Reytown

In These Parts, King Louie Reigns Supreme

2012-01-27T18:15:00.000-08:00

Like any metropolitan area, Chicago streets are tagged with stickers advertising bands, websites, and artists. It's a cheap, easy way to generate some street buzz for aspiring creatives. Those who pay attention, though, will tell you that King Louie is the best bet to make it big.

Although his stickers have come under scrutiny by some Chicago neighborhoods, the South Side native has been gaining respect from all walks of life in the city. It's been astounding seeing the rapid growth of his fan base (Keep an eye on his Twitter numbers for a week and you'll see what I'm saying).

I got the pleasure of meeting Louie a few weeks back and came away with respect for him as not just an artist, but as a person. He understands that it's a business, but he's all about doing well for his people.

Here's the exclusive interview:

Interview with Hassani Kwess

2011-12-14T17:25:00.000-08:00

This is a short interview I did with Maryland-native Hassani Kwess, who spent part of the summer making tracks with the likes of Chuck Inglish and Odd Couple. Here's the exclusive video:

Album Review: SUBMiT- Distance To Infinity

2011-11-25T09:21:00.000-08:00

Coming from the southern state of Georgia, SUBMiT has seen a fair amount of talent run through his area. The likes of OutKast, Ludacris, T.I., and Danger Mouse all made it through the ATL hip hop scene. SUBMiT hopes to be next in line after the drop of his mixtape, Distance To Infinity.

From top to bottom, the production on the tracks are stellar, and SUBMiT only adds to the quality with his knack for writing catchy hooks, especially on the tracks "We On Our Way" and "Life of the Party".

SUBMiT also shows the range of topics of he's willing to spit on tracks like "Getaway" and "Tumblr Chick". And to top it all off, he takes you on a ride in his "Victory Lap", which is quite a song for an outro.

With the Bombay Knox team supporting his every step, expect to hear a lot more from SUB in the future.

Video Release: Lester Jay- "Love Angel"

2011-11-24T08:23:00.000-08:00

Lester Jay has been slowly gaining recognition as a powerful soul singer in the Chicago area over the past year. Keeping busy, he dropped a joint mixtape with another Chicago artist, rapper Tone Styles a little over a month ago. Now, the big fella is working on his solo act, with "Love Angel" being his first solo music video.

Don't let his large build fool you, though. As you will see in the video, he's a gentleman who will treat you right:

Get Messi

2011-09-28T14:44:00.000-07:00

UGLYBoNES Personify Rock N' Roll Image

2011-09-26T07:37:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday I decided to go see some friends of mine perform for the first time at the Tini Martini Ultra Lounge on the northwest side of Chicago. I was told there would be a couple of sets by some local punk bands before they would go on, so I showed up early to get accustomed to the scene.

After all was said and done, the only phrase I could use to describe the show was: Rock N' F***ing Roll!

UGLYBoNES is a punk rock band from the Vernon Hills area of the Chicago suburbs. I had heard their music online, but never in person.

To give you a glimpse of how the night went, here's a rundown of what happened once I arrived:

- I met up with the drummer, Eric, and the guitarist, Fil, who tell me that their bass player, Viaj, is passed out in the backseat of his car, wasted.

- Viaj eventually joined up with us, still drunk, claiming that he may need to throw up, but is ready to play.

- Their lead singer, Lev, came out wearing knee high socks and a mini skirt.

At this point I thought, What the hell is going on here? These guys are nuts!

Their music exploded out of the speakers with so much ferocity and energy that I thought they were going to get kicked out for being too reckless. After looking around the room, though, the only thing I saw were faces of curiosity.

And that's not even the best part. While I was reviewing some photos I took, I noticed something fly off the stage and out onto the venue floor. It was Eric's freaking snare drum. After popping through both sides, he decided it was fucked and wanted nothing to do with it, so he moved his floor tom over and kept on playing. Everyone in the room looked dumbfounded as the dodged the moving object.

And yet, it grabbed everyone's attention even more.

As Eric continued to play without a snare drum, Viaj was finally starting to sober up, and Lev nearly threw up on stage from drinking a beer that was not originally his.

And throughout it all, they were still enjoying the time they were having. It was the most real hard/punk rock show I have been to in years.

Over the past decade, the idea of the Rock N' Roll lifestyle and persona has dramatically softened, especially among high profile bands. Bands like the Kings of Leon and Maroon 5 put out solid music, but they live more like hipsters or divas than rock stars. The members of UGLYBoNES would say, "F*** that s***!" and throw you a middle finger.

It is that kind of image that is incredibly fun to watch on stage because you never know what's coming next.

To me, that is the personification of Rock N' Roll.

Uno Hype - Sense of Fulfillment

2011-09-17T12:27:00.000-07:00

Giving out more love to Uno Hype with the release of his new song, "Sense of Fulfillment".

This is another collaboration with producer DJ Black Diamond, who has been on a tear over the past six months. Having produced for up-and-comers Logic, Young Sinatra, and growing star Mac Miller, Diamond is a producer who is gaining a lot of credit.

Hype and Diamond have an ongoing relationship that should produce many more collaborations in the future. With hits such as "Top Billin'" and "Eclipse" to go along with this new release, one can only imagine what they might create in the future, with the two having been rumored to be putting together an EP that could be released this fall.

With the backing of Hype's label, Bombay Knox, and support from both of their growing fan bases, these two will hopefully be killing tracks together for years to come.

Uno Hype - Top Billin' (Official Video)

2011-08-26T12:46:00.000-07:00

Dropping just last night, here's the new music video from Maryland hip hop artist Uno Hype.

Directed by BombayKnox CEO J.R. Rubin, this is Hype's second music video off his mixtape Ready For Takeoff. Having already openend for the likes of Chris Webby and Mac Miller, as well as recording at the Smokers Club studio in NYC, the 18-year-old is doing just that. Get ready because he's in the works to unleash a new mixtape that's rumored to be releasing this fall.

I. Need. Monnneeeyyyyy... I Guess

2011-06-29T09:12:00.000-07:00

This morning, I found myself stressing over my money situation. I mean, I'm not poor or anything. I'm sure we've all gone through phases where we worry about things that are too far into the future. The reason why I found myself in this state of mind is because I recently made a few large purchases (camera and steadicam) that will help me in the long term, but not the short.

The reason I bring this up is not to complain about how I wish I had more money or that I think I deserve to have more money. No, I bring this up because money is something that everyone thinks about on a day-to-day (minute-to minute, perhaps?) basis.

You know what I ended up thinking in the end, though?

Fuck it.

And I played a game of FIFA '11. Boom.

See, we worry so much about how much money we'll have in the present and future that we forget about the little things in life that make us happy (The thought of your living wage rarely brings happy thoughts, am I right?). Money comes and goes, which is to also say that it is a part of our lives that is constantly going up and down, so why should you tag along for the ride?

Don't let it control your life (or even parts of it). Quantity is overhyped... Not to say that having a lot of money is a bad thing. Hell, you wouldn't want to know the things I'd probably do for the right number. I'd show reality game shows what's up.

Back to my point, though.

Worry about the quality of your life. Know what you want to do with your life, pursue it with a strong passion and work ethic, and money will never feel like a problem.

Uno Hype - BaSelord (Official Music Video)

2011-06-23T12:46:00.000-07:00

Last fall he was an unknown, teenage rapper trying to get his foot in the door in the hip-hop community. His first mixtape, Ready For Takeoff, has slowly been gaining the Maryland native a respectable reputation on the east coast and in Chicago.

"BaSelord" is one of the shortest songs on Ready For Takeoff, but the chill beat and Uno's ability to blend with the music combined with the summer-themed video create an exceptional summer experience that should help propel the 18-year-old's already rising ascent.

Joining forces with BombayKnox Entertainment over the winter, Uno gearing up for the release of his second mixtape and the highly anticipated Separated At Birth album from the production duo Odd Couple.

With his star shining brighter by the day, I give you "BaSelord":

After Being Snubbed Throughout Their Careers, Dallas Players Finally Get Their Rings... With Class

2011-06-16T08:59:00.000-07:00

As the clock ran down to zero and Dirk Nowitzki walked to the locker room to gather his thoughts, the rest of his Dallas Mavericks teammates were celebrating their accomplishment with class back on the court.

There was no running into the stands, players doing silly dances, or anything at all that made these Mavericks look less professional than how they carried themselves throughout the entire postseason. It was one of the classiest championship celebrations that has happened in recent sports history. The veteran-laced team never seemed to let their emotions get the better of them, even though they had played over 100 NBA seasons combined without one of them winning a championship.

As a fan, it was an absolute joy to see players like Peja Stojakovic, Shawn Marion, and Jason Kidd accomplish a goal that seemed to be a far reach at the beginning of the playoffs. They, along with Jason Terry and Dirk, had fallen short in their quest for the Larry O'Brien Trophy on multiple occasions in the past decade, thanks in most part to the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs.

With most players who fall short of winning an NBA Championship at the end of their prime years, the quest for winning a championship becomes a trail of underachieving role playing for teams that have legitimate shots at the title. Just ask Nick Van Exel, Glenn Robinson, Mitch Richmond, and Antoine Walker, who all won championships doing next to nothing for the Spurs, Lakers, and Heat.

Looking at the Dallas roster before the season, it looked like a cluster of underachieving ex-All-Stars. Only three players (Dirk, Jason Terry, and Kidd) had ever played in an NBA Finals. The rest of the bunch had histories of being injured, choking in big moments, or being apart of teams that didn't play on both ends of the floor. Mark Cuban had put together a roster unlike any other in tenure as the Mavs owner. It was a big risk to have a team heavily dependent on 30-something players, and they were fortunate with their health, unlike the Celtics and Lakers.

Through adversity, though, the Mavs' players showed that their playoff experiences could flourish in a system that relied on sharing the ball and utilizing Dirk's determination to never let his team lose.

It was a dream come true after years of falling short for these players:

Shawn Marion, who played for the run-and-gun Suns teams with Steve Nash, became a garbage basket hound with his knack for grabbing offensive boards, slashing to the rim for easy layups, and out-hustling everyone. Seriously, did he score a basket outside of 10-feet in the Finals?

Peja Stojakovic, who played on the Kings teams of the early 2000s, may not have been a factor in the Finals, but his clutch threes against the Lakers made him a vital part of this championship run. A bit of revenge, perhaps?

Jason Kidd, who single-handily carried the New Jersey Nets to two straight Finals appearances in the early 2000s, played some of the most brilliant and unselfish basketball of any point guard in recent Finals history. His contributions in guarding LeBron, setting up the Mavs offense, and hitting open threes was one of the main reasons the Mavs gelled so well together. His play is so under appreciated sometimes that we forget that he is one of the best point guards in the last 20 years, and he showed why in the Finals.

Which brings us back to the post game celebration. You would think that these three players, along with Cuban, Dirk, and Terry, would have been jumping off the walls after winning the one thing that always went to their rivals, the one thing that held back their legacies for over a decade, the one thing drove them to this point. Instead, they celebrated with a calm classiness that you just don't see in professional sports anymore. A classiness that let the world know, 'We finally did it.'

Buck the Trend: Milwaukee Will Get it Together

2010-12-22T14:13:00.000-08:00

Just over a quarter of the season has passed, and the Eastern Conference is still a cluster of ‘what if/if only’ teams and three legit playoff teams that are playing amazing basketball (Chicago, Boston, and Miami).

Two perennial playoff teams are looking towards a better three quarters of the season. Orlando has put some pieces together that could become very dangerous come a month from now (Come on, you know that J-Rich, Gil, and Hedo are a better trio than Vince Carter, Rashard Lewis, and Marcin Gortat), and Atlanta has been the forgotten team this year as they have put together a nice stretch of games since Joe Johnson went down (and came back).

Side note: Everyone has forgotten that the Hawks made the least amount of big moves and don’t intend to. Name one other playoff hopeful team in the East that can say that besides Boston.

Kobe Bryant was ejected after being flustered by the Buck's defense in a recent home defeat.

The real question, though, is who are going to fill in the rest of the remaining three spots? Well, for starters, don’t overlook my boy’s, the Milwaukee Bucks, who have been coming together slowly throughout the first part of the season.

Yes, Brandon Jennings is out for 4-6 weeks after breaking a bone in his foot, and who knows when Carlos Delfino and Corey Maggette are coming back from their respective concussions, but remember that Scott Skiles is coaching this team with two of the better assistant coaches in the league, Kelvin Sampson and Jim Boylan. They have this team playing some of the best defense in the league, something that is often overlooked when looking father down the road in the season.

I remember many of my youth and high school coaches saying that as long as the defense is there, the offense will eventually come around. Milwaukee has been one of the worst teams offensively this season, but not because of a lack of offensive firepower. John Salmons and Drew Gooden are starting to come around after signing new contracts with the team this offseason, and Andrew Bogut has been one of the best centers in the league so far.

What this team really has going for it, though, is the versatility they have with their role players, as many of them can play multiple positions and have playing styles that compliment each other.

Ersan Ilyasova has started to play like the guy we saw at the World Championships this past summer, and guys like Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, Chris Douglas-Roberts and rookie Larry Sanders have chipped in some nice contributions on both ends of the court.

The Bucks still have a long ways to go if they want to surpass last season’s success, but unlike last year there is more depth and chemistry with this team. Brandon Jennings sitting out for a month may be a good thing for him, too. He’s by far one of the most passionate and competitive players from his draft class. Tag that along with more time breaking down game tapes and I think he will finish the season stronger than how he started it.

Believe me, I was not the biggest fan of the Buck’s offseason moves, but the core young guys from last year haven’t lost a step and seem to be high character guys (unlike Skile’s last team). With the playoff experience from last year, there’s no reason this team can’t make some noise come late in the season.

Fear the Deer? Fear the Beer.

Qatar World Cup Has Huge Question Marks

2010-12-15T10:38:00.000-08:00

This has been an especially unusual week in the soccer world.

The aftermath of Qatar winning the 2022 World Cup has swirled some controversy, with FIFA president Sepp Blatter being the main culprit after his remarks about homosexuals keeping to themselves at the tournament when it comes around in twelve years.

Blatter's comments on the subject were ones of buffoonery because all fans should have the right to enjoy a live World Cup experience if they so please. No one should be excluded or made less of in something as beautiful and world-unifying as the World Cup, whether you're homosexual, bisexual, white, black, Muslim, Jewish, Christian, etc.

At the same time, though, his comments are kind of a 'word-to-the-wise.'

Qatar 2022 is/will be one of the riskiest World Cups FIFA has ever put together. The Middle East is a place where people from the western world need to know local customs and rules for their own safety. FIFA is asking a lot out of Qatar, a country with only one big city and airport, but also from the fans who make the tournament so magical.

There's always the fear of crime and violence at a World Cup, but what Qatar brings along with those things is uncertainty. Qatar has never held a sporting event anywhere near as large as the World Cup. South Africa has one of the largest crime rates in the world, but they had held large sporting events before the 2010 World Cup, giving the nation some credibility (It didn't hurt much to have Nelson Mandela around, too).

Qatar brings a laundry list of questions that have never been needed, like: 1) How will they help fans deal with the excruciating heat? 2) How will they keep everyone entertained and spread out with only one big city? 3) How will the locals interact with people of such different cultures? 4) How will they regulate their laws and customs with so many people from more lenient cultures? 5) How will they draw comparable numbers like in previous World Cups when alcohol is illegal?

It's a true test for FIFA. One that could defy all odds and finally shine a better light on the Middle East and bring better relations with one of the most misunderstood areas in the world... That's a huge task, though.

These are uncharted waters FIFA/Blatter/bribed old men of the World Cup committee, so you better know what you're doing because I for one was pulling for an Australian World Cup (Take a second and think about how awesome that would be. Plus, they've already held a very successful Olympics and have multiple big cities), not to mention that many Americans are still upset with you skipping North America when it would have been our turn in the continental cycle.

FIFA is gambling on this one. Let's hope the house isn't bottom dealing.

Hollinger Says D-Rose is Not Elite

2010-12-13T09:45:00.000-08:00

In John Hollinger's latest story where he throws a bunch of ridiculous stats in to make an even more ridiculous point, he makes the asinine statement that Derrick Rose is not an elite point guard because he doesn't go to the free throw line enough... That's it, that's his only reason.

Let's put this in a more traditional statistical viewpoint, since Hollinger's made up stats would take days to fully explain their meaning: In per game averages for the entire league, Rose is fourth in scoring and ninth in assists. He can beat his defender at will, has one of the best pull-up jumpers in the league, and recently added a strong three point jumper to his arsenal. Lest we forget he jumps higher than anyone in the league, making him virtually impossible to block, and his body control while in the air is a thing of beauty (Hollinger did credit Rose for that attribute).

Adding it all up, Rose would seem to be one of the most dangerous players in the league (he is), but according to Hollinger, he is not elite because guys like this and this get to the line more than he does.

Hollinger also calls him out on his free throw attempts per field goal attempt (a ridiculous stat to measure a players status in the league), and his true shooting percentage (combined field goal percentage and free throw percentage average). Here's what the numbers cruncher had to say:

"As with the TS% above, 32 of the league's point guards outrank him in free throw attempts per field goal attempt. That list includes his backup (C.J. Watson, 0.28); jump-shooting specialists such as Cleveland's Daniel Gibson and Memphis' Mike Conley; and a whole host of players who aren't nearly as good."

Most of the league's best point guards are ranked ahead of him, including Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, and Deron Williams. Want to know who's first in that category? Devin Harris, a very good player, but one who is nowhere near elite status. If players like Harris and the ones mentioned above are ahead of him, isn't it a fair conclusion that the statistic favors certain types of players? Think about it.

To wrap up my point, advanced statistics can be a load of garbage that favor players who play in up tempo offenses and players who play small roles on good teams, hence the reason why a guy like Shannon Brown puts up better advanced stats in some categories than Rose.

Watch a Bulls game and recognize how Rose leads his team and how he can take over the game at will. That's elite to me.

NBA: Bulls Keep Looking Better

2010-12-11T09:05:00.000-08:00

It pains me to say this, being a Milwaukee Bucks fan and all, but the Chicago Bulls are looking good... REALLY good. So good, in fact, that they handily beat the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers last night in front of a sellout crowd at the United Center.

It's still early in the season, though, meaning anything is still possible.

One thing that is certain, though, is that Derrick Rose is a legit MVP candidate. His numbers are up across the board, and his ability to hit threes these days has to make him the most difficult player to guard in the league. Not many players can break ankles like a point guard, jump like a slasher, and finish like a savvy veteran. Tyreke Evans knows what I'm talking about.

The Bulls are more than just Rose, though.

Joakim Noah has started where he left off from last season, Taj Gibson is looking like an in-his-prime P.J. Brown, Loul Deng is playing with a fire we've haven't seen since his first few seasons, and most importantly, Carlos Boozer is doing exactly what everyone expected of him after signing with the team last summer.

While the players deserve a lot of the credit, don't overlook the job that Tom Thibodeau has done in his first season as an NBA head coach.

It was a fair assessment before the season to say that he had some question marks by his name: Can he lead an NBA team after being a lifetime assistant coach? Will his defensive genius get in the way of developing the offense? Is he the best the Bulls can get? Yes. No. Sure looks like it now.

The best part about the Bulls (and the saddening part for a die hard Bucks fan) is that they look like a team on a mission for years to come. That's right Chicago, no more wondering whether your team will reach it's full potential. They will, and it's scary to think of how high the ceiling is for D-Rose and company.

I have a feeling there will be a third Bulls statue outside the home that Jordan built, with the hometown kid flying high next to his childhood idol.

Andre Miller Thinks NBA Has Gone Soft

2010-12-09T08:19:00.000-08:00

So, Andre Miller, you think the NBA is trying to protect it's young stars by handing you a one game suspension for the 'bump' you gave Blake Griffin... If I'm not mistaken, a 90-foot dash across the court to tackle one of the game's young stars in a fit of revenge is deserving of more than just one game off.

Miller had some words for the NBA front office, saying, "It just shows you how soft the league has gotten, protecting young players. It's not like it was when I came in this league."

Okay, I agree that NBA officiating can be suspect from time to time, but in this instance there's no question about it. Look at the video below, folks, and keep an eye on what's going on under both baskets:

I haven't seen Andre run that fast since... well he's never really been that fast, so I'll leave it at that, but look at the momentum he gathers before hitting Griffin. It's reminiscent of a mountain goat trying to take out an elk. Seriously, it's ridiculous that Miller was allowed to do this and NOT GET CALLED FOR A FOUL.

Don't get me wrong, I like Andre Miller. He's one of the best ally-oopers (I'm making it a word) the game has ever seen, and he's been a strong, veteran leader in the NBA for many years, but saying the league is getting soft for handing out only a one game suspension is tad absurd. Feel lucky that you didn't get more (or even a fine).

These types of plays have never been allowed in the NBA, even when hand-checking was allowed. The only difference between the hard fouls from the 80s and 90s and the one Miller laid on Griffin is that NBA front office officials won't allow players to get away with hard hits with just a flagrant foul anymore. It's family entertainment, whether you like it or not. Hopefully you'll remember this the next time you have the longest active playing streak.

FIFA World Cup: Uruguay vs. France

2010-06-11T13:41:00.000-07:00

To end the inaugural day of this historic World Cup in South Africa, the goals were few, but the passion was there for both Uruguay and France. The two sides played strict, cohesive defense, making every opportunity all the more important in their 0-0 draw.

Les Bleues had the majority of scoring chances in this match, with the midfield play of Franck Ribéry, Jeremy Toulalan, and Abou Diaby displaying some nice one touch passing. The key to the game, though, was their inability to effectively use their strikers.

Nicolas Anelka was fighting for headers the whole match. That's not the type of game the French should be playing if they want to score goals. Anelka is effective when he's checking to and away from the ball and positioning himself for rebounds. The problem in this match was that France wasn't getting any shots on goal and resorted to crossing the ball. If he's standing around and the midfield are playing him balls in the air, don't expect to get world class results. Theirry Henry seemed to be caught behind his midfield the few times he touched the ball after coming on for Anelka in the 72nd minute. The French offense will need to sync up and keep the ball on the ground more often if they want to beat a tougher opponent like Mexico.

Uruguay has to be happy with the result considering Nicolás Lodeiro was shown the red card in the 81st minute after being on the pitch for only 18 minutes.

Diego Forlán had four of the team's seven shots, and two of the three that were on goal. Forlán is obviously the biggest scoring threat on the Uruguayan squad, but after him there didn't look to be any other players who seemed dangerous when they were on the attack.

The impressive thing about Uruguay was the hustle every player on the pitch showed. Throughout the match their midfielders and strikers pressured the French back line, making it difficult for the French midfielders to get the ball in dangerous positions. If their stout defense continues in their next two matches, expect the Uruguayans to be in the mix for a knockout round bid.

FIFA World Cup: South Africa vs. Mexico

2010-06-11T09:27:00.000-07:00

I only caught the last thirty minutes (give me a break, I just finished up my third year of college and wanted to sleep in), but from what I saw, South Africa is no joke. Most host nations aren't (France '98, South Korea '02, Germany '06). I think their play was an indicator for what to expect in other matches involving African teams.

As for Mexico, they had some calls go against them, but I expected a lot more from them after their stellar play in the exhibitions leading up to today's match. One of the first things that caught my eye was the position they had Cuauhtemoc Blanco playing. I didn't like how they had him playing out wide on the right. I know his fitness isn't ideal for a World Cup center midfielder, but Mexico looked like they could have benefited from him getting more touches. His creative passing is too good to be on the flank, where his primary objective seemed to be crossing over the defense, which was difficult against South Africa's gigantic back line. In the middle of the field, Blanco can use his deft touch and precise ground passing skills, both short and long, to hit teammates in open position... Isn't that why he's a Mexican legend?

Overall, not a bad way to start the World Cup.

I'll be back with more after the France-Uruguay match.

A Closer Look at the 'Gateway' Drug

2010-05-18T10:06:00.000-07:00

This an op-ed I wrote for The DePaulia comparing marijuana and its common assumptions, and comparing them to other harmful substances.

It’s illegal. It’s a gateway drug. It’ll negatively affect your judgment. It’s worse than cigarettes and alcohol… Don’t these sound outdated?

If you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m talking about marijuana. With the annual ‘holiday’ of 4/20 (essentially Marijuana Day) having passed recently, it feels right to discuss a few issues I have with the public perception of this ‘drug.

Throughout the twentieth-century, people scapegoated marijuana as a terrible drug that should be frowned upon. Why? What exactly is so terrible about it?

Since the rise of the Internet, common people have been seeing the true effects of marijuana on their own, not through cheesy public service announcements on television that portray it as a drug where one has no control. Trust me, you’d be better off driving after hitting a joint than after a couple drinks (Please don’t do either of these).

Yes, inhaling smoke will always be detrimental to your health, but some of the old allocations of marijuana and its effect on your health are not.

Take for instance the myth that it affects mental health. That is simply not true. Medical journals and newspapers such as the New England Journal of Medicine and the London Telegraph say there is no convincing scientific evidence that marijuana causes psychological damage or mental illness in either teenagers or adults. There have been numerous scientific journals from doctors all over the world that show that the drug has temporary mental effects, at best. You’d have a better chance with alcohol.

As for addictiveness… Well, there is none, so take that cigarettes!

In fact, if you look at the causes of death within the past decade in America on, marijuana is dead last with zero related deaths. ZERO! Compare that to the two of the top causes: tobacco and alcohol.

According to the website drugwarfacts.org, in the year 2000 alone, tobacco and alcohol accounted for more than 520,000 deaths. The next cause ahead of marijuana is anti-inflammatory drugs, and there were 7,600 deaths in that category.

The thing about marijuana is that you cannot overdose on it. If you keep smoking continuously within a brief timeframe, you’ll probably just fall asleep or eat an entire bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos.

In the comedy film Walk Hard, there is a scene where Tim Meadows’ character is trying to convince John C. Reilly’s character to not join them in smoking ‘reefer.’ Reilly’s character rolls out a list of questions about the drug since he’s never tried it. Meadows counters with answers like, “It doesn’t give you a hangover,” “it makes sex even better,” “it’s non-habit forming,” and “it’s the cheapest drug there is.” The best part of the whole scene is that everything Meadows says is true.

Ask any ‘stoner’ (I’m sure you know at least one), and they can attest to all of those answers, especially the hangover part because marijuana is often used as a hangover remedy.

The cheapness of the drug is probably one of the biggest appeals. In the Chicagoland area, an eighth of an ounce costs $40-60 depending on quality. A single gram of cocaine can cost nearly as much, and has worse repercussions with addictiveness and mental health. The same can be said for heroine, meth, and painkillers like oxycodon.

The fact that marijuana is illegal is not the problem. It’s the amount of arrests made for possessing small amounts of the drug with no intent on distributing. According to projectcensored.org, arrests for marijuana possession have increased in the past decade, while arrests for possession of cocaine and heroine have declined. That’s not surprising considering the openness that a lot of people have with marijuana, but the statistic that makes no sense is that marijuana possession arrests exceed arrests for all violent crimes COMBINED!

Remember that everyday people are driving home drunk, J-walking, and working without green cards or a visa. Yet, a 20-year-old will be arrested for possession because they ‘looked suspicious.” They’ll have marijuana on them, but they won’t be hurting anyone. At the same time, another criminal will get only a years probation for shooting someone. How is that just?

Look, I’m not the guy who’s lobbying for marijuana to be legalized. There will always be ways to obtain it, regardless of law. The point I’m trying to make is that marijuana is not nearly as harmful to your health as many legal substances are.

So, does it make sense to live in a world where the perception is the opposite of the truth? You be the judge.

From One Year to the Next

2009-12-31T10:34:00.000-08:00

It's New Years Eve. That's right, a whole year has passed and another is on the way. With less than twelve hours until the ball drops on the new decade, a theme to take into consideration for this New Years is reflection.

It's insane to think that it's been 10 years since the craziness of New Years Eve 2000. How many of you can remember that night? Where you were, what you were doing, who you were with, it all comes back when reflected upon.

Deeper reflections reveal how we lived our respective years and pinpoint our personal growth. Through the good times and the bad, I can say this has been the year where I have grown the most as an adult.

I ask you, in which areas of your life have you grown the most in the past year? Did you make the most of 2009? Was this year pivotal for you?

Reflect on your current relationships, new and old. Have you been a good friend or significant other? How about vice versa? Have you surrounded yourself with people who inspire you and make your life more enjoyable?

Our friends slightly reflect who we are, and you reflect certain aspects of their lives. Be grateful for those who have made your year happy. It's often the little things that make us love each other in the ways we do, and those little things are what build strong relationships. Inside jokes, sharing little bits of your life with each other, going to movies; things like these we might take for granted at the moment, yet they're embedded in our minds.

Reflection on your mistakes in the past year can be helpful going forward. I know I've done a lot of dumb things. I've said things I didn't mean, held back things I wanted to say or do, and did some pretty stupid things that got me in a lot of trouble. Reflecting on my mistakes makes me realize how much I have grown as a person.

It is the low points that help us grow, right? What were yours in 2009? How did you grow from those experiences?

2010 brings the next chapter in world history, and we're all apart of it. That's why we're celebrating. Yeah, we get to drink our heads off and hopefully kiss a special someone when the clock hits midnight, but what we're really doing, what we're really celebrating, is our place in history.

In 10 years people will be talking about the decade that was. How will you make your mark?

Brooke Lopez: Born a Twin, One of Kind

2009-12-23T12:09:00.000-08:00

Brooke Lopez has been considered one of the best young centers in the NBA for a little over a year now, and with good reason. The seven-footer with gym ropes for arms is barely into his twenties and already has people thinking of the potential he has.

It's just a shame that he's on a team with no motor, but I'll argue that the New Jersey Nets have more potential despite their horrid record.

Lopez's game is something I've been dying to see in a center since Tim Duncan came into the league: a center with great shooting range with an array of of post moves, great court awareness and positioning, and can rebound and block like a veteran. This is a rare breed in basketball.

Most other young centers who are beaming with talent like Dwight Howard and Andrew Bynum are huge and stake their territory on the low block and in the lane. They are both extremely good in this area, but can they step out and shoot 18-footers consistently?

Lopez has a finess game that is not often seen in a big man. His talent as a pick-and-pop guy is difficult to defend as most centers in the league are looking to protect the basket more than following their man out of the paint.

Lopez's shooting stroke is smooth for a man his size, and he makes opposing defenders pay for not respecting it. His court positioning on the outside reminds me a lot of Brad Miller, which is something that Duncan doesn't have quite in common as he works a more mid-range game.

What happens when Tim Duncan and Brad Miller have a kid (Wow, that sounds incredibly wrong)? You get Brooke Lopez. Sorry Robin.

Hopefully Lopez's team will get a little boost after the season, as it will be interesting to see what happens this summer when the Nets will be chasing big free agents like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh.

Lopez already has an All-Star point guard in Devin Harris to run with, and if they can grab one of the big name guys (or possibly a few) come July, they'll have the word dynasty written all over them.

In the mean time, let the kid keep developing his game and puzzling coaches.

Quick Note: Cherishing Family Over the Holidays

2009-12-22T11:28:00.000-08:00

One of the first things that comes to my mind when pondering about the holidays is family. When it comes down to it, I hold them closest to my heart.

I grew up with a lot of cousins, aunts, and uncles who all lived very close to my own immediate family, and I can guarantee they would all attest that we are as close knitted as they come. Christmas is one of the most special times for us as we all pack together in my grandmother's basement and share each other's company for the night.

Not everyone shares the same holiday experiences or benefits as myself, but the feeling of being loved by a family is something we can all share. Whether it's with your own, a significant other's, or a friends, the holiday spirit brings out the best in us all.

Some of my favorite memories come from Christmas experiences with my family. Whether it was playing Catchphrase, watching silly movies, or sharing hilarious life stories, just being in each other's presence was/is enough to make us glow with happiness.

There is nothing more pure than spending the holidays with the people we love. So when getting together with the people you'll be sharing the holidays with, remember that it is times like these that we will cherish for the rest of our lives.

Lakeview Area= Pizza Heaven

2009-12-18T12:09:00.000-08:00

Chicago has always been widely considered to have some of the best pizza in the world. With the traditional deep dish and stuffed pizzas that have become must eats for tourists, it's hard to argue against the claim.

If you're living in the city, though, getting those huge, greasy slices can put a damper on your health as well as your wallet. That is why the north side of city, in the Lincoln Park and Wrigleyville areas, is the best place to live for a pizza lover (college student).

When I first moved to the city back in 2007, the only pizza I ate was Giordano's, which by no means was a bad thing, but as my time here passed I found other places with their own takes on the American tradition of pizza baking.

Here are my top choices for pizza in the Lakeview area:

Giordano's- Whenever I meet up with someone who is visiting the city and wants to experience Chicago food, this is one of the first places I'll point them to.

Giordano's stuffed pizza is ungodly when in the right mood. You can taste the freshness of their ingredients in the sauce, crust, cheese, and whatever else you decide to put in it. I usually stick with either sausage or pepperoni, but don't let that stop you from trying other toppings like pineapple or peppers.

The only negative thing about Giordano's are the prices, which in all honesty are fair, but you're not exactly stretching your dollar when you eat there. It's usually worth it, though.

Chicago's Pizza- I would consider this place to be a step below Giordano's only because their pizzas can be hit or miss. Sometimes it's fantastic, other times it's still good, but nothing great.

Their slices aren't as thick, but that actually works out pretty well if you're not looking to pig out. Their prices are more reasonable, too.

They have basically the same menu options as Giordano's, so I don't really know what else to say except that if you're looking for a late night deep dish delivery, Chicago's is your best option.

Lou Malnati's- I would consider Lou's to be the best competition against Giordano's in the deep dish/stuffed realm of Chicago's pizza chains.

I know some people who prefer Lou Malnati's over Giordano's, and some who don't. It's comparable to how the people of Chicago are divided when it comes to baseball season: you're either a Cubs fan or a Sox fan.

Okay, maybe it's not that intense, but wouldn't it be entertaining if people started fighting over the topic of which place has better pizza?

Lou Malnati's brings a more urban feeling to their restaurant, while Giordano's seems like more of a traditional Italian restaurant.

I guess it's just a matter of a person's taste. All I can say is, try both!

Ian's Pizza- Although Ian's is originally from Wisconsin, it still has a place in Chicago pizza.

They're more of a pizza by the slice, walk-in place, but it doesn't take away from the quality and imagination of this place.

These guys will throw anything on a pizza. Literally, ANYTHING! I've seen so many crazy styles, from BBQ chicken and ranch (no sauce), s'more pizza, to Cajun shrimp toppings.

Every time I go there, which is probably twice a week, there are never the same options as the last time. I have discovered tastes for toppings that I never would have dreamt about before I found Ian's.

If you're visiting Wrigley Field and need a quick bite, I recommend Ian's.

Bacci Pizza- Oh, how I remember the first time I walked into this place. My eyes nearly popped out of my head when I saw how big the slices were.

They say their slices are as big as your head, and they're not joking. You'll need two hands to eat a single slice because they're over a foot long and pretty wide (that's what she said). Good luck finishing one in a single sitting. If you do, don't plan on moving much for the next hour.

Bacci's is a walk-in pizza place with your basic options: cheese, sausage, or pepperoni. Although it would be nice to see more options toppings-wise, it's a place everyone should have at least once while being in Chicago.

From stuffed pizza to the abnormally large slices, Chicago offers a wide variety. Whatever your preference, you're bound to find a slice you'll enjoy every time.

What Happened to Hip Hop?

2009-12-14T09:18:00.000-08:00

Just so you know, this is not going to be a post that's all about ripping on today's hip hop stars, but rather a refresher course of the roots of hip hop music and where the genre has gone in recent years.

Hip hop has come a long way since the pioneers of the genre took the world by storm. Back then, not many rappers were making the millions of dollars that a lot are making today, and it's a damn shame because the lyrics had so much more meaning compared to some of the stuff that is popular today.

A Tribe Called Quest, Run D.M.C., De La Soul, Eric B. and Rakim, Dr. Dre, Nas, Grand Master Flash, Public Enemy, and N.W.A. are just some of the artists who 'inspired' a lot of rappers today, yet a lot of their early works are often overlooked in this new hip hop generation.

Back then, hip hop wasn't listened to by as many people compared to today. The people of this decade are more into dance beats and metaphoric lyrics that don't tell a story. I'm not saying this is a bad thing because I do enjoy some of the artists who employ these two things, but doesn't it get repetitive listening to artists who use similar techniques?

Maybe it was just my upbringing. There probably aren't many white people who were brought up on gangster rap like myself. I remember being four years old and my brother putting on the song "Wake Up" by Bone Thugs N' Harmony and being instantly hooked. How can I speak for the majority if I didn't live like the majority?

The things in hip hop that caught my attention then are barely around in the genre anymore. The stories of hardships, chilling back in the day, violence. The artists wanted to bring listeners into their actual lives through music. Tell me, how many hip hop acts do this today?

Even some of the artists who used this method of songwriting in the early part of this decade have started to shy away from it. 50 Cent brought that gritty, gangster style with Get Rich or Die Tryin'. After that? Well, he was the trend setter for this new age crap that's all about money, girls, cars, sex, and self image. That's not creative music, it's just a bunch of metaphoric lyrics that anyone can write. It's not very difficult to think of a metaphor for why I like to party and have sex with multiple women.

I don't care what you do with your money. Tell me how you got to that point in your life.

Back in the day, rappers weren't trying to tell us how hot they were or about the ridiculous things they spent their money on. They were more focused on the story they were telling. What is Lil' Wayne exactly saying in his songs? The lyrics sound awesome, but what's the plot of the song? She licked him like a lollipop... Sweet...(?)

(I will say that his first album, Tha Block is Hot, is pretty sweet, though. Not many of his fans listen to it much, but they should)

Have we as a culture stopped caring about lyrical substance? Thank god for rappers like Kanye West, Common, Jay-Z, Nas, and Kid Cudi, who haven't exactly kept to the early styles of hip hop, but they're mainstream and still bring substance to their music.

I always felt that music was supposed to inspire us. All of the greatest musicians have defied time with their music. The Who, Led Zeppelin, Miles Davis, B.B. King, Chuck Berry, Frank Sinatra, Jimi Hendrix, and basically everyone who was involved with MoTown moved us then, now, and will always.

Other than Lil' Wayne's album sales, what about his music will stick with us as we get older?

The 80s and 90s are called the Golden Age of Hip Hop for a reason. They were changing the genre with every new album.

Do you disagree with me when I say a lot of today's rappers sound exactly the same? Read this quote from Jay-Z (the king of hip hop) that was in his interview for Esquire magazine concerning this trend in today's hip hop genre, "It's simple addition by subtraction: to save the culture, the artists that routinely damage it by simply following trends must perish."

Think about it.

(Other rappers to look into for substance over flash: Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Notorious B.I.G., Busta Rhymes, The Roots, Dead Prez, Beastie Boys, EPMD, Wu-Tang Clan, Method Man, RZA, old Snoop Dogg, old Eminem, old Nelly, OutKast, 213, old LL Cool J, Afrika Bambaataa, Dumate, Ice Cube, Ice Tea, The Game, Magoo, and Matisyahu)

Great Beyond Productions Presents: For Butter or Worse

2009-12-10T10:36:00.000-08:00

In 2007, two freshmen at DePaul University were making a short film for a class, and rest will hopefully be history.

Adam Bialy and Jesse Rubin-McCarry have been filming short films since, and with their newest short, For Butter or Worse, are looking to continue the fun that has been Great Beyond Productions.

Although all of their shorts have been for classes, they have never held back on language or their style of humor in favor of more family friendly material. In all honesty, though, it brings a more realistic view of their humor.

For Butter or Worse was written and directed by Rubin-McCarry. It contains strong language and displays images of people drinking a lot of alcohol.

World Cup 2010: U.S. Players to Watch

2009-12-07T10:12:00.001-08:00

The World Cup in South Africa is still six months away, but the excitement has already consumed the hardcore soccer fan's mind.

For this U.S. soccer fan, the draw for the group stage put the Americans in prime position to advance to the knockout stages. While Algeria and Slovenia are no cake walks by any means, the U.S. should have a clear advantage over either side with their World Cup experience and deeper talent pool.

You read that correctly: the U.S. is the second deepest squad in their group. When was the last time you heard those words?

With the first game against an in form England squad that is overflowing with world class talent, the U.S. will face it's toughest test from the get-go. The question that all American soccer fans are asking is: who is going to step up big for our nation?

This American squad has a solid foundation of players who are capable of taking them to the quarterfinals or better. Here is an idea of which players could step big when late June comes around:

Landon Donovan- He is the face of American soccer, and he'll have the weight of his team and country to carry on his 5'7" frame throughout the entire tournament. After a poor showing in Germany 2006, he will be looking to show all his doubters that he is a world class talent.

With a late collapse against Brazil in last year's Confederations Cup Final and his bizarre missed penalty in last month's MLS Cup, Donovan will be hungrier than any other player on the squad. Expect him to have a hand in almost every American goal with his creative dribbling, timely passing, and deft strikes.

Clint Dempsey- The Texan has been on a tear for Fulham in the English Premiere League as of late, and expect that form to carry over to next summer.

Dempsey has been criticized for looking lost during long stretches of games for the U.S., but he always seems to find a way to score in the big moments. His goal against Egypt last summer is a prime example.

The U.S. squad has been very successful when he and Donovan are on the flanks, counter attacking opposing defenses. Don't expect this tactic to change. Dempsey is by far the most stylish player on this squad, with his flashy dribbling and knack for finishing crosses.

Don't be surprised if he's putting away late game winners next June and July.

Tim Howard- Following the tradition of world class American goalkeepers, Howard shows more passion on the field that few can match.

He is one of the top keepers in the world, and has a knack for making incredible saves in close games. It is hard to find a time when he has allowed a goal that was squarely his fault.

U.S. fans should feel safe with Howard in goal, and his knack for saving penalty kicks will be huge in a tournament where the majority of goals come from the spot.

Jozy Altidore- He will probably be one of the youngest starters for any team in the tournament, but you wouldn't know it by looking at him. The kid is huge, and although he has yet to score a Premiere League goal for Hull City, he has been showing fine form as of late.

He showed everyone last summer that he is going to be a force in coming years, with his goal against top ranked Spain showcasing the strength and skill that is rarely seen in an American player.

He is one of those players who seems to improve with every passing day, and he'll want to show the world how good he can be next summer when he goes up against a world class English defense led by one of the all-time great defenders, John Terry.

Expect him to have his way against lesser defenses in Slovenia and Algeria.

Other players to keep an eye on are Jonathan Spector at outside back, Benny Feilhaber at center midfield, and Stuart Holden as a substitute.

Spector has been logging good minutes over in Europe, and should have the right back position locked up.

Feilhaber has started to show the promise he displayed a few a years ago. His deft passing is needed whenever the U.S. takes a lead and more possession is needed.

Expect to see Holden come on when the U.S. needs scoring. The U.S. is a squad that has shown much success finishing crosses, and Holden's ability to put dangerous balls into the box from the outside flank will serve the squad well if they find themselves tied or a goal down.

This is a dangerous U.S. team that has earned the respect of the world's elite squads. With the amount of scouting that manager Bob Bradley puts into his game plans and tactics, the squad will be prepared and ready to put on a show that will be watched by the most American viewers in World Cup history.

U.S.A., all the way? Probably not, but can we entertain the thought?

Tiger Woods: Falling in Line With Other Great Athletes

2009-12-03T09:33:00.000-08:00

There has never been an athlete who transformed their sport the way Tiger Woods has done with golf. He has been a picture of class (most of the time, anyway) and quality throughout his illustrious career.

With the recent events surrounding his affair with another woman and the early morning car accident, Tiger has broken away from the 'perfect man' mold he has sustained since he blasted onto the golf scene over a decade ago. No one saw this coming.

While Woods has brought on the most difficult time of his life, remember that he is not the first global icon to put a bad mark on his career. Take a look at the past twenty years alone.

Magic Johnson becoming the first major athlete to be diagnosed with AIDS in the early '90s and revealing that he slept with hundreds of women ended up cutting his career shorter than he would have liked. He owned the '80s like no other athlete with his time spent with the Lakers and his rivalry with Larry Bird, and just like that, his career took a bad turn. Since then, though, he has rebuilt his reputation as a major voice in the fight against AIDS, showing us all that he is still the man we thought he was.

Michael Jordan retired from basketball because he wanted to pursue a career in baseball, his murdered father's favorite sport. In the middle of his prime, though? In the midst of winning three straight championships? Riiiiiiight. He was making sports gambling too easy. If you had placed a bet on the Bulls winning the NBA Championship, you had a high chance of winning. How do you think the people running gambling rings felt about that? Could it have played into his father's death? It was a sticky situation for someone even as big as Michael Jordan, and it seems that's why he took those 2 years off. He eventually came back, and became an even bigger icon after another three-peat.

Brett Favre was on his way to becoming an NFL star when he went through tough times. Remember the addiction the pain medication? Things weren't looking great for Mississippi Kid at the time. What could he do to persevere? Only win the Super Bowl and become the only player in NFL history to win three straight MVP awards.

What about the Kobe Bryant sexual assault trial? He put up the best statistics of his career during and after the whole debacle. 81 points, anyone? Not to mention he won another NBA title last year. See a familiar trend going on here?

Iconic athletes are not perfect. They live everyday with the eyes of millions watching their every step. From TMZ headlines to box scores, they are constantly in the public eye. How would you like it if this was your life?

Being perfect is a difficult task for anyone, let alone professional athletes. We all do things we're not proud of, and we all must face the consequences, however big they might be. The question you have to ask yourself, then, is how do you persevere?

Tiger must face the consequences of his actions. The upcoming golf season will probably be the most watched in history. It will also be the most trying of his career.

The man is as tough as nails when he steps onto the course. All of the controversial greats that have been mentioned have/had the same competitive edge that Tiger has shown us so many times. If history has taught us one thing, it is that the great become greater in the face of adversity.

Tiger Woods, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Brett Favre

How To Succeed And Be Happy

2009-11-30T11:09:00.000-08:00

As every year passes, it's another we learn something new. From the ABC’s to paying bills for the first time, our minds have expanded to an extent.

As a twenty-year-old student living in Chicago, I can say that there have been numerous things I have learned that have built me into the person I am today. While there have been bumps along the way, there has always been something to learn in the process. Through happy times and hardships, we all grow from our experiences.

The years proceeding high school are when we start shaping into people we will be for the foreseeable future. While I am still shaping my life for the future, these are some of the things I have found important to know for a mature, but fun lifestyle:

Don’t Get Worked Up. Now, there are times and situations where we have to get things done in a hurry, but maintaining a calm demeanor is good for your appearance to others as well as your health.

Stress is a natural feeling, but letting it get to you is not. If you let it get to you, getting through your daily routine can seem harder than usual, and your communication with others can be thrown off. Those are two important aspects of daily life that should not be messed with, yet people let it happen all the time.

Worry about tasks or responsibilities when they need to be done. Why worry about something hours ahead of time? Just be confident in whatever you’re doing. Period.

Plan Ahead of Time. Keep a schedule of things that need to be done each day. This keeps your day in order and your mind free. When you finish one thing, look up what’s next and get it done.

Being organized looks good to others as well. When was the last time you saw a person scrambling to get things done and thought, ‘I would love to be that guy’? Hopefully never.

Remember the agendas we used to get from our elementary and junior high schools, and how the teachers would tell us to write down our assignments? It was for a good reason.

Always Look on the Bright Side. You just failed a test or got yelled at by your boss. So what?

The thing people of higher authority respect and love to see the most is how you persevere after failure. Will you sulk or will you learn from the experience? Some of the most successful people in the world failed many times before they finally made it.

When failure occurs, staying positive and fixing the problem is the smart way to go. Don’t let it ruin your day, week, month, or year. If you maintain a positive demeanor and learn from your mistakes, success will follow.

Smile, remember the people and things that make you happy, and move forward in your life.

Q&A: Chris Dufresne of the L.A. Times

2009-11-05T09:48:00.000-08:00

Photo Courtesy of Chris Dufresne

The world of journalism has been in a state of change in the last decade with new technology that has made finding information and reporting easier. It is a lot different from the times when print journalism was king of the news world, and Chris Dufresne will be one of the first to let you know. As a sports journalist for the L.A. Times for the past 28 years, Dufresne has witnessed this change, and has embraced it. He uses Twitter to share his online stories and columns to his readers/followers. In this Q&A, Chris describes what it is like to be a journalist in today’s world.

Q: What is your take on the blogging world? Some journalists say it is reporting without doing the actual reporting.

A: Well, it can be that, or it can be reporting. It’s whatever the person that’s blogging wants to make out of it. The problem comes when the people who are not journalists or not practicing journalism are blogging and they’re not playing by the same rules. Some of those rules being attribution or backing your statements with facts. But, there are plenty of reputable blogs, like the Huffington Post, where there is real reporting going on. It’s up to the reader to distinguish between someone’s personal blog and what is actually real journalism.

Q: How often do you use mobile media such as the iPhone for your work?

A: I use it a lot. I’ve been in print for twenty-eight years, but I recognized the value of multimedia. It’s actually given me a lot of freedom because the print product is sort of restraining in that you only get a certain amount of space and it only comes out once a day. What I can use my Twitter account for is to link to my L.A. Times stories. It’s directing traffic to get more people to our website.

Q: Are there any aspects of your writing that have changed with the introduction of mobile media?

A: Yes. If you have an idea on something that they don’t have room for in the paper, but you have an opinion on it, you can just throw it out there. There were all of those years I had to hold a lot of stuff back because there was no medium for it. Now there is a medium, and it’s kind of liberating. I’m having a lot more fun expressing my personality. For people who are established writers, they’re using multimedia to enhance their reputation.

Q: At the L.A. Times, you have worked with some of the best news writers in the national media. How many of them have embraced online tools such as Twitter, Facebook, Blogging, and other social websites? For what reasons?

A: With us it’s kind of cut down the line. There are some people that don’t do it at all, but there are people like me who do embrace it. Some of the older journalists probably wonder ‘what good is it going to do me? In five years, by the time I figure it out I’ll be retired anyway.’ I understand that, but if you’re a younger journalist and you’re not on board with the new technology, then you’re probably not going to survive.

Q: As an online journalist, which websites and tools do you find to be the most helpful?

A: I’m an Internet junkie. When you cover a sport like I do in college football, you can go to every school's website, and you can get almost everything you need. When I first started I had to call the schools and do a lot of legwork to get information.

Q: How does the journalism world compare now from fifteen years ago aside from all of the technology that has been incorporated?

A: For our paper, it’s changed dramatically in what kind of stories we’ve been doing. I could go out and do a story that would take three weeks to write, and no one would think twice about it. It was a wider range of journalism back then. Now, it seems that everything is short, quick, and snappy. Before, you could only express your opinion if you were a columnist. Now, they want your opinion on everything.

Q: Do you think the next generation of journalists will have it easier or harder trying to make a living? Why?

A: That’s the great unknown. How do you sustain a business model in this Wild West frontier of multimedia? It’s going to be different, but people are going to want printable news. What we’re going through is parallel to what the music industry is going through. People don’t go to record stores anymore, they just download it online. There’s got to be a way to monetize the business. People should be willing to pay for quality information, and right now the great unknown is whether they’ll do it or not.

Chris Dufresne, L.A. Times, Twitter, Huffington Post, College Football websites

Mashup or Catch Up: Tools to Use for Journalism

2009-10-01T07:04:00.000-07:00

The age of technology has made finding information extremely simple. This makes the life of being a journalist much easier if we need statistics or facts to make our stories more efficient.

A very useful site to find statistics on crime, education, health, housing, and more is statemaster.com. The site, which gets its information from sources such as the US Census Bureau, the FBI, and the National Center for Educational Statistics, makes it extremely easy to find different data on U.S. states and can get as detailed as you want. If there is a need to find the per capita of Austrian refugees in California, statemaster can provide that information.

Another great site to use for local information and statistics is thisweknow.org. Let’s say that you are writing an article and need to know a community’s demographic and unemployment rate to go along with the percentage of homeowners and renters. Type in the city and state, let’s say Racine, WI, and a list of local statistics will pop up. You can even click on specific stats for more detailed and underlying data.

Want to compare detailed data from all fifty states? Datamasher.org gives anyone the opportunity to create “mashups” to compare one set of data to another. You get to choose which categories to mashup, which can help a journalist find the more detailed statistics that they may be looking for to help solidify a point they are trying to make in an article. There are so many different combinations that can be done, so finding the state data necessary for your work should be a breeze compared to five or ten years ago.

Journalism has evolved in recent history with tools like these. No longer do we have to search through books or make numerous phone calls to obtain the information we seek. The Internet has opened up so much in the sense of backing words in an article, especially in the political and community areas of journalism.

Statistical journalists will use these tools as often as possible, just look at Yahoo! News. Their political and national writers are laying down tons of detailed statistics to help their arguments. It’s a great strategy to use if you really want to get a point across. These tools are revolutionizing the journalism world. Thus, the technological age has fully grasped journalists and how we go about writing each new story.

statemaster.com, thisweknow.org, Datamasher.org, Yahoo! News

Watch Out! Lincoln Park and Lakeview Becoming Prime Area for Muggers

2009-09-29T07:08:00.000-07:00

Robberies have have become more common in the Lincoln Park and Lakeview areas of Chicago. It makes total sense that all have taken place in the wee hours of the morning because of the lack of surrounding people, making it much easier for muggers to prey on single people walking alone. Below is a map showing the locations of this past summer's robberies. The two blue labels show the robberies that have not been in connection with the other 5. Be aware!

Lincoln Park robberies, safety tips

2009-09-22T13:30:00.001-07:00

I've Gone Into FLYPmode

2009-09-21T14:58:00.000-07:00

Now I consider myself an online reader. I probably spend about three hours a day reading articles and watching video clips on ESPN.com and Yahoo! While I've been happy with the time spent on those pages, there's always been a little voice inside of me that has wanted to expand my Internet horizons. Unfortunately, I am extremely lazy when it comes to web browsing and the tabs on my Internet window are the only ones I visit.

By some luck, though, I decided to join an online journalism class that requires me to use the Internet more than I usually do, and FLYPmedia came into my life. It's essentially an online magazine, except the people who write for the web page can also post audio recordings and videos.

There are twenty-three topics to look through, from the basics of sports, music, and design to Barack Obama. Some of the articles within the topics remind me of reading an actual magazine, while others remind me of something written by my illiterate friend back home in Wisconsin.

I wish I had link for that last comparison but I can't even tell you how awful his writing is, so I'll take that one back and apologize to the FLYPmedia writers I compared him to.

Anyways, there are also numerous blogs that you can follow. Not to mention podcasts as well. The selections seem almost endless with hundreds of people contributing to FLYPmedia.

The sports and music sections were the ones that caught my eye, with future eyes set on food and science. That's right, I'm possibly going to look at new things. Say something about it. Call me at 2-6-... On second thought, I probably shouldn't give out my number on my first written post.

So tell me, which topics interest you?

Peace and Love,

Nico

Steven Gerrard Does Work. Time for Americans to Notice

2009-09-17T13:41:00.000-07:00

My favorite European player Steven Gerrard. The man is the best player in England, and scores some of the sickest goals known in the soccer world. Yet, many Americans have absolutely no clue who the man is. Watch and learn, folks.

Stevie G. doing work. Pure genius.