I Am Chicago

Getting Serious

2009-09-14T22:32:00.003-05:00

I was at a family gathering this weekend, when someone asked me how the blog was going. I sheepishly admitted I hadn't been able to keep up with as much as I would've liked because of the rigors of journalism school. Another family member mentioned she had recently read there were 24 million blogs wasting away on the internet. 24 MILLION.

I'm determined to get back in the saddle and make I Am Chicago the blog I always imagined it could be.

In the coming months it will...

move to Wordpress.com

look like an actual website with hopefully cool design

have regular features

incorporate the concept behind my class blog By the Bootstraps

... just to start. Let me know if you have any ideas to add to the site's transformation. I hope to unleash it by October, we shall see.

A Look Back: Kuma's Block Party

2009-07-12T12:08:00.005-05:00

When the weather gods are kind enough to give another glorious summer day in Chicago, it is wise to enjoy the sunshine as best as you can before they change their minds. Keeping this in mind, my boyfriend and I decided to head over to Kuma's Corner for their block party.

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Celebrating its four-year anniversary, Kuma's went all out, closing off a section of Francisco Avenue for over 200 revelers to enjoy music, free food and cheap beer. The restaurant is widely known as serving the best burgers in the city. Kuma's famed burgers are named after rock bands with a dizzying array of toppings, like the Led Zeppelin (10 oz. burger with pulled pork, bacon, cheddar, pickles) or the Lair of Minotaur (same juicy burger with caramelized onions, pancetta, brie, bourbon soaked pears).

We stayed long enough to enjoy the tale end of one band's performance, free pulled pork sandwiches and polish hot dogs, and $3 PBR. The crowd made for some cool people watching - tattoos, stretched earlobes, and big beards were plentiful.

Public Enemies

2009-07-01T08:17:00.003-05:00

Photo taken from Public Enemies official website

Public Enemies, aka the movie this summer of lackluster blockbusters has been waiting for, opens today.

"Enemies" recounts the story of Great Depression-era bank robber John Dillinger and the FBI's attempts to capture him, dead or alive.

Many parts of the movie were filmed right here in Chicago during a 36 day long shoot "from late March to late June 2008," according to Metromix. Tell-tale landmarks include Union Station and the legendary Biograph Theater on Lincoln Avenue, where Dillinger was killed in 1934.

The excellent cast (Johnny Depp as Dillinger, Christian Bale as FBI Agent Melvin Pervis and Marion Cotillard as Dillinger's girlfriend Billie Frechette) and parallels to our current economy and public sentiment toward banks makes this movie a must-see in my book.

For history buffs, watch Bryan Burrough (who wrote the book "Public Enemies" the film is based on) discuss if the blockbuster is true to history.

And here's the trailer for those unfamiliar with - or for those who just want to get excited for - the movie:

Have A Little Pride

2009-06-28T18:33:00.003-05:00

Advanced Warning: Pictures for this blog post include half dressed men, gyrations, costumes and simulated sexual actions. All photos were taken by Anthonia Akitunde

In the close to five years I have lived in Chicago, I have never been to a Gay Pride Parade, a shameful streak I broke today. One of the many highlights of the season, Pride takes place in Chicago's Boystown neighborhood, a center of gay life in the city.

Gay pride celebrations have occurred since the infamous New York Stonewall riots in 1969. This year's 40th Gay Pride Parade in Chicago saw more than 450,000 participants according to the Sun-Times.

The parade started at noon on the corner of Belmont and Halsted. After making my way through the throngs of people lining Halsted Street in the heart of Boystown, I managed to get a place on the bleachers with my friends to watch the parade unfold. I felt that while people were aware of the weightier issues that inspired Pride festivities - equal rights, not being ashamed of ones' sexuality - Pride was really all about having fun.

And have fun we did. Look through the slideshow below for pictures from this year's Pride Parade.

Ruling the Roost

2009-06-26T10:10:00.008-05:00

After getting out of class at noon on Tuesday, I decided to stop by a store I saw while gazing out the 22 Clark bus windows.

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All photos were taken by Anthonia Akitunde

Roost (located at 5634 N. Clark), a vintage home decor store, has a hodgepodge of flatware, art, vintage books and oddities scattered throughout the store. With stacks of odd-ball and straight-off-the-farm items at every turn, I had fun poking my nose around the small and tightly packed store, inching around other customers to examine piles of old mason jars and salt shakers.

The store would suit someone who doesn't take design too seriously; someone who favors the kitschy over streamlined modernity. Placed on book shelves, ladders, couches and hutches, each item exuded an earthy whimsy that made me feel like I was inside the pages of "Little House on the Prarie."

For more pictures from Roost, watch the slideshow.

My Favorite Verse

2009-06-23T23:01:00.002-05:00

I've gone into detail in previous posts about what a fashion fiend I am. When the weather gets as glorious as it has been the last few days, nothing beats window shopping. I came across Verse Chicago (1821 W. North) on one such jaunt in less friendly weather and have been hooked on its interesting mix of budget, yet style conscious local designers and the amazing customer service provided by its owner, Kortnee Doss.

I made a video about the boutique for Honey Magazine, but you can check it out here:

Verse Chicago (1821 W. North) is a must-see for any stylish Chicagoan looking for of the moment, one-of-a-kind designs with stellar customer service.

Credit Cards and Chicago Taxi Cabs, Together At Last

2009-06-23T16:27:00.004-05:00

Photo credit: Anthonia Akitunde

While I still think Chicago is the best American city, one thing New York has going for it are the touch screen consoles located in the back of every cab. Passengers can watch local programming, see the route the driver is taking to their destination via Google Maps and, most importantly, pay for their trip with a credit or debit card.

For years many Chicagoans who wanted to pay for a cab ride with a credit card were met with hostility, claims the driver's machine "wasn't working" or plain refusal of service. A report in the Chicago Tribune yesterday said this gap in service was the number three complaint regarding Chicago taxi service and the number one complaint in the taxi industry.

Thankfully plans to install those consoles in up to 2,600 Chicago cabs are underway. Only 30 cabs currently have the technology installed. The article did not say when the installations would begin.

After hearing the news through Chicagoist, I asked my cab driver this morning why drivers were so weary of accepting credit cards (after he initially said he didn't take cards only to change his tune).

"If you give me a credit card, I have to take it," said the driver of Yellow Cab 4378 (his license was covered up).

But, he went on, it can take a while for the cab's credit card reader to authorize a transaction. If the purchase does not go through long after the ride, the driver has to pay for it out of pocket.

Also credit card companies take 5 percent of the fare total whenever a card is used, cutting into the driver's profits, according to the Tribune's report.

While the new technology won't address that concern, drivers will benefit from placing control in the passengers' hands. Officials predict drivers will less likely be targeted for crime since they'll have less money. Because of the gratuity calculator included in the console, drivers saw a 7 percentage point increase in tips, from 15 percent when passengers paid in cash versus 22 percent with their cards.

As for us passengers? The ride back home after a long night just got a hell of a lot easier.

Hark! I Hear A Tweet

2009-06-10T11:09:00.004-05:00

I have found a solution to my "too busy to blog but willing to procrastinate with Twitter" problem: start a Twitter account for I Am Chicago!

Follow me on Twitter!

My Baby

2009-06-04T21:16:00.002-05:00

My in depth package for my Urban newswriting class was months in the making. It made me incredibly happy to finally post this article on the funding shortages that may hurt adult education for people with disabilities.

I stumbled upon the story when I was working on a story first quarter about changes in private school enrollment. Gateway to Learning had been listed as a private school in the neighborhood I covered and I called them up. I was embarrassed to find out that while the school was indeed private, it was for a school for students with developmental disabilities.

But, said Cheryl Hennelly, the program's executive director. There is definitely a story here.

We talked on the phone - the first of many phone and in-person conversations - and Cheryl told me that Gateway had not received payments from the state's comptroller's office for the past seven months. This all happened toward the end of last quarter and when I decided I wanted to take Urban reporting, I knew this was a story I wanted to follow up on.

If you don't have enough time to read the article (singlehandedly the best editing and producing experience I've ever had), watch and listen to the audio slide show I created for it as well (singlehandledly the best multimedia production I've created thus far).

I'm ridiculously proud of it. My professor David Nelson made this the best article possible through a long editing process that I crave and hadn't seen in the program until now. This quality is something I now hope to execute in all my writing the first time around.

The quarter is almost over, but I get right back to it again June 22nd. Hopefully I'll find a way to juggle all of it and be a better poster. I've been more absent than I have been Chicago.

What I've Been Up To...

2009-05-02T01:42:00.003-05:00

I've been so consumed with journalism school, I haven't had the time I would like to devote to my blogging. Enclosed are some links to stories I've worked on this quarter. I'm covering education in Chicago, a very huge and wily beast to be sure:

Some schools shelf traditional libraries

More debate on CPS oversight bill as it moves to Illinois senate

Stimulus funds to improve struggling CPS schools, Huberman says

Daley-backed schools not stand outs, study says

An Alternative Experience

2009-03-30T00:16:00.001-05:00

Northside College Prep student joins Chicago's all-star spoken word team

2009-03-15T12:33:00.003-05:00

My sixth beat story for Newswriting.

A Northside College Prep senior will be one of six Chicago area high school students representing the city in this year's Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Slam Festival.

Matt Ramir, 18, won the third-place individual speaker award after competing with his school's slam poetry team at Sunday's Louder Than A Bomb Teen Poetry Festival presented by Young Chicago Authors. The top six individual speakers at LTAB were selected to form an all-star spoken word team and compete at Brave New Voices, to be held at the Chicago Theater this summer.

As a first-time LTAB competitor who joined on a whim, Ramir said the win came as a surprise.

“It was amazing, winning third,” Ramir said. “The shock is still setting in. But I'm so glad people heard me.”

The Chicago team will be one of 50 teams at this year's competition, being held from July 14 through July 19. Brave New Voices is a part of Youth Speaks, America's “leading spoken word performance, education and youth development organization.” For a week, teen slam poets from across the country—and parts of Africa and Europe—perform their poetry for audiences reaching upwards of 10,000.

Ramir has been writing since the 8th grade after his father encouraged him to explore poetry. He admits his first attempts at poetry were “horrible,” but he found his footing through practice and performing at an open mic night at Coffee Chicago in the Uptown neighborhood.

“Living,” the poem Ramir performed at Sunday's LTAB finals, reflects his battle for self-acceptance in the face of negativity and a debilitating ailment: Ramir was born with cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder that effects voluntary muscle movement.

“Ruptured uterus,” Ramir’s poem begins, “The worst thing a doctor can tell an expecting mother / Disabled / The worst thing a doctor can call her child / Cripple / A word that has tortured me ever since.”

“When I was born, I was cut off [from] my oxygen for a while, and it resulted in damaging the cerebrum,” he said. “[It] means that my brain tells my hand to do something like wave high, but ... my hands don't get the message clearly and do something else.”

Ramir posted a poem inspired by his childhood memories of dealing with his disability on a gaming website. A commenter laughed at him “for being a cripple,” Ramir said.

“I always felt I was laughed at as a child, and hearing it again when I am older was like, 'Oh, crap.' But I decided to write about it instead.”

Ramir was worried the piece would be “cliché,” a big no-no in slam poetry. But Ramir said his coach, Nora Flannagan, assured him otherwise.

“I write whatever is in my heart, but for the LTAB piece Mrs. Flannagan was like, 'No one has ever done a disabled piece,' so I decided to try it and it somehow worked,” Ramir said.

“He found his voice, and it's a voice that the slam needed to hear,” Flannagan said.
“Entire audiences gave him standing ovations every single time he performed, and I was so grateful for that. The response he got showed him that his voice had a place at the slam - a vital place.”

She added that the performance was a tribute, “to the atmosphere that Kevin (Coval, co-founder of LTAB) and LTAB have fostered, where a kid with a disability can go from feeling like a target in everyday life to being literally center stage.”

Ramir, who will be working towards a computer science degree at University of Illinois in Chicago after graduation in June, said despite his hesitation, he's glad he performed the piece.

“Now that I've performed it, I feel much more strongly about it,” Ramir said. “I hope it speaks to future generations to help them understand the struggles you face with a disability, and the things we do to move past them. [For] me, [it's] poetry.”

You can listen to the poem Matt performed that night here.

Louder Than A Bomb Erupts Sunday Night

2009-03-13T11:00:00.004-05:00

On Sunday night I went to the Vic Theater after hearing word of a must-see event: Louder Than A Bomb, a teen poetry slam so fierce, so inspiring, I would be crazy to miss it. It was monsoon-like weather that afternoon, winds blowing so hard rain drops moved horizontally, making the most sturdy umbrella completely useless. But still, I followed the siren call and was not disappointed.

Named after one of the songs on Public Enemy's "It Takes A Nation To Hold Us Back," Louder Than A Bomb, presented by Young Chicago Authors, provides students from across the Chicago area an outlet for their thoughts. On the stage, they command attention. They have things to say and damn it, you're going to listen to them.

During the five hour competition and festival on Sunday, I was continually awed by how poised they were and their talent. If you look back at my old journals, my teenage angst was embarrassing in its...well...insignificance. But these kids are talking about real issues from domestic violence to living with a disability. Even the more "OMG" aspects of being a teenager take on an ironic spin through the deft pens of these young poets.

Take a multimedia walk through the event with me below.

A slideshow of pictures I took at Sunday's Louder Than A Bomb.

Performances

He Still Loves HER from iamchicago on Vimeo.

Gabbi's Ode to Lil' Wayne from iamchicago on Vimeo.

Gabbi's Ode to Lil' Wayne. For a complete listen, click here.

Chicago Public Radio had some of the students record their poems. These poems are posted on their website.

What You Talking About, Willis?

2009-03-12T18:28:00.005-05:00

(Photo of the Sears Tower prior to its renaming, taken by me on an architectural boat tour)

First Marshall Fields, now this. Sears Tower, the largest building in America, will be renamed Willis Tower under a leasing agreement with London-based company the Willis Group Holdings Ltd.

I don't care what the Brits want to call it, it will forever be known as the Sears Tower to me and fellow Chicagoans who take up this call to action: Let our children's children know that this great feat in architecture was and forever will be the Sears Tower!

I only have 10 packets of Lipton Tea, but I'm tossing it in Lake Michigan for my own Boston Tea Party. No taxation without representation and no changing names of historic landmarks, either!

Just the Facts, Man

2009-03-08T12:40:00.006-05:00

(Image courtesy of Consequence of Sound)

Lollapalooza, one of the most anticipated summer music festivals in Chicago, is beginning to put its feelers out as we inch towards warmer and warmer months. Little info is out right now, but here are the basics:

When: August 7 - 9, 2009
Where: Chicago's favorite playground in the summer, Grant Park
Who: Right now only headliners are confirmed. Depeche Mode, concert founder Perry Farrell's reunited band, Jane's Addiction and the Beastie Boys

For more information in the coming months check out Lollapalooza's Web site here.

Happy Birthday Chicago

2009-03-04T20:35:00.004-06:00

(Editor's Note: I don't need to feel intoxicated to feel incredibly close to Chicago. Chicago intoxicates me. )

Even though I'm going through a private hell of my own making, I still raise a glass to you on your 172nd birthday. You don't look a day over 100!

St. Matthias hopes new pre-kindergarten classes will keep school solvent

2009-02-28T08:58:00.006-06:00

Third beat report. You have no idea how happy I was to file yesterday, I've been having such a hard time keeping up with the assignments and learning how to go out and find a "news" story. I was at my lowest Thursday when a story that took me weeks to confirm contacts was deemed not newsworthy. But, I dusted my shoulders off, pulled it together Friday, and turned in this story and got leads on three others.

Courtesy of State of the School Report and 2009-2010 Tuition Information.

St. Matthias Transfiguration School in Lincoln Square sees increase in enrollment despite overall decline in Catholic schools.

St. Matthias Transfiguration Elementary School in Lincoln Square is moving to secure its financial future by adding a new pre-kindergarten class next school year.

As other area Roman Catholic schools scramble to address stagnant or declining admission numbers and an unsure future, the addition of a new class continues a trend of increasing enrollment at St. Matthias.

“We weren’t able to admit any more people,” said Deborah Bukovy, marketing and admissions director at St. Matthias. “So that’s why we decided to open another class so that we could admit people [within and outside of the St. Matthias] community”

St. Matthias will add a new pre-kindergarten class for three- and four-year-old students for the 2009-2010 academic year, doubling its pre-kindergarten program: two PreK for three year olds (PreK 3) and two PreK classes for four year olds (PreK 4).

The idea to add another class first arose in October as families in the school applied for the following school year. St. Matthias had only one PreK 3 class and 20 children from existing families applied, taking up all the available space.

With the new additions St. Matthias will have two classes instead of one per grade up until 2013, when the school projects it will run out of room. “We’ll either look at doing a capital campaign or we’ll cut back the number of children that we enroll so we can use the space we have in the building,” Bukovy said.

The influx of students, which Bukovy attributed to gentrification in the neighborhood, will put the school on “a more stable economic footing,” she said.

“Since we’re one of the only private schools in our immediate neighborhood, they choose us,” Bukovy said. “What we’re seeing is … young people who have children are staying here longer instead of moving out into the suburbs.”

Parents with children in private schools are facing tough decisions during the recession, with some opting to move their children to less expensive Catholic or public schools. Catholic schools require families to raise $100-$500 for the school on top of tuition and fees, which can reach upwards of $8,550 at Gordon Tech High School, on the city’s Northwest Side.

“Everybody makes a sacrifice when they send their child to private schools,” Bukovy said.

Marie Neis, principal of St. Genevieve School in the Belmont-Cragin community, said financial aid needs have increased in the last three years as parents’ incomes are cut because of “reduction in hours and jobs being cut.”

While Neis said St. Genevieve is “very supportive and [tries] to work with families,” she said she is aware of the possibility her school will close if the Archdiocese of Chicago or donations did not continue to cover operating costs.

“We certainly [wouldn’t] be the only school in that situation if that were to happen,” Neis said.

Despite stagnant enrollments at schools like St. Genevieve, St. Matthias’ has grown considerably: Enrollment has increased 25 percent in the last five years, Bukovy said.

By securing students at a young age, the school is looking to retain students and keep its doors open.

“We want to keep them happy and satisfied,” Bukovy said, “and hope they stick with us through the duration of their elementary [schooling].”

St. Matthias Transfiguration School is committed to providing a well-rounded Catholic educational experience that emphasizes academic achievement and fosters spiritual, intellectual, emotional and physical development among its students, thus enabling them to contribute effectively in a constantly changing world where faith in God, respect for self and others, and hope for the future are essential.

Estelle and Solange Rock Chicago

2009-02-26T10:07:00.004-06:00

I went to Estelle and Solange's concert Wednesday evening at the House of Blues for Honey Magazine. Read my review on my Honey Magazine blog here.

And here's a video I got from Estelle's set before security kindly asked me to put away my camera...

Life Lessons from Estelle from iamchicago on Vimeo.

Logan Square ELL parents address ISAT worries

2009-02-22T09:43:00.005-06:00

My third beat report story.

A mother takes notes on reading comprehension for English Language Learners in preparation for the Illinois Standard Achievement Test (ISAT). (Photo credit: Anthonia A./MEDILL)

Parents at seven Logan Square schools gathered Friday morning to voice concern with the upcoming Illinois Standard Achievement Test (ISAT) testing of English Language Learners, saying it places unrealistic expectations on students still learning how to speak, read and write in English.

Over 80 parents, teachers, volunteers and administrators came to the meeting at James Monroe Elementary School to learn more about the test, which is now in its second year for ELL students.

Parents and teachers said students were visibly nervous with the test just a week away.

“They think that [taking the ISAT] is [punishment for] something they did bad so they have to retake it,” said Maria Marquez, a teacher at McAuliffe Elementary. “They’re nervous about not passing [and] going up to the fourth grade.”

Silvia González, resource and parent-mentor coordinator at McAuliffe Elementary School, added: “I see how they struggle, I see their frustration. My heart [breaks] for some of these kids.”

Students in the third to eighth grade will be taking the ISAT between March 2 and March 13. According to the Illinois State Board of Education, the ISAT “measures individual student achievement relative to the Illinois Learning Standards,” testing students in reading, mathematics, science and writing. The scores are used to determine a school’s performance and if a student will be promoted to the next grade level. High schools look at a 7th grader’s ISAT scores to determine the student’s chances at enrollment.

Until March of last year, ELL students took the Illinois Measure of Annual Growth in English (IMAGE) test and the ACCESS for ELLs to judge their comprehension of the English language in social and educational contexts. ISBE stopped administering IMAGE after the U.S. Department of Education decided in November that the test did not meet No Child Left Behind standards. It was not immediately clear why the ISAT did not meet the standards.

ELL students taking the ISAT are eligible for accommodations such as having directions read to them in their native language and having more time to answer questions.

The change came as a total surprise to parents in the community, said Leticia Barrera, an education organizer for the Logan Square Neighborhood Association (LSNA).

“We were receiving phone calls from parents asking us if we [knew what was happening],” Barrera said. She said the ISBE and CPS avoided answering parents’ questions; information of accommodations for ELL students trickled in, but not with the urgency or accuracy LSNA said parents needed.

“We have students here,” Barrera said. “We are in the community and they are over there … implementing all these things without our input.”

Last year LSNA brought the community together to teach parents about the ISAT as ELL students took the test for the first time. This year the meeting was comprised of two seminars led by Reading First reading teachers Maureen Hajduke and Carrie Busse, with volunteers translating for Spanish-speaking parents.

Hajduke and a volunteer translator went over the basics of the ISAT in Monroe’s auditorium, teaching parents how to navigate the Illinois State Board of Education’s Web site, what students will be tested on based on grade level, what the test will look like and how to help students prepare for the two-week long exam.

The importance of parent preparedness was stressed.

“Don’t wait for anyone to tell you [what to do],” Hajduke said. “Prepare them yourself.

During the meeting’s second seminar Busse taught parents how to stop students from “regurgitating” information without processing it. Parents took notes Friday and simulated how they would work with their children in groups, using charts, markers and Post-it notes.

“No matter if they’re an ELL learner or a monolingual student, if they’re not exposed to it, they cannot connect to the text,” Busse said.

Organizers said they felt parents left with a better understanding of the ISAT and their children’s concerns.

“At times parents don’t know the stress that the children are going through,” said González, McAuliffe Elementary School’s resource and parent-mentor coordinator. “They think ‘Oh, it’s just a test.’”

“They were given an idea of how to work with the children and how to help them prepare for this test,” Gonzalez said. “Some of these parents left with a lot of questions being answered.”

Monica Espinoza, a parent-teacher mentor at McAuliffe Elementary, said her son is excited to take the test after being transitioned from ELL to monolingual classes this year.

“He’s like, ‘Mommy, I’m very excited because I know I’m going to do well,’” Espinoza said. “And I’m like, ‘I know you’re going to do well.’ But in the back of my mind I have that concern. [I’m just] trying to help him as much as I can.”

I Am Chicagoist

2009-02-21T12:37:00.003-06:00

My first article for Chicagoist.com is up. Chicagoist is a very popular local website that covers every nook and cranny of Chicago. I'm honored the editor accepted my submissions. Right now I'm a weekend writer because of my schedule, so check me out every Saturday and Sunday.

New Site Helps Those Jobless In Chicago

That Loving Feeling

2009-02-13T09:08:00.006-06:00

My boyfriend and I have been together for close to 5 years. He was my handsome, but awkward, next door neighbor my first year of college. We didn't really talk to each other until a chance meeting a year later at a school event. We've been dating pretty much from that moment on.

We've lived together for almost three years now, and while we have our differences, I still say we make a pretty good pair. In lieu of flowers he sends me cute viral videos because he knows my weakness for all things cute (i.e. children, kittens, hedgehogs). He's really funny, smart and just about the most patient and sympathetic person I've ever met.

With all that said, sometimes I wish I could go back to when we were first getting to know each other. When every discovery about him seemed new, exciting and proof positive that we were in fact made for each other ("Wait, you like Ren & Stimpy? I like Ren & Stimpy!"). When you're in the throes of your first relationship, it's easy to make wide sweeping, Sweet Valley High-backed comments like that.

This song by Lykke Li transports me to that time when we weren't living together, when seeing each other involved planning and walking to and from dorms, and, more specifically, my not wanting to say "I love you" first.

Now the excitement is in the comfort I feel in still knowing those facts I learned while eating Harold's Chicken on his twin-XL bed in Pierce and watching DVDs. But oh, those first weeks before we became the Ottitundes.

Editor's Note: The video is kinda odd, but the song itself is sweet. If the gyrating of Swedes is too much for you, you can scroll down and follow the lyrics or read other entries :)

Lykke Li - "Little bit"
by tkf

hands down
i'm too proud for love
but with eyes shut
it's you i'm thinking of
but how we move from A to B?
it can't be up to me
'cause you don't know
eye to eye
thigh to thigh
i let go

i think i'm..

a little bit, a little bit
a little bit in love with you
but only if you're
a little but, a little bit, a little bit
in lo-lo-lo-lo-love with me
oh

ooo-ooo...

and for you i keep my legs apart
and forget about my tainted heart
and i will never ever be the first
to say it
but still I,
yes you know I..I..I..
i would do it,
push a button
pull a trigger,
climb a mountain
jump off a cliff,
'cause you know baby
i love you love you a little bit
i would do it, i would say it
i would mean it, we could do it
it was you and i and if only i..

i think i'm
a little bit, a little bit
a little bit in love with you
but only if you're
a little but, a little bit, little bit
in lo-lo-lo-lo-love with me

come here, stay with me
stroke me by the hair
'cause i would give anything, anything
to have you as my man (2X)

a little bit, a little bit
a little bit in love with you
but only if you're
a little but, a little bit, little bit
in lo-lo-lo-lo-love with me

Olympic Hopes

2009-02-07T17:43:00.002-06:00

I love Chicago. I love how the nation's eyes have turned towards the city still bathing in a post-Obama election glow (notice how I choose to dismiss Blagojevich just like the Illinois Senate did, hey-o!). I'm not quite sure how I feel about its run for the 2016 Olympics, especially considering the budgetary straits Chicago is in now and the expected costs to get the city Olympics ready.

Still, watching this video got me a little excited about our fair city hosting an event of such global interest.

M.I.A.

2009-02-06T14:39:00.006-06:00

I have been so swamped with life, school, and learning time management (which has never been my strong suit) that I've fallen behind on updating my blog. What can I say about journalism school, now that I've been at it for five weeks? It's been equal parts exciting and disappointing, for reasons I'll explain on a one--one, not over the internet where teachers/fellow students can read, basis. But here's a quick run down of what I've been up to:

I've been assigned the education beat in my newswriting class turned newsroom. Right now I feel like I have to do so much research to even begin to understand the beast that is Chicago Public Schools and their programs, but I have a couple of stories lined up already and I think I'll learn a lot during the next five weeks. After they've run on our interschool website (and if I pitch them to a newspaper/magazine), I'll post them on my blog.
I've changed direction. Going into the program I was positive I wanted to get on the magazine journalism track, create a magazine prototype (the main reason I loved Medill's program), and take the optional fifth quarter to study abroad either in Paris or Lagos, Nigeria. Now I'm 90% sure I'm going to switch my major to Interactive Storytelling, which would focus on using text and multimedia to tell stories, skills I think will be invaluable no matter which direction journalism heads. I would still take a class in long-form narrative writing and non-fiction to get a solid foundation in writing, but my interests are definitely taking me toward multimedia. Also, since the optional 5th quarter has a mandatory extra tuition payment, I'll graduate in four quarters. Still deciding what my last project will be: DC, magazine prototype, or Interactive Innovation.
I'm a writer for Honey Magazine online! I have a blog on the website that once I get my act together will feature profiles, events, and issues targeted at a multicultural, mostly African American female audience. I'll post a link on here when I put something up.

Snow Days

2009-01-28T17:43:00.001-06:00

Playing Journalist

2009-01-23T17:55:00.012-06:00

When I was in the 6th grade, we had week of costumed dressing called "Spirit Week." There was twin day (you and a friend had to dress identically), pajama day, and school colors day. The day I was most excited for was Career Day. You see, I always knew I wanted to be a writer and while others were dressed as lawyers in three-piece suits, I came to Lincoln College Preparatory Academy dressed in jeans, a yellow t-shirt and carrying my V-Tech Kids Laptop.

When people asked me what I was supposed to be, I tapped the computer and said, "I'm a journalist." Without the laptop the entire costume was rendered everyday wear.

Flash forward 13 years and I'm still wearing jeans and carrying around my laptop in the hopes of becoming a journalist. But now that I've been out in the field, I think I need another prop to make this iteration of journalist work.

Kimchi Blue Briefcase Bag, $68 at Urban Outfitters.

It is so hard to stay organized when you're doing interviews on the street. Nothing turns people off more than anxious fumbling in too deep pockets and apologies for said anxious fumbling.

I picture myself reaching into this bag to whip out my voice recorder to ask people questions about health policy or gang activity in their neighborhoods; the fact that it can be worn messenger bag style is appealing as well - no straps sliding down my shoulders as I try to write in my note pad.

If you have to dress for the job you want, then this bag would definitely be the finishing touch on my journalist costume.

A New Era

2009-01-20T11:44:00.001-06:00

I didn't cry at the rally, but I did today.

Image and "count up" of Obama's presidency available at Is Obama President

A Dream Deferred

2009-01-19T18:26:00.002-06:00

I originally saw this on Lateboots.com and couldn't think of a more fitting way to begin celebrating two historic men.

Story Telling

2009-01-18T12:33:00.004-06:00

I was always a consumer of media before I started journalism school, but now it seems my hunger for news and new media has reached dizzying heights.

As part of the program, lecturers in different fields (i.e. broadcast, radio, etc.) talk to my class about where media is going. In an information heavy age where bloggers can get press passes, what is journalism? Who are journalists?

My definitions seem to be a lot more pliable than some of my fellow classmates. There seems to be a print, hard news bias that I can understand but don't necessarily consider a hard fast rule. One of the things I like most about journalism and new media is the storytelling aspect. You get to hear other people's stories and share them with others; your audience can take that information and apply it to their own lives however they choose, whether as a story to share around a dinner table or as a point of reference for whatever they're experiencing.

With all this in mind, my interests have shifted in the two weeks I've been at Medill. I originally wanted to do long-form features writing. Now I'm hoping to get a foundation in good writing, ethics, and how to find a story, but focus more on how to package information for online audiences. Videography, audio/video slide shows, web development, etc.

Because things like Tumblr version 5.0 get me ridiculously excited (there's that word again) of where journalism can and will go.

Introducing: Tumblr v5 from David Karp on Vimeo.

Put It On the Refrigerator

2009-01-16T05:33:00.004-06:00

I'm going into Week Two at Medill, and it is as hard as everyone said it would be. My first week was a very humbling and eye-opening experience; I'm more excited about going to school and learning than I have been in a really long time. I'll go as far as saying Border Star Elementary was the last time I was this amped to go to class. Despite the weather and other issues I won't blog about, the experience has been great in the "Please sir, may I have another?" kind of way.

I'm getting spanked by AP style and I kinda like it.

Anyway, I have less time to devote to blogging about Chicago but I'm trying to stay disciplined. The blog will more often act as a online refrigerator for me to stick up my work at Medill on. I want my family and friends to see what I'm up to.

So without further ado, I give you a link to my first multimedia project: a 1-min audio track made on Audacity (which I learned in, like, an hour and was expected to create a product shortly after).

I did man on the street interviews in Albany Park last week, asking residents if they thought Gov. Rod Blagojevich should be convicted. Listen to the final (but very rough) cut here.

Who Needs D.C.?

2009-01-15T12:53:00.006-06:00

While an estimated 2 million Americans will be making their way to Washington D.C. for the inauguration next week Tuesday, citizens of Chicago have some party plans of their own. Inauguration celebrations ranging from galas to informal gatherings at local bars are popping up all over the city. To see where one is near you, visit MoveOn.org's inaugural party finder or check out a few of my picks (courtesy of a post originally found on TimeOut Chicago):

African Harambee (7537 N. Clark) will be offering pan-African food, music, and dancing between 8pm-1am.

Considered the best place to go for Ethiopian in Chicago, Ethiopian Diamond's (6120 N. Broadway) large restaurant will be transformed into a dance hall between 11pm-2:30am.

The first and last time I was at Town Hall Pub (3340 N. Halsted), I was surrounded by hipsters, militant bikers and I was trying to keep a friend from calling an unfaithful ex. This time around, the crowd is sure to stay the same, but with a life-sized cutout of Obama, free Jell-O shots, and drink specials, I might not mind the stink of post-irony irony.

I watched the Vice-Presidential Debates at the Whirlaway Lounge (3224 W. Fullerton) in Logan Square. The bar's affable bartender and owner, flat screen TV, and feel good environment would make for a great place to celebrate the Obama administration's official start.

Will You Be My Boyfriend?

2009-01-13T09:06:00.005-06:00

I don't know if you know this about me but I'm kind of obsessed with fashion. Somewhere between my senior year of high school and graduating from the University of Chicago, my knowledge of labels and trends went from nada to damn near obscene in its breadth.

Thankfully I have enough common sense not to send myself into debt over all the swoon-inducing clothes I lust after and stick to consignment stores, Target and sale racks. My graduate student budget will keep my purchases strictly academic or out of necessity (like new snow boots), but that doesn't stop me from looking...

I love the slouchy look that's making the rounds. It exudes this, I'm-too-cool-to-care attitude that renders the wearer incredibly chic. I can picture myself wearing this Topshop Sequin Boyfriend Blazer ($160, so named for its "manly" oversized proportions) with a white v-neck shirt and skinny jeans.

LaRok's clothing toes the line between feminine and hard-edge "rocker" style. I like the fit of their Launch Party Blazer (on "sale" for $188) and the black piping.

I really love dresses and skirts. I like the pleating on the front of this Vanessa Bruno skirt and the bright royal purple color, but not the price tag ($253.50).

This budget friendly option from teen fashion catalog, Delia*s, has a full skirt fun for twirling in and cool beading on the waistband ($38.50).

Vena Cava is a high-end brand designed by Parsons' graduates Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai. The duo creates dream clothing for the urban sophisticate, mixing industrial details like zippers and beading with great silhouettes and prints. This top is on SUPER sale at Hejfina, a boutique in Chicago's Wicker Park ($88).

I tried these Michael Kors' booties ($179) on at a Macy's when I was home in Kansas City and loved them. The shape of this bootie may seem intimidating, but they're incredibly wearable. I haven't reached the point in my life where I'm OK with spending over $50 for shoes but I would definitely cop these on sale.

For someone who wears heels as frequently as I do, you would think I would have a nice pair of black closed toed heels. But alas, my shoe rack is lacking in that department. These Calvin Klein black pumps ($98) are interesting as well as functional thanks to their snake skin texture and 1/2 inch platform (which helps when walking in heels higher than 3", in my opinion).

Paris, Je T'Aime

2009-01-10T17:32:00.003-06:00

I'm obsessed with the idea of Paris. The insanely chic women, the architecture, the art, the food. I would love to go there some day. I had a really crappy morning (I got two lessons in time management and journalism that left me a shaking, panicky mess from seven this morning until one in the afternoon) so I'm transporting myself to a bright and winsome version of the City of Lights, via this ad for the perfume Miss Dior. (Directed by Sofia Coppola)

My Day in Albany Park

2009-01-09T18:41:00.005-06:00

Nanook of the North Side.

Footsteps on the Metra North Line Platform at Ravenswood.

The first people I interviewed today. The question: Do you think Governor Rod Blagojevich should be convicted?

I can't read what this says, but I like how the cracks in the stencil makes the characters look like rib cages and bones.

"Kiss me, I'm Serbian!"

Outside the Kimball Brown line stop.

Dresses at Grisel's Bridal Shop.

This was spinning and colorful in all the gloom.

Honk.

Give Me A Beat!

2009-01-07T22:02:00.004-06:00

My Journalism Methods: Newswriting class met for the first time today and I am beyond excited. We were assigned our beat: Chicago's Northwest Side (i.e. Logan Square, West Ridge, etc.) with a focus on stories that will appeal to baby boomers. Our first assignment is to get twelve audio interviews of people reacting to the Blago drama. Along with those interviews, we're expected to get a feel for our assigned neighborhoods (my group of four will be covering Albany Park or Korea Town), taking pictures and jotting down notes for an audience report presentation to be done weeks later.

Can I just say my general anxiety has been replaced with overallexcitement? I'm getting practical journalism training at arguably the best journalism school in the country from professionals who are genuinely passionate about giving us the best and most true to life experience possible. Ah, I can barely contain myself!

Ok. Back to reading about interview techniques and Albany Park. And if anyone out there knows anything about the neighborhood they'd like to share with me, definitely let me know.

New Year's Resolutions

2009-01-03T13:01:00.012-06:00

After waking up mid-afternoon from a long night of celebrating, I hopped on Facebook and wrote what I thought would be an all-encompassing resolution to start the New Year with:

I'm pretty proud of my rudimentary Paint skills, lol.

This prompted an emailed response from someone I hadn't heard from in awhile, questioning whether substantial change through "sheer will" was possible. She attached this article from the Times, which cites medical examples of people reverting back to bad habits (i.e. dieters regaining weight) and the opinion of a clinical psychologist named Marian Kramer Jacobs who thinks there are evolutionary reasons as to why change is hard to maintain:

“If one believes that human beings are social animals, our hierarchies within families, governments and businesses depend on people who know their roles and perform them dutifully. "We're hard-wired not to change quickly," Dr. Jacobs said. "Think of what chaos would ensue if you could snap your finger and change instantly tomorrow. You would be one person today, someone else tomorrow."

The article goes on to say the belief that change is impossible can seem unpatriotic given America's history of movements and revolutions, our love of rags-to-riches icons, and self-improvement stories, yet numbers show "that after six months, only about 45 percent of the subjects managed to stick to their pledges." It ends noting that resolutions centered on healthy self-acceptance is more realistic than wide-sweeping change.

This all got me thinking whether or not resolutions are a wholly American (or Western) concept. What a luxury it is to consider the evolutionary or psychological reasons why we make resolutions! In societies where the caste you are born into most likely will be the one you die in, is there an urge to make resolutions to better oneself with the coming new year? Or is making resolutions just part of being human, wanting to change for goodness' sake, for the approval of others, or to move up in more fluid social systems, to make something better of yourself? Is there something wrong with looking back on the year as it draws to a close and thinking about ways to improve yourself in the coming year? In evolutionary speak, maybe making resolutions and being part of the 45% who succeed effects genetic fitness and allows successful resolution keepers to send their "quit-smoking-do-pilates-be-kinder" genes into the next generation.

What do you think?

Beginning Half of How I Rang In the New Year

2009-01-03T12:43:00.004-06:00

My camera experienced technical difficulties after the first party Derek and I attended (they're all worked out now, apparently slamming it against a hard surface is something recommended by camera professionals), but here's how the first half of my New Year's Eve looked:

Hot sake and sushi at Tokyo Marina (5058 N. Clark), an establishment that comes highly recommended. Good price and a lot of extras (tea, cucumber salad, and miso soup) for free.

Mood lighting at Laura (an old co-worker) and Shelby's apartment, our first stop of the evening before ringing in the new year with champagne cocktail of Cassis, champagne, and strawberries at Derek's cousin's loft.

Noisemakers are not fun to be attacked with, boyfriend of mine.

[Panic Attack] or My First Medill Post

2008-12-31T12:20:00.005-06:00

I start journalism school next week as many of you who read this blog know. I've drained all meaning out of the word "excited" because, although I'm technically supposed to be some sort of wordsmith, I have a very hard time explaining how incredibly excited I am to take my life and passions to the next level. I felt like I was in suspended animation (another phrase I constantly repeated to anyone who asked) waiting for the day I left my job so I could start classes at Northwestern. Now that the day I've been so antsy about is mere days away, I am freaking the eff out.

My train of thought?

Oh-my-god-who-told-me-I-was-a-good-writer-why-would-they-lie-like-that-oh-my-god-I'm-going-to-be-in-debt-for-the-rest-of-my-natural-life-I'm-going-into-journalism-oh-my-god-there's-no-money-in-that-I-have-no-money-now-oh-my-god-everyone-but-me-seems-to-be-prepared-for-this-they've-already-bought-the-software-we-need-I-don't-have-any-money-for-any-of-that-I-barely-have-enough-left-in-my-savings-for-this-month's-rent-what-if-financial-aid-just-barely-covers-school-fees-and-I-have-to-take-out-another-loan-just-to-get-by-oh-my-god-I-think-I-forgot-how-to-write-what-if-I've-been-wrong-for-the-past 14-years-maybe-I'm-not-supposed-to-be-a-journalist-what-if-I-suck-oh-my-god-oh-my-god-oh-my-god [mental flatline]

So, the rest of this weekend will be devoted to me creating the kind of mental preparedness and physical comfort I need to even approach getting over this panic attack. Meaning, I'll be cleaning my apartment (because when I'm freaking the eff out, messes just make me feel more ill at ease), creating To-Do lists (because I love making lists and crossing things off said lists means I'm doing something right), planning and mapping my daily schedule so I won't feel completely lost when I'm on campus, and doing Lamaze-style breathing to keep myself afloat and from throwing myself into a full out fit.

So far I've gotten my class schedule...

Class	Schedule
2009 Winter Schedule
JOUR 400-1-20 LEC (32661)	WeThFr 9:00AM - 10:30AM Fisk Hall 311
JOUR 400-1-60 LAB (33945)	Tu 6:00PM - 9:00PM Fisk Hall 306 WeThFr 10:30AM - 5:00PM Fisk Hall 306
JOUR 400-2-22 LEC (32666)	Tu 1:00PM - 4:00PM Fisk Hall 308
JOUR 400-3-20 LEC (32631)	Mo 9:00AM - 12:00PM Fisk Hall 311
JOUR 401-0-20 LEC (32668)	Mo 1:00PM - 4:00PM Fisk Hall 311

Oh-my-god-they-weren't-kidding-this-IS-like-journalism-boot-camp-oh-my-god-am-I-ever-going-to-see-my-boyfriend-and-friends-again?

...I've applied for Medill Business Cards, called my parents about Immunization records, and uploaded a bio and picture for Medill Winter 2009 MSJ's Face Book called "Who's Who"...

During her undergraduate years at the University of Chicago, Anthonia discovered her love for journalism as a writer for the Chicago Weekly. Soon after becoming the Weekly's managing editor her third year, Anthonia helped transform the paper from unfocused student life articles to an arts and entertainment publication focusing on the often overlooked South Side of Chicago. After interning for the Urban Flavor and UR Chicago (and currently freelancing for Venus Zine and Honey Mag online), Anthonia hopes to explore other mediums and topics outside of lifestyle and entertainment reporting.

Oh-my-god-I-look-hideous-the-picture-is-too-dark-everyone-else-looks-better-oh-my-god-I-went-over-the-word-limit-my-bio-is-longer-than-everyone's-oh-my-god-I-look-like-I-think-my-experience-is-better-than-theirs-ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Ahem. I really hope this hyperventilating voice inside my head won't be following me around for the next year.

See What Develops

2008-12-28T18:51:00.007-06:00

I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays! My boyfriend and I returned to a very wet and warm Chicago late last night after spending a few days with his family in Absolute Delight, a cabin in Maryland. I always love spending time with Derek's family and enjoy sharing in their love of storytelling and tradition.

Now that we're back in our apartment, we've settled into our routines: me sprawled out on the sofa, checking out my favorite blogs and sites; Derek at our desk, turning around every so often to update me about something ridiculous (i.e. a website where you can download free B movies like "JC," a tale of teenaged Jesus Christ reincarnate who rebels against his extreme Southern Baptist father and leads an LSD fueled pilgrimage out west); NPR streaming from his laptop. I've jumped from one emotional extreme to the next these past two weeks, so it's nice to have things moving at a familiar and happy medium.

Speaking of familiar and happy mediums, Polaroids are making a comeback despite the company's decision to discontinue the technology beloved by model casters, party photographers, and hipsters alike. A program called Poladroid takes JPEG images from online or from your digital camera and creates the iconic high contrast images surrounded by a white box. PC users can now download the program, and below you'll find some of my pictures from the past two weeks.

Lights on the Plaza in Kansas City, MO.

Little brothers, Ladi (19) and Tunde (13).

Stockings! (I forgot to bring one for myself so Derek and I made do with a pair of my thick winter stockings.)

Derek learning how to knit.

Cousin Tim with the cutest puppy ever, Nora. I want a puppy.

Squeal! Little Gracie snuggling on the floor with the puppy.

Procrastination before my Vacation

2008-12-14T07:55:00.002-06:00

I'm going back home to Kansas City today from December 14 - 23. I haven't been home in awhile, so I'm pretty excited to see my parents, younger brothers, and my two good friends (along with the satellite friends from high school who are fun to catch up with). This weekend has been amazing: my boyfriend walked in his graduation ceremony and we celebrated the momentous occasion with great food, laughs, toasts, tears, and drinks. I'll put pictures of that up on a later date; I really should start packing.

I <3 Dresses from katie sokoler on Vimeo.

(This random video sums up my feelings about dresses. I wish I had that many...)

Good Morning

2008-12-11T11:12:00.004-06:00

My boyfriend is graduating from the University of Chicago tomorrow afternoon. I'm beyond proud of him, considering the extreme circumstances he had to overcome to reach this day. What once seemed distant and unattainable is well within his grasp and I'm pretty sure I'm going to be the happiest significant other at Rockefeller Chapel tomorrow.

Congraduations Derek from Me and Kanye West:

(Pst: I'll make sure you get there on time and that the Delorian will start)

It Starts

2008-12-09T15:12:00.004-06:00

Holiday sales and complimentary drinks to celebrate the season!

Pay Pal

2008-12-09T13:23:00.004-06:00

(photo credit: New York Times, Tim Boyle/Getty Images)

Corruption in Chicago politics is as much a part of the city's history as the Great Chicago Fire or the remnants of stockyards in the Southwest side. But today the inside joke has made national headlines: Governor Rod Blagojevich has been arrested on federal corruption charges for planning to sell now President-elect Obama's senator seat to the highest bidder. The Governor had been under investigation prior to his arrest for his relationship with political fundraiser Tony Rezco.

Many are pushing for his resignation. I'm just processing all of this myself, but here are links to articles about the scandal in the Chicago Tribune and the New York Times. The entire front page of the Tribune is devoted to coverage as it breaks.

Holiday Gift Guide #2

2008-12-06T11:40:00.013-06:00

I Am Chicago's second holiday gift guide is dedicated to mothers. I feel as though whether the mom on your gift list is a new mother or an empty nester, comfort is key when considering what gift to buy.

This large patterned cape from Urban Outfitters screams stylish comfort. Mom can wrap it over her shoulders and enjoy a cup of tea during her downtime or use it as a layering piece during these cooler months. It'll up your mom's cool quotient too if you tell her its from Urban Outfitters.

Patterned Cape, $24.99, Urban Outfitters.

Nothing is more relaxing then luxuriating in a tub after a long day. Get rid of the Walgreen's brand body soap and treat your mom to the good stuff: Fresh's triple milled pure vegetable soaps. The oval bars are packed with moisturizing shea butter (which is definitely necessary during the winter to keep sky from drying out from harsh weather) and smell delicious. Each is wrapped in lovely Chinoiserie paper and comes in a reusable box.

Oval Soap Trio II, $42, Fresh.

Who doesn't love cashmere? Treat your mom to a nice cashmere blend that will accentuate any outfit or act as a very fancy scarf.

Refined Silk-Cashmere Wrap, $75, J Crew

My mom works at a nursing home in Kansas City, MO. While I was driving her to work one day, she looked down at her hands and exclaimed, "My hands look like that of a farmer's wife!" She immediately reached into her work bag for lotion and worked it into her hands. To keep mom's hands from "farmer's wife" territory, get her this enriched hand cream made with rosewater and glycerin. An added bonus for environmentally conscious moms? The cream is free of animal byproducts and wasn't tested on any creatures, either. And it diminishes the appearance of sun damage. What's not to love?

Dr. Hunter Hand Creme, $12, Caswell-Masey

It's A Good Thing I'm Going to Journalism School

2008-12-03T15:19:00.004-06:00

See how you fare with the New York Times "After the Deadline" Quiz.

Michelle O

2008-12-03T11:37:00.008-06:00

(photo credit: WWD, Christian Lacroix sketch for Michelle Obama)

The fashion world has been abuzz thanks to the promise of a fashion-forward First Lady in the White House. Michelle Obama has already been compared to Our Lady Jackie O and top designers are clamoring for a chance to dress her. The Fashion Bomb just posted an entry on WWD's (Women's Wear Daily) collection of designers' sketches for Michelle's Inaugural gown. The slideshow contains a who's who of designers like Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta, Karl Lagerfeld, and Diane von Furstenburg. Whatever she decides, I'm sure she'll look gorgeous.

Should Just Remember This...

2008-12-03T11:13:00.006-06:00

Sia's performance of her single "Soon We'll Be Found" from her latest album "Some People Have Real Problems" was posted on Kanye West blog this morning. Her voice is so rich and mournful: I immediately felt a lump in my throat and tears sprang to my eyes. Music has a way of translating exactly how one feels without the messy business of actually articulating oneself. I should just play songs to explain myself.

Come along it is the break of day
Surely now, you'll have some things to say
It's not the time for telling tales on me

So come along, it wont be long
'Til we return happy
Shut your eyes, there are no lies
In this world we call sleep
Let's desert this day of hurt
Tomorrow we'll be free

Let's not fight I'm tired can't we just sleep tonight
Don't Turn away it's just there's nothing left here to say
Turn around I know we're lost but soon we'll be found

Well it's been rough but we'll be just fine
Work it out yeah we'll survive
You mustn't let a few bad times dictate

So come along, it wont be long
'Til we return happy
Shut your eyes, there are no lies
In this world we call sleep
Let's desert this day of work
Tomorrow we'll be free

Let's not fight I'm tired can't we just sleep tonight
Don't turn away it's just there's nothing left here to say
Turn around I know we're lost but soon we'll be found

Holiday Gift Guide

2008-12-02T09:23:00.006-06:00

Many of my favorite blogs and websites offer holiday gift guides for their readers. One of the things I've noticed recently about these guides is that in today's economic they either range from the wildly expensive ("Dahling, what recession," sniffs Neiman Marcus) to the just plain, old bad (I hope no one gifts me a paper bag vase). With this in mind, I present to you a new series: I Am Chicago's Holiday Gift Guide '08.

Gift Guide #1: For Dad

AMC's hit drama Mad Men continues to win fans with its riveting depiction of American life during the early 60s. Critics and fans alike swoon over the attention to detail and gripping plot lines (not to mention Jon Hamm's portrayal of handsome yet distant ad man Don Draper) Get your father hooked on the series with Season One on DVD.

Mad Men, Season One, $27.49, Amazon.com

The iPod has become synonymous with the MP3 player since its launch in 2001. The wee iPod Shuffle doesn't pack as big of a punch as the Nano or Classic versions, but at $49 and with space for up to 500 songs it should be more than enough to keep your music loving pops happy on the treadmill, while mowing, or reading the paper. You can also engrave a special message for free when you order on Apple.com. The user friendly iPod and iTunes interface will also make any tech weary dad feel like a pro--and keep you from having to play IT guru over the phone.

iPod Shuffle (comes in 5 colors), $49, Apple.com

If your dad is anything like mine, his record collection is a thing worthy of awe. Vinyl collecting dust in stacks or haphazardly stacked away for a rainy day have been forgotten by the continuing wave of new technology, but ol' dad still remembers them fondly. Help him make the transition to today with this USB Vinyl Archiver from Fred Flare. The EZ Vinyl Converter automatically uploads songs to your iTunes library, which he can then transfer to his iPod. Dad will thank you for bringing back the music of his youth, and Mom will be happy those records won't be taking up any more space in the garage.

USB vinyl archiver, $129 (originally $150), Fredflare.com

Double Team

2008-12-01T20:41:00.004-06:00

The Obamas will grace the covers of the January 2009 edition of Essence Magazine.

Cyber Monday, Party Wednesday

2008-12-01T14:11:00.009-06:00

(image courtesy of SHE Boutique: for more information on pieces click here)

High end shopping has taken a hit as Americans reevaluate their shopping habits, but the ladies behind SHE boutique (an acronym for "She Has Everything") aren't batting a mascaraed eyelash. The shop continues to offer brand name designer threads to women at their Lincoln Park (1024 W. Armitage) and Highland Park (483 Central) locations. To help the fashion, yet budget conscious of us, SHE boutique has a promotional sale going on their website in honor of Cyber Monday—the biggest online shopping day of the year. Just type cybermonday on the coupon code field when it's time to check out and enjoy 50% off your selection.

SHE is also putting together a winter fashion show in conjunction with GenArt this Wednesday. With today's first big snow in Chicago, Chicagoans will definitely be looking for inspiration to stay fierce while beleaguered in layers. The event will take place at Vertigo Sky Lounge at Dana Hotel (600 N. State), a new bar that has the Gold Coast buzzing. With savings today and partying Wednesday, SHE has you covered—just remember to RSVP for the party today at rsvpchicago@genart.org.

The Three Cs

2008-12-01T09:36:00.005-06:00

The Midwest and the Cinema with a capital C are very rarely said in the same sentence. Cinema and Culture has been claimed by the coasts for years, but another C word has claimed the nation's attention: Chicago. With the nation's eyes trained on the Second City as President-Elect Obama shapes our future from here, Chicago's cultural wealth is finally being acknowledged by the masses.

For those of us that didn't need an Obama presidency to know what a vibrant city Chicago is, the Midwest Independent Film Festival continues to be a cultural boon. Their first Tuesday screenings at the Landscape Century Cinema Theatre remains high on the must-do lists of newspapers and lifestyle websites like Going. Tomorrow the Midwest Independent Film Festival will host their first fundraising gala: the 2008 Best of the Midwest Awards, a ceremony to "recognize the premier films and filmmakers" screened during this year's first Tuesday film festival screenings.

Taking place at Rockit Bar and Grill (22 W. Hubbard) from 6-9, the night promises to excite. Limited tickets are still available and with delicious appetizers provided by Rockit, a cocktail reception hosted by Effen Vodka and Corona, and all proceeds going towards the nonprofit organization's 2009 budget, $50 sounds like a steal. Buy tickets here.

Bhangratheque!

2008-11-24T11:12:00.002-06:00

If you're still in the city this week, work off that post-Thanksgiving turkey at Bhangrafest!

Post Secret

2008-11-22T12:23:00.008-06:00

I've been thinking a lot about who I am, why I do the things I do, why I feel the way I feel and it left me in a pretty depressed mood. If I could have that operation done in "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" I would and just start removing all the memories I have that I replay over and over and over again that put me in such a bad mood. Maybe its SAD (what an ironic acronym) now that the weather has turned wintery. I had all of this in mind when I stumbled upon Post Secret. Most of you may already know about this, but Post Secret is a website where people mail in postcards they've altered to reveal their deepest, darkest secrets.

Fair warning: while some of them can be extremely life-affirming, there are others that are just super depressing and makes you think about how much pain people inflict on themselves and others. Here are a few that especially spoke to me today...

This one made me think of my boyfriend, and how he continues to love me despite my best efforts to push him away.

This one made me think of my best friend Cassie, and a story she used to tell us about how she put earthworms in her pockets during recess when she was a kid. She still has the sweetest heart and I love her so much for it.

It must be great to have such an unshakable faith in a higher being... it must make life at least somewhat easier.

I'm sure plenty of people (myself included) do this...

Now I'm off to get diner food with my boyfriend and watch a movie I hope will lift me out of this funk I'm in.

Pop Art, Kanye West

2008-11-07T17:26:00.002-06:00

I didn't think it was possible...but this video made me like Kanye West even more.

Precious

2008-11-06T12:17:00.005-06:00

I need something to wipe the bitter taste of sour grapes Nader (saying Obama could either be an Uncle Sam or Uncle Tom for this country), possible arson involved in a black church burning down in Springfield, MA hours after the historic election, and a press release announcing Westboro Baptist Church's plans to picket President-Elect Obama's grandmother's funeral. And if you didn't know any of this before reading that previous sentence, you probably will to.

My offering:

This article in the New York Times.

'I will tell my children of this day, and they will pass it on from generation to generation and know about the first black president,' [10-year-old Torin Wlson] wrote in his essay. 'And I know that he will certainly not be the last.”

In the Mood for Love..At the Obama Rally

2008-11-05T12:05:00.005-06:00

While it was impossible to find my boyfriend and close friends among the throngs of people at Grant Park last night, some people were able to find their next potential mate for a few fleeting moments before the crowd swallowed them up. That's where Missed Connections comes in. Missed Connections is a forum on Craigslist where people can post descriptions of people they had brief, yet chemistry filled encounters with in the hopes that person will stumble upon it and contact them.

My friend and facial hair enthusiast posted a pretty good one this morning and it got me the thinking: how many people put up Missed Connections from the Obama Rally? The results are hilarious. My favorites?

Petite Woman with Huge Chest at Obama Rally - m4w - 32
Asked for a cigarette when Obama won - m4m - 35
MC at Obama Rally - "There's another state I'm not going to" - w4m - 28
to the trio of girls at Grant Park who took me to a bar, then left - m4w - 23
Rally Photographer, all in black, dapper hat and brass cuff buttons - w4m

Obama brings so many people together!

Pictures from the Rally

2008-11-05T11:21:00.008-06:00

I'm so glad I got to be a part of the rally. The magnitude of Obama's election didn't fully hit me until I saw Jesse Jackson cry, saw people dancing in Kenya, spoke to my father about how family in Nigeria called and congratulated him as if he had won, and did a quick review of civil rights history unmarred by talking heads' analysis. Being of my generation where a lot of the groundwork has already been done to become whatever I want to be, it's easy to forget or gloss over how far African-Americans and women have come. I had a "post-race" view of the election; of course Obama would win—he was the best man for the job despite the racially driven anxiety and attacks right wing voters.

But man... he has broken a tremendous glass ceiling for African-Americans. He had the weight of an ugly history on his shoulders, and is toting it along with acknowledgment of its presence but a confidence that it can be shaken off, allowing for a united America.

Enough with my ramblings. Click here for a slideshow sampling of the pictures I took:

The Time For Healing Has Begun

2008-11-05T02:31:00.006-06:00

I was at Grant Park with thousands of other Chicagoans watching the polls roll in as America rallied and elected our next president of the United States, Barack Obama. My heart swelled about 3x its size. my face hurts from smiling so hard. I felt the presence of history tonight and I am both excited and scared to see what the next 4 years hold for us. I hope Obama's message resonates across the nation: we are Americans not red Americans or blue Americans, not black, brown, yellow, or white Americans.

I'm going to go to bed, but here are some images from Jezebel to look at before I show you some of the pictures I took while there.

It's Really All Quite Simple

2008-11-04T08:34:00.004-06:00

It's Election Day: exercise your right to vote.

OMFG For Real

2008-10-28T14:45:00.005-05:00

THE RUMORS ARE TRUE!!!!!

After days of horrible news after horrible news (I couldn't even bring myself to write about the tragedy that befell Jennifer Hudson and her sister), an email from the Obama Campaign brightened my day.

Obama will be having an election night event in Grant Park, which you can register for online tickets here. Gates open at 8:30, but can you imagine the crowd that will be there, just to experience this moment of history, to hear whatever this man has to say to us as he begins his path towards ushering America into a new dawn (or, heaven forbid, console us as America stands in front of a social/political/international firing squad)?!

I...can't...WAIT!

Groovy, Baby

2008-10-26T13:10:00.002-05:00

MGMT - New Music - More Music Videos

I love "Electric Feel" by MGMT. It makes me want to dance as soon as I hear it.

"Undecided"

2008-10-23T13:39:00.003-05:00

David Sedaris, a writer who I have already fully disclosed my love for, has written a short piece in the New Yorker about Undecided voters in this year's election appropriately titled "Undecided." In true Sedaris fashion it's thoughtful, hilarious, and a must read. Enjoy!

If You Like It Then You Shoulda Put A Ring On It

2008-10-20T13:30:00.001-05:00

1. I wish I could dance like that.
2. I wish I looked like that.
3. Damn, that's a big ring.
4. I can not get this song or its Fossy-esque dance moves out of my head. Pretty embarrassing, but I try to do them at my desk without the same flawless results.

Are You Afraid of the Dark?

2008-10-20T12:18:00.005-05:00

Well, you shouldn't be. Especially if we're talking about the Art Institute's Art After Dark event this Friday. The event series is definitely not one to be missed: you get to view relatively new exhibits (this month, Henri Cartier-Bresson's photojournalistic glimpse of Paris are on display), see amazing performance art courtesy of Collaboraction, dance, people watch, drink, and eat to your heart's content. The Art Institute (111 S. Michigan Ave.) intends to keep the party going with an after party at the Base Bar at the Hard Rock Hotel (230 N. Michigan Ave.). To order tickets, click here.

Chicago International Film Festival

2008-10-18T12:41:00.002-05:00

The Chicago International Film Festival, in its forty-fourth year, is on in various movie theaters across the city. Click here for a list of the must see/skip movies on the schedule according to Metromix. My picks: Gael Garcia Bernal's "Deficit", animator and director Bill Plympton's "Idiots and Angels", and Charlie Kaufman's "Synecdoche, NY" starring Phillip Seymour Hoffman, just to name a few.

"Bottom of the Ninth....Nine Runs Down...and [McCain is] the Cubs..."

2008-10-16T09:53:00.006-05:00

(photo credit: Damen Winter for the New York Times)

Last night, my boyfriend and I watched the final Presidential Debate at the Chicago History Museum (1601 N. Clark), a part of their In the K/Now series. The evening began with a moderator and speakers, including 848 and WBEZ political reporter Ben Calhoun (you're amazing on 848!), and two other gentleman whose names I couldn't hear, sadly. The gem above is from one of them, continuing the use of sports analogies throughout the discussion.

The crowd and panel were decidedly for Obama and we all laughed heartily at every dig at McCain's sinking ship. I had hoped there would be an equal mix of conservative and liberal speakers, just to make things interesting, but I guess its hard to find McCain supporters in this blue state and in Obama's home turf of Chicago. In effect, the panel was preaching to an enthusiastic choir, with only three undecideds in the room.

After the panel discussion, we watched the debate. I thought it was the best debate between the two, with moderator Bob Schieffer getting more specifics out of the candidates than before. Joe the Plumber made the audience gag, McCain's erratic facial ticks scared us all, and Obama's calm under McCain's lies and misrepresentations made me think all the more that this man needs to be in the White House.

Although there wasn't a follow up by the panel after the debate, overall I enjoyed my first experience at the Chicago History Museum and look forward to attending any other of their special events that pique my interest.

Another Voting Reminder

2008-10-09T17:00:00.004-05:00

For all my talk about being registered to vote, I should also add that one should make sure their voter registration is up-to-date so they can go to the correct voting location. I used Vote For Change to download and print forms updating my voter registration and for some reason, this change hasn't been noted on the website or the Chicago Board of Elections site either.

I could either go back down to the South Side (where I am currently registered) to vote come election day, go in person to the Cook County Clerk office downtown and update my registration there, or vote early at a nearby Northwest side location.

I'm leaning towards early voting - I doubt some October surprise is going to sway my vote. But again, make sure you're registered to vote and know where your district's polling site is!

Love Lock Down

2008-10-07T18:25:00.005-05:00

Another rainy day in Chicago. I'm waiting for my boyfriend to get back home so we can head to the opera (more on that tomorrow), but here's Kanye West's video for the first single off his "808 and Heartbreak" album "Love Lock Down." The radio DJs on 103.5 didn't "get" the video and said he was trying to be deeper than the song calls for. I disagree, but then again 1- I think Kanye can do no wrong and 2- appreciate any break from the hip-hop video narrative of bling, bills, and bitches. What do you think?

Lazy Sunday Love

2008-10-05T15:59:00.004-05:00

Completely self-indulgent post but I live for moments like this.

I am lounging on my sofa as late afternoon sunlight streams through my apartment windows. I'm reading my favorite blogs, the New York Times, and drinking tea in my bright orange caftan I had made in Nigeria from some cloth my Aunt gave me as a gift. My boyfriend is at our desk listening to jazz and geeking out and I just got off the phone with my best friend who I love like a sister who makes me laugh like no other.

I am having a quiet, "God, it feels good to be alive" moment.

No Words

2008-10-05T13:05:00.003-05:00

Make Sure You Are Registered to Vote!

2008-10-05T12:23:00.004-05:00

Vote For Change is a helpful website that puts together a voter registration card for you if you've yet to register, moved and haven't updated your registration, or need an absentee ballot. As Joe Biden stressed in the Vice Presidential Debate, this November 4 will be the single most important our generation has ever voted in. With the economy and America in the catastrophic state its in, we can not afford to assume Obama will clinch the election. His lead in the polls is encouraging but slim and who knows how people will actually vote come election day (the Bradley effect, anyone?) So please, check Vote For Change to make sure your voter registration info is up to date and vote November 4.

While wide sweeping change is unlikely to happen, to quote Monhandas Gandhi, "We need to be the change we wish to see in the world."

The Subprime Primer

2008-10-03T11:27:00.006-05:00

This Powerpoint has been making the rounds since early spring when news of the subprime mortgage crisis first broke. Now that we're looking at at $700 billion bailout, I think it does some good to get reacquainted with (or just plain understand) how America got here in the first place.

Despite the stick men figures, this makes the subprime crisis understandable/makes me all the more angry at the level of greed that ensures the haves will always have more than the have nots.

The Great Debates (and 100th Post)

2008-10-03T10:00:00.008-05:00

(photo credit: Richard Perry for the New York Times)

I watched last night's Vice Presidential Debates at the Whirlaway Lounge (3224 W. Fullerton) in Logan Square. It was a small, narrow bar with most eyes glued to the debates on the plasma screen as the three Cubs' fans in the corner cursed and cheered at the playoff game on mute. I could go on and on about how Palin dodged questions, stuck to the talking point(s) (because really, all she has is energy) her coaches spoon fed her, and clung to her "folksy" hockey mom persona for dear life...but really, half the fun of watching her slip ups were experiencing them with like minded, slightly buzzed bar patrons.

For the third and last presidential debate, I'll be far away from $2.50 PBR and .50 bags of Doritos in favor of a panel discussion at the Chicago History Museum (1601 N. Clark).

The Chicago History Museum has screened the presidential and vice presidential debates in their lecture hall, accompanied with a discussion led by Chicago professors and journalists. I'm excited to hear what Chicago's political minds have to say in real time. There is a suggested donation of $5 but free tickets are also available. Buy your tickets here.

Recap
Where: Chicago History Museum, 1601 W. Clark
When: October 15, 7pm
What: In the K/Now: Presidential Debate II Domestic Policy
Cost: $5 suggested donation, free tickets available

The White City Revisted

2008-10-01T12:04:00.005-05:00

(photo credit: "Crowd on the Shore," Chicago Tribune photo archive)

Chicago was the home of the World's Fair in 1893, taking the honor from other American cities (Ha! Take that New York!) skeptical of Chicago's ability to outshine the Exposition in Paris that had captured the world's imagination. The city was still crawling out of the Great Chicago Fire wreckage and was considered less cosmopolitan than other cities vying for the Fair. Chicago architect Daniel Burnham met the challenge and exceeded expectations as the fairgrounds (known as the White City for its gleaming white stucco buildings) rose up on the South Side along Midway Plaissance and Jackson Park, delighting Chicagoans and patrons the world over.

Erik Larson does a great job recasting the story of the Chicago World's Fair in his book, Devil in the White City, a definite must read. Today, the Chicago Tribune has dug up beautiful, old archival photos (which, if you read the book, makes them all the more special considering what a tight hold Burnham had on photography within the fair grounds). Click here for more pictures.

"I Got Your Crazy"

2008-09-26T18:37:00.007-05:00

Don't you just love the new Britney Spears single? I am all about Ms. Spears making a full comeback into pop stardom after dangling off the crazy cliff for over 2 years. Listen to it here:

Weekend Guide, September 26-28

2008-09-26T10:22:00.002-05:00

I haven't done this in awhile, but this weekend is supposed to be gorgeous! Enjoy the last few days of warm weather by going to any one of these events this weekend (or use MetroMix, Going, and any other number of websites to find out what's going on in the City of Wind)...

Friday, September 26

Sex, Lies, and Little Black Dresses
Ok, so I have never been to this event, but doesn't it sound amazingly ridiculous? Every last Friday of the month, a fashionable theme is picked out by the people of Boutique Nightclub. This month it's "Tight Fit" and ladies wearing corsets or bustiers get in free until midnight and get a chance of winning a $100 certificate to G Boutique (link may or may not be SFW). A-mazing. For more info, click here.

Bump Soul Party
Swoon! I love old school soul and R&B. I love Wicker Park. I love dancing. Therefore a soul dance party at the Subterranean (2011 W. North) in Wicker Park sounds like a match made in heaven. Make sure to get there before 10:30 for no cover, free boozing (Highlife, the Champagne of Beers) grooving.

Saturday, September 27

Wired NextFest
WIRED, a magazine thats profiles all things tech, is taking over Millenium Park's South Promenade starting this Saturday with its NextFest, a "showcase of the global innovations transforming our world." See the future now with 44 exhibits (covering everything from robotics to green living) and gadgets on display until October 17. Click here for times and more info.

Second Annual Hyde Park Jazz Festival
14 hours of free jazz in historic and beautiful Hyde Park on a sunny Saturday afternoon. What more could you ask for? Venues and performances are spread throughout the neighborhood, so visit the website for specific information. The event kicks off at noon in the DuSable African American Museum (740 E. 56th Pl) with a performance by the Jazz Institutes's Jazz Links ensemble and ends midnight at the International House (1414 E. 59th St) with a midnight Slam Jam. I may have to swing by my old neighborhood to check this one out...

Sunday, September 28

Enjoy the City!
Walk around your neighborhood! Go to the Lake! Play in an area park! Have a picnic! Do something to enjoy the predicted 73° weather.

I'm planning on picnicing with my boyfriend and then walking to a used book store. What will you be doing?

A Chill in the Air

2008-09-24T00:53:00.003-05:00

September 22 was the first official day of Autumn. While the sun is still shining and the temperature hovers in the high 70s, low 80s, I know that Fall is upon us. Despite all my talk of how amazing Chicago in the Summer is (and it is!), Fall is my favorite all around season. The crispness of the air, the sound of acorns and leaves crunching underfoot...everything seems sharper and in focus.

Maybe it's me holding on to the one part of Fall that held so much excitement for me as a wee lass in Kansas City...Back to School shopping. It was the upside to ending the longer days of play: the anticipation of showing off my back to school clothes months before the weather actually called for my new turtlenecks, jeans, and coats.

One trend that I hope to implement into my nascent Fall wardrobe. Scarves. And thankfully the women at WhoWhatWear Daily have posted a video on just how to wear the trend.

So Topical

2008-09-22T11:11:00.004-05:00

I love Someecards, a website full of free sarcastic and witty e-cards. The snarky words mixed with the graphics of yesteryear make it all the more enjoyable.

Deluge

2008-09-15T14:57:00.002-05:00

This past weekend was nothing but rain, rain, and more rain. Walking out into the chilly air this morning, I could barely tell that most of my street had been filled with sewage and rain water just two days before. In fact, the sun shining and people commuting almost made me forget the record rain fall (in a calendar day) Chicago had experienced. Until I saw this...

(photo credit: User Aerobat79 from ChicagoTribune.com. For more reader submitted pictures of the flooding in Illinois, click here)

Illinois Governor Ron Blagojevich named 7 counties as disaster areas.

A Return to Good Political Satire

2008-09-14T14:14:00.001-05:00

Last night's Saturday Night Live's Premiere opener

"I See Those Flashing Lights..."

2008-09-12T09:35:00.004-05:00

(photo credit: People)

Man, these [expletive]s got me
I hate these [expletive]s more than the Nazis
--Kanye West, "Flashing Lights"

Kanye West, rapper, performer and arguably Chicago's favorite native son, was arrested yesterday after a scuffle with a paparazzo at LAX airport. During the skirmish, West reportedly broke a camera valued at $10,000; he was charged with vandalism (really?) and bail was posted at $20,000. West's road manager was also arrested for vandalism and battery.

Now, I love celebrity gossip (even though I like to rationalize that I'm not a part of the problem since I only read the gossip online and don't buy the magazines). I know that love gives the paparazzo reason to stalk celebrities for the photos that fetch thousands for their pockets and millions for gossip magazines. But, I can understand why at 7 in the morning Kanye might have flipped. I can't say I wouldn't have done the same thing.

I'm pretty disgusted with the celebrity culture we live in that places more importance on what the girls of The Hills are doing over the fact that as mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, Republican VP candidate Sarah Palin charged rape victims for the rape kits used to procure the DNA of a victim's assailant. [Opposing viewpoint, for the sake of presenting both sides, here]

Really, the flashing lights should be pointed at the people who are making the decisions (or, as the case may be, poised to make the decisions) that affect policy and the way we live our lives. Not at Kanye West, or any other celebrity, trying to get through airport security and live their normal, everyday lives. They are just like US you know.

Barack Obama on David Letterman

2008-09-11T14:52:00.003-05:00

Click here to see Jezebel's write up and clip of Barack Obama's winsome appearance on David Letterman.

Such A Fickle Mistress..

2008-09-09T09:17:00.004-05:00

(View of Chicago from Lake Michigan. Photo credit: Me)

Ah, Chicago. How I love her and loathe her all at the same time. She jerks me around, providing the highest of highs (Chicago in the Summer) and the lowest of lows (Chicago in the W-word).

I don't want summer to be over, but every 2-bit radio DJ and random person trying to make conversation seems to take glee in the brisker winds, the shorter days and earlier sunsets. It's September! You just got here, summer! Why did I find myself in shorts during a sudden cold downpour yesterday, shivering and wet in 50 degree weather? Why am I wearing a light-weight sweater and trench coat today? It's not fair.

So hey, Summer. Stick around. Because while I do love the Fall Fashions in every store window I pass, I still want to hold onto carefree days as long as humanly possible.

xoxo,
Me

My People, My People

2008-09-05T14:02:00.003-05:00

My parents are from Nigeria, and to be exact, they're Yoruba. So imagine how my cultural pride swelled when I got this email from Good For Party about their latest event. DJ Osunlande will spin an African and Latin house music set at the green friendly bar Lumen (839 W. Fulton Market). RSVP here or pay $10 at the door from 9pm-2am.

"I Just Want to Know!"

2008-09-02T15:31:00.006-05:00

By this point, you've already heard about Sarah Palin. How this woman was just a hockey mom from Alaska before being thrust into the national spotlight with an ill-conceived ploy to grab angry Hilary Clinton supporters and social conservatives by being McCain's VP choice. How her 17-year old daughter is 5-months pregnant and plans to marry the father, making Democrats crow over how the abstinence-only sex education her mother supports could have saved her from teen pregnancy (despite the fact Palin does not support sex education, Alaska does offer sex ed in its schools). But this video of Cambell Brown sticking it to Republican strategist Tucker Bounds by asking him a simple question as to Palin's experience in the Alaskan National Guard gives me more reason to believe McCain's decision to make Palin his VP is the first tap on the nail in the McCain Presidency coffin.

Free Bird

2008-09-02T10:50:00.003-05:00

(photo courtesy of TimeOut Chicago)

One of my goals for my Single Gal Summer was to attend an outdoor concert. I was back in Kansas City during the muddy debauchery of Pitchfork and couldn't afford the 3-day Lollapalooza fest, but a free concert at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park is not something to be missed. Especially when it features the many talents of Chicago Native Andrew Bird.

Bird will be performing this Wednesday at 6:30pm. For more info, click here.

Found It!

2008-08-28T15:16:00.003-05:00

Found objects have seemingly become a big part of indie art and culture. FOUND magazine, which has its roots in Chicago, is dedicated to reprinting objects found by everyday people: birthday cards, drawings, photos, angrily scrawled notes left on windshield wipers. What I like most about this magazine and its website is that its about being alive and the trace materials we leave behind for other people to find. Our emotions, our thoughts, our daily lives can be picked up and glimpsed into by strangers who happen upon our to-do-lists scrawled on receipts.

Here are a few of my favorites on the website, from Chicago and beyond (click on the more link for info on how they were found and how it affected the person who found them):

more

more

more
(Ed. note: This reminds me of the day before we moved to our new home in Kansas City. My parents made me mad and I hid underneath an exercise machine and blankets. I eventually fell asleep and my parents were frantic, thinking I ran away until I woke up hours later.)

more

I could go on and on...

Back Stateside

2008-08-26T07:20:00.002-05:00

"New York is one of the capitals of the world and Los Angeles is a constellation of plastic, San Francisco is a lady, Boston has become Urban Renewal, Philadelphia and Baltimore and Washington wink like dull diamonds in the smog of Eastern Megalopolis... Detroit is a one-trade town... St. Louis has become the golden arch of the corporation...But Chicago is a great American city. Perhaps it is the last of the great American cities."
--Norman Mailer

I'm back from my travels in Guatemala and hope to start blogging with some regularity pretty soon.

To Serve and Protect

2008-08-07T14:48:00.003-05:00

I haven't blogged in such a long time. There's always something fun and interesting going on in Chicago, but for some reason I didn't feel like writing about them. Lollapalooza has come and gone, fall clothes are popping up in store windows, but I will not begin my mourning for another summer gone and a winter drawing closer and closer. Not until September anyway...

On to the topic of this blog. Chicago's Police Department is notorious for corruption, racial profiling, and undue violence towards citizens, guilty and innocent alike. Come to think of it, you could probably make the same claims for police forces across the nation, albeit not as high profile as the men and women in blue of NY, LA, and the CHI.

Just today I found out someone I saw at Five Star (1424 W. Chicago—$2 Tecate and .10 wings on Wednesdays!) is 1- an undercover cop and 2- a drug dealer. Earlier this spring, I had to stop a good friend from getting his ass kicked by an undercover cop and his posse. The cop goaded him on, only to flash his badge and growl something along the lines of, "What you gonna do now?"

Today's Sun-Times has an article, sharing a few stories of cops abusing their power. The most ridiculous tale? Officer Barbara Neversof the Belmont police district. She was suspended for more than 15 months, after demanding free coffee from Starbucks on the North side between 2001 to 2004, "yelling when they refused her demands and showing her weapon."

Kid Sister Mania!

2008-07-31T10:47:00.004-05:00

I was lucky enough to interview Kid Sister for UR Chicago's upcoming September issue. Her bubbly personality was infectious and I hung up the phone feeling star struck and envious of her lemons into lemonade point of view.

It seems like this weekend is all about Chicago's favorite Kid Sister! Tonight, she'll be hosting a pre-Lollapalooza Black Kids, The Foals, and the Kills performance—with DJs Flosstradamus mixing as well—at the Apple Store downtown (679 N. Michigan Ave.) at 7. I'm sure the place will be packed so get there early!

Also, Kid Sister posted this bulletin on Myspace. I can't go (work, pout) but if you're interested, you should definitely show up with your dancing shoes on:

“Soooooo, have you ever wanted to be a part of one of my crazy, fun shows? Well yall, guess what? Today is ya lucky mf day! I'm looking for GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS and more girls... Reowr, haha! Yes my Chicago mamacitas if you wanna take part in my show happening this Sunday at Lollapalooza (and score FREE lolla tickets) just come on by to the open call happening tomorrow! There's some very liiiiight, light choreography involved so those with dance/theatre backgrounds are encouraged to audition.

Come by n' say chello to yer girl tomorrow, Friday, August 1st at NOON at the Revere Park Field house at 2501 West Irving Park Rd (one block west of Western av). We'll be set up outside, snackin, sippin and yappin about boyyyyys (what else, haha).
;)
See you there ma babes!!!

smoocherinis,
ks

Chic Tanishq

2008-07-27T14:40:00.006-05:00

Schaumburg has been mecca for many a college student or Nordic-design enthusiasts; it's the home of Ikea and, in the eyes of the uninformed, not much else. Despite its seemingly unglamorous location, Schaumburg has just received another dose of cool from across the ocean: India.

Titan Industries Ltd., India's leading producer and retailer of jewelry and watches, has set its eyes on Schaumburg to be the site of its first foray into the United States market. Located in Woodfield Mall, Tanishq is sure to impress even the most suburb weary Chicagoan. The line carries gorgeous rings, necklaces, pendants, and other pieces made of 18k and 22k gold. Tanishq features both permanent and revolving collections; the inaugural collections--Yoga, Spring, and Lotus--are inspired by nature and philosophy.

"The Yoga collection features fluid shapes which incorporate diamonds in each piece."

"The Lotus collection, which uses pink sapphire, keshi pearls, carved rock crystal and diamonds, is inspired by the resilience of the beautiful lotus blossom."

"The Spring collection is influenced by the cycle of life, and encompasses delicate floral shapes with colorful stones such as garnet, rose quartz and amethyst."

C'est Chic, Tanishq. Fine jewelry is just the thing to make the trek to Schaumberg worthwhile.

Tanishq, K 108 of Woodfield Mall, 5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumberg, IL 60173. Open Monday-Saturday 10am - 9pm, Sunday 10am - 6pm.

Obviously on a Gnarls Barkley Kick

2008-07-25T15:06:00.002-05:00

Why is it that I'm just now seeing the Gnarls Barkley video for "Going On" ? And why can't more music videos and music in general be this good? Ok. Last post of the day... I just really needed to share this video.

Breaking Up Is Hard to Do

2008-07-25T14:56:00.002-05:00

(Warning: Not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach)

Gnarls Barkley's newest music video for the haunting song, "Who's Going to Save My Soul?" from their latest studio album, The Odd Couple. Is it weird that I felt like I would cry at the end of the video? Maybe because I'm getting out of a similar place, or afraid of being in that place again...

Talib Kweli: The Rapper's Rapper

2008-07-25T13:52:00.005-05:00

One of the most exciting things I've ever done as a writer was cover the Zune BBQ at Union Park in Chicago a year ago. Microsoft's MP3 offering to a world obsessed with all things Apple had been embraced largely by the hip-hop community and to thank them, Zune created a concert tour across the US. The Chicago leg featured performances by Qualo (Shala Esquire's rap group), Little Brother, Mos Def, and Talib Kweli. It was a night of quality conscientious music mixed with the feel of a neighborhood block party--Robinson's BBQ was on hand and people played basketball in between sets.

Standing in the VIP section with my plus one, we noticed a man standing in front of us, wearing a light-weight sweater despite the Chicago mid-June heat.

Adam, my plus one: That guy's sweater is really nice.
Me: Yeah, it is.
On-stage announcer: Put your hands together for.... TALIB KWELI!!!!!
(man in light weight sweater runs on stage and begins rapping)
Adam and Me: OH! MY! GOD!

We were 5 feet away from one of the most renowned rappers for hip-hop heads and all we noticed was his impeccable taste in sweaters.

Long story aside, I was excited to read on the Black gossip website TheYBF.com that Talib Kweli is working on a documentary about himself. I wonder when and where it will be coming out...

Another Store Opening in Wicker Park/Bucktown

2008-07-22T08:33:00.003-05:00

Before papers and government officials were uttering the "R" word, people in Chicago were grumbling about the "G" word: gentrification. We saw it in the droves of hipsters and artists who took haven in the historically Mexican neighborhood of Pilsen. And the more fashion savvy of us saw it when small, high-end boutiques in Wicker Park/Bucktown began shuttering up their windows and putting up for rent signs in spaces that once carried Geren Ford, Missoni, and other labels.

Out went the smaller boutiques (no longer able to afford the high price of rent and moving to internet based sales), and in came the bigger name retail purveyors. Marc Jacobs (not that I'm hating on this newest addition...drool), Cynthia Rowley, and BCBG have all moved on the fashionable strip of Damen and tomorrow night, people in the know will gather for the opening of Club Monaco.

Will this sound the death knoll for the once hipster-friendly Wicker Park/Bucktown?

Say It Ain't So!

2008-07-21T15:27:00.008-05:00

I am not a coffee drinker myself, but I can imagine the waves of panic that spread through the nation upon word that 600 Starbucks locations will be closing. You know we're in hard times when Starbucks is one of the first highly publicized chains to start closures.

Here's a list of the locations closing down in Chicago, found on the Huffington Post. If one of these locations is yours, pull yourself up by the bootstraps and bravely march forward. Make yourself a recession latte and store it in your "green" friendly, biodegradeable coffee mug.

2286 ALTGELD & LINCOLN 2475 N LINCOLN CHICAGO IL
2403 ASHLAND & ATGELD 2454 N ASHLAND AVE CHICAGO IL
8985 95TH & WESTERN 2347 W 95TH ST CHICAGO IL
9895 ROOSEVELT & HOMAN 3350 W ROOSEVELT RD CHICAGO IL
11953 PILL HILL-95TH & STONY ISLAND 1753 E 95TH ST CHICAGO IL

Pitchfork Festival Preview

2008-07-16T12:51:00.004-05:00

Pitchfork Music Festival, second only to Lollapalooza in its size and music scope, is happening this weekend. Somewhat sadly, I'm missing it to go back home this weekend. Luckily, a pre-Pitchfork event is being held at Grant Park with a musical sampling jumping from the Balkan inspired to American rock.

As part of the "Music Without Borders" concert series at Millennium Park's Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the Pitchfork Music Festival Preview Night is definitely something to check out. It's free and nothing beats a concert at the Pritzker Pavilion either; the summer heat and breezes, always good (or at the very least, interesting) music, tons of people dancing, and the skyline looming and sparkling above you...it's, as Kanye would say, "so astounding."

For more information--and to hear the music of those performing tomorrow night--click here and press 7.17.

Not Only For the Saditty and Pretty

2008-07-15T21:32:00.004-05:00

Musically, Andre 3000's verse is by far the only thing good about the song, but these men are all about presentation, which makes this video a-mazing.

Tyler Perry's Newest

2008-07-14T15:29:00.003-05:00

(I think this movie looks great, no matter what some may say of Tyler Perry and his movies. At least he's creating good and smart roles for black actors and actresses outside of niche CW/UPN short lived TV shows. And I love me some Rockmond Dunbar.)

Chicago Memory #2

2008-07-12T11:34:00.007-05:00

Last night, I was on the 22 Clark bus heading towards the Gold Coast to meet some friends for a going away gathering at the Hunt Club. My iPod headphones were snug in my ears, blaring the newest Brazilian Girls CD, "New York City." I went into commuting mode; my eyes glazed over and neighborhoods began to melt into each other as the bus hurtled down Clark Street. The drunken frattish antics of Wrigleyville gave way to the easygoing feel of Belmont, people passed by, stumbling, laughing, walking, waiting.

A woman got on at the Clark and Belmont stop, wearing a large, red men's coat too heavy for the muggy weather outside. The words "Phila" were printed in various fonts and sizes all over it. She staggered and swayed as the bus lurched forward, standing beside the bus driver and rummaging for change.

She plopped down next to me, her bare legs splayed in the aisle. Foam was gathering in the corners of her mouth as she spoke to herself. She bent over in her seat and began feeling around under her seat for something.

"Did you drop something?" I ventured.

I bent over in my seat as well and after feeling around for a bit, produced a quarter and a metallic red and gold curlicue bow, the kind you put on presents. I offered both to her outstretched hand. The bow matched the jacket she was wearing.

"Thank you, girl," she said. She leaned back in her seat. She reached inside the jacket, the tops of her barely covered breasts visible, and produced crumbled bills. A twenty. A five.

"Hey!" the bus driver yelled over her shoulder. "The woman that just got on. This is as far as I'm going to go if you can't find any change."

The woman ignored her and stared at me. The bus continued down Clark. I avoided her gaze.

I think she said something about how nice I was, and reached out to tuck my braids behind one ear.

"You should do your hair like that. Behind one ear," she smiled, her eyes unfocused. More foam bubbled around her lips. "It's sexier."

"Oh, ok," I smile back.

She continued on, slurring. "I do hair like the Africans, but I don't charge as much. I do that," motioning at my curly braids, "for $30!"

"$30!" I say. "Wow, that's cheap."

"Give me your number, I'll call you and you can let me do your hair."

"Um..."

The bus driver stops the bus again. She's exasperated. She probably has to do this more than she would like. "Excuse me! The woman who just got on. There's another bus 2 blocks behind me! You can get off on this stop, find your change and get on that one."

The woman ignores her again, and pulls out a slip of paper and a broken eyebrow pencil. She attempts writing on it, then tries to bite off the pencil to produce some lead.

"Just give me your number," she pleads, her eyes looking over my face frantically.

"Um..."

The bus driver has now stood up. As the woman stands I notice all she's wearing underneath the jacket is a tank top and underwear.

"God told me to treat women the way they treat me." She smiles at me but glares at the bus driver as she stumbles off the bus. The doors close as she attempts to offer me one last piece of advice.

"Don't let men treat you..."

The bus moves down Clark and I smile ruefully at the people sitting next to me. Ashamed that I'm ashamed of my kindness, ashamed of the woman's state, ashamed of what the people were probably thinking of her and of me, and ashamed that I was ashamed of their thoughts, real or imagined.

Jean Therapy

2008-07-11T15:09:00.005-05:00

(photo credit: Shopbop.com)

Finding the perfect pair of jeans is like the Holy Grail for women everywhere. A dress girl through and through, I still hold out for the perfect dark wash skinny jeans that will absolve my body of any flaws, imagined and real. Once a month, women in Chicago get the chance to search for that perfect pair (or two) at The Warehouse Sale.

A room in McCormick Place (2301 S. Dr. Martin L. King Dr., South Building - S105) is packed with high end designer jeans up to (gasp!) 80% off. We're talking True Religion, Seven for All Mankind, Rock & Republics...every wash, cut, and style to fit your denim needs. The Warehouse Sale is free for Saturday if you RSVP here or $5 at the door.