chicagosun-times--2020-09-15--Dear Abby: I no longer drink and I dislike my husband, friend when they do

DEAR ABBY : I know I have been blessed with wonderful relationships in my life .
I have been married to the same lovely man for 25 years .
I am also fortunate to have had the same best friend for 40 years .
The problem ?
They drink .
Because of past behavior , I decided to get sober two years ago .
I know I won ’ t be able to drink socially again .
I changed ; they didn ’ t .
We are all very high-functioning alcoholics .
We never miss work and lead , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I love them both so much .
My husband is supportive and adoring .
My best friend and I have gone through everything together .
But Abby , I can ’ t stand them after 8 p.m. after which they both repeat the same things over and over , and tell me how much they love me ( in a slurry , sloppy way ) .
My life isn ’ t bad , but this is making me miserable .
I ’ m not asking that they quit drinking entirely , but for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wish they ’ d just slow down some .
Am I wrong to ask something of them that will change what was a big part of all of our lives for so long ?
I ’ m not willing to throw away long-term relationships , but I am truly at my wits ’ end .
— ODD ONE OUT IN WASHINGTON DEAR ODD ONE OUT : Because you can ’ t control the behavior of anyone else , you have two choices — change the way you react to the person ( s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
In this case , I vote for the former .
Because your husband and your good friend are so drunk after 8 p.m. that they can no longer clearly pronounce their declarations of affection , plan some socially distanced visits with other sober individuals a few nights a week , including support group meetings for yourself , if you ’ re not already attending them .
DEAR ABBY : I ’ m 16 , and I feel as though my mother ( a single parent ) does not respect that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very liberal and is a registered Democrat .
I am very conservative and , as of a few weeks ago , a registered Republican .
When I want to leave the house , if I ’ m wearing any of my conservative slogan apparel , she yells at me and tells me I ’ m not allowed to represent “ us ” like “ that.
” I always do my best to be respectful of her beliefs and to have a civil conversation with her about politics , but she just ends up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m never going to get a girlfriend or find a job with my beliefs .
At the same time , she ’ s the most loving , supportive person I know when it comes to anything BUT politics .
What can I do to get her to respect who I am and what I stand for ?
— FREE-THINKING GUY IN D.C. DEAR GUY : Be patient with her and remain respectful .
Because you understand that your mother is the most loving and supportive person you know ( except when it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accept that she ’ s being protective in the only way she knows how — warning that in this current environment , expressing political beliefs can have lasting consequences .
No matter what your political leanings are , as you mature I ’ m confident you will find a girlfriend and job that are compatible .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you need to know about wedding planning , order “ How to Have a Lovely Wedding.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Wedding Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: I know I have been blessed with wonderful relationships in my life. I have been married to the same lovely man for 25 years. I am also fortunate to have had the same best friend for 40 years. The problem? They drink.
Because of past behavior, I decided to get sober two years ago. I know I won’t be able to drink socially again. I changed; they didn’t.
We are all very high-functioning alcoholics. We never miss work and lead, for the most part, productive lives. I love them both so much. My husband is supportive and adoring. My best friend and I have gone through everything together. But Abby, I can’t stand them after 8 p.m. after which they both repeat the same things over and over, and tell me how much they love me (in a slurry, sloppy way).
My life isn’t bad, but this is making me miserable. I’m not asking that they quit drinking entirely, but for the sake of our relationship, I wish they’d just slow down some. Am I wrong to ask something of them that will change what was a big part of all of our lives for so long? I’m not willing to throw away long-term relationships, but I am truly at my wits’ end. — ODD ONE OUT IN WASHINGTON
DEAR ODD ONE OUT: Because you can’t control the behavior of anyone else, you have two choices — change the way you react to the person(s) or end the relationship(s). In this case, I vote for the former. Because your husband and your good friend are so drunk after 8 p.m. that they can no longer clearly pronounce their declarations of affection, plan some socially distanced visits with other sober individuals a few nights a week, including support group meetings for yourself, if you’re not already attending them.
DEAR ABBY: I’m 16, and I feel as though my mother (a single parent) does not respect that I have differing political opinions. She is very liberal and is a registered Democrat. I am very conservative and, as of a few weeks ago, a registered Republican.
When I want to leave the house, if I’m wearing any of my conservative slogan apparel, she yells at me and tells me I’m not allowed to represent “us” like “that.” I always do my best to be respectful of her beliefs and to have a civil conversation with her about politics, but she just ends up yelling at me and telling me I’m never going to get a girlfriend or find a job with my beliefs. At the same time, she’s the most loving, supportive person I know when it comes to anything BUT politics. What can I do to get her to respect who I am and what I stand for? — FREE-THINKING GUY IN D.C.
DEAR GUY: Be patient with her and remain respectful. Because you understand that your mother is the most loving and supportive person you know (except when it comes to politics), try to accept that she’s being protective in the only way she knows how — warning that in this current environment, expressing political beliefs can have lasting consequences. No matter what your political leanings are, as you mature I’m confident you will find a girlfriend and job that are compatible.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
For everything you need to know about wedding planning, order “How to Have a Lovely Wedding.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-09-15--Fall movie preview: 10 films Roeper can’t wait to see (but might have to)

We ’ ll see these movies this fall — unless the release dates for one or more are pushed back , as was the case the other day when Warner Bros. pushed “ Wonder Woman 1984 ” from an Oct. 2 debut to Christmas Day .
The highly anticipated reboot of “ Candyman , ” directed by Nia DaCosta and co-written by Jordan Peele and filmed in Chicago ( as was the 1992 cult classic original ) , was slated to open Oct. 16 — but just last week was delayed until sometime in 2021 .
“ We made ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” wrote DaCosta on Twitter .
“ We wanted the horror and humanity … to be experienced in a collective , a community , so we ’ re pushing [ it ] to next year , to ensure that everyone can see the film , in theaters , and share in that experience.
” In this most unusual movie year , some of these films will be premiering in theaters , while others will have at-home debuts .
Regardless of venue , these are the autumnal releases I ’ m most looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decade , Jessica Chastain has delivered world-class performances in a wide variety of genres , so I ’ m keen to see what she ’ ll do with the role of Ava Faulkner , an elite assassin who gets mixed up in the obligatory international web of intrigue .
It should be Movie Law that a film like this has a supporting part for John Malkovich and indeed he ’ s playing Chastain ’ s mentor .
Colin Farrell , Geena Davis , Joan Chen , Common and rising star Diana Silvers round @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the legendary Chicago-born director William Friedkin ( “ The French Connection , ” “ The Exorcist ” ) just keeps on going — and this time he ’ s revisiting “ The Boys in the Band ” a half-century after he helmed an adaptation of the groundbreaking 1968 Off-Broadway play about a group of gay men who gather for a birthday party at an Upper East Side apartment .
“ The Boys in the Band ” keeps its period-piece setting and stars prominent gay actors from the 2018 Broadway revival including Jim Parsons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andrew Rannells .
On the heels of Rose Byrne ’ s stellar work as feminist icon Gloria Steinem on the Hulu series “ Mrs .
America , ” Alicia Vikander will portray Steinem from ages 20-40 with Julianne Moore taking it from there in Julie Taymor ’ s “ The Glorias , ” which is based on Steinem ’ s book “ My Life on the Road.
” Early reviews have been favorable for the biopic , which co-stars Timothy Hutton , Lorraine Toussaint , Janelle Monae and Bette Midler .
‘ On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Oct. 2 , streaming on Apple TV+ starting Oct. 23 ) Rashida Jones and Bill Murray : What an inspired pairing !
Jones plays Laura , who believes she ’ s in a loving relationship with her husband Dean ( Marlon Wayans ) , until he starts working long hours and she begins to suspect something is up .
Murray is Laura ’ s charming but irresponsible playboy father , who suggests they tail Dean and scour various New York City nightspots for clues .
This marks Murray ’ s reunion with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sofia Coppola and hmmmm , given Sofia ’ s father is Francis Ford Coppola and Jones ’ dad is Quincy Jones , there must have been some pretty interesting conversations about fathers and daughters on set .
I can ’ t think of anyone better suited than Aaron Sorkin to write and direct a dramatization about the fireworks-filled 1969 trial of the Chicago 7 , who were charged with conspiracy and inciting to riot at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago .
Sacha Baron Cohen plays clown prince antagonist Abbie Hoffman , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Bobby Seale , Jeremy Strong as Jerry Rubin , Frank Langella as Judge Julius Hoffman , William Hurt as Attorney General John Mitchell and Mark Rylance as the famous radical lawyer William Kunstler .
The Marvel Universe returns to your friendly neighborhood theater with “ Black Widow , ” with Scarlett Johansson ’ s Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow stepping from the supporting wings for her own story , which takes place between the events of “ Captain America : Civil War ” ( 2016 ) and “ Avengers : Infinity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starring Florence Pugh as another Black Widow , David Harbour and Rachel Weisz , and don ’ t be surprised if an Avenger or two makes a cameo .
Ben Affleck gave one of the best performances of his career as an alcoholic basketball coach in “ The Way Back , ” which was released on March 6 — just before theaters began shutting down .
Here he plays Vic Van Allen , a husband mired in a loveless marriage to Melinda ( Ana de Armas ) .
In an effort to spice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some dangerous , perhaps even deadly , games with one another .
This sounds like the perfect , lurid , glossy B-movie material for the first film in 18 years from director Adrian Lyne , who helmed “ Flashdance , ” “ 9 ½ Weeks , ” “ Fatal Attraction , ” “ Indecent Proposal ” and “ Unfaithful ” before going on sabbatical in France .
The 25th installment in the Bond series ( and the fifth and final wearing of the tux for Daniel Craig ) is now slated to hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plot reportedly has Bond in retirement but lured back to service when — ah , you know the drill .
Before it ’ s over 007 undoubtedly will face off against some megalomaniacal villain whose power-hungry ways could result in the deaths of millions .
Lea Seydoux , Naomie Harris , Jeffrey Wright and Christoph Waltz , among others , reprise their characters from earlier Bond films , while newcomers include Oscar winner Rami Malek , Ana de Armas ( who is getting a lot of work these days and deservedly so ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 007 agent but not the next James Bond .
But a 007 agent nonetheless , so you know she ’ s a badass .
I wish we could get a Pixar movie every month in these troubling times ( and I bet a lot of parents feel the same way too ! )
, but as we know , each of these animated adventures takes a long , long time to make — although the payoff is usually worth the wait .
Pixar stalwart Pete Docter ( “ Monsters , Inc. , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” ) directs the story of one Joe Gardner ( voiced by Jamie Foxx ) , a jazz-loving middle-school music teacher whose soul is separated from his body after an accident .
Joe lands in “ The Great Before , ” a world where souls develop their character traits before they ’ re sent off to Earth .
Second City , the National Lampoon Radio Hour , “ Saturday Night Live , ” “ National Lampoon ’ s Animal House , ” “ The Blues Brothers , ” “ Continental Divide ” — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work over roughly a single decade before dying of an overdose at just 33 .
Now comes talented filmmaker R.J. Cutler ’ s documentary about Belushi ’ s life and times , featuring previously unheard audiotapes and interviews with Dan Aykroyd , Jim Belushi , Lorne Michaels , Chevy Chase , Jane Curtin and Ivan Reitman , as well as his wife Judy .
The Chicago International Film Festival has announced “ Belushi ” as its opening night film on Oct. 14 , with online streaming and in-person drive-in screenings at Pilsen ’ @ @ @ @

We’ll see.
We’ll see these movies this fall — unless the release dates for one or more are pushed back, as was the case the other day when Warner Bros. pushed “Wonder Woman 1984” from an Oct. 2 debut to Christmas Day.
The highly anticipated reboot of “Candyman,” directed by Nia DaCosta and co-written by Jordan Peele and filmed in Chicago (as was the 1992 cult classic original), was slated to open Oct. 16 — but just last week was delayed until sometime in 2021. “We made ‘Candyman’ to be seen in theaters,” wrote DaCosta on Twitter. “We wanted the horror and humanity … to be experienced in a collective, a community, so we’re pushing [it] to next year, to ensure that everyone can see the film, in theaters, and share in that experience.”
In this most unusual movie year, some of these films will be premiering in theaters, while others will have at-home debuts. Regardless of venue, these are the autumnal releases I’m most looking forward to seeing.
‘Ava’ (Sept. 25, on demand)
Over the last decade, Jessica Chastain has delivered world-class performances in a wide variety of genres, so I’m keen to see what she’ll do with the role of Ava Faulkner, an elite assassin who gets mixed up in the obligatory international web of intrigue. It should be Movie Law that a film like this has a supporting part for John Malkovich and indeed he’s playing Chastain’s mentor. Colin Farrell, Geena Davis, Joan Chen, Common and rising star Diana Silvers round out the ensemble.
‘The Boys in the Band’ (Sept. 30, Netflix)
Rockford native Joe Mantello directs “The Boys in the Band,” Mart Crowley and Ned Martel’s film adaptation of the groundbreaking 1968 Off-Broadway play about a group of gay men who gather for a birthday party at an Upper East Side apartment. “The Boys in the Band” keeps its period-piece setting and stars prominent gay actors from the 2018 Broadway revival (also directed by Mantello) including Jim Parsons, Matt Bomer, Zachary Quinto and Andrew Rannells.
‘The Glorias’ (Sept. 30, on demand)
On the heels of Rose Byrne’s stellar work as feminist icon Gloria Steinem on the Hulu series “Mrs. America,” Alicia Vikander will portray Steinem from ages 20-40 with Julianne Moore taking it from there in Julie Taymor’s “The Glorias,” which is based on Steinem’s book “My Life on the Road.” Early reviews have been favorable for the biopic, which co-stars Timothy Hutton, Lorraine Toussaint, Janelle Monae and Bette Midler.
‘On the Rocks’ (Limited theatrical release on Oct. 2, streaming on Apple TV+ starting Oct. 23)
Rashida Jones and Bill Murray: What an inspired pairing! Jones plays Laura, who believes she’s in a loving relationship with her husband Dean (Marlon Wayans), until he starts working long hours and she begins to suspect something is up. Murray is Laura’s charming but irresponsible playboy father, who suggests they tail Dean and scour various New York City nightspots for clues. This marks Murray’s reunion with his “Lost in Translation” director Sofia Coppola and hmmmm, given Sofia’s father is Francis Ford Coppola and Jones’ dad is Quincy Jones, there must have been some pretty interesting conversations about fathers and daughters on set.
‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’ (Oct. 16, Netflix)
I can’t think of anyone better suited than Aaron Sorkin to write and direct a dramatization about the fireworks-filled 1969 trial of the Chicago 7, who were charged with conspiracy and inciting to riot at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Sacha Baron Cohen plays clown prince antagonist Abbie Hoffman, with Eddie Redmayne as Tom Hayden, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Bobby Seale, Jeremy Strong as Jerry Rubin, Frank Langella as Judge Julius Hoffman and Mark Rylance as the famous radical lawyer William Kunstler.
‘Black Widow’ (Nov. 6, in theaters)
The Marvel Universe returns to your friendly neighborhood theater with “Black Widow,” with Scarlett Johansson’s Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow stepping from the supporting wings for her own story, which takes place between the events of “Captain America: Civil War” (2016) and “Avengers: Infinity War” (2018). Also starring Florence Pugh as another Black Widow, David Harbour and Rachel Weisz, and don’t be surprised if an Avenger or two makes a cameo.
‘Deep Water’ (Nov. 13, in theaters)
Ben Affleck gave one of the best performances of his career as an alcoholic basketball coach in “The Way Back,” which was released on March 6 — just before theaters began shutting down. Here he plays Vic Van Allen, a husband mired in a loveless marriage to Melinda (Ana de Armas). In an effort to spice things up, the couple starts playing some dangerous, perhaps even deadly, games with one another. This sounds like the perfect, lurid, glossy B-movie material for the first film in 18 years from director Adrian Lyne, who helmed “Flashdance,” “9 ½ Weeks,” “Fatal Attraction,” “Indecent Proposal” and “Unfaithful” before going on sabbatical in France.
‘No Time to Die’ (Nov. 20, in theaters)
The 25th installment in the Bond series (and the fifth and final wearing of the tux for Daniel Craig) is now slated to hit theaters the Friday before Thanksgiving. The plot reportedly has Bond in retirement but lured back to service when — ah, you know the drill. Before it’s over 007 undoubtedly will face off against some megalomaniacal villain whose power-hungry ways could result in the deaths of millions. Lea Seydoux, Naomie Harris, Jeffrey Wright and Christoph Waltz, among others, reprise their characters from earlier Bond films, while newcomers include Oscar winner Rami Malek, Ana de Armas (who is getting a lot of work these days and deservedly so) and Lashana Lynch, who is a 007 agent but not the next James Bond. But a 007 agent nonetheless, so you know she’s a badass.
‘Soul’ (Nov. 20, in theaters)
I wish we could get a Pixar movie every month in these troubling times (and I bet a lot of parents feel the same way too!), but as we know, each of these animated adventures takes a long, long time to make — although the payoff is usually worth the wait. Pixar stalwart Pete Docter (“Monsters, Inc.,” “Up,” “Inside Out”) directs the story of one Joe Gardner (voiced by Jamie Foxx), a jazz-loving middle-school music teacher whose soul is separated from his body after an accident. Joe lands in “The Great Before,” a world where souls develop their character traits before they’re sent off to Earth.
‘Belushi’ (Nov. 22, Showtime)
Second City, the National Lampoon Radio Hour, “Saturday Night Live,” “National Lampoon’s Animal House,” “The Blues Brothers,” “Continental Divide” — John Belushi packed an amazing body of work over roughly a single decade before dying of an overdose at just 33. Now comes talented filmmaker R.J. Cutler’s documentary about Belushi’s life and times, featuring previously unheard audiotapes and interviews with Dan Aykroyd, Jim Belushi, Lorne Michaels, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin and Ivan Reitman, as well as his wife Judy. The Chicago International Film Festival has announced “Belushi” as its opening night film on Oct. 14, with online streaming and in-person drive-in screenings at Pilsen’s ChiTown Movies.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-15--Man shot to death in Gary

Man shot to death in Gary

About 8:30 p.m. Keiyun Mays was in the 2000 block of Burr Street , when he was shot multiple times @ @ @ @ @ County coroner ’ s office .
An autopsy conducted ruled his death a homicide , @ @ @ @ @ said .
Gary police were not available to comment on the shooting Tuesday morning .

A 30-year-old man was fatally shot Monday in Gary, Ind.
About 8:30 p.m. Keiyun Mays was in the 2000 block of Burr Street, when he was shot multiple times, according to the Lake County coroner’s office.
An autopsy conducted ruled his death a homicide, the coroner’s office said.
Gary police were not available to comment on the shooting Tuesday morning.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-15--Menu planner: Baked rice and squash au gratin makes a delicious and filling side dish

Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray .
In a large bowl , microwave onion on high ( 100 % power ) 2 minutes or until softened ; drain .
Add yellow squash and zucchini to onion and microwave on high 10 minutes or until softened ; drain .
Combine squash mixture and broth ; lightly mash with forks or a potato masher .
Combine mashed vegetables , rice , cheddar cheese , sour cream , 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese , bread crumbs , salt , pepper and eggs ; stir gently to mix .
Spoon into baking dish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cover and microwave 12 to 15 minutes or until bubbly .
Heat broiler ; broil 2 minutes or until lightly browned .
Cooking time : less than 5 minutes , plus the couscous ; standing time : 15 minutes Combine water and tomatoes ; cover and microwave on high ( 100 % power ) for 3 minutes or until water boils ; let stand 10 minutes or until softened .
Drain , chop tomatoes and set aside .
In a large saucepan , bring broth to a boil .
Remove from heat and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stand 5 minutes .
Fluff with fork and transfer into large serving bowl .
Add tomatoes , warmed chicken , feta cheese , parsley , artichokes with liquid and pepper .
Toss to mix and serve .
In small saucepan , heat juice , sugar and lemon zest on medium until boiling .
Reduce heat ; simmer 12 to 15 minutes or until thickened and syrupy .
On a cutting board , hold mango with one of the narrower sides facing up .
Starting 1/4 inch from stem , slice along each side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ cheeks.
” Peel the center section of mango ; cut off remaining fruit and dice .
Stir diced mango into the syrup ; set aside .
With a knife or large spoon , carve out the flesh from cheeks in a single piece , cutting as close to the skin as possible .
Thinly slice each cheek ; cut slices in half .
To assemble dessert : Cut cake slices in halves diagonally .
On each plate , place 1 cake triangle ; top with 1 scoop of ice cream .
Place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the ice cream .
Spoon about 1/4 cup of sauce over ice cream ; sprinkle with nuts .
Garnish with mango slices and mint .
Core and halve red or green bell peppers ; place in a baking dish cut-side down , cover and microwave on high ( 100 % power ) 1 minute per pepper half ; drain .
Heat the leftover baked squash separately ( microwave about 1 minute per cup on high ) .
Heat broiler .
Stuff peppers with squash mixture , sprinkle with parmesan cheese and broil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9-ounce ) package refrigerated three-cheese tortellini according to package directions .
Meanwhile , heat 2 teaspoons canola oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium-high .
Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper ; cook 30 seconds .
Add 2 cups grape tomatoes ( halved ) , 1/4 cup unsalted chicken broth , 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil , 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt and 1 ( 6-ounce ) package fresh baby spinach .
Cook 2 minutes or until spinach wilts .
Stir in tortellini ; cook 1 minute .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ pine nuts if desired .
Prepare your own or buy grilled vegetables .
Dice the vegetables and stir them into heated marinara sauce .
Spoon over warm slices of prepared polenta ( follow package directions ) .
Sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese and serve .
Combine 1/3 cup smoky barbecue sauce , 1/3 cup orange marmalade and 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish in a shallow dish .
Add 1 pound well-trimmed pork tenderloin ( cut into 3/4-inch cubes ) ; turn to coat completely .
Cover ; marinate in refrigerator 30 minutes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ place on grill and brush with marinade .
Discard marinade .
Grill kebabs over medium-hot coals 10 to 12 minutes ; turn frequently .

Baked squash and rice au gratin
Makes 10 servings
Preparation time: less than 15 minutes
Cooking time: about 30 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1 cup chopped onion
4 cups sliced yellow squash
4 cups sliced zucchini
1/4 cup unsalted chicken broth
2 cups hot cooked rice
4 ounces shredded 50% light cheddar cheese
1 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided
1/4 cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 lightly beaten eggs
Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a large bowl, microwave onion on high (100% power) 2 minutes or until softened; drain. Add yellow squash and zucchini to onion and microwave on high 10 minutes or until softened; drain. Combine squash mixture and broth; lightly mash with forks or a potato masher. Combine mashed vegetables, rice, cheddar cheese, sour cream, 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, salt, pepper and eggs; stir gently to mix. Spoon into baking dish; sprinkle with remaining parmesan cheese. Cover and microwave 12 to 15 minutes or until bubbly. Heat broiler; broil 2 minutes or until lightly browned.
Per serving: 163 calories, 9 grams protein, 7 grams fat (37% calories from fat), 3.9 grams saturated fat, 18 grams carbohydrate, 57 milligrams cholesterol, 378 milligrams sodium, 1 gram fiber.
Carb choices: 1.
Couscous with chicken and artichokes
Makes 6 servings
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: less than 5 minutes, plus the couscous; standing time: 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS
2 cups water
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
1 (14-ounce) can unsalted chicken broth
1 cup couscous
2 to 3 cups cooked chicken
1/2 cup crumbled Greek feta cheese with basil and tomatoes
1 cup chopped fresh flatleaf parsley
2 (6-ounce) jars marinated artichoke hearts with liquid
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Combine water and tomatoes; cover and microwave on high (100% power) for 3 minutes or until water boils; let stand 10 minutes or until softened. Drain, chop tomatoes and set aside. In a large saucepan, bring broth to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in couscous; cover and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with fork and transfer into large serving bowl. Add tomatoes, warmed chicken, feta cheese, parsley, artichokes with liquid and pepper. Toss to mix and serve.
Per serving: 284 calories, 21 grams protein, 9 grams fat (28% calories from fat), 2.2 grams saturated fat, 31 grams carbohydrate, 47 milligrams cholesterol, 327 milligrams sodium, 4 grams fiber.
Carb choices: 2.
Fresh mango shortcake
Makes 4 servings
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 12 to 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1 cup orange juice
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon lemon zest (yellow part only)
1 ripe mango
4 slices pound cake (1/2 inch thick), thawed if frozen
1 pint vanilla ice cream
1/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts or almonds
Fresh mint leaves
In small saucepan, heat juice, sugar and lemon zest on medium until boiling. Reduce heat; simmer 12 to 15 minutes or until thickened and syrupy. On a cutting board, hold mango with one of the narrower sides facing up. Starting 1/4 inch from stem, slice along each side of the pit to cut off the “cheeks.” Peel the center section of mango; cut off remaining fruit and dice. Stir diced mango into the syrup; set aside. With a knife or large spoon, carve out the flesh from cheeks in a single piece, cutting as close to the skin as possible. Thinly slice each cheek; cut slices in half.
To assemble dessert: Cut cake slices in halves diagonally. On each plate, place 1 cake triangle; top with 1 scoop of ice cream. Place second cake triangle on plate, leaning against the ice cream. Spoon about 1/4 cup of sauce over ice cream; sprinkle with nuts. Garnish with mango slices and mint.
Per serving: 436 calories, 6 grams protein, 20 grams fat (40% calories from fat), 8.9 grams saturated fat, 61 grams carbohydrate, 70 milligrams cholesterol, 137 milligrams sodium, 3 grams fiber.
Stuffed pepper
Core and halve red or green bell peppers; place in a baking dish cut-side down, cover and microwave on high (100% power) 1 minute per pepper half; drain. Heat the leftover baked squash separately (microwave about 1 minute per cup on high). Heat broiler. Stuff peppers with squash mixture, sprinkle with parmesan cheese and broil until cheese melts.
Tortellini with spinach
Cook 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated three-cheese tortellini according to package directions. Meanwhile, heat 2 teaspoons canola oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium-high. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper; cook 30 seconds. Add 2 cups grape tomatoes (halved), 1/4 cup unsalted chicken broth, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil, 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt and 1 (6-ounce) package fresh baby spinach. Cook 2 minutes or until spinach wilts. Stir in tortellini; cook 1 minute. Serve and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts if desired.
Polenta with grilled vegetable sauce
Prepare your own or buy grilled vegetables. Dice the vegetables and stir them into heated marinara sauce. Spoon over warm slices of prepared polenta (follow package directions). Sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese and serve.
Smoky pork kebabs
Combine 1/3 cup smoky barbecue sauce, 1/3 cup orange marmalade and 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish in a shallow dish. Add 1 pound well-trimmed pork tenderloin (cut into 3/4-inch cubes); turn to coat completely. Cover; marinate in refrigerator 30 minutes. Thread pork onto 4 metal skewers; place on grill and brush with marinade. Discard marinade. Grill kebabs over medium-hot coals 10 to 12 minutes; turn frequently.
Carb choices: 4


chicagosun-times--2020-09-15--Bears QB Mitch Trubisky’s accuracy: From ‘Pro Bowl’ hits to devastating misses

At the outset of the pandemic , some Chicago-area establishments couldn ’ t resist using social-distancing signs to jab quarterback Mitch Trubisky .
With slight variations , the gist of the joke was that the recommended six-foot distance was akin to the space between a Trubisky throw and an open receiver .
And among the myriad aspects of Trubisky ’ s game to knock , it ’ s his accuracy that comes up most frequently .
His completion percentage dropped from nearly 67 % in 2018 to a little over 63 % last season , and his 55.6 % effort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the Lions was the fourth-worst among Week 1 quarterbacks going into the Monday night games .
The explanations are never straightforward , though , because there are too many factors involved to simply state that completions were good throws and incomplete passes weren ’ t .
Upon film review , Trubisky threw 20 accurate passes ( 16 caught ) and 15 that were off ( four caught ) , and there was one in which he and Anthony Miller were so out of sync that it couldn ’ t be graded .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ came in the second half , when he rallied the Bears from a 23-6 deficit with three touchdown passes .
That charge began with Trubisky finding Miller on a seam route among four defenders with a beautifully placed 18-yard pass .
It was the Bears ’ first third-down conversion after failing on seven straight .
With three minutes left and the Bears down 10 , the Lions flushed Trubisky out of the pocket , and he fired precisely to tight end Jimmy Graham for 16 yards to reach the 1-yard line .
Quarterbacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pro Bowl ” pass by Trubisky .
“ It ’ s impossible to get any better than that , ” he said .
“ So that ’ s the one , to me , that stood out.
” It was also during the comeback , however , that Trubisky threw one of his worst passes .
Allen Robinson had Lions cornerback Darryl Roberts beaten by two steps down the right sideline with 9:23 left , and it could ’ ve been a 43-yard touchdown .
Instead , Trubisky badly underthrew him and allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bears punted two plays later .
Those are plays that former offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich used to refer to as “ layups.
” For a team that has as much trouble getting its offense rolling as the Bears do , those misses are devastating .
“ The one I know he would like to have back is the go ball to A-Rob , ” said DeFilippo , who pointed out that Trubisky was flat-footed and had his feet too far apart to put the necessary power into the throw .
“ He had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve got to make that throw.
” Trubisky misfired on another critical play six minutes into the game on fourth-and-seven .
The play had a chance as Ted Ginn broke from the right side across the middle of the field , but Trubisky threw so far behind him that Ginn could barely get a finger on it .
Coach Matt Nagy thought Lions linebacker Reggie Ragland tipped the ball , but the replay showed he wasn ’ t even close .
It was simply a poor throw .
“ It was there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ I think it was going to be a good play.
” Inaccurate throws undermine otherwise-smart play designs .
The deep shot to Robinson and , to a lesser extent , the fourth-down throw to Ginn looked like they would ’ ve worked .
Trubisky also had a short throw to David Montgomery for a possible touchdown batted down at the line and an overthrow to Robinson that was nearly picked off .
He had misses on several easy ones out of the backfield , as well .
But the throw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two-yard touchdown pass he threw in which only Graham had a shot at it with the defender on his back .
His late touchdown passes to Javon Wims and Miller were right on the mark .
It ’ s that inconsistency that ’ s maddening , though .
That lofty vision of how accurate Trubisky could be keeps colliding with the reality of how often he misses .

At the outset of the pandemic, some Chicago-area establishments couldn’t resist using social-distancing signs to jab quarterback Mitch Trubisky.
With slight variations, the gist of the joke was that the recommended six-foot distance was akin to the space between a Trubisky throw and an open receiver.
And among the myriad aspects of Trubisky’s game to knock, it’s his accuracy that comes up most frequently. His completion percentage dropped from nearly 67% in 2018 to a little over 63% last season, and his 55.6% effort in the Bears’ 27-23 victory Sunday against the Lions was the fourth-worst among Week 1 quarterbacks going into the Monday night games.
The explanations are never straightforward, though, because there are too many factors involved to simply state that completions were good throws and incomplete passes weren’t.
Upon film review, Trubisky threw 20 accurate passes (16 caught) and 15 that were off (four caught), and there was one in which he and Anthony Miller were so out of sync that it couldn’t be graded.
Eight of Trubisky’s inaccurate passes came in the second half, when he rallied the Bears from a 23-6 deficit with three touchdown passes. That charge began with Trubisky finding Miller on a seam route among four defenders with a beautifully placed 18-yard pass. It was the Bears’ first third-down conversion after failing on seven straight.
With three minutes left and the Bears down 10, the Lions flushed Trubisky out of the pocket, and he fired precisely to tight end Jimmy Graham for 16 yards to reach the 1-yard line. Quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo called it a “Pro Bowl” pass by Trubisky.
“It’s impossible to get any better than that,” he said. “So that’s the one, to me, that stood out.”
It was also during the comeback, however, that Trubisky threw one of his worst passes.
Allen Robinson had Lions cornerback Darryl Roberts beaten by two steps down the right sideline with 9:23 left, and it could’ve been a 43-yard touchdown. Instead, Trubisky badly underthrew him and allowed Roberts to break it up. The Bears punted two plays later.
Those are plays that former offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich used to refer to as “layups.” For a team that has as much trouble getting its offense rolling as the Bears do, those misses are devastating.
“The one I know he would like to have back is the go ball to A-Rob,” said DeFilippo, who pointed out that Trubisky was flat-footed and had his feet too far apart to put the necessary power into the throw. “He had a step on him, and we’ve got to make that throw.”
Trubisky misfired on another critical play six minutes into the game on fourth-and-seven. The play had a chance as Ted Ginn broke from the right side across the middle of the field, but Trubisky threw so far behind him that Ginn could barely get a finger on it.
Coach Matt Nagy thought Lions linebacker Reggie Ragland tipped the ball, but the replay showed he wasn’t even close. It was simply a poor throw.
“It was there; it was open,” Nagy said. “I think it was going to be a good play.”
Inaccurate throws undermine otherwise-smart play designs. The deep shot to Robinson and, to a lesser extent, the fourth-down throw to Ginn looked like they would’ve worked.
Trubisky also had a short throw to David Montgomery for a possible touchdown batted down at the line and an overthrow to Robinson that was nearly picked off. He had misses on several easy ones out of the backfield, as well.
But the throw to Graham was ideal, as was the two-yard touchdown pass he threw in which only Graham had a shot at it with the defender on his back. His late touchdown passes to Javon Wims and Miller were right on the mark.
It’s that inconsistency that’s maddening, though. That lofty vision of how accurate Trubisky could be keeps colliding with the reality of how often he misses.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-15--14 shot, 2 fatally, Monday in Chicago

14 shot, 2 fatally, Monday in Chicago

Fourteen people were shot , two fatally , Monday in Chicago .
The day ’ s most recent reported fatal shooting killed a 26-year-old man in Humboldt Park on the West Side .
He was in his vehicle about 5:40 a.m. in the 2900 block of West Chicago Avenue when another vehicle pulled up , Chicago police said .
The man and a suspect both got out , and the man was shot in the head and knee .
The suspect sped off , and the man was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where he was pronounced dead , police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s office identified him as Lazaro Vazquez of Berwyn .
A 27-year-old man was shot dead in Uptown on the North Side .
He had just entered a vehicle about 12:45 a.m. in the 1200 block of West Leland Avenue when someone in a dark-colored vehicle fired shots , police said .
The man was hit in the chest , neck and abdomen , police said .
He was pronounced dead on the scene .
The Cook County medical examiner ’ s office identified him as Demarco Conley of Scottsdale on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death a homicide .
In non-fatal shootings , a 54-year-old man was shot in Englewood on the South Side .
About 11:25 p.m. he was standing in the 6600 block of South Oakley Avenue , when someone walked up to him and fired shots , police said .
He was struck in the leg and taken to Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn for treatment , police said .
He is in good condition .
Just over twenty minutes prior a 34-year-old man was wounded in a shooting in Little Village on the Southwest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ p.m. in the 3900 block of West 28th Street when someone fired shots from a black vehicle , police said .
The man was struck in the foot and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in fair condition , police said .
About fifteen minutes before then a man was shot in East Garfield Park .
He was sitting outside about 10:45 p.m. in the 2500 block of West Adams Street when someone opened fire , police said .
The 47-year-old was taken to Stroger Hospital with a gunshot wound to the leg , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condition .
He was standing near a vehicle about 9 p.m. in the 400 block of South Keeler Avenue when a male fired shots , striking him in the arm , police said .
The teen took himself to Mount Sinai Hospital , where he was listed in good condition , police said .
About thirty minutes prior , two men were wounded in separate shootings , one in Englewood on the South Side and the other in Albany Park on the Northwest Side .
The 28-year-old was in a vehicle about 8:30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Racine Avenue when a vehicle approached and someone inside got out and opened fire , police said .
The man was truck multiple times and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition , police said .
At the same time a male was on the sidewalk about 8:30 p.m. in the 3600 block of West Argyle Street when he heard shots and felt pain , police said .
He was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in critical condition with a gunshot wound to the armpit area , police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a shooting in Roseland on the South Side .
About 5:43 p.m. , they were in the 400 block of East 111th Street , when someone opened fire , police said .
A 61-year-old woman was struck in the back and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in critical condition , police said .
A man , 46 , was shot in the leg while a 41-year-old woman was struck in the foot , police said .
Both were taken to Roseland Community Hospital , where the man was in critical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Three other people were wounded in shootings across Chicago .
Fifty-two people were shot , twelve of them fatally , last weekend in Chicago .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Fourteen people were shot, two fatally, Monday in Chicago.
The day’s most recent reported fatal shooting killed a 26-year-old man in Humboldt Park on the West Side.
He was in his vehicle about 5:40 a.m. in the 2900 block of West Chicago Avenue when another vehicle pulled up, Chicago police said. The man and a suspect both got out, and the man was shot in the head and knee.
The suspect sped off, and the man was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where he was pronounced dead, police said.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office identified him as Lazaro Vazquez of Berwyn.
A 27-year-old man was shot dead in Uptown on the North Side.
He had just entered a vehicle about 12:45 a.m. in the 1200 block of West Leland Avenue when someone in a dark-colored vehicle fired shots, police said.
The man was hit in the chest, neck and abdomen, police said. He was pronounced dead on the scene.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office identified him as Demarco Conley of Scottsdale on the Southwest Side. An autopsy ruled his death a homicide.
In non-fatal shootings, a 54-year-old man was shot in Englewood on the South Side.
About 11:25 p.m. he was standing in the 6600 block of South Oakley Avenue, when someone walked up to him and fired shots, police said.
He was struck in the leg and taken to Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn for treatment, police said. He is in good condition.
Just over twenty minutes prior a 34-year-old man was wounded in a shooting in Little Village on the Southwest Side.
He was walking about 11 p.m. in the 3900 block of West 28th Street when someone fired shots from a black vehicle, police said.
The man was struck in the foot and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in fair condition, police said.
About fifteen minutes before then a man was shot in East Garfield Park.
He was sitting outside about 10:45 p.m. in the 2500 block of West Adams Street when someone opened fire, police said.
The 47-year-old was taken to Stroger Hospital with a gunshot wound to the leg, police said. He was in fair condition.
A 14-year-old boy was shot in West Garfield Park.
He was standing near a vehicle about 9 p.m. in the 400 block of South Keeler Avenue when a male fired shots, striking him in the arm, police said.
The teen took himself to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was listed in good condition, police said.
About thirty minutes prior, two men were wounded in separate shootings, one in Englewood on the South Side and the other in Albany Park on the Northwest Side.
The 28-year-old was in a vehicle about 8:30 p.m. in the 6200 block of South Racine Avenue when a vehicle approached and someone inside got out and opened fire, police said.
The man was truck multiple times and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition, police said.
At the same time a male was on the sidewalk about 8:30 p.m. in the 3600 block of West Argyle Street when he heard shots and felt pain, police said.
He was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in critical condition with a gunshot wound to the armpit area, police said.
Three people were wounded in a shooting in Roseland on the South Side.
About 5:43 p.m., they were in the 400 block of East 111th Street, when someone opened fire, police said.
A 61-year-old woman was struck in the back and taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in critical condition, police said.
A man, 46, was shot in the leg while a 41-year-old woman was struck in the foot, police said. Both were taken to Roseland Community Hospital, where the man was in critical condition and the woman was stabilized.
Three other people were wounded in shootings across Chicago.
Fifty-two people were shot, twelve of them fatally, last weekend in Chicago.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-14--Teen wounded in West Garfield Park shooting

He was standing near a vehicle about 9 p.m. in the 400 block of South Keeler Avenue when a male @ @ @ @ @ in the arm , Chicago police said .
The teen took himself to Mount Sinai @ @ @ @ @ listed in good condition , police said .
No arrests have been reported .
Area @ @ @ @ @ Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A 14-year-old boy was shot Monday in West Garfield Park.
He was standing near a vehicle about 9 p.m. in the 400 block of South Keeler Avenue when a male fired shots, striking him in the arm, Chicago police said.
The teen took himself to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was listed in good condition, police said.
No arrests have been reported. Area Four detectives are investigating.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-14--Horoscope for Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020

Horoscope for Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020

Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Chicago time .
After that , the moon moves from Leo into Virgo .
Social plans are unpredictable today , which is why you might receive a surprise invitation ; or conversely , an event will be canceled .
( Bummer ! )
Meanwhile , this is an accident-prone day for your kids , so parents must be vigilant !
Stock the fridge because you might spontaneously entertain , or an unexpected gathering may take place in your kitchen .
Good news related to the family or your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important discussion takes place , check the moon alert before you agree to anything .
Today is full of surprises !
New faces , new places , new ideas and new events might affect your day and change your daily routine .
In case you are shopping or agreeing to something important , be aware of the restrictions of the moon alert .
You might attract money to you today .
It ’ s possible .
You might have money-making ideas .
Or you might want to shop for beautiful things for yourself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heed the restrictions in the moon alert .
Be smart .
Your routine will change because of unexpected events or surprises .
Possibly , this change of routine is initiated by you ?
That ’ s because you are eager for change .
You feel restless and ready for fun and adventure !
In particular , you will be attracted to doing something different or meeting someone unusual .
You might feel restless today .
You have that feeling you ’ re waiting for the other shoe to drop , which as we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in your size .
( Ain ’ t it the truth ? )
If you initiate something or volunteer for something , check the moon alert above .
This is not a boring day .
Very likely , you will meet someone unusual or different .
Or perhaps a friend will surprise you .
You might even hear surprising news from a group , or something unusual will occur with your involvement with a group , club or organization .
Stay on your toes .
Because relations with bosses , parents and VIPs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be aware of the restrictions of the moon alert today , especially if you ’ re thinking of volunteering for something or agreeing to anything important .
Protect yourself .
Travel opportunities might fall in your lap .
Or perhaps , a trip will be canceled , delayed or changed .
Surprises in the media might also catch you off guard .
Whatever happens , be aware of the moon alert .
You will do something different today .
Double check details concerning other people ’ s wealth and assets or something to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because a surprise might happen or a delay will occur .
Since this could affect your wealth , be aware of this .
Make no important decisions during the moon alert today .
Relations with partners and close friends have been warm and friendly lately .
Today , however , something unusual might happen .
One of you might stir the pot just to get a rise out of the other one .
Be careful because little explosions might happen .
You might also meet someone unusual .
Your work routine will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crashes , mixed-up messages , late deliveries — could be anything .
Be wise and give yourself extra time to do whatever it is you have to do so that you are prepared for the unexpected .
( Smart ! )
If Your Birthday Is Today Prince Harry , Duke of Sussex ( 1984 ) shares your birthday .
You are sensitive and creative .
In fact , you can relate to all forms of art .
Exciting news !
You ’ re entering a year of new beginnings !
This means it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determine what you want for yourself in the next few years .
Be pro-active and physically energetic about going after what you want .
Just do it !

Moon Alert
Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Chicago time. After that, the moon moves from Leo into Virgo.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Social plans are unpredictable today, which is why you might receive a surprise invitation; or conversely, an event will be canceled. (Bummer!) Meanwhile, this is an accident-prone day for your kids, so parents must be vigilant!
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Stock the fridge because you might spontaneously entertain, or an unexpected gathering may take place in your kitchen. Good news related to the family or your home might please you. If an important discussion takes place, check the moon alert before you agree to anything.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Today is full of surprises! New faces, new places, new ideas and new events might affect your day and change your daily routine. In case you are shopping or agreeing to something important, be aware of the restrictions of the moon alert.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
You might attract money to you today. It’s possible. You might have money-making ideas. Or you might want to shop for beautiful things for yourself and loved ones. If so, heed the restrictions in the moon alert. Be smart.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Your routine will change because of unexpected events or surprises. Possibly, this change of routine is initiated by you? That’s because you are eager for change. You feel restless and ready for fun and adventure! In particular, you will be attracted to doing something different or meeting someone unusual.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
You might feel restless today. You have that feeling you’re waiting for the other shoe to drop, which as we know will invariably be ugly and not in your size. (Ain’t it the truth?) If you initiate something or volunteer for something, check the moon alert above.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
This is not a boring day. Very likely, you will meet someone unusual or different. Or perhaps a friend will surprise you. You might even hear surprising news from a group, or something unusual will occur with your involvement with a group, club or organization. Stay on your toes.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Because relations with bosses, parents and VIPs are warm and friendly now, do be aware of the restrictions of the moon alert today, especially if you’re thinking of volunteering for something or agreeing to anything important. Protect yourself.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Travel opportunities might fall in your lap. Or perhaps, a trip will be canceled, delayed or changed. Surprises in the media might also catch you off guard. Whatever happens, be aware of the moon alert. You will do something different today.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Double check details concerning other people’s wealth and assets or something to do with shared property and inheritances, because a surprise might happen or a delay will occur. Since this could affect your wealth, be aware of this. Make no important decisions during the moon alert today.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Relations with partners and close friends have been warm and friendly lately. Today, however, something unusual might happen. One of you might stir the pot just to get a rise out of the other one. Be careful because little explosions might happen. You might also meet someone unusual.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Your work routine will be interrupted today. Technological glitches, computer crashes, mixed-up messages, late deliveries — could be anything. Be wise and give yourself extra time to do whatever it is you have to do so that you are prepared for the unexpected. (Smart!)
If Your Birthday Is Today
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (1984) shares your birthday. You are sensitive and creative. In fact, you can relate to all forms of art. Exciting news! You’re entering a year of new beginnings! This means it’s time to identify goals to determine what you want for yourself in the next few years. Be pro-active and physically energetic about going after what you want. Just do it!


chicagosun-times--2020-09-17--Small plane lands on road in Palatine

Small plane lands on road in Palatine

The single-engine aircraft landed in an area near Colfax Avenue and Quentin Road , Village of Palatine officials said about @ @ @ @ @ been reported , officials said .
It wasn ’ t immediately clear how many people @ @ @ @ @ Road is closed between Colfax Avenue and Northwest Highway , officials said .

A small plane landed near a highway Thursday in northwest suburban Palatine.
Officers responded about 6 p.m. to the 500 block of North Quentin Road for reports of a single-engine plane that landed in the roadway, Palatine police said in a statement.
The pilot, the aircraft’s sole passenger, spoke to the officers at the scene, police said. No injuries were reported.
Quentin Road is closed between Colfax Avenue and Northwest Highway, officials said.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-17--City knew of youth baseball field contamination a year ago but didn’t tell residents

City officials detected high levels of the brain-damaging metal manganese in the dirt of a Southeast Side youth baseball field a year ago but didn ’ t tell league organizers or families of players .
Instead , the city shared its findings with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , which this summer confirmed the city ’ s early soil testing results that high levels of manganese are present in dirt on a section of Babe Ruth Field in Hegewisch .
The manganese levels are high enough the contaminated soil needs to be removed , the EPA says .
The city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do further testing and notify youth league officials .
Saying they “ followed standard protocol , ” city health officials referred the matter to EPA earlier this year “ to ensure the field was appropriately characterized before notifying the public and the league , ” according to a City Hall statement .
The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the 2020 season for Hegewisch Babe Ruth , a league for players 13 to 18 , and no games were played in the spring .
But a few games were played at the field at 12600 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ league treasurer Jim Laskowiecki .
Adult players also played ball on the field recently , he said .
Despite the EPA ’ s findings , state health officials told the league board in a July letter that the field was safe for play even with the presence of manganese .
In fact , Brian Koch , of the Division of Environmental Health , said in the letter that teens and adults can play at Babe Ruth as long as grass is covering the contaminated area .
Koch said players and spectators can minimize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of dust or loose dirt prior to leaving the field ” and washing hands after playing .
The letter also suggested removing shoes when going inside homes , using door mats and vacuuming frequently .
And Koch recommended eating a balanced diet with vitamins and minerals .
However , younger kids should stay away from the field , the letter stated .
“ Children younger than 6 years of age who play daily in this soil may be at risk of experiencing manganese-related health effects , including learning and behavioral changes and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movements and incoordination , ” it said .
Despite the state assurances , the contamination at Babe Ruth and the recent cleanup of lead and arsenic at nearby Hegewisch Little League field , also on Carondolet , has shaken confidence of some area families who say government officials at all levels haven ’ t given them straight answers .
Bernard Ralich ’ s now adult son Daniel played at both the Little League and Babe Ruth fields as a teenager .
His grandson Gavin is a Hegewisch Little Leaguer where play at that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EPA cleanup .
After noticing a sign at a site near the Little League field warning of toxic material , Ralich said he contacted EPA and other government officials multiple times in 2019 prior to any public warnings about contamination .
He ’ s concerned about the handling of cleanups at both youth fields and called the city ’ s failure to notify residents of its findings “ bull- - - -.
” “ What about the kids ?
Do we have to get them checked ?
We don ’ t get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hegewisch resident Oscar Sanchez , a community activist whose brothers played at Babe Ruth in the past , called the government responses and lack of openness with the residents frustrating .
“ It ’ s not only the pollution , it ’ s also individuals not understanding the health risks , ” Sanchez said .
City and other government officials need to better communicate these environmental risks , he added .
The contaminated youth ball fields are just the latest in years-long tensions between government agencies and neighbors concerned about the cumulative effects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A number of residents are fighting the planned move of scrap iron shredder General Iron to the Southeast Side .
“ We don ’ t need any more pollution , ” Ralich said of General Iron .
EPA says it ’ s still trying to determine the source of the manganese contamination but the agency ’ s website groups the Babe Ruth soil contamination with other environmental testing around the nearby Watco Terminal site on East 126th Street , which handles bulk solid materials such as manganese-bearing alloys .
EPA said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to determine what next steps will be taken ” related to cleanup at Babe Ruth .
City health officials said they hope to have the field remediated by spring .
The agency recently completed remediation of the Hegewisch Little League field after determining it was contaminated .
The agency said it removed almost 1,200 tons of lead and arsenic contaminated soil and replaced it with clean dirt .
The EPA determined that Watco was not the source of those contaminants found at the Little League ballpark .
Brett Chase ’ s reporting on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible by a grant from The Chicago Community Trust .

City officials detected high levels of the brain-damaging metal manganese in the dirt of a Southeast Side youth baseball field a year ago but didn’t tell league organizers or families of players.
Instead, the city shared its findings with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which this summer confirmed the city’s early soil testing results that high levels of manganese are present in dirt on a section of Babe Ruth Field in Hegewisch. The manganese levels are high enough the contaminated soil needs to be removed, the EPA says.
The city deferred to EPA, asking the agency to do further testing and notify youth league officials. Saying they “followed standard protocol,” city health officials referred the matter to EPA earlier this year “to ensure the field was appropriately characterized before notifying the public and the league,” according to a City Hall statement.
La Voz Sidebar 2023 Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago.
The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the 2020 season for Hegewisch Babe Ruth, a league for players 13 to 18, and no games were played in the spring. But a few games were played at the field at 12600 S. Carondolet Ave. in July, said league treasurer Jim Laskowiecki. Adult players also played ball on the field recently, he said.
State: Safe to play with precautions
Despite the EPA’s findings, state health officials told the league board in a July letter that the field was safe for play even with the presence of manganese.
In fact, Brian Koch, of the Division of Environmental Health, said in the letter that teens and adults can play at Babe Ruth as long as grass is covering the contaminated area. Koch said players and spectators can minimize exposure by “cleaning clothing and equipment of dust or loose dirt prior to leaving the field” and washing hands after playing. The letter also suggested removing shoes when going inside homes, using door mats and vacuuming frequently. And Koch recommended eating a balanced diet with vitamins and minerals.
However, younger kids should stay away from the field, the letter stated.
“Children younger than 6 years of age who play daily in this soil may be at risk of experiencing manganese-related health effects, including learning and behavioral changes and other nervous system effects such as slowed hand movements and incoordination,” it said.
Neighbors remain wary
Despite the state assurances, the contamination at Babe Ruth and the recent cleanup of lead and arsenic at nearby Hegewisch Little League field, also on Carondolet, has shaken confidence of some area families who say government officials at all levels haven’t given them straight answers.
Bernard Ralich’s now adult son Daniel played at both the Little League and Babe Ruth fields as a teenager. His grandson Gavin is a Hegewisch Little Leaguer where play at that nearby field resumed in recent weeks following the EPA cleanup.
After noticing a sign at a site near the Little League field warning of toxic material, Ralich said he contacted EPA and other government officials multiple times in 2019 prior to any public warnings about contamination. He’s concerned about the handling of cleanups at both youth fields and called the city’s failure to notify residents of its findings “bull- - - -.”
“What about the kids? Do we have to get them checked? We don’t get no answers,” he said.
Hegewisch resident Oscar Sanchez, a community activist whose brothers played at Babe Ruth in the past, called the government responses and lack of openness with the residents frustrating.
“It’s not only the pollution, it’s also individuals not understanding the health risks,” Sanchez said. City and other government officials need to better communicate these environmental risks, he added.
The Hegewisch Babe Ruth Field at 12600 S. Carondolet Ave. Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
Years of tension
The contaminated youth ball fields are just the latest in years-long tensions between government agencies and neighbors concerned about the cumulative effects of polluting industries on the Southeast Side. A number of residents are fighting the planned move of scrap iron shredder General Iron to the Southeast Side.
“We don’t need any more pollution,” Ralich said of General Iron.
EPA says it’s still trying to determine the source of the manganese contamination but the agency’s website groups the Babe Ruth soil contamination with other environmental testing around the nearby Watco Terminal site on East 126th Street, which handles bulk solid materials such as manganese-bearing alloys.
EPA said it’s working with the city “to determine what next steps will be taken” related to cleanup at Babe Ruth. City health officials said they hope to have the field remediated by spring.
The agency recently completed remediation of the Hegewisch Little League field after determining it was contaminated. The agency said it removed almost 1,200 tons of lead and arsenic contaminated soil and replaced it with clean dirt. The EPA determined that Watco was not the source of those contaminants found at the Little League ballpark.
Brett Chase’s reporting on the environment and public health is made possible by a grant from The Chicago Community Trust.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-17--Acadia chef Ryan McCaskey denies cyberstalking accusation by former employee who was granted no cont

Acadia chef Ryan McCaskey denies cyberstalking accusation by former employee who was granted no contact order

A former employee of the Michelin-starred South Loop restaurant Acadia was granted an emergency stalking order against chef Ryan McCaskey after filing a claim in court last week accusing McCaskey of being behind a bizarre website and harassing him online .
The no contact order — granted to Cody Nason by a Cook County Circuit Court judge Sept. 10 — bars McCaskey from contacting Nason and orders him to stay 1,000 feet away at all times .
Nason , in his court filings , claimed the chef cyber stalked him and created a website that accuses Nason of being a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chef of Acadia , at 1639 S. Wabash Ave. , vigorously denied the allegations Thursday through his attorney , who accused Nason of previously trying to extort money from the chef .
“ The allegations are categorically false in each and every single aspect .
Not one allegation is true , ” McCaskey ’ s attorney , Roger Malavia , wrote in an email to the Chicago Sun-Times .
“ This person has attempted to extort money and destroy Mr. McCaskey ’ s reputation by filing a perjurious petition replete with dishonest claims.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ request for comment through a social media account Thursday .
Nason claims McCaskey registered the website CodyNason.com in August and titled it “ Cody Nason is a pedophile , ” according to court documents .
The site was used to post false claims , such as Nason “ brings a wealth of experience spanning over 20 years working at distinguished Pedophile Academies across the country , ” that Nason “ attended Northeastern University ‘ for his degree in child sex trafficking ’ ” and that Nason was previously convicted of child rape , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nason ’ s attorney , Daliah Saper , sent to McCaskey on Sept. 1 .
“ Your disgusting conduct did not end there .
You emailed Mr. Nason using a fake email address impersonating Mr. Nason ’ s late brother , ” reads the cease and desist letter , which demands McCaskey take down the site as well as social media accounts created to impersonate Nason ’ s deceased brother .
The website was also referenced in a series of online Yelp reviews made for another restaurant that Nason worked at after leaving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with guests and making them uncomfortable , court documents allege .
Nason ’ s petition also describes email and social media messages he allegedly received from McCaskey that made vulgar remarks , as well as some racist messages directed at Nason ’ s attorney that read “ Shouldn ’ t you be doing tech support ?
” and “ How many 7-11 ’ s do you run ?
” Because plaintiffs in Illinois can seek an emergency order before a court hearing is held , McCaskey ’ s attorney said his client has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the allegations .
“ The worst part of all this is that it becomes a matter of public record just by being filed .
Someone can literally say anything about you , me or anyone else and get an emergency order of protection in Illinois , ” Malavia said in his email to the Sun-Times .
A hearing on the matter is scheduled on Oct. 5 .

A former employee of the Michelin-starred South Loop restaurant Acadia was granted an emergency stalking order against chef Ryan McCaskey after filing a claim in court last week accusing McCaskey of being behind a bizarre website and harassing him online.
The no contact order — granted to Cody Nason by a Cook County Circuit Court judge Sept. 10 — bars McCaskey from contacting Nason and orders him to stay 1,000 feet away at all times.
Nason, in his court filings, claimed the chef cyber stalked him and created a website that accuses Nason of being a pedophile.
McCaskey, the owner and chef of Acadia, at 1639 S. Wabash Ave., vigorously denied the allegations Thursday through his attorney, who accused Nason of trying to extort money from the chef.
“The allegations are categorically false in each and every single aspect. Not one allegation is true,” McCaskey’s attorney, Roger Malavia, wrote in an email to the Chicago Sun-Times. “This person has attempted to extort money and destroy Mr. McCaskey’s reputation by filing a perjurious petition replete with dishonest claims.”
Nason did not respond to a request for comment through a social media account Thursday.
Nason claims McCaskey registered the website CodyNason.com in August and titled it “Cody Nason is a pedophile,” according to court documents.
The site was used to post false claims, such as Nason “brings a wealth of experience spanning over 20 years working at distinguished Pedophile Academies across the country,” that Nason “attended Northeastern University ‘for his degree in child sex trafficking’” and that Nason was previously convicted of child rape, according to a cease and desist letter Nason’s attorney, Daliah Saper, sent to McCaskey on Sept. 1.
“Your disgusting conduct did not end there. You emailed Mr. Nason using a fake email address impersonating Mr. Nason’s late brother,” reads the cease and desist letter, which demands McCaskey take down the site as well as social media accounts created to impersonate Nason’s deceased brother.
The website was also referenced in a series of online Yelp reviews made for another restaurant that Nason worked at after leaving Acadia, accusing Nason of acting inappropriately with guests and making them uncomfortable, court documents allege.
Nason’s petition also describes email and social media messages he allegedly received from McCaskey that made vulgar remarks, as well as some racist messages directed at Nason’s attorney that read “Shouldn’t you be doing tech support?” and “How many 7-11’s do you run?”
Because plaintiffs in Illinois can seek an emergency order before a court hearing is held, McCaskey’s attorney said his client has not had an opportunity to defend himself against the allegations.
“The worst part of all this is that it becomes a matter of public record just by being filed. Someone can literally say anything about you, me or anyone else and get an emergency order of protection in Illinois,” Malavia said in his email to the Sun-Times.
A hearing on the matter is scheduled on Oct. 5.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-17--Bears RB Tarik Cohen out to show the world he can ‘run people over’

There ’ s Tarik Cohen ’ s actual size , then there ’ s the size he thinks he is .
He talks all the time about being short — both Bears kickers have a couple inches on him — but seems to imagine himself as something other than the 5-foot-6 jokester who has been heard yelling in the locker room because someone put all the shower towels on the top shelf where he can ’ t reach them .
But in Cohen ’ s imagination , he ’ s enormous .
He envisions himself as a classic , barreling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like a boulder .
“ Just run people over — that ’ s really my type of game , ” Cohen said .
“ I ’ m a bruising back .
Y ’ all think of me as a shifty back , but in my heart of hearts , I ’ m a power back .
I just have to show the world that.
” He ’ ll never fully convince anyone he ’ s another Derrick Henry , the Titan ’ s bulky , dominant Pro Bowler , but Cohen isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course correct after miserably underperforming last season , he opened this one with purpose .
Cohen ran differently in the opener against the Lions , more forcefully .
He didn ’ t waste much time moving laterally , nor did he leave yards on the field by darting out of bounds .
It was clear he intended to run vertically , and the result was 41 yards on seven carries .
That ’ s a modest , but important contribution at 5.9 yards per carry .
And it ’ s a meaningful step @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Bears ’ offense .
It was a good mix in the backfield with David Montgomery adding 64 yards on 13 rushes and Cordarrelle Patterson running four times for 19 .
If coach Matt Nagy can keep all three backs involved , he has a much better chance of keeping the Bears ’ ground game unpredictable .
He ’ ll try to keep that going Sunday against the Giants , who were fourth in the NFL at 3.9 yards allowed per carry last season .
The Steelers ripped them for 141 yards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday .
Cohen and Nagy looked like a perfect match in 2018 , their first season together : a multi-talented player and a creative play caller with limitless ideas of what to do with him .
Cohen led the team with 1,169 yards from scrimmage , doing about 60 % of that damage as a receiver , and tied for the lead in touchdowns at eight .
Getting the ball in his hands was worth 6.9 yards per play , and he tipped 100 yards of total offense four times .
Then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And that was expensive .
It ’ s the reason he ’ s playing on the final year of his rookie contract instead of enjoying a splashy new extension .
Maybe that pressure was what he needed , though , to shake him out of complacency .
He admitted he wasn ’ t in ideal shape last season and didn ’ t have the bursts of speed that made him so dynamic the year before .
He plummeted to 4.7 yards per touch and three touchdowns .
After averaging 73.1 yards of offense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games last season were 85 , 74 and 64 yards .
It didn ’ t take long for Nagy to start squeezing him out of game plans .
The seven carries Cohen got Sunday were more than he had in all but two games last season , and he was in for just 16 snaps in Weeks 9 and 10 .
It was one of many problems that derailed Nagy ’ s offense last season , but what choice did he have ?
Cohen was no longer dangerous enough to be one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some things we saw last year that we thought he could do better , ” Nagy said .
One of those was changing his approach as a runner , which was evident Sunday .
Cohen didn ’ t have a single carry for negative yardage and all but one attempt went for at least 3 yards .
Last season , he had zero or negative yardage on 23.4 % of his rushes .
So that ’ s progress .
But the Bears are still looking for more .
Cohen was a minimal factor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ catches for six yards on his only targets .
That was not all his fault , though , in a game where Mitch Trubisky ’ s throwing accuracy was highly suspect .
Late in the third quarter , Trubisky threw a screen pass to Cohen that could ’ ve been a big play , but the ball was so high and late that Cohen had to jump just to get one hand on it .
Better quarterback play is just as essential to Cohen ’ s success as his own renewed effort .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Allen Robinson or Jimmy Graham who has the potential to create openings for himself regardless of what ’ s going on around him .
He needs Nagy to be an opportunistic play caller and Trubisky to be on target .
If the Bears can get those pieces in place , there ’ s no doubt Cohen can have a resurgent season and reclaim his place in the team ’ s long-term plans .

There’s Tarik Cohen’s actual size, then there’s the size he thinks he is.
He talks all the time about being short — both Bears kickers have a couple inches on him — but seems to imagine himself as something other than the 5-6 jokester who has been heard yelling in the locker room because someone put all the shower towels on the top shelf where he can’t reach them.
But in Cohen’s imagination, he’s enormous. He envisions himself as a classic, barreling running back who rolls through the line like a boulder.
“Just run people over — that’s really my type of game,” Cohen said. “I’m a bruising back. Y’all think of me as a shifty back, but in my heart of hearts, I’m a power back. I just have to show the world that.”
He’ll never fully convince anyone he’s another Derrick Henry, the Titans’ bulky, dominant Pro Bowl player, but Cohen isn’t totally delusional. After vowing to course correct after miserably underperforming last season, he opened this one with purpose.
Cohen ran differently in the opener against the Lions, more forcefully. He didn’t waste much time moving laterally, nor did he leave yards on the field by darting out of bounds. It was clear he intended to run vertically, and the result was 41 yards on seven carries.
That’s a modest but important contribution at 5.9 yards per carry. And it’s a meaningful step toward restoring himself as a vital part of the Bears’ offense.
It was a good mix in the backfield with David Montgomery adding 64 yards on 13 rushes and Cordarrelle Patterson running four times for 19. If coach Matt Nagy can keep all three backs involved, he has a much better chance of keeping the Bears’ ground game unpredictable.
He’ll try to keep that going Sunday against the Giants, who were fourth in the NFL at 3.9 yards allowed per carry last season. The Steelers ripped them for 141 yards at 4.7 per carry to win 26-16 on Monday.
Cohen and Nagy looked like a perfect match in 2018, their first season together: a multitalented player and a creative play-caller with limitless ideas of what to do with him.
Cohen led the team with 1,169 yards from scrimmage, doing about 60% of that damage as a receiver, and tied for the lead in touchdowns at eight. Getting the ball in his hands was worth 6.9 yards per play, and he tipped 100 yards of total offense four times.
Then he went from essential to expendable.
And that was expensive. It’s the reason he’s playing on the final year of his rookie contract instead of enjoying a splashy new extension.
Maybe that pressure was what he needed, though, to shake him out of complacency. He admitted he wasn’t in ideal shape last season and didn’t have the bursts of speed that made him so dynamic the year before.
He plummeted to 4.7 yards per touch and three touchdowns. After averaging 73.1 yards of offense in 2018, Cohen’s best games last season were 85, 74 and 64 yards.
It didn’t take long for Nagy to start squeezing him out of game plans. The seven carries Cohen got Sunday were more than he had in all but two games last season, and he was in for just 16 snaps in Weeks 9 and 10.
It was one of many problems that derailed Nagy’s offense last season, but what choice did he have? Cohen was no longer dangerous enough to be one of his best options.
“There were some things we saw last year that we thought he could do better,” Nagy said.
One of those was changing his approach as a runner, which was evident Sunday. Cohen didn’t have a single carry for negative yardage and all but one attempt went for at least three yards. Last season, he had zero or negative yardage on 23.4% of his rushes.
So that’s progress. But the Bears are still looking for more.
Cohen was a minimal factor in the passing game Sunday with two catches for six yards on his only targets.
That was not all his fault, though, in a game where Mitch Trubisky’s throwing accuracy was highly suspect. Late in the third quarter, Trubisky threw a screen pass to Cohen that could’ve been a big play, but the ball was so high and late that Cohen had to jump just to get one hand on it.
Better quarterback play is just as essential to Cohen’s success as his own renewed effort. He’s not a player like Allen Robinson or Jimmy Graham who has the potential to create openings for himself regardless of what’s going on around him. He needs Nagy to be an opportunistic play-caller and Trubisky to be on target.
If the Bears can get those pieces in place, there’s no doubt Cohen can have a resurgent season and reclaim his place in the team’s long-term plans.


chicagosun-times--2020-09-17--Teens want COVID-19 advice that gives them safe ways to socialize — not just rules for what they can

Teens want COVID-19 advice that gives them safe ways to socialize — not just rules for what they can’t do

America ’ s teens and young adults have a crucial role in containing the spread of COVID-19 , but a series of youth surveys suggests that many misunderstand social distancing guidelines and want clearer advice on how to safely live their lives .
This is especially relevant now that universities are back in session and many campuses are seeing COVID-19 outbreaks .
Over the last several months , our team at the University of Michigan has conducted several national text-message surveys of more than 1,000 American youth ages 14-24 to better understand what they are going through during the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on young people ’ s perspectives and could help improve public health practices .
I can hang out with friends , right ?
The responses by young people in our surveys suggest that they are taking the pandemic seriously .
From our surveys starting in March and continuing throughout the summer , we found about three-quarters of young people were feeling some level of anxiety about the pandemic .
Many reported following guidelines such as distancing , wearing masks , and staying at home , most often due to their concern for others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protecting friends , family and high-risk groups .
“ Not so much for my own health but for my parents and grandparents , ” one wrote .
However , as youth described their thinking and behaviors to us , it became clear there are misunderstandings about the guidelines related to social distancing .
Often , young people in our survey did not fully comprehend the rigorous nature of social distancing rules .
For example , a few respondents reasoned that it was safe to hang out with friends if both parties were potentially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Most of my friends are ‘ essential ’ workers and are already exposed to lots of people .
It seems moot to be super strict about social distancing , ” one wrote .
Other misconceptions were that younger people don ’ t get sick from the virus , or that visiting friends is an approved exception .
As one participant put it , “ I ’ m healthy and would be able to fight off a virus easily.
” While young people are less likely to have symptoms , they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to others without knowing it .
Some also end up seriously ill and hospitalized .
Our studies also found that young people tended to view social distancing as a short-term obligation , in hopes of a return to normal activities .
Yet , public health officials agree there is still a long way to go .
Intermittent social distancing could be necessary through 2022 .
It can ’ t all be negative When asked about the impacts of social distancing , many young people shared what they ’ ve lost , often talking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I can ’ t talk to people , ” was a common response .
“ I have not been able to see friends or work at all , ” was another .
Telling young people only what they can not do could lead to fatigue and riskier behavior .
So , helping young people understand how to stay safe should also include recommendations for what they can do .
Although any in-person interaction with others carries some risk , not all interactions are equally risky .
Our findings show that many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nothing ” mentality regarding risk .
Teaching them how to assess the spectrum of risk could help their decision-making .
Social interactions are critical for healthy adolescent development .
Past studies of children and adolescents experiencing social isolation have found negative mental health effects , and we may be seeing this already among our respondents .
For example , when we asked young people how they are dealing with the pandemic , nearly one-fifth described a difficult emotional response .
One wrote , “ I ’ ve been very stressed and depressed so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very well.
” Across multiple surveys , depression was mentioned as a challenge during the pandemic .
Another wrote , “ My depression is exacerbated and I feel really unmotivated to do anything.
” Figuring out how to socialize safely As the pandemic continues , public health messaging will have to help young people find ways to socialize safely and speak to them in their language and on their platforms .
Almost half of respondents said they learned about COVID-19 from news media sources .
However , these reports are generally geared toward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adapted for youth and extended to social media platforms popular among younger Americans , such as YouTube , Instagram and TikTok .
A critical message is that risk of infection is greater for certain types of interactions , such as going to a crowded bar .
Young people should also be made aware that while their social sacrifices will pay off in the long run , there will not be an immediate return to the “ normal ” they knew before the pandemic .
Importantly , young people also need safe opportunities to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safely .
Holding more gatherings outdoors is one solution .
The risk of transmission has been found to be lower outside compared to indoors .
In fact , encouraging young people to better connect with nature is a potential positive outcome from our changing way of life .
Increasing opportunities for interacting online can also help , especially as many schools and universities continue remote instruction .
Internet access is more important than ever , but youth from low-income families are less likely to have internet access or the necessary devices .
Helping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for schools and policymakers .
Helping teens and young adults navigate social distancing requirements is important — for the sake of their health and the health of everyone around them .
Tammy Chang is an assistant professor of family medicine at the University of Michigan .
Matthew Dunn is a graduate student Researcher at the University of Michigan .
This article originally was published on The Conversation .

America’s teens and young adults have a crucial role in containing the spread of COVID-19, but a series of youth surveys suggests that many misunderstand social distancing guidelines and want clearer advice on how to safely live their lives.
This is especially relevant now that universities are back in session and many campuses are seeing COVID-19 outbreaks.
Over the last several months, our team at the University of Michigan has conducted several national text-message surveys of more than 1,000 American youth ages 14-24 to better understand what they are going through during the pandemic.
What we have learned sheds light on young people’s perspectives and could help improve public health practices.
Opinion bug Opinion
I can hang out with friends, right?
The responses by young people in our surveys suggest that they are taking the pandemic seriously.
From our surveys starting in March and continuing throughout the summer, we found about three-quarters of young people were feeling some level of anxiety about the pandemic. Many reported following guidelines such as distancing, wearing masks, and staying at home, most often due to their concern for others. These respondents cited the importance of protecting friends, family and high-risk groups. “Not so much for my own health but for my parents and grandparents,” one wrote.
However, as youth described their thinking and behaviors to us, it became clear there are misunderstandings about the guidelines related to social distancing.
Often, young people in our survey did not fully comprehend the rigorous nature of social distancing rules. For example, a few respondents reasoned that it was safe to hang out with friends if both parties were potentially exposed due to work or other reasons. “Most of my friends are ‘essential’ workers and are already exposed to lots of people. It seems moot to be super strict about social distancing,” one wrote.
Other misconceptions were that younger people don’t get sick from the virus, or that visiting friends is an approved exception. As one participant put it, “I’m healthy and would be able to fight off a virus easily.”
While young people are less likely to have symptoms, they are still infectious and can spread the virus to others without knowing it. Some also end up seriously ill and hospitalized.
Our studies also found that young people tended to view social distancing as a short-term obligation, in hopes of a return to normal activities. Yet, public health officials agree there is still a long way to go. Intermittent social distancing could be necessary through 2022.
It can’t all be negative
When asked about the impacts of social distancing, many young people shared what they’ve lost, often talking about the ability to socialize with others. “I can’t talk to people,” was a common response. “I have not been able to see friends or work at all,” was another.
Telling young people only what they cannot do could lead to fatigue and riskier behavior. So, helping young people understand how to stay safe should also include recommendations for what they can do.
Although any in-person interaction with others carries some risk, not all interactions are equally risky. Our findings show that many young people have an “all or nothing” mentality regarding risk. Teaching them how to assess the spectrum of risk could help their decision-making.
Social interaction matters for mental health
Social interactions are critical for healthy adolescent development. Past studies of children and adolescents experiencing social isolation have found negative mental health effects, and we may be seeing this already among our respondents.
For example, when we asked young people how they are dealing with the pandemic, nearly one-fifth described a difficult emotional response. One wrote, “I’ve been very stressed and depressed so I’m not dealing with it very well.”
Across multiple surveys, depression was mentioned as a challenge during the pandemic. Another wrote, “My depression is exacerbated and I feel really unmotivated to do anything.”
Figuring out how to socialize safely
As the pandemic continues, public health messaging will have to help young people find ways to socialize safely and speak to them in their language and on their platforms.
Almost half of respondents said they learned about COVID-19 from news media sources. However, these reports are generally geared toward an adult audience. Communications can be adapted for youth and extended to social media platforms popular among younger Americans, such as YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.
A critical message is that risk of infection is greater for certain types of interactions, such as going to a crowded bar.
Young people should also be made aware that while their social sacrifices will pay off in the long run, there will not be an immediate return to the “normal” they knew before the pandemic.
Importantly, young people also need safe opportunities to interact and guidance on how to socialize safely.
Holding more gatherings outdoors is one solution. The risk of transmission has been found to be lower outside compared to indoors. In fact, encouraging young people to better connect with nature is a potential positive outcome from our changing way of life.
Increasing opportunities for interacting online can also help, especially as many schools and universities continue remote instruction. Internet access is more important than ever, but youth from low-income families are less likely to have internet access or the necessary devices. Helping them gain access should be a priority for schools and policymakers.
Helping teens and young adults navigate social distancing requirements is important — for the sake of their health and the health of everyone around them.
Tammy Chang is an assistant professor of family medicine at the University of Michigan. Matthew Dunn is a graduate student Researcher at the University of Michigan.
This article originally was published on The Conversation.
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