Loudernet

A Wall Street Journal Reporter’s E-Mail to Friends

Wednesday, October 1st, 2008 | Uncategorized | No Comments

One could argue that Iraq is already lost beyond salvation. For those of us on the ground it’s hard to imagine what if any thing could salvage it from its violent downward spiral. The genie of terrorism, chaos and mayhem has been unleashed onto this country as a result of American mistakes and it can’t be put back into a bottle.

The Iraqi government is talking about having elections in three months while half of the country remains a ‘no go zone’-out of the hands of the government and the Americans and out of reach of journalists. In the other half, the disenchanted population is too terrified to show up at polling stations. The Sunnis have already said they’d boycott elections, leaving the stage open for polarized government of Kurds and Shiites that will not be deemed as legitimate and will most certainly lead to civil war.

I asked a 28-year-old engineer if he and his family would participate in the Iraqi elections since it was the first time Iraqis could to some degree elect a leadership. His response summed it all: “Go and vote and risk being blown into pieces or followed by the insurgents and murdered for cooperating with the Americans? For what? To practice democracy? Are you joking?”

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Rap gems from a film noir geek

Friday, September 26th, 2008 | Chicago | No Comments

The Ritz a duo with high style
By Andy Downing | Special to the Chicago Tribune September 26, 2008

Local rapper Apoc (born Patrick Felsenthal) of hip-hop duo the Ritz has an interest in film noir that borders on obsession. “I have over 200 of them in my collection,” says the MC, who attended a year of film school at Columbia College and routinely works at the Telluride and Sundance film festivals. “I’m drawn to them because there are no heroes. Nobody’s totally clean. Everybody has some dirt in their past.”

These seedier elements inform the recently released “The Night of Day,” an album awash in drugs, booze and women. “All things I do well,” jokes the rapper. Buoyed by dark, evocative beats courtesy of producer/bandmate Rel (Rory Miura), a certified black belt (his father is renowned karate instructor Miyuki Miura) with a knack for constructing club bangers, the album also makes smart use of vocal samples, drawing on classic film noirs like “The Big Sleep” and “Out of the Past.”

Despite the inherent strength of the music, there were moments when the MC wondered if the record would ever surface. Though recording was completed in late 2006, the album was caught in purgatory when a label deal fell through at the last minute. “We considered just releasing it digitally,” says Apoc, recounting the brainstorming session that followed the deal’s collapse. “But we never talked about shelving it. Once the label thing folded we decided we could do it ourselves better.”

In the interim, Apoc kept himself busy recording; the rapper says he has five full albums at or near completion.

Even though Apoc began composing his own songs at 13, it wasn’t until he was a freshman at York Community High School that he first rapped in front of a crowd, trading freestyles with friends in the school cafeteria. In those earlier days, the MC garnered frequent comparisons to the likes of Slug and Atmosphere—a trend he didn’t necessarily embrace. “At first I was like, ‘I’m my own [rapper]. I can’t hear it.’ But I see it now. It was derivative,” says the rapper. “That really pushed me to over-saturate myself with music. Now I’m more comfortable. I know the direction I want to go in.”

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Tags: rap

John Schuster Chicago Web Maintenance

Tuesday, August 26th, 2008 | Chicago Search Engine Optimization, Chicago Web Hosting, chicag Web Site Design, chicago Web Site Design, chicago Web Site Maintenance | No Comments

Yourlink Web Service is a Chicago Based Web Design Company. We specialize in HTML, DHTML, XHTML, XML, PHP, CSS, AJAX, MYSQL, FLASH,and RSS. We Focus mainly on Web Site Design, Web Site Maintenance, Web Hosting and Search Engine Optimization. The photo displayed left is a snapshot taken from www.irenekapustina.com. Irene is an actress studying at Loyola University’s Theater School here in Chicago. Irene is also a Yourlink Web Service client. This site was designed by one of our very talented in house web deigners Rob Buti. If you are interested in any of the services Yourlink has to offer please contact us at our Oak Brook Illinois Office Location Phone: 1(630) 705-1505.

Chicago Web Design

Tags: AJAX, CSS, DHTML, FLASH, HTML, MYSQL, PHP, RSS, XHTML, XML, Yourlink Web Service

Welcome to Cave Audio Productions

Monday, August 11th, 2008 | Cave Audio Productions, Chicago, Illinois, StudioChicago, musician, recording, recording studio | No Comments

Chicago’s premier flat rate recording studio, live recording and sound reinforcement service. Our goal is to provide a professional, relaxed environment conducive to the artistic process, while maintaining a flat fee that is within your budget. As a musician myself, I find it extremely difficult to achieve a quality product when recording on an hourly basis. That $50+/hr hanging over my head never allows me to fully concentrate on what I am there to do; record great music. Recording is an artistic process which, if rushed, only distorts and diminishes the artist’s intended vision. At Cave Audio Productions we record every project for one fixed price. Whether it is a singer’s vocal demo or a band’s full length CD, the artist need not worry about exceeding their budget because it will have already been established prior to the session. This is made possible due to the fact that I absolutely love what I do. Working in music production has been a lifelong dream of mine, so after college I began working and attended 12 months of hands-on training at StudioChicago. This was an incredible experience which allowed me direct access to the operations of a commercial recording/mastering facility. The ’secrets’ I learned from the pros have been invaluable to my recordings, and since becoming certified I feel it is my obligation to make professional recordings accessible to students and working people.

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Tags: recordings

Drapery Connection Chicago

Monday, August 11th, 2008 | Chicago, Illinois, chicago draperies, drapes, illinois window coverings, window treatments | No Comments

Since 1939 our team has grown from two dedicated members to more than 30 today. We are proud to have served Chicagoland decorating and window covering needs for more than 60 years.

Our Professionals Are Ready to Serve You

From decorators and managers who help start your project, to craftspeople who sew and install your draperies, to the administrative, and warehouse staff, we are here to serve you punctually and professionally beyond your expectations.

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Tags: Chicagoland, decorators

Chicago Illinois Window Treatments

Friday, August 8th, 2008 | chicago draperies, chicago drpaeries, drapes, illinois window coverings, window treatments | No Comments

Windy City Shades name is a landmark when it comes to providing Chicago shades and window treatments solutions for Chicago residences and businesses, as well as in the surrounding suburbs. We have sales offices and product warehouses in Chicago, Plainfield, and Aurora, Illinois, so as to always remain close to our customers. With over 35+ years of combined experience, our free in-home or in-business consultation, and our professional installation, we establish long-lasting relationships with our customers through our dedication to complete customer service satisfaction.

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Tags: Chicago shades, Windy City Shades

Chicago Personal Injury Attorney Jeffrey Friedman, P.C.

Monday, August 4th, 2008 | Chicago Attorney, Chicago Lawyer, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer, Jeffrey Friedman, chicago personal injury attorney, medical malpractice. | No Comments

Jeffrey Friedman represents victims and their families in connection with all types of unfortunate accidents, such as car accidents, motorcycle accidents, trucking accidents, as well as construction site accidents, premises liability, and other accidents caused by the wrongdoing of some other individual or company Jeffrey Friedman also represents individuals who have been misdiagnosed, who have received negligent medical care and treatment, and who have suffered other types of medical malpractice.

If you would like to speak to Mr. Friedman
about a case, please call (312) 357-1431

Chicago Personal Injury Attorney Jeffrey Friedman, P.C.

Tags: car accidents, construction site accidents, motorcycle accidents, premises liability, trucking accidents

Chicago Dental

Monday, July 28th, 2008 | Chicago Dentists, Dental care, dentist, doctors | No Comments

Chicago Dentists have several excellent options to offer clients who are in need of serious dental work. Whether it be a cavity, an extraction, braces or teeth whitening, our dedicated doctors will make you look and feel fabulous. Experience the magic of a beautiful smile with healthy teeth. You may notice a complete change in your life. Dental care is a major part of your overall medical care. You can trust our dedicated doctors will do a great job for you! Chicago Dentists can assist you every step of the way. Make sure that the dentist that you choose is knowledgeable and dedicated to the dental practice.

Chicago Dental

Tags: braces, cavity, dental practice, healthy teeth, medical, teeth whitening

Eivissa Tapas and Sangria Bar

Monday, July 28th, 2008 | Chicago, Illinois | No Comments

Eivissa, from the Catalonian name for Ibiza, is one of the Balearic Islands located in the Mediterranean Sea in Spain and is divided into two parts: the Old Town and the Modern Town – we prefer Old Town. Eivissa is known for its nightlife and atmosphere and the restaurants are no exception. We have brought the experience here to Chicago, delectable Spanish cuisine and an extensive Sangria menu with a perfect balance of modern design in a trendy atmosphere.

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Tags: Balearic Islands, Catalonian, Ibiza, Modern Town, Old Town, Sangria, Spanish

Chicago Air Conditioning

Monday, July 28th, 2008 | Air conditioner, Chicago, HVAC control system, Heating & Cooling, Illinois, heating, hvac | No Comments

Around the Town Heating & Cooling Inc. offers the very best in installation, repair, and services for all HVAC equipment. Having over 28 years of experience we have what it takes to handle any residential or commercial unit with the help of highly skilled professionals. We offer top-quality services at highly affordable prices and never let you down. If you’re looking for top-notch professionals who can replace, repair, or install your heating and air-conditioning unit, turn to Around the Town Heating & Cooling Inc. today!

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Tags: repair