for safety experts. Across the U.S., collisions at public train crossings declined by 19.8% from January through June 2020 compared to 2019, officials said.
In contrast, rail crossing crashes dipped by just 2.2% in Illinois, according to the Federal Railroad Administration.
"Illinois remains the hub of the national network, so while freight train volume was down by about 10% to 15% nationally and Metra and Amtrak also ran fewer trains, human behavior doesn't change," Illinois Commerce Commission Railroad Safety Specialist Steve Laffey said.
Forty-four public rail crossing crashes between trains and vehicles or pedestrians occurred in Illinois in the first six months of 2020 compared with 45 in 2019, according to the Federal Railroad Administration.
However, in the period from March 21, when Illinois' stay-at-home order began, to May 29, when restrictions were eased, public crossing crashes decreased from 17 in 2019 to 10 this year.
Four people died during that two-month time frame in both years, although five nonfatal injuries occurred in 2020 compared to one in 2019 at public and private crossings.
Suburban crashes in the spring included one in which an 11-year-old boy wearing headphones was hit by an Amtrak train traveling at 50 mph the afternoon of March 28 in Brookfield.
He miraculously survived. But a 76-year-old man was killed when he walked around gates lowered for an oncoming train the morning of April 2 in Naperville.
"We can be thankful that crashes are down during the pandemic, but, overall, the numbers remain distressingly high," said Joseph Schwieterman, director of DePaul University's Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development.
"Illinois should be outperforming the national average during the pandemic on account of our state having so many passenger-train routes in which schedules were dramatically reduced."
Federal statistics show public railway crossing crashes went down by 23% in Indiana, 45% in Michigan, and 24% in Wisconsin in the first half of 2020.
Deaths from trespassing, where people are typically walking on the tracks not at crossings, stayed flat in Illinois with 16 from January to June in 2019 and in 2020. But the number of injuries rose from seven to 11, or 57%.
Nationally, trespassing fatalities dipped from 275 to 268, a 2.6% decrease, while injuries declined from 287 to 271, a 5.6% reduction.
Meanwhile, Metra reported fewer fatalities on its train lines as of Thursday. Suicides or suspected suicides decreased from 13 in 2019 to 10 in 2020, year to date. Overall, fatalities went down from 21 in 2019 to 11 so far this year.
"Lower street and highway traffic between March and June reduced the number of distractions facing drivers, which tends to lessen the risk of accidents. I suspect things by now have returned to normal, which -- tragically -- means more loss of life," Schwieterman warned.
Northwestern University economist and rail safety expert Ian Savage noted, "it is a bit unusual that incidents fell elsewhere (presumably due to less rail and road traffic), but not in Illinois." However, he said that 12 months of data are needed to get a complete picture.
National Rail Safety Week wrapped up on Sunday; send questions or comments about trains in the suburbs to mpyke@dailyherald.com.
You should know
Prairie Path afficionados will hit a bump in the Naperville/Warrenville area through Oct. 8. The Illinois tollway will close the pedestrian and bicycle underpass on the Prairie Path between Eola Road and Route 59 to accommodate reconstruction on I-88. A detour to a barrier-protected sidewalk along Eola Road will be posted, and work might be delayed by bad weather.
One more thing
Union Pacific Northwest and North Line riders can expect some tweaks as of today. As a result of a bridge replacement project involving 11 structures in Chicago, UP North inbound Train 304 will leave Waukegan at 5:31 a.m. and Train 309 will depart from Ogilvie Transportation Center at 6:40 a.m. And on the UP Northwest, inbound Train 658 will be rescheduled to leave 15 minutes later to "reflect actual operating conditions."
Uplifting experience
It's a beautiful sight if you're not in a hurry. As fall approaches, Chicago begins its autumn bridge lifts to allow boats to dock for the winter.
Scheduled lifts at the Chicago River between Lake Shore Drive and Ashland Avenue occur Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. and Saturdays at 9 a.m. through Nov. 14. Each lift can stretch from eight to 12 minutes; for a complete list, go to chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdot.html.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-28--Trump's tax revelation could tarnish image that fueled rise

WASHINGTON ( AP ) -- The bombshell revelations that President Donald Trump paid just $ 750 in federal income taxes the year he ran for office and paid no income taxes at all in many others threaten to undercut a pillar of his appeal among blue-collar voters and provide a new opening for his Democratic rival , Joe Biden , on the eve of the first presidential debate .
Trump has worked for decades to build an image of himself as a hugely successful businessman -- even choosing `` mogul '' as his Secret Service code name .
But The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he paid just $ 750 in federal income taxes in 2016 , the year he won the presidency , and in 2017 , his first year in office .
He paid no income taxes whatsoever in 10 of the previous 15 years , largely because he reported losing more money than he made , according to the Times , which obtained years ' worth of tax return data that the president had long fought to keep private .
The development comes at a particularly precarious moment for Trump , whose Republican campaign is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's handling of the pandemic .
It hands Biden an easy attack line heading into Tuesday 's debate .
And with early voting already happening in some states and Election Day just over a month away , Trump may be running out of time to turn his campaign around .
`` Donald Trump needs this election to be about Joe Biden as a choice , '' said longtime GOP consultant Alex Conant .
`` This keeps the focus squarely on Trump 's character and the chaos going into the most important night of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Of course , Trump has repeatedly faced -- and survived -- devastating turns that would have sunk any other politician .
That includes , most notably , the stunning `` Access Hollywood '' tape released in October 2016 , in which Trump was recorded bragging about kissing and groping women without their permission .
The video 's release came just two days before Trump was set to face then-candidate Hillary Clinton in their second debate and was considered a death knell to his campaign at the time .
At this point in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many states and so few voters still undecided , it is unclear whether any new discoveries about Trump would make any difference .
Trump 's support over the years has remained remarkably consistent , polls over the course of his presidency have found .
Yet the tax allegations go to the very heart of Trump 's appeal , especially among the blue-collar voters in states like Pennsylvania , Wisconsin and Michigan who propelled him to the presidency in 2016 .
Trump was supported by about two-thirds of white voters without college degrees , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Research Center , versus only about 2 in 10 nonwhite noncollege graduates .
Indeed , in a Gallup poll from February 2016 , Republicans who wanted to see Trump win their party 's nomination cited his experience as a businessman as the second-most important reason they backed him , surpassed only by his status as a nonpolitician and an outsider .
Even today , when asked to explain their support for Trump , voters often point to his success in business as evidence of his acumen .
And they often repeat his talking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal to serve as president , citing his sacrifice as evidence that he ran for the job not out of self-interest , but because he cares about improving the lives of people like them .
But the image of a man flying around in private jets from one luxury property to another and paying less in taxes than millions of Americans with far more modest lifestyles could prompt a backlash similar to the one 2012 GOP nominee Mitt Romney faced after he was secretly recorded at a closed-door fundraiser saying that the 47 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ income taxes were `` dependent upon government '' and would never vote for him .
`` ( M ) y job is not to worry about those people .
I 'll never convince them they should take personal responsibility and care for their lives , '' Romney said .
Roughly half of Americans pay no federal income taxes , but the average income tax paid in 2017 was nearly $ 12,200 , according to the IRS .
Democrats wasted no time in seizing on the news , with the Biden campaign 's online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paid more income taxes than Donald Trump '' on Sunday night .
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer tweeted an emoji calling on followers to raise their hands `` if you paid more in federal income tax than President Donald Trump . ''
`` That 's why he hid his tax returns .
Because the whole time , he was n't paying taxes .
But you were , '' added Sen. Chris Murphy , D-Conn. And Rep. Richard Neal , D-Mass.
, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee , said the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic lawsuit against the Trump administration to access Trump 's tax returns .
`` This reporting shines a stark light on the vastly different experience people with power and influence have when interacting with the Internal Revenue Service than the average American taxpayer does , '' he said in a statement .
In addition to the news about Trump 's annual payments , the Times found that many of his best-known businesses , including his golf courses , reported huge losses , and that , as he faces an uphill battle for reelection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thanks to `` hundreds of millions of dollars in debt coming due that he has personally guaranteed . ''
Trump is also under audit over a $ 72.9 million tax refund that could cost him more than $ 100 million if the IRS rules against him , the Times revealed .
The development comes after Biden recently stepped up his efforts to paint Trump as a charlatan who has lied to his working-class supporters .
In contrast , Biden has tried to highlight his own middle-class upbringing .
The election , Biden has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Avenue , '' pitting Biden 's boyhood hometown in Pennsylvania against Manhattan , where Trump built his branding empire and reality television career .
`` This clearly plays straight into that contrast that Biden has opened up , '' said Joe Trippi , a veteran strategist of multiple Democratic presidential campaigns .
Trippi said coming into the debate , Biden now has something he can concretely point to as he tries to sway the slim margin of voters who remain undecided .
`` You move a few points of working class voters , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in places like Ohio , '' Trippi said .
Conant , who worked on Florida Sen. Marco Rubio 's 2016 presidential campaign , noted how defensive Trump became when Rubio , during a primary debate , charged that Trump `` would be selling watches in Manhattan '' had he not inherited tens of millions of dollars from his father , Fred .
Trump raised an index finger in the air , yelling , `` No , no , no , no , '' as he sought to interrupt Rubio and insisted that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is so wrong , '' he said .
`` So long as this campaign is all about Trump , '' Conant said , `` he 's going to lose . ''
Associated Press writers Bill Barrow in Atlanta , Josh Boak in Baltimore , and Darlene Superville and Lisa Mascaro in Washington contributed to this report .

Trump's tax revelation could tarnish image that fueled rise
WASHINGTON -- The bombshell revelations that President Donald Trump paid just $750 in federal income taxes the year he ran for office and paid no income taxes at all in many others threaten to undercut a pillar of his appeal among blue-collar voters and provide a new opening for his Democratic rival, Joe Biden, on the eve of the first presidential debate.
Trump has worked for decades to build an image of himself as a hugely successful businessman -- even choosing "mogul" as his Secret Service code name. But The New York Times on Sunday revealed that he paid just $750 in federal income taxes in 2016, the year he won the presidency, and in 2017, his first year in office. He paid no income taxes whatsoever in 10 of the previous 15 years, largely because he reported losing more money than he made, according to the Times, which obtained years' worth of tax return data that the president had long fought to keep private.
The development comes at a particularly precarious moment for Trump, whose Republican campaign is struggling to overcome criticism of the president's handling of the pandemic. It hands Biden an easy attack line heading into Tuesday's debate. And with early voting already happening in some states and Election Day just over a month away, Trump may be running out of time to turn his campaign around.
"Donald Trump needs this election to be about Joe Biden as a choice," said longtime GOP consultant Alex Conant. "This keeps the focus squarely on Trump's character and the chaos going into the most important night of the campaign, the debate."
Of course, Trump has repeatedly faced -- and survived -- devastating turns that would have sunk any other politician. That includes, most notably, the stunning "Access Hollywood" tape released in October 2016, in which Trump was recorded bragging about kissing and groping women without their permission. The video's release came just two days before Trump was set to face then-candidate Hillary Clinton in their second debate and was considered a death knell to his campaign at the time.
At this point in the race, with voting already underway in many states and so few voters still undecided, it is unclear whether any new discoveries about Trump would make any difference. Trump's support over the years has remained remarkably consistent, polls over the course of his presidency have found.
Yet the tax allegations go to the very heart of Trump's appeal, especially among the blue-collar voters in states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan who propelled him to the presidency in 2016. Trump was supported by about two-thirds of white voters without college degrees, according to an analysis by the Pew Research Center, versus only about 2 in 10 nonwhite noncollege graduates.
Indeed, in a Gallup poll from February 2016, Republicans who wanted to see Trump win their party's nomination cited his experience as a businessman as the second-most important reason they backed him, surpassed only by his status as a nonpolitician and an outsider.
Even today, when asked to explain their support for Trump, voters often point to his success in business as evidence of his acumen. And they often repeat his talking point that he gave up a great deal to serve as president, citing his sacrifice as evidence that he ran for the job not out of self-interest, but because he cares about improving the lives of people like them.
But the image of a man flying around in private jets from one luxury property to another and paying less in taxes than millions of Americans with far more modest lifestyles could prompt a backlash similar to the one 2012 GOP nominee Mitt Romney faced after he was secretly recorded at a closed-door fundraiser saying that the 47% of Americans who don't pay income taxes were "dependent upon government" and would never vote for him.
"(M) y job is not to worry about those people. I'll never convince them they should take personal responsibility and care for their lives," Romney said.
Roughly half of Americans pay no federal income taxes, but the average income tax paid in 2017 was nearly $12,200, according to the IRS.
Democrats wasted no time in seizing on the news, with the Biden campaign's online store already selling stickers saying "I paid more income taxes than Donald Trump" on Sunday night.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer tweeted an emoji calling on followers to raise their hands "if you paid more in federal income tax than President Donald Trump."
"That's why he hid his tax returns. Because the whole time, he wasn't paying taxes. But you were," added Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn.
And Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass., chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, said the new report highlights the importance of the House Democratic lawsuit against the Trump administration to access Trump's tax returns.
"This reporting shines a stark light on the vastly different experience people with power and influence have when interacting with the Internal Revenue Service than the average American taxpayer does," he said in a statement.
In addition to the news about Trump's annual payments, the Times found that many of his best-known businesses, including his golf courses, reported huge losses, and that, as he faces an uphill battle for reelection, his finances are under particular stress thanks to "hundreds of millions of dollars in debt coming due that he has personally guaranteed." Trump is also under audit over a $72.9 million tax refund that could cost him more than $100 million if the IRS rules against him, the Times revealed.
The development comes after Biden recently stepped up his efforts to paint Trump as a charlatan who has lied to his working-class supporters. In contrast, Biden has tried to highlight his own middle-class upbringing.
The election, Biden has said, is "Scranton vs. Park Avenue," pitting Biden's boyhood hometown in Pennsylvania against Manhattan, where Trump built his branding empire and reality television career.
"This clearly plays straight into that contrast that Biden has opened up," said Joe Trippi, a veteran strategist of multiple Democratic presidential campaigns.
Trippi said coming into the debate, Biden now has something he can concretely point to as he tries to sway the slim margin of voters who remain undecided.
"You move a few points of working class voters, and you're talking about Biden winning in places like Ohio," Trippi said.
Conant, who worked on Florida Sen. Marco Rubio's 2016 presidential campaign, noted how defensive Trump became when Rubio, during a primary debate, charged that Trump "would be selling watches in Manhattan" had he not inherited tens of millions of dollars from his father, Fred.
Trump raised an index finger in the air, yelling, "No, no, no, no," as he sought to interrupt Rubio and insisted that he had instead borrowed money. "That is so wrong," he said.
"So long as this campaign is all about Trump," Conant said, "he's going to lose."
Associated Press writers Bill Barrow in Atlanta, Josh Boak in Baltimore, and Darlene Superville and Lisa Mascaro in Washington contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-28--5 students in quarantine in District 15

5 students in quarantine in District 15

Five students in Palatine Township School District 15 are quarantining after a staff member at their school tested positive for COVID-19 , district officials reported Monday .
The students attend Winston Campus Junior High School in Palatine , were one staff member tested positive and three others were placed in quarantine , according to the district 's online COVID-19 dashboard , which gives daily tallies .
The students -- the first to be quarantined due to exposure within the district -- were informed over the weekend after the positive case was reported to the district Saturday , district spokeswoman Morgan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also was reported in a staff member at John G. Conyers Learning Academy in Rolling Meadows , but no students are in quarantine as a result , the dashboard shows .
The latest information was noted on the dashboard Monday because the dashboard is not updated on Saturdays or Sundays , Delack said .
Due to privacy laws , the district ca n't elaborate on the identities of the staff members affected , Delack said .
The district does contact tracing for each positive case , and close contacts must quarantine for 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The Illinois Department of Public Health identifies as a `` close contact '' anyone who 's been within six feet for 15 cumulative minutes during the day .
`` In this instance , there were five students identified as close contacts , '' she said .
The district launched its COVID-19 dashboard earlier this month .
District 15 students began returning to school for in-person learning last week as part of a rolling re-entry plan .

5 students in quarantine in District 15
Five students and three staff members at Winston Campus Junior High School in Palatine are in quarantine after a staff member tested positive for COVID-19. Daily Herald File Photo, 2016
Five students in Palatine Township School District 15 are quarantining after a staff member at their school tested positive for COVID-19, district officials reported Monday.
The students attend Winston Campus Junior High School in Palatine, where one staff member tested positive and three others were placed in quarantine, according to the district's online COVID-19 dashboard, which gives daily tallies.
The students -- the first to be quarantined due to exposure within the district -- were informed over the weekend after the positive case was reported to the district Saturday, district spokeswoman Morgan Delack said.
A new COVID-19 case also was reported in a staff member at John G. Conyers Learning Academy in Rolling Meadows, but no students are in quarantine as a result, the dashboard shows.
The latest information was noted on the dashboard Monday because the dashboard is not updated on Saturdays or Sundays, Delack said.
Due to privacy laws, the district can't elaborate on the identities of the staff members affected, Delack said.
The district does contact tracing for each positive case, and close contacts must quarantine for 14 days from the last exposure. Delack said.
The Illinois Department of Public Health identifies as a "close contact" anyone who's been within six feet for 15 cumulative minutes during the day.
"In this instance, there were five students identified as close contacts," she said.
The district launched its COVID-19 dashboard earlier this month.
District 15 students began returning to school for in-person learning last week as part of a rolling re-entry plan.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-28--Group refuses to hand over 15 rescued French bulldog puppies

A Chicago-based animal rescue group has refused to hand over 15 French bulldog puppies it saved from an O'Hare International Airport warehouse , defying a federal order out of concern for the animals ' `` health and welfare . ''
Federal authorities gave Chicago French Bulldog Rescue until 9 a.m. Monday to return the dogs to the owner in Jordan .
The dogs were scheduled to be flown there Monday afternoon .
The puppies arrived in Chicago on Aug. 28 .
They had been housed in crowded crates in a corner of the warehouse for four days without food and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and feces until they were discovered by a truck driver , according to Chicago French Bulldog Rescue , which took them in Aug. 31 .
The group 's attorney is working on next steps , while elected officials -- U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley of Chicago and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates -- put pressure on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Jordanian government to allow the puppies to remain in U.S. permanently .
`` Thousands of people have reached out offering to adopt these puppies , and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' group spokeswoman Mika Ann Stambaugh said .
`` We need to first secure their health and safety .
... We 're fighting to get them to stay here . ''
Stambaugh said the rescue group does not legally own the puppies to offer them for adoption .
They remain in quarantine and are being cared for at veterinary clinics in Chicago and the suburbs .
Rescue officials said the group has spent $ 45,000 so far to nurse the puppies back to health .
Putting them back into crates on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health , officials said .
French bulldogs are among the top breeds in demand and often are trafficked illegally .
Quigley said he had a lengthy , `` heated '' discussion with CDC officials Friday and aims to work with federal authorities to ensure such animal abuses do n't occur .
`` The handlers of these dogs falsified immunizations .
... Obviously these dogs have been abused , '' Quigley said .
`` We have bought some time while we try to come to that humanitarian solution for the dogs that addresses the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prospective pet owners to adopt from local breeders , shelters and rescues instead of international breeders who could be scammers and abusers .
`` I care about these dogs , but I do n't want this to happen again , '' Quigley said .
`` We need to cut the spigot off .
You can still care about all the world 's problems and make time to take care of a few puppies . ''

Group refuses to hand over 15 rescued French bulldog puppies
A Chicago-based animal rescue group has refused to hand over 15 French bulldog puppies it saved from an O'Hare International Airport warehouse, defying a federal order out of concern for the animals' "health and welfare." Courtesy Chicago French Bulldog Rescue
A Chicago-based animal rescue group has refused to hand over 15 French bulldog puppies it saved from an O'Hare International Airport warehouse, defying a federal order out of concern for the animals' "health and welfare."
Federal authorities gave Chicago French Bulldog Rescue until 9 a.m. Monday to return the dogs to the owner in Jordan. The dogs were scheduled to be flown there Monday afternoon.
The puppies arrived in Chicago on Aug. 28. They had been housed in crowded crates in a corner of the warehouse for four days without food and water, sitting in their own urine and feces until they were discovered by a truck driver, according to Chicago French Bulldog Rescue, which took them in Aug. 31.
The group's attorney is working on next steps, while elected officials -- U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley of Chicago and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates -- put pressure on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Jordanian government to allow the puppies to remain in U.S. permanently.
"Thousands of people have reached out offering to adopt these puppies, and that's just not where we are at," group spokeswoman Mika Ann Stambaugh said. "We need to first secure their health and safety. ... We're fighting to get them to stay here."
Stambaugh said the rescue group does not legally own the puppies to offer them for adoption. They remain in quarantine and are being cared for at veterinary clinics in Chicago and the suburbs.
Rescue officials said the group has spent $45,000 so far to nurse the puppies back to health. Putting them back into crates on a 13-hour flight to Jordan further risks their health, officials said.
French bulldogs are among the top breeds in demand and often are trafficked illegally.
Quigley said he had a lengthy, "heated" discussion with CDC officials Friday and aims to work with federal authorities to ensure such animal abuses don't occur.
"The handlers of these dogs falsified immunizations. ... Obviously these dogs have been abused," Quigley said. "We have bought some time while we try to come to that humanitarian solution for the dogs that addresses the public health concerns."
Quigley urged prospective pet owners to adopt from local breeders, shelters and rescues instead of international breeders who could be scammers and abusers.
"I care about these dogs, but I don't want this to happen again," Quigley said. "We need to cut the spigot off. You can still care about all the world's problems and make time to take care of a few puppies."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-28--Now you see it: New signs go up at Hoffman Estates arena

Four weeks after its official re-christening as the Now Arena , Hoffman Estates ' 11,000-seat entertainment venue began to look more like its new self Monday .
Crews installed new signs along the outside walls of the stadium formerly known as the Sears Centre , work that followed the painting of the Now Arena 's logo on the roof just after Labor Day weekend .
While the transformation most likely will remain a work in progress through November , the last traces of the arena 's old name are likely to be gone by the end of the week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Now Arena .
The prioritization of installing new plastic partitions in the interior because of COVID-19 may have had some impact on the pace of the exterior changes , but not much , he added .
`` I think we 're still in the same time frame , '' Czopek said .
The front entrance sign is expected to change on Tuesday and the scoreboard bearing the new arena name is hoped to go in next week .
One thing that will remain consistent through the transition are signs marking the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Windy City Bulls , the Chicago Bulls ' G League affiliate .
Representatives of the arena 's new naming-rights partner -- Bloomingdale-based Now Health Group , Inc. -- were on hand Monday to observe the installation of the new signs , Czopek said .
The 52-year-old , family-owned company has a portfolio of more than 1,500 health and natural-based products , including supplements , sports nutrition , foods , beauty and essential oils .
It has more than 900 full-time employees and owns the 13 Fruitful Yield natural health food stores in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hoffman Estates village board members approved a 15-year , $ 11.25 million naming-rights deal with Now Health Group Inc .
The deal , effective Sept. 1 , replaced Sears ' $ 600,000-a-year sponsorship .
Though Transformco -- the company that 's emerged from Sears Holding Corp. 's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing -- still had some time left on its agreement , it did not object to negotiations between the village and Now Health Group .
Though outdoor , drive-in events have continued to take place in the parking lot , an official first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not yet been scheduled , Czopek said .

Now you see it: New signs go up at Hoffman Estates arena
Four weeks after its official re-christening as the Now Arena, Hoffman Estates' 11,000-seat entertainment venue began to look more like its new self Monday.
Crews installed new signs along the outside walls of the stadium formerly known as the Sears Centre, work that followed the painting of the Now Arena's logo on the roof just after Labor Day weekend.
While the transformation most likely will remain a work in progress through November, the last traces of the arena's old name are likely to be gone by the end of the week, said Mike Czopek, director of partnerships for the Now Arena.
The prioritization of installing new plastic partitions in the interior because of COVID-19 may have had some impact on the pace of the exterior changes, but not much, he added.
"I think we're still in the same time frame," Czopek said.
The front entrance sign is expected to change on Tuesday and the scoreboard bearing the new arena name is hoped to go in next week.
One thing that will remain consistent through the transition are signs marking the Now Arena as the home of the Windy City Bulls, the Chicago Bulls' G League affiliate.
Representatives of the arena's new naming-rights partner -- Bloomingdale-based Now Health Group, Inc. -- were on hand Monday to observe the installation of the new signs, Czopek said.
The 52-year-old, family-owned company has a portfolio of more than 1,500 health and natural-based products, including supplements, sports nutrition, foods, beauty and essential oils. It has more than 900 full-time employees and owns the 13 Fruitful Yield natural health food stores in the Chicago area.
During the summer, Hoffman Estates village board members approved a 15-year, $11.25 million naming-rights deal with Now Health Group Inc. The deal, effective Sept. 1, replaced Sears' $600,000-a-year sponsorship.
Though Transformco -- the company that's emerged from Sears Holding Corp.'s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing -- still had some time left on its agreement, it did not object to negotiations between the village and Now Health Group.
Though outdoor, drive-in events have continued to take place in the parking lot, an official first indoor event for the Now Arena has not yet been scheduled, Czopek said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-28--Thousands of Trump supporters attend rally Sunday at Kane County Fairgrounds

Donna Fike believes President Donald Trump should be reelected for a number of reasons .
`` As president , he did what he said he was going to do and that 's rare in politics , '' the 83-year-old St. Charles resident said .
`` He 's a man of commitment and carries out what he says he 's going to do .
And that 's refreshing .
Plus , everything 's that he 's done has helped America . ''
Fike was one of thousands of people who attended a pro-Trump rally Sunday at the Kane County Fairgrounds in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boaters met at Port Edward Restaurant in Algonquin to take part in a Trump-themed boat parade on the Fox River on Sunday , said event organizer Steven Riggio of Barrington Hills .
Riggio said more than 300 boats participated , and he recounted seeing `` thousands of spectators lining the shores '' of the river .
Many spectators held signs or flags and cheered as the boaters drove past , he said .
In St. Charles , Bob Grice , of Warrenville , drove his car to the Trump rally as part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Stern Avenue .
`` I just wanted to show support for our president , '' Grice said .
`` This is America .
We can freely vote for whoever we want and be proud to be an American .
We do n't need to be ashamed . ''
He was happy to see the number of people who turned out for the rally .
`` I think it 's a lot more people than everybody was expecting , '' Grice said .
`` We have patriots of all skin colors here .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing a Trump mask to the rally .
He was also selling the masks , which proved to be a popular item at the rally .
`` I want to make sure that Trump wins , '' Fox said .
`` I love this president .
I love what he 's done for this country .
He 's trying to keep all the American jobs here and he 's also putting tariffs on other countries .
If they want to ship their stuff here , it 's going to cost them because we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made . ''
Outside the rally , a group gathered along Randall Road to voice their support for Trump 's opponent in the Nov. 3 election , former Vice President Joe Biden .
`` We 're here to show our support for him , '' said Dirk Enger , business manager/F.S.T .
organizer of Aurora-based Iron Workers Local 393 .
`` We thought it was important to also show there are Biden supporters .
It 's a way to fire up the base a little bit .
That 's our main thing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Operation Desert Storm and the co-founder of Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton , said he believe a president needs to stand for duty , honor and integrity .
`` Everybody that had been in the office before Trump , they upheld those three things , '' he said .
`` And this man has not . ''

Thousands of Trump supporters attend rally Sunday at Kane County Fairgrounds
Thousands of people attend a rally in support of President Donald Trump Sunday at the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles. Eric Schelkopf/Shaw Media
Donna Fike believes President Donald Trump should be reelected for a number of reasons.
"As president, he did what he said he was going to do and that's rare in politics," the 83-year-old St. Charles resident said. "He's a man of commitment and carries out what he says he's going to do. And that's refreshing. Plus, everything's that he's done has helped America."
Fike was one of thousands of people who attended a pro-Trump rally Sunday at the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles.
Meanwhile, hundreds of boaters met at Port Edward Restaurant in Algonquin to take part in a Trump-themed boat parade on the Fox River on Sunday, said event organizer Steven Riggio of Barrington Hills.
Riggio said more than 300 boats participated, and he recounted seeing "thousands of spectators lining the shores" of the river. Many spectators held signs or flags and cheered as the boaters drove past, he said.
In St. Charles, Bob Grice, of Warrenville, drove his car to the Trump rally as part of a parade that began at Kautz Road and Stern Avenue.
"I just wanted to show support for our president," Grice said. "This is America. We can freely vote for whoever we want and be proud to be an American. We don't need to be ashamed."
He was happy to see the number of people who turned out for the rally.
"I think it's a lot more people than everybody was expecting," Grice said. "We have patriots of all skin colors here."
St. Charles resident Mike Fox was wearing a Trump mask to the rally. He was also selling the masks, which proved to be a popular item at the rally.
"I want to make sure that Trump wins," Fox said. "I love this president. I love what he's done for this country. He's trying to keep all the American jobs here and he's also putting tariffs on other countries. If they want to ship their stuff here, it's going to cost them because we have to try and keep everything American made."
Outside the rally, a group gathered along Randall Road to voice their support for Trump's opponent in the Nov. 3 election, former Vice President Joe Biden.
"We're here to show our support for him," said Dirk Enger, business manager/F.S.T. organizer of Aurora-based Iron Workers Local 393. "We thought it was important to also show there are Biden supporters. It's a way to fire up the base a little bit. That's our main thing."
Enger, a USMC combat veteran of Operation Desert Storm and the co-founder of Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton, said he believe a president needs to stand for duty, honor and integrity.
"Everybody that had been in the office before Trump, they upheld those three things," he said. "And this man has not."
Shaw Media's Kelli Duncan contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-28--Rozner: White Sox, Cubs limping into the postseason, but at least they're in the postseason

There seems no end to the oddities of 2020 .
It has evolved into a never-ending punchline for humanity , some sort of cosmic reprimand for inhabiting a planet .
Throw in , for yucks , just the weirdest baseball season ever and it comes out on the other end with a pair of playoff teams in Chicago .
For the first time since 2008 , the White Sox and Cubs are both a threat to win it all .
Well , they 're in the playoffs , so in theory they both have a chance .
But had there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's likely to have looked much different .
The Cubs appeared -- on paper -- to be a .500 team in the spring , albeit in a bad division with an opportunity to steal a spot in the tourney given the unpredictability of the Cards , Reds and Brewers .
Still , you would n't have bet the rent on the Cubs ' chances .
Instead , they got a heaping helping of Central clubs from both leagues , while teams fought the virus and injuries , stuffing doubleheaders into an already absurd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make no apologies .
They 'll take their tournament entry and run fast to bonus baseball .
`` When you start reaching some of your goals , it 's a badge of honor that you get when you put in the work and are able to reap the rewards on the back end of the season , '' said Cubs manager David Ross .
`` I 'm really proud of these guys . ''
Notwithstanding an offensive outburst and Kris Bryant coming alive the last two days of the season , the Cubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a team with a limited offense and top-heavy pitching staff , though the bullpen has surprised and the back end is getting better .
If a couple starters catch fire and some underperforming hitters make an appearance , short series always offer a chance for an average team hoping to play better and surprise the best of the National League .
Had this been a full season , the White Sox were hoping for .500 ball in Year 4 of a rebuild after winning 72 games a year ago .
With so many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff , a jump of 9 or 10 wins would have been a successful season .
Playing meaningful games after the all-star break and perhaps threatening for a wild card was a hope , certainly not a promise .
Instead , 2020 offered a sprint and an easy schedule , and just like that the Sox have arrived in the postseason a year ahead of schedule .
In baseball you do n't ask forgiveness .
Someone offers you a chance at a title , you take it .
`` We had no idea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rebuild ) was going to be , '' said GM Rick Hahn .
`` We found ourselves in a position to compete for a championship .
It 's a real good result for us all , but it does n't change the fact that we know our work 's not done .
`` We have n't won anything yet , and really the goal was to put ourselves in a position to win repeatedly and do this on an annual basis .
There 's still work to be done to get to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ middle stage is moving along as quickly as we probably would have hoped it would . ''
Since clinching , the Sox have been exposed offensively against legit pitching and the late-game managing of Rick Renteria remains a complete mystery .
Nevertheless , if a couple starters can dominate with Garrett Crochet a frightening new weapon in relief , and some part of the lineup can help the monster that remains Jose Abreu , you 've got a formula for winning a short series .
Bashing bad pitching in the regular season rarely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ postseason , so the Sox will have to start taking what pitchers are giving them instead of trying to hit every ball out of the park .
And so it begins , the Sox on Tuesday against the Athletics and the Cubs on Wednesday vs. the Marlins , after both Chicago teams limped to the finish line and then concluded this bizarre season playing one another .
Of course , it makes no sense .
Nothing makes any sense .
But that 's maybe the best reason to remain optimistic about your baseball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Logic has been thrown out with the bath water .
There 's also the possibility that you do n't much care about baseball this year , knowing it was n't a real season and that collecting rings from such a campaign hardly matters in the grand scheme .
On other hand , it 's playoff baseball .
It 's something to do .
It 's something to watch .
It 's a reason to get your heart pumping on a 3-2 pitch with men on base in the eighth inning .
What , @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Rozner: White Sox, Cubs limping into the postseason, but at least they're in the postseason
The White Sox's Yoan Moncada scores on a double by Jose Abreu as Cubs catcher Willson Contreras misses the throw during Saturday's Sox win at Guaranteed Rate Field. For the first time since 2008 the Sox and Cubs are both in the playoffs. The Sox are in Oakland Tuesday and the Cubs open at home Wednesday against Miami. Associated Press
There seems no end to the oddities of 2020.
It has evolved into a never-ending punchline for humanity, some sort of cosmic reprimand for inhabiting a planet.
Throw in, for yucks, just the weirdest baseball season ever and it comes out on the other end with a pair of playoff teams in Chicago.
So very strange.
For the first time since 2008, the White Sox and Cubs are both a threat to win it all. Well, they're in the playoffs, so in theory they both have a chance.
But had there been an actual baseball season, it's likely to have looked much different.
The Cubs appeared -- on paper -- to be a .500 team in the spring, albeit in a bad division with an opportunity to steal a spot in the tourney given the unpredictability of the Cards, Reds and Brewers.
Still, you wouldn't have bet the rent on the Cubs' chances.
Instead, they got a heaping helping of Central clubs from both leagues, while teams fought the virus and injuries, stuffing doubleheaders into an already absurd schedule.
Yet, the Cubs need make no apologies. They'll take their tournament entry and run fast to bonus baseball.
"When you start reaching some of your goals, it's a badge of honor that you get when you put in the work and are able to reap the rewards on the back end of the season," said Cubs manager David Ross. "I'm really proud of these guys."
Notwithstanding an offensive outburst and Kris Bryant coming alive the last two days of the season, the Cubs remain as they looked in March, a team with a limited offense and top-heavy pitching staff, though the bullpen has surprised and the back end is getting better.
If a couple starters catch fire and some underperforming hitters make an appearance, short series always offer a chance for an average team hoping to play better and surprise the best of the National League.
Had this been a full season, the White Sox were hoping for .500 ball in Year 4 of a rebuild after winning 72 games a year ago. With so many young players and questions among the starting staff, a jump of 9 or 10 wins would have been a successful season.
Playing meaningful games after the all-star break and perhaps threatening for a wild card was a hope, certainly not a promise.
Instead, 2020 offered a sprint and an easy schedule, and just like that the Sox have arrived in the postseason a year ahead of schedule. In baseball you don't ask forgiveness. Someone offers you a chance at a title, you take it.
"We had no idea how long that middle stage (of the rebuild) was going to be," said GM Rick Hahn. "We found ourselves in a position to compete for a championship. It's a real good result for us all, but it doesn't change the fact that we know our work's not done.
"We haven't won anything yet, and really the goal was to put ourselves in a position to win repeatedly and do this on an annual basis. There's still work to be done to get to that level, even if this potential middle stage is moving along as quickly as we probably would have hoped it would."
Since clinching, the Sox have been exposed offensively against legit pitching and the late-game managing of Rick Renteria remains a complete mystery.
Nevertheless, if a couple starters can dominate with Garrett Crochet a frightening new weapon in relief, and some part of the lineup can help the monster that remains Jose Abreu, you've got a formula for winning a short series.
Bashing bad pitching in the regular season rarely translates to hitting good pitching in the postseason, so the Sox will have to start taking what pitchers are giving them instead of trying to hit every ball out of the park.
And so it begins, the Sox on Tuesday against the Athletics and the Cubs on Wednesday vs. the Marlins, after both Chicago teams limped to the finish line and then concluded this bizarre season playing one another.
Of course, it makes no sense. Nothing makes any sense.
But that's maybe the best reason to remain optimistic about your baseball team as it approaches playoff baseball. Logic has been thrown out with the bath water.
There's also the possibility that you don't much care about baseball this year, knowing it wasn't a real season and that collecting rings from such a campaign hardly matters in the grand scheme.
On other hand, it's playoff baseball. It's something to do. It's something to watch. It's a reason to get your heart pumping on a 3-2 pitch with men on base in the eighth inning.
What, you have something better to do?


dailyheraldchicago--2020-09-28--Elgin not encouraging trick-or-treating, announces new haunted drive-through at Wing Park

The city of Elgin would like you to skip trick-or-treating this year , but they 're not going to stop you .
As an alternative , the city has created a new event called Little Park of Horrors , which will run nightly from 6 to 9 p.m. , Oct. 22 through Nov. 1 , at Wing Park .
`` Halloween will be looking different in Elgin this year , '' said Molly Gillespie , city of Elgin communications manager .
`` With no Nightmare on Chicago Street this October , and trick-or-treating being discouraged by the CDC ( Centers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city will instead be keeping the Halloween spirit alive with a new , alternative event , Little Park of Horrors . ''
In a news release Monday , the city cited the CDC guidelines that classify trick-or-treating as a high-risk activity during the pandemic and said it 's not encouraging trick-or-treating this year and is `` recommending alternative options for celebrating the holiday . ''
For those choosing to trick or treat , city officials recommend taking appropriate safety precautions , such as wearing a mask , limiting group size and social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activity to 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday , Oct. 31 , and homeowners choosing not to participate should leave their front-door exterior lights off .
As an alternative , the city said its new Little Park of Horrors is a half-mile in-car event billed as `` a socially distanced , drive-through event designed to chill guests to the bone with its horror-themed props and creations . ''
Visitors will experience `` sprawling skeletons , creepy circus clowns and cavernous dwellings , all set to lighting effects and spooky music . ''
Saturdays and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ atmospherics .
`` We shared in the community 's disappointment with the difficult but necessary decision to cancel Nightmare on Chicago Street this year , '' special events coordinator Kate O'Leary said in a news release .
`` Staff put their heads together to develop a safe and exciting alternative event , and , along with the creative minds behind Nightmare on Chicago Street , Little Park of Horrors was created . ''
Wing Park will be closed to the public daily at 3 p.m. Oct. 22 to Nov. 1 .
The Wing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the closure .
Little Park of Horrors is open to vehicle traffic only .
Pedestrians will be prohibited .
Vehicles must enter on Wing Street and exit on McClure Avenue , following a one-way traffic route through the park .
The PG13-rated event has a suggested cash donation of $ 5 per vehicle to support the actors and volunteers involved .

Elgin not encouraging trick-or-treating, announces new haunted drive-through at Wing Park
The city of Elgin is not encouraging trick-or-treating this year per the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which classified it as a high-risk activity. As an alternative, the city has created a new event called Little Park of Horrors, a haunted drive-through at Wing Park. Getty images
The city of Elgin would like you to skip trick-or-treating this year, but they're not going to stop you.
As an alternative, the city has created a new event called Little Park of Horrors, which will run nightly from 6 to 9 p.m., Oct. 22 through Nov. 1, at Wing Park.
"Halloween will be looking different in Elgin this year," said Molly Gillespie, city of Elgin communications manager. "With no Nightmare on Chicago Street this October, and trick-or-treating being discouraged by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the city will instead be keeping the Halloween spirit alive with a new, alternative event, Little Park of Horrors."
In a news release Monday, the city cited the CDC guidelines that classify trick-or-treating as a high-risk activity during the pandemic and said it's not encouraging trick-or-treating this year and is "recommending alternative options for celebrating the holiday."
For those choosing to trick or treat, city officials recommend taking appropriate safety precautions, such as wearing a mask, limiting group size and social distancing. Officials said trick-or-treaters should limit activity to 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, and homeowners choosing not to participate should leave their front-door exterior lights off.
As an alternative, the city said its new Little Park of Horrors is a half-mile in-car event billed as "a socially distanced, drive-through event designed to chill guests to the bone with its horror-themed props and creations." Visitors will experience "sprawling skeletons, creepy circus clowns and cavernous dwellings, all set to lighting effects and spooky music." Saturdays and Sunday presentations will feature live actors and atmospherics.
"We shared in the community's disappointment with the difficult but necessary decision to cancel Nightmare on Chicago Street this year," special events coordinator Kate O'Leary said in a news release. "Staff put their heads together to develop a safe and exciting alternative event, and, along with the creative minds behind Nightmare on Chicago Street, Little Park of Horrors was created."
Wing Park will be closed to the public daily at 3 p.m. Oct. 22 to Nov. 1. The Wing Park Golf Course will not be affected by the closure.
Little Park of Horrors is open to vehicle traffic only. Pedestrians will be prohibited. Vehicles must enter on Wing Street and exit on McClure Avenue, following a one-way traffic route through the park. The PG13-rated event has a suggested cash donation of $5 per vehicle to support the actors and volunteers involved.