Discovering Your Right Scentiment
Posted on 28. Mar, 2011 by admin in Citizen Weekly Tip
Scents can be different on each person because of body chemistry. Photo photl.com
With a new celebrity fragrance launching in what seems like every month, it can be hard to determine what fragrance is right for you. So how does one go about selecting a signature perfume with so many options?
* Take the time to browse and select based on what you like instead of what’s popular.
* Fragrances come in five primary categories which include floral, fruity, woody, greens, and oriental. Have a second scent for special occasions, perhaps something with stronger base notes.
* It is a common misconception that you should spray fragrance onto inner wrists and then rub them together. Instead, apply directly to the skin at the neckline, on the interior of the elbow joints and on the inside of the wrists.
* Scents can be different on each person because of body chemistry. When browsing multiple scents, spritz available scent strips and take them with you out of the store. Perfumes need time to settle, and coming back to them after a few hours will help you make a more informed decision.
For more information on other popular skin care and cosmetics, check out www.lbelusa.com.
40 Japanese Auto Suppliers In Difficulty
Posted on 28. Mar, 2011 by admin in Bill's Business
Electronic components, plastics and rubber are in short supply and will affect Japanese automakers and rivals outside the country. Photo Mixabest
Nissan Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn says about 40 component suppliers in Japan remain in difficulty after the nation’s record earthquake, complicating automakers’ efforts to restart car production.
Electronic components, plastics and rubber are in short supply and will affect Japanese automakers and rivals outside the country, Ghosn, 57, said in a telephone interview. Carmakers are jointly offering stricken component-makers support via Japan’s automobile manufacturers association, he said.
“This is serious and it’s still difficult to evaluate,” Ghosn said late Wednesday. “You have the earthquake, you have the tsunami, rolling blackouts, and fuel shortages hitting at the same time, and they aren’t only hitting the car manufacturers, but also the suppliers and the dealers.”
Nissan, Toyota and Honda are struggling to resume domestic production following the magnitude-9.0 earthquake on March 11 killed more than 9,400 people and damaged factories. The nation is also facing electricity shortages after a nuclear-power plant was crippled and disruption to road and rail networks. Nissan declined to name the 40 suppliers.
“Once automakers confirm that they have all the necessary parts, they will start and will be quick to catch up,” said Takeshi Miyao, an analyst at Carnorama in Tokyo. “Still the impact on their production could be about 5 percent down.”
Associated Press
Associated Press text, photo and/or graphic material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. Neither these AP Materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and non-commercial use. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing.
Apple Delays iPad 2 Launch In Japan
Posted on 27. Mar, 2011 by admin in Entertainment
The new iPad has been widely sold out since going on sale earlier this month in the U.S. Photo inuse pictures
SEATTLE (AP) – Apple Inc. has postponed the release of its iPad 2 tablet computer in Japan as the country grapples with the tsunami’s devastation.
The device had been set to go on sale March 25. Apple said it is delaying the launch “while the country and our teams focus on recovering from the recent disaster.”
The new iPad has been widely sold out since going on sale earlier this month in the U.S. One analyst estimated that Apple may have sold as many as half a million of them in their first day on the market, a faster pace than the first iPad’s sales.
The iPad 2 was slated to go on sale in 26 markets on March 25, including Mexico, New Zealand, Spain and other European countries.
Associated Press text, photo and/or graphic material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. Neither these AP Materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and non-commercial use. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing.
HOROSCOPES: MAR 31 – APRIL 6
Posted on 26. Mar, 2011 by admin in Horoscope
ARIES
Make a move towards that someone that you’ve had your eye on! The timing couldn’t be more perfect! Go slow and be subtly sweet. Your ability to charm and attract always works in your favor. Don’t abuse it! Show off a new attitude.
Soul Affirmation: I let myself be the cheerful me.
Lucky Numbers: 34, 39, 46
TAURUS
Good deeds are in order this week. Perform all the random acts of kindness
that you can. Everything you do this week is going to come back to you in
triplicate, so enjoy storing up some future blessings!
Soul Affirmation: Another week in which to rejoice is upon me. ah-h-h-h-h!
Lucky Numbers: 2, 32, 45
GEMINI
You can help out a friend this week if you plan your schedule so that
you’ve got time for kindness built in! Embrace your generous side
while getting your own work finished. You are excellent at multi-tasking!
Soul Affirmation: Old love? New love? The most important thing is true love!
Lucky Numbers: 26, 38, 41
CANCER
You may want to make this week a schmooze-fest! Whether you go out to a party or stay in with a friend, you’ll have a good time if you remember that charm is the only weapon that’ll work for you this week.
Soul Affirmation: I work hard to combat envy this week.
Lucky Numbers: 11, 29, 33
LEO
This week let your nurturing spirit shines through. Your tremendous adaptability will make it possible for you to show kindness even where it is not deserved. Know that you kindness is appreciated. All week long you’ll find yourself in helpful conversations with friends or family members. Heed what is said.
Soul Affirmation: Everyone deserves kindness this week.
Lucky Numbers: 11, 32, 39
VIRGO
People can get on your nerves, can’t they? And this week is one of those weeks. Getting through it will be a test. You can get the highest grade on the test by smiling at the stupidity of those who oppose you. They don’t know any better and this week you can’t teach them.
Soul Affirmation: The winner is me. I smile for the cameras.
Lucky Numbers: 22, 28, 29
LIBRA
A secret may be revealed in a casual conversation. Your confidence is valued and appreciated. Take it all in! There’s no returning to what has been once you realize the gift you’ve been given.
Soul Affirmation: Freedom of mind is the greatest gift for me this week.
Lucky Numbers: 18, 22, 36
SCORPIO
Drive the speed limit in all things this week or you could wind up with a ticket of some kind. Why rush? Serenity is available if you only stop and listen for it inside of you. Discharge your usual obligations with dignity and count your blessings.
Soul Affirmation: I obey the rules this week and avoid hassles.
Lucky Numbers: 13, 24, 35
SAGITTARIUS
Slow down and relax your brain-energies! The universe knows how to take care of itself and of you. Give it a chance by getting your mental schemes out of the way. Sometimes it is hard but trust!
Soul Affirmation: I let my luck work for me.
Lucky Numbers: 21, 27, 34
CAPRICORN
A friend from the past could suddenly appear in your life. This could be a highly beneficial reunion for both of you. Let bygones be bygones, and renew this friendship. Love isn’t used up just because it’s shared with many.
Soul Affirmation: I love many people this week.
Lucky Numbers: 23, 40, 45
AQUARIUS
Be open to a new friendship that could bring public recognition, a new assignment, or a raise in income. You’ll also be pleased with romantic vibes that come from far away. Call! Someone special is waiting to hear from you.
Soul Affirmation: Distant love is sometimes sweeter.
Lucky Numbers: 16, 28, 36
PISCES
You’ll radiate with confidence and enthusiasm this week. Important people will be impressed. Make sure you spend time in their presence. The week promises success in making new starts with old contacts. Refresh yourself by socializing just for fun.
Soul Affirmation: My spirit makes all things new.
Lucky Numbers: 31, 39, 42
Ministers Protest Early Voting Site
Posted on 26. Mar, 2011 by admin in South Suburban
by Thelma Sardin
Last week, the Chicago Heights Area Ministerial Council held a press conference calling for the immediate closing of a local early voting site located at Chicago Heights City Hall. Early voting began in Cook County on March 14, since that time, the polling place has had high numbers of early voters. According to a recent press release, allegedly with the high volume of voters came a barrage of voting irregularities, illegal electioneering and intimidation of city and township employees.
Rev. Lawrence Blackful Jr. said he learned of the purported practices from visiting the early voting sites. He said residents informed him of several incidents and he received several phone calls from city workers who felt their job was in danger because they did not support a certain candidate.
Blackful said the closing of the early voting site would send a strong message. “It would say [we] do not support [such activity],” he said. The minister added that voting irregularities had not been reported at the other sites, only in Chicago Heights.
Blackful said the decision to shut the site down would hopefully stop voter disenfranchisement. He added that it is important that city employees do not feel intimidated because of their political choices.
Courtney Greve, spokesperson for Cook County Clerk’s office said the first day of early voting was the most “hectic.” She confirmed there was one related arrest and the Cook County Sheriff was notified of inappropriate electioneering. By law, there is a 100ft campaign free-zone that campaign workers must abide by to uphold the authenticity of ballots cast.
In addition, un-registered individuals attempting to vote have been consistently turned away. Election judges are continuing to verify voters by checking government issued ID’s.
When asked the purpose of the news conference, Blackful said it was to ensure the community is “aware of [what’s] happening.” The measure would also hopefully secure more resources from the Clerk’s office and law enforcement on Election Day.
Greve also told the Citizen that the Clerk’s office will provide extra staff on April 5th at the site to ensure the voting process runs smoothly.
Although the Council called for the Chicago Heights early voting site closing, Greve told ABC7 News that the Clerk’s office had no plans of terminating the location at this time.
Early voting ends in Cook County on March 31.
Ja Rule Pleads Guilty To $3M Tax Evasion In US
Posted on 26. Mar, 2011 by admin in Entertainment
Ja Rule and Jaid Barrymore in February 2005. Photo Timothy M. Moore
by David Porter
Associated Press
NEWARK, New Jersey – Rapper and actor Ja Rule admitted Tuesday that he failed to pay taxes on more than $3 million in income, pleading guilty to tax evasion in federal court in New Jersey.
The platinum-selling rapper earned the money between 2004 and 2006 while he lived in Saddle River, an upscale community in northern New Jersey.
As part of a plea agreement, the government dismissed two counts against him for unpaid taxes on income earned in 2007 and 2008.
Ja Rule, whose real name is Jeffrey Atkins, is expected to be sentenced on the tax evasion charges in June. He faces up to one year in prison and $100,000 in fines on each count.
He also faces sentencing June 8 in New York on an attempted weapon possession charge that he pleaded guilty to in December. He has agreed to a two-year prison term in that case.
Police say they found a loaded gun in a rear door of his luxury sports car when it was stopped for speeding after a July 2007 concert.
Ja Rule, 35, was nominated for a 2002 best rap album Grammy Award for “Pain is Love.” His movie credits include 2001′s “The Fast and the Furious” and 2003′s “Scary Movie 3.”
Associated Press text, photo and/or graphic material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. Neither these AP Materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and non-commercial use. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing.
Westside Schools Face Consolidation
Posted on 25. Mar, 2011 by admin in Community Focus
by Thelma Sardin
Last Wednesday, Interim Chicago Public Schools (CPS) CEO introduced several key initiatives to fortify the school district’s education agenda. Among Mazany’s recommendations were several school consolidations across the city, some of which are on the west side.
“The proposed school actions would provide better and more complete educational environments for students whose schools are being consolidated into others,” said Mazany. “In every case, students would be offered the opportunity to attend a school that is as good as or is better performing than the school they currently attend.”
Mazany said public hearings will be arranged for all proposed actions. The Interim CEO will then present a final list of proposed school actions to the Chicago Board of Education for consideration at its April 27 meeting, the release stated.
The consolidation proposals among west side schools include:
Jacob Beidler, 3151 W. Walnut St., and Willa Cather, 2908 W. Washington Blvd will consolidate. The merger will allow for the expansion of Urban Prep High School, East Garfield Park campus, at the Beidler building.
George Tilton School’s pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classes, located 223 N. Keeler Ave, would be phased out this fall and reassigned to Guglielmo Marconi, 230 N. Kolmar Ave. The consolidation would allow more students to attend under enrolled Marconi and allow for the expansion of Chicago Talent Development HS in the Tilton building. Chicago Talent Development HS is a charter school.
During the Chicago Board of Education meeting, Mazany also presented an updated budget analysis showing the CPS estimated budget gap for 2012 is $720 million, according to a press release.
A major contributor to this deficit is the loss of one-time revenues—such as Federal stimulus money—which funded elements of this year’s operating budget and will not be available for 2012, the release stated.
“In addition, there are the very big questions about what decisions the state will make, both in terms of funding level and the current backlog of $236 million in state payments due CPS,” Mazany added. He noted that repayment of that money would cut the current deficit significantly.
Cook County Sheriff Employees Volunteer
Posted on 25. Mar, 2011 by admin in Community Focus
by Thelma Sardin
Helping to turn prom night into that magical moment for teens this year are employees at the Cook County Sheriff’s Department who will volunteer their services during the Glass Slipper Project’s Boutique Day on April 9 from 8:00 am- 12:00p.m.
The Glass Slipper Project ® is a non-profit organization that gives away free prom dresses and accessories to high school juniors and seniors in the Chicagoland and surrounding areas. The project collects new and almost-new formal dresses and accessories and provides them, free of charge, to students who are unable to purchase their own prom attire.
This year, the Glass Slipper Project will host its Boutique Day at McCorkle School on 4421 S. State Street which runs on April 2nd , 9th , and on the 16th. Employees at the Sheriff’s office will lend a helping hand and volunteer on April 9 during the event.
Five sheriff employees are volunteering and are bringing other people who are interested in volunteering as well.
According to Cook County Sheriff spokesperson, Brittney Blair, the Sheriff’s department also collects and donates dresses, shoes and accessories to the organization. The department just finished collecting donations about a week ago. The donations are collected from employees internally during roll call at the county jail, court houses and community affairs office.
“Our employees have such a huge sense of generosity,” said Blair. She also said that the employees see Boutique Day as a time to give back and “see the joy on the girls’ faces.”
Students do not need to prove any type of financial hardship in order receive a dress from the Glass Slipper Project.
To find out more information about how to receive free prom dress or to volunteer with Glass Slipper Project, log on to www.glassslipperproject.org or call 312-409-4139.
Chesterfield Hosts “Home Expo”
Posted on 25. Mar, 2011 by admin in Community Focus
by Thelma Sardin
On April 23, The Chesterfield Community Council (CCC) will host their annual “Home Expo” at Tuley Park Fieldhouse located 90th and King Drive. The event is scheduled to begin at 10:00 am.
CCC chairman, Eli Washington, says the organization has held the expo for nearly eight years. Due to the housing crisis in recent years, the CCC decided to host the expo consistently since 2005. “After the housing stock deteriorated, [we decided] to pick the [program] back up,” he said.
Washington says the expo is beneficial to the community because many key agencies are available for residents in one location.
Among agencies that will be present on April 23 include: CEDA, Chicago Department of Housing, Neighborhood Housing Services and Cook County Assessor’s Office.
“Some homes can be saved [from foreclosure] if [owners] knew about services and programs available to them,” Washington said. He continued that if the Black community does not take advantage of programs such as these, other communities will.
At this year’s expo, the CCC hopes to accomplish several things: to stabilize and improve the housing stock in the community, foreclosure prevention and expose the community to Black contractors/lawn care services. Washington says he is tired of seeing other ethnicities in the Black community doing labor when Black owned businesses are available for work.
CCC expects about 300 attendees at this year’s event.
In the past, Washington says community reaction to expo has been positive. “[People] are appreciative that so many agencies and services are available in one location,” he said.
A foreclosure prevention seminar will be held at 11:00 a.m. featuring Judge Lewis Nixon, Supervising Judge, and Mortgage Foreclosure/Mechanics Lien Section for Cook County. According to Washington, Judge Nixon is responsible for the foreclosure process for all of Cook County. He says that is important for people facing foreclosure or those who are in the midst of one to attend the seminar.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, please call 773-651-3958 or visit chesterfieldcommunitycouncil.org.
Desiree Ambrose
Posted on 25. Mar, 2011 by admin in Good Citizenship
In addition to her church volunteer activities, Ambrose is volunteer soccer and basketball coach at Lan-Oak Park District and earned an associate's degree from DeVry University this past February. (Photo Courtesy of Desiree Ambrose)
Name: Desiree Ambrose
Occupation: Calendar Coordinator
Why does she stand out?
Ambrose uses her time to volunteer at her church where she has worked for two years as a Calendar Coordinator. The military wife and mother of three says the Black community can benefit from volunteerism because it serves as a way to show “children how to give back,” and it’s “essential because sometimes we have to invest in our past so that our communities will have a future,” she said. Ambrose believes her community work allows the church to function without having to worry about how administrative tasks will get done and thinks her participation helps the church focus more on helping people. Technology plays a big role in helping her to plan activities. “I do not always have time for face-to-face meetings about the calendar activities, more often than not; I communicate via email or telephone. This way I can multitask and still get the job done,” she says.
