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Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic Robie House reopens after major restoration

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Frederick C. Robie House is ready to welcome the public following an $11 million project to restore the famous structure back to its original 1910 grandeur.

Built as a private residence near the University of Chicago’s Hyde Park campus, the Robie House epitomizes Wright’s Prairie School architectural style. The early 20th-century movement drew both its name and inspiration from the Midwest’s flat landscapes and earthy tones. The approach is embodied in the home’s strong horizontal lines, cantilevered roof eaves, and wrap-around leaded art glass windows.

Despite the structure’s architectural significance, the years have not necessarily been kind to the Robie House. Its current steward and operator, the nonprofit Frank Lloyd Wright Trust, enlisted Chicago-based Harboe Architects—the same firm that led the stunning 2017 restoration of Wright’s Unity Temple in Oak Park—to recreate damaged or missing elements and bring it back in line with Wright’s original vision.

After completing repairs to the structure’s exterior brickwork and recreating the front door (the original was destroyed during a student demonstration in the 1960s), the Harboe team turned its attention to the building’s interior.

In the living room, an innovative space at the time for its open floorplan, the team recreated the original c surrounding the fireplace as well as brass sconces and suspended globe lights. The lime-based plaster paint was meticulously returned to its original texture and autumnal color palette of pale yellow, salmon, and ochre.

Several pieces of original Wright-designed furniture, such as the home’s dining table and chairs, were returned to the Robie House—on loan from the University of Chicago’s Smart Museum of Art. Furnishings and ornamentation were equally vital components of Wright’s architectural plans. Their reappearance makes the Robie House once again spiritually whole.

“This restoration has brought back the magic of the house,” said John Rafkin, chairman of the Robie House Restoration Committee and vice-chairman of the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust board of directors in a statement. “As proud stewards of the Robie House, we welcome visitors from the neighborhood, city, region, and around the world to share in a unique and profound architectural experience.”

Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin showered praise on the project’s attention to detail and the “architectural symphony” of the finished product. “It’s a masterpiece. The word, often overused, fits. Let’s use it,” he wrote.

In addition to restoring Wright’s vision for future generations to enjoy, the renovation could further the case for the structure’s future status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Robie House—along with seven other notable examples of Wright’s work—is currently being evaluated by a UNESCO committee. That decision is expected in July.

Beginning Friday, the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust will offer 50-minute guided tours of the Robie House as well as a 30-minute self-guided walking tour of the building and the surrounding blocks. Access to the Robie House is also included in the Trust’s upcoming Wright Plus housewalk, scheduled for Saturday, May 18. Additional visitor information is available on the group’s website.

Source: https://chicago.curbed.com/2019/3/27/18282498/frank-lloyd-wright-robie-house-restoration

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MLB needs to decide who Players Weekend is for

It only took three years for Major League Baseball’s Players Weekend to go from novelty to annoyance and that’s a bit amazing.

It’s also extremely predictable given what fans have seen from MLB over the last century or so. The only way it’s shown it can operate is with strict adherence to whatever rules — written or otherwise — it puts in place no matter how silly the League ends up looking for it. And if you look around baseball on Saturday, you’ll see plenty of silliness.

If it’s not another manager or player bemoaning the monochromatic jerseys, it’s the league quickly chastising teams for daring to wear their normal caps or straight up refusing to allow the Dodgers and Yankees to wear their own iconic threads during a rare inter-league matchup.

No one is complaining about the players using their nicknames instead of surnames or that the custom cleats are distracting. The bigger issue seems to be that MLB isn’t quite sure who it wants Players Weekend to benefit.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 23: Manager Joe Maddon #70 of the Chicago Cubs stands on the field prior to the game against the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field on August 23, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)

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Here’s how MLBPA executive director Tony Clark described the genesis of the weekend gimmick back during it’s inaugural year in 2017:

"Players are increasingly interested in finding unique ways to connect with their fans by allowing them to see more of their personalities and interests. The collective desire to express their diverse interests and backgrounds is what motivated players to lobby for the creation of Players Weekend. This will be an exciting and unique opportunity for the players to literally wear their passions on their sleeves, and equipment, too, as they embrace this chance to let their true identities shine."

Where is any of that on the field right now? What about dressing players up like they’re about to act out a live version of “Spy vs. Spy” allows their personalities to shine?

Baseball players gave the league a near-perfect premise to spice up three games out of the 162 each club plays and MLB couldn’t get out of its own way to make it happen. Instead it tried to legislate fun, hoping squeeze a profit from it via a few extra jersey sales.

As long as that’s the case all future Players Weekends will feel as stale as this year’s does.

If Players Weekend were to follow Clark’s words it would look vastly different than it does now. We’d see something like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Cavan Biggio each rocking their dad’s old threads. Or Anthony Rizzo custom designing his own jersey that shows off the various causes and charities he supports.

It would look like teams choosing whether they all want to wear the same colorways or if players wanted to each pick their own. It wouldn’t confine all clubs to a specific weekend where they were forced to wear the uniforms, it would give teams options. Instead of making it harder to enjoy Yankees-Dodgers, New York could choose to add some flair to another otherwise meaningless game against a rebuilding team.

The idea of uniformity on a weekend expressly designed for individuality is never going to work no matter how much Major League Baseball tries to force it.

As long as that’s the case, Players Weekend will be about the players in name only.

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Blake Schuster is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at blakeschuster@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!

More from Yahoo Sports:

Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb-needs-to-decide-who-players-weekend-is-for-211230598.html?src=rss

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Lukewarm Stove: Marlins Insane Price on Realmuto, Dozier and the Brewers, Pollock, Phillies, More

Hey. I’m in Tampa, Florida. That’s neat. [Brett: So I guess when I said the thing earlier about Michael being on vacation, I meant “mostly” on vacation … ]

And while I may not have any Rays rumors for you this hot and sunny afternoon where I lounge, another Florida team remains in the news – but with this attitude, I’m not sure for how long:

I get that the Marlins might feel a little gun-shy after receiving sub-par returns (and some embarrassment) for their trades of the 2017 and 2018 NL MVPs, but that sort of request for J.T. Realmuto is nearly laughable. Realmuto is a phenomenal catcher, but he’s really only got ONE good offensive season under his belt and he has only two more years of team control. Bellinger, to use Rosenthal’s example, is four years younger, isn’t even arbitration eligible for another year, and has a total of FIVE more years of team control. You want him AND good prospects? I mean, nah … that’s not happening. That’s nuts. One or the other (especially prospects)? Yeah, sure. And I still believe Realmuto will be on the move this winter, but it won’t be for Bellinger++. Get outta here with that.

The Nationals are apparently looking into second baseman Brian Dozier, as a sort of short-term stopgap, but they’re joined, at least, by the Milwaukee Brewers. The Cubs were connected to Dozier earlier in the season, though it’s not entirely clear how the addition of Daniel Descalso really affects that. Dozier has some more obvious upside if he can bounce back from 2018, but the Cubs might be fine rolling with some combination of Ben Zobrist, David Bote, and Descalso at second base while Javy Baez handles shortstop – and that’s without considering the Addison Russell of it all. Ultimately, if the Cubs are going to add another middle-infielder, I suspect it’ll be someone who can more obviously cover shortstop in the event of Russell’s departure.

Oh, hey look, I do have a Rays rumor for you: The Rays, Astros, and Dodgers have reportedly shown some interest in displaced (by Paul Goldschmidt) Cardinals first baseman Jose Martinez. However, the Cardinals are apparently reluctant to move Martinez, in case Dexter Fowler fails to bounce back and/or if Goldschmidt doesn’t want to sign an extension beyond 2019. Martinez’s bat makes him an extremely attractive trade candidate, but his defensive limitations cut that in half. An American League team seems to make more sense to me, but we’ll see if the Cardinals don’t just hang on until things are more clear with Goldschmidt. This could all be posturing by the Cardinals, of course, who may not yet like the offers they’ve received.

A.J. Pollock’s market continues to linger on, and the White Sox and Phillies are likely his most obvious landing spots at the moment. With that said, Jeff Passan also throws in the Indians, Mets, Reds (who still don’t have a center fielder, even though they traded for two Dodger OFs), and other teams, as well. I know we push for the Cubs to get Bryce Harper a lot around here, but that’s not necessarily because we think they need “an outfielder.” In other words, I don’t think Pollock is the sort of outfielder the Cubs will want to target. They need a more obvious *offensive* upgrade instead, and with Jason Heyward and Albert Almora around, a corner outfielder with an elite bat would do just fine.

It’s easy to lose sight of this, but there are still a ton of quality free agents out there like catcher Yasmani Grandal, second baseman D.J. LeMahieu, starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel, and relievers Craig Kimbrel and Adam Ottavino. Jeff Passan has the latest on each of them, so be sure to check that post out. And I mention those names specifically, by the way, because they’ve all been connected to the Cubs, the NL Central, or a team like the Dodgers, each of which could end up impacting the Cubs’ chances or plans for 2019 and beyond. There is still SO MUCH offseason in front of us, I keep losing sight of it thanks to the robust trade and free agent markets.

Although adding a player like Troy Tulowitzki – who costs very little and is as likely to make no impact at all as he is to help even a little – should have no effect on the Yankees’ ability or desire to get Manny Machado, there are still implications. Joel Sherman lays them out:

I actually found point 4a particularly compelling: while adding Tulowitzki does not mean the Yankees can’t or shouldn’t get Machado, it could signal their concern that he will be signing elsewhere. I don’t think the union would be very justified in complaining about the Yankees saying they’re out on him publicly, but I also think keeping that quiet would be appreciated (perhaps by everyone besides the team that signs him). For what it’s worth, I still think Machado ends up in New York.

But even if that is the case, it doesn’t necessarily have to happen soon:

Obviously, now that the Phillies have signed David Robertson, all attention is turning to guys like Zach Britton and Adam Ottavino. And according to Jayson Stark, Britton has been holding out for a 4-year deal, which would be a no thanks from me (you can say it depends on the financials, but this is Britton and Boras – we know it ain’t gonna be a low AAV). The Yankees, however, have reportedly been in discussions with Britton, so he may wind up returning there.

As for the Cubs, well, we know they’re likely to add some lower-tier relief arms (in this market, that’s actually not a bad plan), but we always held out hope that one of those big left-handed relievers – Andrew Miller or Zach Britton – would wind up falling into their lap. With Miller in St. Louis and Britton possibly zeroing in on New York, though, that may be that.

Mark Sheldon has a little rumor roundup on the Reds, who aren’t done adding this winter. In addition to a center fielder, as we mentioned above, they’re still in play for another starting pitcher, be it through free agency (Dallas Keuchel, Wade Miley, Gio Gonzalez, Derek Holland) or trade (Sonny Gray). The Reds were previously connected to the Indians’ available starters, Corey Kluber and Trevor Bauer, but both sides have seemed to back off such a deal in recent weeks. I think it’ll be tough for the Reds to really compete this summer, but they’ve certainly made moves like they think they can. With Joey Votto still kicking it, maybe it’s possible.

The Pirates have added former Cardinals reliever Tyler Lyons and could still look to add a free-agent shortstop. I don’t think that interest (in a shortstop) will necessarily overlap with the Cubs – I can’t see them signing Jose Iglesias, Freddy Galvis, or Adeiny Hechavarria – but I suppose it’s possible. Again, with Descalso in the fold and the Russell decision still unclear, the Cubs plans are difficult to discern as far as shortstop goes, so it’s good to keep a tab on things.

And just a bit of confirmation that the Phillies do plan to meet with Bryce Harper, as came out yesterday:

Source: https://www.bleachernation.com/2019/01/03/lukewarm-stove-marlins-insane-price-on-realmuto-dozier-and-the-brewers-pollock-phillies-more/

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Genetic data can improve breast cancer care for underserved populations

A study comparing DNA and RNA data from Nigerian breast cancer patients to patients in a United States database found that certain aggressive molecular features were far more prevalent in tumors from Nigerian women than in black or white American women.

In a study in Nature Communications, the authors say those differences in multiple molecular features could in part explain disparities in breast cancer mortality for women from Nigeria, and perhaps other West African nations.

“In the era of precision medicine, our data provide insights that could reduce the number of deaths from breast cancer across sub-Saharan Africa and the developing world,” said study author Olufunmilayo Olopade, the Walter L. Palmer Distinguished Service Professor of Medicine and Human Genetics.

“Without data, we make wrong policies,” she added. “Understanding the molecular mechanisms that trigger lethal breast cancers is the most fundamental question remaining in breast cancer research, and is a crucial first step toward intervention.”

The study compares genomic data from 1,037 U.S. patients, provided by The Cancer Genome Atlas, to genomic data from 194 Nigerian women with breast cancer. The researchers found multiple, often unexpected, genetic differences between the racial and ethnic groups.

Although the Nigerian patients in the study were much younger, on average, they had more advanced disease at diagnosis and higher mortality rates than women from the TCGA group, most of whom were of European heritage. Breast cancer rates are increasing in Nigeria and across sub-Saharan Africa at an alarming pace without the necessary infrastructure to stem the epidemic.

In a transnational collaboration to establish a platform for translational breast cancer research in Africa, researchers from the University of Chicago, Novartis Biomedical Research Institute, University of Ibadan and Lagos State University identified 25 different genes from Nigerian patients that were significantly mutated but potentially treatable with novel therapies in clinical trials.

Aggressive features found in these women include the inability to repair damaged DNA—a mutational process known as homologous recombination deficiency, for which there are emerging therapies. These include drugs in development that target the immune system.

One of the most frequently mutated genes was the tumor-suppressor gene TP53. Sixty-two percent of the African women in the study had TP53 alterations, compared to 46 percent of African-Americans with breast cancer and 29 percent of the TCGA group, primarily U.S. women of European ancestry. The second most frequently mutated gene is human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), for which there are highly effective therapies. “Nigerian women,” Olopade said, “should be provided access to HER2 targeted therapies.”

Overall, younger Nigerian patients had more mutations in TP53, and in GATA3, which is associated with estrogen receptors, than black patients from the TCGA. White TCGA patients had fewer mutations than black TCGA patients.

They also found significant cancer-related mutations in three genes that had not been previously associated with breast cancer: PLK2, KDM6A and B2M. (A fourth gene was identified after the current study was under review.) PLK2 is a presumed tumor suppressor. KDM6A is frequently mutated in other cancers, and B2M inactivation has been associated with lung cancer.

Tumors from Nigerian women were frequently characterized by “molecular features of aggressive disease,” said co-senior author Jordi Barretina, formerly at the Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research in Massachusetts, now the director of the Girona Biomedical Research Institute in Spain. “The most prominent was the prevalence of homologous recombination deficiency among women with estrogen-receptor positive disease.”

The study, according to the authors, “lays the foundation for a more concerted effort to reduce disparities in cancer outcomes by first closing the knowledge gaps. Nigerian women,” they add, “could benefit from increased access to genomically tailored treatments.”

Citation: “Characterization of Nigerian breast cancer reveals prevalent homologous recombination deficiency and aggressive molecular features,” Jason J. Pitt et al., Nature Communications, October 16, 2018. Doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-06616-0

Source: https://news.uchicago.edu/story/genetic-data-can-improve-breast-cancer-care-underserved-populations

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Nastiest Sliders, Darvish, More Wedding Fun, Cuba Deal, and Other Bullets

So, Alabama and Clemson again, eh? Shrug. I wouldn’t really care either way, but are people excited to see repeat match-ups in college football, or is that kinda boring?

Before you watch these devastating sliders, can you guess which four Cubs pitchers make an appearance, and which pitcher appears twice? Had I been given that question before watching, I think I would have gotten three of the four, but I would have missed on the guy who appears twice:

Dillon Maples is an obvious one, and I think he could have been on there more than once. But he wasn’t. Pedro Strop is also an obvious one, because he’s got one of the most productive sliders in baseball. I didn’t think about Steve Cishek, which was a whoops on my part. And then there’s Yu Darvish, who showed up twice in the first video. You didn’t forget about his nasty slider, right? Remember that whole discussion early in the year? He was definitely losing something on it, which in hindsight was probably health-related, but it would still sometimes make guys look silly.

Man … please be healthy and effective in 2019, Yu. My dude can be so, so much fun to watch (in addition to, you know, helping the Cubs win games).

The Cubs’ most valuable sliders in 2018 were, in order: Cishek, Strop, Randy Rosario, Luke Farrell, Justin Hancock, Anthony Bass, Alec Mills, Brandon Kintzler, and James Norwood (everyone after that either has negative value or doesn’t throw a slider). So that’s … um … a thing.

Fun from the Rizzo Wedding last night:

God bless NBC Sports Chicago for popping these highlights each day:

How can you ever get enough of Sahadev Sharma? Here he is on MLBN talking about the Cubs’ offseason:

The political machine is taking aim at MLB’s deal to protect Cuban players and push back against dangerous human trafficking. Nationals closer Sean Doolittle is having none of it:

Was #FlyTheW still being used in the 2017 postseason? I feel like it was not, but maybe I’m misremembering. Anyway, hooray random cheap stuff:

The Bears have a chance to land a first round bye today if they beat the Vikings and the Rams lose to the 49ers (not likely), so we’ll see what happens. What a freaking regular season either way.

Source: https://www.bleachernation.com/2018/12/30/nastiest-sliders-darvish-more-wedding-fun-cuba-deal-and-other-bullets/

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Indie music venues ask city to slow Lincoln Yards, create ‘Night Mayor’ position

Just before Sterling Bay’s meeting about Lincoln Yards began, the city’s indie music venues held a press conference just a floor below in the same building to announce CIVL, a coalition spearheaded by Robert Gomez of Subterranean and Beat Kitchen, and Katie Tuten of The Hideout. The room was overflowing with CIVL supporters—musicians, photographers, longtime concert-goers, and other industry folk.

The Hideout is just a few blocks from the proposed soccer stadium in the Lincoln Yards development. Live Nation has signed on to invest millions into the entertainment district which makes Tuten, Gomez and others concerned about what will happen to their venues and others around the city.

Ultimately, CIVL wants responsible development and more transparency from the developer Sterling Bay. At their press conference the coalition released a list of recommendations for the city to make that happen.

CIVL is asking that officials slow things down and pass off decisions about finances and the new TIF district to the next mayor and city council. Although the Cortland/Chicago River TIF District has become controversial now, it was first proposed in the North Branch Framework Plan back in July 2017.

The CIVL press conference Thursday night.

Sara Freund / Curbed Chicago

The coalition also suggests creating the position of Night Mayor, which would head a music board within the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE). The Night Mayor would oversee and advocate for the city’s creative nightlife which would preserve the culture and vibrancy it has brought to the neighborhoods.

Washington D.C. just named its own Night Mayor who serves as a liaison between the city and after-hours establishments. The job can help organize a creative industry that municipalities sometimes view as disruptive or bad. But this type of position isn’t new. One example is an organization in Berlin which has been advocating for nightlife and working with developers to show the value of preserving local venues and neighborhoods for the past 15 years.

Other recommendations include forming an economic advisory committee to represent independent venues, creating a collective bargaining unit for the entertainment industry, funding a music census to gauge the industry’s economic value, fostering competition, and create citywide safety protocols with recourse plans for harassment.

In general, club owners are worried about how their businesses will fair with the possibility of a huge new venue owned by the country’s largest promoter. Live Nation also owns Lollapalooza and some owners have questions about how the new venue might affect the after shows from that festival which likely requires artists to sign a radius clause that is standard in the industry, according to Block Club.

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The exact plans around the entertainment district haven’t been entirely clear either. Sterling Bay did meet with the owners of The Hideout in September, but it’s obvious from the contentious meeting on Thursday that there is more that needs to be discussed.

During the open forum after Sterling Bay presented new details of the development’s master plan, Tuten was one of the last people to get to a microphone. Several times she asked Sterling Bay if it would drop the project if they didn’t get money from a tax increment-financing (TIF) district, which is a controversial tool used by the city to fund infrastructure. At this point, a TIF district has not been created but it’s something the officials are considering.

While Keating Crown, principal and senior management at Sterling Bay, didn’t say yes or no it was clear the developer can’t imagine this project moving ahead without TIF money to finance infrastructure updates. And, with a project of this size the roads and transit absolutely need to be improved. It’s just up to the residents and 2nd Ward Brian Hopkins to decide on whether creating a new TIF district is an appropriate to pay for those changes.

While the formation of CIVL was spurred by a reaction to the Lincoln Yards development, the coalition has other goals beyond Sterling Bay. A subcommittee within CIVL is dedicated to improving the independent music scene in Chicago by holding venues accountable for the bullying and sexual harassment that takes place during events.

Regardless of whether the city and Sterling Bay will give CIVL a seat at the table right now, it’s clear they’ve made their voices heard and will continue to do so.

Source: https://chicago.curbed.com/2018/11/30/18119592/the-hideout-civl-coalition-sterling-bay-entertainment-district

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Chicago city council approves $500M Obama Presidential Center

The Chicago City Council has approved agreements between the City of Chicago and the Obama Foundation related to the Obama Presidential Center and Museum.

The ordinance passed includes a master agreement, use agreement, and other agreements between the foundation and the city, which together outline how the foundation and the city will work together to ensure the center is providing substantial public benefits.

The center will be located in Jackson Park on the South Side of Chicago, near the University of Chicago campus. The university provides planning, support, engagement and programming. Included within the center’s plans is a new branch for the Chicago Public Library.

In addition, the council also passed a related ordinance authorizing road and pedestrian safety improvements that will reconnect the center’s site in historic Jackson Park.

Under the use agreement, the foundation will occupy 19.3 acres of the 250-acre park to build the center, whose buildings will then be deeded to the city and owned by the people of Chicago.

The center is also undergoing a federal review process under the National Environmental Policy Act and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act given Jackson Park’s historic designation, as well as under the Federal-Aid Highway Act given the road improvement work.

Source: https://chicagoconstructionnews.com/chicago-city-council-approves-500m-obama-presidential-center/

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Don’t Overpay For a Home – Wear Your Poker Face

This is the first in our new advice series to help buyers achieve a more satisfying home purchase.

What you’ll pay for a home depends on how well you negotiate an offer. Negotiations will be influenced by the sellers’ perception of how much you want their home. That’s why you need to watch your behavior when visiting a home for sale. If you think you’re too sharp to slip-up, keep reading.

I refer to the correct behavior as wearing your poker face, but it involves more than just controlling your non-verbal behavior. You also need to watch what you say and do.

Watch Your Non-Verbal Communication & Behavior

One of my repeat clients was president of a medical device company. He was a smart man, but had one of the worst poker faces! At an open house we attended he rushed from room to room clearly excited about the possibilities. I watched the seller’s agent watch my buyer. She was clearly attuned to his over the top level of interest. Fortunately, that wasn’t the home he made on offer on, but if it had been all negotiating power would have been lost. Right before our next showing I gently reminded him to wear his poker face.

Years ago when I was representing a seller a woman who had seen the condo came back during an open house. She not only stayed for an extended period, but started measuring some of the spaces. When her offer came in it was accompanied by pages of documentation by her agent on why the condo was overpriced. I advised my seller to hold firm on his price knowing how the woman had already mentally moved in. The buyer increased her offer twice before my seller gave a little on his asking price.

Don’t Answer Questions From The Seller’s Agent About Your Situation or Motivation

If you’re looking at homes downtown or within a few miles of downtown the seller’s agent will typically be present when you visit a home for sale. You will encounter varying levels of questioning trying to determine your situation and level of interest.

I worked with a couple moving from the suburbs into the city. Since seller agents are rarely at showings in the suburbs my buyers weren’t used to having an agent representing the seller present while they viewed a home and didn’t like the idea. I prepared them ahead of time that they might get anywhere from a few to several questions from the sellers’ agents. At one showing an assistant of a big name agent was present. He bombarded my buyers with questions.

How long have you been shopping for a home?

Why are you looking for a home?

Are you looking at other homes today?

Where are you moving from?

Is this space big enough for you?

What do you think of the home?

My buyers ignored every question! Not answering a question that reveals your situation or motivation isn’t being rude. It’s being a smart negotiator. If you aren’t comfortable ignoring a question, smile at the seller agent and ask her a question.

Watch What You Say & Do When A Seller Agent Isn’t There

Cameras and recording devices are no longer only multi-million dollar home accessories. Video doorbells, nanny cams and other recording devices are now commonplace. It’s best to assume that your entire visit to a home for sale is being recorded. Thus, don’t say or do anything you wouldn’t do in front of the seller’s agent.

If you want to discuss something with your spouse or your agent, lower your voice. Even better jot it down on a note and hand it to them.

Watch What You Say & Do Even After You’ve Left A Home

Back when 10 E Delaware was a new development some clients and I had lunch next door at the hotel after leaving the sales office. We were seated within earshot of another couple talking about their offer for a 10 E Delaware condo. Fortunately, for the other couple it was us and not someone on staff at 10 E Delaware who overheard them!

Source: https://www.chicagometroarearealestate.com/dont-overpay-for-a-home-wear-your-poker-face/

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Dodgers troll Madison Bumgarner by sporting 'Go get it out of the ocean' shirts

The Los Angeles Dodgers have added more fuel to the fire in their on-going feud with Madison Bumgarner and the San Francisco Giants.

Days after infielder Max Muncy coined the phrase “Go get it out of the ocean“ after hitting a home run into McCovey Cove against the Giants ace, Muncy and teammate Enrique Hernández were spotted sporting T-shirts with the same phrase prior to Friday’s game against the Chicago Cubs.

All of the fire emojis.

The original issue stemmed from Bumgarner’s response to the home run.

Bumgarner is well known as one of baseball’s utmost respecters of the unwritten rules. When he felt Muncy admired the home run a little too long, he shouted his disapproval.

That’s what prompted Muncy’s memorable response.

Not surprisingly, the phrase has quickly become an unofficial slogan for Dodgers players and for the fans. And you better believe it’s being marketed. By Monday, there were already shirts with that phrase that were licensed by the MLB Players Association and available for purchase.

It’s one thing though for the fans to buy them and wear them to Dodger Stadium. It’s quite another when the players jump on board and not so subtly take jabs.

The feud between Bumgarner and Dodgers dates back a long time, with Yasiel Puig being the Dodger who most frequently irritated the former World Series MVP. With the feud continuing into the post-Puig era, it appears there’s no end in sight.

The only potential interruption might be a Bumgarner trade to the American League. But even that leaves the door open for more fireworks.

More from Yahoo Sports:

Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/dodgers-troll-madison-bumgarner-by-sporting-go-get-it-out-of-the-ocean-shirts-005944087.html?src=rss

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In Dolores Prida's semiautobiographical play Casa Propia, a Cuban immigrant family deals with home ownership

The late Cuban-American columnist and playwright Dolores Prida aptly called her 1999 semiautobiographical play, about a matriarchal Cuban immigrant family's struggles with East Harlem home ownership, A Room of One's Own infused with Lysistrata. Conflicted trailblazer Olga, who believes owning land in America is meaningful vengeance against a society that largely denies her existence, fights to purchase property where her cynical daughter, Marilis, and domineering mother-in-law, Fefa, might establish permanent refuge, despite her lothario husband Manolo's insistence he can't be tied to one spot (as it might inhibit his incessant philandering, particularly with curvaceous new neighbor Yarisa). Watching over everything is the aged, enigmatic Fanny, the last Italian-American in this once all-Italian neighborhood.

Prida also called the play an opera without music, a description director Sándor Menéndez wisely disregards, injecting ensemble and solo songs floor-show style throughout the show's 80 minutes. Even more wisely, he turns Prida's overly familiar material into a kind of adult fairy tale (Olga's home is a five-foot-tall doll's house on wheels, for example), greatly emphasizing the script's metatheatricality and turning nearly stereotypical characters into iconic figures. It's an ingenious solution that elevates everything to a playfully mythic realm, complete with a childlike narrator cum mischievous angel

As usual, Aguijón Theater assembles nimble, judicious players who breathe convincing life into their characters and find intoxicating rhythms in both spoken and sung dialogue. And when Alba Guerra as squeaky-voiced crone Fanny finally opens up and sings, you'll wish she'd go on all night.   v

Source: https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/casa-propia-aguijon-theater/Content?oid=60818626

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Phil Emery’s Draft Legacy

Phil Emery served as the Bears’ general manager for only three years, and his time is mostly remembered, justifiably, as a disaster. However, he actually drafted better than most fans might appreciate.

Consider this—of the nearly 800 players drafted in the NFL during the time that Emery was a GM, a bit less than a third of them were active through 2018 (252/763). By comparison, 7 of Emery’s 20 draft picks were still active through 2018. That’s just a bit more than a third, but it functionally suggests that Emery was about average for the league. Already, Emery is doing better than most of his critics might suggest, and it actually gets better for the man’s advocates (if any such creatures exist).

Only 91 of the 763 drafted players have been selected to Pro Bowls in some capacity. That’s about 12% of the total. Meanwhile, four of Emery’s picks were selected for the Pro Bowl; that’s 20%. The 2012, 2013, and 2014 drafts combined for 188 Pro Bowl selections. That’s good for 0.24 Pro Bowl selections per player taken. Phil Emery’s players combined for 6 Pro Bowl selections, good for 0.30 Pro Bowl selections per player taken. No matter how I work the numbers, Emery consistently found top-end talent more often than might be expected, and that’s impressive since his worst draft position was #14.

Likewise, Emery’s selections have had staying power, too. A bit more than a third of players taken during this time (258) have played in at least 64 games, or the equivalent of four full seasons. Meanwhile, 8 of Emery’s selections (40%) have made that same mark. Given that Emery himself did not last four seasons, this suggests that his players have stayed because of their talent, not because of favoritism. In short, Emery was a bit better than the average for the league when evaluated in terms of his ability to find top-end talent and players with the potential to stay in the league.

That seems wrong, but it holds true when the individual drafts are considered, as well.

2012 was bad. Shea McClellin, taken with the 19th pick overall, is tied for the 79th most valuable player in that draft per Pro Football Reference’s CAV metric. That seems generous, but it also suggests that he “should have” been a third-rounder, and that seems fair. However, that same draft also saw Alshon Jeffery get selected in the second round. Jeffery is 16th in CAV out of that draft, and he’s second in that draft class for overall receiving yards, first in receiving touchdowns, and (despite his various troubles staying on the field) in the top thirty when it comes to starts coming out of that class. Whatever his struggles might be, Jeffery was a solid pick, and Emery found him in his first year.

However, Jeffery is both the beginning and the end of Emery’s early successes. This seems to validate the idea that a GM’s first year can often be a source of frustration for the fans of a franchise.

2013 was impressive, though. Emery drafted three players in the top 64 when it comes to CAV, even though he was in the 20th draft position. This is the draft that saw the Bears take Kyle Long (13th in CAV) and Jordan Mills (17th in CAV) in the same draft, suggesting that Emery knew a thing or two about offensive linemen, if nothing else. While it’s fair to say that Jordan Mills had his limitations, it’s also fair to point out that he’s a fifth-round pick who has played for six full seasons in the NFL, making it as a designated starter for five of those seasons.

So who is the third? Jonathan Bostic with 46 starts comes in at 61st in terms of CAV, and while Bostic has had trouble sticking with a team, the fact is that only 34 players in his draft class have more seasons as a designated starter than Bostic. By the measure of finding players who could stick in the NFL as starters, Emery’s work in 2013 was ahead of the curve.

2014 was even more interesting. Bears fans should appreciate All-Pro Kyle Fuller’s selection in that draft at 14th overall, even if he is only 30th when it comes to CAV. If you want a more direct measure of football impact than Pro Football Reference’s franken-stat, just note that Kyle Fuller leads his draft class in interceptions, and even with his missing season (which hurts his rank in a lot of regards), he is still 60th in games played out of that draft class.

However, the true steal was Charles Leno. Taken with the 246th pick in the draft, Leno is a Grabowski in the best sense of the term. He did make the Pro Bowl recently, but more importantly he has played in 70 games and started 62 of them. He is technically one spot ahead of Fuller in CAV, and locking down a left tackle position with steady (if unspectacular) play for years suggests that he was a solid pick. In fact, whether you judge by Pro Bowls, starts, or CAV, Leno is the fourth-best tackle taken in 2014, despite being the eleventh selected.

An honorable mention should also go to Pat O’Donnell. Taken in the 6th round, he has demonstrated that sometimes it’s better to take a steady contributor on special teams, like a punter, than to take a player unlikely to make a roster. O’Donnell has more game appearances than any other 6th-rounder in his class, and he has at least been steady.

Phil Emery had significant limitations as a general manager. He deserved to be let go. However, he actually beat the averages when it came to the draft, and the Bears still count on three of his players to be starters (Long, Leno, and Fuller) while gaining solid contributions from another player (O’Donnell). Three more players (Jeffery, Mills, and Bostic) were still making substantive contributions to their teams.

Was Emery a good GM? Probably not. Did he make some surprisingly good draft picks? Upon further review, it really seems like he did. His selection of head coaches, on the other hand...

Source: https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2019/2/20/18232752/nfl-chicago-bears-phil-emerys-draft-legacy-kyle-long-kyle-fuller-charles-leno-alshon-jeffery

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Henri Jokiharju is everything the Blackhawks had hoped he'd be

The Blackhawks were hoping Henri Jokiharju would make the team out of training camp. He did.

Then they hoped he could solidify a spot as a Top 4 defenseman. He did.

The ultimate hope was that he would become a perfect complement for Duncan Keith on the top pairing. And he’s done just that, which is saying a lot because often times last season the two-time Norris Trophy winner would find himself caught out of position covering ground for his partner.

“He allows me to play my game,” Keith said. “With him, for 19 years old, he’s pretty poised, great skater, he’s good with the puck, makes smart plays, good defensively. He’s ahead of his age, that’s for sure. Defense isn’t an easy position to break into, and he’s doing it like a veteran. It’s impressive. I enjoy playing with him. He’s a really good player.”

There have been times where Jokiharju has looked like a rookie, which hasn't been a lot. But that’s to be expected as he gets used to the grind of an 82-game season, mentally and physically.

“A little ups and downs,” Jokiharju told NBC Sports Chicago when asked to assess his season so far. “Obviously just trying to feel as confident as I could. There are some days where you're a little bit more tired, back-to-back games, have to find some energy in those games. But I think it's gone pretty well so just gotta keep going."

Through 12 games this season he has seven points (all assists); five of them came in the first three games, so he's been limited to two assists over the past nine games.

Yet, he leads all Blackhawks defensemen in even-strength ice time and coach Joel Quenneville hasn't been afraid to put him in any situation, including the penalty kill.

"He's been good," Quenneville said. "For a young kid, there's a lot to learn and absorb. The game is different than you're accustomed to, guys are bigger, stronger, smarter and I think he came in and had an excellent start. If you look at his last two games, he's played fine, getting back on track. He does a lot in the games as far as how he defends and I think that he handles the puck well and can only get better off of these levels."

Jokiharju is learning on the fly while drawing all the tough assignments, too.

On Sunday against the Edmonton Oilers, nobody on the Blackhawks logged more ice time against Connor McDavid at 5-on-5 than Jokiharju, who was out there for 13:22 of McDavid's 18:25 minutes, according to naturalstattrick.com. All the 2017 first-round pick did was limit the two-time Art Ross Trophy winner's line to only nine shot attempts for while generating 20 against his.

That's a testament to his confidence, and not getting caught up in the moment playing against some of the best hockey players in the world.

"I think all around, the players are so good," Jokiharju said. "They can hit you, everyone's got a great stick, they're really fast, stuff like that. But if you play against a superstar player, you have to treat them as just a player in the NHL. Obviously you see highlights of those players, but you can't respect those guys too much. You just want to play hard against them."

Despite making it look so easy early on, Jokiharju knows there's still a lot to learn. He wants to get stronger while also getting faster to keep up with the different types of players in the NHL.

And once he does get fully settled in, Chicago will really get a chance to see what kind of player he can become in the NHL.

"I think after Christmas I'll feel a little bit more comfortable," Jokiharju said. "It's always hard when you step into a new league, it doesn't matter where. Obviously the NHL is the biggest step in my life."

Source: https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/blackhawks/henri-jokiharju-everything-blackhawks-had-hoped-hed-be

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Are You a Fan of Art Deco? A 1-Bedroom at 143 W. Burton Place in Old Town

This 1-bedroom in the Theophil Studios at 143 W. Burton Place in Old Town recently came on the market.

The Theophil Studios is a 6-unit building that was constructed in 1892.

From the Chicago Landmark Commission Report on West Burton Place:

Original construction: 1892; artist renovation: 1940

The Theophil Studios complex is a three-story, six-unit condominium building. Originally built in 1892 as a three-story flat building, the property today is a rectangular red brick, stucco and stone corner structure that fills the lot lines. The original structure was substantially remodeled in 1940. Generally Art Moderne in style, the geometrically composed principal façade has a vertical stucco panel with stacked circular windows beside a red brick panel with rectangular windows. Portions of the windows feature stained glass elements.

The east and south eleva-tions are comprised of white stucco accented with red brick and painted wooden features, in-cluding a partially concealed outside staircase. Decorative sculptural panels by artist Edgar Miller accent the ground floor and principal entry. The architect for the remodeling was Frank LaPasso. The front yard wall and fence at grade and cantilevered entryway roof were designed as part of the 1940s renovation and are considered significant.

In 2015, a developer bought one of the properties on West Burton Place and had filed for a demolition permit.

While the street was on the National Register of Historic Places, that didn’t offer it any protection from teardowns. Only the city landmark designation offers protection.

The neighborhood banded together to get the street landmarked (everything except 1500 N. LaSalle) by 2016.

This unit is on the second floor, has south and east views, and has the original parquet floors.

It has 10 foot ceilings and what appear to be original wood built-ins.

The unit still has the original 9×6 stained glass, leaded windows in the living room and a portal window in the bedroom.

There’s a wood burning fireplace in the living/dining room.

The galley kitchen has white cabinets, black appliances and checkerboard floors.

There’s no central air but it has wall unit cooling.

There’s deeded outdoor parking available behind the building for $30,000 or you can rent a space for $225 a month.

There’s no in-unit washer/dryer but there’s free laundry on the ground floor and secure storage.

Is this unit a dream come true for vintage fans who also want to be near the shops/restaurants of Old Town?

Owen Duffy at Fulton Grace has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #2S: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 750 square feet

Sold in January 1998 for $144,500

Sold in November 2001 for $194,500

Sold in June 2002 for $214,000

Currently listed at $295,000 (plus $30,000 for parking- or you can rent the parking for $225 a month)

Assessments of $250 a month (includes heat, scavenger)

Taxes of $3783

No central air- wall unit cooling

No in-unit washer/dryer but free laundry on the ground level

Bedroom: 12×10

Living room: 17×11

Dining room: 11×9

Kitchen: 9×7

Storage: 5×5

This entry was posted on Monday, February 25th, 2019 at 5:35 am and is filed under Historic Properties, Old Town. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Source: http://cribchatter.com/?p=25754

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Chuck's Daily Check In - 12.27.18

FINAL FROM THE UNITED CENTER: Minnesota 119, Bulls 94. (Bulls 9-26, 5-13 at home)

LEADING SCORERS: Bulls: LaVine: 28 points. Minnesota: Rose: 24 points. LEADING REBOUNDERS: Bulls: Carter Jr. and Lopez each with 9. Minnesota: Towns: 20. LEADING ASSISTS: Bulls: Dunn: 7. Minnesota: Rose: 8.

CCI RECAP: Minnesota won the mini two game season series by jumping on the Bulls in the first quarter and never looked back. Triggered by the pace and scoring of Derrick Rose, Minnesota led by 23 at halftime. The Bulls scored 64 points in the paint and yet lost by 25. The Bulls inability to make mid-range and three-point shots coupled with the T-Wolves shooting nearly 50% from the floor made it a tough night at the office for the Bulls.

For the second time in as many games against the Bulls, Karl-Anthony Towns had a 20 rebounds performance. The jury is out on Minnesota and just how good they are in the loaded Western Conference but on this night the T-Wolves looked terrific.

The Bulls welcomed the return of Zach LaVine who scored 28 points in 26 minutes. He didn't commit a turnover and was a definite bright spot for the Bulls who saw their two-game win streak end in front of a sellout crowd at the United Center.

CCI IN THE LOCKER ROOM: Coach Boylen: "I thought Zach looked good and aggressive. I like it when he drives the ball and turns the corner. If you don't settle early, you get to the line, you get downhill. I thought all his shots were pretty good shots for the most part."

CCI GAME BALLS: Bulls: LaVine, Dunn. Minnesota: Rose, Towns.

UP NEXT: At Washington Friday.

Detroit 106, Washington 95: The Pistons went on a 25-2 run to start the second half. Andre Drummond recorded his 10th straight double-double. The Wizards have lost eight out of their last ten games and are 4-16 on the road.

Toronto 106, Miami 105: The Raps own the best record in the NBA at 26-10. Kawhi Leonard scored 30 points for Toronto. Best player in the East? Leonard or Giannis?

Phoenix 122, Orlando 120: The Suns won for the fifth time in seven games. Orlando has lost four straight.

Indiana 129, Atlanta 121: The Pacers matched a season high with 35 assists. Indiana has won 10 of 12 games.

Brooklyn 134, Charlotte 132 2OT: Joe Harris with a season-high 27 which included a driving layup with 3.4 seconds left in the second overtime. Spencer Dinwiddie is having a fabulous year as he registered 37 points and 11 assists OFF the bench. The Nets have won 9 of 10 games.

Memphis 95, Cleveland 87: The Cavs missed their first twelve shots. Marc Gasol: 20-9-6. Cleveland has lost four straight.

Dallas 122, New Orleans 119: The Mavs ended a six-game slide. Luka Doncic scored 21 points, going 11-12 from the free throw line. Anthony Davis was, well, Anthony Davis: 32-18 but an all too familiar theme; Davis is spectacular and a Pels loss. It was New Orleans' fifth straight defeat.

San Antonio 111, Denver 103: DeRozan and Aldridge combined for 57 points. Don't look now but the Spurs are ballin'. San Antonio has won 8 of 10, knocking on the Rockets door for first place in the Southwest Division.

Los Angeles Clippers 127, Sacramento 118: LAC's Montrezl Harrell is having a rock solid first half of the season. He recorded 22 points, 9 rebounds and five block shots.

Good news for the Lakers and NBA fans as LeBron James avoided a severe groin injury in Tuesday's win over the Warriors. He's listed day to day.

Thanks for reading CCI. Reach out at cswirsky@bulls.com or Twitter: @ctsbulls. Always a pleasure.

Source: https://www.nba.com/bulls/news/chucks-daily-check-122718

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A sunny Lakeview East 1-bedroom a block from Lincoln Park

http://www.350WOakdale.com http://www.ppmApartments.com

350 W Oakdale is a contemporary high-rise with large apartments, a business center and a fitness room.

The updated apartments have wood-look flooring, great closet space and available parking.

The location is close to Lincoln Park, the Broadway and Diversey restaurant and bar strips, and convenient to public transportation.

Planned Property’s Max is your tour host in this sponsored video.

Planned Property owns and manages 1,000s of apartments in prime River North, Gold Coast, Old Town, Lincoln Park and Lakeview East locations.

Source: http://yochicago.com/a-sunny-lakeview-east-1-bedroom-a-block-from-lincoln-park-2/61032/

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River North’s HUBBARD221 apartments are steps from theMART and Riverwalk

HUBBARD221, a new luxury apartment tower, has great proximity to Chicago’s fabulous Riverwalk, to theMART, to Loop offices, and to the thriving River North dining and nightlife scene.

HUBBARD221 apartments have floor-to-ceiling windows, plank flooring, in-unit washer / dryers and kitchens with Italian cabinetry and quartz countertops. You’ll appreciate the luxury details when you visit.

Studios rent from $1,953 a month, 1-bedrooms from $2,690, and 2-bedroom, 2-baths from $3,959. A penthouse-level 2-bedroom, 2-bath is available for $6,495. Three-bedroom, 2-bath apartments are all rented at this time. Ask about current special offers.

Floor plans and near real-time rent and availability info are online.

HUBBARD221 has a full suite of amenities. The expansive, south-facing rooftop deck has a pool, hot tub and private cabanas. The fitness center has an array of cardio- and strength-training equipment.

There’s a spacious resident lounge with multiple large-screen TVs, a variety of seating areas, and a kitchen.

HUBBARD221 has a convenient near-Loop location, steps from the Merchandise Mart and just two short blocks from Chicago’s exciting Riverwalk.

HUBBARD221 residents are likely to frequent the popular River North bar and restaurant scene, including the venues along Hubbard St just outside the building.

HUBBARD221 is pet-friendly and has on-site parking. The building has on-site management, maintenance and leasing staff, and 24/7 door staff.

Call 312-470-8106 to schedule an appointment, or schedule a tour online.

Source: http://yochicago.com/river-norths-hubbard221-apartments-are-steps-from-themart-and-riverwalk/61268/

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Forget Thursday Night Football!

Look. Thursday night games are usually pretty terrible. We all know that. But this one, oof. Two single win west coast teams. One who lost their starting QB and starting RB early, the other who is in Fire Sale mode, getting rid of every last bit of talent they have. I mean, I love watching football, but I’m not sure this even qualifies.

But don’t worry, WCG’s got your back! Below I’ve got a nice assortment of videos you can watch instead of Thursday Night Football. First, and foremost:

Super Bowl XX – Bears vs Patriots

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quaA__ghYaQ

Come on… you knew this was going to be in there. Watch the 85 Bears put the beat down on the Pats (bit of catharsis from the 2018 Pats game?), and get a taste of the greatest team in NFL history!

Sticking with 1985, here’s another goodin’ that I’m sure less people have seen:

Week 11, 1985 – Bears vs Cowboys

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FzDh0c2IbA

Oh yeah. Watch the DOMINANT 85 Bears defense shut out the Cowboys in their own house! Entertainment at it’s finest.

For something a little more recent, How about:

Week 6, 2006 – Bears vs Cardinals

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WA6jT-QKoeY

The classic “Who we thought they were” game, featuring that EPIC Bears comeback down in the desert. If someone doesn’t post the Denny Green gif in the comments section, I’m going to be EXTREMELY dissapointed.

In the mood for something a little different? Well, if you have a cable subscription (it automatically recognized mine), you can check this out:

ESPN’s We The Fans documentary series

http://www.espn.com/watch/player?id=3051485&lang=en

It’s an interesting look at the Bears Fans of section 250.

And of course, if you want to check out some WCG content:

Andrew Link’s Youtube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgFCLCgbjvbKvjLGec85kkQ

He’s got some great Bears breakdowns on there. Well worth the watch.

WhiskeyRanger’s Youtube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQBRBUx8mG5z1F1r9sN-zxQ

I’ve got some hopefully entertaining Bears video essays that are worth checking out as well.

I think that should get everyone through this Thursday Nightmare of a game. So, have fun, binge watch responsibly, and Bear Down everyone!

WhiskeyRanger is a freelance graphic artist/content creator, and avid Bears fan who apparently talks in the 3rd person now. You can follow him on twitter @WhiskeyRanger29, and check out his Youtube channels here: Art Channel | Football Channel

Source: https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/11/1/18051926/forget-thursday-night-football-youtube-video-links-85-bears-super-bowl-xx