The Real Reason You Watched the Super Bowl

We know some of you watched the big game just to see the commercials (its okay, some of us did too)! If you missed them or want to see you favorites again check them out here: SUPERBOWLADSRUNBACK

ChicaGoGetter - Tamika Lee Robinson on BBC.com- She's Global

The race to the 2008 Election has been on and popping for what seems like forever. Clinton vs. Obama; McCain vs. Romney vs. Hukabee, whew! The dynamics of the race to the Republican and Democratic nominations change hour-by-hour. With that, it takes a real GoGetter to keep up and stay informed!

Our girl, and resident political pundit, Tamika Lee Robinson , was tapped by BBC to offer her views on the pre and post-primary action as Super Tuesday approaches. She is an Obama supporter who has her ears and her eyes to the streets and on the race. Check her out here !

Way to go Chica!

XOXO,

ChicaGoGetter - Ronnie

Motivation

"Cautious, careful people always casting about to preserve their reputation or social standards never can bring about reform. Those who are really in earnest are willing to be anything or nothing in the world's estimation, and publicly and privately, in season and out, avow their sympathies with despised ideas and their advocates, and bear the consequences."
—Susan B. Anthony

Toni Morrison - Endorses Obama

Dear Senator Obama,

This letter represents a first for me--a public endorsement of a Presidential candidate. I feel driven to let you know why I am writing it. One reason is it may help gather other supporters; another is that this is one of those singular moments that nations ignore at their peril. I will not rehearse the multiple crises facing us, but of one thing I am certain: this opportunity for a national evolution (even revolution) will not come again soon, and I am convinced you are the person to capture it.
May I describe to you my thoughts?
I have admired Senator Clinton for years. Her knowledge always seemed to me exhaustive; her negotiation of politics expert. However I am more compelled by the quality of mind (as far as I can measure it) of a candidate. I cared little for her gender as a source of my admiration, and the little I did care was based on the fact that no liberal woman has ever ruled in America. Only conservative or "new-centrist" ones are allowed into that realm. Nor do I care very much for your race[s]. I would not support you if that was all you had to offer or because it might make me "proud."
In thinking carefully about the strengths of the candidates, I stunned myself when I came to the following conclusion: that in addition to keen intelligence, integrity and a rare authenticity, you exhibit something that has nothing to do with age, experience, race or gender and something I don't see in other candidates. That something is a creative imagination which coupled with brilliance equals wisdom. It is too bad if we associate it only with gray hair and old age. Or if we call searing vision naivete. Or if we believe cunning is insight. Or if we settle for finessing cures tailored for each ravaged tree in the forest while ignoring the poisonous landscape that feeds and surrounds it. Wisdom is a gift; you can't train for it, inherit it, learn it in a class, or earn it in the workplace--that access can foster the acquisition of knowledge, but not wisdom.
When, I wondered, was the last time this country was guided by such a leader? Someone whose moral center was un-embargoed? Someone with courage instead of mere ambition? Someone who truly thinks of his country's citizens as "we," not "they"? Someone who understands what it will take to help America realize the virtues it fancies about itself, what it desperately needs to become in the world?
Our future is ripe, outrageously rich in its possibilities. Yet unleashing the glory of that future will require a difficult labor, and some may be so frightened of its birth they will refuse to abandon their nostalgia for the womb.
There have been a few prescient leaders in our past, but you are the man for this time.
Good luck to you and to us.
Toni Morrison

Check it out Chicas -A Sweet Art Affair presented by The Metropolitan Board of the Chicago Urban League

A Sweet Art Affair 2008
A Dessert & Wine Tasting Event
Saturday, February 9, 2008 6 pm - 10pm
G.R. Namdi Gallery
110 N. Peoria Chicago, IL
Admission
$25 for MetroBoard/ Urban League members
$30/non-members - door

Notable Quotables

"Some of us want life to be like a refrigerator. We want to be preserved just as we are and to be kept crisp around the edges. We do not want to wilt or melt under the pressures of life. We want to stand in our own little space, keeping everything else in its own space so that we will not be contaminated.
I think life is like a toaster. You've got to be pushed down in order to pop up and meet the demands of life. You have to get done before you will know what to do. For most of us, unless we have a little heat under our bottoms, we will sit around and get stale. Also remember, when cold, hard things are placed on a hot piece of toast. they melt and fade away, but when you cast your bread on the waters of life, it will return to its place of origin multiplied." - (The Queen) Iyanla Vanzant

Raheem DeVaughn - Love Behind The Melody

“Guess who loves you more?” Raheem DeVaughn has definitely proved he loves his fans even more giving us a sultry and soulful sophomore album that has exceeded his debut album The Love Experience by leaps and bounds. His brand new album has an array of tracks you can play in the car, house and (gasp!) in the bedroom. Raheem’s signature style of narrating throughout the album makes you feel more like he’s an old friend than a strange new artist. He does a beautiful job of combining old and new school sound so that even your mama can groove to the album.

Even folks that are familiar with the Maryland crooner don’t know that he has been on the grind since 2002 churning out R&B mix tapes. It is only in the last two years that he became a force to be reckoned with in the music industry with his hit single “You.”

Whether you’ve followed Raheem DeVaughn now or then, Love Behind the Melody will be music to your ears. Check out a few of ChicaGoGetter’s favorite tracks and see for yourself!

“Energy” feat. Big Boi
“Friday (Shut the Club Down)”
“Desire”
“Marathon” feat. Floetry

Hey Chicas, if you like what you experience, hit up www.ticketmaster.com and purchase your Jill Scott and Raheem DeVaughn concert tickets. The Real Thing Tour takes place right here in the Windy City on March 22 & 23 at the Chicago Theater. TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

XOXO.

ChicaGoGetter, Astin

Something to Truly Look Forward To

The Enve Group (known for hosting some of the flyest events in the city) presents: TruElite An Event for Chicago's Urban Sophisticates.

Sunday 9pm-2am at Lumen

As We Approach MLK Jr. Day

On Facebook.com I've received more than my fair share of "Drop It Like It's Hott" and "Get Drunk and Twisted" MLK Jr. Weekend party invitations. I'm totally disgusted with how people have forgotten the significance of Dr. King's life and death or the legacy he left that we enjoy.
Despite the gratuitous use of the "N" word in this clip..The Boondocks writers say it best. Check this out:



XOXO,

Chief Chica, RD

We're Back!

We've been on hiatus for just a short while but we are calling January 14th the ChicaGoGetter.com New Year. We're so excited to say hello to 2008 although 07' had a ton of milestones (especially our launch back on September 18). Stay tuned for the moves we make in 2008! We're going to be ALL about YOU Chica!

XOXO,

The ChicaGoGetter Team

Kanye x Daft Punk =

One of best examples of the greatness that happens when truly talented artists come together.

Kanye on The Cover of SPIN

A Real GoGetter: Nyasha Foy

Since belting out Lionel Richie’s famed “Sela” at the tender age of three, to performing in her own shows, Nyasha Shani has come a long way in her career. Since culminating her studies at the most prominent creative music University in the country with Honors, Nyasha Shani has returned to her notebook to begin work on her first album. As a songwriter, she has a strong command of the pen; with the ability to captivate real-life situations through genuine emotion and the cleverness of her lyrics.

Nayasha Shani on her craft:

“I have so many inspirations, musically. I love the jazz era for its musicality and innovation; and I love the birth of R&B for continuing the trend of black music, but I can’t deny that I was raised on the Quiet Storm.Nothing else can set the mood for me better than a good love song, so I use all those inspirations when I write and when I sing.I've always had a love affair with music and panache for attention. My first performances were from my car seat and on top of my living room table for my family. I was anointed the name Supernova and well, I live up to my moniker."

We applaud Nyasha for having the guts to pursue her dreams! For that, she's a real GoGetter. We look forward to seeing how she continues to grow. Check her out at: www.myspace.com/nyashathediva

XOXO,

TheChicaGoGetter Team

GoGetterMix: Hump Day!

ChicaGoGetters! We haven't posted a GoGetter mix in a couple weeks, but we've recieved a few requests for a soundtrack to help folks coast through this week. Check it out!

XOXO,

The ChicaGoGetterTeam

Chicas: Party with Urban Upscale This Thursday

Happy Hump Day ChicaGoGetters! If you're grinding out that last bit of work today and need some relief tomorrow, check out this event hosted by Urban Upscale Entertainment.

XOXO,

The ChicaGoGetter Team

GoGetterCertified - The Cool

The Cool is the second studio album by Lupe Fiasco. It will be dropping tomorrow, December 18, 2007 in the United States and January 14, 2008 in the United Kingdom (sorry for the delay to my Chicas in the UK). The Cool is Lupe's first concept album, based on a song from his debut album Food & Liquor of the same name. The album features production from Soundtrakk, Unkle, and Patrick Stump, among others. Guest appearances include, but are not limited to, GemStones, Snoop Dogg, and Matthew Santos.

I've had a private listen of the album and am definitely IMPRESSED. Not too many sophomores hit a home run, but Lupe stays true to his beliefs and convictions and does not disappoint. He also continues to proudly represent Chicago with witty mentions of the city of wind on several of the album's tracks.

XOXO,
ChicaGoGetter, RD

Winter Can't Stop Us!

Chicago was blessed with about a TON of snow this past weekend! It was the first big snow of the season, but it didn't stop Chica's from hitting up State Street and Michigan Ave. for some semi-last minute holiday shopping. I even found myself having some hot flashes in Macy's after coming in from the snow and getting a wee bit overheated while trying to fight the crowds in my goose down coat. After Macy's I headed down to H&M to pick up a few good trinkets for some folks who have made my "nice" list for the year. They had some fly gift boxes and bags, gratis, to take that sometimes arduous task of gift wrapping off your shoulders this year . What's even better is the comprehensive list that one of our favorite ChicaGoGetter's, Astin, pulled together. She has compiled the contact info and locations of area businesses that just may have the perfect gift for someone on your list (I personally reccomend checking out Solemates and Soul Salon Spa for great gifts and gift certificates!

XOXO,

ChicaGoGetter, RD

A Piece of Cake
9649 S Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60643
773.239.7300
www.apieceofcakeinchicago.com


Advantage Auto Group
9510 W. Joliet Rd
Hodgkins, IL 60525
708.352.2400
www.advantagechev.com

Afri-Ware Inc.
948 Lake Str.
Oak Park, IL 60301
(708) 524-8398
Afriware@aol.com


African American Images Inc
1909 W 95th St
Chicago, IL 60643-1105
312-445-0322


Afrocentric Bookstore
4655 S King Drive
Chicago, IL 60653
773.924.3966

Alpha II Omega
1838 W.95th St
Chicago, IL 60643
773.445.9044
www.alphaiiomega.net


Black Ensemble Theater
4520 N Beacon Street
Chicago, IL 60640
773.769.4451
www.blackensembletheater.org

Black Expression Book Source
9500 S Western Ave
Evergreen Park, IL 60805-2800
708-424-4338


Books Ink
1835 W. 103rd Street
Chicago, IL 606
www.booksinkonline.com


COOP’s Records
1613 W 87th St
Chicago, IL 60620
773.238.2566

Dr. Wax
5225 S Harper Ave
Chicago, IL 60615
773.493.8696
www.drwax.org



DuSable Museum of African American History
740 E. 56th Pl
Chicago, IL 60637
773.947.0600
www.dusablemuseum.org


ETA Creative Arts Foundation
7558 S South Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60619
773.752.3955
www.etacreativearts.com


Flowers Unlimited & Gifts, Inc.
8621 S Stony Island Ave
Chicago, IL 60617
773.978.1333
http://www.flowersunltdofchgo.com


Gallery Guichard
3521 S King Drive
Chicago, IL 60653
773.373.8000


George’s Music Room
3915 W Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL 60624
773.762.8910
www.georgesmusicroom.com


Heelz
69 E 16th Street
Chicago, IL 60616
312.235.0467
www.heelz.net

Honey Child
735 N LaSalle Ave
Chicago, IL
312.573.1300
http://www.spasalon.com/honeychild/


Island Furs, Inc.
1827 W 103rd St
Chicago, IL 60643-2816
Phone: 773-881-3877
http://www.islandfurs.com/


Jokes and Notes, Comedy Club
4641 S. King Drive
Chicago, IL 60653
Phone: 773-373-3390 Fax: 312-296-3164
www.jokesandnotes.com

Khamryn B Shoes and Accessories
8301 S Ashland Ave
Chicago, IL 60620
773.881.3296
http://www.khamrynbshoes.com


Kreative Soul by Pilar
3744 N Broadway St
Chicago, IL 60613
773.975.8199
http://www.kreativesoulsbypilar.com/


Leaders 1354
4351 S Cottage Grove Ave
Chicago, IL 60653
773.285.1067
http://www.leaders1354.com

Little Black Pearl Art & Design Center
1060 East 47th Street
Chicago, IL 60653
773.285.1211
www.blackpearl.org

Nubian Nation Greek Apparel
7525 S. Vincennes
Chicago, IL 60620
773.488.3733

Nicole’s Art Gallery
230 W Huron
Chicago, IL 60610
773.787.7716
http://nicolegallery.com


Self Conscious
1021 W. Lake Street
Chicago, IL 60607
312.633.4000
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=51107332

The Living Word Bookstore
3512 S. King Drive
Chicago, IL 60653
(312) 225-7500

Lushena Bookstore
607 Country Club Drive, Unit E
Bensenville, IL 60106
630.238.8708


PHLI
5210 S Harper Ave
Chicago, IL 60615
773.493.7454
www.phliworldwide.com

Reading Room Bookstore
112 S. State Street
Chicago, IL 60603

Soul Salon Spa
4256 S. Cottage Grove
Chicago, IL 60653
773.268.3390
www.soulsalonspa.net


Sensual Steps
4518 S Cottage Grove Ave
Chicago, IL 60653
773.548.3338
www.sensualstepsinc.com

Sole Lounge
1516 E. 63rd St
Chicago, IL 60637
773.363.0995
www.sole-lounge.com


Solemates
2708 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60614
773.327.7782
www.solemateschicago.com

Sutton Ford Inc.
21315 Central Ave.
Matteson, IL 60443
708.720.8000
www.suttonford.com

Unique Greek
184 S Halsted
Chicago Heights, IL 60411
708.755.7600

Meditation Station

We've all had days when we've needed to center ourselves; block out the rest of the world and just breathe. For Chica's all over, from corporations to college, this time of year can get a little frantic (finals and fiscal year forcasts..yikes).

On my way into the j-o-b this morning, while thumbing through my crackberry and doing some random Googling of the word "meditative phrases" I ran across www.MeditationStation.com . It is a cool little site pulled together by the Meditation Society of America (they have a society for everything). On the site they have compiled an impressive list of "Words of Wisdom" . Check out some of them below. Something to think on during one of your crazy days.

"Empty your mind of negativity and the universe will fill it with love, wisdom, and bliss."

"If at first you don't succeed, that's what was supposed to happen."

"If you help less, you will be helpless."

"Your inner beauty is pure, luminous, and glorious. This real essence is yours eternally. Don't worry for a second about your external beauty. If you're in touch with your inner beauty, your outer beauty will be beautiful."

"The most serene person is the most selfless person. The saddest person is the most selfish person."

"There is consciousness everywhere; in, on, and between everything, and you are united with it infinitely, eternally."

"The tongue is the hardest sense instrument to tame. Our need to comment is obsessive and compulsive. Chasing after taste bud pleasure is slavery. Witness your inner silence and be free."


XOXO

ChicaGoGetter - RD

IKE TURNER .....GONE

According to TMZ . Ike Turner passed away at his home in San Marcos, CA. Ike was the well known ex-husband of Tina Turner, and was depicted as a woman beater in the hit film "What's Love Got To Do With It". Rest in Peace Ike.

New Music - Lupe "Superstar"

The official new club banger...