State 51 – Puerto Rico

There are so many news articles going around about Donald Trump and what he did or did not do with the Russian Government that this is the first I’ve heard of Puerto Rico actively trying to move from its territory status to become the 51st state of the United States of America.

Less than 70% of people that are register to vote actually voted, but 97% of the people that voted chose statehood.  You can read more about The Controversy Over The Vote Count.

A little bit about Puerto Rico’s current status 

“Puerto Rico came under US control in 1898 after the Spanish-American War. It has its own governor and legislative body and it became a US commonwealth territory with its own constitution in 1952.
Its commonwealth status means Puerto Rico is subject to US federal laws, though island residents are exempt from some federal taxes.
The biggest lesson of Puerto Rico's bankruptcy

Puerto Ricans have been US citizens since 1917, however, as residents of a commonwealth territory rather than a state they can’t vote for president in the US general election. The territory has a nonvoting delegate in Congress, called a resident commissioner.”

 

 

VIDEO: Nirvana play the Metro in ’89

 

Before their definitive album ‘Nevermind’ changed the world, Nirvana were an up and coming band out of the Seattle music scene in a landscape dominated by hair bands from LA and pop stars like Tiffany singing at shopping malls or something. The now legendary trio released their debut LP ‘Bleach’ 28 years ago today, and the rest became rock history. The impact of that record and this wonderful bootleg video of Nirvana playing Chicago’s music landmark venue the Metro in September of ’89 were featured today in a great article by Rolling Stone. 

The performance is just another reason why the Metro is such a wonderful part of Chicago’s music culture. Every great band in the last 40 years has likely played that stage from Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl’s other band the Foo Fighters, the Smashing Pumpkins, Peal Jam, and many more. If you can rock the Metro, you can rock anywhere.

Brian & Lou 06.15.17

What Ya Missed, Accidental Pleasure Blasts, and Arden Myrin

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Gene Simmons is Actually Trying to Trademark the Heavy Metal “Horns” Sign

Gene Simmons has done some cheesy, classless things, but even his biggest supporters couldn’t possibly get behind this:  Gene has filed an application to trademark the heavy metal “horns” hand symbol.Seriously.  He wants the EXCLUSIVE RIGHT to extend his forefinger and pinky in the name of rock and roll. His application says he wants it for, quote, “Entertainment, namely, live performances by a musical artist;  personal appearances by a musical artist.” If this insanity were to get approved, then no other music act would be able to throw up the horns onstage, or even during, like, the grand opening of a Costco, without the threat of being sued by Gene Simmons. Although here’s the kicker:  The application has a picture and a description of the gesture he’s trying to trademark, and it’s technically NOT the Devil horns sign . . . because the THUMB is also extended. So what he’s really trying to trademark is the American Sign Language symbol for “I love you.”  (???)  For whatever reason, that’s the way he’s always done it. Whatever the case, Gene says he’s been using it since November 14th, 1974, so that gives him dibs.  READ MORE

 

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Scott Darling’s Goodbye To Chicago is a Must Read

The story of Scott Darling’s time in Chicago is more than filling the position of backup goaltender. It’s a kid’s dream of playing for the Blackhawks come true. It’s also story about how an alcohol addiction derailed him — not just from the dream, but his life. It’s inspiring, humbling. But mostly, it’s the best thank you this city has ever seen from a sports figure.

Everyone should read this.  If you don’t identify with sports fandom, *THIS* is the best part of it…and just one of the reasons why I’m a passionate follower.  — [eric]

IT’S ON! Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor set for Aug 26th

A fight many thought in the combat sports world would never happen is now going to become a reality, as today the pound-for-pound king of boxing Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather has confirmed via Twitter that he will fight UFC mega star ‘Notorious’ Conor McGregor in a boxing match on August 26th in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is currently unclear what weight class the fight will be competed in or what exact venue in Vegas will host the massive fight but the blockbuster bout will be presented on pay-per-view. ESPN confirmed the news. 

McGregor sparked interest in the fight in 2015 during an interview with Conan O’Brien, while he continued to climb up the UFC ladder where he would win championships in the Octagon and gained main event drawing power. The Irish fighter has an MMA record of 21-3 but has never been in a pro boxing match. McGregor fueled the flames in November when he filed for a boxing license and began to talk up the potential war of the fighting worlds when speaking to the press.

Mayweather leaves a 23 month longe retirement for this fight where he is heavily favored to win. He has a perfect professional record at 49-0 with 26 knockouts. Despite his braggadocios ways and criminal convictions outside the ring, ‘Money’ has remained the biggest and most successful fighter in boxing for many years.

This will be easily the biggest fight in ages. Now can McGregor hang in there with the blinking speed of Mayweather?

 

 

LISTEN TO NEW MUSIC FROM THE KILLERS ‘THE MAN’

The Killers have risen once again from the dessert with new music to move your hips uncontrollably. ‘The Man’ is the new track that debuted today featuring a deep grooving thump and singer Brandon Flowers proudly proclaiming “I’m the man, come round No-no-nothing can break, no-nothing can break me down.” It’s recalls the provocative dance vibes the Killers gave us on their breakout album ‘Hot Fuss’ and shades of 80’s alt king Pete Gabriel. The song is part of the band’s upcoming album ‘Wonderful, Wonderful’ which has no announced release date just yet. You can get the track on various music services here. 

You will definitely see mass butt-shaking to this jam in Grant Park in August when the Killers headline Lollapalooza.

Enter to win LOLLAPALOOZA tickets here

Brandon Flowers got busy churning up the hype machine when he did a Facebook LIVE Q&A earlier today….oh wow, that rhymed!

 

Play Dodgeball For Charity….With The Reunited “DodgeBall” Cast

Pick a side, Average Joe’s or Globo Gym.  Wouldn’t it be crazy to be a part of a charity game with  the original cast of DodgeBall:  A True Underdog Story?  You might just be able to, as Omaze is putting on a charity game to benefit Ben Stiller’s foundation.

And may the five D’s of Dodgeball be with you:  dodge, dip, dive, duck and…..dodge.  — [eric] 

Chicago’s First Nacho Fest

(from chicagoist)

Bacon. Donuts. Ramen. Poutine. Vegan Food. Whiskey. Just when you think there is literally a fest for ever single food and drink item out there, some creative organizer tosses out a new one: Nachofest, coming to Chicago on June 25.

This cheesy festival is from the same folks who brought you Donut Fest and Poutine Fest, which were both hits, so it’s pretty obvious that this is going to be great. For $35, guests get three hours of nachos, two beers and a souvenir cup. If you’re willing to shell out a little more (and I’ll tell you from long experience at these fests: you should) for $50, you get a crowd-less first hour and four beers. Totally worth it.

Participating restauants include: Hub 51, Whisk, Half Acre, Son of a Butcher, Porkchop, The Fifty/50, Gaslight and Texican. The event itself will be at Chop Shop. (MORE HERE)

A floating water park will open in Lake Michigan this summer

(from timeout.com)

When it comes to cooling off on a sweltering summer day, you could seek comfort at one of Chicago’s best ice cream shops or cool off at the city’s top watering holes. But for the ultimate heat treat, you’ll want to head to Whiting, Indiana, located just 20 miles south of Chicago, to check out a massive floating playground situated in Lake Michigan. WhoaZone at Whihala Beach is an on-water, ninja-style obstacle course open daily (weather permitting) starting June 24. (MORE HERE)

Brian & Lou 06.14.17

What You Missed, Lou wants to buy ivy from Wrigley Field, Local YouTube star is now facing child pornography charges, We Need To Talk and Burt Ward

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