More than 200 laws will take effect thanks to actions by Illinois citizens and activists working with lawmakers: improvements, refinements and updates to reflect changing times and needs.
Here are some interesting new laws to give you a quick overview of what’s coming your way:
Intimidation, stalking, cyber- stalking or transmission of obscene messages could be considered hate crimes. HB3711 Sen. Omar Aquino
A related measure expands cyberstalking penalties to cover tracking software and threats . HB3251 Sen. Tom Cullerton
When pets are considered marital assets, who gets custody can become part of the proceedings. SB1261 Sen. Linda Holmes – Starting in 2018, divorcing couples in Illinois who can’t agree on who keeps the pet will have a judge decide. Traditionally, companion animals are treated more like property to be divvied up between the couple. But officials say, with the rise of two-income, childless families, the issue of pet custody has been appearing in courtrooms more and more often. So starting January 1st, judges will have clear guidance when deciding whether to award sole custody to one pet parent or mandate they share custody. Factors will include things like who takes care of the pet on a day-to-day basis and who spends more money on things like food or vaccinations.
August 4 is our 44th President’s birthday. It’s also now Barack Obama Day in Illinois to honor the Chicagoan’s historic election and two terms in the White House. SB55 Sen. Emil Jones, III
A new state law gives 16- and 17-year olds the option of signing up to be organ and tissue donors when they apply for a driver’s license or identification card. HB1805 Sen. Mattie Hunter
Women often end up paying more than men for dry cleaning, haircuts and other services. A new state law requires price lists for standard services so customers can make more informed decisions. SB298 Sen. Melinda Bush
Now customers have the right to post reviews whether positive or negative on apps like Yelp. SB1898 Sen. Steve Stadelman
Individuals can change their gender designation on their birth certificate without undergoing gender transition. HB1785 Sen. Toi Hutchinson
With already dangerous wind chills in Chicago this season, let’s spread the warmth and donate any extra winter clothing and blankets you may have to those who need it the most. Shelters and organizations throughout the Chicagoland area are collecting winter clothing and blankets to help cloth the less fortunate. Drop off everything from scarves and mittens to pants and sweaters, coats and blankets to help keep someone else warm this winter.
Chicago Clothing Drives/Donation locations:
1. Zealous Good
2936 N Southport Ave
Accepting all kinds of donations for drop off and pick up!
5. Bottomless Closet
435 N Lasalle, lower level
Accepts used professional women’s clothing
6. Dress for Success
2314 East 75th St, 773-221-1791, [email protected]
Accepting, professional fall and winter attire, (suits, dress jackets, slacks and skirts,blouses) and new or gently used accessories (professional shoes and purses). Plus sizes preferred.
Several warming centers are dedicated for residents to find refuge from the cold. The warming centers are open between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at:
Englewood Center, 1140 W. 79th St.
Garfield Center, 10 S. Kedzie Ave.
King Center, 4314 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
North Area, 845 W. Wilson Ave.
South Chicago, 8650 S. Commercial Ave.
Trina Davila, 4312 W. North Ave.
The Garfield Center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To request a well-being check for someone who may be suffering from the cold, report inadequate heat in a residential building, or connect to shelter and supportive services, call 3-1-1.
For information on Cook County warming centers outside of Chicago, call the Cook County Department of Homeland Security’s Duty Desk at (312) 603-8185.
However you got to this post, I think it is safe to say that we all share an understanding: the power of music can sometimes be breathtaking. Here’s just another example.
A choir decided to raise awareness of Music Support — a UK based charity that reaches out to musicians who have addiction, emotional, or mental health issues. Their device? This beautiful cover of the Foo Fighters song, “Come Alive.” I give you the Sweet Charity Choir:
The boyfriend of the choir leader/arranger (Reddit user Fairbet23) was hoping Dave Grohl can see the how much a song he and the group wrote meant to the cause. He got his wish:
Thank you Sweet Charity Choir @Musicsupport_uk for such a beautiful rendition of “Come Alive”…and for making this song of hope even more hopeful. Perfect way to ring in the new year… Davehttps://t.co/z4N94xxh1F
When you’re feeling off — belting out, strumming, or otherwise enjoying music can really be a mood changer. But for those in depressed and/or in crisis, please. Don’t fight alone. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is always there to help — 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). — [eric]
Green Day’s South American Tour from last month — all summed up in a 9:00 documentary. Can a documentary film really be just nine minutes? If so, consider my own personal retrospective for 2017 to be covered in 47 seconds. 😂 — [eric]
Congratulations to Muse’s Matthew Bellamy who popped the question to his girlfriend Elle Evans, during their vacation in Fiji and she said yes. The couple has been dating for two years.
The soon-to-be-wed couple announced the happy news on Evan’s Instagram account. Elle Evans is a successful model.
Christmas music can be extremely annoying with it’s sludging out of the PA system of every store your shopping in and the speakers of the relative you don’t like spending the holidays with. It can be overly sappy and corny to the point where it’s disingenuous, while others just warm your heart like a puppy snuggling in your lap while you’re sipping eggnog on the couch with a fire crackling as the gifts are wrapped and waiting for Christmas morning.
Alternative rock has taken it’s ironic swipe over the Christmas music catalog with cover songs and deranged demented tracks take their own snow-shoveled path. Here is my 25 choice cuts of alternative bands doing their own out-there spins on holiday music. Some are inventive covers of songs while others are their own unique deranged winter wonders.
The Zamboni’s ‘Christmas Hockey News’
Almost any track from the Tarquin Records All-Star Holiday Extravaganza album could have a place on this list (one more makes the cut by the way) but this organ driven comedy track talks about noteworthy NHL stars and what they are doing on the big holiday. The lyrics talk about Chicago Blackhawks great Jeremey Roenick getting a brand new bike, so you know it’s just fun.
Gatsby’s American Dream “Saint Nicolas”
This song from the ‘Taste of Christmas’ comp is a hard rocking goof about Santa somehow fighting the supernatural forces of evil and “seeking the purest of souls”. This not to be taken seriously but that’s the point.
Weezer “O Holy Night”
This religous standard has been belted by high-voiced choir boys well before your Grandpa’s hair was grey but Rivers Cuomo and company give it this distorted emo take that adds a little head-bobbing rock feel. It comes from the 2008 EP ‘Christmas with Weezer’.
Dropkick Murphy’s ‘The Seasons Upon Us’
The video for this crowd-chorus rowdy sing-a-long plays almost like an episode of ‘It’s Always Sunny in (Boston)” with the Murphy’s showing off their dysfunctional family. If this was a soundtrack for a ‘Shameless’ holiday special it would also work.
Brian Dewan “R2D2, We Wish You a Merry Christmas”
Yes, this is real. It’s a cover that is superior to the original song that appeared on the 1980 Star Wars theme cash-grab ‘Christmas in the Stars’ album. This cover features the same computer blips and bloops but Dewan’s nerdy soulfulness over a reserved electric organ hits a sincere tone of love for the rebel droid who held the plans that helped take down the Death Star.
The Killers (featuring Toni Halliday) “Great Big Sled”
Nevada’s sweetest sons the Killers have been putting our Christmas songs almost every year since 2006 for charity, and this songs almost plays a storytelling jam you might on one of their regular albums but it talks of the child-like wonder of Christmas.
Enter to win to see the Killers at the United Center on January 16th
My Chemical Romance ‘All I want for Christmas is You’
All we want for Christmas is an MCR reunion. Give this to me any day over the Mariah Carey version every year.
No Doubt ‘Oi to the World’
This cover of the Vandals is a bouncing gem from the early ‘Tragic Kingdom’ era of Orange County’s finest with a madcap video to boot. Do you think Gwen Stefani will finally respond to my Christmas Cards since I put her band on this list?
Local H “Have Yourself a Merry Christmas”
Scott Lucs gives a charming take on a classic that lends itself to his vocal sneer that we’ve come to expect from him.
The Vandals ‘GrandPa’s Last X-Mas’
Pay attention to the darkly funny lyrics and don’t let your Granddad hear it.
The Pogues feat. Kristy MacColl “Fairtytale in New York’
A love song about being in the drunk tank around the holiday.
Fall Out Boy “What’s This”
Willmete’s finest take this cut from Disney classic “A Nightmare Before Christmas” for a whirl and it gives all the chills of Jack Skeleton discovering that special feeling.
LCD Soundsystem ‘Christmas will break your heart’
When this band regarded as one of the best alt acts in the last 10 years started their comeback in 2015, they got it going with this heart-wrenching breakup with the idea of Christmas itself.
Bad Religion “O Come All Ye Faithful”
This pogo-jumping take on the religious hymn will most likely be heard at any Christmas midnight mass, and that’s ok but it’s a refreshing interpretation that truly soars from these California punk legends.
Low – “Just Like Christmas”
You can almost hear the snow on this number from Duluth alt band Low who featured it on their 1999 holiday EP simply titled ‘Christmas’.
They Might Be Giants ‘Santa’s Beard’
The most loveable weirdos to break out of the 80’s, TMBG were known for venturing into the novelty world of music with some of their album being made for children and while other tracks got animated send-ups on ‘Tiny Toon Adventures’. So of course, they had a killer song about a man being jealous of his wife flirting with Santa.
Jimmy Eat World ‘Last Christmas’ (WHAM cover)
This candy pop tune with George Michael talking of a love lost, gets a bit of accoustic emo sickness from one of best alt bands of the 2000’s.
08.The Killers ‘ Joseph, Better You than Me’
Yes, the Killers make great alt xmas songs and this won’t be the last on the list. This collaboration with rock icon Elton John and Pet Shop Boy’s Neil Tennant is a soulful tribute to Joseph, the earthly fraternal figure who lead Jesus through life. Poor Joseph never got his due in song, but this one really plays out like a Billy Joel broadway smash.
The Flaming LIps ‘Christmas at the Zoo’
Imagine if the animals at the Zoo had theire own wild party. Yeah, well Wayne Coyne and company made their delightful idea into a joyful song that is very easy to sing-a-long with.
RUN-DMC ‘Christmas in Hollis’
A song the 80’s rap legends were initially hesitant to record for the charity compilation ‘A Very Special Christmas’ has grown into one of the catchiest holiday bangers of all time. Yeah, how many seasonal songs can you call a ‘banger’? The cornball story of the song is just as good sugary sweet as one of those cookies with green and red sprinkles on it.
Sufjan Stevens ‘Come On! Let’s Boogey the Elf Dance’
Stevens has earned his following for his experimental commitment to big concepts with religious overtones but this playful song is a just more fun then running down the steps as a kid on Christmas morning.
The Ramones ‘Merry Christmas ( I Don’t Wanna Fight Tonight)
The coolest punk band ever demands you hug it out this year.
The Waitresses ‘Christmas Wrapping’
The most popular hit from this new wave outfit talks about in the middle of the shopping rush running into the potential boyfriend. It’s got this early mixture of funk, rap, and disco that ages well.
The Kinks ‘Father Christmas’
This predecessor to pop punk cut sees the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers put a Robin Hood narrative to help us remember the less fortunate during the holidays in which the tough street kids demand that Father Christmas give them money and save the toys “for the little rich boys”. You know the song is good when you lose count of how many bands have covered it.
The Killers “Don’t Shoot me Santa”
This dark twisted tale of a murderous avenger in Santa coming for a misbehaving Brandon Flowers plays out over a shimmy and shake musical ride. It’s certainly not a track to sing-a-long to with Grandma but it’s so weird but also reflects on the bleakness of holidays for those out there not doing well while also laughing at the ‘be good, get good stuff’ concept that we are told as kids. Just remember it’s a dark yet light hearted on the forced cherriness of the seasons, and not to be taken seriously.
Also this is Brandon’s mustache at the peak of odd weirdness.
“[The record labels] can generate a lot of excitement when it’s your first record, that’s when it’s the easiest. By the time it comes to your second album a lot of these artists you hear about are already dead and buried under billions of new artists.” SM
There’s not much tipped in the video teaser below…but it appears as though in addition to Equanimity, Dave will put out something he filmed at the Comedy Store in L.A. from November 20th as well. And that’s all we know. See the updated trailer below. — [eric]
Is Tom Delonge with his former bandmate from Blink-182, Travis Barker? It appears that might be happening from little teasers and leaks this week on social media from both members of the iconic pop punk band. Delonge whose had a busy week with new UFO discoveries made through his To The Stars Academy Of Arts & Science who released some really shocking video, posted on IG recently that he was being interviewed for a project that Barker was working on and he expressed to Blink fans that they had “talked a bit about other stuff”. WHAT IS THIS OTHER STUFF?
The social media detectives over at Alt-Press pulled this one from Travis Barker’s Instragram. In the image which appears to your average musican in a studio show, has a specific guitar that caught the eye of diehard fans. This guitar is a ES-333—which happens to be Tom DeLonge’s signature. ARE THEY MAKING MUSIC TOGETHER?! These may be wild assumptions but they are not that far off.
During a March 2017 interview with the San Diego Union-Tribune, Delonge expressed publicly again he was still involved in Blink, even though Alkaline Trio’s Matt Skiba has been with the group for two years plus, a long touring cycle, and a well-received album. “They have someone doing my job for me,” DeLonge said. “It’s just that I’m so busy. If I wanted to, I could be back in a period of days.” DeLonge also said “I still own the band,” but clarified that he co-owns it with Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker. “Blink is in my DNA, I talk to Travis quite a bit and we try and figure out how and when it’s going to make sense.”
In the video below, Blink 182 breaks down all of the tracks on their album ‘California’ they did with Alkaline Trio’s Matt Skiba . It’s truly magnificent album that was a graceful transition without Delonge in the fold and adding Skiba’s creative edge. If you disagree, hit me up on Twitter @Kevkellam
Dashboard Confessional’s official music video for their single ‘We Fight’ from their upcoming album Crooked Shadows – available February 9, 2018 via Fueled By Ramen. N
Chris Carrabba brought his emotive energy to a solo performance in the 101WKQX Lounge in 2017. Watch the entire session below featuring an exclusive interview hosted by Lauren plus intimate performances of ‘Stolen’, ‘Screaming Infidelities’ and ‘Vindicated’.
This ‘We Fight’ video totally reminds me of the visual elements in the classic A-Ha music video ‘Take On Me’.
Tom DeLonge dropped a UFO video on the world this week that stirred up some interest in alien life.
Neil deGrasse Tyson says…slow down, Planet Earth.
The ex Blink-182 member got a shot of credibility with both the video (shown below) — and the news that his To The Stars Academy of Arts & Science is employing the head of a former Pentagon program whose mission was to assess the threat of extraterrestrial existence.
“Call me when you have a dinner invite from an alien,” Dr. Tyson says. “The evidence is so paltry for aliens to visit Earth, I have no further interest. Let other people who care go ahead, and then when you finally find some aliens bring them into Times Square.”
He continued, “The universe brims with mysteries. Just because you don’t know what it is you’re looking at doesn’t mean it’s intelligent aliens visiting from another planet. Scientists live in mystery every day of our lives … People are uncomfortable not knowing, not the scientists. I’m fine. We don’t know what it is. Keep checking it out.”
That doesn’t mean Tyson is out on alien lifeforms completely. In fact, he advocates the hell out of keeping vigilant. But he also points to the dismantling of the formerly secret government program — the Advanced Aviation Threat Identification Program — as evidence that no credible threat exists at this time. — [eric]
Smashing Pumpkin’s leader and Chicago treasure Billy Corgan was on ‘WGN Morning News’ today to talk about his new solo album ‘Ogilala’, the birth of his son, and perform some acoustic tunes.
‘Tis the season so Corgan performed the holiday deep cut “Christmas Dreaming’ from Frank Sinatra with WGN’s Jenniger Wiegel. It’s not as popular as other Christmas like ‘Winter Wonderland’ but the song has a soft demure feel that lends itself to the introspection we get from Corgan in his solo music and the Pumpkins. Truly a genuine tune.
If that was not enough Corgan, he appeared on NBC’s ‘Last Call with Billy Corgan’ to talk about his new expanded family may form a band, how his music has evolved, growing up in a counter culture home, and singing how “he sings in real life.” He also opens up about owning the oldest pro wrestling promotion, the NWA.
