Almedia’s blog

Has anyone ever felt confused? Confused about life and the lessons you learn in it? Well  , I am today. I fell "so"  lost . Family wise and  relationship wise . I fell like no one  can help me . Although i  know that god himself will help through any problem that I  have now and always. Nevertheless , I long for something . What that something is , well i don't know.  I know I sound selfish when Isay I want things my way  , but I do.   However  I already know that I am being unrealistic! This is no surprise. Even though I know this  , I  still want things to be different . Things? What things? Just the things that trouble any young lady growing up in a  world such as this one.  One problem that  bother's me is my  relation...........................TO BE CONTINUED

What are the goofy nicknames you have for your pet? Bonus points for sharing a picture of him/her.
Submitted by Papi Chulo.

Hairy

G_0

Chicago is a wonderful place to tour, eat and explore. However, there is one problem that has troubled Chicagoans, which makes it hard to enjoy our good city.

Chicago has been known for it's great festivals, amazing buildings and wonderful universities. However, one thing that has shaped the image of Chicago as a harsh place is the violence that has spread throughout the communities.  Chicago’s statics say that in this school year alone, 24 students have been killed. Last school year 34 students were killed (24 of which were gun-related). That's 58 deaths over what amounts to a 17-month period. 345 homicides have occurred in the past year (since June 15, 2007)² 87 homicides from January - March this year.² (30 homicides in March, 11 homicides from April 1 - 14 ²) and 24,652 crimes in the last 30 days.²

The violence in Chicago has become one of the biggest worries for all of the Chicagoans’. Now people are stressed on bigger things than parking tickets or being late for work. Not only is  the price of  gasoline  stressing , but the thoughts of  having to  buy a weapon to protect yourself or  pondering whether your child will come home alive  when school is out , is  some of the most nerve-racking  issues that are faced today. Many Chicago Public School teachers fear for their lives, but even more their students.

The Mayor of Chicago has come up with  many positive  solutions to  stop the violence. There are also many organizations  that try to lend a hand now and then to chicago and  nationwide. Nevertheless this is not enough.  The lack of community assistance is needed.  Has the question been raised to the community members on their thoughts about this violence ?

Latoya Fields , 24 years old and a mother of two  says that “ this is  crazy. I have to worry whether my son will come home. The thing is the parents not the kids as much. if  parenets trained thier kids right problems would not occur.” Buddy Exum says that " it is sad that times have changes and you can no long sit on you frnt porch or keep yor doors open while you go to the store. poeple well kill you or perhaps attack you for just about anything these days". he goes on to say that how when he was a child violence was not one of the major concerns that faced the communities.  He says that peolpe were more worried about  paying for college or how they will make a difference in the world.  A neighbor of mine, Lilllian Hanyes age 56 says “it’s sad, every day you have to watch your back hoping that you  won’t be another victim  a crime”.  She say that the mentality of a lot of the crimanals todays is “kill or be killed” which she goes on to say is pure nonsense how races our killing themseveles off.  

The question now is what will be done about this violence , who will stop it and when?

- Almedia Exum

What do you do when you get a crush on someone?
Submitted by Desi.

Hi every one  I am new  to this , but enjoy talking and expressing my thoughts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!