When I was a young girl growing up in Bridgeport the streets ran rampid with "gang bangers" and "hillbillies" which, at the time, was just the way of life until my (then) best friend's brother was killed just blocks from my home. (That's when my parents decided that we would move it on up...)

Now that I've grown up, I realize that Bridgeport wasn't normal; it was a breeding ground for hatred and racism. I guess that's why it's a little hard for me to grasp how, not more than 12 years later, my sketchy little Irish/Italian neighborhood has become "The community of the Future".

The title is a tongue-in-cheek reference coined by the people over at indie arts and culture rag, Lumpen Magazine, who also house their headquarters/art space, "The Co-Prosperity Sphere", in up-and-coming hood.

Last week, the space hosted Snowball, a fundraiser for Version, their annual spring arts fest. The event had everything you could ever want: live music, 80's karaoke and a wild spaceship ride in the basement (...the ride alone was worth the 7 dollar entry fee).

While I'm sure the lifelong residents aren't really happy about the influx of coffee shops, condos and art kids, I think this is a really positive change for the neighborhood. I hope that other Chicagoans feel the same way or at least make an effort to see what a real "artsy" neighborhood should look like.

I will say that Bridgeport is probably the poor man's Wicker Park (now) but like the kids said, albeit jokingly, it is truly going to be THE community of the future.

Here's what you missed/have to look forward to...

It's been two weeks since the new year has begun and I am finally putting up pictures from the party I went to.(If I believed in resolutions, I would probably resolve to post in a more timely manner but I don't so you're kind of out of luck...) This year, like most others, I dodged the overpriced party scene and frugally rang in 2008 at People Projects, a local art/music space. I drank cheap champagne til' the wee hours and hung out with great friends, it was awesome. Here are some pictures from throughout the night...

Adorable, even with tape on her fames.

Oh, Michael!

You may remember the girl on the right for her role as Hitler's other half but I think, from this day forward, she'll be better known for being one of the NYE poncho twins.All jokes aside, ponchos are the shit! I have three, none of which are as elaborate as the above, but I wear them to death and I owe the inspiration for my obsession to a girl I spotted at the Eskell opening party with a really cute one on.

I love him for many reasons but the fact that he always coordinates his headband with his outfit is high on the list.

A housecoat with big, black boots makes me feel awkward.It looks like she's hiding something really sexy under her grandma's nightgown which is a little weird to me. Take away all the black and I think this would be a really cute dress...for spring (i mean, summer and belted).

Evilolive, usually full of suburban meatheads and eurotrash, was jam packed full of the city's hipster elite for the 'Booty Up' pre-Christmas bash.Kids in stone washed denim, Cosby sweaters and intentionally mismatched outfits juked their hearts out ‘til 4 a.m. to music provided by Autobot, Zebo and MY!GAY!HUSBAND! This was, by far, the best time I have ever had at Evilolive. I 'm sure if they keep booking good DJ’s this will be the spot. Which for me means, that after a night out dancing, I can pick up my 2 a.m. burrito from Pasadita and be home in my sweat suit in less than 10 minutes.

I like this dress, a lot, but I think she got lost and ended up at the wrong bar.