Illustration: John Wiencek The moment Bears fans realized this year’s team was for real, everyone began making inevitable comparisons to the legendary 1985 squad. That team was stocked with larger-than-life characters-Hall of Famers, eccentrics, and braggarts-which made them media darlings. (Heck, even the defensive coordinator scored endorsement deals.) Outside of linebacker Brian Urlacher, the ’06 … Read more
When I moved to Chicago from Hungry Horse, Montana, some adjustment was required. As a rule, Chicagoans don’t practice grizzly-avoidance strategies or get in much backcountry skiing in avalanche country. But after some digging, I uncovered five ways to get an adrenaline fix within an hour’s drive of downtown. Here are favorites in heart-pumping order. … Read more
Here today, gone today. That’s the mantra of the city’s fickle nightlife scene. As with relationships, the minute you find a favorite spot, it either closes or relocates. But in the case of Pops for Champagne (601 N. State St.), which was loyal to its Sheffield location in Lake View Pops knows best: readers clink drinks at … Read more
Shooting a 9-inch-wide ball through an 18-inch-diameter basket from more than 23 feet away is no easy feat, but Bulls guard Ben Gordon is quickly becoming one of the league’s top 3-point shooters. He is currently ranked tenth among the NBA’s all-time career leaders in 3-point field goal percentage (.413). Asked about other long-range shooters … Read more
Jay Mariotti says he doesn’t play by jock rules, referring to Chicago sports media. Read more about how he’s dealt with the critisism from both the sports media and athletes.
The first U.S. city to host the Gay Games in more than a decade, Chicago expects to welcome some 12,000 participants from about 50 countries beginning July 15th. Here are a few standouts representing the 2,000-member Team Chicago and where audiences can go to cheer them on.
A Spanish rookie joins the season’s hottest dance ticket.
Chicago Bulls mascot Benny the Bull isn?t the only furry friend who’s run into trouble on the sidelines. The Closer reveals more members of his ornery order.
Even elite athletes seem to falter when it matters most. University of Chicago psychologist Sian Beilock aims to discover why.
