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Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on January 10, 2007, 12:20:27 am Welcome!
Autumn, 2008 - QUICK NOTES::coffee2: (http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa23/cVitaNoble/OnVacation-2.jpg) Hi Readers, In all of 2007, I've entertained many of you with a good part of the abridged version of Murda/ Urban Gangstas. Nearly all of you know that the story is currently offline for revisions. Below are the first ten chapters of the story. After that, please go to my website for more information. Thanks. [/FONT][/SIZE] (http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa23/cVitaNoble/Murda-UrbanGangstas-VitaNoble-c2007.jpg) $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ WARNING: This is a very dark, gritty and different kind of urban tale. It's also a coming-of-age story. Many of the situations involve juvenile justice, the cocaine cartel, man-woman relationships, family violence, abortion, spiritual and gender orientation preferences, various addictions, and the politics of poverty. Characters, like real people, are emotionally complex and have many points of view. There is also depth and humor in this mystery story. In short, it's a feast for the thinking person. Ready? Don't bother to buckle up. It won't save you. Now let's ride with the Bad Boys...[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] (http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa23/cVitaNoble/00-IntroMajorCharacters-GrayBG.jpg) $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ MURDA/ URBAN GANGSTAS: THE TRICKLE DOWN THEORY OF MURDER By Vita Noble, c2007 - 2008 [/B] CHAPTER 1 - RAHEEM[/B] (http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa23/cVitaNoble/01-Raheem-Portrait1HS.jpg) [/SIZE]My name is Raheem. I run the dope game in this city. I need to order a hit. It's about time to punch Crazy 8's clock. Lemme see how my best dealer handles it. (http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa23/cVitaNoble/01-Ronnie-Portrait1HS.jpg) His name is Ronnie, and I'll send him with a regular from my hit squad. It'll be fun to see what happens. **************************** CHAPTER 2 - RONNIE: ASSIGNMENT: KILL OR COLLECT FROM CRAZY 8[/COLOR][/B] (http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa23/cVitaNoble/02-Ronnie-PittbullHitOnCrazy8.jpg) We found him where I knew he'd be, 'cause I know him well. He's a friend. "Death is free, homie, but not the crack rock," Pitbull said to Crazy 8, "but your homeboy Ronnie wants me to show you mercy. You get two hours to get all the cheeze you owe Raheem." **************************** CHAPTER 3 - CRAZY 8: CRAZY 8 COMMITS HOMICIDE[/COLOR][/B] (http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa23/cVitaNoble/03-WitnessDadsMurda.jpg) Another black-on-black crime in another 'hood. ********************* CHAPTER 4 - KAREEM: KAREEM & KHALID'S TRAUMA[/COLOR][/B] (http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa23/cVitaNoble/04-Kareem-DaddysDead.jpg) "Oh no! Daddy's dead!" ********************* CHAPTER 5 - RONNIE: WHEN THE NEWS IS PERSONAL[/COLOR][/B] (http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa23/cVitaNoble/05-Ronnie-ChanDidYouHearNews.jpg) Chan's as law-abiding as they come and even works a 9 to 5. I've known him from back in the day when I was locked up in juvenile for a burglary. He wasn't bad or hard. He was stuck there on a lame weed possession charge because he had a lame free public attorney who barely knew his name in court and a judge who was locking up everyone that day. Chan was a light-weight, pretty gay boy of mixed black and Asian ancestry who didn't know anyone or belong to a crew. Once in juvie, he tried to fake that he was straight so he wouldn't get raped. (http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa23/cVitaNoble/05-Chan-Unsafe-Juvie.jpg) Other people's problems aren't usually a concern of mine, but he was my new cellmate and asked for help. "Ronnie," he said on his second night, "I'm scared here. I don't know nobody, and one guy, well, he gives me the creeps. A couple others been looking at me funny too, like they wanna get with me. Can you watch my back?" "Nuh-uh," I replied. I was trying to go to sleep. Screw him and his dumb-assed problems. Let him fight his own battles. "Why not?", he demanded. "Too much trouble," I answered. "Gangbanging and burglaries are my thang, not bodyguarding." "Can I join your gang? Just while I'm in juvie?" I laughed and went to sleep. The next day I walked in on three loser slimeballs who had dragged Chan into the bathroom. They were just getting started to party with his body. He was terrified, and shoulda been. They were planning to pull a train on him. I had done some bad things in my life, but I ain't never been down with rape. I also didn't think much of the azzholes who had him cornered. I had mercy and placed him under my protection. I lied, saying he was mine, and they'd have to fight me for him or back off. (http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa23/cVitaNoble/05-MyBodyguard.jpg) They did, and suddenly I was somebody's hero. We ran into each other almost three years ago. I was waiting in line at the movie theatre with a some girl. I don't recall her name. Chan wanted to know where he could score some good weed. I told him I could hook him up, and to swing by my crib. I have a wide variety of homeboyz and associates, but Chan ain't nothin' like the usual brothas I chill with. When he came by, I learned he'd been to community college, works as a hairdresser by day, and bartends at night. He also reads a lot and volunteers at some clinic one evening per week. I became his weed connection. Our frequent contact rekindled our old juvie friendship. I guess it's all good, 'cause it's opened my mind to different world. I've learned things from him by association. We chill about once a month. Today Chan invited me over for an early dinner. He can also cook his azz off. "Ronnie, man, did you hear the news? Another drug-related murder last night! Some crackhead robbed and killed a man, right in front of his kids! They're going to catch this one. He had a big dragon snake tattoo on his chest, and he was too dumb to wear a shirt!" (http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa23/cVitaNoble/05-Ronnie-ChanDinnerKitchen.jpg) I instantly knew who did it and why. I didn't tell this to Chan. He has no idea I'm still playin' the gangbang game, only that I bring him the best cannabis money can buy. ********************* CHAPTER 6 - RONNIE: MONEY OVER MORALS[/COLOR][/B] (http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa23/cVitaNoble/06-Ronnie-PittbullCar.jpg) I hooked up with Pittbull after I left Chan's. He ain't my friend, just one of Raheem's killas on the hit squad. I don't do murders. My specialty is numbers and negotiating deals. Pitbull said, "Ronnie, we got paid, so stop sweatin' it. The heat ain't gonna be on us, and they ain't gonna be working too hard to figure out who murked that rent-a-cop 'cause they don't really care about one more dead brotha. Besides, it ain't like we knew what Crazy 8 was gonna do." He had a point. "We shoulda done him in the first place," he added, "considering how he lied that he was back to only smoking weed and woos and Raheem gave him another chance to deal again. We were too nice and lucky as hell Raheem didn't find out that Eight did the murda, ya know? He's a fly-under-the-radar kinda gangsta. Next time Crazy 8 messes up, we'll just deep-six him like we were told. Now roll us a fat jay and chill." ********************* CHAPTER 7 - RONNIE: POLITICAL EYES MISS NOTHING[/COLOR][/B] (http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa23/cVitaNoble/07-PoliticalEyesMissNothing.jpg) I learned long ago when I was recruited in 7th grade that gangbanging and drug dealing, like politics, makes for strange relationships. I learned the game and my eyes don't miss nothing. ********************* CHAPTER 8 - RONNIE & CRAZY 8: COCAINE MAKES US CANNIBALS[/COLOR][/B] I keep my friends close to me, but my enemies closer. Crazy 8 is both, 'cause I love him like a foster brother, but I can't trust him no more, and he really shouldn't trust me. I'm mad as hell at him for killing that man in front of his kids. He didn't have to take from them what he never had himself. I hooked up with him asap at the bar he likes. (http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa23/cVitaNoble/08-Ronnie-Crazy8WeAreAllCannibals.jpg) "There weren't no kids around when I blew away that security guard," Crazy 8 explained. "He was using the ATM machine when I jacked him, and he had what I needed. Money. He tried to pull his gun on me! It was him or me. Why you care about him anyway, Ronnie? Y'all didn't care about me, and he was just a step down from being a cop." I said, "Whatevah, you lyin', and you know I'll have to put a slug in you if you short Raheem again. He'll eat us both alive if we F up." Crazy 8 just smiled. "Don't matter," he replied. "It's a dawg eat dawg world. Cocaine makes us all cannibals." I studied him, thinkin' about this. He says stuff like this all the time. Crazy 8 added, "Let's go hustle pool. Winner gets dinner. I want the ribs 'n fries." It's a mind thing. He won. **************************** CHAPTER 9 - RONNIE: DREAMS OF ESCAPE[/COLOR][/B] This recent situation totally F's up my head. I try not think about it. See, I never actually killed nobody before. I've beaten, cut and even shot rivals who've crossed our crew to keep 'em check, but this recent assignment to do a hit on a homie was a test that blew my mind. I'm in it too deep and there's no way out, except taking the geographic cure of relocating. This is almost unthinkable 'cause I love my 'hood, and this city is all I've ever known. Iraq looked good after 9/11, but Uncle Sam took a pass on me after I admitted I'd been juvenile delinquent and had tried drugs, even though my test scores were great, especially in math. They so stupid. My late uncle uncle did all the same knuckle-headed stuff I did when he was a teen, but they took him and everybody else for Vietnam. He said it made a man out him, and he came back a hero. I ain't a soldier, but I am a soulja - for Raheem's Army. (http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa23/cVitaNoble/73-10-Ronnie-Soldier.jpg) I chill with a little weed a few times a week but really don't do drugs or drink. As a dealer, I gotta stay fresh, but more importantly, I like to be alert. This is critical when you move cocaine by the bricks. My main escape from stress is music or sleep. Lately I've been having this cool, recurring dream of being in the Army, and I'm shooting pool. It beats shooting homeboyz, or them shooting the innocent. But who knows? Maybe war would be the same as gangbanging, just with uniforms, killing off the competition and the enemy, with innocent casualties as part of the game that men have always played. (http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa23/cVitaNoble/09A-Ronnie-UrbanGangstas-Chap9.jpg) **************************** CHAPTER 10 - KAREEM: CHOOSING THE WATERFALL[/COLOR][/B] (http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa23/cVitaNoble/13-Kareem-FamilyOldDays.jpg) My name is Kareem. Last week some crunked out thug murdered my father. In the photo, that's my dad, his girlfriend, me on the floor in the Ludacris shirt, and my slightly older brother Khalil sittin' next to me in the blue shirt. You can tell by looking at my father that he was a genuinely nice person you could trust. My mama was too from what they say, but she died giving birth to me. I found out about it accidentally when an aunt ran her mouth, and it hurt like hell. Aunt Bee, that's what I call her 'cause she's a real B, talked like it was my fault. I was only six. My father and my nice aunt had gone to great lengths to protect me from this awful truth, that my life caused my mama's death. Even my brother Khalil, who was eight at the time, cried 'cause he didn't know either. Daddy said don't mind her, she's had too much to drink and is just mad she lost her sister. He was forgiving like that. I ain't, and don't you forget it. My father raised us alone and struggled to do it. Like a lot of folks in our 'hood, I never understood why we were still poor even though he worked so much. My parents were too rich for welfare and free health insurance, and too poor to afford health care, which is another reason my mama died. They could only afford for her to see a doctor twice when she was pregnant with me, and thought everything would be okay like it was with my brother. My aunt knew this, and she had a little money to spare. She shoulda put it where her mouth is, instead of blaming me for murdering her sister. I hate her, and those gangstas running the big box stores who cheat hard working people out of health insurance by only allowing them to work a lot of part-time hours so they don't have provide it. They call it a business decision. I call it murda. What happened to her ain't much different from my father's, and I hate almost everybody now. On the night Daddy died, me 'n my brother went to meet him at his night job where he was a security guard. We heard the gunshots just before turning the corner, and somehow, I just knew. We froze. His killer walked away smiling, like he'd been doin' murdas all his life. All we could do was stand there helplessly until he was outta sight, or he'd have killed us too. He didn't realize we were his sons or he'd might have taken our lives too. I don't think he lives around here 'cause nobody knows of a guy with a big dragon serpent tattoo on his stomach and back. He must be an Eastside crackhead. (http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa23/cVitaNoble/13-Kareem-DadsKiller.jpg) Now Khalil and I are split up. He's lucky - he got to move in with our nice aunt. She said she didn't have space for me, but I think it's 'cause she likes Khalil better. He's quiet and always into the books. Now I'm stuck with I'm livin' with Aunt Bee. It's miserable. All I got left is my brother, memories, a few photos, and the goal to smoke Dad's killa. My teacher was right about goals. They're great and give you focus. That's about all I'll be focusing on until I get him. I even scratched out the commandment in my bible, 'thou shalt not kill.' This made my brother cry. I told him it don't apply here. God didn't care about our parents, me or my 'hood. I'm gonna join Jamal's crew. He runs the junior dope boys and his boss is some guy named Raheem. They gonna be my new family and watch my back. Khalil says that's wrong. He's decided to be a cop when he's grown so he can find Daddy's killer. Bet I'll find the mo-fo faster. I get jumped in the gang soon, but I'll be fine, 'cause I can fight. I got heart, and soon, I'll be packing heat, too. (http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa23/cVitaNoble/13-Kareem-PortraitBrandNewMe.jpg) Daddy wouldn't approve if he knew, but he ain't alive to know, and I'm gonna hunt down the hoodrat that snuffed out his life or die trying. Part of the old Kareem already died with my dad. This is the brand new me. And I'll never be scared again. [/FONT] $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ MURDA/ URBAN GANGSTAS: You're only one click away from urbangangstas.com (http://urbangangstas.com). As of Jan 1, 2008, please visit my site for more information about chapter updates. Next Chapter: From Justice to Just Us: I Ain't Telling On Myself (http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa23/cVitaNoble/73-10-Ronnie-CourtEntrance.jpg) ******************************************* [/FONT][/SIZE]Murda/ Urban Gangstas, Strictly Gangsta Cartoons, and Short Stories For The Urban Soul are at my new site, urbangangstas.com (http://urbangangstas.com). (http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa23/cVitaNoble/Cartoons/Constipation-SpaceCat3.jpg) Also, find my ethnic, celebrity, & fantasy wallhangings and a cool house at my other site, gangstersims.com (http://gangstersims.com). $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ MURDA/ URBAN GANGSTAS: TABLE OF CONTENTS Early 2008 - Note: Quite a few of you enjoyed the first part of this story in 2007, and I enjoyed your feedback and learning how to write well. I removed the story off-line both here and at my on site last December, and took a long break. I finally decided to turn this into a real book. Since then, I've been re-writing it from the beginning, and I hope to sell the story. Have had a few nibbles but nothing definitive yet. You can view a very cool slide show of photos from the pics on my homepage, at urbangangstas.com (http://urbangangstas.com) which will give you hint of future chapters. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me thru my email address there. SECTION I Page 1: Raheem (1/2007) Page 2: Ronnie - Assignment: Kill or Collect From Crazy 8 Page 3: Crazy 8 - Homicide Page 4: Kareem - Kareem and Khalil's Trauma Page 5: Ronnie - When The News Is Personal Page 6: Ronnie - Money Over Morals Page 7: Ronnie - Political Eyes Miss Nothing Page 8: Ronnie & Crazy 8 - Cocaine Makes Us All Cannibals Page 9: Ronnie - Dreams Of Escape Page 10: Kareem - Choosing The Waterfall Page 11: Ronnie - Why Angels Fall Page 12: Crazy 8 - Gettin' Paid & Paybacks Page 13: Ronnie & Cheena - Perks Page 14: Raheem - The Waterfall, From Where It All Crashes Down Page 15: Chilli - Cheating Myself Page 16: Ronnie, Chan & Cheena - Love or Lust, Keep It Trill, Brotha Page 17: Junior - Raheem's First Seed Page 18: Jamal - The Second Son - Snitches Die Hard Page 19: Junior - Unholy Trinity Page 20: Ronnie - Three Little Lambs Page 21: Raheem - Raping His Mind Page 22: Khalil - Meeting The Devil Page 23: Junior - I Shall Fear No Evil Page 24: Raheem - Even When I Lose, I Win Page 25: Ronnie - Why Are Women So Complicated? (2/01-13/2007) SECTION II Page 26: Cheena - The Most Dangerous Place For A Black Male Ain't The Hood, It's The Womb Page 27: Ronnie - My Longest Night And Why Weed Is the Prozac Of The Ghetto Page 28: Junior - Family Time is F'ed Up Time Page 29: Junior - I Am My Brother's Keeper Page 30: Chan - Ronnie's View: You'll Always Be My Jailhouse B*tch Page 31: Ronnie - Stupid Sh*t Page 32: Chan - Wolves, Dogs, Bunny Rabbits And Spiders Page 33: Raven - A Brand New Me Page 34: The Witness Is A Rabbit Named Raven Page 36: Jamal - Locked Up In Juvie: My Awakening To A Nightmare Page 37: Junior & Jamal - When Elephants Fight, The Grass Gets Hurt Page 38: Junior - The Color Purple is Part of My Father's Rainbow (2/14/2007) Page 39: Jamal- Raheem's Lesson: Sink or Swim In the Current of My Corruption (2/14) Page 40: Junior - The Long Wet Road of Tears to the 12 Steps (2/14) Page 41: Ronnie - A Date Without Sex Is Like A Steak Without Salt (2/15) Page 42: Raven - Intentional Blindness ( 2/17) Page 43: Ronnie - A Walking Contradiction, Comes To A Fork In The Road Page 44: Junior - The Road To Hell Is Paved With Good Intentions (2/19) Page 45: Raheem's Assessment - So Crazy He Doesn't Even Know He's Crazy (2/19) Page 46: Junior - Jamal:The Trickle Down Theory of Murda (2/20) Page 47: Junior - Crazy Like A Fox (2/20) Page 48: Chan - We're All Connected By Deception (2/24) Page 49: Raven - Connected By Fate - I Live In A Little Cape Cod Style House (2/24/2007) Page 50: Ronnie - Connecting the Dots Connects Us All to Dynamite (2/24/2007) Page 51: Ronnie - I Can't Believe She's Still Breathing (2/26) SECTION III Page 52: Raven - The Cops Ain't In the Babysitting Business (3/01) Page 53: Chan - We're All Guilty of Something (3/01) Page 54: Kareem - Finding The Rabbit's Hole (3/01) Page 55: Raven - Not With a Whimper, But A Bang (3/03/2007) Page 56: Chan - Bittersweet Justice (3/03/2007) Page 57: Junior - My Father's Poisoned Fruit Didn't Fall Far From the Tree (3/14) Page 58: Junior - I Looked To The Sky And I Asked God Why (3/14/2007) Page 59: Ronnie - Survivors Play 'Em Hard & Land On Their Feet (4-08-2007) Page 60: Raheem - Junior: Murda Is Like Stepping On Roaches (4/13/2007) Page 61: Raheem - Thoughts About Solutions To Survival, Over Coffee And Chocolate (4/14/2007) Page 62: Kareem - Night Sweats - It Ain't My Fault If You're Infected (4/18/2007) Page 63: Chan - Quicksand Kisses (4/23/2007) Page 64: Ronnie - Descent Into Hedonism (4/27/2007) Page 65: Ronnie - A Different Shade of the Color Purple (4/30/2007) Page 66: Kareem - Even My Doctors Wish I Was Dead (5/04) Page 67: Ronnie - Falling On Ghetto Land Mines (5/10) Page 68: Chan - Mother's Day Special: Catching My Lover When He Falls (5/13/2007) Page 69: Che - Buck Wild And Livin' La Vida Loca (5/20/2007) Page 70: Cheena - My Enemy Is My Friend (5/25/2007) Page 71: Ronnie - My Friend Is My Enemy (5/25/2007) SECTION IV Page 72: Junior & Rita - Always And Forever 9/10/2007) Page 73: THE FREEDOM AIN'T FREE MEGA-CHAPTER: Part 1, Rita: It's Indestructible (6/16/2007) Part 2, Jamal: Surfing On The Waves Of Everyone's Corruption (6/19/2007) Part 3, Raven: Falling In Love With The V.I. (6/19/2007) Part 4, Junior: Family Love, Ghetto Style (6/21/2007) Part 5, Ronnie: A Link To My Past & A Strategy For The Present (7/01/2007) Part 6, Che: Hittin' The Back Door (7/05/2007) Part 7, Raheem: Even The Devil Has Parenting Problems (7/052007) Part 8, Chan: Between A Rock and Hard Place (9/02/2007) Part 9, Raven: The Road Splits In The Courtroom (10/23/2007) Part 10, Ronnie: I Ain't Telling On Myself (coming) To be continued.... Note: The characters are a compilation of attitudes and/or situations I've encountered in my life, family, and work as a black helping professional, but are not about specific people. The story is about the subculture of crime and drugs in black urban neighborhoods, but could be anywhere, from sea to shining sea. In memory to all my people lost to the lunacy. [/SIZE] Copyright by Vita Noble 2007 [/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR][/B]All rights are protected by U.S. and International copyright laws. Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: starlucid on January 10, 2007, 06:54:18 pm Wow! this is great I'm subscribing to this one right now!
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on January 10, 2007, 09:21:07 pm Starlucid, thank you for complements! [/FONT]Raheem and the crew appreciates that you want to kick it wit 'em again. (http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a381/vita4all/Raheem-GoingToWork.jpg) [/SIZE]A Master Gangsta, Chasing the Cheese Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Ali Xavier on January 17, 2007, 10:52:39 am Mom, This is a tight story, and I can tell you've been listening to me and my crew over the years. I can't wait to see what happens next. If you get a movie deal, I want to play Jamal. I can do it too, you know that. I'll hit your hood tomorrow for your birthday.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Dinki on January 17, 2007, 02:48:48 pm Whoa! I like that! Though I`ll never understand some specifics. But it`s fascinating. I`ll be watching this story.
Hats off for you, Vita. Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: starlucid on January 18, 2007, 09:04:28 pm Just amazing Vita! I could easily see this as a movie.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Yorvi on January 29, 2007, 09:57:19 am This was a good story..I enjoyed reading it..And the pics are so creative,lol
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: starlucid on January 31, 2007, 05:20:24 am oh my this was a sad sad update. It's almost like a freight train to disaster. Especially that chapter on his girlfriend first getting pregnant, abortion then prostitution ugh.....it really sucks because he actually appears to love her in his own way...incredible writing as usual. Looking forward to the next chapter
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on February 01, 2007, 07:16:50 am Thanks Dinki, Applekissis, Beosboxboy, Ali and Starlucid, and others (you know who you are). So far I PM everyone personally (or email when they prefer) who leaves a comment, because feedback is a gift that makes me want to continue giving.
Starlucid - Hugs and appreciation for your encouragement! On your last comment, yes, the endless miscommunication between people leads to disasters... on a personal and social level. This is the heart of the story, Ronnie and Cheena could be the poster couple for how men and women think about relationships differently (the war of the sexes), especially when they're young, but so could Raheem and his Junior over religious differences and values (social vs. antisocial). Conflict is an opportunity to grow. But it ain't easy and it ain't over. Heh-heh-heh. Applekissis - Glad you enjoyed the photos as well... Many came from game play, but I had to put a lot of time in others setting up scenes to match the story. It actually takes more time to do this than to create/write the story. I thank Beosboxboy (again) for recoloring Marvine's Slim Body Builder (SBB) suits for me into amazing Gangsta Suits, and the tip on how to use Adobe Photoshop better which helped me to recolor one (see below). This also helped me learn how to do special effects in photos with Adobe. He plans to do more so keep an eye out for his amazing outfits. Dinki - Thanks again from my heart, from one writer to another. Ali - (my son) Thanks for helping me keep it real and keeping them hard... although you'd consider Ronnie is a bit soft in his reaction to Cheena's playin' him and losing her and their baby. Word up brotha, he's human. (smile) For my readers who don't know, the anti-hero gangsta who you love to hate, Raheem, is wearing a first recoloration by me where I use Adobe and the polygonal lasso tool, available here, along with links to Beosboxboy's suits: White Gangsta SBB Suit with Black Shirt and White Tie (http://www.insimenator.org/showthread.php?t=35692) (http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a381/vita4all/vita4all-RecolorationOfBeosboxboySu.jpg) Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: umacee7 on February 01, 2007, 07:38:59 am I can't wait to read more . Your very good writer
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: xxJessicaxx on February 01, 2007, 09:09:05 am Wow, it took me a while to read the whole story, but great job! :D
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Elven_Song on February 01, 2007, 10:24:34 am Awesome story! I luv it! :D
The whole idea was a bit confusing at first, figuring out who all the characters were and that, but now it's really getting interesting. Keep going! ^^ Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: starlucid on February 01, 2007, 11:33:34 am This is a very good story It takes awhile to get a hang of all the action but once you do your hooked!
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on February 02, 2007, 06:55:35 am Umacee, Jessica0410, Elven_Song, and Starlucid - Hugs for your feedback yesterday!
Readers in General - For a couple hours yesterday, I apologize for a proof-reading error. Remember the chapter where Ronnie was sweating over Cheena dumping him and having the abortion? A few times I mistakingly used the name Chilli (Raheem's girl), instead of Cheena. This was undoubtably confusing. Sorry! Elven - the point your made about it taking awhile to figure out who all the characters are was helpful. I'm working on a cast of characters photo-thingy for the beginning of the story. This feedback was valuable - and helped me catch the proof-reading error. Thank you! Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Veckah on February 02, 2007, 07:13:38 pm I just found this story today Vita and I must say, WOW. Truly fantastic.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: xoJessi on February 02, 2007, 07:30:37 pm I'm lovin the story Vita!! Keep up the suspense.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: starlucid on February 02, 2007, 10:58:51 pm Leave it to Daddy to corrupt his son Raheem. I liked the humor I guess because even when life is tragic there has to be something even if it's just a small tiny thing that keeps him hanging in there.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Elven_Song on February 03, 2007, 12:04:28 am Glad I could help Vita, especially for an awesome story like this! :D I usually catch that kind of stuff in stories, because proof reading is one of my forte's, but I really didn't notice other than a passing thought.
The character photoshoot (I believe that's the word you were searching for) will be great to see, because with my wandering mind it's hard to keep up, it just moves from one character to the next and I get lost! haha. Well, that's just me, I really should be tested for ADD or something. Keep it up! The story's kickin'! Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on February 03, 2007, 07:16:52 am Starlucid - Yeah, Raheem, like the Devil, has a sense of humor that's part of his manipulative personality. You'll see a little more of this in the future. I did an awful lot of re-writing with the first 15 chapters, so I don't know if it was there when you read it, or caught the joke, but there was that one bloody scene where Raheem takes Junior along with him where they've kidnapped a hard-as-nails, gangta-turned-snitch (Weedman, a very minor character).
Weedman laughed at Raheem (whose nickname is Satan) for having a son who was soft, saying, "you shot a blank with that one, Raheem." The last thing Raheem said to Weedman before killing him was, "tell Junior's grandfather Lucifer I said hi." (http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a381/vita4all/UnholyTrinity2.jpg) That was a subtle, cruel joke for Junior's benefit, who cried in 2nd grade when he learned of his father's demonic reputation, and was beaten and punched hard enough to send him flying through a storm glass door by Raheem for crying in public at school when teased about it. It also illustrates that he's sociopathic enough that he could care less of the last words his victim hears. A lot of my stuff is very, very subtle, like the picture (above) of the woman in bondage with scars on her back in the murda scene, representing a cruel domination of women that's part of the gangsta lifestyle, or the poster (below) of the burning doghouse in the chapter, My Brother's Keeper. That one represents the family, and how one brother, Che (center photo), unconsciously understands this, or he wouldn't have the poster on his bedroom wall. The poster is also a Tarot card, also hints at where Che might be searching for answers, as opposed to the Bible where Junior searches for his answers. I love symbolism and exploring how people figure out the world. (http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a381/vita4all/Kareem-StrungOutOnEcstacy.jpg) I also know about flying through glass doors, having run through one myself at the age of four while playing cops and robbers (for real, lol). Fortunately, I wasn't left with scars... Elven_Song - Thanks again, because constructive criticism helps me improve the story. I'm part of the way through the photo shoot. Below is a draft of the major male adult characters (females and teens to come later). It's tricky because there are characters yet to be expanded on, or a few I haven't introduced. Heh-heh, I'm lovin' this. Also, like you, I know about ADHD. My flight through through the glass door as a kid was only the beginning....lol. (http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a381/vita4all/MajorGangstas5.jpg) Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Elven_Song on February 03, 2007, 01:51:53 pm lol! :D
Yep. I have yet to run into a glass door, but that may be because we don't have one around (thank goodness). The photoshoot looks good so far. I'm already starting to understand the story/characters a bit more. Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: scissorhappy on February 07, 2007, 06:00:06 pm i started reading this & honestly didnt expect that an hour and a half later I would be upset that it ended. I really hope you are able to finish this & print it. I will be watching for it. I have to know how this all ends. I cant say enough how captivated I was by this story. thank you for sharing it with us.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on February 07, 2007, 06:21:02 pm Scissorhappy,
LOL! This story ain't hardly finished! As long as it says To be continued... keep coming back! *still laughing with joy from making a reader happy* Thanks for the wonderful compliment. It's fuel in my tank. Edit: I moved the "To be continued..." sentence up higher so readers will notice. Sorry! Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Elven_Song on February 07, 2007, 11:39:36 pm Those last chapters were awesome! I love the development with Chan. It adds just the littlest bit more depth to the story to make it even better. ^^ Can't wait to see what's next!
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: starlucid on February 08, 2007, 12:44:52 am Absolutely! I'm with Elven song one of your best chapters! Vita you are so good you just seem to get better with each chapter.
the whole spider web thing very appropriate for this chapter too! Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Veckah on February 08, 2007, 01:47:04 am Vita, the update was amazing, you put me in awe. Thank you for sharing with us, I can't wait for more.
Thanks for the heads up also, I appreciate it very much. Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Veckah on February 10, 2007, 01:38:42 pm Wonderful
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Cinamun on February 11, 2007, 10:59:02 pm Havent caught up on everything but so far this story is very captivating.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: starlucid on February 12, 2007, 09:11:41 am Great, Great update! Was so sad he finally writes something with heart and soul but of course dad has to tear it up!
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on February 12, 2007, 09:05:59 pm Thank you all for taking tht time to leave a comment...not only for the strong compliments, but for the constructive criticism you've PM'd or emailed to me, which helps me improve this story for your pleasure. Hugs to you all!
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Elven_Song on February 12, 2007, 09:26:40 pm Wow, that last ch. was great! I just can't stay away! ^^ I like that saying, "When two elephants fight, the grass get's hurt.". That's really true. Everything you do in your community works like the domino effect, one falls down and the whole thing goes down with it.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: antitheftmilk on February 13, 2007, 05:08:14 am AHH!!!! Cliffhanger!!!! More!! More!!!! Please? Very very good.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on February 14, 2007, 05:21:26 pm Ahh yes, cliffhangers are the spice of life. You wanted more? You got it!
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: starlucid on February 14, 2007, 11:40:53 pm ooh I like his new girlfriend! Finally a normal woman?
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: dangermouse on February 16, 2007, 06:35:14 am Just found this, and I'm liking it. I'll be keeping up with this story :)
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Veckah on February 16, 2007, 11:11:35 am Wonderful update again Vita!
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on February 17, 2007, 03:29:46 pm Many thanks to all who took a moment to leave me a comment in the past few days.
Starlucid: In response to your question, "finally a normal woman?", well, yes - Raven, also known as Rae-Rae, is a 9 to 5 professional woman with a degree, BUT, Raven, has dropped into Ronnie's life with a twist: 1. She's the best female friend of Ronnie's one and only long-term, secret gay lover, Chan. 2. She's the abortion counselor for Ronnie's ex-girlfriend, Cheena. Ronnie regrets Cheena having the abortion. 3. She the sole witness to a murder by Raheem's son, Jamal, who is locked up in juvie. Ronnie works for Raheem, as you know. None of the parties involved - Ronnie, Chan, Raheem, Cheena, or Jamal, knows of their connection through Raven (also known as Rae-Rae to Ronnie). Worse, Raven is clueless that she's connected to all these parties. Plus- Raheem has placed a hit on her. I smell a head-on collision. Diesel: Not all is as it appears regarding the alleged molestation, as you'll see soon. But yes, Raheem is a ruthless mo-fo. What he did to his daughter is even worse. Mwahahaha! Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Elven_Song on February 17, 2007, 03:59:38 pm Wow, that's so awesome how they're all linked together and don't know it! ^^
Great work vita! I loved that last chapter! Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Ali Xavier on February 19, 2007, 09:04:05 pm Man, this story is dark! Sinister! It's a regular 'hood of horrors, just like where I chill. Your gangstas look hard too, like in real life, especially Crazy 8. I like the way everyone is connected, and how hard men think instead of only the usual woman's point of view. I can relate to that big time, especially the nagging. I might have cut her lose too. Or why guys in the 'hood start dealing in the first place. Or why we chill with our dangerous homeboys. I'd like to see you do a little more on Junior's sister, though. Can't wait to see what happens next.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Elven_Song on February 20, 2007, 07:56:22 pm Wow! Great update vita! I still can't belive no one's figured out how "Rae-Rae" is connected to all this. It's kind of funny to see Ronnie getting caught up in it too, and he still doesn't know it. I guess he should have gotten to know her a bit more! lol. Please update soon!
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Veckah on February 20, 2007, 11:08:04 pm Vita, with every update you drag me in even deeper.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on February 24, 2007, 02:08:38 pm Okay guys, you asked for it, and I've updated! Getting the right photos takes longer than writing, so here's a few chapters for now, more to come very soon. Wear your seatbelts, 'cause the crew's ready to ride hard.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Elven_Song on February 26, 2007, 09:51:05 pm Wow! That last chapter was amazing! You are an awesome writer Vita, Some of the people who've written books could take lessons from you! ^^ Absolutely incredible! Please, keep them coming. It's even more interesting now that Ronnie and Raven have figured out their connections.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on March 03, 2007, 01:20:28 pm Thanks for the compliments, PMs and emails everyone!
Find my new blockbuster chapters today - ::smilieiforgetwhi:: At the end of Post 1, page one, never the end of this thread. [/I][/B] Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Elven_Song on March 04, 2007, 01:41:18 am Wow. Amazing chapters vita! I love them! Honestly, I just don't know what to say but that they were probably the best few you've written so far. Keep it up! We all love this!
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Veckah on March 04, 2007, 10:41:57 pm *shiver* Vita... you amaze me with each and every episode.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: FeistyRedhead on March 07, 2007, 01:38:59 am I LOVE this story! Keep it up :)
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: antitheftmilk on March 11, 2007, 03:19:41 am A great story. I look forward to reading it all the way to the end!!! :):):smt109
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: simskin on March 12, 2007, 07:19:54 am I like the story very much.Haven't finnished reading it yet.But it's interesting and dark.Keep it up!:blackeye:
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: umacee7 on March 12, 2007, 06:52:40 pm I love the story . Can't wait to read more, Keep up the good work
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on March 14, 2007, 10:23:55 pm Thank you everyone for the comments and compliments
since I posted last posted on 3/3. They're very much appreciated. Meanwhile, the plot thickens. ::smilieiforgetwhi::Find my two new great chapters on my first post, first page, not the end of this thread.::smilieiforgetwhi:: Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Elven_Song on March 15, 2007, 09:22:52 pm Wow! I love it Vita! I'm going back and reading some of the chapters to make sure I've got the whole story straight, because I don't want to miss out on a bit of this. Keep it up! You've got an awesome talent for writing! ^^
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Chemraider on March 16, 2007, 09:48:21 pm That was pretty deep! I enjoyed it very much and all the props were crazy outstanding! Once again thanks for the invite...well keep intouch with this thread. :)
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: kevinlipimp on March 18, 2007, 03:27:15 pm I just found this story. Haven't finished it yet but will keep reading it to the end. It's fantastic!
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: LissaS on March 18, 2007, 08:50:01 pm YO THAT IS SOOOO GUUD!!!!!! I can't wait till you post the next one
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: simskin on March 22, 2007, 10:12:49 am Nice update Vita4all !! Like your pics.Where did you get al that CC?Guns and blood I mean.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Margierytka on March 23, 2007, 12:26:50 pm I see your photostory. Your photos are very realistic... You are a master of photos!
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: umacee7 on March 24, 2007, 10:40:23 am Still doing a great job
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: xoJessi on March 24, 2007, 08:43:43 pm Oh wow. This is such a captivating and intense story! I'm not quite done yet but I can barely pull myself away!
I'm really lovin' the issues you address and your unique writing style. Keep it coming Vita. I'm enjoying every word! Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on March 26, 2007, 08:14:45 am Thank you for taking a moment to leave a thoughtful comment since I last posted on 3/14: Elven_Song, Veckah, FeistyRedhead, Antitheftmilk, Chemraider, Kevinlipimp, Moon22T, Simskin, Margierytka, Umacee, Xoxk9, and those who PM'd or emailed me. Your enjoyment of my story is deeply appreciated and inspires me to continue.
Ten days ago, I took a much needed break. This was unfortunately followed by hunting down the cause of computer lag issues since installing Seasons this past weekend, and has impacted my ability to complete the photo spread for the next chapters. Hopefully they'll be ready later this week or early next week. Until then, ask yourself this: who's watchin' your back? Mwa-ha-ha! New Readers! ::smilieiforgetwhi:: Murda is always continued on Post 1, page one, never at the end of this thread.::smilieiforgetwhi:: [/I][/B] Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: LissaS on March 26, 2007, 04:40:59 pm I love your character Ronnie! He's so fione! Would you please send me any artwork you have of him so I can hang it in my Sim's houses? I like the extra pics btw
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: phoenix_risin on March 26, 2007, 10:49:18 pm Great Story. Love all the connections and suspense. I really love all the social issues you bring into the story with such finesse. Love that part. Especially the struggles of inner city youth and what they face as well as the whole baby momma drama and the trouble you have finding a real relationship in the "warzone". While doing all that you still brought in issues that are main stream. You have Skills.
Can not wait to read the rest. Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on March 28, 2007, 09:30:37 pm Moon22T - I don't mind at all! I'll have it uploaded tomorrow.
Phoenix_risin - I almost always PM people a thanks rather than bump the story up with comments. However, your detailed reasons in why you like the story is greatly appreciated and I'd like to comment on what you said so others will benefit. Impoverished urban youth go through hell, particulary minority kids, but this is true of poor kids anywhere. We have the added burden of discrimination, particularly with jobs, and this makes the whole drug dealing scene so appealing to many. In Amsterdam, they sell weed at coffee houses. In Italy, approximately 1/3 of their Parliment (equivalent to Congress) tested positive for weed and/or cocaine earlier this year, and nothing happened to them. Here in the US and in many other places, you get sent to the Big House, particularly if you're stuck with a cheesy free lawyer because you're poor. I suggested to one young relative who deals weed that he move. He laughed; he doesn't get it. For readers who are unfamiliar with Prohibition, simply google it. It describes a time in US history when possession of alcohol was outlawed and would get you locked up. This is unimaginable now, and lin the 1920s or 30s, it resulted in incredible mobster violence. Because so many politicians and the wealthy continued to drink, they legalized it. We're in Neo-Prohibition times, but the poor and minorities suffer the most. Thanks to political correctness and I suspect the alcohol and pharmaceutical lobbies, few politicians dare try to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana as has been done in several other countries, yet they're stingy with funding rehabs. I write about what I know, as well as what I've seen and experienced in my own family, community, and career, where I worked many years as a social worker dealing with every single issue in the story, over and over again. I came to the conclusion that more of our stories of struggle need to be told, without glossing over issues that some blacks would find embarrassing or make them angry. I have people in my own family who simply cannot stand me writing about "criminals" (gangstas). They'd rather see me write about less controversal issues with happy endings. They also hate the bisexuality in one character who lives on the down low. Or they're offended at my attempt to look at every angle dealing with the pros and cons of religion or abortion. They're old school and don't want our dirty laundry aired. Screw 'em, along with Bill Cosby who hates it when folks give their kids black names. Every ethnic group, race, religion, and gender has individuals who do awful (or great) things, and it is not a reflection of their group. It's a reflection of individual temperament, the social class and community one is born into, plus the material, psychological and other resources of their family or caretaker(s). I think that Murda has universal appeal even though it's in a black setting, because struggle is universal. I've come to believe that most people do the best they can with what they have. Many do not have happy endings. They and their children suffer - some grow up stronger for their experience while others become dysfunctional and "have issues". This is why my characters have extreme personalities - they grew up under extreme circumstances. And Phoenix, it's like you said, trying find - and keep - love amidst the chaos in the warzone is unbelievably hard. Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: phoenix_risin on March 29, 2007, 06:34:43 am All I can say is Amen!
I can not wait to see more of the story. If I was not in a rush this morning I would write more. I totally agree though with all you said. Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Elven_Song on March 29, 2007, 12:47:51 pm I agree 100%, vita. Just like blacks, every race has their own struggles, even if they don't seem like much of a comparison. Even my family, who looks pretty put together on the outside. I wouldn't say my family is racist, because they have nothing against other races or their ways of life. But they fit into and try to make others fit into racial stereotypes in their own minds. We're a big german/dutch family. Beat our kids with our belts, go to church on Sundays, make them work on a nice big farm, make sure they marry a hard-working (preferrably rich) man and have lots of kids. And life goes on. >.>
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on March 30, 2007, 07:09:51 pm Hi Friends and New Readers,
Lot of PM'ing back and forth, and thanks for sharing your comments, compliments and thoughts. Moon22T - the Murda/Urban Gangsta Artwork Collection 1 to hang in your Sim houses is here as you requested! Plenty of Ronnie pics along with others. Sorry it took me so long, computer issues due to Seasons install, blah, blah, and thank you for asking. For those who don't know, Moon requested some of the artwork that showed up in the story, including the two nice wolf portraits in the story and one that hasn't shown up in the game yet of a cool gangsta painting from Snoop Dogg's new movie, House of Horrors. No sexual themes in this collection; PM me for those. They're on various frames with easy to figure out labels, like Protecting My Cellmate -GrilledCheese, and you can view it by clicking on the jpg photo in the file to see if you want it. If not, simply delete it. Directions for how to install pics, in case you or others reading this post don't know are in the folder in the text document. If anyone wants a wall-hanging of a specific photo, let me know here or PM me which one(s) and which frame(s) you want it on. I'd post these elsewhere but I'm uncertain there would be a great enough demand to warrant it. If this changes I'll post it on the Forums page where you can find art. (http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a381/vita4all/Murda-UrbanGangstas-Collage.jpg) Phoenix_Risin: Amen and thanks for your support! Again, loved your insight into why people in the story do what they do, and how they came to be the way they did. Elven_Song: Love your gift with words and I've enjoyed our PM'ing. Your experiences prove that all people and cultures have more in common than they do differences. For this, the entire human race is blessed and has a chance. Now as I said earlier in our PMing, go do your homework before yo' mama or daddy gets the belt and spanks your behind! (LOL) Just joking. Hugs. To the young man sweating over life: Forgive me for giving you a simple formula, as I know it's easier said than done, but when when life sweats you, try to hang on, stay strong, and not to give up hope. Sometimes hope is all we have to get us through the hard times. Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: LissaS on March 31, 2007, 03:06:13 pm Thanks soo much for the art. Since I'm a fan of you and Roonie and other charaters in your story I made all my hood girls a huge fan to. He's a star in my hood, like a movie star and they all want a hold of him. Now I got pics for the girls who love him already. Thank you sooo much and keep up the good work
#1 Fan Moon Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on March 31, 2007, 09:31:19 pm Hot damn! Ronnie got fans!
Guess I can't kill him off now, eh? Just joking. Maybe... Ah-ha! Gotcha! Seriously, I ain't telling, but keep your seatbelts on... Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: LissaS on April 01, 2007, 12:27:02 am You betta not kill Ronnie off or imma...imma....as soon as I think of it that's what I'll do!!!
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on April 01, 2007, 06:05:09 pm ^ Moon, I'ma I'ma I'ma rolling out of here on spring break vacation with the family as of in 5 or 10 minutes, and Ronnie and the crew are in bullet-proof vests until then!
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: LissaS on April 02, 2007, 06:43:10 pm Oh ok they betta be
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on April 08, 2007, 02:42:29 pm Thanks for the compliments, PMs and emails. Some of your letters are very touching and I appreciate that you've shared your life experiences with me. Sorry it took so long to crank out another chapter, but here's a new one today, titled Survivors Play 'Em Hard And Land On Their Feet I also have another chapter almost ready except for the photos (they take so long!) and I'll have it up soon. Life caught up with me, followed by a vacation to keep my youngest child from rioting. Enjoy! (http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a381/vita4all/Easterbasket5.jpg) [/COLOR][/SIZE] Find my new blockbuster chapter today - ::smilieiforgetwhi:: At the end of Post 1, page one, never the end of this thread. [/I][/B][/FONT] Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Yorvi on April 08, 2007, 07:06:28 pm Vita this story is so captivating! I love it and i'm a huge Ronnie fan..He is just too cute,lol..Also just wanted to say Thanks for keeping us entertained and also for the artwork!
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Veckah on April 09, 2007, 02:23:11 pm Once again Vita, another wonderful chapter.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on April 10, 2007, 10:33:57 am Veckah, Applekisses, others: Thanks, it's my pleasure.
Applekisses & Margiery: Regarding the artwork - As the story has progressed, I've learned how to make a lot of the clothes and use wall-hangings as part of the story. The pictures on the wall and many of the outfits often symbolic of events in the story or the values or unconscious minds of the characters. Sometimes it's very, very subtle. I set a "stage" to match what's going on, and "direct" the actors (sims) to play their role. The photos of most chapters take much, much longer to do than to write them. Sometimes a sim will do something spontaneous and so cool, that I'll take the shot and fit it in the story. I love it, and I value all of you for taking the time to leave comments, PMs or emails, too. Again, thanks. Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: antitheftmilk on April 11, 2007, 02:36:56 am Just read the new one. Tasty! :):blob6:
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: LissaS on April 11, 2007, 03:33:44 pm OOOO I love it can't wait to hear more. I really looking forward to this...
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Elven_Song on April 12, 2007, 07:46:20 pm Wow... I can't wait until this next chapter comes out! This is all coming together so well! ^^ This has been an awesome ride, it's sad to think it may be coming to an end soon.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on April 14, 2007, 09:44:35 pm Hi Readers,
This evening I have two intense chapters for you. They're a little different as I've spun real historical facts into the last one. There's a heavy focus on Raheem in particular, and how and why he developed the viewpoint and lifestyle he did. Humans are social beings born with a clean slate and do not develop they way they do in a vacuum. Two people are often in the same family, but events affect them differently and they turn out to be complete opposites. So it is here. This is because extreme conditions often cause folks to choose extreme solutions for survival (when they have a choice), and this is what I hope show my readers. Many of you will already know this, having been through it in your families and/or communities. For others, I hope it sheds some understanding and appreciation of the history, struggles, and problems with surviving within many African-American communities, which is really an American story and human story, that many, many groups around the world have also experienced. Although Murda is a story of good vs. evil in a minority gangster setting, it is also a celebration of diversity within one community where everyone has very different values and lifestyles, and step by step, learning what it takes to win in life with the cards dealt to them. Also, if you're a regular reader and have never left a comment or haven't left one in a long time, please take a moment and let me know how you like the story so far. To those who have, hugs and thanks. ::smilieiforgetwhi::Find my new chapters on Post 1, Page 1 of this thread:::smilieiforgetwhi:: Murda Is Like Stepping On Roaches, and Raheem's Thoughts About Solutions To Survival, Over Coffee And Chocolate Take care, Vita Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Ali Xavier on April 16, 2007, 12:48:14 pm I'm blown away. You really took a risk, but I'm glad. Your last two chapters did something you rarely see - they humanized the bad guys so people can see how they came to be the way they are.
I hope the black history doesn't freak out or turn off your readers, because even though people talk about celebrating diversity, it's usually their group they're talking about. Most don't really want to hear about the black experience except the sanitized version you get in school, and what we've been through and how it has affected us, as you said, from one generation to another. Makes some brothers cold as ice, like Raheem, or super-Christians like his son Junior, or just lost in the 'hood like most of your other characters. I've known a lot of people like that. The pictures were incredible. The Strange Fruit one blew me away, followed by Raheem with his coffee at the end where you can see how his life and ancestor's lives made him evil. I looked up the Strange Fruit song on Napster, and another singer named Jeff Buckley did a really good blues version of it too. I also loved the pics of the eyes seeing terror and death too, and Raheem throwing Junior (that must have been hard setting that one up!), and the hitman as a kid who stutters, and Kareem on street. Junior wasn't all that cool to me before, but I can see what he's trying to do and why he's sneaky. I loved the photos that showed how he betrayed his father by taking some of his brothers and sisters to church so they won't grow up bad. Can't wait to see what's going to happen next. Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on April 18, 2007, 01:27:25 am Thanks Ali for your comment. The last chapter on Raheem's explanation of becoming evil was my least popular one. It was an attempt to show how anger and bitterness over one's family background and ancestry has a devastating affect on some people; that the evil that men do often flows into generations to come, and the victim's heart becomes cold and he becomes the aggressor. Although most human beings are forgiving, a small few are not. This is what happened to Raheem, who has no allegiances to anyone but himself and his kids, and is a law unto himself.
The topic material of slavery, discrimination and war may have been too hard for both blacks and whites to deal with, even though it was a normal part of American life for several hundred years up until the Civil Rights Movement in the late 1960s. Chapter 61 may have also been too long or redundant in some places. I wrote it in memory of Martin Luther King, who was assassinated on 4/4/68, and I've added that above the title. I do contemporary stories about real people with real problems, who don't have fairy tale lives, and often don't have happy endings either. As a social worker for many years, I know of the struggles the poor and even the middle classes endure. My next chapter is about Kareem, a teenager who struggles with illness and wonders if he has HIV. This was written with the several friends in mind who've passed away from this disease and the teens and adults (and their babies) who I've worked with. In memory of them... especially my late friend Reggie. He was a good, good friend. Find my new blockbuster chapters today - Night Sweats - It Ain't My Fault If You're Infected ::smilieiforgetwhi:: At the end of Post 1, page one, never the end of this thread. [/I] Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Veckah on April 18, 2007, 01:20:26 pm WOW incredible chapter Vita.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: angelyne on April 18, 2007, 04:33:25 pm I just started reading this story and I'm blown away. It's certainly the darkest sim storie I've ever read. Your writing is superb. I found myself getting anxious for Raven, as I was reading, worried that she would end up dead. I enjoy the character of Junior, and the whole byplay between him and his father trying to out manipulate each other. I also love the character of Ronnie, the gangster with a heart of gold.
This is the kind of story that I would never pick up either in book form or movie form. I don't like violence, and the ‘mean street’ scene and lifestyle does not speak to me. However your story was sufficiently compelling to draw me in and hold me to the end. You said you appreciate constructive criticism, so here is mine. There are a few occasions when your story becomes more like an essay on social inequalities or a history lesson. I do agree with your opinion, (and learned a little more history), however I find it detracts from the way the story flows. It even sounds a little preachy at times. Your story would be more powerful if you managed to integrate the points you are trying to make, in the story itself (maybe as background to some of the characters). I know you did this for a few characters, namely the rapist/pedophile/hitman. But that part didn't work for me. He was too evil to elicit sympathy because his grandmother resented him and didn’t get help for his speech impediment. And the bit about how social services couldn't be bothered to help him with his problem turned into a bit of a rant and was distracting. Especially since the reader could not really feel sympathy for him. You did that previously with Crazy-8's background. Explained a little about what made him tick. That was better, more integrated with the story. It didn't feel like you were moving away from the story into something like. Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on April 19, 2007, 01:56:10 pm Quote FROM ANGELYNE: ...You said you appreciate constructive criticism, so here is mine. There are a few occasions when your story becomes more like an essay on social inequalities or a history lesson. I do agree with your opinion, (and learned a little more history), however I find it detracts from the way the story flows. It even sounds a little preachy at times. Your story would be more powerful if you managed to integrate the points you are trying to make, in the story itself (maybe as background to some of the characters). I know you did this for a few characters, namely the rapist/pedophile/hitman. But that part didn't work for me. He was too evil to elicit sympathy because his grandmother resented him and didn’t get help for his speech impediment. And the bit about how social services couldn't be bothered to help him with his problem turned into a bit of a rant and was distracting. Especially since the reader could not really feel sympathy for him. You did that previously with Crazy-8's background. Explained a little about what made him tick. That was better, more integrated with the story. It didn't feel like you were moving away from the story... Angelyne, I really, really appreciate your feedback. It's right on target. I do pretty good essays, court reports, social summaries, etc., and learning how to smoothly weave historical details into a fictional story has been a challenge. One is to not pack too much information in a chapter, because as you said, it's distracting from the story. I'm sure when this hits the editor's desk it'll be trimmed down. I also rushed this chapter. Often I'll sit on one for several days and do many re-writes before putting it out there. Regarding Wayne, the evil hitman. I wasn't trying to elicit sympathy for him so much as I was trying to explain how a child is born innocent, but living with emotional rejection and abuse as an only child living with one cruel caretaker, plus fear every time he walked to the school bus stop or at school from bullies, has a way of screwing up an individual's head and heart. I probably should have emphasized a little more how isolated Wayne was growing up under those circumstances. Even Raheem could see this, even though he himself had no empathy for him because Raheem's issue is that he's so disconnected from empathy and out for himself that the evil deeds of others don't bother him. Wayne the hitman grew up with a deadly combination of factors that I've seen in my work, with similiar results. I've seen so much incompetence, budget trimming and callousness working with various public social agencies as an insider that I attempted to point out how the agencies we expect to help, fail over and over again by using band-aide solutions. Sometimes their hands are actually tied because of particular situations of a case and legal limitations of what they can do. The results are tragic: those kids generally descend into a no-man's land of mental illness, hardcore drug addiction, or the kinds of crimes that make you cringe. This is the fault of those who could've done better, but didn't. There are many good helping professionals, like Raven and Chan in the story, and I've known many as well. Some however, shouldn't be allowed to set a foot in an agency, but sometimes these are the people who get promoted and they don't work quite hard enough to get the resources the staff needs to their jobs properly. Happens all the time. On the other hand, it's not always the fault of family or helping professionals that a child doesn't turn out right. Some people simply develop alcoholism, mental illness or even violent criminal tendencies no matter how much love, luck, support and wealth they've had. This may be one of the mysteries of genetics, but I try not to fall back on the gene theory because one never really knows what another person has been through, often even among your own family and friends. My 7th grader, in fact, has a classmate who is already a little Wayne, minus the stuttering. He should've been in a residential placement a year ago, but the school system won't want to pay for a therapeutic day school or a residential placement. They're hoping Social Services will, who's biding their time until he picks up a juvie charge so they'll have to foot the bill. Meanwhile she and her classmates have to watch their backs so he won't corner one of them, and his own victims are at risk of becoming future victimizers. Thank you for giving me constructive criticism. It validated what I already worried about, and helps me slow down to integrate issues in a more readable way and gave me food for thought that will help me do a better job on future chapters. I may even return to that chapter in the future and trim it a bit to make it less essay-ish. Veckah, Ali and others who emailed me: Thanks for the comments! I'm glad you're enjoying the story. For those who didn't care for the history of slavery, discrimination, and Raheem's opinion, well, I'm sorry. We can't undo the past by pretending it didn't exist, and there are a lot of people of all races who have some, most or all of the opinions that Raheem held. Listen to what folks are talking about in barbershops, beauty shops, or rap music about class issues and war, or in a HIV clinic (I've done volunteer work there, too) about gender preference discrimination and having their budgets starved. You'll hear the pain and frustration if you listen carefully. In addition to trying to write an entertaining story, I deal with contemporary issues by throwing out as many different opinions out there as possible, whether the issues are pro-life, pro-choice, religious preferences, gender lifestyles, etc. To everyone, Keep letting me know your thoughts and opinions, and again, thanks. More to come soon & hugs to all, Vita Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: LissaS on April 19, 2007, 05:12:39 pm WOW *speechless* aawwwww poor kareem that's my baby, I almost cried when he told Ronnie he misses his dad and I love how Ronnie cares for him it showed his generous side..... that really touched me. And I loved the flashback. I see exactly what Junior's tryna do I like him, always did in some of his ways he reminds me of me as far as his motives, wanting to help his community. Man that was deep I REALLY can't wait for the next chapter. ( please don't make me cry by finding out Kareem has AIDS)
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Elven_Song on April 20, 2007, 07:11:35 pm Vita, what can I say? Your last three chapters are awesome. I definitely picked up on how you were trying to show how the way people are raised and the things that happen building up to their adulthood affect how they act when they're older and also what lifestyle they choose (or are forced into). I'm glad that you put some history into your story because it makes it very real and makes a point.
Ronnie has been my favorite character since, pretty much the beginning. He's very interesting and has got a lot of backround, and he's linked to most of the characters so everytime we learn something about them we learn something about him as well. I really wish Ronnie's dream would come true, that someday he'll be able to sit with his son and have a family and be happy. He's such a great guy it's sad to see how much he's been caught up in everyone else's messes and his own, as well as Kareem. Lots of hugs and support! ~Eve Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on April 21, 2007, 12:02:30 pm Veckah, Angelyne, Moon, Diesel, Elven, friends and new readers:
Thanks publicly for your recent comments. One reader described Murda as a compelling story. Telling it has become more important and bigger than me, if you can understand that. Some of you have been very specific in your posts, (and PMs or emails which I won't share for privacy reasons), and they hit the heart of what I've been hoping to accomplish: Quote From Diesel2370: ...Kareem.... It seems like his father's murder is slowly killing him and he can't see past the grief and rage that he feels... Quote From Elven_Song: ...the way people are raised and the things that happen building up to their adulthood affect how they act when they're older and also what lifestyle they choose (or are forced into). I'm glad that you put some history into your story because it makes it very real... Quote From Phoenix_risin: ...love all the social issues you bring into the story with such finesse.... Especially the struggles of inner city youth and what they face as well as the whole baby momma drama and the trouble you have finding a real relationship in the "warzone"... Quote From Angelyne: I enjoy the character of Junior, and the whole byplay between him and his father trying to out manipulate each other....love the character of Ronnie, the gangster with a heart of gold.... Quote From Moon22T: I see exactly what Junior's tryna do... he reminds me of me as far as his motives, wanting to help his community. Quote From Ali_Xavier: ...chapters...humanized the bad guys so people can see how they came to be the way they are. Thanks again ... I'm blessed to be able to take you on this journey in a place and time traveled by so many invisible people, and that so many of you are enjoying it, supportive of it, or at least interested enough to keep up with it. New chapters to come soon. Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: LissaS on April 22, 2007, 05:59:45 am Ok, I decided to read the story from the begining again and I came across where Junior said to his father "Leave it the Devil to know the Word better than anyone else, then put a spin on it. It' honor, not obey, and even it was, this ain't Paradise." I got chills from that OMG cause that is soooooooo true!
Junior is such a strong person and it's soooo surprising he caught on to that and that you got it in here. I'm walking the Christian walk and to tell you the truth what Raheem said to his son earlier in the story when they were in the car, I missed it the first time. The devil do know the Word in and out and better than anyone and he do put a spin on things. This ain't paradise and not everything your parents say or do is right! THANK YOU SOOO MUCH FOR JUNIOR. WOW I"M SOOO ASTONISHED RIGHT NOW. I got chills from that OMG cause that is soooooooo true! Man, Junior is SHARP! Oh I can't wait to see how this story ends please take your time. But I do understand why Raheem is the way he is I could go on and on about your characters. Oh my goodness this needs to be converted into a movie with no changes, you know how Hollywood likes to make changes. This is just too good. It might even be better than boys N the hood. I'm telling you you got real talent no doubt. I'm seriously a huge fan of your right now. I'll be head of your fan club when you get famous! Which I truly believe you will. Just wait till I start breaking Ronnie down and others. Which is why I decided to read it again cause I was rushing through it the first time since I really didn't have the time now I can really disect this Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on April 23, 2007, 07:22:55 pm Friends and new readers:
New chapter tonight: Quicksand Kisses This one shows the point of view of Chan, and how love, friendship and grim events threatens to undo the solid life he's tried to build since being released from juvie 7 or 8 years ago. I still have one or two more photos I'll add to this chapter by tomorrow. My apologies for a few of you who got to read the chapter following that, the one with no photos. It was a draft I'm still working on and was titled Gotta Make Time To Play, but that will probably not be the final name. Think of it as a Sneak Peak. I took a nap, and my kid came in and did me in. Rather than minimize the screen, she saved the work around 5:30 pm and exited out! This is why there were no photos in it. As Chan would say, I coulda killed her! Enjoy, and please leave a comment. ::smilieiforgetwhi:: Find My Update on Post 1, Page 1, Never The End Of This Thread::smilieiforgetwhi:: Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Elven_Song on April 24, 2007, 06:31:35 pm I love that chapter 'Quicksand Kisses'. Very nice. I'm starting to see how this is all playing out, and I'm already guessing what roles Chan, Ronnie, and Kareem will be playing together in the future. ;) hehe.
Sorry to hear what happened! My sisters (and parents) have done that to me countless times with other work. Kids, they're specially trained in sabotage. =P Next time leave a sticky note, that'll get the message across. ^^ Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Yorvi on April 25, 2007, 02:18:11 pm I had some time to myself today and decided to read the story again from the begining..Ronnie is my favorite person in this story..He reminds me of this guy I knew and loved a few years ago..I liked the two recent entries..My husband has even taking a liking to it(and that is soooo rare because he doesnt like anything about the Sims 2,lol)Keep doing what you do and I will keep being a fan sweetie!
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: LissaS on April 25, 2007, 04:08:31 pm OOOO I like how this is turing out so far. I wonder...will Ronnie and Raven or Cheena patch things up again? Or is he gonna finally turn 100% gay (please no..it's always the real cute ones) and stay with chan? *sighs* Well we'll see happens. There's ALOT of downlow brothas out here........... which sucks big time. Oh well................... I'm so curious as to how Kareem will turn out as soon as he gets better. Oh goodness a thought jus came to my mind, why am I seeing Ronnie and Chan getting together then adopting Kareem? Man I can't wait for the next chapter
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Veckah on April 25, 2007, 10:56:07 pm Vita....I love your writing, the way you are able to draw me in to the story and make it real. I can honestly tell you I get excited when I see that Murda has been updated.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: xoJessi on April 26, 2007, 11:43:45 am Amazing updates Vita!! The direction your taking this story is really suspensful and exciting, I can't wait for your next updates and I really can't predict whats going to happen next. :D Great job.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Tenshii~Akari on April 26, 2007, 09:46:35 pm I just read through all of the story so far. I must say I'm definitely hooked! I'll be looking out for the future updates! ;)
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: antitheftmilk on April 27, 2007, 12:47:28 am I really enjoyed the backstory to Raheem's life. It explains alot about why he is the way he is. This is a really good story! I can't wait to find out what happens next! :)
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Veckah on April 27, 2007, 10:11:43 am *sigh* Oh Ronnie.
Amazing once again Vita. Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on April 27, 2007, 03:29:24 pm Elven_Song, Applekisses, TenshiiAkari12, Moon22T, Xoxok9, Antitheftmilk, Diesel, Angelyne, Veckah. Phoenix_rising, and those who PM'd or emailed me and readers in general, thank you for your comments, compliments, support, thoughts and critiques in your enjoyment of the last few chapters. I posted a new chapter after midnight today, called Descent Into Hedonism. Heh-heh, Veckah, I see you shaking your head over Ronnie in that one. Growing up is a b*tch, ain't it? Hint for those scratching their heads: Babies don't try to be heroes and they fall a lot before they get the hang of walking, especially when their footing is slippery. Young adults in general, and Ronnie particular, aren't any different. Heh-heh. ::smilieiforgetwhi:: Readers: Find New Chapter Updates on Page 1, Post 1, [/I][/COLOR][/SIZE][/B]never at the end of this thread.::smilieiforgetwhi:: [/SIZE][/FONT] Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: LissaS on April 27, 2007, 05:22:42 pm AAAwwww Ronnie Ronnie Ronnie *sighs* Again please don't make me cry.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on April 30, 2007, 03:34:28 am Hi Friends and New Readers,
Our favorite gangsta, Ronnie, fell hard in the last chapter, Descent Into Hedonism, disappointing some of you and himself. Here's a new chapter for you enjoy and think about, Ronnie: In My Descent, I Discovered A Different Shade of the Color Purple. If you've ever seen or heard of the old, fairly famous movie, The Color Purple, you'll instantly have an idea what the title suggests. And as always, thank you for your support and comments. They are always appreciated. ::smilieiforgetwhi:: Find my new chapter on Page 1, Post 1, [/FONT][/SIZE][/I]never at the end of this thread. ::smilieiforgetwhi:: Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Veckah on April 30, 2007, 01:27:18 pm Vita I would love to give some kind of grandiose speech about how wonderful this is, but at the moment, words leave me. Amazing.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: kevinlipimp on April 30, 2007, 08:07:21 pm Your story is blowing my mind, from the history, to the way Ronnie is finally sinking into drugs,to the last chapter on incest. Just amazing. Thanks for keeping it real.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Tenshii~Akari on April 30, 2007, 10:15:05 pm Poor Jessie... so deep into her problems that she can't even truly admit them. :icon9:
I'll be looking forward to seeing Ronnie jump his current hurdle with guilt and grief. :angel: Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: LissaS on May 02, 2007, 06:31:30 pm WOW that was deep, aawww jessie.....man this is sooo good
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on May 04, 2007, 03:14:59 pm Hey Friends and New Readers!
First, thanks again to those for taking a moment to leave a comment since my last chapter update a few days ago. For those who don't know, I PM people a private thank you whenever I get a comment; it makes it more personal. Thanks also for your PMs and emails. Veckah - Sooo glad you're enjoying the story. Comments and PMs like yours make me smile and wanna keep writing. TenshiAkari12 - Re: A Different Shade of the Color Purple... You hit the target on your point about Jesse - so deep in her problems that she doesn't even know it. This chapter on emotional incest took a lot of thought for me to write. Moon 22T - Yeah girl, I agree. It was deep, and it happens a lot. Kevinlipimp - I appreciate you're appreciation that Ronnie is finally sinking into drugs himself. Nearly all dealers do. I wouldn't be honest to keep him immune from this, so yeah, I'm keeping the story real. That's why it's so dark and gritty. Ronnie (and the others) is painfully human and vulnerable to the stress and temptations that cause most dealers to eventually sink. We'll see soon if Ronnie and others can swim against the current. Bring your lifejacket. Heh-heh. New Blockbuster Chapter Today! Kareem - Even My Doctors Wish I Was Dead [/COLOR][/I][/B][/SIZE]Come see how misunderstanding, miscommunication, and problems in the system creates the drama we call problems, and that the underclass and the unfortunate call life. ::smilieiforgetwhi:: Find it on Post 1, Page 1, not the end of this thread ::smilieiforgetwhi:: [/FONT] Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: LissaS on May 04, 2007, 04:39:15 pm *Real deep sigh* Kareem.........
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Tenshii~Akari on May 04, 2007, 07:22:15 pm Man, that poor kid is loaded with diseases! :sad3: It's sad that there's actual people in this type of situation today, and I feel for them even more than before... :(
This is getting really good. Keep it up, Vita! :angel: Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Veckah on May 04, 2007, 08:28:52 pm Once again Vita, you amaze me. Kareem's situation is all to real for the kids on the street now. All they want to do is live, so they end up turning tricks and do nothing but end up killing themselves anyway. I am a firm believer in 'Life is made up by the choices you make', but sometimes the choices you are given can't lead to good no mater what you choose.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on May 05, 2007, 10:07:30 am Wow, you three jumped on this chapter fast. I'm glad it moved you enough to say so. These kinds of conversations that exchange ideas is one of the things I've hoped would take place in this thread, however brief.
Tenshii, I spent a lot of time researching the latest stats on STD infections in the general populations. I don't think people should fear sex, but they damn sure need a healthy fear and respect for disease, and protect themselves. Diseases often travel in pairs. Find one, you often find two. Veckah, you made an interesting point about choices. One of the issues with Kareem is that he's 15, and not really competent to make sound choices. Teens (and adults) who have a lot of emotional baggage from trauma and grief don't always think clearly. Combine this with minimal education and being starved for love is a recipe for disaster. This is what's happening to Kareem, and many, many other real people. Humans don't always have the best solutions or make the best choices in how to get their emotional needs met. We are constantly victims of our passions, ourselves, others, and unfortunately, disease. Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: LissaS on May 05, 2007, 10:33:30 am Quote from: vita4all;714097 I don't think people should fear sex, but they damn sure need a healthy fear and respect for disease, and protect themselves. Diseases often travel in pairs. Find one, you often find two. One of the issues with Kareem is that he's 15, and not really competent to make sound choices. Teens (and adults) who have a lot of emotional baggage from trauma and grief don't always think clearly. Combine this with minimal education and being starved for love is a recipe for disaster. This is what's happening to Kareem, and many, many other real people. Humans don't always have the best solutions or make the best choices in how to get their emotional needs met. We are constantly victims of our passions, ourselves, others, and unfortunately, disease. And you know what?....you are completly right..right right right right right!. It all starts in the mind, once your mind is messed up everything else then becomes infected and people may not see it until it starts to physically show, in their actions or health. Words are powerful, once you speak something it comes into play. You may not know it but later on you always see it. Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on May 10, 2007, 02:45:27 pm Hi Friends and New Readers!
Thanks again for your comments, our conversations and support. Huge Chapter Update: Falling On Ghetto Land Mines Enjoy, and please leave a comment letting me know how the story is hitting you. Meaningful exchange of ideas, including disagreement, welcome. :angel: ::smilieiforgetwhi:: Find Chapter Updates on Post 1, Page 1, never at the end of this thread.::smilieiforgetwhi::[/SIZE][/FONT][/I] Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Tenshii~Akari on May 11, 2007, 07:35:07 am I could say one word about the ending to Ch. 67, but I'll keep it to myself. (since I'm not one to use profanity on a regular basis. ;) :lol: )
Wonder how Ronnie's going to get himself out of this trap. He really hit the land mine this time... :sad3: Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Veckah on May 11, 2007, 12:57:51 pm I THINK I know what is going on, but then again maybe it is just my HOPING what is going on is what I want it to be. If I'm wrong, I guess I'll find out in the next chapter. I just want to say this, sometimes a very harsh intervention is needed to save someone from themselves. Like Ronnie himself said, "Ain't no way outta this business once you get in this deep, except through jail or death."
Vita, amazing, simply amazing. With every update the characters become more and more real. Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on May 11, 2007, 04:34:28 pm LMAO! I'm lovin' your speculation, Tenshii and Veckah!
And yeah, I'm keeping it real as I know how.8) That's why it's so raw and tragic. It mirrors life as I've seen it. Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Veckah on May 11, 2007, 09:48:27 pm I just now read your sig. Vita... and yea, I feel it every time I read a new chapter, or go back and read older ones.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Ali Xavier on May 12, 2007, 07:16:32 pm Got my boy in handcuffs! You keepin' it real alright.
Loved your chapter. One section was kind of a repeat, and the conversation with the dad pushed it a bit, but Ronnie was high and homies do say wild things when they get that way. The rest TKO'd me. Your photos in general and of poverty and lost hope were so real and sad, like when I moved to Baltimore. You did a good job on Raheem in that pimp scene too. Cheena's lucky they didn't pull a train on her. Some would. My favorite part was this one. I've read it over and over and over. Quote I hadn't slipped back into my old ways, but I'd lost hope. I was a shooting a dice game in an alley when a familiar, deep voice behind me said, "Your daddy died in this spot." I turned around and looked at Raheem. "I know," I said. I rolled the dice again and won $10. I'd eat today. "Come with me," Raheem said. "You ain't gotta do this." I followed him out of that alley and never looked back. As a former member of the Bloods, this is one of the ways it goes down. Glad I'm out, and Mom, I thank you for that. I hope Ronnie gets out too, but we both know a lot of us don't make it. Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: LissaS on May 13, 2007, 12:41:39 pm Man what can I say....... Ronnie was good for awhile and now everything is catching up to him and he can't handle it. Like I said it all starts in the mind which is way it's soooo important to never hold things in cause after awhile it'll all come out and then you step on a land mine cause you can't focus or make good choices cause your mind is soo cluttered from things that you haven't let go or talked out in the past and now you got even more baggage to carry along with that. That's to much on your mind and your mind is the main source that you need to make good choices and be able to think clearly.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on May 13, 2007, 08:42:29 pm Hi Again, Friends and New Readers,
Veckah, Tenshii, Ali, and Moon, thank you for your comments and PMs. I continue to appreciate and treasure them. Others, thank you for your interest in the story. I know a lot of people follow it because I get sooo many hits whenever I update a chapter. If you've never left a comment, please take a moment to do so. I'd like to know what you think about it. Constructive criticism very welcome. Helps me write better. New Chapter Update! Mother's Day Special! I really tried to get this in early this morning, but it simply wasn't possible. You'll love it anyway. It's unique, and I mean that. Catching My Lover When He Falls [/B]Enjoy![/SIZE] ::smilieiforgetwhi:: Find All Chapter Updates on Post 1, Page 1, Never the End of this Thread!::smilieiforgetwhi:: [/FONT][/B][/COLOR][/I] Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on May 13, 2007, 10:35:01 pm Hey guys again,
Apologies to the 40-some regular readers for the many typos and rough spots who read my chapter udate that I posted almost two hours ago. I wanted to get up here before Mother's Day ended, since this is one of main themes in this chapter. Hope it didn't distract too much. :smt120 There was one important sentence I left out that Raheem said regarding why he chose to leave rather than stay in the situation toward the end (I won't give it away here), so just scroll back to this part, if you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't read it at all, don't peek! Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: LissaS on May 14, 2007, 03:24:22 pm AAAWWWWW Chan po baby, now he all caught up in it trying to help out his best friend/lover. *sigh* Ronnie all screwed up and now Chan is being dragged in all this just for the simple fact that he love em and they best friends. Let's just hope Chan don't accidently step on a land mine cause inoccent people are always the ones that get hurt, but then again he ain't all that inoccent himself. All I know is that's really brave of him to step in but he betta be extra extra careful.......
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Cinamun on May 14, 2007, 07:49:44 pm From what i'm reading the story is really good, however the only thing is, it takes page one a really long time to load so the page keeps jumping because there is so much in the first post. I'm really interested in the story, just have to wait for the rest of it to load. I got my popcorn and water bottle ready!!!!
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: icekoolkat on May 14, 2007, 10:11:16 pm I started reading your story yesterday and finished it just now. That was including reading it most of the afternoon at work. What an awesome story. You know how it is with a good book that you can't put down, well this story was like that for me. I couldn't wait to get to the next chapter until I reached the latest updated chapter. You are such an excellent writer, you got deep in some parts and I understood it really well. It brought me back to my college black history class in some parts. I have to applaud you on such an insightful story that hits home for many people including me. Truly riveting, I can't wait till the next chapter comes, and keep up the great work.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Veckah on May 15, 2007, 12:42:42 pm Wow, just, wow. Happy Mother's Day
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on May 15, 2007, 06:31:43 pm Thanks everyone for your comments. I wasn't sure how people would like the Mother's Day chapter at first. I just knew I had to write it. I could feel it in my bones.
Moon - Chan's lesson's from his mother come through clearly. We don't know what problems life will throw at us, or what we'll do, or have to do, to get ourselves and loved ones safely through the land mines. Cinamun - Sorry your page takes sooo long to load. I put it all on Post 1 so it'll flow better visually. I personally hate searching through many pages on a thread to find chapters. I'm so glad you're taking the time for the story to load. Icekoolkat - Glad you found the story and that it touches you. I work to balance the adventure and crime drama elements with depth and insight into how and why people do what they do, and reasons are often complex and historical. Veckah - Heh-heh. Thanks for the Happy Mother's Day wish and your visible support and pleasure of the story. Ali - Hugs. I'm glad too. Next chapter will be up in 1 to 3 days - the photos always take longer than the writing as I put a lot of thought into them, and getting the characters to cooperate in group shots is a challenge. How'd you all like that shark photo? Wasn't it awesome? I laugh everytime I look at it! Take care everyone, and thanks to all. Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: LissaS on May 15, 2007, 09:52:30 pm Your production shows that your are really working hard on this. And yea I loved ALL the photos and the shark one is brilliant. OH YEA Ricardo is Swexy with his smooth self....MMMM tasty.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on May 20, 2007, 02:15:02 am Whew! Finally got the new chapter ready!
But first, a public thanks to all again who left comments, and the latest are from: Moon - I agree! My Florida mobster Ricardo did turn out rather handsome... at least until we saw his dark side. Heh-heh. And thanks for the complement on the photo art work! Diesel - Thanks for sharing your thoughts on those last five chapters. You're a NYC girl, and as a DC girl, I loved that you feel the story exposes "hood politics", and liked my point how life in the hood is so weird, that weird is normal and normal is weird, and a lot of folks don't know anything else - or any better, especially the young ones. New Chapter Update: Ch. 69 - Buck Wild And Livin' La Vida Loca [/B][/COLOR][/SIZE]Would've loved to have had it out two days sooner, but writing this one was like walking on a tightrope, and I had to get it right. Enjoy! ::smilieiforgetwhi:: Find Updated Chapters on Page 1, Post 1, Never The End Of This Thread::smilieiforgetwhi:: [/SIZE][/FONT] Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Tenshii~Akari on May 20, 2007, 07:36:52 am :shock: Ohhh.... Kareem's done it now. Poor girl. With NO protection?! Ohhh.... :sad4:
I remember reading Invisible Man my junior year in high school. It was a lot of things that went over my head, and even to this day I still don't grasp most of it. The main thing I did grasp, though, was the fact that people only see what they want to see, not what's actually in front of them. (Even happens to this very day!) The narrator didn't even bother to reveal his name since he had come to his own realization that no matter what he did or said, he'd still be "invisible" to everyone else... Pretty deep reading if you ask me. I just hope I can find it in my room somewhere so I can go back to see what I missed, and hopefully understand it this go around now that I'm a little older. :angel: BTW, I enjoyed Chan's adventure to save Ronnie from further trouble. His mother's words really do show in his actions! I just hope he can get himself out of the way before the trap closes in on him... :( Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: LissaS on May 20, 2007, 12:19:04 pm AAWWWWW Kareem NOOOO......Man that girl is messed up now. Boi that family sure is wild although it seems they would rather have it differently.
I didn't read Invisible Man but I'll check it out. Oh and I like how you added that pic of your son in there that was kool Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Veckah on May 20, 2007, 10:22:28 pm I shed a tear at Kareem's.... stupidity...
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on May 20, 2007, 10:54:36 pm Veckah, I know it's not funny, but I'm sitting here laughing at your comment.
I probably wouldn't call Kareem's act an act of stupidity. More like selfishness, recklessness, and a lethal form of buckling under peer pressure. In some ways I hate this chapter for it's violence, but so many teens get infected with STDs, including HIV, I thought it appropriate. Moon - Yep, that's a buck wild family alright. How does a kid like Che escape this madness? At least he's thinking about it. Tenshii - Yeah, made me cringe when I wrote it. Having worked with teens and adults, I can honestly say that reckless infections like this happens too often. We'd like to believe that if you're infected, the person who may have infected you had no idea. A small number of people do, but can't overcome their impulsivity. Sometimes it's deliberate. One teenager I knew many years ago had a feeling something wasn't right, and at the last minute told his partner to wear a condom. He was friends with the guy's cousin or something. She told him later he had HIV. He was stunned. This simple act saved him from years of misery and an early death. Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Ali Xavier on May 21, 2007, 07:56:30 am What a brutal chapter. I’ll bet the home invasion scene was terrifying to your readers. And Kareem! Aren’t there any heroes here? It’s too real, but maybe that’s good. I’ll have to think about this. It shows how being poor or always stressed out from problems contaminates a lot of people. I like the doctors. They balance the bad and confused. By the way, I like the way you altered the photo of me in Che’s art scene. He found art, I found music. Maybe he’ll find his way out of the crew like I did, and Mom, I’m gonna be mad if you kill him off.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Cathy on May 23, 2007, 06:34:48 am I love your story!! I didn't finish reading it yet, but I'm sure I will by tonight!!!
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Elven_Song on May 25, 2007, 08:08:42 pm Wow, I just kept forgetting to check back and here there's 4 more chapters! haha, that was a good read. Very good chapters, Vita! I won't say much more because everyone else has pretty much commented on everything I wanted to, plus I'm still processing all that and I don't want to lose it.
All I can say is, don't even sweat the few mistakes and grammatical errors, we love your stories, mistakes and all! ^^ Hugs and support - Eve Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on May 25, 2007, 10:15:51 pm Hugs to all my readers!
Tenshii, Moon and Veckah - already thanked you three for comments on last chapter. Thanks again, and Veckah, I'm still chuckling at yours :-P . I love folks who speak candidly! Ali baby, regarding your comment: Show me a hero, and I'll write you a tragedy. - Unknown NyxMorrighan - Glad you found your way here, and good luck in your own writing! Elven_Song - Hi! I figured you were bogged down with exams, and I'm glad you didn't read the Mother's Day chapter on Mother's Day. It had a lot of rough spots. I've got to stop rushing! :happy8: But that one was for my late Mom... Two New Blockbuster Chapters Up! My Enemy Is My Friend, [/B]and My Friend Is My Enemy Enjoy!!![/SIZE] ::smilieiforgetwhi:: Find Chapter Udates On Page 1, Post 1, Never The End Of This Thread!::smilieiforgetwhi:: [/FONT] Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Veckah on May 25, 2007, 11:09:44 pm *Stands up and cheers* Oh Ronnie I am SOOOOOO proud of you! Once again FEELING it Vita.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Tenshii~Akari on May 26, 2007, 12:52:05 am This is getting pretty powerful. Cheena's getting pulled in deeper, while Ronnie's finally putting his pride aside and asking for the help he really needed. I'm glad he caught up with Ryder again, and now I'm even more curious as to how Khalil is as a solution to the Juniour Crew and Kareem's problem. Can't wait to see what happens next! :angel:
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on May 26, 2007, 07:49:48 am Heh-heh, Veckah, I knew you'd love these two chapters about friends & enemies...
Tenshii - Yep, Cheena's so deep in the forest, she can only see the trees... Glad you're on the edge of your seats. ::smilieiforgetwhi:: New Readers: Find the entire story & two new chapters on Page 1, Post 1, never the end of this thread::smilieiforgetwhi:: [/FONT] ******************************* IMPORTANT EDIT FROM VITA, Mon 5/28/2007 Three readers said they're having problems accessing Post 1 where the story is located. This may be a computer virus issue; I'm still trouble-shooting. It takes me 3-1/2 minutes now to download it using Internet Explorer at this site, but only seconds when I use Firefox. The story on Post 1 also opens quickly when I use Internet Explorer or Firefox at my own website, so it may also be a server issue here. Have patience; Kathy (owner of this site) is upgrading their server/software. Now's a good time to donate a few bucks to insimenator to help them cover their expenses. I suggest you use Firefox instead of Internet Explorer (IE) to surf the web. Firefox, to my computer knowledge (which is limited), is much more virus resistant than Internet Explorer. Viruses can attach to IE, but I've heard they cannot do this with Firefox. I may have picked up one because my kids will sometimes use IE to surf the net. Oh well. If any of you have problems opening up the story using Internet Explorer, please PM me so I can get a sense of how pervasive the problem is. Thanks! You can download Firefox free and it's a piece of cake to install. http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/[/B][/FONT] Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Veckah on May 26, 2007, 01:56:14 pm Oh yes, MUCH love. Can't wait for the next chapter!
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: LissaS on May 27, 2007, 07:45:57 pm YESSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RONNIE"S GETTING HELP!!!!!!!!! (wipes tear from eye) THANK YOU!!!!!!! Ok now as far as kareem and the crew...........I'm sooooooo curious to find out what might happen. OOOO Cheena will she be able to get away with the help of ronnie? It seems they are truly in love but are soooo mad at each other from lack of communication. If they communicated in the first place things might have been different. I'm just happy ronnie's finally seeking help. (jumps for joy with Veckah) YESSSS!!!!!!!!!
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Yorvi on May 27, 2007, 08:17:38 pm Its amazing how deep I can get into this story and just wanna be there...I have been on vacation but I'm back and caught up on the comings and goings with Murda/Urban Gangstas! Vita great job on the updates! Keep em coming!
Title: Great Chapters Post by: icekoolkat on May 28, 2007, 01:46:25 pm Vita,
Once again I am floored, you speak the truth in your writing, I have never seen a sims story with so much depth in it. I am loving the story so much that I will hate to see it end. Keep up the good work and thanks for giving me something to look forward to.:happy1: Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Ali Xavier on May 29, 2007, 08:43:37 am Ooooh, the betrayals, the setups, and the falls! Everybody's playing everybody to survive. This is funny, real and deep, cuz sometimes your enemy is your friend, and your friend is your enemy. Just don't let Ronnie go soft.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Elven_Song on May 29, 2007, 06:58:33 pm That was great! I'm so glad Ronnie's finally getting some help, because he's been falling pretty hard recently. Once he get's back on his feet he'll be able to help Kareem (at least, if not others) get back on track too. Can't wait to see how it works out.
~Eve Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on May 30, 2007, 03:24:44 pm Thank you Tenshii, Veckah, Moon, Applekissis, Icekoolcat, Ali, and Elven for leaving your kind and wonderful comments on the latest chapter. Thanks to others who PM'd me or those who simply enjoyed the updates, Friends/Enemies.
Someone asked me what the graph meant in the Chapter 71 - My Friend Is My Enemy. It's called, as far as I know, The Nine Dot Problem. Solving it requires thinking 'outside the box'. Also, as in real life, there is more than one way to solve the problem, which is what Ronnie in the story is trying to do with his problems now that he's no longer blind to them. The solution to the 9 dot puzzle is in that chapter. Khalil (Kareem's brother) is only one possible solution. Heh-heh! (http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a381/vita4all/NineDotProblem.jpg) Get ready to find out in the upcoming chapters how the characters solve the puzzles in their life. One should be ready by tomorrow night. I have half the photos ready and all of it written; it'll shock you. Heh-heh again!!! Also, I touched up most of the photos throughout the story, as I didn't know how to use Adobe Photoshop really well until the past two months. Amazing what adding light and contrast will do to a photo. Until tomorrow, enjoy! Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Ali Xavier on May 31, 2007, 11:00:16 pm I see you're running on CP Time with that new chapter, but it's all good. :wink:
By the way, my girl and I like the way you touched up your photos. Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on June 10, 2007, 12:59:43 am Hi Readers!
^ Ali's right. This is what happened. I thought the writing for this chapter was complete 10 days ago, but had an inspiration to expand it. This required additional thought to get it just right, as well as time to take more photos. The personality and world view of Junior is unique and even provocative in many ways, and common in others. He has the spotlight in this chapter as he comes of age and steps into manhood in an unexpected way. I'd love to hear what you think about it, good or bad, so please leave a comment. And warm thanks again to those who have taken a moment to leave one - they inspire and energize me. New mega update! Ch. 72 - Junior: Always And Forever ::smilieiforgetwhi::Find it on Post 1, Page 1, never on the end of this thread.[/COLOR].::smilieiforgetwhi::[/B][/I][/SIZE][/FONT] This Story May Take 1 to 10 To Download, Depending On Your Computer & Speed! This Is Due To The Large Number of Photos In The Story. You may want to open another window to surf the 'net while you wait. Take care and hugs, Vita[/COLOR][/FONT] Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Tenshii~Akari on June 10, 2007, 07:39:57 am Nice Chapter! I knew from the length of the wait that it'd be an awesome read, so no complaints from me. :smile bi:
Junior scared me for a little bit... y'know, when he said the "say my name" bit his dad does. That, and when he pulled out his switch blade and did what he did with Rita. I tell you, that boy is so much alike and completely different from his dad that it's crazy! Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Veckah on June 10, 2007, 09:28:08 am *deep breath* Vita... *another deep breath* This was my favorite chapter so far. Getting this deep into Junior's head was an amazing ride. The fanaticism, the pure maleness of him is both intriguing and downright frightening. Absolute power corrupts absolutely, even the power of God! Mix that with the psyche of a natural born leader, throw in the fact that what he is destined to lead people (some good some bad) in a bad situation is a recipe for...... a delightful disaster.
Junior is the type of person that truly frightens me. He is smart enough to know right from wrong, but just tainted, jaded enough to truly believe that the ends justify the means, no matter what the means are. At this point, Junior scares me more than his daddy does. Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on June 10, 2007, 11:17:29 am Tenshii and Veckah,
I'm thrilled by your comments and sitting here laughing my azz off. I'd love to say more now, but I wanna see what other folks think first, because Always and Forever is the kind of chapter that will hit different people differently. :color: Mwah-ha-ha! Vita Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: LissaS on June 10, 2007, 04:01:01 pm WOW I'M SOOOOO SPEECHLESS. The other two comments just completed what I wanted to say. Junior did scare me there a little, and I'm Rita in a whole lot of ways as far as having the same belief being a virgin and waiting till marriage. But it surprised me that they got married it was a beautiful thing to me. And yea Junior is soooooo much like his father it's really scary. This is going to be a really tough journey for them and hopefully Rita's a strong young woman cause she's going to need to be escpecailly the world we live in now and wait till she tell her parents OM GOODNESS, plus she's going to see some sides of junior that she may not like although he already warned her she still didn't really catch on but she will, oh she will. But WOW this is one of my favorite chapters by far.......... It was guuud oh so guud!!!
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on June 10, 2007, 09:40:33 pm Heh-heh-heh...
Moon, Tenshi, Veckah, glad y'all are digging the update and blown away by Junior. All three of you see him as the flip side of his father's coin... opposites, who are the same... Wild, ain't it? Readers: You might want to re-read the very brief chapters, Ch. 44 & 45, for a hint of what makes Junior tick. Also, readers, what did y'all think about the subplots of Kareem's revenge and fire-setting, and the circumstances of Jamal killing his baby's mama's lover? I'd love to know your thoughts. Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: LissaS on June 11, 2007, 03:54:43 pm Yea I meant to add that in that Raven has no idea that william was trouble although she thought he was kool. He was doing all this stuff behind her back and it got him killed, and Raven in trouble. Kareem is on the loose and he does not care want anybody thinks or feels all he wants is revenge so now he's livin la vida loca BIG time. That boi will do ANYTHING.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Tenshii~Akari on June 11, 2007, 04:09:58 pm About that wild child... Someone needs to get him back on track before he gets himself to far out of orbit.. though I think he's already pushed off beyond that. Kareem is scaring me now, too. :sad7:
One thing I can say about Jamal... he's definitely like the rest of his family. He has that same thirst for control that Raheem, Junior, and even Che. When he shot the other guy, I guess you could say that was definitely his moment of weakness. His spontaneous anger is definitely something he has yet to yield the reins on. :? Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on June 11, 2007, 09:20:40 pm Readers: Got some provocative questions for you.
Isn't it interesting how people (particularly the characters) start off innocently, but too much abuse from others and/or the system transforms them? Or as Tenshii noted about Kareem, flies "out of orbit"? The victim becomes the aggressor, and the values and/or violence trickles down into the next generation. Tenshii, I love your 'out of orbit' phrase. Kareem is spinning, for sure. Readers: Is society spinning out of control in so many communities now because too many of the respected businesses care more about profits than the people under them, to a degree that causes the kind of backlash that Kareem has dished out? Moon, reread those two or three paragraphs on the R-E-S-P-E-C-T issue about Raven and Jamal's girlfriend's mother (by the photo of Raven standing by the picture of the house on the wall). There's an important point there, and I take a very different view of William (the guy Jamal killed). If Raven had been more flexible in allowing him to have company, would the murder have happened? Also, would you pay cash money to rent a room, only to be told you aren't allowed guests in it? Did Raven really want her house respected, or knowing her history, was she already bitter about relationships and didn't want to be reminded of what she didn't have (before she met Ronnie)? Also Moon, thanks: I'm glad you mentioned that you liked the part about blood diamonds and my throwing this in the story. The misery I learned about what's going on over there is out of orbit too, on a massive level. It's a shame, 'cause like you, I love diamonds. They're sooo pretty! Veckah, Sharp insights, and I like what you said about Junior's "pure maleness" and fanaticism... but just to get a dialogue going with readers: How different really, is Junior's point of view about strong men leading and smart women following? I know his wedding vows and the way he interprets the Bible blew your mind. Blew mine too, and I wrote it!!! Heh-heh! All I did was take the common marriage vows of 'I promise to love, honor, and obey' to the next level - in a rawer form. As I wrote it, I thought that it's no longer PC (politically correct) to say it or openly acknowledge submission and obediance of a woman to a man in many circles, but don't a lot men and women still think it? To be more specific, the whole knight in shining armour thing, but with the guy making big bucks and his ride is a nice car, and he's smart and his woman looks up to him. Notice I used the word 'up', not at. I'm old enough to remember when this was a commonly held and stated value (along with whipping your kids 'spare the rod, spoil the child', all endorsed in the Good Book), and when many couples switched to substituting the word 'obey' to 'cherish' in their vows. It wasn't all that long ago, either. And readers, is the idea/value that strong men lead a cause of problems in relationships? Or the cure? Or neither? Both? I'll bet there's more than a few readers who feel Junior is doing the right thing in many ways, despite his extremism in other ways. I'd like to hear from you, too, although I won't hold my breath. :smile: Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: LissaS on June 12, 2007, 06:31:14 pm Ya Know when somebody gets murdered somebody's gettin payed so it is all about the benjis. And yea Raven could have been bitter I didn't really notice or catch onto it before, and yes everybody starts off innocent until the darkness of this world rapes them of their innocences. As for blood diamonds.................... *sigh* "I want gold" as Rita would put it. I see where your geting at or where your trying to take our minds, I see what your saying about strong men leading and this that and tha third, but you gotta remember that nobody's perfect and I know your not saying that anybody's perfect. So whether men lead or not to me it's clear that we need the man upstairs to guide us since we can't seem to get it right ourselves no matter how hard we try our way never really seems to work. He put us here, He's the author and finisher He's knows all and sees all. So it's not about being smart cause you can be smart and be a fool at the same time, it's about being wise and making wise decisionsw, where else can you get wisdom from.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on June 12, 2007, 08:11:22 pm Quote From Moon22T: ...whether men lead or not to me it's clear that we need the man upstairs to guide us since we can't seem to get it right ourselves no matter how hard we try our way never really seems to work. Moon, I love what you said, all of it. Junior thinks that love is his Achilles' heel and his only weakness. As readers, we have the distance to see him clearly and we know better. Despite being a genius, as you said, he lacks wisdom, and as Veckah said, he's a religious fanatic "who believes that the ends justifies the means", to whatever he thinks is right. His religious fanatacism is what makes him so terrifying to so many of my readers, as we all know this often leads to war, destruction and death... and by now we know where he's headed: the Middle East, somewhere in Sergios home country, and he has well-developed plans for what he'll do when he gets there. (I ain't telling, but it's gonna be good! :-P) On the other hand, there are those who are think his values about male-female relationships are grounded in Biblical teachings, and therefore solid and reasonable, along with the brothas in this story's 'hood who aren't the least bit religious but still try to rule women. The story mirrors the way many people really think, feel and act - all imperfect, struggling, damaged from childhood or dating issues, and sometimes, depite being smart, are just plain stupid... or human, because as you said so well: Quote From Moon22T: Everybody starts off innocent until the darkness of this world rapes them of their innocence. Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Ali Xavier on June 12, 2007, 09:43:36 pm Watching Junior grow up was amazing cuz I never thought he'd become manly. He even looks cool now. He was so religious until his hormones hit. I like his girl Rita. At first I was surprised he got married cuz he's so young, but it makes sense for a guy who won't have sex or whack off. I'm glad you didn't make his first time having sex perfect, because it never is. Also, their love and passion is beautiful and I hope he won't ruin it.
I read your questions. I don't have a problem with her following his lead, unless he leads her to Hell. The photo of him as a soldier and saying he has his own fires to start makes me wonder if there's Hell ahead - the one he wants to wants to avoid. Kareem was amazing in this chapter. A lil' firebug. The picture of him setting the fires and laughing in one was funny in a twisted way. Can't wait to see what Junior's plan is for him. Kareem and Ronnie are the most interesting characters for me, although they're all good. Last, I liked the way you filled out Jamal and humanized him. Earlier he came across as just a thug who blew away his ex-girl's new boyfriend. He's still a thug, but one with a reason a lot of guys would understand. Too bad he had a gun (and the bad luck of Raheem for a father). If he hadn't, it would've been a fist fight or knife fight and the end of it. Although there are a lot of reasons this guy was killed by him, the main reason as I see it, was Jamal's easy access to guns combined with his age and bad temper. Junior said he's going to save Jamal. He'll be either his brother's fool or his brother's keeper. Can't wait to see which! Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Veckah on June 13, 2007, 02:10:04 pm Quote from: vita4all;771174 And readers, is the idea/value that strong men lead a cause of problems in relationships? Or the cure? Or neither? Both? I agree that in most relationships (marriage or otherwise) there is a stronger leading the not so strong, however, I don't think it has to be the male that takes the 'leader' role. In an honest and healthy relationship the one who leads should be the one that is stronger in the problem at hand. True equality is a pipe dream, we all have our strengths and weaknesses, if we didn't it would make life REALLY boring. What we need to find is the ability to admit when we should lead and when we should follow per situation. Quote from: vita4all;771174 I'm old enough to remember when this was a commonly held and stated value (along with whipping your kids 'spare the rod, spoil the child', all endorsed in the Good Book), and when many couples switched to substituting the word 'obey' to 'cherish' in their vows. It wasn't all that long ago, either. As am I, and I am not ashamed to admit that this type of belief structure is why I am not a member of the Christian faith, I won't go into it here, this isn't the forum for it. I just feel it is time for people to stand up and take control of their own lives, their own actions without using religion, race, handicap, or one of the hundreds of other excuses as a shield. Wow.. ah, that rambled and got totally away from the story itself didn't it. :D Time to sit back and wait for the :blob6:FLAMING:blob6: (I really hope I didn't just start a flame war.) Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Tenshii~Akari on June 13, 2007, 05:01:26 pm No flames from me. I actually agree with some of what you're saying, Veckah. The vast majority of people today will use anything to claim that it wasn't entirely their doing. :angel:
Some people I know personally would flame me for what I'm about to say, as I'm a Christian myself. Most of what many people in my faith go by is mainly from the Old Testament. (Basically just about everything that Junior stands on in his belief.) While I may go by most of it (Mainly the Ten Comandments... I have maybe 6-7 down pat...) Even though the Bible states that women should submit to their husbands, I basically second everything that Veckah said in the first part of her post about leadership. I know a lot of natural born female leaders whose husbands support them every step of the way. Inversely, I also know a lot of women who've led their men astray because of bad decisions. Same with men leading women. One could have the best intentions in the world, but still stay down the wrong path, and not only bring themselves down, but the man or women that trusted their leadership and love (or sometimes it can strengthen the bond between them). It definitely goes both ways. And like I said before, no flames from me. Sometimes, I still have a difficult time understanding how my Christian family takes things from the Bible and twists them to justify themselves for whatever situation/belief. People have definitely taken advantage of twisting words in their favor, that's for sure. (Heh, I most definitely see this in Raheem and his boys! The similarities are very real with even some people I've met in the past... :shock:) You know, I hate to admit this, but this is the deepest thinking I've ever done. Not even church and school made me dig this deep into my head! I usually suck at critical thinking questions on tests, so this is a miracle having these thoughts and opinions rolling out like a rockslide! :laugh: Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: LissaS on June 13, 2007, 07:01:23 pm TenshiiAkari I couldn't agree more, that's where the problem starts when people start taking biblical teachings and twisting them up to justify the situation. And the bible warns you about that when it says: Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but really their vicious wolves. Lol not flames over here, oh and Vita I can't WAIT to see what happens next. OOoooooooo this gettin soooo guuud!!!
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on June 14, 2007, 09:01:12 pm These comments blow mind mind. I love intelligent conversation where people share and exchange a variety of views without losing their cool. How else are we to learn anything? Love it so much, that every character represents an entirely different view, value system or lifestyle from the others. Of course, there's overlap, just like in real life and this thread.
Otherwise, I'm still farting around with the photos and fine-tuning the next. Be ready between midnight and dawn. Bring yo' box of tissues... Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on June 16, 2007, 06:48:20 am Regarding the comments on this page: My response above didn't go into any depth in addressing what some of you said as I need time to process it. I haven't done that in-depth yet, as my mind has been chewing, if not obsessing, on fine-tuning Part 1 of this upcoming chapter.
A word of thanks to Ali. I particularly liked your point on easy access to guns as an issue, but it was all good. And a word of praise to Moon, Veckah, Tenshi, that your fearless, insightful, and diplomatic viewpoints about religion and how it's affected you. This fueled and nurtured my creativity, and I believe, helped me add more depth to Freedom Ain't Free, Part 1, that I'm ready to post. Pat yourselves on the back and enjoy it. :thumbup: Otherwise, I don't think many folks make it beyond page 1 since the whole story is on Post 1. It's these back pages where a tiny handful of folks chill (the coffee house crowd?), thus flame wars simply haven't occurred, which was a concern. Great! May the meaningful but respectful dialog continue! I'm a day late and dollar short in getting this update uploaded, but here it is! May your minds enjoy the feast! Chapter 73: Freedom Ain't Free - Part 1 - Rita ::smilieiforgetwhi::Find this update on Page 1, Post 1, never at the end of this thread.::smilieiforgetwhi::[/SIZE][/FONT] I've decided to keep track when I update: 6546 hits since 6/10; 7037 hits as of right now. Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Tenshii~Akari on June 16, 2007, 05:03:50 pm :smt103 Whooo~!! That one gave me chills!!
At first I was thinking, "Either Junior is deaf, or those are some solidly sound-proofed doors!" when Rita was "confronting" her parents... though it was more like a prison check than a confrontation at first. Then as soon as I read into the chapter more... I realized he really did hear her. In a way, I'm glad he did leave when he did, 'cause he scares holy hell outta me more than ever. :shock: And after getting to know Rita a bit more, I can tell I'm going to have a horrendous time relating to her. I couldn't take reading how her parents treated her on her arrival back home. She's a lot more tolerant to what happened than I would've been. A LOT. It takes a lot for me not to strike back at someone for hitting me, and I have a tendency to want to defend everything and anything I care for. That includes my personality and the will to want to stand for myself and not someone else for me. Truly, I wouldn't be able to live with her parents or Junior for one hour! :laugh: Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on June 16, 2007, 05:37:55 pm HeyTenshii! Thanks for the comment.
Junior and Rita have been making out for months. Both are religious, their hormones are through the ceiling, and Junior doesn't masturbate... they're in heat! He's naturally intense and we can assume he grew up watching and listening to his father relate to women and people in general, and we know how Raheem is. Rita's used to being raised by strict, religious, over-protective middle-class parents. Junior and Rita are like two pieces of a puzzle who found each other, and they fit. God help them... Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: LissaS on June 16, 2007, 10:58:22 pm WOW............. Rita caught it good when she got home, man. The only thing I don't agree with as far as junior is whipping her. You whip kids not your wife. And yea you may lead but your wife is your helper, not your child. It's nothing wrong with wanting to protect her but that's definatly not the way to do it. And Rita's so in love that she's to blind to see, even when she finds out he's serious she's so mesmerized by his words that she still doesn't hear him clearly. Plus I think she knows he's wrong but like she said it sounds like he's making sense. She confused and sprung. Junior has good intentions but he's going about it the wrong way simply because he learned it from his dad, who he quotes alot. Junior is molding her the way he wants her, I don't know what type of love they got going on but it sure ain't true love that's for sure
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Elven_Song on June 16, 2007, 11:58:43 pm I'm a bit late but....
I would have never imagined Junior getting married like that, and so soon. I think some parts were cute though, and overall they were brilliant chapters. The contrast of the two families and lives being brought together was a great idea. And it was kind of nice to be able to have a chapter I could really relate to! ^^ I'm sure if I got married underage to a gangsta like Junior, I'd have to deal with something very similar. I totally agree with most of you. In most cases, in fact, I have experienced such things. Especially the 'spare the rod, spoil the child' part. -laugh- It frustrates me to see how Junior is mixing his father's way with his other Father's way (the bigger one xD), and then twisting it again for someone else. It's sad how Rita's just getting so caught up in things and in the end she could end up getting seriously hurt (well, more than she already is). Unfortunately she probably won't realise because like you said, Moon22T, its making sense to her, and that's only because Junior's mixing God's word with his, and she's been raised to follow it. I can't wait for the next chapter to find out more about how things turn out, with Ronnie's trial especially, and Kareem on the loose. Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: LissaS on June 17, 2007, 02:01:37 pm Yes elven song yes you hit it right on the needle!!!
Quote from: Elven_Song;778983 Unfortunately she probably won't realise because like you said, Moon22T, its making sense to her, and that's only because Junior's mixing God's word with his, and she's been raised to follow it. Ps sorry about the deleted posts my computer booted me off when I tried to edit the first post and the second Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: FeistyRedhead on June 17, 2007, 04:25:29 pm The quasi abusive tone Raheem has with his new wife is disturbing, but you know I love the story :)
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Ali Xavier on June 17, 2007, 07:13:22 pm I had to think about this chapter for awhile. As Elvensong said above, it was brilliant. What made it so is that you showed how domestic violence happens. We also know why: Junior was an abused child, and Rita was an oppressed child. Amazing how you did that.
I liked the art too, especially of Junior with the scales on his face. It's good enough to hang in my living room. You should upload it here. (Hint, hint) Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on June 18, 2007, 08:07:59 am Tenshii and I PM each other every now and then, so I gave her this feedback in a PM. She said she'd like me to post it to help others.
Moon22T also PM'd me on Saturday, asking how I get my shots to be so vivid. Here's how: Quote From Tenshi: It's not too bright, is it? I'm working from a laptop with unadjustable brightness/contrast... and I'm still learning how to do this type of stuff... I only know how to use Adobe Photoshop. Can't praise it enough, although their may be even better programs out there, and using a laptop, you may be limited by it's memory or RAM. (http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a381/vita4all/Tenshii-WarmingTO1WithFrameKai.jpg) You asked about the warming effect on your pic, and mentioned brightness and contrast. There is something called Adjust Color on Photoshop, that has three sub-options: hue, saturation, and lghtness. One can make a photo 'warmer' this way using saturation, or change the colors completely using hue. Many of my photos you've seen have been touched up this way. You asked if your photo is too warm. This depends on the mood you want to set. Mood is everything. I think it's perfect - if you're trying to convey an intense mood. His face and expression is already beautifully intense, and whatever you did is perfect. To add, drama to the photo, I used something called the Polygonal Lasso Tool. I don't know if you have this feature in your photo program, but if ever switch to Adobe, you'll find it invaluable. (Credit to Beosboxboy for showing me how to do this when I wanted to modify the tie on his gangster suits. He supplied me with this pic and I've been rolling ever since. He may have a tutorial on insimenator somewhere.) (http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a381/vita4all/PolygonalLassoTool.jpg) What you do is 'rope' around the object that you want to modify. In your photo, I roped off Kai (I guess that's his name, that's how you labeled him in the photo). Thus, Kai wasn't affected, changed, or altered in anyway - only the background was. (No, I take that back. I changed the hair over his ear on the left side of the pic a wee bit.) I had a photo of a fire that I found on the web (I love shots that involve heat, passion and drama), and simply cut and pasted it into the background. This took me all of 20 minutes, from thinking about it, to selecting a background, to editing the photo. This took practice, however, and patience. Here's the exact same photo, with a different background to match the intensity: (http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a381/vita4all/Tenshii-WarmingTO1WithFrameKai3.jpg) Here's another example, and a sneak peak. In this shot, the photo of the fire is in the sim scene, so I didn't need to use the polygonal lasso tool: (http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a381/vita4all/Che-Fire-0A.jpg) (http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a381/vita4all/Che-Fire2.jpg) or, the same shot below, in a two recent chapters. It was originally taken on black backgrounds, and the Filter was used to alter the mood and look. For the second shot, I used the paint bucket to change the background from black to red, the Image/Resize/Scale tool to adjust size, because I felt I stretched too much in the first one. (http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a381/vita4all/Junior-TattooInBlood7.jpg) (http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a381/vita4all/Junior-TattooInBlood8.jpg) Edit 6/25/2007 Shots are never perfect when you take them. Below is a step-by-step detail pictorial of the transformation of a close-in shot from another story I've entered for the Playing Pirate Contest :pirate:: http://www.insimenator.org/showpost.php?p=791120&postcount=89 1. Sample One - Original Photo (http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a381/vita4all/Sample1-Original.jpg) 2. Sample Two: (http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a381/vita4all/Sample2-Cut-thenAddContrastLightCol.jpg) The picture needs to be enhanced for color. If you brighten it, the globe lamp will be too bright and overwhelm or dominate the photo too much. a) Use the Polygonal Lasso Tool to rope off the globe. Use Edit feature to Copy, then Cut. b) Use Enhance feature in upper left-hand corner. c) Scroll down to Adjust Lighting, and adjust for Brightness and Contrast. d) Then go to Adjust Color (also under Enhance), then adjust hue and saturation. e) Sometimes you may want to use the Adjust Shadow feature too. I rarely adjust more than 1 to 3%, if at all, as it affects the lighting in ways I don't like. Save this for last. Sometimes it makes it a little better, and with some shots, it's a necessity. I don't think I used it on this one. 3. Sample Three (http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a381/vita4all/Sample3-PasteBackGlobe.jpg) a) Use Rectangular Marquee Tool on left side of Adobe, it's the square box under the icon that looks like an eyedropper. Use this tool to highlight area where the globe (or your item) will be pasted back on. b) Use Edit feature. Scroll down and click on Paste In Selection. Then line up globe where it was. 4. Sample Four (http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a381/vita4all/Sample4-UseBlurToolAroundGlobe.jpg) a) Use Blur Tool on left side of the page to blur around the boundary of the globe where you pasted it back in the photo. This tool looks like a raindrop. You can adjust the size at the top of the page, the same way you adjust your paintbrush. 5. Sample Five See that thin black line going across the globe and into the crib? Theres another one under the boy's chair. The lines are from a glitch in the globe lamp that shows up in the game. a) Several ways to do this. Easiest for me was to use the Rectangular Marquee Tool (the box) to highlight the first area where the line is, then click Copy. b) Next, use the Polygonal Lasso Tool and lasso or rope around only the line. c) Click Paste In Selection, and shift the pasted area until the line is covered up. 6. Sample Six - Almost Done! (http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a381/vita4all/Sample6-CopyCutLeftCornerPasteOver.jpg) See that little tiny white area in the lower left hand corner of the photo? That comes from a pile of clothes that was on the floor, but not enough of the clothes showed up for anyone to know what it is. I didn't even notice it until the last minute. This is easily fixed. a) Use the Rectangular Marquee Tool over a slightly larger area of the clothes and Copy. b) Since it's so tiny, you don't have to use the Polygonal Lasso Tool. You can use the Rectangular Marquee Tool again, but only over the spot. Click on Paste into Selection, and move it around until it's covered up. c) Brightened or lightened just a tad, maybe used 1% of Shadow feature, which I save for last. 7. Sample Seven - Finished Product. (http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a381/vita4all/Sample7-FinalProduct.jpg) I don't know why it looks a little lighter in #7 than in #6. That's a Photobucket issue, because I didn't adjust anything. You'll see #6 in the Pirate Contest. Whew! Done. Sounds like a lot. I think it took me probably 45 minutes, but I'm still slow and take my time studying the photo. Photo work of this kind is like art, and in the eye of the beholder. Some people might prefer the photo to be lighter. However, I like the level of darkness to portray the mood in the story. Often darkness will make a photo more intimate, especially if it's a close up shot of the subject(s). You almost feel like you are there. Good luck, and PM me if you have any questions. Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: LissaS on June 18, 2007, 04:19:25 pm WOW thanks ALOT!!!!! Now to go experiment..........
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Veckah on June 18, 2007, 08:39:09 pm Sorry I haven't commented sooner, but it has been a VERY long week and weekend. This chapter gave me chills again. Junior and his "What's my name" is such a abusive tendency phrase. His 'tender' dehumanization of Rita is truly frightening, calling her girl instead of her name, demanding her obedience in everything... *shiver* It reminds me of some of the cases I have read on PervertedJustice.com.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on June 19, 2007, 03:45:09 am Thanks and hugs all, for the comments, insights, opinions, and support. I'm glad you're loving the story. Veckah, I knew these last two chapters would be chilling to many, although there are those who don't have a problem with Junior and Rita's relationship and beliefs (except for Junior's threat to whip her with a belt if she doesn't obey him.) Yep, Junior's pretty clear about his expectations as well his love and passion for her. No grey areas whatsoever... with her. Also, I never heard of that website, pervertedjustice.com. I'll check it out. I take it that his behavior and one of the favorite photos I did conveyed this view of Junior. I love Photoshop. He almost looks Egyptian from the time of the pyramids, doesn't he? I've got another odd one I'll be using soon. (http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a381/vita4all/Junior-JusticeScales3.jpg) New Update![/SIZE] Ch. 73: FREEDOM AIN'T FREE [/COLOR] [/I][/SIZE][/B]PART II - JAMAL, & PART III - RAVEN ::smilieiforgetwhi::Find Updates On Page 1, Post 1, Never The End Of This Thread::smilieiforgetwhi::[/FONT] Track Keeper: 7037 hits as of 6/16. 7384 hits as of right now. Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Tenshii~Akari on June 19, 2007, 06:55:09 pm Aww, that was such a tease! :tongue3:
It's funny though... two completely different people whose lives depend on each other... well, in this case, one that's in a life or death situation. Jamal is so sure of himself, but who knows what could happen between the appearance in court and the verdict. I'll be waiting patiently for Junior's take. :angel: (I'm sure it'll blow me away! :lol:) Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Ali Xavier on June 21, 2007, 01:59:45 pm Part 1 on Rita was amazing. From the frying pan and into the fire! Junior might turn out to be a good husband, and they definitly have the chemistry in bed, but Junior missed his calling. He'd make a helluva pimp. Part 2 and 3 were short but I liked them, especially this from Jamal:
Quote Pain in my life has always been there and always will be. It's part of my life like the sun... and like that big ball of fire in the sky, it hurts too much to look at directly. A lot of brothas can identify with this, but I'd like to know a little more about his pain other than his baby's mama cheating on him. Your fans are waiting for Part 4! Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on June 21, 2007, 09:45:41 pm Thank you Diesel, Ali, Tenshii, Veckah, Moon, ElvenSong and FeistyRedhead[/B] for your insights, feedback and comments, and to my other readers.
Ali - You're getting your wish in Part 4 re: insight on how Jamal (and Junior and Che) developed into the people they are. Diesel - I really appreciate your throwing out a little different point of view. As scary as Junior is some, other women find raw confidence, complete control over others seductive, rather than abusive. But as you said, for many, it gets old. FeistyRedhead - Yep, see above, and I'm glad you're loving the story. Tenshii - I like that term you used, prison check, in describing how Rita's parents behaved when she got home. Considering what an angel Rita's been all her life and parents' lifestyle, her elopement to the son of a mobster hit them like a tornado. ElvenSong - Heh-heh, glad you can relate to Rita's folks and thanks for sharing your experience with the belt and strict parents. It's awfully common in families all over the world. Moon - Yep, you hit it on the bullseye: Junior's molding Rita like clay. He'll reveal why in this next part. Also, hope you learn how to use the photo tip I gave you. You too, Tenshii. Veckah - Hugs, and you know why. New Update! Chapter 73:[/COLOR] Freedom Ain't Free - Part 4 - Junior [/COLOR][/SIZE][/B][/I]::smilieiforgetwhi::Find updates on Post 1, Page 1, Never The End Of This Thread::smilieiforgetwhi::[/SIZE][/FONT] Track Keeper: 7384 on 6/19 7586 right now. Title: Hi Post by: Monnie66 on June 22, 2007, 08:26:05 pm I Love this story u should make a youtube account but i think pics are better for storytelling but keep up the good work
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Tenshii~Akari on June 23, 2007, 08:35:00 am Now I see it. I do sense a little resentment from Junior towards his mom. (And of course his dad, as he's the catalyst for the situation.) I really don't see how she could let Raheem "discipline" him like that, and break up with him over another woman. I would've broken the relationship off the first time my kid got hurt.
It's amazing how many eyes Satan has, isn't it? I wouldn't have expected... well, scratch that. I should've expected that he'd have someone tailing really close to Raven. I'm sure it's partly through her lawyer, though, but I wonder who else... ;) Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on June 24, 2007, 12:09:50 am Monnie66 - I'm honored that you've been a member at inseminator for nearly a year, and left your first post on my thread. Thank you.
Tenshii - As we've PM'd privately, people who are used to being dominated in relationships often don't perceive occassional abuses of power as reason to terminate them, particularly if love enters the equation. Their lover or parent's behavior is seen basically as normal with a few anomalies that overlooked. Think of any boss you've ever had the bad luck to work for, but you remain in that job despite the occassional misery he or she dishes out, even though you can find a new job with some effort. The familiar feels safer than the unknown. Abuse in relationships also make it more intense, and that intensity is confused for love. This is especially true with children, who also, like Junior, don't reveal all that has happened to them even to the other parent, like the rooftop scene. Secrets find fertile ground in this garden of madness... Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Elven_Song on June 24, 2007, 05:35:09 pm With these last parts of 'Freedom Ain't Free', I finally really understand where Junior stands with Raheem. It's interesting that despite everything he's done Satan still has so many people who do love him. And also how he somehow makes you feel secure but scared at the same time. It really gives a lot of insight on him and all the people who associate with him, especially his kids and their moms. It would be really scary, just to know someone like that, who you can't help but love and hate at the same time.
Also, I loved your pictures in this last chapter. Very well set up and the editing definitely makes a difference. I like it how some of them almost look like puzzles being put together. Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: LissaS on June 25, 2007, 09:38:42 pm Man I don't even know where to start, like eleven song said it's like a puzzle and I love puzzles, so I'm slowly but surly piecing this together. I see and understand where juniors coming from, he already knows how his father is and how certain people roll. Although I don't think he should punish Rita for whatever he thinks she might do since he knows how persuasive they are and sneaky. It'll be like her getting caught in a trap that she as no knowledge of cause she's so sheltered and innocent and evil seems to like to prive on the innocent . As far as his father they all said it^^^^^^. Satan is the father of trickery and lies and deceit ect..
The pics were sooooo good and I meant to tell you this before but I love how you use other pics you used earlier to refresh our memory and let us see it a different way. As in you used the pic to tell one side of the story then later on use it again to tell a different side of the story. I LOVE IT! YESSS Ronnie's coming back can't wait to see what happens!!!!!!! Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on June 27, 2007, 06:11:00 pm Thanks for the very thoughtful and insightful comments, ElvenSong, Moon and Diesel, and thank you readers who are enjoying the story but haven't left a comment.
Quote From Diesel: what might have been easily mistaken for assault and battery can actually be a display of love and concern in the hood...lol. Agreed, although I think you have to grow up around it to fully understand it. Quote From Diesel: ...Junior still got madd love for that man. Yep, and many abused kids do, 'cause your mama and daddy is all you've got growing up... but it's mixed with hate, as you see, which intensifies the relationship. Quote From Moon22T: Junior ...knows how his father is and how certain people roll... Rita's so sheltered and innocent and evil likes to prey on the innocent ...Satan is the father of trickery and lies and deceit... Yes, and notice how Junior chose someone totally different from his family and the people he's grown up around. As he said in the chapter where he met her, "Jump with me Rita. Let's do life differently." He's got a little baggage, though. Quote From Elven_song: (Raheem) somehow makes you feel secure but scared at the same time. It really gives a lot of insight on him and all the people who associate with him, especially his kids and their moms. It would be really scary, just to know someone like that, who you can't help but love and hate at the same time. There are many people like this, and they not only lead their family, but some lead nations. And of course, Lucifer, God's most beautiful angel, may have said, "it's better to rule in Hell than serve in Heaven." Been in the Pirate Contest (http://www.insimenator.org/showpost.php?p=791120&postcount=89), guys, and took a break (some of you know this already.) This took up far more time than I imagined, and will be my last one for a long time, even though I've enjoyed it. I just finished R1 and will try to get the Ronnie and other chapters this weekend. Here's a pic of my pirate, and he's a gangsta, too, who changed jobs. :pirate: Swing by and read his mini-story. It's good. And no, that's not Ronnie in one of the photos; he's a relative y'all never heard about. (http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a381/vita4all/TechNine-SlyThief-10-PopOutPoster.jpg) Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Tenshii~Akari on June 27, 2007, 07:06:15 pm :drool: *heads to check out the contest*
Man I hate my game for not working right now... I sure would've loved to be in the same contest as him! Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on June 30, 2007, 11:35:04 pm Whopee! I kept my deadline and have this chapter ready for you on schedule!
Thank you readers and fans for your comments and patience. If you've never left a comment or haven't left one in a long time, please let me know how you like the story or chapter. New Chapter Update! Ch. 73 Continued - Freedom Ain't Free - Part 5 - Ronnie [/I] ::smilieiforgetwhi::Find Chapter Updates On Post 1, Page 1, Never The End Of This Thread::smilieiforgetwhi:: By the way, Ronnie will have another Part in Ch. 73 this week, as will Junior, as this entire chapter deals with the trial and everyone's quest for freedom as they define it.[/SIZE][/FONT] 7586 on 6/21/2007 8076 as of right now Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Tenshii~Akari on July 01, 2007, 08:10:40 am Jamal's shirt = Priceless. :laugh:
What Ronnie did at the end is enough to mess with anyone. He certainly pulled the unexpected with everybody in the cell by telling them to show Jason mercy. I'm so proud of him! :bawl: Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Veckah on July 03, 2007, 12:13:51 am *Cheers* Yes, Ronnie did the right thing, I'm so proud of him. *giddy* Excellent update as always Vita.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Elven_Song on July 03, 2007, 04:45:45 pm It's so good to finally get some inside detail and be able to know what Ronnie's been up to all this time we've been hangin with the rest of the crew. I'm still anxious to finally catch up with Kareem, who's still running wild, as far as we know. Good little filler there, Vita! Can't wait to see the rest.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on July 05, 2007, 01:53:58 pm Thank you Tenshi, Veckah, and ElvenSong, those who PM'd me and readers in general for your comments, nurturing and support! It's one of the things that keeps me writing.
A few hints. I introduced the cool young cousin, Kye, in this last chapter (part 5/Ch 73) to give Ronnie a link to his past - and possibly his mother. I ain't telling no more! They have a lot in common too, don't they? Heh-heh-heh. All of you were happy over Ronnie's words: "Show him mercy." He then said with those three words, I freed myself. I could've written, I freed him, but Ronnie is trying to free himself from violence and guilt. Ronnie, as you know, is searching for answers in his struggle to grow up and mature. The book on Buddist meditation Chan gave him helped him. Some of you remember, and some don't, but back in Chapter 33, Chan was having a phone call with Raven, who stated that Ronnie was too straight to make a committment to him, and that he was a straight-up gangsta who thought like a Buddist "even though he probably didn't know what that was." It's above this photo here if you want to refresh your memories: (http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a381/vita4all/Ronnie-Laughingwithgun2.jpg) [/SIZE]New Intense Update! Chapter 73 - Freedom Ain't Free - Part 6: Che, and Part 7, Raheem ::smilieiforgetwhi::Find Chapter Updates On Post 1, Page 1, Never The End Of This Thread::smilieiforgetwhi:: 8076 on 7/01 8374 right now Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Tenshii~Akari on July 05, 2007, 08:38:37 pm So Che plans on leaving everything behind and free himself and his sister from being tools again... I hope he remembers that if his dad really wants him to do "his will", he has his ways of catching up to him. Heck, if he found out where Raven was through "paper trails," Raheem would do the same thing to him, too.
I blinked. "Murda and sex has really changed you," I said. "Changed me? No," he said decisively. "Murda, money, sex and power freed me." The above really got to me. His statement is so true, and I've seen it firsthand throughout reading this whole novelette! Raheem was right about one thing from the beginning: Junior did have it in him from the very start... he just had to give him a little taste of those elements. (beginning of Ch 61) That boy's a force to be reckoned with! :evil5: Hmmm... Junior's definitely got a plan up his sleeve for sure. One's gotta wonder if he's forming his own "army" to prepare for the usurping of his father. He's seeing Ronnie, Che, Jamal, Kareem, and maybe even Tony's thirst for freedom, too. ("Freedom" being a variety of definitions... from murder, drugs, hurtful memories, or plaguing thoughts, you name it!) Knowing Junior, he'll use all of that to his advantage. ;) Looking forward to seeing how this develops! Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Veckah on July 06, 2007, 12:14:27 pm What does it say that even Satan himself is becoming truly wary of his own offspring?
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: icekoolkat on July 06, 2007, 01:50:06 pm OMG! Everytime I read another chapter I'm more involved in the story. I find myself rooting for the underdog. I put myself in the story, it's like I'm on the sidelines watching everything unfold. Another excellent chapter. The love story between Rita and Junior was so cute. I think he will make a good husband because he saved himself for her and only her. Again another great chapter, keep it coming.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: LissaS on July 06, 2007, 09:26:10 pm WOW,.........WOW! Junior is soooo sharp! He got his own father questioning himself.....WOW! The way I see it junior definitely has a plan up his sleeve and he's puttin it all together. He is just like his father but to me it looks like he's using it for the better instead of worse. He's slowly outsmarting his father and I can see this being a HUGE battle at the end between Junior and his father. It's already starting to begin it seems, cause his father still has a plan as far as going overseas. Ronnie REALLY surprised me when he said "Show him mercy"........... My mouth dropped. Right now all I can still say is WOW........WOW!
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on July 07, 2007, 04:47:59 pm Hi Readers! Coffee House Chat time! :coffee2: I wanted to give some feedback to your insightful comments, rather than wait another two or three days before the next update is ready. Important Message! I've started minor edits on early chapters, and added a few photos. I think you'll like the 3 fresh new pictures in Chapter 1 and Ch. 6. The one of Chan and Ronnie having dinner is kind of funnyand it's worth a peak. The only dialogue I changed was in Ch. 1 - improved for the better, without changing the story. Exception: in the original Ch 1, Raheem said he was 'top dawg in his 'hood." As the story evolved, we know this isn't true. He's much more than that and has global connections. Thus Ch. 1 was edited to reflect this. Minor edits elsewhere, feel free as usual to enjoy racy debates here! Okay, pass the Swiss Miss to add in my coffee: Quote From Tenshii - "Raheem was right about one thing from the beginning: Junior did have it in him from the very start...One's gotta wonder if he's forming his own "army"" Raheem is the brilliant anti-hero we love to hate. He's right about a lot of things, but does Junior have him fooled, or has Junior joined him in evil? And don't you feel sorry for Ronnie? Just when he's ready to move on, his 'freedom' is being negotiated between Raheem and Junior as though he were a slave. What do they say? Ain't no leaving or escaping the mob. We'll see... Quote From Veckah: "What does it say that even Satan himself is becoming truly wary of his own offspring?" Oh Veckah! The neighbors can still hear me laughing from your observation... I love it! Quote From Icekoolkat: I think he (Junior) will make a good husband because he saved himself for her and only her (Rita). What Rita and Junior have going for them is they share the same religious values and are deeply, passionately, truly in love, plus he likes her. He's not fickle either. However, there are a quite a few wild cards that could do them in, from his rigidity, to their families, to family planning issues, and of course, to whatever crazy sh*t Junior has planned up his sleeve regardng his 'travel plans." Quote From Moon: He (Junior) is just like his father but to me it looks like he's using it for the better instead of worse... I can see this being a HUGE battle at the end.... Junior has a rep all thru the story of being sneaky by his brothers, father, and even Ronnie. Just what is Junior's real agenda? Hmmmmmm. The iceberg photo in Ch.73/Pt1 may be a clue... :scratch: ************ Quite a few of you were surprised that Ronnie showed mercy to another prisoner. If you think about it, it's fairly consistent with his character, from back in juvie when he protected Chan in the bathroom, simply because it was the decent thing to do. He's struggling to hang onto his heart in this cold world. Wish Ronnie luck - he's gonna need it. :violent3: [/FONT][/SIZE] Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: kevinlipimp on July 10, 2007, 09:30:35 am Vita, your story is so good. The last chapter was intense and funny as hell, espcially the newspaper pic and Junior doing a talk show. It's the cup of coffee he was holding that cracked me up with the title! Where do you get these ideas? They're hilarious! So were the ridiculous fruity prison uniforms. It's like your story is serious and real as hell but funny too. I like the new photos you added in the whole story and the first chapter. The pic of Crazy 8 getting beat with the real looking belt was so real and sad-scary. It was a good idea to add new photos. The one of Ronnie looking stoned - I'm using that as a screensaver.
Junior's outdoing his dad and Raheem better watch his back. I can't wait to see what happens next! Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Liv on July 10, 2007, 12:23:55 pm Ok, so I am like on Ch. 10 and am already hooked! Wonderful story! I will surely becoming back to get caught up!
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Tenshii~Akari on July 10, 2007, 06:02:18 pm Quote from: vita4all;813009 Raheem is the brilliant anti-hero we love to hate. He's right about a lot of things, but does Junior have him fooled, or has Junior joined him in evil? And don't you feel sorry for Ronnie? Just when he's ready to move on, his 'freedom' is being negotiated between Raheem and Junior as though he were a slave. What do they say? Ain't no leaving or escaping the mob. We'll see... [/FONT] I don't think, I know Junior has him fooled. (Yeah... I don't "know" know, but from everything I've read about him up until now, he definitely knows how to work his way around and manipulate things to suit his plans) Anytime Satan second guesses himself on how he really reads Junior, there's definitely someting up. Let's see how Raheem can figure out the true nature of his kids now. :smile bi: Quote from: vita4all;813009 Quite a few of you were surprised that Ronnie showed mercy to another prisoner. If you think about it, it's fairly consistent with his character, from back in juvie when he protected Chan in the bathroom, simply because it was the decent thing to do. He's struggling to hang onto his heart in this cold world. Wish Ronnie luck - he's gonna need it. :violent3:[/FONT] From the previous that you stated above this quote, you asked did I feel sorry for Ronnie... that's an absolute yes. :( Everything you've said about Raheem and Junior talking about him and the other boys/men in whatever way Junior wants to utilize them is too true. They talk as if they own every bit of their souls... :smt120 I wasn't too surprised at Ronnie's generosity... like you mentioned, he did it for Chan, and in a few more ways, he also did it for Raven and Kareem. Though, in the situation with the lack of respect from the big-mouthed inmate named Jason, I was sure anyone would've lost their cool right then. :lol: I don't wish only Ronnie the luck, but EVERYONE in this maturing situation is going to need it, in this story and in RL situations similar to Ronnie's. (Mainly, all the young men I know that are still trying to free themselves from what I'd like to call the "color-coded" system of stereotypes. Most of our boys and men are more than just jail-birds and gangstas... it's just something they have to believe and find within themselves! ;) ) Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Elven_Song on July 10, 2007, 09:44:54 pm I've finally checked in! ^^ Truthfully, I've been avoiding this story for a little while now just so I could see some of the other's comments. I don't have much of a commenting spirit this week. Well, I can pretty much say that Tenshii is totally right, and I completely agree with her comments, and I'm glad someone is able to think about it more than I can! xD Sorry I can't add my own but I really don't have much to add!
Great parts to that on-going chapter! ^^ And I really loved the little newspaper bit in there (along with the father-son shirts! xD). Blessings, and can't wait for more story! Eve Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on July 12, 2007, 05:48:31 pm Coffee House Chat Time! :coffee2:
My writing has taken a brief rest the past week and I've and been working on the artwork for the upcoming chapter, and adding a few new photos here and there and brightening up the old ones from back when those skills were limited. New chapters should be up this weekend! Fo' real! :-P Liv - Welcome to Urban Gangstas! And thanks again for the comment. It is appreciated. Tenshii - Heh-heh-heh! Don't you wish you knew what was up with Junior! I ain't telling. I appreciated your points about Ronnie trying to free himself from gangsterism and the "color-coded system of stereotypes" like so many of our real life (RL) brothas and sistas, as well as other disadvantaged groups. Indeed, our boys and men are more than fodder for the prison system. A kinder view from all people (even among black folks, because the middle class can be very hard on lower class), and a committment to putting a chicken in every pot and a decent-paying job for all citizens will do much to eliminate crime, as well as child/domestic abuse and mental illness, for they often spring from endless poverty and class-related stress. It's unfortunate that so many jobs in the US disappeared when many factories, and later other work, were outsourced to other countries in the 1980s. This was shortly before the crack and AIDS epidemics, and a slow slide into war which drains the economy of money that could be used for kinder, gentler purposes. But, this ain't paradise... and don't y'all forget it. If it was, we'd all be rich and beautiful with no problems, right? Elven_Song - Glad you found laughter in the updates, and I see that you and Tenshii are on the same page. Kevin - I've been making nearly all the outfits for the adult and teen males since the middle of the story, as well as the wall-hangings or art work. I've done minimal meshing, but by and large, they're recolorations. Glad you're finding the humor in the story! You mentioned laughing at the fruity-colored silly prison uniforms. Indeed, I made them intentionally ridiculous. (http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a381/vita4all/WeedIsTheProzacOfTheGhetto.jpg) Kevin, I think my new photo (Ch. 27, and similar but more artsy than the one in Ch. 65) you're using as a screensaver is pretty cool too and I'm honored that you're using it. For those who don't know how to do this: 1. Right click on a photo and scroll down to Copy. Save this photo to whatever subfolder your computer folder titled "My Pictures". 2. Minimize all of your open windows so all you see is your desktop on your monitor. Right click on your mouse, scroll down to Properties. 3. Click on the tab, Desktop. Then click on Browse, until you find whatever photo you want. 4. You'll see the word, Position, under the button that says Browse. A normal size photo (800x 600) can fill up the entire screen. A smaller photo will not. So select either Stretch or Center (ideal for smaller pics). I don't use Tile myself, but it's an option too. 4A) You can also change the color of your monitor's background by clicking on the 'Color' button under Position. I forgot how to change the color of the fonts, so PM me if you remember that. 5. Then click okay, and the photo will show up on your desktop. Hugs to all, Vita Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Ali Xavier on July 16, 2007, 10:49:22 pm I see you're operating on CP Time again! Grrrrr! :rr:
Okay - I'm all caught up with the story now. It's great. Update soon before you run out of coffee. . Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Tenshii~Akari on July 19, 2007, 09:32:06 pm Heheh... it's been a minute hasn't it? You know what that means. :lol: We'd better buckle our seat belts in time for the next update! :smile bi:
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on July 25, 2007, 09:08:52 pm :coffee2:
Announcement - The next update will be in the middle or end of next week. I've taken a break to give attention to my website and to do some research for upcoming chapters. If you'd like see some of my other stories or cartoons while you wait, surf over to http://gangstersims.com. Two stories there will be updated Friday or Saturday, and the photos in Message In A Nightmare are amazing. Let me know how you like my other stuff. Until next week, take care and hugs. - Vita :-P (http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a381/vita4all/UrbanGangstas-Dreams/Kye-RoughRiders1-Red.jpg) Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: ryannrules86 on July 26, 2007, 10:13:14 pm Vita I got it! thx to you cause I am stupid and don't have a clue what I am doing half of the time.(Go figure) Your story is amazing! I love what I read of it. I should go over to my friends more to read the rest. I love Ronnie! he is my favorite character For sure!
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Liv on July 28, 2007, 04:27:26 pm Just stopping by to catch up, made it to Ch. 38. It's getting pretty deep. Great job!
Title: LOvin it Post by: apstar on August 01, 2007, 03:05:11 pm Jus read the story.... and tryna catch up on the rest ..... its really good, im luvin it....
I wanted to know where you got all the clothing for the characters? especially Raheem, they look fab !!!! Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: LissaS on August 04, 2007, 03:44:21 pm LOL I was on your website so I could read the story and I was looking at all the new pics and read some things you added. I think it was chapter 33? When Ronnie comes back from the strip club and Raven isn't in the mood to do anything THAT WAS HILARIOUS! I'm still laughing at that!. I love the new pics of Cheena and Chilli, but unfortunatly I wasn't able to get through the rest and the updates I missed due to my computer catching a virus. Again it shut down on me when I was getting to the good part and was getting into the pics. I wanna see what Kevinlipimp is talking about and everybody else. It's ok though I'll catch up as soon as I can. My laptop should be here in another week or so. I hate being left behind. I can't WAIT to read your up dates!! I'm hating this computer right now
OH and I LOVE your cartoons on your website, it's hilarious! Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: antitheftmilk on August 08, 2007, 01:09:08 am Love the new stuff. I can't wait to see how it all ends up!
Heh, if I was with a guy and he tried some of that "me-man, me-in-charge" stuff Junior is pulling off..well, he wouldn't be a man for much longer. LOL Love it, and looking forward to more! Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: antitheftmilk on August 31, 2007, 12:52:35 am Ahhh!!!!! Cliffhanger!!!! Heh. Can't wait to find out the ending of this!!
*sends caffeine and cigs your way* It works for me, LOL. Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on September 02, 2007, 06:03:59 am Finally - The update is here!
Call it ADD, call it CP Time, call it whatever... but finally I got it together. One issue, for those who are curious, is that I'd written a lot. Intuitively, it didn't feel right. I also needed to make a major decision about one of the characters, which you'll read about this month. I take a lot of risks as a writer and generally trust my instincts. I scrapped it and played a bit with a couple contests while ideas simmered in the back of my mind. Throw in a little fairly serious real life drama, and it was the summer of distraction. A technical issue that affects many of you (and me) was that the story loaded slowly or not at all, and it became nearly impossible for me to edit it due to a combination of server issues here and this thread becoming too image heavy with photos. You'll see how I resolved this on Post 1, and I hope it works. Also, although I've PM'd everyone immediately who left a comment on this thread since my last update on July 5th, I'd like to thank them publicly again: Tenshii, Vecka, Moon, Kevinlipimp, Antitheftmilk, Icekoolkat, Liv, ElvenSong, Ryannrules, Apstar, and my son, Ali. Your feedback is deeply appreciated. I'm still chuckling at what one of you said in a recent PM: "He's a bastard, they all are and I love it. I am waiting for the end of the story. Please don't stop now!!" Yes they are, and no, I won't. Murda/ Urban Gangstas will probably keep you entertained until the holidays! :-P Lastly, one person asked about outfits. I PM'd him back, but I'll let you all know that in the later chapters, I made (recolored) most of the SBB and some of the TM outfits for the story. Update! [/FONT]Freedom Ain't Free - Part 8: Chan[/I] ::smilieiforgetwhi:: Find this and the earlier parts of Ch. 73 on Post #1 .::smilieiforgetwhi::[/B] 8374 as of 7/05/2007 10,383 as of right now. Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Tenshii~Akari on September 02, 2007, 07:14:51 am Yay!! :dance: Glad you were finally able to get your pics together! :smile bi:
Poor Chan. It's kinda sad he had to bail out on both his friend and his lover just to save his own butt. Well... to tell the truth, if I were in a situation like that, I'd probably do the same. It is a bit risky when dealing with a person like Raheem. That man seems to have access to everything. :lol: And I like that last shot in Part 8. It's like Chan threw himself to the sharks... literally. Wonder how much deeper the guy can get. :happy8: Looking forward to the next update! :angel: Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Veckah on September 02, 2007, 05:11:54 pm YEA! Vita is back!
*sigh* Poor Chan, from the wolves to the sharks. *shakes head* The price paid for loving a criminal is becoming one yourself if you want to or not. May the powers that be watch over him, but I have a bad feeling about this. Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on September 02, 2007, 06:56:20 pm Heh-heh-heh, Veckah. So often, so true... even you, Tenshii, say you'd probably do the same. Glad you enjoyed it. Another one tomorrow. Thanks for the comments.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Elven_Song on September 03, 2007, 02:57:52 pm Awesome update! I was honestly thinking you had gone over the summer Vita!
Aw, poor Chan! It seem Chan's always getting stuck in the middle of things, with Cheena and Ronnie, Raven being a witness, and then Raven and Ronnie! Hope he's able to pull through the mess. Please update soon! I'm so anxious to see how the hearings go and what our little buddy Kareem is up to. haha. Good luck with your picture taking! P.S. Good decision on the new story set up. I was able to read the second I clicked on the page. No loading time! yay! ^^ Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: LissaS on September 06, 2007, 07:38:51 pm OOOO Vita I love how you can click on the chapters..... like elven song^^^^^^^^^^ Noloading time! Great Idea.
Now for Chan......Whew now he swimming with sharks, what can he do though? He can't run........... As always all caught up like a lot of innocent people out here. Can't wait to see what happens next, and OOO the trial oh my goodness this is getting soooo guuuuuudddddddd! Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: nyka on October 22, 2007, 12:48:20 pm where did you finds that nice do-rag that crazy8 is wearing
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Tenshii~Akari on October 22, 2007, 02:26:05 pm The do-rag Vita used is from PeggySims2. It's pay, though...
It's been pretty quiet lately. I'll still be waiting around for the next update, even if it takes a while longer. (I know you've been busy lately. ;) ) There's some things I'm still anxious to read about... namely, the trial. :smile bi: Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on October 23, 2007, 08:31:09 pm Hi Readers! It's been a long pause between chapters, and thank you for your comments. Well, you've been waiting for it and here it is!
Update! [/COLOR] [/I][/COLOR]Freedom Ain't Free, Page 73/ Part 9 Raven: The Road Splits In The Courtroom [/SIZE] ::smilieiforgetwhi:: Find this on Post 1, Page 1, never the end of this thread. ::smilieiforgetwhi::[/B][/SIZE][/FONT] 10,383 as of 09/05/2007 11,003 as of right now. Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Tenshii~Akari on October 23, 2007, 09:44:46 pm Man... I can't even fathom the emotional trauma Raven is going through in this chapter. Finding out who's who and who knows who, all along with finding out that Ronnie's pre-trial was right after Jamal's. That's a doozy of an hour! Not only that, finding out that her safe haven was no longer safe... (BTW, the "We Discover" pic is priceless! :rofl: ) Also, Junior's intimidation to her is something I wish on no one. When someone doesn't have to do anything but just be in the same room to unnerve you, it's just chilling! :pale: Your pictures really capture how every highlight shattered her perception of a simple trial, especially the last shot of her when the court recessed. I'm liking all the pictures! :thumbup:
My only problem with Raven now is that she's already holding the possible future against the poor baby she's carrying. (..though she does have the right to decide whether she wants to keep the baby or not. I just don't think that her reason for choosing an abortion isn't strong enough by just pre-judging the baby would be just like Ronnie in every way.) How are we to tell if the kid is going to be just like his/her dad, and get into a world of drama? You never know. :dontknow: I feel kinda sorry for it, too... especially if it ever got a chance to live. Coming into the world of a mess its mother is in is not very pleasant to think about. Poor kid. :? EDIT: Also forgot to add my comments about the irony of the title. :lol: More like all the roads are coming together instead of splitting. :smile bi: I'll be waiting for the next update as usual! Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Veckah on October 24, 2007, 11:08:26 am Wonderful update Vita. Still letting it all sink in. I'll try and write more later. Wow.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on October 24, 2007, 03:47:36 pm Hey, Tenshii! Thanks for the comment. Yep, like you said, Raven had a doozy of an hour. Guess what? Her day is just getting started. I was feelin' ya, too, about your concern about her pregnancy. I just want to gently point out that her concern is not specifically that it would grow up and be like it's dad, it's that it's dad would find out about the existence of this child which she'd like to keep secret, because "Ronnie will visit it just enough to screw up it's head and leave her with cleaning up the mess."
Thanks Veckah; can't wait until all the muck sinks in your mind and you spit it back out as an opinion! Hint, Readers: There's something not readily visible about Raven; she has a dark side and flies under the radar in her own way. This is deliberately subtle on my part. Love to see what you all pick up. Also, consider the way Rita's mother portrayed Junior to Raven. Was she being totally honest? And what the hell is Junior's deal anyway? Heh-heh-heh! I may go back and add one or two pics, particularly of Chan; didn't have time for this earlier yet didn't want to postpone uploading the story a day longer. Nice hearing from y'all! Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Veckah on October 26, 2007, 10:25:58 am The muck (as you so eloquently put it Vita :) ) has settled some and I think I am ready to actually comment.
Jr. still scares the crap out of me, that boy has got stuff so twisted up in his head that he is much more dangerous then his father, and what makes him more dangerous is he thinks what he is doing is right, not only by his law but God's law. *shudder* Chan, *sigh* poor sweet Chan. Honestly out of all of them, I feel the worst for him at this point. I think he honestly wants to just be happy, hopefully with some portion of Ronnie that he can claim as his own, but even without Ronnie he just wants to be happy. I can't say I agree with his decision to go to Florida, but I can totally understand it. The protection of my enemy's partner is better then no protection at all. I'm just afraid that in the end it won't matter. As for Raven, at this point, I kind of want to strangle her. *sigh* I understand the inner turmoil she is going through, and with an unwanted pregnancy on top of it, she has a reason to be a bit more than frightened. However, she has got to get a grip. In a perfect world, her testifying and telling the truth would change things, but lets face it, this is real life. In this situation, from her point of view, what is another dead young black man in the hood. (I don't believe this, and I wish this kind of thing could stop, but I'm also a realist) She snitches, she is dead, simple. As for the baby, I don't condone abortion, but I am also not so blind as to think every woman that gets pregnant should be forced to carry that child. I don't know if I could carry a child in her situation. I just hope that if she does opt for abortion she does it soon, not letting the decision drag out. (I don't agree with late term abortion) At this point I am totally confused as to what Rita's parents are doing there. What could they possibly have hoped to accomplish by showing up in court where Jr. would be? I can't wait to see how this plays out. Well, I guess that is my two cents for now. Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: LissaS on October 27, 2007, 03:43:44 pm OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!!! ok let me breathe let - me - breathe *BIGG sigh* Ok WOW i'm about to cry cause this is SOOOOOOOO good. Ok ok first off let me say I LOVE the "We Discover" pic that was right on point aong with the other pics! Right now I can't really say much about Raven since you gave us a little hint so I'm gon hold out a little, but I will say that because she really dosen't know, know what's REALLY going on she just could mess EVERYTHING up. For example she thinks that if she never would've met Ronnie everything would've been fine. Boi is she wrong cause little did she know there always a hit on her, she just don't know that meeting Ronnie really saved her cause she would've been dead long before the case. As sar as her being pregnant again she dosen't know Ronnie and dosen't know that he would never abandon his child. It's a shame how she's already judgeing the baby's life, if that was the case I would'nt be the person I am now.
Rita's parents........... man just thinkin of what kind of trouble could come outta that. Raheem is now second guessing Junior about the witness, oh boi...... and Junior is trying to hold all this together, the question is will he be able to handle such a heavy load that's only gettin heavier. He still scares me though more than his father. Is Jamal really gonna kill his girlfriend? From Raven's view he was smiling at her but his eyes where angry. So he was givin her that evil smile, I remember Junior saying that Jamal was basically saying he was going to kill his girlfriend. Oh and Cheena Ronnie and Raven ALL in the same room together? Oh I CAN NOT WAIT for the next chapter!!!!!! I'm not even on the edge of my seat anymore, I'm on the floor Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: vita4all on October 28, 2007, 01:26:45 am Veckah, Tenshii, Moon, and Diesel - I loved your well-thought out opinions and insights. It gives me great pleasure that I've been able to bring so much pleasure to you and other readers in this very intense story. Although we've PM'd each other, I'd like to thank you publicly for sharing your feelings, and Diesel, your grim personal experiences with the downside of the Witness Protection Program vs. giving in to 'hood politics .
I'd also love to say more about my feelings on the topic of Raven's pregnancy and her thoughts of abortion, but I dare not. Don't want to ruin the incredible surprises for you! :-P Moon, I will say this about your wondering about Jamal. Keep in mind that Junior told Raheem that Jamal plans to kill his girlfriend Nee-Nee, who is understandably terrified of him because of the situation that led to the murder of Raven's tenant. Like real life, Murda is full of characters' miscommunications, misunderstandings and outright deception. So, was what Junior said to Raheem his accurate assessment of Jamal, or is he playing his father? Or something else? Mwah-ha-ha! It will be revealed in time... I'd also like to thank you two for pointing out two weaknesses: Veckah - The part you said about wondering why the hell Rita's parents showed up in court was extremely helpful. I know what I meant, but didn't make this clear. In this chapter (73/9) I added two sentences in the scene with Raven speaking to Rita's parents to clarify why they were in court. Tenshii - Likewise you made an excellent point about the roads converging in the courtroom. I was looking at a different angle: the road splitting for Raven: will she take the one to truth and justice, or the one to saving her own life? Indeed, they are converging and splitting... Hugs to all my readers, and thank you again. Next chapter update later this week! Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Veckah on October 28, 2007, 01:39:37 am AH, ok I reread the part with Rita's parents, and it is clearer now. Thank you for letting us know about the change.
Again, can't wait for the next update. Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: LissaS on October 28, 2007, 06:22:47 pm AHHHH I C, I got it a little twisted. Arg you and that laugh lol I like it tho it keeps me guessin and I LOVE mysteries.
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Elven_Song on October 30, 2007, 10:27:31 am I finally read that last chapter. -phew- ^^ haha.
Awesome update after a very long absence, Vita. I was worried you might have given up on the court scene! Poor Raven! Just one thing after another, eh? Well, I hope Raven keeps that baby. Knowing Ronnie, I think he wouldn't want to have another baby aborted. Hopefully that dream of his will come true, whether with this baby, or another one... Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Stelio Kontos on November 01, 2007, 05:50:47 pm I'm loving this story (The amount I was able to read before IE made me too mad to continue. I wish that IE would stop scrolling upwards everytime a new pic was done loading.)
All this needs is a warning for 56K'ers (All 10 of us.) warning them that the thread might take a while to load. Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: Yorvi on November 02, 2007, 11:05:36 am Wow..I finaly found some time to sit and re-read this story and i'm so amazed. The emotional rollercoaster Raveen is on is a trip and she's pregnant! All I can say is Wow,i'm just speechless. I am so lookin forward to the next update with Ronnie's trial..
Title: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroom Post by: LissaS on January 16, 2008, 04:26:00 pm Man still waiting on the next chapter, in the time bein now that I got the time I'm goin back and read I'll be postin on what I discovered that I might've missed. So here we go.............
Title: Re: Murda/Urban Gangstas - 10/23/2007 - Update - The Road Splits In The Courtroo Post by: Morocca on November 01, 2010, 11:38:46 am Damn this story was deep and compelling. I only came across this story by chance, but man I'm glad I did. Amazing job with this.
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