Urban Chicagoan

New Blog

2011-05-23T17:08:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't updated this blog in a while, I've been busy with my other blog "According to Kia". You should check it out http://accordingtokia.blogspot.com and all of my current contact info is on the blog also.

Thanks,

Kia

Giving Back to the Community

2010-08-22T16:36:00.001-07:00

People are quick to tell someone else what they're doing, or what they're not doing. How often do people evaluate themselves, and try to find room for improvement? I'm also guilty of this. I feel as if i'm an upstanding citizen, but sometimes it's not enough. I haven't done community service since I was in high school, and even then our school had a mandatory 40 hours of community service to graduate rule, so it's not like I did it out of the kindness of my heart. It's time I evaluate myself, and my grade is a "D". I didn't give myself a "F" because I'm a good citizen. I don't start trouble, I donate to the homeless, and I help others when I can. Even though my grade isn't a "F", I still have tons of room for improvement.
Things i used to say: I want to walk/run a marathon for Breast Cancer Awareness. (Even though I've shown my support for the cause by buying everything from (BCA) t-shirts, tote bags, and an umbrella, it doesn't take away from the fact that I haven't walked the marathon. I wanted to talk to inner-city kids about how important the decisions they make now can impact their future. But of course this never became a reality. I visited my old elementary school last year when I just moved back to Chicago from Las Vegas, and had a talk with the principal, who said she needed me to speak to the students because they were just out of hand. At the time I was just concerned with finding employment that I put it on the back burner. Now I regret it. Especially seeing children around the city, and how they talk and act, and how little respect they have for adults and authority. My words of wisdom can't save the world, but it could of done something.
I will work harder at being a better me, a more helpful, caring, sharing, motivating individual who's not self-centered and doesn't just care about things that affect me. What I'm trying to say is that I don't want to be 90 years old and realize that I didn't give anything to the world. Just a user of the world's resources.

You Should Attend....

2010-08-20T14:14:00.001-07:00

My photo's from the Taste of Chicago

2010-07-02T06:46:00.000-07:00

I know I'm late, but I've just been feeling a little lazy.

My friends Tameka, Danielle and I hit up the Taste of Chicago last week to check out Rob Base, Slick Rick, Salt-N-Pepa, Doug E. Fresh and Bev Biv Dovoe, and it was not a disappointment. The crowd was insane, people were acting stupid, but overall I had a great time.

Places I want to go

2010-07-02T06:04:00.000-07:00

Kicking off the new "places I want to go" segment with restaurants I want to go to.

The Terrance at the Trump. Beautiful isn't it? The view is amazing.

The Park Cafe. I'm always downtown, and I always pass this place, but never had the time to check it out. Hopefully soon.

Photo's from ChicagoTribune.com

Smh...

2010-07-01T15:04:00.000-07:00

Elin reportally gets $750mil of Tigers reported $900mil net worth? #wheretheydothatat

Image from: Google Images.

I'm Back!

2010-07-01T14:47:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been away for a while. Summertime Chi is in full effect. So my days have consisted of enjoying the weather, hanging out with friends, celebrating birthdays, barbeque's, and attending events. If you want to keep up with my daily activities click here. But anyways, a lot has happened while I was away.

Drizzy Drake sold over 446,000 copies of "Thank Me Later" in it's first week.. Some people felt as if he should of sold over a million copies, but that's just outrageous. No artist has sold a million copies with their debut album. If the music industry keeps tanking, I'm predicting that no album will ever sell over a million copies in it's first week ever again. Jay-Z is supposed to be the best in the game and he hasn't even sold a million copies in his first week, of any album he's ever released. Actually at the end of 2009 the "Blueprint 3" had only sold 1.5 million copies to date. So the Drake haters need to get a life...thanks!. Also, congrats on the B.E.T. Award.

I usually don't watch B.E.T. You know why, but anyway, when I saw the awards line up, I decided to check it out. My comments on the B.E.T Awards are as follows...

When Queen Latifah opened the show, with the Trey Songz and Drake raps, she sucked. It was horrible. But she redeemed herself when she rapped over "Forever"..that was pretty cool.

My favorite moment of the 2010 B.E.T. Awards. CHRIS BREEZY!! He smashed the stage, I can careless what anyone says. People forget what true entertainment is... I was completely entertained. Some people feel that he faked his crying, and a lot of blogs are entertaining the idea. I personally thought it was genuine, but hey! if it wasn't Beyonce should of been front row taking acting notes.

Diddy/Dirty Money/Nicki Minaj ugh! Sorry, I hated the smoke machines, it sucked when you did the same performance on American Idol, and it still sucks now. Diddy's rhymes aren't even complicated, why does he lip sync? And i'm guessing he convinced Nicki to do it also. I know people said she mentioned something on twitter about how the audio was off...blah blah blah. #notbuying. I hate when talented people are easily convinced by others who's music career is one step from being over. SMH.

Alicia Keys did great, both times she hit the stage. T.I. was okay... I just wasn't feeling the song. Luda was mediocre (I expected more), Patti smashed (as always) Drizzy and Jezzy killed it. John Legend's hairline was confused, Kayne West should of stayed home (his comeback attempt okay, but not great), and Melanie Fiona's lace wig was a complete mess..smh. Eminem was his usual self. Not too bad, but he never puts in too much effort in his performances anyway. I guess it was just me, but I thought America was over the "I put any and every drug up my nose and down my throat" phase. But I guess America is still addicted to the drug addict. I can't hate too hard, he did move a lot of units this week.

Now.... Trey Songz will be performing at the Taste of Chicago today (well in about an hour).... guess who won't be there? MEEE!!!! I tried to win backstage passes through WGCI's twitter account, but I lost. I wanted to win, just so I can asked him how he felt about ruining Purple Rain.

What's up with rumors that Jay-Z, Beyonce and Rihanna boycotted the awards this year? I hate when people with money do stupid things. I remember last year when they prevent Letoya Luckett and Chris Brown from performing. I hate when people pay for bodyguards, but turn around and act tough..smh.

Sit down somewhere, would you please? I'm getting so tired of him, always has his hands in something. Nothing you do will make Rhianna sell records. People just don't like her. OKAY?

Still my favorite singer, I just wish you were smarter at times. Oh well...can't win them all.

Enjoy your moment, it won't last. By the end of 2010 you need to put of the best single anybody has ever heard, or your career is officially finished!

Better Late Than Never

2010-06-08T19:29:00.000-07:00

I had a pretty decent weekend, filled with ups and downs, but here are the highlights.

Saturday morning my friend and I visited Michael Jacksons childhood home in Gary Indiana. Before I say anything else, I need to mention Gary Indiana. OMG!!! That picture above is exactly what it felt leaving Chicago and going to Gary. It was the turning point. I thought the south side of Chicago looked bad, but oh noooo, I was wrong. We drove up and down the streets of Gary and literally 80% of the homes on any given block were abandon, had broken windows, bullet holes through the doors and windows, etc. Plus everyone sat on their porches or on the sidewalk, and as we drove down the street they would all just stare into the car, like they weren't used to people being in the area. The whole thing was just creepy. But anyway, we finally made it to 2300 Jackson St. just to see a crew working on the old Jackson family home. We took pictures, walked around, visited the school (behind the house). When we returned to the house, and more tourist were present, talking and taking pictures. Then someone said "Who do you think gave out more beatings....Joe Jackson or Ike Turner?. I laughed, but one of my good friends and MJ's #1 fan didn't think it was funny.. (which weirdly made it more funny to us) . We were notified by the crew working on the house that on June 25th (death anniversary) there will be a B.B.Q on the property, the statue will be revealed, and it will be a day full of activities on Jackson St. I'll be there..lol. Then I noticed that the light post in front of the home was covered in signatures. Since the home is now fenced, I was mad that I couldn't go in and sign it, until I noticed people signed the "One Way" sign in front of the street. YAY! So what did I do? I found a Empty spot (well two actually) and signed away! (sidenote: I was kinda ghetto and signed using my twitter name, lol) pictures below.

Later that night the girsl and I celebrated one of my friend b-day at the Between Lounge. Everything that could go wrong, went wrong. The b-day girl's ride didn't show, so we had to drive across town to get her (I was already #wasted so I was still in a good mood). So once all 5 of us were crammed in the car we hit the express way and the car died. So we had to drive back across town, pick up a spare, hit the gas station (get some air) and then headed to the party. Was it worth it? Sure was... I had a blast.

I woke up around 11:30 the next morning and rushed down to Navy Pier for the Health Expo. I had a lot of fun. I got to see Bob (trainer from the biggest loser), Michael (winner of the biggest loser) and his mom. I also participated in trainer Andrea Metcalf's mini exercise session (pictures below). We walked around, talked with a lot of people (it was so much going on). I got to do the (fake) weather for NBC News (which I sucked at). There was also Rock climbing, chef's cooking, exercise stations, product tastings, bikers, cars, and so much more. So much positive energy in the room, it felt good just being there. We even took one of those fake coaster rides (pictured below). I have no idea what it's called, but showed the beginning and ending of a heart attack. I had a good time, but after three hours later I was exhausted.

Memorial Day Weekend

2010-06-01T18:39:00.000-07:00

.Mine kicked off Thursday with a friendly bowling match at Dolton Bowl. We arrived around 10 p.m and the place was EMPTY. No more than 6 lanes were in use, and I was in complete shock, until I was told that it was a shooting up there the week before. Now who wants to bet me that by next week the bowling alley will be packed again?. Too bad I didn't take any pictures, but I did kick some butt...lol. But I still had fun. On Friday I was supposed to see Sex and the City 2, and hit the streets later that night. Well... Friday came and left and I didn't get to do either.

So Saturday I made the matinée screening of Sex and the City 2. It received very bad reviews, but I loved the TV show, like the first movie, and I liked the second one as well. I guess people expected the movie to be full of drama, drama and more drama. The movie had some really good moments, and the 2.5 hours zipped by, which means I enjoyed myself lol.

Within the first 15-20 minutes of the film Liza performed Beyonce's "Single Ladies". A lot of people didn't like it, but I thought it was cute (and Samantha's little dance rendition was cute too). Did anybody get the slight Beyonce diss after the song ended?. Charlotte stated that she didn't like weddings because she didn't want to hear (or dance... I can't remember the quote exactly) that song. Does anybody remember that Beyonce actually was casted in Jennifer Hudson's role in the first Sex and the City film?, but she got boot because she had to many demands (she wanted all her clothes to be Dereon, etc)? #justwondering. The pictures below are ridiculous pictures of me at my grandmothers house after I left the movies...Gotta luv gramz.. She has the best view EVER. (best seen at night though)

Sunday I went to a BBQ on my old block... hung out with some old friends, enjoyed some food and conversation. Overall, it was a pretty decent weekend.

Sidenote: On Monday I decided to stay in the house (because of the heavy rain) and make it a movie day. I decided to watch "My Sister's Keeper" and I thought it was a really good movie. I remembered when the movie first came out that people were outraged at the ending (completely different from the book). So I read the original ending online and it was SOOO sad. I think if I would of read the book, I would of cried, but I wouldn't be mad that the ending was changed. The book ending....now that's some good writing.

Sex and the City poster from filmofilia.com
Liza pic from projectqatlanta.com

Chicagoans Rule American Idol & Biggest Loser Finales

2010-05-27T11:02:00.000-07:00

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?

------------------------------------------

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

2010-05-24T10:45:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-19T09:12:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-18T12:20:00.000-07:00

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)

2010-05-18T09:51:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-14T14:38:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-14T14:27:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-11T12:49:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-11T12:43:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-09T16:04:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-05T19:25:00.000-07:00

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 ♪

2010-05-05T09:06:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-03T11:18:00.000-07:00

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

Sheila Johnson Ashamed of B.E.T.

2010-04-30T08:03:00.000-07:00

“Don’t even get me started,” says the 60-year-old Johnson, who has since divorced and remarried. “I don’t watch it. I suggest to my kids [a twentysomething daughter and a college-age son] that they don’t watch it… I’m ashamed of it, if you want to know the truth.”

Wow! I've waited years to hear that. B.E.T has been going down hill for a long time, and it's extremely sad to watch. Blacks are already perceived as violent, uneducated, and less than equal in the media, and the only network we have proves the media right. The "old B.E.T" had news programs, forums and Teen Summit". The new B.E.T. has Frankie and an anorexic host who freaks out when someone calls her "thick". When Viacom purchased the network, our dignity went down the drain. Now my question is "If you owned the only Black network on television, would you sell it?" We already know the Johnson's answer to that, but personally I wouldn't sell it for any amount of money, and especially to Viacom. They received a great offer to sell, and they did. The way Sheila feels about the outcome of her old network is the same way people felt when they decided to sell it.

What do you think? Was selling B.E.T. a good or bad move?

Article from The St. Louis American
Image from Gainformer.com

The Longest Weekend Ever..........

2010-04-25T10:31:00.000-07:00

When i woke up this morning, I could of sworn it was Monday. Then I realized that I did waste an hour and a half last night watching the unfunny Gabourey Sidibe on Saturday Night Live. While i'm on the SNL topic, did anyone watch it last night? I'm sorry, but I couldn't watch the movie Precious, I had no desire to watch it. I just don't like her acting. I thought she sucked on SNL, she wasn't funny, stumbled a few times with her lines, and I personally don't think she brought anything special to the table. The funniest part was the "Cherry Battle" with Andy Sandberg. Anyway, this is how my weekend went.....

Friday, I got a lot of errands done. Went to the store, laundromat, beauty supply store etc. I also found time to go see Jennifer Lopez's new move "The Back Up Plan", which i enjoyed. I get a kick out of J.Lo movies, she should stick with romantic comedies. The question was raised "Why doesn't her race ever come up in her movies"? To be honest, I haven't really thought of it before. In most of her movies she's always with a white man, and her background (and family) are never mentioned (expect Maid in Manhattan...which I loved). We all know that she isn't ashamed of where she comes from, so why does this repeat in every movie she's in?. My conclusion is that she's a Latina who land roles that were written for White women. I might be wrong, but if I'm right, congrats are in order for Jennifer for breaking barriers

One my my friends was having a bad day, so we decided to take a night trip downtown. Even though it rained most of the time, and we did more walking than my ballet shoes could allow, we had a good time. We went to navy pier, then Millennium Park, and then down to State St. By the time I got home, I was soak & wet, and extremely tired. The next morning I had to get myself up and go work out. After getting my but hooped, my friend and I went to see our friends baby for the second him (this time, not in the hospital) and he's soooo cute. He slept most of the time, but when he did finally opened his blueish-grey eye (yes I said I, he winked at us the whole time..lol) he looked adorable.

"The Back Up Plan image from Filmofilia.com Cherry Battle image from: NBC view the skit at NBC.com

It's Time To Eat........

2010-04-23T10:39:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to eat healthy for the past couple weeks. I stop drinking pop, started exercising, and I've lost 8 pounds so far. I've been doing really good, until my friends call me yesterday and convinced me to go to Giordano's and that one piece of pizza wouldn't kill me. So I gave in. For those who aren't from Chicago Giordanos is the home of the best stuffed crust pizza EVER, it's good, but it will definitely make you fat..lol. We get there, I order a water with lemon while my friends indulge with Sprite and Root Beer. As they tease me about how much water sucks, I just have to take it and know that I'm kicking pop to the curb for a good reason. One friend went to the extreme and said that he would rather drink sugar milk than water. When the pizza came I ate one slice of heaven, followed by a second slice of regret. SMH... Guess I have to do some extra exercise sessions
Image from giordanos.com

Weird Sightings: Mail Delivery

2010-04-23T10:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I go to retrieve my mail when I notice my neighbors mailbox. If you haven't noticed It says "Knock On Windows For Packages" followed by a half naked picture of Justin Timberlake. I must admit, I've seen Justin Timberlake in concert before, and yes, I'm a fan. But would I put him on the cover of my mailbox??? Not a chance......it's just strange.

MTV True Life: I Hate My Face"

2010-04-22T13:59:00.000-07:00

I was falling asleep last night when MTV's True Life came on. Since the title was "I Hate my Face", I thought I was about to see the ugliest, most disfigured faces in history. Then I noticed it was just your normal insecure female seeking attention and approval, until I notice that their problems were much deeper. One sprayed water on her mirror so that when she looked into it, she can only see a glimpse of her face (which keeps her from being disgusted at herself). Her whole life is a mess because she hates the way she looks. She shops too much, still lives at home with her mother, and feels that she can't hold a job due to her ugly face. Personally I think both of them are a complete mess, and I've seen WAY uglier people than them, but at the same time that's how they see themselves and nobody can change that for them. It's truly a disease, and a horrible one to have.

The problem that I had with the show is that they both viewed Hiedi (from the Hills) as beautiful. That's sickening. This woman is has had over 10 surgeries to try and correct her imperfections and insecurities. She should not be considered a staple of beauty by any means. These girls look in magazines, and at television to tell them how they should look, and that's their first mistake. This is not a role model, this is an insecure girl with a lot of personal issues she thought she could hide from.

What are your thoughts?

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See the full episode over at MTV.com

Ciara "Ride"

2010-04-21T10:05:00.000-07:00

Okay... this is a nice attempt at a comeback (I like the 1st album Ciara better) but it's not good enough. I think she's trying a little too hard, and I like the song, but it's not great. It shouldn't of been a 1st single, maybe a 3rd or a 4th. Better luck next time.

It's a Boy!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-04-21T09:32:00.000-07:00

On Monday my friend gave birth to her second child. When we first arrived at the hospital, my friends and I rushed to see the baby. Since the baby was in the middle of taking a hearing test, we had to view him through the window. He looked so cute.....and long. Since his mom is over 6 feet, you know her offspring is destined to be long legged. Seeing a new born brings on all kinds of emotions. Especially for someone like me who doesn't have kids. "Aww.. the baby is so cute." "Aww.... makes me want to have a baby" etc. Then my friends and I walked back to my friends hospital room and they (who are mothers) begin to talk about dilating, blood clots, going into shock, ripping, and stitching and my mind completely changes (well for the moment).

Image borrowed from Google Images

I'm a Barbie girl, in a Barbie world.

2010-04-20T13:56:00.000-07:00

Well in this case, a Barbie boy. A 40 year old British man was arrested for driving a Barbie car 4mph down the street. Sound strange?? Well he modified the car, and tried to drive to a friends house when the police pulled him over. Too bad he was over the legal drinking limit and now his license is suspended for the next three years.

Now my question is.... Was it a fair sentence? I think he was drunk, but personally I don't think he deserved to get his license suspended?

Read more @ Fox Chicago

Welcome Everybody....well all 3 of you.

2010-04-20T12:37:00.000-07:00

Hey! I would like to welcome you to Urban Chicagoan. The blog is still in it's construction phase, but it should be completed really soon. This blog will consist of personal life stories with a mix of current news, Chicago events, photos, and wacky stories I come across. If you know me, you know that I've had a couple blogs before, but I finally found the direction I wanted to take and I you enjoy the blog as much as I will.