Grieving can be a tough process. The thought of someone that was close to you, or someone you've once affiliated with being gone is comparable to mind torture. In the past 2 weeks I've had my taste of mind torture. 4 African American males, all in their young 20s, all ironically unsolved murders. The truth is I told my self I wouldn't make another one of these whining posts about the violence in Chicago. However this is the best way I express my self...not through tears but endlessly reminiscing about the good times. Everyone deals with death differently, as for me I'm a constant thinker. The memories of Reggie and I walking to grammar school together, or listening to his stereo in his room will always linger. The memories of Don P and I getting into a verbal confrontation last Halloween (2006), only to later reconcile through mutual friends still remain clear. The memories of me growing up watching Scales flaunt pretty women and fancy cars around the neighborhood - wishing one day that could be me are still here. The memories of Bookie giving me advice at the health club several weeks ago make it hard to forget. As life moves on and memories fade - it's a constant reminder that tomorrow isn't promised to anyone. Rest in peace.

Moving on, want to make $17,000 in 90 days without the hassle of doing anything? Well Houston's based NASA is currently offering $17,000 to anyone willing to take part of their "Bed-Rest Experiment." The experiment is done to study the volunteer's circulatory systems, nervous system, muscles, and nutrition. Imagine not leaving your bed for 90 days while scientist study your every move. Sounds fun right?! According to the official website...

"participants will spend 90 days lying in bed, (except for limited times for specific tests) with their body slightly tilted downward (head down, feet up). Every day, they will be awake for 16 hours and lights out (asleep) for 8 hours."

...Well I'm not sure if it's worth the self pity but I'm going to go ahead and put in my application anyways. I can get use to this whole human Genny Pig thing, maybe this is "my calling." My mom always said I'd make history.

I'm not big on social networking sites, in fact I kind of hate em. However I stumbled on a new social networking site that caught my eye and I instantly became a member. The CEO of Monster.com has recently decided to make a website dedicated to memorials for people who have been deceased. The website is entitled Tributes.com. Anyone from celebrities, family, and pets can be added on to the website. Within the next 5 years I think this site will revolutionized how people grieve and share memories of those who have passed on. All memories of the deceased can be uploaded to a Tributes.com account such as videos, pictures, and comments. The CEO of Tributes.com plans to start selling it's services to funeral homes, which will ultimately replace obituaries.

Sometimes police officers are put in awkward positions that even they can't seem to figure out.

If you haven't figured it out by now, this post has nothing to do with Hooters. I'm sorry, I just love Hooters....and yes, I do go there for the wings. It has nothing to do with the big chested, half dressed, 20 something year old, amazingly perky, and sometimes exotic women that work there. I in fact have standards, very high standards that I just can't seem to remember as of now. Now excuse me while I go reheat these dry mediocre....I mean these great wings from earlier.

...When I'm not at Hooters, you can catch me mingling at either my favorite bar or some random destination in downtown Chicago.

Final Thoughts: I've attended more funerals in 2008 than all the funerals in my entire lifetime added together. Between my grandmother passing, and friends as well as associates - it's really opened my eyes. I hope the rest of 2008 is a tad bit more kinder to me.