Chicagoans Rule American Idol & Biggest Loser Finales

Mike takes home the Biggest Loser crown. My jaws literally dropped when Mike came on stage.  He had a long journey and a hard one at that.  Plus he's a Chicago boy...so that's a plus.I wanted him to win over Ashley and Daris, but not over Koli. Sadly Koli wasn't voted into the top 3, but Koli (pictured below) did take home to $100,000 "at home" prize.  Sidenote: Was anyone feeling Koli's Kayne West inspired outfit?

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One of my good friends and I decided to walk/run the trails downtown last night (to get away from the boredom of the gym that I've been experiencing lately), so I had to DVR Idol last night.  When I returned home I fast forward through all the performances (which I'll go back and watch today) to see who won.  I was so glad to hear Lee's name called.  It was a well deserved win (I honestly feel Crystal's antics and bad attitude ruined her chances), but anyway!!!! GO LEE.  When he performed his final song you could see the excitement in his eyes...Congrats!!!!

Chicagoans run this........"Obama Included" LOL

Updated to say: Biggest Loser trainer: BOB will be in Chicago at Navy Pier June 6th, 2010 @  noon.  See you there.

Chicago News

Coach sues Chicago.  Knock-offs have been around for years, you can find a knock off of any designer and in any city.  So why did Coach decide to sue Chicago? They state that Chicago is supporting the sell of counterfeit purses (@ the maxwell market) because they allow the vendors to sell them.  What's outrageous is that Coach is demanding $2 million dollars for every fake purse purchased.  Really Coach?....REALLY??  Your purses are only worth $200-300 bucks and you want two million for every FAKE purse sold?...now that's reaching. And the icing on the cake is that they want the city of Chicago to collect and pass over the money (from the vendors they sue)...lol.  I guess they don't know how things work in Chicago.  Money might be collected (no way near $2 million) but there's no way they are passing it over (well at least all of what they collect).  I have a good feeling that certain people (you know who..lol) are putting in their requests for vacation as we speak.

Image from used-handbags-for-sale.com

Story from fox news

Newsworthy

Obama believes LeBron belongs in chicago ==[NBC]==

Supreme Courts rules for Chicago's black fire fighters ==[breakingchicagonews]==

Funeral arrangements set for slain police officer ==[chicagobreakingnews]==

Biggest Loser: Save Koli

For those who personally know me, you know that I just started working out, and trying to get healthy. It's partly due to the Biggest Loser team Sam & Koli.  Two cousins who played the game fairly, respected their peers and motivated the other contestants. Sam is already eliminated (because of the contestant below) but Koli and Darius are up for elimination, and we need to help save Koli. 

To hear Koli's plea click here

To Vote for Koli click here or call 1 (866) 492-6802

                                                             

This is Darius, the contest Koli is competing against. During the season he was mostly in the background, didn't talk much. As the season continued, he showed his true character when he teamed up with Mike and Ashley to have Sam sent home (because Sam lost more weight than anyone else).  The contestants went home for 30 days and then had to weigh in. Koli lost 13 pounds, while Darius gained 2 pounds.  He doesn't want this bad enough. Then both contestants had to plea to viewers on why they should make it to the season finale next week While Koli's plea was heart felt (but with no tears), Darius decided to take another approach.  He faked cried....SMH!.  No tears, but he kept wiping his eyes.. (hilarious). It was so fake that he started wiping his eyelids instead of under his eyes....I just laughed, it was so PATHETIC   

To watch his awful plea click here

Info and pictures from nbc.com

So who are you voting for?

Common on the Wendy Williams Show

Common stopped by the Wendy Williams Show today to promote "Just Wright" (which I saw, and loved).  While on the couch he talked about being a ball boy for the Bulls, Serena Williams, and the Common Ground Foundation. The foundation's goal is to help and empower Chicago's youth (especially since we have an increased amount of violence occurring in our city).  Before today, I haven't heard of the foundation, so I decided to check it out.  The website is nice, and they're trying to help, but the website seemed outdated.  With the internet being a quick source of news, and events for a lot of people, something this important should be updated on the regular. But don't get me wrong, I do applaud Common for taking a stand and helping our youth.  We have to stand up and make a change, because if we do nothing, it makes it seem as if there isn't a problem. STAND UP CHICAGO!

SIDENOTE: Do you think Chicago artists do enough to help their community? 

Learn more about the "Common Ground Foundation" click here and check out a clip from the Wendy Williams Show below.

Chicago Nightlife (Help Me Pick A Spot)

My birthday is approaching (Aug. 9th), and since it falls on a Monday I'm considering celebrating that weekend.  Last year I decided to go to Redno5 which was cool, but I want to do something different this year, and I need your help.  So if you can, please give me your top 3 bars/nightclubs that you think are the best (or that gives b-day girls a free table...lol) and your top 3 restaurants in the city.  Thanks in advance. 

The Good Negro

Playing at the Goodman Theater until June 6th.  It's a play about the struggles of African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement, including FBI wire taps, and threats by the Klan.

For more information, showtimes and prices click here
A "The Good Negro" review click here
Image from: thegoodnegro.eventbrite.com

If you happen to see this play, you can e-mail me your review.

Chicago Events: Festivals

We are approaching what a lot of us call "Summertime Chi", which means good weather and free festivals.
Last year I attended the Gospel Festival, and a few other events happening in the Chicago area. Fantasia and Kirk Franklin were among the performers, and even though Kirk Franklin's performance got rained out, we still partied and were stepping in the rain (good times).  The dates for upcoming festivals are listed below.

Gospel Fest  6/5-6/6 @ Millennium Park. For list of performers click here
Blues Fest  6/11-6/13 @ Grant Park. For list of performers click here

Saturday Night Pheature 5/15/10

For more information you can go to pheatures.eventbrite.com, pheatures@yahoo.com, or contact P1 on Twitter

Taste of Chicago 6/25-7/4

This Taste of Chicago is coming up soon, and this might be the first time I attend more than one day.  Usually it's extremely hot, and crowded that I only go once a year, get my overpriced food, watch the fireworks and dash. This year the taste provides two days worth of entertainment that I won't miss.  On the first day of the taste the musical entertainment will be: Salt-N-Pepa, Bell Biv Devoe, Rob Base, Slick Rick,  and Doug E. Fresh. I'll be there. On the 7th day of the taste there will be performances by Teairra Marie and Trey Songz.
Image from about.com

So who's coming with me?

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

To all the wonderful mothers in the world.  Our family decided to celebrate yesterday and go out to Red Lobster.  It was crowded, but not as crowded as restaurants are on Mothers Day.  Dining with my family was fun and sweet, but after dinner I attended my friend's house. Old friends, good music, lots of food and cakes (which i didn't eat, because I was still full from dinner), but trust me, all the food looked good (chicken, catfish, greens, spaghetti, etc).  Then we decided to play spades.  Anyone who knows me, knows I'm the queen of spades... yeah QUEEN!.  But I ended up losing to my friend who can't even play spades..lol. When it was time to bid, she wouldn't even look at her hand and she'll just be like... "I got 6" *died*.  To make it even worse, she always had a whip.  I couldn't get a good hand to save my life, but I guess that just happens sometime. Overall I had a great day, even though i'm not a mother.

Talent Everywhere We Go 5/3/10

I  know I'm late with this post, but here it goes.  "Talent Everywhere We Go" took place at Reggies Rock Club on Monday night.  I arrived late, but still able to make my way up to the front of the packed (standing room only) crowd. I love a LIVE band, makes me enjoy the music so much more.  The artist line up was CRAAZZYY!! Some artist I knew, and some I was hearing for the first time.  But I enjoyed everybody, and I was a little into it at times that I forgot to take pics of a few artists (so if your picture isn't here, don't be mad at me).  I love when I attend events and people are supportive of one another, people aren't arguing, shoving and fighting.  People can just enjoy the moment.. Shout out to @MarcusChavers, @Janaeskii, Terrell (@Dynaukn),  Nycee (@MusicGenie), Juan (@Leonestudios) and @TammiNicole, who I enjoyed the music and laughs with that night. Performers included P1, 3tre, Lid Law, Precise, Crucial Conflict (who almost hit me in the head with the mic) Mikkey Halsted (who put on a great performance), Omen, Mike Runnels, OCS (caught me off guard when he jumped off stage, cause I was standing right where he leaped form) But I was more shocked by the chick who jumped in front of him cause a camera was in his face..but anyway, I need a copy of that song. There were many other performers but after two days my memory is a little fuzzy. Sorry!

Derek "Pretty Boy" Dow --The host with the most lol.

P1 The winner of the $500 cash prize. CONGRATS!

Sidenote: Who is this dude? and why was he dancing like that? LOL, but i was entertained.

Artist images: from me

My image is from Nycee

Updated to say:  The guy pictured above name is Sherm, visit him at shermradio.com and you can also follow him on twitter.  Also, if you have any pics of the artists I missed, please feel free to e-mail them to me. nakiacokely@hotmail.com

Also, after we left Reggies Rock Club, friends and I were just outside talking when we saw this.  For some reason it made me smile :)

           

Weird Sightings: ♪ I Bet The Neighbors Know My Squirrel ♪

My next door neighbor has a huge hole on the side of his roof, and since I live in a second floor apartment, this hole directly faces my window.  For the past few weeks, I've seen a squirrel come and go like he lives there, and it's hilarious.  The owner put up plastic to try and cover the hole, but the squirrel gets past it every time. When I go out the front door, sometimes he's sitting on my neighbor's stairs. Yesterday I took the trash out just to notice the squirrel sitting on the banister eating an apple on his back porch....smh

Chicago Event: Talent Everywhere We Go

Tonight twelve artist will battle for the cash prize of $500 and the "Cut Above the Rest" title at Reggies Rock Club.  Be ready to be entertained, because the crowd picks the winner. With over 800 RSVP's this is the place to be this Monday night.

Any perks?  Why yes... the audience has a chance of winning cash prizes at the event. For the people on twitter, if you're following @Oprettyboy1 and tweet "@Oprettyboy1 throws hot events" your drink will be on him

Location : Reggies Rock Club, 2109 South State St., Chicago, IL. 60616
Price: Free (but you must RSVP)

To RSVP, view list of performers, and more event info please visit Ford Fiesta Movement | Talent Everywhere We Go