"Good Times" Actor Ben Powers Dies

UPDATE (April 19, 2015)

The funeral home has posted an official obituary.
 It has been confirmed true.

Some media outlets are reporting that Alton "Ben" Powers (a cast member of "Good Times") passed away on April 6. While the news is very saddening, I want to see more evidence that this story is true. With so many celebrity death rumors online, I hate reporting things without proof. If I can't see a link to an OFFICIAL announcement from a blog, a tweet, or Facebook post-- I don't want to confirm anything.

As bloggers, we still must provide better information to the public. We might not have the manpower or budget as journalists but all it takes is a screenshot of a post from a reliable source to confirm proof.

However, I would still like to offer prayers to his family and friends because this story is still most likely true. 

I just want better reporting next time.

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Chance The Rapper's Dad: Rahm Emanuel's Next Chief Of Staff?

The Bennett family of Chicago is working hard to build their own "Empire"-- without any prison drama or dark secrets from 17 years ago. 

Chancelor Bennett (better known as "Chance The Rapper") is seen above in the center of the photo with his brother, Taylor, and their father Ken. The Bennett brothers are making waves in hip hop music while their father is becoming a powerful force in Chicago politics. As an integrated effort, Chance and Taylor's music helps their dad's boss-- Mayor Rahm Emanuel-- reach young voters; in turn, Mr. Bennett's roles as First Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Public Engagement allow him to further his sons' careers by exposing them to new cultural settings.

Now, Mr. Bennett is expected to move up further himself after news that Mayor Emanuel's current chief of staff is leaving. For the past year, Mr. Bennett has worked to build relationships with community leaders in Chicago to help the Mayor's Office be more accessible to the people.

To the contrary, some of Mr. Bennett's critics might feel that he is self-serving as the highest-paid African-American in the Mayor's Office. In addition to their criticisms, his son Taylor has been in trouble with the law; Chance has been accused of being misogynistic and homophobic.

One thing is for sure: the Bennett family continues to look ahead and experience bigger and better things.

An official announcement on the Mayor's new chief of staff is forthcoming.  

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Watch A Foreigner Speak Polish (After 1 Month Of Practice)

I'm back on my Polish lessons!

There's one video on YouTube that has inspired me to continue my pursuit to learn the Polish language. In the video, two friends in Vietnam (one from America; the other from Poland) show off their Polish "chops". And I must say that it is quite impressive.



In just 3 weeks, Chicago's Polish Constitution Day Parade will be held downtown and I want to attend and say a few sentences.

I'll keep you posted on my progress!

Do widzenia! (Do vee-zen-ya) 

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Rahm Wins--But What About Chuy's Supporters?

There can only be one winner in politics. 

Last night, Mayor Rahm Emanuel beat Cook County Commissioner Jesus "Chuy" Garcia to win a second term in office as Chicago's top boss. And I was right there to enjoy the festivities as he gave his victory speech at the Stephen F. Bailey Auditorium of Chicago Journeymen Plumbers' Local Union 130, U.A. (Whew! That was a mouthful!)

Just like no one likes a sore loser, I can assume that people who gloat are equally as annoying. The purpose of this election should have been to show the diversity of Chicago-- even in the difference of our political opinions. While I'm happy that Rahm won, I am concerned about those who supported Chuy. 

Chuy's supporters deserve a voice. They made a lot of good points about how this city has ignored the "least of these" and made the needs of wealthy individuals a sole priority. That's what troubles me even in a time of celebration.

I want all elected officials of Chicago to remember the hard-working people who keep the city going strong. In order to reach that goal, I have to throw my name in the hat and find ways to connect and compromise for a better future.

You might be reading this with a doubtful attitude but I see things differently. I believe that we can improve things for the poor and disenfranchised if we stay focused, optimistic, and united. 
 

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Why Lifehacker Rocks! (My Journey To Professional Coding)

All journeys begin with one step. 

Today, I began a special journey to the land of professional coding. After searching for "the basics of coding" on YouTube, I found Lifehacker. [Lifehacker provides "tips, tricks, and downloads for getting anything done."]

As a newcomer, I wanted a fast and understandable tutorial to give me the basics. The following video was very helpful in helping me to achieve that objective. 





Why I Want To Code

*Enhance My Skill Set
As an entrepreneur, I want to be able to design apps, set up servers, and find ways to attract larger audiences. In addition to that, I want to use my skills to teach others how to be entrepreneurs and create jobs for people in disadvantaged communities. 

 *Keep My Mind Fresh
I'm 30 years old and the old joke goes that the mind is the first thing to go. I don't want that to happen to me. Coding can help me learn new things and apply them to various situations for a better life. 


*I Want To Make Money
Self-fulfillment is nice and all, but I ultimately want become a billionaire through coding. (I might as well set the bar so high that I'll "have to settle" for a couple million in the bank.)



Stay tuned for more updates as I become a better coder!  

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Getting Inspired By Men's Health Next Top Trainer

As I approach my 31st birthday, I still hope to achieve an amazing physique. While my sweet tooth has been my Achilles' heel, I have made a few strides to cut back as much as possible. (It's hard, though.) 

What motivates me most is the presence of more men over 35 who have maintained youthful and muscular bodies. If they have manage to keep six pack abs, massive shoulders, and bulging biceps/triceps-- I have no excuse but to put down the sweets, make a salad, and increase my reps. 

One of my inspirations is John Hall. He's one of my acquaintances who is an contestant in the Men's Health Next Top Trainer competition. At 50 years old, he has maintained a great physique and doesn't let his age hold him back. 

While looking at some of John's competitors' pages, I found another example of fitness inspiration. Billy Boston and his wife have started their own business and hope to become the "No. 1 Fit Couple."

  

If I want to get in shape like them, the time is now!

I'll update you on my progress.  

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