Chicago Elections 2007

Congratulations to the elected officials: Mayor - Richard Daley Clerk - Miguel Del Valle 1st Ward - Manuel "Manny" Flores 12th Ward - George Cardenas 22nd Ward - Ricardo Muñoz 25th Ward - Daniel "Danny" Solis 26th Ward - Billy Ocasio 30th Ward - Ariel Reboyras 31st Ward - Ray Suarez 42nd Ward - Brendan Reilly

Source: ChicagoTribune.com

Mayor Daley win his 6th term as the Chicago City Mayor. Voters decided to forgive or forget or deny corruption scandals. Forget the Box war veto! No - I am not saying that at all. I did not forget but I made a choice. I voted for Daley again because I am still seeing progress in Chicago. I am seeing beauty and increase tourism, which in turn brings in money. You have to consider all the pros and cons and weigh in the better benefit.

Post Oscars

My opinion of the Oscars last night was average. I must admit that last night I did not pay 100% of attention, I was at home updating myspace and babysitting at the same time. I think Ellen did a pretty good job, although the Ellen I've seen is much more hilarious. A night full of surprises, my jaw literally dropped as they announce Jennifer Hudson as the winner for best supporting actress. Not a bad welcoming gift from the academy for this newbie actor huh? Through out it all, acceptance speech and post interviews she seem to take it in very well, as if she was part of the business for many years prior. I've heard her refer to herself in the third person in other interviews from winning a Golden Globe. I hope this sudden success doesn't all go to her head.

Goodbye My Vaio

The time has come to say goodbye to my favorite PC. I've tried to upgrade my computer every two years. My current PC is a Sony Vaio and it has been my favorite so far. It has been actually four years that I've had it. There was a few ups and downs these past years, but my trusty computer has hung on with me. Granted I've added so much into it (RAM, new DVD drive, TV output card and more). I've reformatted the drive twice after very bad crashes and did lose very dear photograph memories, that being said I still preferred it over other brands I've had in the past. I've owned an apple, Hewlett Packard, Compaq and have worked with Mac, Dell, Gateway, IBM and eMachines.

This Friday I committed to let my Vaio go. It will fine a new home with a family friend. Today I purchased my new PC - an HP. It should arrive in 2-3 weeks. I costumed ordered what to include, it will be a pimped out PC. I will have to start my backup to transfer to the new PC. I am looking forward to play with the new one, but transfering all my apps and files.

Ash Wednesday

Lent season started today and like many other times before I have opted to give up something during this time. I am giving up soda this year. NOT JUST COKE all carbonated SUGAR FILLED SODA! Let me tell you - THIS IS HUGE for me. I love my Coca Cola, cherry Coke, Pepsi and Sprite. I have at least a glass a day (12oz) and many days where I consume more than that. I have given up Coke during lent before, but I would sometimes substitute a Sprite here and there. This time there will be only a very limited amount of options. Water, milk, juice(although not too much), ice tea, tea, coffee (not too much) and liquor are my only beverage choices. Wish me luck!

Web 2.0 Impact Surprised Me

I can admit where I was wrong. I've been reading up on my web 2.0 technology blogs and deemed that it is just interesting information to know for my own interest. I assumed that the industry I am in was very traditional and had no dire need implement web 2.0 technologies, I went as far as to believe that my industry wasn't even affected that much and it was too early to look for any trends.

After reading a few trade articles and blogs I stand corrected. It still holds true that the degree of web 2.0 technology is not in forefront as other online sites, however the web 2.0 design is still being followed. I read a review for a competitor website redesign and was surprised to see that the author noted the use of web 2.0 colors and button structure. Thinking in terms of the look and feel for web 2.0 does make sense! In the age of another boom of new online sites, users are becoming accustomed to the new trend of design. Orange buttons and larger fonts! When other sites don't update their design they truly look dated and out of touch.

My industry may not have the dire need to seek web 2.0 technology - although I now believe that we have a need to keep abreast of the changes and seek opportunities, there is a dire need to implement web 2.0 design.

My New Gadget

I did it again, I purchased another camera! The HP Photosmart R967 arrived today. - WOohoo! I was actually surprised how quickly it arrived. I placed the order in this past Tuesday and three days later, via standard delivery, I received it at my office. Fortunately, I am able to get a pretty decent discount from work for HP products and decided to take advantage of it. My new camera seems like a pretty sweet piece of machinery and I've obtained it at a great price. I am excited to use it soon. My SLR is still in the shop with more that four weeks to go. I messed up the zoom function from my other point and shoot camera and I quickly used that excuse to seek to buy a new one. I figured it was time anyway. The technology in digital cameras these days keep improving and similar to computers I find it worth while to upgrade every two years.

Happy Valentine's Day 2007

I sent a "HAPPY V-DAY" text message to a few of my loved ones today - friends & family included. I hope you don't let this Hallmark holiday force you to only wish happy valentine's day to your significant other. Valentine's day is supposedly a day of love and while you obviously have love towards your sweetie I'm sure you have love towards friends and family as well. So in the spirit of love Happy Valentine's Day!

For all you somewhat sour singles here is something for you...

Weather Blues

I can't believe my luck! I just recovered from a sore throat this weekend and tonight I know I am sick again. My nose feels stuffy, my eyes are irritated and I keep sneezing. YUCK!

I blame the snow, I had to walk through it a couple times through out the day today. I bundled up with a scarf, hat, gloves and long coat, but the wind still managed to blow the snow directly on my face. Even as I waited for the train this evening the snow from swirled all around. It looks pretty but I am feeling hatred towards it right now.

Official Presidentail Bid - Time For Change

Last night I considered going to the Barack Omama rally. The hopeful presidential candidate would announce his candidacy today at UIC campus. I knew that there would be a large crowd and honestly I did not want to face the cold. I still feel a bit sick and although I would have loved to hear him live and take many pictures, I opted to view his speech online, Sure enough MSNBC has the motivating speech at it's entirety.

As I was viewing it I kept asking myself how? Yes the government is in desperate need of changes but HOW can they be changed?

I remembered a conversation I had last month, after signing up to volunteer for another year at the USHLI conference. This year I worked with a new organizer rep, and so asked him a few questions to get to know him better. He informed me that worked at the last senate campaign race. I don't know why assumed that he worked on the Obama campaign. He quickly said no, and asked what my opinion was of Obama. I said I was a fan and as soon as I did he quickly reminded me that Barack signed in favor of the immigrant reform Bill that the republicans tried to push through last year. If you recall this bill included constructing a wall at the US/Mexico border, placing illegal immigrants in criminal status and other items I blogged about before. I believed that bill to be too harsh and a waste of funding. I agree that a better solution needs to be conceived, but that proposition was not the answer.

Nevertheless, I am inspired after hearing Obama speak. He has a knack of raising hope for a better future. Today I tried not to be blinded and probably the reason why I ask for a strategy plan that will attain those reforms that Obama seeks. I know it is too early to request such details, and so I look forward to the presidential debates. For now all the candidates have my attention.

Celi Checking In

Where the heck have I been? I took a look and my blog dashboard and am disappointed to see how little I have written. I'll admit it, I've been lazy to write, even copy and paste funny clippings that are usually sent to me. My picture posting has also suffered from the lack of motivation. It could be the cold - I'm actually sick right now because of it. I even called off work - yep you know I have to be sick if I actually call off.    Anyway...

I finally took my camera to be repaired. I had been using the manual setting for over three months now. The lens auto focused suddenly stopped working. Also all my pictures would come out very dark after downloading to the computer. I had to edit every single picture to make it look well. That's actually probably why I hadn't posted many pictures. I hated the editing process. My phone camera has come in handy and is the main one that Flickr account host pictures of lately. The only problem is that Wolf Camera is in it's busy season and will not have my trusty companion ready for over six weeks!! I will have to resort to my smaller-cheaper point and shoot cameras, or find another hobby to plauate me in the mean time.

I'm considering delving into video creation/editing and publishing. With the craze of YouTube and am envious and want make my own contributions. I have a few videos on Google, but those are small short snippets taken from my phone. Who knows maybe my hobby could bring me fame, similar to my friend Yvonne with her Nap Snapper News airing on NBC. Check out her controversial pics at - www.sleepyurbanite.com. Curious? See NBC5's news video - 'Nap Snapper' Catches CTA Snoozers.

Till next time (hopefully soon) - stay warm.

Chicago Art Institute - Lions in Bear Gear

Are you excited? I am! Today is the day, showtime is today. Superbowl sunday arrives and many Chicagoans like myself will watch attentively among our friends and family supporting our home team. The city has shown it's support as well by decorating the Chicago Art Institute lions, Dinasaur Sue from the Field Museum, other monuments I'm sure I've missed.

Even the Chicago skyline vividly supports the Chicago Bears with its many lights. Yesterday I bared (bear'd?) the frigid cold of the lakefront knowing that as soon as the sun would set, the skyline lights would display the good wishes towards the Chicgao Bears. The championship is only a few hours away, lets hope for the best!