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]
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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?
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.
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]
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)
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)
Rarely would you ever watch an entire concert a fan posted to YouTube but this one is actually pretty good. AND it’s U2!! YouTube user Paper Dolling Films captured video of the ENTIRE show, and it’s quality.
Well, it was an extremely hot day—and the pup was probably quite confused after what had just happened.
In a pretty spectacular scene that was caught on video, a dog was rescued from Lake Michigan on Tuesday morning by a police officer after it jumped into the water following a four-vehicle crash on Lake Shore Drive.. (MORE HERE)
Police are investigating a shooting at a park in Alexandria, Virginia, this morning, and initial law enforcement reports indicate that Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Louisiana, was among those shot.
Two officers were also shot and one suspect in custody, according to initial law enforcement reports.
The Alexandria Police Department said victims were being transported to local hospitals.
The FBI has arrived at the scene of the shooting, which is about 7 miles away from the White House in Washington, D.C.
To get their hands on the greenest part of the Cubs’ run to their World Series title since 1908, some Cubs fans are going to have to fork over some serious, well, green.
ESPN’s Darren Rovell reported Tuesday night that the Cubs are offering up leaves of ivy that covered Wrigley Field’s outfield wall last season to season ticket holders — and the pricetag is $200 per leaf. Well, $215 per leaf after shipping. READ MORE
Lemont native Scott Darling, a member of the 2015 Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks team was traded by the team in late April to Carolina Hurricanes. Darling who played as the Hawk’s backup goaltender for the last three seasons, penned a moving goodbye today in the Players Tribune which revealed his passion for pro hockey, Chicago, and his struggles with alcoholism early in his career. It’s a very moving read especially if you know the life-altering challenges that come with substance abuse. To be honest, it’s hard to read this entire story without tearing up.
Here is a piece of the article.
I ended up in a room with tubes and wires hooked up all over my body. There was a little machine beeping that showed my vital signs. It was my first day of rehab. I had been drinking every single day for eight months. I had just been released by a team in the Southern Pro Hockey League. I had no money, no hope. My dreams were effectively over. All I wanted, at that point, was to be a normal person again.
I remember opening my eyes. The ceiling was blurry, and my body ached, and I thought, How the f*** did this happen?
On, July 1, 2014, exactly three years to the day after I went to rehab, I signed with the team I’d rooted for my entire life. My hometown team. The Chicago freaking Blackhawks.
I remember thinking to myself once again, How the f*** did this happen?
Darling put outstanding numbers up during his memorable run as a Hawk, according to Fansided, he had save percentages of .915 (2015-16) and .924 (2016-17), and goal against averages of 2.58 (2015-16) and 2.38 (2016-17). Darling has career stats of 39-17-9, a 2.37 goals against average, and a .923 save percentage. He also earned a lot of fans in Chicago for his endearing character. Darling was a wonderful person when we met him few years ago at the Nights We Stole Christmas at the Aragon.
Green Day continue to be true to their roots with their latest music video for the title track off their latest album ‘Revolution Radio’ with the trio playing in 924 Gilman Street, the legendary punk rock venue in Berkeley, California where the band got their start. The video mostly performance footage of Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tre Cool in the club which is covered in rock grit and band stickers with several flashbacks to grainy VHS footage. It just shouts fun nostalgia while also having the band’s timeless pogo-jumping energy.
Thirty Seconds to Mars is preparing to a new album with a big teaser video with Jared Leto (?) in a odd see-through dazzled mask. 30STM is currently on tour with MUSE, with both bands performing on Lollapalooza in Grant Park, IL the first weekend of August. In November when the new album was announced, Leto told NME: “I’m a big believer that it’s okay to let go of your past and explore new territory, so that’s what we’re doing.” And when asked to describe the album in three words? “It’s very sexual.” said Leto. Oh man, intriguing! Our ears are aroused with interest.
The release of the new album has no clear release date just yet. It will be 30STM’s first since ‘Love, Lust, Faith, and Dreams’ in 2013 which debuted in 6th spot on the Billboard Top 200.
Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder reportedly paid €25,000 (($28K USD) ) from his own pocket in order to keep playing past the curfew at a show in Dublin on Friday night.
A post on the official Pearl Jam forum claims that the singer briefly left the stage before stumping up the necessary cash to continue with a mammoth 32 song solo set – which included Bob Dylan covers and duets with Glen Hansard.
One user wrote: “A lad who works at the 3Arena said Eddie walked off stage and signed a check for €25,000 so he could keep playing”. (MORE HERE)
