Pokemon Go set to surpass Twitter and take over the world

July 11, 2016 | Kevin

We now live in a world…a world of Pokemon Go. Almost instantly it took over our collective lives with people exploring our city on every corner aiming their phones at anything to ‘catch them all’. Shockingly after less than a week, it is set to surpass Twitter in active users. PkGo is currently ranked on the Google Play store above Snapchat, Facebook, and Instagram. The game’s creator Nintendo has benefited from this mania, with their stock storming upward, adding $7.5 billion to the company’s market value.

ETC News effectively collected all the weird and funny stories connected to the release a game that sends everyone into the streets including robberies, falling in ditches, and random strangers flirting at Pokemon Go meetup spots. Check it out all in the video but be beware it has some NSFW language. A Wyoming teen found a dead body in a river while playing the game, she was lead there by an alert of Pikachu being near by.

Personally,I have not yet played the game but it was interesting to see JVO complaining in the hallway today about the screename ‘JVO’  not be available to use as he set up his ‘trainer’. What are some PkGo stories you can share? Any cool spots around Chicago and the suburbs to go hunting?  Hit us up on Twitter and socials to let us know.

With any internet craze, it’s bound to spark a few memes. Here are some choice dank memes that I feel are quite dank if not the dankest.

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@kevkellam

 

 

 

Bryan Cranston: “I’d like to play Donald Trump”

July 11, 2016 | Kevin

Walter White (Bryan Cranston) - Breaking Bad _ Season 5b _ Gallery - Photo Credit: Frank Ockenfels 3/AMC

While on a promotions campaign for his upcoming feature film ‘The Infiltrator’ where he plays a federal investigator who helps bring down infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar, Bryan Cranston revealed he wants to play GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump. In an interview on the TODAY show this morning, Cranston threw out his on-point Trump impression. Just imagine Eisenberg becoming Trump with that loud hair, it would be something special.

He also made TV comedy geeks freak when he said he would love to work comedy mastermind Larry David and ‘Crub Your Enthuasm’ in the future as well. Cranston and David worked together in the past as Cranston played Jerry Seinfeld’s dentist on several episodes of ‘Seinfeld’.

@KEVKELLAM

UFC sold for $4 billion dollars

July 11, 2016 | Kevin

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As reported widely today, the top promotion in combat sports Ultimate Fighting Championships was sold for $4 billion. WME-IMG (better known as the William-Morris agency) will serve as the UFC operating partner with “strategic investors” Silver Lake Partners and KKR. MSD Capital, L.P. and MSD Partners, L.P. will also provide funding as well. The sale has yet to officially take place but it expected to be finalized in next few weeks.

“We’ve been fortunate over the years to represent UFC and a number of its remarkable athletes,” said WME | IMG Co-CEOs Ariel Emanuel and Patrick Whitesell in a statement. “It’s been exciting to watch the organization’s incredible growth over the last decade under the leadership of the Fertitta brothers, Dana White and their dedicated team. We’re now committed to pursuing new opportunities for UFC and its talented athletes to ensure the sport’s continued growth and success on a global scale.” It’s worth noting that Ariel Emmaniel is the brother of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel. Wonder if this means Rahm will have a green light to jump in the Octagon once he’s out of office?! Let’s get back the story.

Once the sale is finalized, Dana White who has long served as the president of UFC will continue in the role. White who has been critical part of the promotion meteoric rise in global sports, stated to the Los Angeles Times that his specifc role would be “”president, owner and day-to-day [promoter].”

The Ferttita brothers purchased the UFC for $2 million in 2001. Lorenzo Fertitta and Frank Fertitta will keep a “passive minority interest” with the UFC, according to A public statement today.  The biggest change could occur with  Shawn Shelby and Joel Silva who are the UFC machmakers. Their status is not yet clear at this time, but with the Ferttitas and White remaining it seems like they won’t be going anywhere.

MMAfighting.com analyzes the whole situation and what it means to fight fans.

@KEVKELLAM

MLB All Star Game

July 11, 2016 | <3 Lauren

White Sox golden boy Chris Sale has been named the starting pitcher for the America League in tomorrow’s MLB All Star Game more HERE

saleÂ đŸ“·: Jetsports

Sale will be facing off against some dudes from the friendly confines…

including Ben Zobrist, Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Addison Russell, Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester.  Full roster HERE.  Should make for an interesting game!

cubs  đŸ“·: Zachary Lucy

First pitch at 7p from San Diego.  Who are you pulling for?

<3 @laurenoneil

 

Queued Up #184

July 11, 2016 | Web Team

1. Weezer – I Love The USA
2. Pierce The Veil – Circles
3. Bronze Radio Return – Only Temporary
4. The Wombats – Be Your Shadow
5. Night Riots – Contagious (Queued UP Artist Showcase – 7/19)
6. The Struts – Put Your Money On Me
7. The Hunna – You & Me
8. Bans & Steelz – Giant
9. The Naked and Famous – Higher
10. 888 – Critical Mistakes
11. Taking Back Sunday – Tidal Wave
12. Local Natives – Fountain Of Youth
13. Blink 182 – No Future
14. The Moth & The Flame – Red Flag
15. Radiohead – Decks Dark

1. Switchfoot – Float
2. Kungs – This Girl
3. Zipper Club – Going The Distance
4. Run River North – Run Or Hide (Queued Up Artist Showcase – 7/19)
5. Dreamers – Sweet Disaster
6. The Last Shadow Puppets – Aviation
7. Two Door Cinema Club – Are We Ready
8. Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifia, Imagine Dragons – Sucker For Pain
9. Miike Snow – My Trigger
10. Brand New – I Am A Nightmare
11. BØRNS – American Money
12. The Palms – Push Off
13. IAMDYNAMITE – Bloom
14. Bob Moses – Tearing Me Up
15. The Joy Formidable – Liana

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7.10.16 – Alt_Backspace

July 11, 2016 | Web Team

1. Pearl Jam – Given To Fly
2. The Clash – I Fought The Law
3. Suzanne Vega – Luka
4. New Found Glory – My Friends Over You
5. The Smiths – Panic
6. Oasis – Live Forever
7. Dead Milkmen – Punk Rock Girl
8. Radiohead – High & Dry
9. Smashing Pumpkins – Mayonaise
10. Pixies – Here Comes Your Man
11. The Posies – Dream All Day
12. R.E.M. – So. Central Rain (I’m Sorry)
13. Catherine Wheel – I Want To Touch You
14. Beck – Sexx Laws

1. Cake – Sheep Go To Heaven
2. U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday
3. Veruca Salt – Seether
4. The Stone Roses – She Bangs The Drum
5. Talking Heads – Burning Down The House
6. Orgy – Blue Monday
7. Violent Femmes – Promise
8. Rancid – Ruby Soho
9. Siouxsie and the Banshees – Hong Kong Garden
10. Third Eye Blind – Losing a Whole Year
11. Depeche Mode – World In My Eyes
12. Nirvana – Plateau
13. General Public – Tenderness
14. Weezer – El Scorcho

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AWKWARD: Red Hot Chili Peppers mistaken for Metallica by airport customs

July 10, 2016 | Kevin

720x405-RS-Red-Hot-Chili-Peppers

In a pretty awkward situation for the Red Hot Chili Pepper this week on their world tour in support of their new album ‘The Getaway’, as they were detained by customs agents at an airport in Belarus because they were mistaken for hard rock icons Metallica. Yep, pretty awarkward like when you run into someone from your old high school class, they know you, you know you know them but can’t recall their name? Yeah, like that but add the fact that someone is making you autograph albums of different band they think is you. RHCP’s Flea revaled the whole situation in an Instagram post. The two mega-bands have a bond as Flea inducted Metallica into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and has been a guest performer with the band in the past.

We were called into customs officials office at an airport in Belarus and they asked us to sign a bunch of Metallica cd’s and photos. We tried to explain to them that we weren’t Metallica but they insisted that we sign anyway. They had the power. Well I did play fight fire with with with Metallica once. I love Metallica anyways but I’m no Robert Trujillo.- @sllollaryee

 

Mumford & Sons plays the role of Blink-182 in new video

July 10, 2016 | Kevin

Wait is that Blink 182….no it’s Mumford & Sons or is it?!

Blink 182 uploaded their new music video for the mini-ditty of song “Brohemian Rhapsody” which is a playful spin on the Queen classic. That lighthearted tone continues here with Mum & Sons goofing as Blink in their late 90’s apparel. Maybe there is some clothes here that you wore back in 2000? It’s a must-watch.

Here are some other bands we would like to see pretend to be other bands or artists.

Beck plays Lorde: He could pull off ‘Royals’ right? There close in height plus with a wig and some dark markeup, you might not know the difference….or would you?

Foo Fighters plays Weezer: Dave Grohl just wears a cadigan and horn-rimmed glasses like River’s in the ‘Buddy Holly’ video. Yeah, baiscally that’s all you need.

Twenty-One Pilots plays Will Smith & DJ Jazzy Jeff: Now that’s not exactly an alternative-to-alternative connection, but it would be neat to hear Tyler and Josh do a cover of the theme song to ‘Fresh Prince of Beverly Hills’.

And apparently customs agents at an airport, do not know the difference between Red Hot Chili Peppers and Metallica, proof here.

@KevKellam

 

Pokemon GO

July 8, 2016 | Marconi🍕

pokemongo(from mashable.com)

So now that you’ve felt the FOMO and downloaded PokĂ©mon Go, you’re probably wondering how to play the game — and how to not irritate those around you while you do.Even though the location-based game has Team Rocketed its way to the top of the iOS App Store and caused Nintendo’s stock to sharply increase, it still does a pretty terrible job of telling you what to do. So, if you’re unsure how to find the PokĂ©mon you’re after, how to get more PokĂ© Balls or how to not lose friends while you play, look no further. (MORE HERE) 

If you’re not too busy playing Pokemon Go check out a BTS video I did with Brian and Giorgio at Taste Of Chicago. – Marconi

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Joakim Noah’s Moving Farewell Letter

July 8, 2016 | wALT

Joakim 654x372Former Chicago Bulls Center, Joakim Noah, wrote a very moving farewell letter which was posted in the Chicago Tribune.  I have an extra tissue if you need one. -wALT

 

Thank you, Chicago!!

I moved here nine years ago and quickly got an understanding of what the city was about. Hard work. No nonsense. Grind. Loyalty. Passion. I wanted to represent those qualities every time I stepped onto the court and competed for the Bulls.

Thank you to every teammate I battled with. We won and we lost, but I have love and respect for every single one of you. One day this basketball journey will be over and all we will have are memories. The best times in my life took place on the United Center floor. You are all my brothers.

The relationships I made in Chicago go far beyond basketball, and to me that is just as big as winning the championship. I wish the people in Chicago nothing but the best and I hope we can all continue to be united in bringing some peace to the city. The work to bring people together and build positivity throughout the neighborhood will continue through my foundation and many other great foundations throughout the city that my family and I will stay involved with.

I will continue to do my best to help this city. Chicago is home for the rest of my life, and my dream is still to help make the city a safer place for kids to grow up in.

My journey now brings me home to New York and the team I grew up rooting for as a kid. But nothing has mattered more to me over the past nine years than the city of Chicago, the Chicago Bulls and all of the passionate Bulls fans. There are way too many people to thank individually, but I want to give special thanks to the Reinsdorf family for making me a part of the Chicago Bulls family and everything that that represents.

One love,

Joakim Noah 🙂

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Jon Jones taken off UFC 200 due to allegations of doping

July 7, 2016 | Kevin

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This Saturday’s massive UFC 200 pay-per-view took a hit yesterday when it was announced that light heavyweight star Jon ‘Bones’ Jones would be removed from the event, and his planned return fight with Daniel Cormier is off the cards in Las Vegas. WWE monster Brock Lesnar’s return to the Octagon against knock-out artist Mark Hunt has been upgraded to the main event. The move was announced by UFC boss Dana White following news that Jones was informed  by USADA, an anti-doping agency of a drug-test violation on June 16th.

Jones will be able to challenge the violation in court, but for the time being his fight this Saturday is not happening. The response online from MMA fans has been a lot of anger and disappointment. Jones was stripped of the UFC Light-Heavyweight Championship prior to a May 2015 title defense, due to his invovlement in an hit-and-run incident with a car he was driving. Cormier would replace Jones in the fight, defeating Anthony May for the vacant championship. This is the fourth time that Cormier and Jones were set for a fight. Twice in the past, Jones pulled out due to injuries. Jones defeated Cormier in their only fight in January 2015 via unanimous decision. After that fight, it was revealed that Jones had failed a drug test a month prior testing positive for cocaine. These two fighter’s stories have been so tied together by all this drama outside the cage.

“From a competitive standpoint. From a financial standpoint. There are a number of ways in which this is disappointing. I really don’t know exactly how to explain how I’m feeling right now.” said Cormier in his press conference on Wednesday night. In an interview on Thursday afternoon, White stated the UFC is seeking to find a last minute replacement opponent for Cormier to face on Saturday’s mega-show. There was some internet chatter that English fighter Michael Bisping would take the fight but White ruled that out.

Jones held his own press conference on Thursday to respond to the allegations. “I want to first start by apologizing to all of the fans who came out and supported me for UFC 200, and obviously the UFC and the Fertittas for not being able to perform. I know they spent a lot to promote this event. Daniel Cormier, I want to apologize to Daniel Cormier. I know that this fight means a lot to him. The fight means a lot to me and the fight is not happening. So I just want to apologize everyone sincerely.” said Jones. Jones was described as emotional during the conference with tears in his eyes.

MMAFighting had extensive coverage in the video below.

@kevkellam

New ‘Memories’ Update Will Let Snapchatters Archive, Edit, And Share Old Stories And Snaps

July 6, 2016 | Marconi🍕

snapchatupdate

(from tubefilter.com)

 Snapchat unveiled a seismic new feature titled Memories that moves the platform away from its origins as a means of capturing and sharing fleeting moments. Memories, which can be accessed by swiping up from Snapchat’s home camera screen, is a place where users can save old Snaps and Stories. While users were previously able to save Snaps and Stories to their smartphone camera rolls, now they can be saved on Snapchat’s servers and edited to create and share new Stories and Snaps. (MORE HERE)
Currently the update is only available for iPhone. Sorry Lauren!! I can show you how it works when I come in. – Marconi

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Flaming Lips Team Up With Evanston Distillery For $125 Bottles Of Whiskey

July 6, 2016 | Marconi🍕

flamingwhiskey

(from chicagoist.com)

A local distillery is teaming up with one of indie rock’s most altered-consciousness-friendly acts for a new rye whiskey. Evanston-based FEW Spirits announced on Wednesday a collaboration with neo-psychedelic legends the Flaming Lips called Brainville Rye Whiskey. The 80-proof whiskey will be crafted from rye, corn and malted barley grown within 150 miles of FEW, then aged in charred oak barrels custom-made in Minnesota. The mash is fermented with French wine yeast, which lend fruit notes and a hint of spice. (MORE HERE)

I love the band, can’t wait to see them at Riot Fest. $125 seems like a lot but nothing is too good for my nonna. She sort of has a thing for Wayne Coyne and her 101st birthday is coming up!! Perfecto!! – Marconi

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Dwyane Wade: Signs two-year deal with Bulls

July 6, 2016 | Marconi🍕

dwade

(from cbssports.com)

Wade agreed to a contract with the Bulls on Wednesday that’s expected to be worth $47 million over two years. Another very surprising development during this year’s NBA free agency, Wade becomes just the latest player to leave a team he’s been with for his entire career. Wade will pair with newly acquired Rajon Rondo in the Bulls’ backcourt. (MORE HERE)

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TASTING CHICAGO!!

July 6, 2016 | Marconi🍕


 tastechicago

We were in pursuit of FRESH CONTENT, we found it in sampling of all of the foods from various eateries from all over the city. Chicago you taste delicious!! – Marconi

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