I want to invite my readers to participate in a fund raising event to help the ADA (American Diabetes Association). The organization will hold their annual Step Out to Fight Diabetes at Soldier Field on October 17, 2009. Team BraxtonMedia will be present to support the effort.

This is our second campaign to support the ADA and this year we walk in honor of Hazel Manfull. "Selfless. Hilariously funny. Remarkably generous. Passionate about family, with a fierce love for her children and grandchildren". These are all ways that Amy describes her beloved grandmother Hazel Manfull who passed away after a long struggle with Type 2 diabetes. Having spent her entire life caring for others, both as a licensed practical nurse, and as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, it seemed a cruel fate that she would spend her final years of life suffering from what, in Hazel’s case, evolved into a terrible and debilitating illness.

Diabetes is a disease that manifests itself in radically different ways. We are both encouraged by the promise that often lay in managing the illness, and alarmed by the devastating effects that come when one is unable to do so. In the case of Amy’s grandmother, the uncontrolled disease led to years of suffering from countless complications including violent swings in blood sugar, excruciatingly painful neuropathy, near blindness, inability to walk and manage basic self-care, and the eventual loss of a limb. Finally, after a long and painful struggle, Hazel’s pain ended on April 23, 2007. She is sorely missed every day by those who love her, and her premature departure serves as just one of many reasons why we must do all we can to eradicate this disease.

This year, team BraxtonMedia is proud to walk in the American Diabetes Association’s "Step Out for Diabetes" event on October 17. Poignantly, this year’s event will take place on October 17, which was Hazel’s birthday. We will walk that day in honor and in loving memory of her.

You can help by supporting our effort in the form of a donation. You can click here to make a donation directly to our team page on the ADA website and view our progress toward our fund raising goal of $500. Your company may also match your gift to the ADA. Click here for more information about corporate matching. If you would like to make a donation in person you can give your donation directly to a Team BraxtonMedia member in person. Receipts are issued and your donation is tax deductible as the ADA is a 501(C)3 charity.

This year I am asking friends and family to forgo buying a birthday present and/or card for me and to make a donation to support the Step Out to Fight Diabetes instead. Having lost both my maternal grandparents to complications stemming from diabetes, witnessed the onset of the disease in my mother and seeing the impact it has had on Amy’s family, this is a cause very close to my heart. I hope you will support our efforts.

Just over a year ago the nation was abuzz over who would then presidential candidate Barack Obama would choose as his vice president. I remember being excited to learn that Senator Biden would get the nod and wanted to be there in Springfield, Illinois when the two would be presented as the official ticket for the 2008 Election.

I made the drive from Chicago to Springfield in the early hours of August 23rd 2008 and napped in my car until a line began to form just outside the perimeter set up near the old state capital. I met a lot of inspiring people that day who had come from all over the nation to see Obama and Biden introduced. People from all walks of life were energized by the message Obama was delivering from one end of the country to the other.

I stood from five in the morning until two in the afternoon in oppressive heat, with very little water and no easily accessible bathroom for the honor of shaking the hands of the Obamas and the Bidens. I actually got the chance to shake all their hands and I took the following pictures.

Hopefully the images will serve as a reminder of the things we can achieve when we come together. The current divisive political climate is not what we voted for on either side. Even if we can’t agree on the best way forward we can shrug off the old fear tactics and mob mentality. Let’s hope that our statesmen can begin to make the small steps toward the bigger issues that will move this nation forward.

Dawn in Springfield

Finishing touches being made.

Security is tight.

Security briefing.

A future voter has come to hear Barack Obama speak.

The media staging area.

Sen. Dick Durbin gives an interview.

The mayor of Springfield gets the crowd ready.

The podium is ready.

Standing for hours and dying of thirst, help finally arrives.

And so does Barack Obama.

Barack Obama, up close and personal.

Joe Biden speaks.

Obama looks on.

And so do the snipers.

More snipers.

The executive branch.

A nice shot of Barack Obama.

Another nice shot of Barack and Michelle just seconds before I shake their hands.

Rules to be followed.

The end of an historic day.

The end of a perfect week and I am sitting here wondering what to do with my weekend. The blessing and curse of living in Chicago is that there is so much to do and so little time. If I had time I would definitely revisit the Chicago Botanic Garden. My friend Mike mentioned that he took a ride up to the garden last weekend and it brought back memories of the 385 acres of horticultural splendor. I have a ton of pictures from my last flora, wine and cheese event up there so I am going to share them with you. Just so you can see the natural beauty that this place provides. If you have never been, by all means check it out.

I don’t remember the names of most of the flowers, maybe you can help me with that part. Have a great weekend and enjoy these images. Even better visit the Chicago Botanic Garden for yourself before winter hides the beauty of this attraction away. They are open evenings until nine and are located at 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022. Give them a call and ask how you can support the Botanic Garden by making a donation (847) 835-5440. It’s worth it.

Thanks for viewing my photos. See you next week.

Id like to believe that just a few hours ago a very confused Edward Kennedy stepped off a train. Confused because he couldn’t recall getting on a train. Disembarking at a stunning train station like none he had ever seen before he has no baggage and does not know where he is. Having a busy schedule for the morning he wades through the crowd to find a public phone since he has no cell phone or any belongings for that matter. In the crowd ahead he sees a face that he has not seen in decades. He wipes his eyes in disbelief as Joe Kennedy stretches out his arms to hug his son. Not a good to see you hug but the hug only a father can give to a confused child shaken up by happenings. They embrace and Joseph Kennedy’s arms recoil just enough for Teddy to see Eunice looking on in the distance. She is curious to see how her younger brother accepts the truth that she awakened to just weeks ago.

This crowded train station isn’t filled with strangers, but with family that have gone on before him. The Kennedy curse has granted him the unexpected benefit, many familiar faces to welcome him into the afterlife.

Just beyond the station there is the gate that we all hope to cross over. St. Peter stands there with the rolodex of the ages before him granting worthy souls access to heaven. It is not for me to say if Edward Moore Kennedy’s voice is among the heavenly host at this very moment singing the praises of our lord. I can only hope that he is, as he and his family has been an inspiration since I was just a little boy.

God’s speed Teddy. Rest in peace.

Chicagoland Cemeteries | History Mystery and Scandals

With all the bad press surrounding the Burr Oak tragedy Chicago graveyards have really been portrayed in a really negative light lately. You can call me weird if you like but local cemeteries have always been a treasured and entertaining get away for me.
Here are a few shots I have taken on Cemetery walks over the past couple years. See any names you recognize? You should, Chicagoland graveyards are steeped in history mystery and scandals so I am sure a couple of these will spark your interest in the local graveyards. If so maybe we can keep more watchful eyes on our loved ones final resting places and prevent tragedies like Burr Oak from happening again.

History

George Pullman: He gave us the Pullman rail car and indirectly sparked the African-American migration north by providing jobs to blacks as porters on the railroad. These porters brought word of more favorable conditions and manufacturing jobs to their brethren in the south and the migration was on. You can visit the Pullman neighborhood which was originally the company town where workers who built the railcars lived.

Louis Sullivan: Mentor to Frank Lloyd Wright, creator of the skyscraper and the “father of modernism”. Just walk throughdowntown and you see Sullivan’s impact on our city to this day. The Jewelers building, the old Carson Pirie Scott store and the Auditorium building are just a few of his local jems that helped distinguish the Chicago school of architecture.

Potter Palmer: State Street that great street owes a lot to Potter Palmer. His “woman centric” retail business practices were years ahead of his time. Have you ever slept in the Palmer House Hilton? Before there was Hilton… there was Palmer.

Mystery

Chicago is a haunted town no doubt about it. From Resurrection Mary to Batchelor’s Grove to the ghosts of the Eastland that haunt the banks of the Chicago Riverand Excalibur, there is always something creepy going on in this town outside of city hall. My favorite is the Italian Bride.

The Italian Bride: The legend says Julia Buccola Petta died in child birth. She was buried in her wedding dress and a life sized likeness of her stands above her gravesite. Julia’s mother Filomena Buccola began having dreams that her daughter was still alive shortly after Julia’s death. After six years of these tormenting dreams the family exhumed the body to find that Julia had not decayed at all. It looked like she was merely sleeping. An image of her wedding day and her body in casket six years after burial appear on her grave stone. You honestly can’t tell she was buried for years in between.

Scandal

Chicago has come light-years beyond the days where mob tours were the local tourist attraction. However we cannot deny some of our more infamous historic citizens. You know the names, I don’t need to elaborate. Just remember all fall short of the glory of God before you speak ill of the departed.

Hope you enjoyed the pictures. If you would like to visit these sites as well check out Graceland Cemetary and Mount Carmel Cemetary for more information. However, the point of the article is that all cemeteries have significance and we should not let them be taken for granted. If you like this post let me know. I have tons more pics to post of area cemeteries.

Help wanted. Savvy local blogger seeks talented multimedia aficionado(s) to help push content to BraxtonMedia.com by predetermined deadlines. Must love non-linear editing and graphic design as well as be a talented writer. Please be a resident of Chicago who is able to meet at a downtown Starbucks for brainstorming sessions. Balance between socialite and techie recluse a plus.
No pay… no pay… no pay. So why sign on? Well this website has allowed me to develop and showcase very marketable skills over the years as well as build a strong social network. Those opportunities in these tough economic times can be the feather in your cap that lands you the job you want and/or opens doors inaccessible to you before. It has certainly done well for me and I would like to share that opportunity with you.
I am sitting on a couple hours of footage from Glamorama and a really awesome story focusing on the history and mystery of Chicagoland cemeteries. I wanted to post this positive look at local grave yards to contrast the tragedy at Burr Oak. I haven’t pushed any of it to the web because I work a full time job and am trying to tear myself away from the computer more often to tend to interpersonal relationships that have been suffering as of late.
I’ve known I needed help with operations here on the website if I am going to continue to grow the site and publish the type of quality content I hope to achieve. I just didnt admit it to myself until now. So with that said, any takers? Email me and let’s meet in the loop to discuss the scope of things to come.

I present to you images from the 2009 Glamorama! This was a great show for a great cause (benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities). We had a great time today and want to thank the Macy’s staff (especially Kamal Bosamia, Media Relations Manager) for allowing us access to your amazing event. Ne-Yo rocked the house and The New Standards laid down an awesome cover of "Toxic" for the ladies to prance to.

Marc Jacobs, Max Mara, Sonia Rykiel, SportMax, Just Cavalli, CNC Costume National and Jean Paul Gaultier showcased amazing selections from their lines and no PHILOSOPHY di Alberta Ferretti was not a no show. I have no comment on the men from Papi, just watch the video when I post it.

Anyway, enough babbling… I have afterparties to go to. Enjoy the photography and look for the video Monday in the new episode of TheDaily.

[Update 8/26/09] Little did I know my images were flying across the page in some browsers. I updated the post to keep them in place and I envite you to head over to my YouTube channel to check out video clips from Glamorama as well. I have one posted featuring collections from Marc Jacob, Max Mara and Sportmax as well as a performance by Ne Yo. More to come as I can edit the footage.

All Images ©BraxtonMedia

Been a good week here at BraxtonMedia. My story on the homeless situation seemed to get a lot of traction. That is very important to me because I realize that in these tough times the least of us are very easy to overlook.

I’m really excited right now. I just got back from the Glamorama run through rehearsal. It’s gonna be an awesome show! The best part is that it helps a great cause. For more information on check out Macy’s Glamorama online or Ronald McDonald House. Photo from the event will be posted Saturday and video included in TheDaily update this Monday.

I’m pretty excited about the new direction of the website. The new format allows me to share photo journalistic projects and put my new media skills to good use. Coverage of the Bear’s Family Day scrimmage and Macy’s Glamorama are just the beginning. Just starting to network and feel for projects I can colaborate on. Stay tuned.

I hope to get back from the Glamorama after parties early enough to catch Rep. Davis’ 7th district town hall at Malcom X College tomorrow morning. All this health care debate has really gotten away from the actual issue and I’m in the mood for some issue driven debate.

That’s all for this evening. I gotta get ready for the event tonight… keep up with me on Twitter and like I said, look for goodies on the site tomorrown and Monday.

Well, really the headline act is NeYo but I will be in the building as well as Macy’s presents its annual Glamorama to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities. This years fashion event includes collections from CNC Costume, Jean Paul Gaultier, Just Cavalli, Marc Jacobs, Max Mara, Sonia Rykiel, SportMax and PHILOSOPHY di Alberta Ferretti.

This will be my frist fashion event since my own days as a clothes hanger (model) so I am really excited but still have no clue what to wear. I put it out there that I needed advice and got zero feed back (thanks alot readers). I suppose Amy was right to tell me not to worry about it. Although we were able to score press passes to the dress rehersal and tickets to the show, we were left out of the swank afterparty. I guess I will have my own afterparty with the beautiful people over at the ROOF afterwards to keep the beautiful people fix going.

I can see it now, videographers and photographers with hundreds of thousands of dollars of equipment lined up next to little old me with my prosumer Cannon camera and miniDV camcorder. Who cares, its not the equipment.. its how you use it no? Look for video and photos from the even posted to the blog next week.

This week’s TheDaily video episode touches on a growing concern for Chicago and our nation…Homelessness. People living on the street is quickly becoming more widespread in these tough economic times. I took the video camera out and in the span of an hour found fifteen people in the downtown Chicago area. There were people sleeping on bus stops, in cardboard boxes and in one case there was a man in a sleeping bag just outside the doors to Macy’s flagship State St. store.

My concern is not for the panhandlers and hustlers you see on the streets everyday. If they can show up on the same spot every day begging for money, they can show up at a job everyday. I am specifically referencing the guy outside Cosi on Franklin and Washington shaking his cup of change to a beat in his head and the people manning the westbound bridges over the river. Case in point. Working in the loop I see the panhandlers turn out specifically on opera nights to beg for money. If they can plan ahead to hit the opera crowd they have the basic skills to hold an entry level job somewhere.

The concern of this post are the estimated 21,000 homeless on the Chicago streets every night. These statistics include an estimated 7,000 unaccompanied youths out there alone every night with no safe haven. National statitics say that 25% of America’s homeless suffer from chronic mental illness. They don’t have the faculties to lift themselves out of poverty without help. But what do we do to help people who don’t know they need help or in some cases, don’t want it? I leave that question for better minds than mine.

For more information on the state of the homless situation in Chicago and how you can help check out the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. They were the source for my research on this story.