chicagosuntimes--2020-03-09--Why I support Sen. Bernie Sanders

Why I support Sen. Bernie Sanders

I am proud to endorse Sen. Bernie Sanders for president of the United States .
While I consider Joe Biden , his opponent for the Democratic Party nomination , a decent man , I stand with Sanders .
Here is why .
I stand with Sanders because it is vital that President Donald Trump be voted out of office in November .
Poll after poll has shown that Bernie Sanders leads Trump , generally with a greater margin than other contenders .
Sanders has the highest popular approval rating of any public official in America .
That is not because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is because people know that he tells it like it is .
Integrity and credibility are two essential attributes in taking on a con man like Donald Trump who lies constantly .
Sanders has the history , the vision and the platform to defeat Trump .
He is best situated to expose Trump ’ s fake populism .
He voted against the corporate trade treaties — and can expose the president ’ s broken promise to workers on trade .
He opposed the war in Iraq — and can expose Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He led the call to build an economy that works for working people — and can expose the reality that what Trump calls the best economy ever still does not work for most Americans .
Sanders champions an agenda that will address the fundamental challenges facing working people .
That includes Medicare for All to ensure that health care is a right , not a privilege — something particularly imperative in the age of coronavirus .
A Green New Deal that addresses the existential threat of climate change while creating millions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large investment in education and advanced training so that every child can get the education he or she needs .
A $ 15 minimum wage , politics to empower workers and unions , and a trade policy that works for working people .
Comprehensive immigration reform , universal childcare , criminal justice reform to end mass incarceration and more .
Sanders will beat Trump by summoning America to a new day , not by calling for a return to yesterday .
Democrats can not defeat Trump without inspiring young people to come out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the only candidate who has inspired a new generation and earned their overwhelming support .
In the face of Trump , many seek shelter in the safe , the establishment , the so-called moderate .
We should not forget the record of moderate , establishment candidates — from Walter Mondale in 1984 to Mike Dukakis in 1988 to Hillary Clinton in 2016 .
Democrats do not fare well as the party of Wall Street or the credit card companies .
We win when we bring the working class and the middle class @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against division , for the poor against greed .
No candidate has done more to forge that coalition than Bernie Sanders .
Dr. Martin Luther King would be proud that African American voters are called the “ black firewall ” in the 2020 campaign .
He would ask a simple question : What will be the return on the firewall ’ s investment ?
With the exception of Native Americans , African Americans are the people suffering the greatest social and economic distress in the United States .
Our needs are not moderate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ path gives us the best chance to catch up and Sanders represents that path .
Biden is a decent man , but he has a different record .
We said no to Clarence Thomas , he said yes .
We said no to the Crime Bill , he championed it .
We said no to the Iraq War , he cheered it on .
We favored affirmative action , he sought to limit it .
Biden has done well among African American voters largely because he is seen as connected to Barack Obama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ticket to balance it , not to enhance it .
Biden has offered no vision and no bold reforms .
He offers safe haven and moderation .
But his moderation does little to address the pain of African Americans , or of working people generally .
What does moderate mean when people don ’ t have affordable health care ?
Or when students are crushed by debt in order to get an education ?
Or when workers are undermined by trade treaties written in executive suites ?
Sanders , on the other hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man of the left .
But he represents not the left wing , but the moral center .
Health care for all is the moral center .
Tuition free college is the moral center .
A Middle East policy that recognizes both Israel and Palestine , the moral center .
When he asked for my endorsement , I expressed my concerns about pressing issues .
Sanders was happy to confirm his commitment to almost all of them , ranging from Medicare for All , to a wealth tax that would provide funds to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in public education , to ensuring that every teacher is paid at least $ 60,000 per year , to putting an African American woman on the Supreme Court , to promising an end to endless wars .
In 1988 when I ran for president championing a Medicare for All plan , Sanders , then mayor of Burlington , endorsed me .
Now I am proud to stand with him not only because he stood with me , but because he stands with working people across this country .

I am proud to endorse Sen. Bernie Sanders for president of the United States.
While I consider Joe Biden, his opponent for the Democratic Party nomination, a decent man, I stand with Sanders.
Here is why.
Columnists bug Columnists In-depth political coverage, sports analysis, entertainment reviews and cultural commentary.
I stand with Sanders because it is vital that President Donald Trump be voted out of office in November. Poll after poll has shown that Bernie Sanders leads Trump, generally with a greater margin than other contenders. Sanders has the highest popular approval rating of any public official in America.
That is not because he is warm and fuzzy. It is because people know that he tells it like it is. Integrity and credibility are two essential attributes in taking on a con man like Donald Trump who lies constantly.
Sanders has the history, the vision and the platform to defeat Trump. He is best situated to expose Trump’s fake populism. He voted against the corporate trade treaties — and can expose the president’s broken promise to workers on trade. He opposed the war in Iraq — and can expose Trump’s broken promise to end the forever wars. He led the call to build an economy that works for working people — and can expose the reality that what Trump calls the best economy ever still does not work for most Americans.
Sanders champions an agenda that will address the fundamental challenges facing working people. That includes Medicare for All to ensure that health care is a right, not a privilege — something particularly imperative in the age of coronavirus. A Green New Deal that addresses the existential threat of climate change while creating millions of good jobs.
Tuition free college and large investment in education and advanced training so that every child can get the education he or she needs. A $15 minimum wage, politics to empower workers and unions, and a trade policy that works for working people. Comprehensive immigration reform, universal childcare, criminal justice reform to end mass incarceration and more.
Sanders will beat Trump by summoning America to a new day, not by calling for a return to yesterday.
Democrats cannot defeat Trump without inspiring young people to come out and vote in large numbers. Sanders is the only candidate who has inspired a new generation and earned their overwhelming support.
In the face of Trump, many seek shelter in the safe, the establishment, the so-called moderate. We should not forget the record of moderate, establishment candidates — from Walter Mondale in 1984 to Mike Dukakis in 1988 to Hillary Clinton in 2016.
Democrats do not fare well as the party of Wall Street or the credit card companies. We win when we bring the working class and the middle class together, when we stand for diversity against division, for the poor against greed. No candidate has done more to forge that coalition than Bernie Sanders.
Dr. Martin Luther King would be proud that African American voters are called the “black firewall” in the 2020 campaign. He would ask a simple question: What will be the return on the firewall’s investment?
With the exception of Native Americans, African Americans are the people suffering the greatest social and economic distress in the United States. Our needs are not moderate. The most progressive social and economic path gives us the best chance to catch up and Sanders represents that path.
Biden is a decent man, but he has a different record. We said no to Clarence Thomas, he said yes. We said no to the Crime Bill, he championed it. We said no to the Iraq War, he cheered it on. We favored affirmative action, he sought to limit it.
Biden has done well among African American voters largely because he is seen as connected to Barack Obama. Yet he was placed on the ticket to balance it, not to enhance it. Biden has offered no vision and no bold reforms. He offers safe haven and moderation.
But his moderation does little to address the pain of African Americans, or of working people generally. What does moderate mean when people don’t have affordable health care? Or when students are crushed by debt in order to get an education? Or when workers are undermined by trade treaties written in executive suites?
Sanders, on the other hand, is called a radical, a man of the left. But he represents not the left wing, but the moral center. Health care for all is the moral center. Tuition free college is the moral center. A Middle East policy that recognizes both Israel and Palestine, the moral center.
When he asked for my endorsement, I expressed my concerns about pressing issues.
Sanders was happy to confirm his commitment to almost all of them, ranging from Medicare for All, to a wealth tax that would provide funds to reinvest in America, to large-scale investment in public education, to ensuring that every teacher is paid at least $60,000 per year, to putting an African American woman on the Supreme Court, to promising an end to endless wars.
In 1988 when I ran for president championing a Medicare for All plan, Sanders, then mayor of Burlington, endorsed me. Now I am proud to stand with him not only because he stood with me, but because he stands with working people across this country.
Send letters to: letters@suntimes.com.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-09--Do corruption-fighting claims in Cook County state’s attorney’s race hold up?

Asked about her agency ’ s handling of corruption cases , Cook County State ’ s Attorney Kim Foxx has said her office “ has investigated elected officials and prosecuted them when appropriate.
” Such prosecutions , though , have been rare , state ’ s attorney records show .
In one of the cases Foxx ’ s office cited , state Rep. Curtis Tarver , D-Chicago , was charged with a misdemeanor last year after a gun was found in his car during a traffic stop .
He had an expired license to carry a concealed weapon .
Tarver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ clerical ” mix-up .
The case had nothing to do with his legislative duties .
In another case , former Ford Heights Mayor Charles Griffin was charged in 2018 with diverting nearly $ 150,000 from the tiny , impoverished south suburb for his personal use while in office .
He was charged after he left that office and has pleaded not guilty .
Shortly before he left office in 2019 , an indictment against Ald .
Proco “ Joe ” Moreno accused him of falsely reporting his car was stolen and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pending in court .
The state ’ s attorney ’ s office provided records showing it has charged more than 60 people in “ corruption-related cases ” since Foxx took office in 2016 .
But the agency said those records might not be complete because it doesn ’ t track corruption cases .
Many of the ones it cited involved low-level or mid-level government employees accused of theft and other offenses .
Some of the cases involved public employees accused of off-duty misconduct .
Others appear to involve people not involved in government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drug or gun crimes and then unsuccessfully trying to bribe cops to let them go .
More than a dozen police officers were among those listed in the state ’ s attorney records .
They were accused of everything from stealing and beating a suspect to groping a woman .
One of the officers , an Amtrak cop , was charged with murder in the shooting of a Minnesota man outside Union Station in 2017 .
He recently was found not guilty by a Cook County judge .
As Foxx faces three Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she has been accused of not doing enough to fight corruption , which has become an issue as federal prosecutors pursue wide-ranging investigations that have resulted so far in charges against Ald .
Edward M. Burke — who hosted a campaign fundraiser for Foxx at his Southwest Side home in 2016 — and others including former state Sen. Martin Sandoval .
“ Everyone knows that pay-to-play , ghost payrolling and campaign-finance shenanigans are part of Cook County ’ s DNA , ” said Donna More , one of Foxx ’ s opponents .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foxx , yet she is nowhere to be found in the government corruption probes initiated by the federal government.
” Foxx said “ violent crime is our No .
1 priority ” and that federal authorities often are better suited to tackle larger-scale corruption because of tougher federal laws and greater resources .
But she said she hasn ’ t “ ceded ” such cases to federal prosecutors and that her agency is helping them with part of their ongoing political corruption investigations .
Foxx wouldn ’ t elaborate on that .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t comment .
Even when her office ’ s corruption prosecutions seem relatively small potatoes , Foxx said they ’ re still important .
She also said the crimes her office focuses on aren ’ t much different from those of her predecessors .
That ’ s part of the problem , according to another challenger , former Ald .
Bob Fioretti , who points to Foxx ’ s ties to Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle , the head of the Cook County Democratic Party .
“ When is the last time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s attorney went after a local machine politician ?
” Fioretti said .
“ Not in our lifetime.
” Another opponent , Bill Conway , was an assistant state ’ s attorney under Foxx ’ s predecessor Anita Alvarez and worked in the public corruption unit .
Conway has trumpeted that role in his campaign , saying he was “ fighting to hold corrupt politicians like Burke accountable.
” But Conway also prosecuted relatively small players , including a Hanover Township official accused of stealing almost $ 200,000 from that government agency , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a police union official accused of embezzling more than $ 1 million from his group .
“ I think it ’ s important that people realize that not every public corruption case is going to be Ed Burke , ” Conway said .
He said it ’ s important to “ get to corruption where it starts ” and promised “ a significant increase in public corruption ” cases if he ’ s elected .

Asked about her agency’s handling of corruption cases, Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx has said her office “has investigated elected officials and prosecuted them when appropriate.”
Such prosecutions, though, have been rare, state’s attorney records show.
In one of the cases Foxx’s office cited, state Rep. Curtis Tarver, D-Chicago, was charged with a misdemeanor last year after a gun was found in his car during a traffic stop. He had an expired license to carry a concealed weapon.
Tarver has said that was the result of a “clerical” mix-up. The case had nothing to do with his legislative duties.
In another case, former Ford Heights Mayor Charles Griffin was charged in 2018 with diverting nearly $150,000 from the tiny, impoverished south suburb for his personal use while in office. He was charged after he left that office and has pleaded not guilty.
Shortly before he left office in 2019, an indictment against Ald. Proco “Joe” Moreno accused him of falsely reporting his car was stolen and insurance fraud.
Those three cases are pending in court.
The state’s attorney’s office provided records showing it has charged more than 60 people in “corruption-related cases” since Foxx took office in 2016.
But the agency said those records might not be complete because it doesn’t track corruption cases.
Many of the ones it cited involved low-level or mid-level government employees accused of theft and other offenses. Some of the cases involved public employees accused of off-duty misconduct. Others appear to involve people not involved in government who were arrested for offenses that include drug or gun crimes and then unsuccessfully trying to bribe cops to let them go.
More than a dozen police officers were among those listed in the state’s attorney records. They were accused of everything from stealing and beating a suspect to groping a woman. One of the officers, an Amtrak cop, was charged with murder in the shooting of a Minnesota man outside Union Station in 2017. He recently was found not guilty by a Cook County judge.
As Foxx faces three Democratic opponents in the March 17 primary, she has been accused of not doing enough to fight corruption, which has become an issue as federal prosecutors pursue wide-ranging investigations that have resulted so far in charges against Ald. Edward M. Burke — who hosted a campaign fundraiser for Foxx at his Southwest Side home in 2016 — and others including former state Sen. Martin Sandoval.
“Everyone knows that pay-to-play, ghost payrolling and campaign-finance shenanigans are part of Cook County’s DNA,” said Donna More, one of Foxx’s opponents. “These nefarious activities have thrived under Foxx, yet she is nowhere to be found in the government corruption probes initiated by the federal government.”
Donna More, running in the March 17 Democratic primary for Cook County state’s attorney. Ashlee Rezin Garcia / Sun-Times
Foxx said “violent crime is our No. 1 priority” and that federal authorities often are better suited to tackle larger-scale corruption because of tougher federal laws and greater resources.
But she said she hasn’t “ceded” such cases to federal prosecutors and that her agency is helping them with part of their ongoing political corruption investigations. Foxx wouldn’t elaborate on that. The U.S. attorney’s office wouldn’t comment.
Even when her office’s corruption prosecutions seem relatively small potatoes, Foxx said they’re still important. She also said the crimes her office focuses on aren’t much different from those of her predecessors.
That’s part of the problem, according to another challenger, former Ald. Bob Fioretti, who points to Foxx’s ties to Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, the head of the Cook County Democratic Party.
“When is the last time a Cook County Democratic machine state’s attorney went after a local machine politician?” Fioretti said. “Not in our lifetime.”
Bob Fioretti, running in the March 17 Democratic primary for Cook County state’s attorney. Ashlee Rezin Garcia / Sun-Times
Another opponent, Bill Conway, was an assistant state’s attorney under Foxx’s predecessor, Anita Alvarez, and worked in the public corruption unit. Conway has trumpeted that role in his campaign, saying he was “fighting to hold corrupt politicians like Burke accountable.”
But Conway also prosecuted relatively small players, including a Hanover Township official accused of stealing almost $200,000 from that government agency who got six years in prison, and a police union official accused of embezzling more than $1 million from his group.
“I think it’s important that people realize that not every public corruption case is going to be Ed Burke,” Conway said.
He said it’s important to “get to corruption where it starts” and promised “a significant increase in public corruption” cases if he’s elected.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-10--Fish of the Week: Starting year off right for smallmouth bass

Man who tried to sell gun with ‘ bodies on it ’ on Facebook Live now faces murder charge , @ @ @ @ @ allegedly used the gun to kill Diviris Garfeed Monday in Humboldt Park .

Charlie Gimmler started the smallmouth bass season with a personal-best of 20 3/4 inches in DuPage County.
“My buddy Dan Coleman jumped in knee deep to land her,” he messaged.
FOTW, the celebration of big fish and their stories (the stories matter) around Chicago fishing, runs Wednesdays in the Sun-Times. Submit nominations by message on Facebook (Dale Bowman), on Twitter (@BowmanOutside) and Instagram (@BowmanOutside) or email (BowmanOutside@gmail.com).


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-10--On TV singing contests, black women — whether rising stars or legends — seldom prevail

Black women have possessed some of the greatest voices of all time .
Yet , when it comes to singing competitions and American television audiences , one would be hard-pressed to find black women singers celebrated .
Only a few black women ( including multi-racial contestants ) have won across all the runs of contemporary top television singing competitions .
“ American Idol , ” now in its 18th season , has seen three win the title : Fantasia Barrino in the third season , Jordin Sparks in the sixth and Candice Glover in Season 12 .
“ The Voice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 , has produced just one black female winner : Jamaican singer Tessanne Chin back in Season 5 .
( The series ’ first two winners were black men , and Chris Blue became the third in Season 12 . )
It ’ s not just emerging performers who are denied a crown for their vocal prowess .
Legendary female soul singers have been ousted early from “ The Masked Singer.
” While Gladys Knight came in third in a field of 12 celebrities ( including professional athletes and talk show hosts ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won by T-Pain — the second season saw Patti LaBelle voted off after four performances .
Wayne Brady eventually triumphed in that 16-celebrity contest .
The current season has drawn criticism after the early dismissals of Chaka Khan and Dionne Warwick .
On “ American Idol ” and “ The Voice , ” celebrity judges determine contestants and provide feedback on their performances , who are eventually voted on by television audiences .
A studio audience votes on all “ Masked Singer ” contestants after judges make observations and guesses about the identities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Is the mass TV audience just not into classic , soulful vocals from black women ?
“ I think that a pop-trained ear doesn ’ t gravitate towards genuine R & B-style singing , ” said Naima Cochrane , a music and culture critic who created the # MusicSermon Twitter series of threads focusing on urban music of the ’ 80s and ’ 90s .
“ A lot of it is about tastes .
But it does reflect if you follow it over to the radio and business side , there have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have crossed over.
” Some of the lack of winning on televised competitions might be an expectation of soulful singing from black women by judges and music critics , said Ayana Contreras , host of “ Reclaimed Soul ” on Chicago Public Radio ’ s Vocalo .
“ When they hear a black vocalist that ’ s doing a lot of runs in a traditional R & B style , people take it for granted and just assume — and it ’ s totally racist , like the assumption that all black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are a white person who sings the exact same way as this black person , they ’ re more likely to be like , “ Oh my god !
This person can really sing , ’ because it ’ s less expected , ” said Contreras , who believes singers can be racially profiled by voice alone .
“ It ’ s totally based on stereotypes.
” Besides the sound , there ’ s an industry bias against soulful black women who aren ’ t petite waifs that are easier to market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of these shows that are supposed to be making pop stars are looking for a certain look as well , ” Contreras said .
“ That ’ s to the detriment of the artists and the show , because you wind up with sort of similar folks over and over again.
” “ When they can see the singer , the style and the look , the audience has a bias about what they think a pop star looks like .
So if they ’ re black , then maybe they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whatever .
I don ’ t even know if they ’ re conscious of it .
I just know that it ’ s in their head , ” she said .
“ And when you ’ re talking about a show like ‘ Masked Singer , ’ I think just the real raw gritty vocal of true R & B singing just doesn ’ t appeal to them.
” Few winners of “ American Idol ” and “ The Voice ” have gone on to achieve superstar status , but just appearing in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ careers .
Jennifer Hudson was voted off early in the third season of “ American Idol ” and ended up blooming into an Emmy- and Oscar-winning performer who is portraying no less than Aretha Franklin in a biopic headed for movie theaters this summer .
Early eliminations can be the result of the desire for particular storylines and narratives to play out in a bid for ratings , said Terisa Griffin , who was a contestant on the third season of “ The Voice.
” “ When you ’ re on those shows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away with an opportunity , ” said the Chicago R & B singer , who ’ s performing in a benefit concert with Dee Alexander April 18 at the DuSable Museum .
“ As African-American artists , when we ’ re lucky enough to be seen on TV , we have to work hard to make sure that we keep tapping into that audience and make it worth your time , because everybody won ’ t get a deal.
” It ’ s harder for soulful black women singers , though , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as other groups , making strategic self-promotion crucial .
Radio stations and music labels , she said , “ should allow us to own it and put as much money behind us as they do some of the other artists .
We are soulful , so we shouldn ’ t have to apologize for that .
That should be celebrated .
”

Aretha. Mahalia. Whitney.
Black women have possessed some of the greatest voices of all time.
Yet, when it comes to singing competitions and American television audiences, one would be hard-pressed to find black women singers celebrated.
Only a few black women (including multi-racial contestants) have won across all the runs of contemporary top television singing competitions.
“American Idol,” now in its 18th season, has seen three win the title: Fantasia Barrino in the third season, Jordin Sparks in the sixth and Candice Glover in Season 12.
“The Voice,” meanwhile, also in Season 18, has produced just one black female winner: Jamaican singer Tessanne Chin back in Season 5. (The series’ first two winners were black men, and Chris Blue became the third in Season 12.)
It’s not just emerging performers who are denied a crown for their vocal prowess.
Legendary female soul singers have been ousted early from “The Masked Singer.” While Gladys Knight came in third in a field of 12 celebrities (including professional athletes and talk show hosts) during the inaugural season last year — won by T-Pain — the second season saw Patti LaBelle voted off after four performances. Wayne Brady eventually triumphed in that 16-celebrity contest.
(Knight and LaBelle possess two of the most distinctive vocal styles in the industry and are among Rolling Stone magazine’s 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.)
The current season has drawn criticism after the early dismissals of Chaka Khan and Dionne Warwick.
On “American Idol” and “The Voice,” celebrity judges determine contestants and provide feedback on their performances, who are eventually voted on by television audiences. A studio audience votes on all “Masked Singer” contestants after judges make observations and guesses about the identities of the performers.
So what gives? Is the mass TV audience just not into classic, soulful vocals from black women?
Critic Naima Cochrane Provided
“I think that a pop-trained ear doesn’t gravitate towards genuine R&B-style singing,” said Naima Cochrane, a music and culture critic who created the #MusicSermon Twitter series of threads focusing on urban music of the ’80s and ’90s. “A lot of it is about tastes. But it does reflect if you follow it over to the radio and business side, there have been fewer female R&B artists who have crossed over.”
Some of the lack of winning on televised competitions might be an expectation of soulful singing from black women by judges and music critics, said Ayana Contreras, host of “Reclaimed Soul” on Chicago Public Radio’s Vocalo.
“When they hear a black vocalist that’s doing a lot of runs in a traditional R&B style, people take it for granted and just assume — and it’s totally racist, like the assumption that all black people can play basketball. But if you are a white person who sings the exact same way as this black person, they’re more likely to be like, “Oh my god! This person can really sing,’ because it’s less expected,” said Contreras, who believes singers can be racially profiled by voice alone. “It’s totally based on stereotypes.”
“Reclaimed Soul” host Ayana Contreras Provided
Besides the sound, there’s an industry bias against soulful black women who aren’t petite waifs that are easier to market, culture critics say.
“Some of these shows that are supposed to be making pop stars are looking for a certain look as well,” Contreras said. “That’s to the detriment of the artists and the show, because you wind up with sort of similar folks over and over again.”
Cochrane agrees.
“When they can see the singer, the style and the look, the audience has a bias about what they think a pop star looks like. So if they’re black, then maybe they’re slim or they’re light-skinned or whatever. I don’t even know if they’re conscious of it. I just know that it’s in their head,” she said. “And when you’re talking about a show like ‘Masked Singer,’ I think just the real raw gritty vocal of true R&B singing just doesn’t appeal to them.”
Few winners of “American Idol” and “The Voice” have gone on to achieve superstar status, but just appearing in front of millions of viewers can bolster careers. Jennifer Hudson was voted off early in the third season of “American Idol” and ended up blooming into an Emmy- and Oscar-winning performer who is portraying no less than Aretha Franklin in a biopic headed for movie theaters this summer.
Early eliminations can be the result of the desire for particular storylines and narratives to play out in a bid for ratings, said Terisa Griffin, who was a contestant on the third season of “The Voice.”
Singer Terisa Griffin Provided
“When you’re on those shows, you’re supposed to walk away with an opportunity,” said the Chicago R&B singer, who’s performing in a benefit concert with Dee Alexander April 18 at the DuSable Museum. “As African-American artists, when we’re lucky enough to be seen on TV, we have to work hard to make sure that we keep tapping into that audience and make it worth your time, because everybody won’t get a deal.”
It’s harder for soulful black women singers, though, who typically aren’t marketed as much as other groups, making strategic self-promotion crucial. Radio stations and music labels, she said, “should allow us to own it and put as much money behind us as they do some of the other artists. We are soulful, so we shouldn’t have to apologize for that. That should be celebrated.”
Cheryl V. Jackson is a Chicago freelance writer.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-10--Dear Abby: As I grew up, dad always made me feel undeserving

DEAR ABBY : When I was a child , my dad told me , “ If it weren ’ t for you kids , there are so many things your mother and I could have.
” What I remember most was the intensity in his voice .
When I was old enough to work , I had a job after school so I could pay for my own clothes although my family wasn ’ t poor .
My father repeatedly let me know I was “ lucky ” I didn ’ t get taken out of school to help support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high school at 17 , I immediately went to work , and I paid for my board .
I married at 18 to get out of the house and paid for my own wedding .
It never even occurred to me to ask for help .
When I ended up divorced , I worked my way through college .
When I graduated , my mother had to make my father go to my graduation because he didn ’ t want to .
I have never been able to shake the feeling that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything , and I ’ m not good enough .
My other siblings are a mess , too .
How do I shake this feeling of not being worthy ?
— WORTHLESS IN FLORIDA DEAR WORTHLESS : Children develop their feelings of self-worth from their parents .
It appears at least one of yours was missing in action from the time you were little .
I don ’ t have a magic wand , and I can ’ t make the negative message your father implanted in your head disappear .
On the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if only out of necessity .
It may take help from a licensed mental health professional to make the scars from the way your father raised you fade .
DEAR ABBY : My wife , “ Cynthia , ” and I are a middle-aged couple who have been married four years .
Shortly after our wedding , she suffered a stroke during a heart transplant .
After she returned home from the hospital , a “ friend ” told her I was having an affair ( I wasn ’ t ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ me out of the house and returned to a distant state to be near her family .
She had most of her belongings shipped there .
After I presented proof of my innocence a year later , we reconciled .
The first couple of years of marriage were chaotic , and I know I wasn ’ t perfect .
But I did the best I could and stood by her throughout the medical ordeal .
Now , Cynthia is saying I should have to pay to have her items shipped back simply because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abby , we have roughly the same income due to pensions .
We have always kept our finances separate .
I think she should pay to have her own items returned because she is the one who shipped them over there based on a lie .
The money itself isn ’ t the issue ; it ’ s the principle .
I feel like this is a slap in the face .
What do you think ?
— MR. NICE GUY DEAR MR. NICE GUY : You shouldn ’ t have to pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the man.
” You didn ’ t cheat , and you aren ’ t responsible for the fact that Cynthia overreacted and ran away the way she did .
You say that until now you have kept your finances separate because you each have your own incomes .
My advice is to refuse to be manipulated .
Your wife should pay to have her belongings returned , just as she paid to have them sent away without verifying whether the story was true .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
What teens need to know about sex , drugs , AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in “ What Every Teen Should Know.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby , Teen Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ price . )

DEAR ABBY: When I was a child, my dad told me, “If it weren’t for you kids, there are so many things your mother and I could have.” What I remember most was the intensity in his voice.
When I was old enough to work, I had a job after school so I could pay for my own clothes although my family wasn’t poor. My father repeatedly let me know I was “lucky” I didn’t get taken out of school to help support the family. When I graduated from high school at 17, I immediately went to work, and I paid for my board.
I married at 18 to get out of the house and paid for my own wedding. It never even occurred to me to ask for help. When I ended up divorced, I worked my way through college. When I graduated, my mother had to make my father go to my graduation because he didn’t want to.
I have never been able to shake the feeling that I don’t have a right to anything, and I’m not good enough. My other siblings are a mess, too. How do I shake this feeling of not being worthy? — WORTHLESS IN FLORIDA
DEAR WORTHLESS: Children develop their feelings of self-worth from their parents. It appears at least one of yours was missing in action from the time you were little.
I don’t have a magic wand, and I can’t make the negative message your father implanted in your head disappear. On the upside, your upbringing made you independent, if only out of necessity. It may take help from a licensed mental health professional to make the scars from the way your father raised you fade.
DEAR ABBY: My wife, “Cynthia,” and I are a middle-aged couple who have been married four years. Shortly after our wedding, she suffered a stroke during a heart transplant. After she returned home from the hospital, a “friend” told her I was having an affair (I wasn’t). Without telling me why, Cynthia threw me out of the house and returned to a distant state to be near her family. She had most of her belongings shipped there.
After I presented proof of my innocence a year later, we reconciled. The first couple of years of marriage were chaotic, and I know I wasn’t perfect. But I did the best I could and stood by her throughout the medical ordeal.
Now, Cynthia is saying I should have to pay to have her items shipped back simply because I’m “the man.” Abby, we have roughly the same income due to pensions. We have always kept our finances separate. I think she should pay to have her own items returned because she is the one who shipped them over there based on a lie. The money itself isn’t the issue; it’s the principle. I feel like this is a slap in the face. What do you think? — MR. NICE GUY
DEAR MR. NICE GUY: You shouldn’t have to pay for anything “because you’re the man.” You didn’t cheat, and you aren’t responsible for the fact that Cynthia overreacted and ran away the way she did.
You say that until now you have kept your finances separate because you each have your own incomes. My advice is to refuse to be manipulated. Your wife should pay to have her belongings returned, just as she paid to have them sent away without verifying whether the story was true.
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.
What teens need to know about sex, drugs, AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in “What Every Teen Should Know.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Teen Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-10--Jewelry store burglarized in Goose Island

A jewelry store was burglarized Tuesday in Goose Island on the North Side .
About 1:50 a.m. five males broke @ @ @ @ @ in the 1400 block of North Halsted Street , Chicago police said .
They then @ @ @ @ @ drywall to break into the jewelry store next door and stole jewelry .
The group @ @ @ @ @ on Blackhawk Street , police said .
Read more on crime , and track the @ @ @ @ @

A jewelry store was burglarized Tuesday in Goose Island on the North Side.
About 1:50 a.m. five males broke into an empty store front in the 1400 block of North Halsted Street, Chicago police said. They then cut a hole in the drywall to break into the jewelry store next door and stole jewelry.
The group was last seen running west on Blackhawk Street, police said.
Area Central detectives are investigating.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-10--Menu planner: Who can resist classic beef pot roast?

Combine flour , salt and pepper .
Coat roast with 2 tablespoons mixture , reserving remainder .
Heat oil in stock pot on medium until hot .
Place roast in pot ; brown evenly .
Pour off drippings .
Combine broth , tomato paste and thyme in stock pot ; whisk in reserved flour mixture .
Bring to a boil .
Reduce heat ; cover tightly and simmer 1 3/4 to 2 hours .
Stir gravy .
Add potatoes , carrots and onions to pot ; bring to a boil .
Reduce heat ; cover tightly and simmer 45 minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vegetables are fork-tender .
Carve into slices or chunks ; serve with vegetables and gravy .
Heat oven to 450 degrees .
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or nonstick foil .
In a resealable plastic bag , combine panko , cheese , garlic powder , salt and paprika .
Dip half the tenders into egg ; place in bag , seal and shake to coat .
Place on cookie sheet .
Repeat with remaining chicken .
Drizzle butter over chicken and coat with cooking spray .
Bake 6 to 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until internal temperature is 165 degrees .
Heat grill to medium-high ; lightly oil grate .
In a bowl , combine chili powder , sugar , garlic powder , onion powder and salt .
Rub on both sides of pork .
Grill pork 3 to 4 minutes per side or until lightly charred and internal temperature is 145 degrees .
Grill pineapple 2 to 3 minutes .
Remove chops from grill ; let stand 3 minutes .
Meanwhile , dice pineapple and finely dice jalapeno pepper .
In a bowl , combine pineapple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chops with the pineapple salsa .
Chop 2 cups of the beef and all of the vegetables .
Then add 5 to 6 cups lower-sodium beef broth , along with 1 cup frozen succotash , 1 cup cooked rice , 1 ( 14 1/2-ounce ) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes , 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary , 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano and 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme .
Bring to a boil ; reduce heat , cover and simmer 30 minutes .
Season to taste with coarse salt and pepper .
Rinse and sort 1/2 cup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a saucepan .
Bring to a boil ; reduce heat to low .
Cover and simmer 5 minutes .
Let stand 1 hour ; rinse and drain .
Cook 1 ( 6-ounce ) package long-grain and wild rice blend according to directions .
To the rice , add the cooked lentils , 3 cups unsalted vegetable broth , 1 ( 10-ounce ) package frozen mixed vegetables and 1 cup 1 % milk .
Heat and ladle into bowls .
Garnish with shredded 50 % light cheddar cheese .
Heat oven to 375 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mix 1 ( 15-ounce ) can rinsed and drained reduced-sodium black beans , 1 ( 15-ounce ) can white beans , 1 ( 15-ounce ) can dark red kidney beans , 1 ( 14-ounce ) package low-fat kielbasa ( diagonally sliced into 1-inch pieces ) , 1 ( 15-ounce ) can no-salt-added tomato sauce , 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced carrots , 2 thinly sliced small onions ( separated into rings ) , 1/2 cup lower-sodium beef broth , 2 tablespoons firmly packed light brown sugar , 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bake about 1 hour or until hot and bubbly and carrots are tender .
mixed greens , baguette , peaches , nutmeg .

Classic beef pot roast
Makes 8 servings
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 3 hours and 20 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 boneless cross rib chuck roast or arm chuck roast (about 3 pounds)
1 tablespoon canola oil
4 cups lower-sodium beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 pound red-skinned potatoes (about 1 1/2 inch diameter), halved
1 pound baby carrots
2 large onions, each cut into 8 wedges
Combine flour, salt and pepper. Coat roast with 2 tablespoons mixture, reserving remainder. Heat oil in stock pot on medium until hot. Place roast in pot; brown evenly. Pour off drippings. Combine broth, tomato paste and thyme in stock pot; whisk in reserved flour mixture. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover tightly and simmer 1 3/4 to 2 hours. Stir gravy. Add potatoes, carrots and onions to pot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover tightly and simmer 45 minutes to 1 hour or until roast and vegetables are fork-tender. Carve into slices or chunks; serve with vegetables and gravy.
Per serving: 300 calories, 31 grams protein, 8 grams fat (23 percent calories from fat), 2.3 grams saturated fat, 25 grams carbohydrate, 54 milligrams cholesterol, 389 milligrams sodium, 4 grams fiber.
Carb choices: 1.5.
Kids’ chicken fingers
Makes 4 servings
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 6 to 10 minutes
INGREDIENTS
2/3 cup panko
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 pound chicken tenders
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 tablespoon melted butter
Heat oven to 450 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or nonstick foil. In a resealable plastic bag, combine panko, cheese, garlic powder, salt and paprika. Dip half the tenders into egg; place in bag, seal and shake to coat. Place on cookie sheet. Repeat with remaining chicken. Drizzle butter over chicken and coat with cooking spray. Bake 6 to 10 minutes, turning after 3 minutes, until internal temperature is 165 degrees.
Per serving: 251 calories, 31 grams protein, 10 grams fat (37 percent calories from fat), 4.6 grams saturated fat, 8 grams carbohydrate, 136 milligrams cholesterol, 463 milligrams sodium, 1 gram fiber.
Carb choices: 0.5.
Chili-rubbed pork chops with pineapple salsa
Makes 4 servings
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 1/2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
4 boneless pork loin chops, 3/4 inch thick, trimmed
3 rings fresh or canned pineapple (about 6 ounces)
1 fresh jalapeno pepper, halved lengthwise, seeds removed
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Heat grill to medium-high; lightly oil grate. In a bowl, combine chili powder, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder and salt. Rub on both sides of pork. Grill pork 3 to 4 minutes per side or until lightly charred and internal temperature is 145 degrees. Grill pineapple 2 to 3 minutes. Remove chops from grill; let stand 3 minutes. Meanwhile, dice pineapple and finely dice jalapeno pepper. In a bowl, combine pineapple, jalapeno and lime juice. Serve chops with the pineapple salsa.
Per serving: 236 calories, 28 grams protein, 8 grams fat (30 percent calories from fat), 2.3 grams saturated fat, 13 grams carbohydrate, 86 milligrams cholesterol, 333 milligrams sodium, 2 grams fiber.
Carb choices: 1.
Vegetable beef soup
Chop 2 cups of the beef and all of the vegetables. Then add 5 to 6 cups lower-sodium beef broth, along with 1 cup frozen succotash, 1 cup cooked rice, 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano and 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer 30 minutes. Season to taste with coarse salt and pepper.
Lentil and wild rice soup
Rinse and sort 1/2 cup lentils and combine with 3 cups water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 5 minutes. Let stand 1 hour; rinse and drain. Cook 1 (6-ounce) package long-grain and wild rice blend according to directions. To the rice, add the cooked lentils, 3 cups unsalted vegetable broth, 1 (10-ounce) package frozen mixed vegetables and 1 cup 1% milk. Heat and ladle into bowls. Garnish with shredded 50% light cheddar cheese.
Faux cassoulet
Heat oven to 375 degrees. In a 3-quart casserole, mix 1 (15-ounce) can rinsed and drained reduced-sodium black beans, 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, 1 (15-ounce) can dark red kidney beans, 1 (14-ounce) package low-fat kielbasa (diagonally sliced into 1-inch pieces), 1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added tomato sauce, 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced carrots, 2 thinly sliced small onions (separated into rings), 1/2 cup lower-sodium beef broth, 2 tablespoons firmly packed light brown sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme, 2 cloves minced garlic. Cover and bake about 1 hour or until hot and bubbly and carrots are tender. mixed greens, baguette, peaches, nutmeg.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-10--5 shot Monday in Chicago

5 shot Monday in Chicago

Five people were shot Monday in Chicago , including a 27-year-old man who was shot in Chatham on the South Side .
About 11 p.m. he was walking in the 8000 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue , when he heard gunshots and felt a pain , Chicago police said .
He was stuck in the leg and took himself to University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition , police said .
The man told officers he did not see the shooter and did not know where the shots came from , police said .
A 37-year-old man was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Park on the West Side .
He was walking about 9:33 p.m. in the 4200 block of West Madison Street when he heard gunfire and felt pain , police said .
He didn ’ t see who fired shots or where they came from .
The man was struck in the leg and took himself to West Suburban Medical Center where he is in good condition , police said .
A man walked into Mercy Hospital with a gunshot wound , police said .
The 22-year-old showed up at the hospital about 4:10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Avenue with a gunshot wound to the hand , police said .
The circumstances of the shooting were unclear .
Just before 11 a.m. , a 30-year-old man was wounded in a shooting in Cragin on the Northwest Side .
He was hit in the arm and leg in the 2800 block of North Central Avenue , police said .
The man later showed up at Community First Hospital .
He was then transported to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in serious condition , police said .
A 21-year-old man was shot in West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was standing on the sidewalk at 1:53 a.m. when someone walked up and fired shots in the first block of North Kostner Avenue , police said .
He was hit and the arm and went to West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park on his own , police said .
He was listed in good condition .
One person was killed and 20 others were wounded last weekend in citywide shootings .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Five people were shot Monday in Chicago, including a 27-year-old man who was shot in Chatham on the South Side.
About 11 p.m. he was walking in the 8000 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue, when he heard gunshots and felt a pain, Chicago police said.
He was stuck in the leg and took himself to University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition, police said.
The man told officers he did not see the shooter and did not know where the shots came from, police said.
A 37-year-old man was wounded when he was shot in Garfield Park on the West Side.
He was walking about 9:33 p.m. in the 4200 block of West Madison Street when he heard gunfire and felt pain, police said. He didn’t see who fired shots or where they came from.
The man was struck in the leg and took himself to West Suburban Medical Center where he is in good condition, police said.
A man walked into Mercy Hospital with a gunshot wound, police said.
The 22-year-old showed up at the hospital about 4:10 p.m. in the 2500 of South Michigan Avenue with a gunshot wound to the hand, police said. The circumstances of the shooting were unclear.
Just before 11 a.m., a 30-year-old man was wounded in a shooting in Cragin on the Northwest Side.
He was hit in the arm and leg in the 2800 block of North Central Avenue, police said. The man later showed up at Community First Hospital.
He was then transported to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in serious condition, police said.
A 21-year-old man was shot in West Garfield Park on the West Side.
He was standing on the sidewalk at 1:53 a.m. when someone walked up and fired shots in the first block of North Kostner Avenue, police said.
He was hit and the arm and went to West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park on his own, police said. He was listed in good condition.
One person was killed and 20 others were wounded last weekend in citywide shootings.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-10--Vehicle thefts reported in Back of the Yards, Gage Park

Police are warning residents on the South Side of a series of vehicle thefts reported in recent weeks in Back @ @ @ @ @ Park .
In each case , the keys were left inside the vehicle or it @ @ @ @ @ police said in a community alert .
• At 4:30 p.m. Feb. 19 in the @ @ @ @ @ Street ; • At 5 p.m. Feb. 28 in the 4900 block of South Throop @ @ @ @ @ a.m. Feb. 29 in the 4900 block of South Paulina Street ; • At 6:30 @ @ @ @ @ 2400 block of West 52nd Street ; and • At 8:10 a.m. March 4 in @ @ @ @ @ 51st Street .
Police did not provide a description of any suspects .
Anyone with @ @ @ @ @ Area Central detectives at 312-747-8382 .
Read more on crime , and track the city @ @ @ @

Police are warning residents on the South Side of a series of vehicle thefts reported in recent weeks in Back of the Yards and Gage Park.
In each case, the keys were left inside the vehicle or it was left running, Chicago police said in a community alert.
The thefts happened:
At 4:30 p.m. Feb. 19 in the 4800 block of South Throop Street;
At 5 p.m. Feb. 28 in the 4900 block of South Throop Street;
At 4:04 a.m. Feb. 29 in the 4900 block of South Paulina Street;
At 6:30 p.m. March 1 in the 2400 block of West 52nd Street; and
At 8:10 a.m. March 4 in the 800 block of West 51st Street.
Police did not provide a description of any suspects.
Anyone with information is asked to call Area Central detectives at 312-747-8382.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-09--UIC advances to Horizon League final with upset of top-seeded Wright State

INDIANAPOLIS — Tarkus Ferguson tied his career high with 25 points , and fourth-seeded UIC advanced to its first Horizon @ @ @ @ @ with a 73-56 victory Monday against top-seeded Wright State .
The Flames , who lost @ @ @ @ @ points Feb. 14 , jumped out to a 17-6 lead after the Raiders made only @ @ @ @ @ first five minutes .
They led by 15 points at halftime and extended the edge @ @ @ @ @ five minutes of the second half .
UIC will play second-seeded Northern Kentucky , which @ @ @ @ @ in the other semifinal , on Tuesday for a berth in the NCAA Tournament .
@ @ @ @ @ reached the tournament since 2004 .
Marcus Ottey added 13 points , Braelen Bridges 10 @ @ @ @ @ points and 10 rebounds for UIC ( 18-16 ) , which outrebounded Wright State 47-38 @ @ @ @ @ points to lead the Raiders the Raiders ( 25-7 ) .

INDIANAPOLIS — Tarkus Ferguson tied his career high with 25 points, and fourth-seeded UIC advanced to its first Horizon League championship game since 2004 with a 73-56 victory Monday against top-seeded Wright State.
The Flames, who lost at Wright State by 17 points Feb. 14, jumped out to a 17-6 lead after the Raiders made only one field goal in the first five minutes. They led by 15 points at halftime and extended the edge to 20 in the first five minutes of the second half.
UIC will play second-seeded Northern Kentucky, which beat third-seeded Green Bay 80-69 in the other semifinal, on Tuesday for a berth in the NCAA Tournament. The Flames haven’t reached the tournament since 2004.
Marcus Ottey added 13 points, Braelen Bridges 10 points and Godwin Boahen nine points and 10 rebounds for UIC (18-16), which outrebounded Wright State 47-38.
Bill Wampler had 14 points to lead the Raiders the Raiders (25-7).


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-09--Horoscope for Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Horoscope for Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Avoid shopping or important decisions from 3:30 to 5:30 a.m. Chicago time .
After that , the moon moves from Virgo into Libra .
The moon is in the sign that is opposite from your sign , which means you have to be accommodating .
In other words , you have to go more than halfway being friendly and cooperative .
( You can do this with your eyes closed . )
You have to put the emotional considerations of others before your own .
( There ’ s an aspect of self-denial at play here . )
Very likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service for someone or help them out in some way .
The good news is — what goes around , comes around !
It ’ s hard to conceal your feelings from others , so don ’ t even try .
Basically , you need to be yourself and be who you really are .
You might be more involved with children than usual .
It ’ s a romantic , fun-loving , creative day !
If you have an opportunity to cocoon at home and enjoy some privacy among familiar surroundings , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you need some time to chill .
Give yourself a pleasant , relaxing escape from your busy world .
A conversation with a female family member might be important .
In discussion with others , you will be lively and dynamic because you have something to say !
Furthermore , you want to be heard .
This is why communications are important to you .
( Not just polite chitchat — something real . )
It ’ s easy to identify with what you own , which is why you might not want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you don ’ t want to part with something .
You might also find you have to defend yourself where nothing is at stake ?
The moon is in your sign , which makes you more emotional than usual .
It also increases your need to belong to others and feel a connection with someone .
However , it also increases your good luck .
Why not ask the universe for a favor ?
Privacy is important for you .
In fact , many of you will go out of your way to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good food and drink in pleasant surroundings ) .
The bottom line is you need some downtime to pull your act together .
An interaction with a female friend could be important .
This is also a good day to share your hopes and dreams for the future with someone to get their feedback .
What they tell you might change your goals ?
Who knows ?
Personal details about your private life seem to be public for some reason today .
People notice you more than usual and they might even be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this in case you have to do some damage control .
Don ’ t be caught unawares . )
Do something different today because you need some extra stimulation .
Obviously , travel would be an excellent choice because it gives you a chance to see new places , meet new faces and hear new ideas .
However , you can also be a tourist in your own city .
Do something different !
This is a strong time for you because the sun is in your sign , while Mars makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This means you will have no trouble defending your own best interests in disputes about shared property , wills , inheritances and insurance .
If Your Birthday Is Today Actor Jon Hamm ( 1971 ) shares your birthday .
You learned to transform your shyness into boldness .
Nevertheless , this shy quality is part of your appeal .
You are an idealist .
This is your time of harvest !
Yay !
Now you will begin to reap the benefits of your efforts in the last decade .
You deserve this time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increased influence and leadership in your relationships .
Yes !

Moon Alert
Avoid shopping or important decisions from 3:30 to 5:30 a.m. Chicago time. After that, the moon moves from Virgo into Libra.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
The moon is in the sign that is opposite from your sign, which means you have to be accommodating. In other words, you have to go more than halfway being friendly and cooperative. (You can do this with your eyes closed.)
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
You have to put the emotional considerations of others before your own. (There’s an aspect of self-denial at play here.) Very likely, you might have to perform a service for someone or help them out in some way. The good news is — what goes around, comes around!
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
It’s hard to conceal your feelings from others, so don’t even try. Basically, you need to be yourself and be who you really are. You might be more involved with children than usual. It’s a romantic, fun-loving, creative day!
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
If you have an opportunity to cocoon at home and enjoy some privacy among familiar surroundings, you will welcome this. Basically, you need some time to chill. Give yourself a pleasant, relaxing escape from your busy world. A conversation with a female family member might be important.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
In discussion with others, you will be lively and dynamic because you have something to say! Furthermore, you want to be heard. This is why communications are important to you. (Not just polite chitchat — something real.)
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
It’s easy to identify with what you own, which is why you might not want to lend something to someone, or you don’t want to part with something. You might also find you have to defend yourself where nothing is at stake?
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
The moon is in your sign, which makes you more emotional than usual. It also increases your need to belong to others and feel a connection with someone. However, it also increases your good luck. Why not ask the universe for a favor?
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Privacy is important for you. In fact, many of you will go out of your way to seek out some solitude (preferably with good food and drink in pleasant surroundings). The bottom line is you need some downtime to pull your act together.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
An interaction with a female friend could be important. This is also a good day to share your hopes and dreams for the future with someone to get their feedback. What they tell you might change your goals? Who knows?
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Personal details about your private life seem to be public for some reason today. People notice you more than usual and they might even be talking about you. (Be aware of this in case you have to do some damage control. Don’t be caught unawares.)
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Do something different today because you need some extra stimulation. Obviously, travel would be an excellent choice because it gives you a chance to see new places, meet new faces and hear new ideas. However, you can also be a tourist in your own city. Do something different!
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
This is a strong time for you because the sun is in your sign, while Mars makes you aggressive when dealing with others. This means you will have no trouble defending your own best interests in disputes about shared property, wills, inheritances and insurance.
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actor Jon Hamm (1971) shares your birthday. You learned to transform your shyness into boldness. Nevertheless, this shy quality is part of your appeal. You are an idealist. This is your time of harvest! Yay! Now you will begin to reap the benefits of your efforts in the last decade. You deserve this time of success. Expect to enjoy an increased influence and leadership in your relationships. Yes!


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-10--Coronavirus fears threaten downtown, South Side St. Patrick’s Day parades

Mayor Lori Lightfoot returns to Chicago Wednesday from a brief spring break trip — when she could make the difficult decision to cancel both Saturday ’ s downtown St. Patrick ’ s Day parade and Sunday ’ s South Side Irish parade .
For days , Lightfoot has been under pressure from Gov .
J.B. Pritzker and others to cancel the parades amid fears that two such large gatherings — potentially attended by hundreds of thousands of people — would increase the likelihood of “ community spread ” tied to the coronavirus .
After initially supporting keeping both weekend parades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ O ’ Shea ( 19th ) — whose Beverly ward hosts the South Side Irish Parade — said Tuesday that he believes the parades should be canceled and that the mayor likely will pull the plug .
Other major cities have canceled their St. Patrick ’ s Day parades , including Boston and Dublin .
“ There are grave concerns about having events with this many people .
I ’ m very concerned about my senior citizen population , many of whom attend the South Side Irish parade every year .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” O ’ Shea said of the event , which typically draws 150,000 people and runs within 150 feet of 1,000 single-family homes .
“ I know the mayor has been in discussions with the governor and the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Chicago Department of Public Health .
I ’ m expecting a decision on the parade very soon.
” City Hall sources said the mayor plans to make a final decision on whether to cancel the parades on Wednesday , when she returns from the trip that coincided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from school .
Pritzker also said an announcement could come Wednesday .
“ We ’ ve looked at what other states and cities have done .
Some have issued guidance to cancel large gatherings , ” Pritzker said during a Tuesday press conference .
“ As you saw , Boston and Dublin have both canceled their St. Patrick ’ s Day celebrations .
I think that ’ s some guidance from other places .
My own view , I ’ ll just say , is I want to keep people safe and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that medical experts give us.
” For the last several days , City Hall has been publicly stating that both parades were still on .
O ’ Shea publicly agreed , and was advising parade-goers on Twitter to # WashYourHands .
Privately , it ’ s been a different story .
Politicians from across the city were urging City Hall to make a decision and wondering why Lightfoot was waiting so long to make it .
A cancellation in the interest of public health should have been made last weekend , sources said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city ’ s Office of Emergency Management and Communications , said late Tuesday afternoon a final decision has not yet been made about either parade .
Chicago Police Department spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said that , as of Tuesday afternoon , the department ’ s plans to deploy extra officers to both parade routes were still in place .
Kevin Coakley , co-chair of the South Side Irish Parade , said that organizers “ have not heard of any changes ” to the parade ’ s plans and “ as far as we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a go until someone tells us otherwise.
” A representative for Plumbers Local 130 — the downtown parade sponsor that famously dyes the Chicago River green — did not return messages Tuesday .
The dyeing of the Chicago River and the subsequent parade downtown have been yearly traditions since 1962 .
In addition to throngs of local officials , politicians from all over have donned green for the day and marched , including then Vice President Al Gore in 2000 and then President George W. Bush in 2002 .
The South Side Irish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a handful of kids from the neighborhood marched around the 10900 blocks of South Talman and South Washtenaw .
Within two years , the parade grew and marchers were traveling south along Western Avenue from 103rd Street to 115th Street , which remains its current route .
With scores of Beverly , Morgan Park and Mount Greenwood residents claiming Irish lineage , raucous house parties in the neighborhood are as much of a tradition as the parade itself .
After 2009 ’ s celebration , organizers opted to put the event on hiatus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the parade was “ hijacked by idiots ” who drank themselves into a stupor .
The parade returned in 2012 with a renewed focus on being a family friendly affair .
To encourage good behavior , police warned that anyone caught drinking or urinating on the public way could be subject to fines in excess of $ 500 .

Mayor Lori Lightfoot returns to Chicago Wednesday from a brief spring break trip — when she could make the difficult decision to cancel both Saturday’s downtown St. Patrick’s Day parade and Sunday’s South Side Irish parade.
For days, Lightfoot has been under pressure from Gov. J.B. Pritzker and others to cancel the parades amid fears that two such large gatherings — potentially attended by hundreds of thousands of people — would increase the likelihood of “community spread” tied to the coronavirus.
After initially supporting keeping both weekend parades up and marching, Ald. Matt O’Shea (19th) — whose Beverly ward hosts the South Side Irish Parade — said Tuesday that he believes the parades should be canceled and that the mayor likely will pull the plug.
Other major cities have canceled their St. Patrick’s Day parades, including Boston and Dublin.
“There are grave concerns about having events with this many people. I’m very concerned about my senior citizen population, many of whom attend the South Side Irish parade every year. It’s a longstanding tradition in my community,” O’Shea said of the event, which typically draws 150,000 people and runs within 150 feet of 1,000 single-family homes.
“I know the mayor has been in discussions with the governor and the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Chicago Department of Public Health. I’m expecting a decision on the parade very soon.”
City Hall sources said the mayor plans to make a final decision on whether to cancel the parades on Wednesday, when she returns from the trip that coincided with her daughter’s spring break from school. Pritzker also said an announcement could come Wednesday.
“We’ve looked at what other states and cities have done. Some have issued guidance to cancel large gatherings,” Pritzker said during a Tuesday press conference. “As you saw, Boston and Dublin have both canceled their St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. I think that’s some guidance from other places. My own view, I’ll just say, is I want to keep people safe and I think we gotta follow the guidance that medical experts give us.”
For the last several days, City Hall has been publicly stating that both parades were still on. O’Shea publicly agreed, and was advising parade-goers on Twitter to #WashYourHands.
Privately, it’s been a different story. Politicians from across the city were urging City Hall to make a decision and wondering why Lightfoot was waiting so long to make it. A cancellation in the interest of public health should have been made last weekend, sources said.
Melissa Stratton, a spokeswoman for the city’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications, said late Tuesday afternoon a final decision has not yet been made about either parade.
Chicago Police Department spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said that, as of Tuesday afternoon, the department’s plans to deploy extra officers to both parade routes were still in place.
Kevin Coakley, co-chair of the South Side Irish Parade, said that organizers “have not heard of any changes” to the parade’s plans and “as far as we’re concerned, we’re a go until someone tells us otherwise.”
A representative for Plumbers Local 130 — the downtown parade sponsor that famously dyes the Chicago River green — did not return messages Tuesday.
An aerial view of the Chicago River as it winds its way through downtown after being dyed green in celebration of St. Patrick’s day on March 16, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. Dyeing the river green has been a St. Patrick’s Day tradition in the city since 1962. Scott Olson/Getty Images
The dyeing of the Chicago River and the subsequent parade downtown have been yearly traditions since 1962. In addition to throngs of local officials, politicians from all over have donned green for the day and marched, including then Vice President Al Gore in 2000 and then President George W. Bush in 2002.
The South Side Irish Parade dates back to 1979, when a handful of kids from the neighborhood marched around the 10900 blocks of South Talman and South Washtenaw.
Within two years, the parade grew and marchers were traveling south along Western Avenue from 103rd Street to 115th Street, which remains its current route.
With scores of Beverly, Morgan Park and Mount Greenwood residents claiming Irish lineage, raucous house parties in the neighborhood are as much of a tradition as the parade itself.
After 2009’s celebration, organizers opted to put the event on hiatus after, O’Shea said, the parade was “hijacked by idiots” who drank themselves into a stupor. The parade returned in 2012 with a renewed focus on being a family friendly affair. To encourage good behavior, police warned that anyone caught drinking or urinating on the public way could be subject to fines in excess of $500.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-10--Carlos Santana, Zac Brown Band, Pentatonix latest concert, tour cancellations

Carlos Santana , Zac Brown Band and Pentatonix are the latest musicians to cancel concerts because of public health concerns and performance restrictions due to the growing coronavirus outbreak .
The acts all made announcements Tuesday .
Santana said he had canceled the European tour dates of his Miraculous 2020 World Tour and that refunds will be available through point of purchase .
The tour was scheduled to start March 17 in Poland .
Pentatonix was also set to launch its world tour in Poland — a day before Santana ’ s show — but posted a statement saying they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the tour .
“ Despite our best efforts and intentions , it is , simply , no longer possible for us to execute this tour the way we want to : safely , confidently and completely , ” the Grammy-winning vocal group said in a statement .
Zac Brown Band said it was postponing the spring leg of its The Owl Tour , which would have kicked off Thursday in St. Louis .
“ This was an extremely difficult decision , but the well-being of our fans is always our top priority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
“ We ask that our fans retain their tickets as they will be honored on the new dates .
At this time , our “ Roar With The Lions ” Summer 2020 tour dates ( commencing in May ) will be performed as planned.
” Santana , Zac Brown Band and Pentatonix join a long list of singers who have cancelled or postponed shows in the U.S. and outside of the region , including Pearl Jam , Madonna , Ciara , BTS , Khalid , Mariah Carey , Green Day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ festival in Austin , Texas , has been canceled , and the Ultra electronic dance music festival in Miami has been postponed .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms , such as fever and cough .
For some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , it can cause more severe illness , including pneumonia .
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus .
According to the World Health Organization , people with mild illness recover in about two weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may take three to six weeks to recover .
In mainland China , where the virus first exploded , more than 80,000 people have been diagnosed and more than 58,000 have so far recovered .

Carlos Santana, Zac Brown Band and Pentatonix are the latest musicians to cancel concerts because of public health concerns and performance restrictions due to the growing coronavirus outbreak.
The acts all made announcements Tuesday. Santana said he had canceled the European tour dates of his Miraculous 2020 World Tour and that refunds will be available through point of purchase. The tour was scheduled to start March 17 in Poland.
Pentatonix was also set to launch its world tour in Poland — a day before Santana’s show — but posted a statement saying they would have to cancel the European leg of the tour.
“Despite our best efforts and intentions, it is, simply, no longer possible for us to execute this tour the way we want to: safely, confidently and completely,” the Grammy-winning vocal group said in a statement.
Related Pearl Jam postpones North American tour over coronavirus concerns
Zac Brown Band said it was postponing the spring leg of its The Owl Tour, which would have kicked off Thursday in St. Louis.
“This was an extremely difficult decision, but the well-being of our fans is always our top priority,” the country group said in a statement. “We ask that our fans retain their tickets as they will be honored on the new dates. At this time, our “Roar With The Lions” Summer 2020 tour dates (commencing in May) will be performed as planned.”
Santana, Zac Brown Band and Pentatonix join a long list of singers who have cancelled or postponed shows in the U.S. and outside of the region, including Pearl Jam, Madonna, Ciara, BTS, Khalid, Mariah Carey, Green Day and more. The South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, has been canceled, and the Ultra electronic dance music festival in Miami has been postponed.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover. In mainland China, where the virus first exploded, more than 80,000 people have been diagnosed and more than 58,000 have so far recovered.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-10--Our duty is to help service members living with arthritis

Members of our Armed Forces sacrifice a lot for their country , including their health .
With help from Congress , we can reduce the physical , financial and societal toll of one of the leading cause of disability for those who serve in our military : arthritis .
Arthritis is rampant in our military , affecting one in three veterans .
It is the second leading cause of medical discharge from the U.S. Army , second only to battlefield wounds .
Yet despite epidemic-level rates , there is no dedicated research budget at the Department of Defense to study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is a public health crisis that must be addressed by creating a stand-alone arthritis research program at the Department of Defense .
The money ’ s already there : The Department of Defense operates congressionally dedicated medical research programs for more than 20 diseases , many of which are not specific to military service .
Meanwhile , arthritis competes with 30 other medical topics in a general research budget , so funding is not guaranteed .
Congress has the power to set aside $ 20 million of that existing budget for arthritis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand how to prevent the injuries that lead to arthritis , reduce the health costs associated with life-long medical care , and unlock new treatments and cures for all Americans living with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases .
Our service members living with arthritis have answered the call to serve their country .
Now it ’ s time for Congress to ensure their sacrifices are not forgotten .
A recent assessment in the Sun-Times is misleading and inaccurate regarding the reduction of Metra stops at the 59th Street Station for the University of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the 59th Street Station is served by three different lines , University Park , South Chicago and Blue Island .
While it is true that the University Park line stops at 59th Street only three times , at 5:10 , 6:10 and 6:25 a.m. , the South Shore and Blue Island lines each stop at 59th Street seven times between the hours of 5:23 and 8:35 AM .
South Shore commuters lost important evening service the last time the schedule was changed .
It is not possible to ride Metra after attending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grant Park concert , or any other cultural event unless you wait for the train that leaves Millennium Park at 11:30 PM .
Metra ’ s explanation at the time was that the average number of passengers in the evening was 11 .
Yes , but only if the average included both outbound and inbound trains .
I often ride an outbound train that arrives at South Shore Drive and 71st Street at 6:30 p.m .
I can see the inbound train a few minutes later and have never counted more than five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point of running that train ?
I realize that the Illinois High School Association is into promoting good sportsmanship , but are they tone-deaf when dealing with the coronavirus ?
As I watched the state championship games this past weekend I saw all the teams participate in a pregame handshake and then , as usual , a postgame handshake .
With the virus spreading and members of the public being told to wash their hands , the players still engaged in the ritual handshake .
Can we please have some common sense and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state tournament series continues this week for boys , and I ’ m hoping the IHSA will do the right thing .

Members of our Armed Forces sacrifice a lot for their country, including their health. With help from Congress, we can reduce the physical, financial and societal toll of one of the leading cause of disability for those who serve in our military: arthritis.
Arthritis is rampant in our military, affecting one in three veterans. It is the second leading cause of medical discharge from the U.S. Army, second only to battlefield wounds.
SEND LETTERS TO: letters@suntimes.com. Please include your neighborhood or hometown and a phone number for verification purposes.
Yet despite epidemic-level rates, there is no dedicated research budget at the Department of Defense to study arthritis prevention, treatment and cures.
This is a public health crisis that must be addressed by creating a stand-alone arthritis research program at the Department of Defense.
The money’s already there: The Department of Defense operates congressionally dedicated medical research programs for more than 20 diseases, many of which are not specific to military service.
Meanwhile, arthritis competes with 30 other medical topics in a general research budget, so funding is not guaranteed. Congress has the power to set aside $20 million of that existing budget for arthritis research. This research can help us understand how to prevent the injuries that lead to arthritis, reduce the health costs associated with life-long medical care, and unlock new treatments and cures for all Americans living with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.
Our service members living with arthritis have answered the call to serve their country.
Now it’s time for Congress to ensure their sacrifices are not forgotten.
Arla Potash, Lake View
Address South Shore Metra concerns
A recent assessment in the Sun-Times is misleading and inaccurate regarding the reduction of Metra stops at the 59th Street Station for the University of Chicago.
The story failed to explain that the 59th Street Station is served by three different lines, University Park, South Chicago and Blue Island.
While it is true that the University Park line stops at 59th Street only three times, at 5:10, 6:10 and 6:25 a.m., the South Shore and Blue Island lines each stop at 59th Street seven times between the hours of 5:23 and 8:35 AM. South Shore commuters lost important evening service the last time the schedule was changed.
It is not possible to ride Metra after attending attending a Chicago Symphony Orchestra concert or Grant Park concert, or any other cultural event unless you wait for the train that leaves Millennium Park at 11:30 PM.
Metra’s explanation at the time was that the average number of passengers in the evening was 11. Yes, but only if the average included both outbound and inbound trains.
I often ride an outbound train that arrives at South Shore Drive and 71st Street at 6:30 p.m. I can see the inbound train a few minutes later and have never counted more than five or six passengers.
What is the point of running that train?
Joseph Burgio, South Shore
IHSA should ban pregame handshakes amid coronavirus
I realize that the Illinois High School Association is into promoting good sportsmanship, but are they tone-deaf when dealing with the coronavirus?
As I watched the state championship games this past weekend I saw all the teams participate in a pregame handshake and then, as usual, a postgame handshake.
With the virus spreading and members of the public being told to wash their hands, the players still engaged in the ritual handshake.
Can we please have some common sense and do away with the handshaking? The state tournament series continues this week for boys, and I’m hoping the IHSA will do the right thing.
John Bongiorno, Palatine


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-10--Blackhawks players, fans unfazed by NHL’s new policies amid coronavirus fears

Interviews after Tuesday ’ s Blackhawks practice were held in an awkward and unusual setting : not in the locker room per usual , but in a formal press conference setting in a side room of Fifth-Third Arena .
The decision was made Monday by the NHL to restrict locker room access only to players and important team personnel , shifting media access to exclusively formal and distanced settings .
The coronavirus fears sweeping the globe are certainly serious .
But to the Hawks , the absurdity of Tuesday ’ s situation prompted more awkward jokes than grave warnings .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not too worried ” about contracting the virus .
“ I ’ m sure it ’ s just a precautionary thing that the league ’ s taking , ” he said .
“ As long as we don ’ t pick our nose too much , we should be good.
” The NHL has instructed players to take some individual precautions , some of which are universally logical — wash hands , use sanitizer — and some of which are more specific , like bringing their own markers to sign autographs instead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ league has prior familiarity with contagious diseases , too , as the flu spreading through locker rooms is a semi-common occurrence — it happened to the Canadiens just this January .
A 2014 mumps outbreak in NHL circles required some additional precautions .
“ That was crazy .
I remember teams were having guys have their own water bottles and just telling us be careful with not sharing towels ... as if that was going to be something to be aware of for showering , ” Murphy said , laughing again .
Dylan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a local car dealership Tuesday afternoon was canceled by the Hawks , echoed Murphy ’ s lack of concern .
It seemed as though he would ’ ve been happy to make the appearance after all .
“ This whole thing came out a few months ago or so ?
” Strome asked , rhetorically .
“ We ’ ve done a lot of things since then .
We had [ Brent Seabrook ’ s ] bowling event , we had a bunch of other things , we ’ ve had games , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after games , before games , on the road for fans in different cities.
” “ It is what it is .
I ’ m not going to really change who I am too much , ” he added .
“ We have some hand sanitizer .
There ’ s not much else we can do .
Just go about our daily life.
” Even Jeremy Colliton , rarely a jokester , quipped he was simply going to “ keep washing his hands ” during the hysteria .
As for the length of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All told , there was clearly more anxiety about the fate of the season — with just 13 games left , the Hawks ’ playoff chances stand at about three percent — than Coronavirus , even though the Sharks team the Hawks will host Wednesday is coincidentally perhaps the most affected by the virus so far .
( San Jose faces the possibility of playing its final five home games at an empty arena or neutral site due to a new county ban on public gatherings . )
The Hawks , meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the organization has not indicated any additional precautionary measures other than the media separation are coming .
Filling the United Center doesn ’ t seem likely to become a problem , either .
Only 15 percent of Chicagoan voters in a Twitter poll Tuesday said coronavirus fears have affected their likelihood of attending a game in the coming weeks .
Among those not planning to attend a game , 57 percent cited the Hawks ’ poor play as the primary reason , whereas only 11 percent cited coronavirus .
Note : The Hawks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AHL on Tuesday .
The 2018 first-round pick could join Brandon Hagel in making his NHL debut this week .

Interviews after the Blackhawks’ practice Tuesday were held in an awkward and unusual setting: not in the locker room as usual, but in a formal news-conference setting in a side room at Fifth Third Arena.
The decision was made Monday by the NHL to restrict locker-room access only to players and important team personnel, shifting media access exclusively to distanced settings.
The coronavirus fears sweeping the globe certainly are serious. But to the Hawks, the absurdity of the situation Tuesday prompted more awkward jokes than grave warnings.
Defenseman Connor Murphy said he was “not too worried” about contracting the virus.
“I’m sure it’s just a precautionary thing that the league’s taking,” he said. “As long as we don’t pick our nose too much, we should be good.”
The NHL has instructed players to take precautions, some of which are logical — wash hands, use sanitizer — and some of which are more specific, such as bringing their own markers to sign autographs instead of using fans’ markers.
The league is familiar with contagious diseases, too. The flu spreading through locker rooms is a semi-common occurrence. It happened to the Canadiens in January. A mumps outbreak in NHL circles in 2014 required some additional precautions.
“That was crazy,” Murphy said. “I remember teams were having guys have their own water bottles and just telling us be careful with not sharing towels ... as if that was going to be something to be aware of for showering.”
Dylan Strome, whose scheduled public appearance at a car dealership Tuesday was cancelled by the Hawks, echoed Murphy’s lack of concern. It seemed as though he would’ve been happy to make the appearance, too.
“This whole thing came out a few months ago or so?” Strome asked rhetorically. “We’ve done a lot of things since then. We had [Brent Seabrook’s] bowling event, we had a bunch of other things, we’ve had games, we’ve signed autographs for fans after games, before games, on the road for fans in different cities.
“It is what it is. I’m not going to really change who I am too much. We have some hand sanitizer. There’s not much else we can do. Just go about our daily life.”
Even coach Jeremy Colliton, rarely a jokester, quipped he was simply going to “keep washing his hands” during the hysteria.
As for the length of the washing? “Long enough.”
There was more anxiety about the fate of the season — with just 13 games left and the Hawks’ playoff chances at about 3 percent — than coronavirus. Coincidentally, on Wednesday, the Hawks host the Sharks, who face the possibility of playing their final five home games in an empty arena or at a neutral site because of a county ban on large public gatherings.
The Hawks, meanwhile, have eight home games left, and the organization hasn’t indicated any additional precautionary measures are coming.
Filling the United Center probably won’t be a problem, either. Only 15 percent of participants in a Twitter poll Tuesday said coronavirus fears have affected their likelihood of attending a game in the coming weeks.
Among those not planning to attend a game, 57 percent cited the Hawks’ poor play as the primary reason, whereas only 11 percent cited coronavirus.
NOTE: The Hawks recalled defenseman Nicolas Beaudin from Rockford. The 2018 first-round pick could join Brandon Hagel in making his NHL debut this week.


chicagosuntimes--2020-03-10--‘Helpful’ coronavirus advice leaves us feeling helpless

Call your doctor only when you are pretty sure you have coronavirus , said the person on TV .
Don ’ t bother him or her if you are merely coughing , sneezing , wheezing and feeling putrid .
If I were a doctor , maybe I would know if I had coronavirus or not .
Probably not , because doctors need tests for that , and we don ’ t have enough tests .
“ Do not go to the emergency room !
” warned someone who looked like a doctor .
If people suffering from the plague rush @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TV doctor said , all the people in waiting rooms will be contaminated , the admission clerks will be contaminated and before you know it , we will have an epidemic on our hands .
“ We don ’ t have enough tests to test everyone , ” an official was saying .
“ We can only test those who are really sick , are in a hospital and seem to have the virus .
We will test some people who have been in contact with people who have tested positive.
” An @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was giving his expert advice .
People don ’ t need face masks .
People just need soap and water .
If you are feeling sick , don ’ t go to work .
Stay home .
Call your doctor and make an appointment .
As I listened to all of this , I kept thinking one thing , “ Have any of these people had any contact with the real world ?
” For example , I heard the following advice 93 times : “ Call your pharmacy and stock up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case there is a quarantine.
” Are these experts , newscasters and federal officials aware that we can not stock up on prescription drugs any time we want ?
A pharmacy will not just hand out drugs without a prescription .
Even if you get a prescription from your doctor , however , the pharmacy isn ’ t going to fill it unless the insurance company approves it .
I have called in refill orders a day or two early and been refused .
I have offered to pay the pharmacy out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pharmacy is not having any of that .
If there are new rules in play for COVID-19 , someone ought to tell us .
That brings me back to the call-your-doctor thing .
A survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 45 % of 18- to 29-year-olds and 28 % of 30- to 40-year-olds didn ’ t have a primary care provider .
Twelve percent of people 65 and older don ’ t have a primary care doctor , either .
Those of us who live in the real world realize 99.5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their phones .
If you are lucky , you will get a nurse , or a doctor ’ s assistant to pick up the phone .
But more than half the time , you will get a receptionist or , my favorite , an answering machine .
“ Call 911 if this is a real emergency , press 1 if you are dying from the plague … ” Under normal conditions , you might get an appointment in a couple of weeks to a month .
But if you have the virus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call back ?
Is the receptionist going to want you near his or her counter ?
But you wouldn ’ t know if you had the virus because you haven ’ t been tested , right ?
It could just be a cold , you weenie .
Stay home .
Suck it up .
Credibility , they say , is essential during this national emergency .
So why are people on TV repeatedly telling me stuff that isn ’ t true ?
And I still can ’ t figure out why public bathrooms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out enough water to wash your hands and soap dispensers that don ’ t work .
Why isn ’ t that public health priority No .
1 because there ’ s nothing else the experts can do for us ?

Call your doctor only when you are pretty sure you have coronavirus, said the person on TV. Don’t bother him or her if you are merely coughing, sneezing, wheezing and feeling putrid.
If I were a doctor, maybe I would know if I had coronavirus or not. Probably not, because doctors need tests for that, and we don’t have enough tests.
I changed the channel.
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“Do not go to the emergency room!” warned someone who looked like a doctor.
If people suffering from the plague rush to hospital emergency rooms unannounced, the TV doctor said, all the people in waiting rooms will be contaminated, the admission clerks will be contaminated and before you know it, we will have an epidemic on our hands.
I changed channels once again.
“We don’t have enough tests to test everyone,” an official was saying. “We can only test those who are really sick, are in a hospital and seem to have the virus. We will test some people who have been in contact with people who have tested positive.”
I changed the channel again.
An interviewer was talking to a medical expert who was giving his expert advice.
People don’t need face masks. People just need soap and water. If you are feeling sick, don’t go to work. Stay home. Call your doctor and make an appointment.
As I listened to all of this, I kept thinking one thing, “Have any of these people had any contact with the real world?”
For example, I heard the following advice 93 times: “Call your pharmacy and stock up on any medications you may need in case there is a quarantine.”
Are these experts, newscasters and federal officials aware that we cannot stock up on prescription drugs any time we want?
A pharmacy will not just hand out drugs without a prescription. Even if you get a prescription from your doctor, however, the pharmacy isn’t going to fill it unless the insurance company approves it.
I have called in refill orders a day or two early and been refused. I have offered to pay the pharmacy out of my own pocket. Nope. The pharmacy is not having any of that.
If there are new rules in play for COVID-19, someone ought to tell us. That brings me back to the call-your-doctor thing.
A survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 45% of 18- to 29-year-olds and 28% of 30- to 40-year-olds didn’t have a primary care provider.
Twelve percent of people 65 and older don’t have a primary care doctor, either.
But let’s overlook that.
Those of us who live in the real world realize 99.5% of all doctors do not answer their phones.
If you are lucky, you will get a nurse, or a doctor’s assistant to pick up the phone. But more than half the time, you will get a receptionist or, my favorite, an answering machine.
“Call 911 if this is a real emergency, press 1 if you are dying from the plague … ”
Under normal conditions, you might get an appointment in a couple of weeks to a month. But if you have the virus, are you even going to get a call back? Is the receptionist going to want you near his or her counter?
But you wouldn’t know if you had the virus because you haven’t been tested, right? It could just be a cold, you weenie. Stay home. Suck it up.
Credibility, they say, is essential during this national emergency. So why are people on TV repeatedly telling me stuff that isn’t true?
And I still can’t figure out why public bathrooms have faucets that don’t put out enough water to wash your hands and soap dispensers that don’t work. Why isn’t that public health priority No. 1 because there’s nothing else the experts can do for us?
Send letters to: letters@suntimes.com.