A Designer to Know

Giselle Ghofrani (center)

As a child, everyone has their dreams of being something amazing when they grow up. For some, their wishes never come true, for others, they live out a dream they never knew they could.

Giselle Ghofrani is a 22 year old fashion designer, something she never imagined to be true. Throughout high school, Ghofrani had a passion for art. Being so spirited on the idea of art, she attended Columbia College in Chicago, majoring in art history.

Throughout college, Ghofrani's mother worked in the alterations department for Vera Weng in Chicago. She was two years into college when her father became very ill. Ghofrani's mother felt obligated to take care of her husband, causing Giselle to take her mother's position at Vera Weng. After about six months of working with alterations, Giselle's adoration for fashion caused her to switch her major at Columbia.

Soon after becoming a fashion major, the owner of the Vera Weng Boutique took notice of Ghofrani. She was asked to create a show piece gown for a show in Indianapolis. Her design was a sensation and people wanted more.

Ghofrani began listening to the needs of her clients. Women would request dresses with sleeves and a sweetheart neckline, or a detachable bottom. She soaked all of these great ideas in, leading her to create her own line of gowns.

Ghofrani's inspiration did not only come from people, she used her art history background to incorporate designs and textures in gowns that people had not seen before.

"I was inspired by a painter in my art history class in high school, Poulouse Lautrec," Ghofrani said.

"After using some of his work, I went to Turkey for a while to absorb the architecture and scenery," Giselle said.

She drew ideas from the beauty she embraced around her, dreaming of making women feel their absolute best.

Now, Ghofrani is a person everyone should know. She has completed her very own collection, Giselle, sold at Belle Vie Boutique in Chicago. She is currently interning at W Magazine and Vera Weng in New York City. She works with accessories, where she draws more inspiration from the stitching and folding of new fabrics and handbags. The techniques she is learning at W Magazine have caused her to design accessories as well.

Ghofrani is an entrepreneur at the very least. She is a focused young women with enough drive to get her anywhere she desires. To contact Giselle or view her designs, go to http://giselle-couture.com/home.html and send her an email, or go to Belle Vie Boutique on 34 Oak Street in Chicago.

Drake

A hot beat, something to dance to or a catchy phrase that sticks in your head like "Bye bye bye" or "Oops I did it again" is the way mainstream music is described today. The true meanings of songs, the soulful touch of a passionate artist and lyrics that display more then just a sexual connotation is missing from music, until now.

After the power of Lauren Hill's voice, the poetic twist of Tupac and the meaningful raps of Bone Thugs N' Harmony, rap has not been the same. Now, A fresh new artist, Drake brings to the table a sense of rap mixed with a legitimately good voice. He appears to be a relaxed guy, but his lyrics are anything but calm.

Drake sends a message through his music that one must analyze closely to hear. Some people might say he is just a rapper in distress, or some will say he speaks too fast, but those who listen will comprehend the message hidden between the lines of a simple rap.

In his song "Say What's Real," Drake sings about his life and reveals personal feelings and opinions to the world. Below are some lines from the song. I want to know how you feel. Really listen to what he is saying and tell me if you understand the message, or do you simply hear the words like a hot beat, something to dance to or a catchy phrase to get caught in your head.

"Why do I feel so alone, like everybody passing through the studio is in character"

"I had a talk with my uncle and he agreed that the my privacy is about the only thing I need back"

"Life was so full, now the shit just bein Lypo'd."

"Always said I'd say it on the right track, but in this game you only lose when you fight back"

"Don't ever forget the moment you began to doubt, transitioning from fitting in to standing out"

"And everybody talks, and everybody listens, and somehow the truth just always comes up missing"

"I quit school and it's not because I'm lazy, I'm just not the social type and campus life is crazy"

After reading these lines and really analyzing the words, listeners will be able to comprehend the deep connection Drake has to his music. In creating his hidden messages, he allows people to observe a song and relate it to their own lives. Next time you hear a rap song, do not simply switch the station, assuming you can't understand the words and don't just hear what is being said, actually listen.

Lee DeWyze is Winner of American Idol 2010

Season nine came to an emotional end with the announcement of Lee DeWyze as the winner of American Idol 2010. Runner up, Crystal Bowersox, was there to give him a victory hug as he told her that he loved her.

Lee's hometown of Mount Prospect, IL went wild as they watched Ryan Seacrest's announcement on Jumbotrons. Lee won fans over with his raspy rocker style and sweet demeanor.

This finale show was jam-packed with entertainment. Janet Jackson, Michael McDonald, Alice In Chains, Chicago, Alanis Morissette, Bee Gees were some of the performers, along with past idol winners Kris Allen and Carrie Underwood.

But there was a bitter sweet feeling in the air, with this finale being Simon Cowell's final appearance on Idol. Past idol winners and contestants performed a moving tribute for him, and Paula Abdul made an appearance just to honor her former judge mate. When Simon went on stage to respond to the outpouring of support he was clearly emotional.

Simon isn't leaving Fox, however, and he will still be the judge we've grown to love (well at least I love him!) Simon will be producer, mentor and judge on the U.S. version of the British hit X Factor which will also air on Fox. So no, we can't get rid of the cynical and sarcastic quips that easily!

Biggest Contestant Wins Biggest Loser

When Michael Ventrella stepped onto the Biggest Loser campus, he wasn't just the heaviest contestant this season; he was the heaviest contestant EVER to be a part of The Biggest Loser. The 31-year-old deejay from Chicago started at 526 pounds and lost 264 pounds over the course of the season, and took home the $250,000 grand prize. In other words, Michael lost a little more than 50% of his body weight!! He also broke a record and lost the most weight ever lost on the ranch by any contestant.

Michael was an inspiration because his journey was so challenging. At week 16, the remaining five contestants were treated to a make over and a thousand-dollar shopping spree. While all the others shopped for drastically smaller sizes than they ever had before, Michael still had to shop at the Big & Tall shop for his clothes. He lamented, "Who loses 183 pounds and is still overweight?"

He pushed past his insecurities and kept at it and won this season even when he was probably the one most underestimated. Truly an inspiration to all.

Time Runs Out For 24

I'm not an avid TV watcher, so when I find a show that actually catches my attention, that show usually holds it. For the past nine years, that show was 24. And we said goodbye to it tonight.

I don't know if it was the brilliant writing or the clever choice of characters used to carry the plot. The combination of the two were critical to this show's success and huge fan following.

Chloe was by far one of my favorite.





It took some getting used to her little personality disorder, but she developed into a wonderful character. I will definitely miss her quirky inability to manage a smile beyond a reluctant scowl.

Then there was president Taylor.



Her grace and integrity were endearing and even at the end where she strayed for a few episodes, she redeemed herself; that was truly a relief to me. Next to President Palmer of earlier seasons, she was my favorite.

And who can forget Dana Walsh? She was quite the surprise. There is always a mole in CTU , but this is one I didn't see coming. True to 24 tradition, we discovered what was going on without any previous hint that this was coming.



Then again, the plots within the plot kept the action fresh and moving each and every episode. There was never a dull moment. Ironically, this could have become a monotonous and predictable aspect to 24, leaving the audience to expect a twist around every corner, but even that didn't happen.

And I know I'm not alone when I say that I hated seeing that clock tick right before a commercial break because I knew that time was literally running out. So when those final few seconds passed before the end of an episode, I was left with my jaw on the floor or my hands holding my head as I yelled, "Oh My God!!!"

But it was this last episode where time was so precious. I knew that I had only 2 hours left before that final countdown ticked away for the last time.

And 24 would not be what it was without Jack Bauer. Precious Jack who couldn't avoid trouble if he died trying, was the perfect lead character.



Yes, he was always in a bind, going rogue, being tortured, running from the law, taking matters into his own hands, and not once did I grow tired of that. Not once did I ever think he was wrong, everything he did somehow seemed justified, regardless of how horrific.




I doubt that 24 would be the success it was if Keifer Sutherland didn't give his all to every mission, and it is him I will miss the most.

Texas adopts new Teaching Curriculum

There's been much controversy over Texas adopting a new social studies and history curriculum that dulls down the teaching of religious freedoms. The Texas State Board of Education will require students to learn that separation between church and state is not in the constitution, and are modernizing historical periods from B.C.E and C.E. They also agreed to replace Thomas Jefferson as an influential political philosopher in a world history class.

The board also strengthened requirements on teaching the Judeo-Christian influences on the nation's Founding Fathers and be required that the U.S. government be referred to as a "constitutional republic" rather than democratic. These guidelines will teach 4.8 million students for the next ten years. Along with those changes, they will also be used by textbook publishers who develop materials for other states as well.

This so-called education regiment is a scheme to teach children about the boards beliefs rather than educating them on actual history and enhancing the mind to prepare them for the real world. Teaching kids that the Separation between church and state is not in the constitution is hindering to their learning abilities by not teaching them history. The basis for separation between church and state is that the government may not impose religion on Americans.


When parents send their kids to school, they expect them to learn and grow, not to do just the opposite. People put a lot of faith in politicians and to people with authority because we believe most often that they want to do what's right.

The Texas Board of Education needs to think of the Texas students' future instead of their own. People and events in history made our country the way it is today and when young children aren't learning the history of their country then that also skews the ideology of the student. If one is not educated about history, then history will repeat itself.

Going green? Signs of Jealousy in your relationship

The Green Eyed Monster is one of the most uninvited guests into a relationship. Jealousy rears its ugly head hiding the insecurity and low self-esteem that we truly suffer from. While many believe they can find valid reasons for doubting their significant other's fidelity, ultimately, jealousy is good at telling you that your worries of cheating are bound to come true.

Forewarned is forearmed so take these steps to heart and keep the green eyed monster at bay.

Take a step back - Jealousy ramps negativity and anger up quickly. By the time we're at this point, we are already beyond sound thinking and judgment. Take a breather when you feel your body tense up, your lungs breathing heavy and your heart pounding at the thoughts of your lover laughing, touching and taking phone numbers from someone else.

Talk with a friend - Having a friend to talk to can give you and outside view. A good friend will have no issues telling you that you are way off if jealousy is making you see things. Also talking out your feelings will help deflate some of the energy revving them up and beyond control.

Express your feelings - Tell your partner how you feel. If you have fears that they'll leave you, cheat on you, find someone else, they need to know that these doubts and insecurities are running you. Expressing your feelings to your partner will also help break down those walls that keep you and jealousy up talking all day and all night.

Look at your own past- Most people who suffer from jealousy now have been dealing with it their entire life. Maybe it was your parents' divorce, maybe it's a sense of abandonment or maybe your previous girlfriend or boyfriend ran around on you. Whatever it is, look at your past for the roots of your inner aching.

Set boundaries - Usually the feelings that your partner is flirting or you beloved is laughing too hard at someone's jokes is because there are no boundaries. You and your partner should have clear understandings about eating and drinking with others, physical contact and what activities with other people are and are not acceptable.

End the end, jealousy can always find a crack in the relationship where it can set root. But like any weed, it can be pulled for better and healthier growth.

Mom has 5-year-old arrested

This video was recently posted on CNN showing a 5-year-old boy being arrested by his mom to teach him a lesson. The boy apparently kept trying to set fires in the house. The mom tried to discipline the child by telling him no, and taking away his toys, but nothing worked. She got her friend involved who was a police officer to try and teach him a lesson by handcuffing him and even putting him in the back seat of the patrol car.

I don't agree at all with what this mother was trying to do to teach her son a lesson. There are other ways to discipline your child and to teach them right from wrong. Just because things might get rough doesn't mean you have to take drastic measures with a 5-year-old child. Children will want to test their limits, and parents should stay consistent with their discipline because that will just encourage more misbehavior.

Other ways to discipline your children would be to really know your child, teach them right from wrong and to listen to them as well. Give them love and affection. All children are different and have different temperaments. Not all types of discipline will work for all children, but having your young child handcuffed is not the answer, and may create more problems in the future. How a parent behaves when they're disciplining their child will determine how your child will behave or misbehave in the future.

As for the mom who had her son arrested in the video, I don't think she quite understood the effects this could have on her son in the future. If she's willing to take drastic measures such as this who says she won't take even more drastic measures if it happens again.

D. Wade V.S. The X-Mrs. Wade

By now everyone has heard that actress Gabrielle Union and NBA star Dwayne Wade are being sued by Siovaughn Wade, Wade's estranged wife. The suit claims the two allegedly engaged in "sexual foreplay" in front of the Wade's children.

Additional details not withstanding, does this open up a new legal and relationship Pandora's box? Can people now find ways to get back at their spouses and partners for cheating, broken hearts and other relationship issues through the legal system? While people having been using their kids in divorces as tools of attack for decades, this suite opens up a direct assault from an angry partner in a lovelife gone bad.

Currently, Mrs. Wade has gotten herself on the wrong side of the court with her failure to attend a hearing. However, she may have started an avalanche of new ways to stop throwing plates at your ex and start throwing the book of the law instead.

Running on Empty

Every college student knows the pressures and demands of finals week. Many will get very little sleep and for some, it will be a routine to only run on four to six hours of sleep. Not only are college students managing the demands of school, but many maintain a job and an internship. A good night's sleep with eight to ten hours is a rare occurrence for the busy lifestyle of a college student.

Studies find that 20 percent of college students suffer from sleep disorders. The concerns for lack of sleep is its short and long term effects on the body. Sleep deprivation can have serious effects on your health in the form of physical and mental impairments. Little rest impairs our ability to think, handle stress, maintain a healthy immune system and moderate our emotions. These things not only effect our body, but our ability to excel and do well in school.

The brain's ability to problem solve is greatly impaired. Decision-making abilities are compromised, and not enough rest can also cause people to have hallucinations. Other common effects of sleep deprivation include depression, heart disease, irritability, slower reaction times, slurred speech and tremors.

The causes for college sleep deprivation may be from unusual schedules, social activities and work. Excessive partying, worrying, or cramming for exams are other examples for the cause of sleep deprivation.
So I know you're wondering what are the solutions to sleep deprivation. There's a lot you can do to get a better nights sleep. First of all get more sleep and get better sleep. Things you can do to get a good night's sleep are drink tea, no caffeine past three, read a book, meditate, work out a couple hours before bed, but not right before bed. Get to know your body and how much sleep you need to feel refreshed and energized in the morning.

When school, work and other demands are having an effect on your sleep, remember that getting a good night's rest is very important to the mental and physical well being of your health. There are many things that college students can do to get well rested before that final exam. Don't overwork yourself and treat yourself to a night of relaxation.

Cops: To Serve and Protect ... Themselves?

I wrote a blog a little while ago, well over a year ago, about the deaths of two young men: Andrew Cazares, 23,and Fausto Manzera, 21, photos below.





They died on Friday, April 10, 2009 because a Chicago police detective was driving drunk. I'll say it again. A Chicago police detective was driving drunk, his name, Joseph Frugoli. His blood alcohol content was more than three times the legal limit, yet he was behind the wheel of his Lexus SUV. Cazares, above, had pulled his Dodge Intrepid over to the side of the southbound Dan Ryan to wait for help for a possible flat tire.

Tammy's story: A woman's struggle and a son's resentment

This video shows how a lower class family struggles day-to-day to survive while their mom walks ten miles to her job everyday in rain or snow. Our society that we live in today builds a dynamic of social norms that we have to abide by whether it be having designer clothes or driving an expensive car.

Matt, the eldest son of Tammy in the video wants to fit in at school, but is embarrassed by where he lives and what his family looks like. He explains in the video how he wants to fix things up, but would rather stay inside and watch TV.

I understand that it may be hard for Matt to fit in when he doesn't have much, but there comes a time when you have to accept where you come from. He disrespects his mother in the video by saying that he doesn't like the way she looks and that he's embarrassed by her image.

No one gets to decide who their parents are, or what class they are raised in, but one should make the best out of a bad situation. Society puts pressures among teens to fit in, and many will do whatever it takes to fit in. This is a sad situation, because when someone doesn't accept where they came from, then they'll never be satisfied.

Matt says in the video how he won't talk to his brother in school because of what he wears. If he wants his family to fit in like he does, maybe he should get a job and get them those things.

Instead of helping out his mom when she struggles daily to feed her children, Matt is only concerned with what his friends think. I hear the phrase teens will be teens, but isn't that just giving them an excuse to act a certain way and escape from their own reality?

Living in a Reality World

Reality TV is taking over the TV industry. Everywhere you turn people and celebrities are getting their own reality show. Programs such as the Bad Girls Club, The Hills, Keeping up With The Kardashians, Jersey Shore and many others maintain ongoing stereotypes about gender, culture and race and glamorize the life that they live. Young children watch these shows and look up to these people as role models.

Keeping up with the Kardashians has been on the air since October of 2007. On the season finale when Kourtney gave birth to her baby boy, it drew in 4.8 million viewers, the biggest in E history. Shouldn't more people be tuning into important world and local issues going on instead of watching Kourtney Kardashian giving birth?

These reality stars show the latest trends and are becoming reality icons. Imitation of these reality stars becomes a major issue, because when they are constantly in the media more and more people want to see more of them and become like them. Take Kim Kardashian for example, it seems as if being in front of the media is her only business venture. Without her reality fame, I don't think anyone would know who she was.

With a mass amount of reality TV, how does this affect young children? According to recent television statistics children spend on average 28 hours per week watching TV. Adolescence is a crucial time in a child's life where he takes in a great amount of knowledge and learns how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. A child should be active and taking part in activities to feed and enhance the mind with beneficial knowledge, not reality TV. Children watch these shows believing that this is what family life really is. So they imitate the actions portrayed on these shows without questioning if it's wrong.

In one of the episodes Kourtney's fiance Scott got extremely drunk on the night of Kim's birthday, and got violent towards a waiter at a restaurant. The episode completely embarrassed the family. Every family has their problems and when these episodes air showing the Kardashian family having issues, people think that this family is just fame hungry and want media attention to gain popularity. There's a time when someone's private life should be kept private.

I don't understand how an entire family would show their private lives to millions of viewers and be the target for hate and criticism. It seems that much of reality TV is based upon power, money and fame. When it comes to the "hit" reality show Keeping up with the Kardashians, they are just among the many others who want to exploit their family to gain money and fame.

Reality TV distorts reality with unreality and many people enjoy watching someone's misfortunes. I don't agree with a family having a reality show displaying personal and private issues that should stay within a family.