It's Just One of Them Thangs

I'm sitting up here listening to slow jams and pondering my next slow jam CD when it hits me...am I so good at putting these CDs together because I've been hurt enough over the years or have I caused this much damage? I can admit that I was TROUBLE when I was younger, but I grew up. I can say that some of the people in my life can't say the same.

You should know that I've been many an ex-boyfriend and even an ex-husband, but I've been me. I'm not a player, nor do I have player qualities. I guess it will take the earth to move before it's noticed how good I am, or can be.

You know what's the hardest thing about The Rules of Attraction???... being attracted to someone and they have someone already. How do you act around this person once you've revealed your feelings to them and you've just been faced with..."I'm seeing someone"? Boy life is Just One of Them Thangs.

Children Are The Future

I have a weakness in my heart for children. I am a mother of an eleven year old boy and I enjoy watching him and his friends being kids. Sometimes being a kid seems like an impossible task for kids living in englewood. My collage have pictures of my son, his friends, my family, my dog, parks, and buildings in my neighborhood. I hope you enjoy this because there is beauty everywhere, even in the hood.

MY HOOD COLLAGE

this hood is some place for you and your family to stay at. if you like the hood don.t come around at all you see. AND that the fact jack. this is in the city and the best raido are 89.3 wkkc fm chicago. 59 s indiana ave in the hood.

My Block and etc.

Mr. Vaughnell French makes cameo in my assorted pics of my hood, friends, and the city enjoy

Reflections....

"One Nation & We're on a groove, gettin' down just for the funk of it, One Nation & We're on a groove, & they can't stop Us Now......."  Don't ask why that is relevant to my slideshow, it was just in my head and had to get out.  Here are a few pictures of my friends and some people who mean the world to me.  Hope you enjoy........Zone wit me

Take a ride with me

Just sit back and take a small ride with me through parts of the city of Chicago. Around 83rd and Ashland in the Ashburn neighborhood. There is more going on in the neighborhoods of Chicago not just crime. People are helping people

Street Scenes

Stops of life

My project consist of places I was born, my first chruch, where I worked, places I'm going , and my favorite things and character I've seen in my life time. I also added things to be funny because this site is so cool. These places are from all areas of chicago and places I would love to visit!!!

Beyond Annoyed

The reason I chose this picture was because of the wound on his head and the look on his face. I'm a morbid person and the wound caught my attention. The reason I chose black and white was because of the seriousness of the matter. Black and white photos seem to speak louder than color photos at times, especially when a an act of violence has occurred. The reason I chose the all red colorization was to just be kinda silly. It made me think of a zombie movie, or an old movie that would switch from regular color to a deep red when something extreme was about to happen.

A Work Of Art

I chose to change my photo to black and white because black and white photos remind me of the good old days.

I chose pastels colors because pastels colors remind me of Easter.

Back To School

I choose this picture because I can relate to the mom in the picture. I often give my son a really tight hug when I drop him off at school. The mom and child are in color because I wanted you to focus on them, in that brief moment when you hug your child nothing else seems to exist around you.

Masters of Ceremony pics

I choose these photos because the others were a little boring. The one on the top is the original I took at live performance a while back. I needed still pics for a music video and I cannot afford photoshop. I did not use this pic in the link but you can see some other stills in the video. The Mac app store has a few free downloads for picture editing one is called Image Tricks Lite. The one on the left I used this software, the fisheye effect makes the pic wider and a cartoon and x-ray gave me more color options. I just wanted to make an ordinary picture more lively and this program might not be as good as photoshop but as you can see makes pictures a little better.

Deja vu

The colors of this photo brings back a feeling of

excitement for me. When I first saw this picture

from a distant, I had to pull it up and get a better look at it. I said to myself, this picture reminds me of a good time in my home city. I made the picture look gloomy to represent the vision of the moment I cannot remember, but the feeling of that moment by adding a soft focus and a soft edge for a border. As for the black and white photo I added a soft focus touch. Which places a vision in my head of an early 40's photo.

Encouragement and Empowerment!

I chose the photo entitled School because, I can identify with it. I have three beautiful children all whom go to school, I hug them when I drop them off and pick them up from school. When a parent hugs their child, it gives that child encouragement to succeed in class, and make their parents proud. Love from a parent is a great natural source of motivation to that child. When a parent shows interest in their child, and gives them love, and encouragement the child won't go looking for it in negative places. This picture was quite warm, loving, and nurturing to me.

I darkened the background and made the mother and child stand out because I wanted to give off the you and me against the world image. Their is nothing more precious than the bond between a mother and child. This type of bong should never be broken. The boldness in color show the unity and strength of an emotional bond.

Chicago Theater Sign

I picked this picture because this is the old chicago theater in the city of chicago. And a lot of things were going on doing that time. I put the picture in black and white because it reminds me of the Chicago gangster
John Dillinger who was killed at this same location a very long time ago .John Dillinger was set up by his girl who he was with doing that time .

The Color was very good to see when you are away from Chicago theater . And it always been in color that i no of . to me it really let you no that you are at the theater . with your family . and it do have a lots of color on it . you will see red and black green . AND white color bas .

Lost And Waiting

The reason I picked this picture is because of the power message that it sends to a community, and to the many people who witness this scene in our community everyday. The reason I named this Picture, "Lost And Waiting" Is because to me it symbolizes the times in life when we are sometimes lost within ourselves, and even lost at times in our life. And just waiting on an answer. I made this picture black and white because of the content of this picture and the content of this man's color should not be an issue. It should reflect on the fact that this could be anyone of us or anyone of our love ones, who our lost and waiting.

The Color Of Blue

When you hear someone say "I'm just feeling a little blue" it sometimes means that that are down and a little depressed. I took the color of the mans clothes and merged the background and some of it's surrounding's, giving the image of what he feels can affect everyone else around him.The only thing I wanted to keep a little light was the ground he walks on giving it a Michael Jackson look, meaning although times are hard and its dark in your past and current situation, your footsteps can always lights the path to your future.

I changed the color balance

shadows: 0.0.0

Midtones Color levels:+17 -41 +100

Highlights 0 +100 +100

Kennedy Ndidi

Cute isn't she ? Her name is Kennedy Ndidi Only 10 months old and so full of life. I've taken this picture of her at Thorpe Park just outside of London, England. We're standing in line for her to drive the tractor trailer, I looked down at her and couldn't resist but to take a picture of her cuteness. That's the thing about pictures they always take you back down memory lane. While this trip for me is one I will never forget, this is a trip she won't remember. Luckily for her Mommy took plenty of pictures.

The Man of Pain

Look at the pain in this face. The scar, the way his eyes are cut to show the pure disgust in the recent events of the flash mobbing. How could mere teenagers cause such pain and destruction. The pain showed in this picture is one of the reasons why I chose it. There was so much depth in his face. As if you can feel what he was going through. I used the effects I did because it enhanced the scar to bring it out and put shadows under his eyes to bring out the pain in that as well.

I chose these effects because it makes everything that seems insignificant dark..i.e. his skin color, the bandage.And highlight his eyes and the scar. It gives it such a great effect and adds to the depth in his eyes. It looks like they can pierce through you as the source of the pain. The proof of the pain is shown in the scar that is also highlighted

Hello. So I've been out of the loop for the last week, things have been hectic on my end of life......the struggle continues.

Anglo Saxon

So in my first photo I decided to change to the brightness and contrast within my black and white photo. I also played around with the tone and decided to darken the bottom right hand corner in the photo. My second photo is almost fading to white instead of black. I chose these colors because it reminded of the sun setting and how my eyes adjust to the sun right before it sets. That hot pink color that forces one to immediately find some cool shades. The reason why I choose to make these changes to the photos is not as important to me as what the photo was actually saying to me as I was making the changes. I played around the with photo until it finally captured my imagination. I feel as if the background is far more interesting then the woman in the photo itself which says well....a lot.

we need a job

President Obama is doing all he can for the people. By providing Americans with jobs he will put Americans in a better position financially. This will allow people to live the "American Dream". President Obama can not battle this economic crisis alone, I urge the American people to support our President by voting. Not just voting for him but by making sure that the Politicians in office also support the ideas of our President.

Obama Jobs Speech

Is moderate drinking beneficial to your health?

Is moderate drinking good for you? People have argued this point for decades and there is still no clear answer on the matter. Women who drank a glass of wine a day are said to have a better digestive track. Wine is said to soothe the stomach. In the Bible wine is used to remedy stomach problems. Is alcohol really okay in moderation ? Doctors and researchers are still searching for validation of alcohol consumption. To "drink or not to drink" that is the question.

Vick is Back

Vick has made a comeback that was well over due. After serving his time in prison for fighting dogs Michael Vick has made a incredible comeback with his new NFL team Philadelphia Eagles. Last year he started the season off on the bench as a back up quarterback, but quickly took over as a starter. At the end of the season Vick threw for 3,018 yards with 21 touchdowns. This year the Eagles signed him with a 100 million dollar contract for 6 years. This proves that no matter what you go through in life u can always over come any obstacles. This story affects me in the biggest way because this man over came everything and worked hard and he got a second chance. This motivates me to work hard for my dreams no matter what I go through or what anyone says. I feel if this man can get out of jail work hard, come back into the league, and receive the highest paid contract and put up the best stats I can accomplish my dreams.

US Postal Service Crisis

The Marvelettes in 1961 were begging their Postman for a letter from their loved ones. Fifty years later the Postal Service is begging Congress to make changes to their health benefits, pensions, layoffs, and closings of thousands of post offices. Gone are the days when girls wait for a letter from their boyfriends who now send emails or texts. Technology might be the murderer of the Post Office. With emails, online payments, direct deposits and withdrawals, and e-billing it seems as if the days of licking stamps may soon come to an end.

Basketball Kid NBA Quest

"He's got basketball hands" is what the father and doctor's said about basketball phenom Jaylin Fleming when he was born. They were right, because those hands have been known to have the best handles on a basketball in the country. Jaylin's skills have landed him appearances on Ellen, Good Morning America, George Lopez, and other talk shows. He has also received many calls from colleges that are interested in having him play for them and he is currently making a movie. You may be wondering, what is the big fuss about Jaylin Fleming? He is not the first person to play basketball well. I'll tell you what the fuss is. Jaylin Fleming is a 11 years old, 6th grader, at Beasley Academic Center on the on the south side of Chicago in Englewood, and he is on a NBA quest.

"The Beams that secured the World" "Remembering The 9/11 Attack". Chicago,IL had the honor to receive a few beams from the World Trade Center, That was attacked over ten years ago. The beams are a reminder of what this country stands for in the time of need. Honor,Courage, and Commitment is coined after the United States Navy, and this is near and dear to me because when the World Trade Center was attacked in 2001, My ship the USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN-71,where I spent eleven years of my life stationed in Norfolk.Va had the chance to go out and fight for freedom and democracy around the world. The USS Theodore Roosevelt,along with it's battle group, was the first ship to spring into action and start the first fight on the war against terrorism. The day that we were attacked, a part of our lives were also taken away with the lives that were lost. Over 3,000 lives are gone and in the hearts of millions they will never be forgotten. So these beams that will be constructed throughout our great city,will be a reminder of the strong foundation we all hold near and dear in each of our lives as well as the lost lives of every other soilder and civilian who has lost their lives for this great country.

Mothers killing babies?

I'm sure at least 98% of the world is still either mad, frustrated, or in disbelief after learning Casey Anthony's was found not guilty in the murder of her 4 year old daughter Caylee Anthony. What gets the viewers all worked up is the fact her daughter was missing for days while she was out partying! Although the law could not prove her guilty, that's does not mean she was innocent in my opinion. However it seem like ever sense that case, more children are being abused or killed by their mothers, and fathers too. Lets take Yokeia Smith of East St. Louis for example. The 25 year old mother is accused and has been charged for “the killing of her 2 youngest children” 5 year old Levada Brown and 4 year old Yokela Smith. Not only did she “kill her children” she went on a rampage and struck random pedestrians, but thankfully she surrender outside of KMOV-TV news station in the downtown area of East St. Louis. Lets all hope another guilty person(s) does not get off the hook.

Tropical Storms

There are several Tropical Storms on the way. The name of the storm I'm referring to is Tropical Storm Lee. Tropical Storm Lee is a slow moving storm that started in Louisiana and is slowly moving coast to coast. Some States have declared a state of emergency as they prepare for the storm. Twelve to 18 inches of rain is expected by Monday. Tropical Storm Lee will be

Louisiana first big storm since Hurricane Katrina

Locally we are expected to see strong northeastern wind through out the holiday, winds are expected to be between 15-25 mph, there may be flooding. Hurricane Lee will cause some mild rain to show up in Chicago, as soon as today 09.08.11 and through out the weekend according to WGN News.

There are several storms formulating: Katia, Maria & Nate according to the Daily Map Analysis. Katia will hit on North side of the Atlantic through out the weekend, there will be rough surf and dangerous rip currents in the East Coast, Bermuda & Atlantic Canada.

Cramer on Netflix Price Hike [NBC 7-14-2011]

Netflix raises price 60% to move more toward streaming service. I think all people in production and film should take note. More and more entertainment content is being downloaded or streamed. Meaning that the DVD's and CD's days are numbered and maybe even movie theaters. As Cramer notes the price change created an uproar http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpKGHOvqsFc and this seems to be the most popular of the youtube rants and this video posted by a customer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvSx-d5AXtU has over 2,000 views .

Superman Movie Hurts Chicago Traffic

Its a Bird Its a Plane.......no its traffic! The city starts the exciting buzz about the coming of the filming of the new Superman movie "Superman: Man of Steel" . But for most of us that work downtown all we can think about are the street closings and traffic that it will cause. I am excited because my city as beautiful as it is has a positive reason for being in the news. We have so much negativity that surrounds our city it is good to see that something good is coming. But in true "chicago-an" fashion I can't be too excited without thinking of my self and the fact that this filming is going to mess up traffic. Chicago is Superman and traffic is our Kryptonite. However, we will be just fine!

THE MASTERS OF CEREMONY/MOVE IT

Check out my other videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/Soup2772?feature=mhee comments welcome!

Michael Vick just got a $20 million deal.

Curfew Enforcement Good or Bad Idea...You Decide

In response to the latest violent attacks on the public involving "flash mobs," major cities, namely Philadelphia and Chicago, are considering enforcing curfew laws in effort to control the small yet dangerous epidemic. Many experts feel that enforcing curfews on minors will keep down the relatively small increase in the youth violence. There is much anxiety over gang violence and possibility of it increasing. There is no real evidence that shows the effects of curfew curtailing violence amongst the youth in any major city. Whether or not public safety will once again be able to rest due to this new enforcement on curfews is yet to be determined.

Product Of Slavery

Product Of Slavery

I choose "Product of Slavery" because I've always ran from the subject. I've always ran from the subject because this subject matter perturbs me! This subject is a very important part of our history and it's time for me to deal with this subject matter.It amazes me that Slavery still exist in this day and time in life.There is a group in the UK called the Anti Slavery International, that was founded in 1839. This organizations is the oldest organization in the world fighting against modern day Slavery.

For Better or Worse By Rachel Mummy

I choose "For Better or Worse" by mistake. When I began reading this story it was talking about this couple who lived in a rural area, that caught my attention because I've always wanted to live in a rural area. As I continued to read and began clicking on different links, I realized this story was about a elderly married couple who reside in rural area in Ohio, the wife was in need of medical attention. One of the disadvantages of living in a rural area is there are no medical facilities near. For better or worse fit the story perfect because the wife had developed Alzheimer and her husband of 62 years is standing by her, now that's the true meaning of For better or worse. It's a struggle because of their age and the lack of medical attention that's available in a rural area. The husband is extremely old and dedicated. We need more dedicated men like this man and this gentlemen should be commended.

An Undesired Goodnight Moon

Such a simple task...... Pick two favorites from the Top 50 Multimedia Packages of 2010. My first choice after searching several was "Undesired" by Walter Astrada. Astrada is a Photo Journalist that brings video, pictures, and still images to life in this short documentary. The documentary begins with a woman feeling worthless because she has not given her husband a son. The culture for girls in India is that a woman is to cook, clean, and have a boy. For the women who have girls are often tortured, abandoned, and some even burned to their death. Being a woman and mother of two beautiful daughters this film sent emotional waves through my body. Is this really happening in this day and age?! It is after all 2011 and not 145BC. It's hard to complain about the price of gas and groceries that keep increasing. My complaints are nothing compared to the women of India that breed girls. I thank God for my life it may not be perfect but it's filled with love and desire.

So now that I'm depressed and think of India as a place that I would never want to visit. I decided to search something to make me smile. I saw the title "Goodnight Moon" and thought of my children who I've read Goodnight Moon to hundreds of times. Goodnight Moon be Margaret Cheatham Williams is a video with still images that follow a woman's 13 year battle with Parkinsons disease. It captivates the love this woman's husband and children have for her. It gives an intimate glimpse of aging with illness. Although it was sad and I found no relevance to the title "Goodnight Moon" it seemed more like a love story. I like that better "Goodnight Love".

my 2 top multi-media videos of 2010

For Better or For Worse

Wow! I just viewed a video titled " For Better or For Worse" and it opened my eyes to a few very critical points, and moments that can occur during marriage. I have been married for 9 years now and the love i have for my husband surpasses the stars. I know i would do any and everything for him, and I know he would I. In this video an elderly married couple couple has been married has been married 62 years , and the wife Mary Triplet has onset Alzheimer's. Mary's husband Bernard takes care of her. Instead of putting Mary in an elderly care facility Bernard would rather do for his wife himself. That is a strong love that encourages and inspires me within my own marriage. I favor Mr. Triplet due to the fact there our days when Mrs. Triplet does not even recognize him, but in spite of the downfall he loves and cares her back to remembering. If this where my spouse and I , I know without a doubt I can do the same for him. This video gives true light to the phrase " in sickness and in health, till death do us part.

The Economy of a Tent City

Port-Au Prince Haiti suffered a devastating earthquake about a year ago and they are still trying to recover. As I viewed The Economy of a Tent City it left me in total awe. I began to think, and wonder if an earthquake hit my city would I be ready? Would my attitude bounce back from a sheer disaster, and leave me at least grateful? I had to ask myself this and deep down the answer is no! In Haiti they have built a whole new community out of tents. the people of Haiti are working and going on about their lives, and I know I would not be this strong . I consider the Haitian community over-comers due to the fact that although they make 30 cents an item they sell they can still smile. These strong survivors have built a tent community over a golf course; re-hatched their businesses, and continue to thrive. The Haitian community even enjoys a movie comedy for a meager fee of 30 cents, and yes they still laugh, and joke through it all. I looked in the mirror and said could I do what the residents Of Port-Au-Prince have done and are still doing? Still I have no answer.

Product Of Slavery

I choose Product of Slavery because I've always ran from the subject. I've always ran from the subject because this subject matter perturbs me! This subject is a very important part of our history and it's time for me to deal with this subject matter.It amazes me that Slavery still exist in this day and time in life.There is a group in the UK called the Anti Slavery International, that was founded in 1839. This organizations is the oldest organization in the world fighting against modern Slavery. This organization is also a charity. Visit http://www.productsofslavery.org/ for more details.

The Clock is ticking

The clock is ticking Did you know that every minute we spend 7.610 dollars of the economy to go into debt, also every hour 6.4 private sector jobs will disappear in the United States, and 48 families every day face the fact that their homes will be stripped from them these are the things that are going on right now in long island new york and all over the world , just like these numbers the reality of losing something you work so hard for is truly a day to day basis. we need to find a solution fast before the world as we know as a hold will disappear for ever

Revolving Door

"The Revolving Door" Was a story based on the revolving inmates going in and out of prison in the california prison system. Did you know that the Califorinia Prison System is the largest Prison system in the United States of America out of 165000 inmates 1-5 have never committed a vioelent crime in 2009 84000 paroless return to prison for minor infractions dirty urine, or even just being late to a meeting with the parole officer this touch home to me because I have a brother that went through the same things dealing with his parole officer and had to return back for minor infraction only being late coming in from curfew from a family event. What does that say about America that if we are late for meetings in life we must spend the rest of our life behind bars waiting for the time of to come around again for a second chance

A Life Pretty Full of Love

I enjoyed watching "A Life Pretty Full of Love" a documentary by Kevin Wellenius. This touching story is about a man named Curt Brown, he has been a foster parent to autistic men for over 20 years. Curt is looking to retire and settle down with his girlfriend, and he must find caring homes for his residents. I was touched by the love and care he has given the men for many years. This video shows that there are still people with love and compassion in their hearts for others.

The Hill Farmer

If you are a fan of nature, animal and beautiful landscaping then "The Hill Farmer" if the video for you. What I liked most about this video is the photography and the birth of the lamb. This video show the daily activities of a hill farmer. It is funny and interesting. Go to this link to take a look at it, I am sure you will enjoy it.

Prop 19 New leaf video and Katrina 5 yrs later

Proposition 19-the New Leaf video "http://vimeo.com/16062780" “khundcharcha” does not waste any time, and starts with bold statement: “Welcome to Failed State of California” and informs viewers about $19 billion deficit and $69 billion debt, financial crisis in the health care, education, correction and infrastructure sectors. However, before viewers start to worry, the perfect solution emerges- the proposition 19. On November 2^nd voters’ approval of the proposition 19 can solve together money, jobs, and social rights problems. But what is this proposition 19? Mystery solved: legalization of sales, taxation and regulation of cannabis-California’s already largest cash caw, which already generates $15 billion a year. By approving this proposition California can gain $1.4 billion in tax revenue, expands economy of $16-$23 billion, and create 100,000+ jobs. How can it be done? Easy. Production, sales and use of cannabis should be treated like alcohol regulations, but final rules would be done by each county, not by the state. Passing proposition 19 would solve California’s crime problems by taking money from drug cartels pockets and giving it to the state instead. Smart. Voters should not worry that use of marihuana increase, because it would regulate amounts that are already on market. One more time, voters need to pass proposition 19, and we all can live happily ever after.

The video, which is 2:34 min long, is very well done, funny and clever. The creator uses cartoons to make it appear friendlier. Who does not like cartoons, especially funny ones? Instead of people, cute animal characters are used; therefore entire idea appears more family oriented. This video is definitely not informative, but of persuasive nature. The main goal is to encourage people to vote yes. It does not show pros and cons, but pros only, but does it very well. Definitely well made.

Five years later: Hurricane Katrina://projects.usatoday.com/news/katrina/#/prologue/the-storm/the-storm . Uses still pictures and audio excerpts from the television outlets at the time of the storm. Even after 5 years the fear is easily captured by the photos and background music. The return to the 9^th ward piece http://projects.usatoday.com/news/katrina/#/effects/coming-home/return-to-the-lower-ninth uses live interviews of the aftermath as an effective storytelling tool. The rebuilding of the levees http://projects.usatoday.com/news/katrina/#/rebuilding/new-levees/system-failure-and-redesign uses words on screen and maps to complete a very informative site about the after effects of oe of the biggest storms in history.

An Undesired Goodnight Moon

Such a simple task...... Pick two favorites from the Top 50 Multimedia Packages of 2010. My first choice after searching several was Undesired by Walter Astrada. Astrada is a Photo Journalist that brings video, pictures, and still images to life in this short documentary. The documentary begins with a woman feeling worthless because she has not given her husband a son. The culture for girls in India is that a woman is to cook, clean, and have a boy. For the women who have girls are often tortured, abandoned, and some even burned to their death. Being a woman and mother of two beautiful daughters this film sent emotional waves through my body. Is this really happening in this day and age?! It is after all 2011 and not 145BC. It's hard to complain about the price of gas and groceries that keep increasing. My complaints are nothing compared to the women of India that breed girls. I thank God for my life it may not be perfect but it's filled with love and desire.

So now that I'm depressed and think of India as a place that I would never want to visit. I decided to search something to make me smile. I saw the title "Goodnight Moon" and thought of my children who I've read Goodnight Moon to hundreds of times. Goodnight Moon be Margaret Cheatham Williams is a video with still images that follow a woman's 13 year battle with Parkinsons disease. It captivates the love this woman's husband and children have for her. It gives an intimate glimpse of aging with illness. Although it was sad and I found no relevance to the title "Goodnight Moon" it seemed more like a love story. I like that better "Goodnight Love".