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“Capturing the Art of Life”
COVER ARTIST, Rising Star - Lindsey Kate contacted me and we began one of my first Fashion Illustration is often a unique choice for a commissioned illustration jobs. I was so grateful Fashion Design major. For for that recommendation and it really solidified many people that pursue that course of education, illustration is not always a favorite aspect, but for me it was different. To pursue starting your own business or offering a unique service is a somewhat scary thing to do, but it is extremely rewarding. With the support of my family, friends, and teachers, I was able to pursue my dream.
Throughout my education at Columbia College, I studied Fashion Design as well as Art History. I was extremely interested in the way that these two subjects could be combined. I have always been interested in Historic Fashion Illustration, since that is where couture design, advertising, and almost all clothing productions started from. Not only is it an applied art form, but I believe it can also become fine art. I also love abstract painting, and these passions are what gave me the idea to combine fine art with illustration in my most recent work. In the pieces you see, I focused on the technique of fashion illustration, while focusing on the color combinations and feelings those evoke for each piece.
My education throughout Columbia was extremely beneficial in learning about the fashion industry. The teachers that Columbia
how important my hard work throughout college became. Standing out in this field isn't easy, but I have made it my goal to be remembered for my promptness, precise work, and creating a happy client for each and every project. Recommendations and returning clients, are just as important as advertising in this business, which I find is true for many self-employed individuals. As more and more clients contacted me for work, I began to truly believe that I could pursue my dream as my career.
In order to spread my work throughout the country, and across the world, I have a website of my portfolio that I created at www.lindsey-kate.com. In addition, I manage the social media for my company through a Facebook page, Instagram, Twitter, and Linked In accounts. My work is sold on Etsy and Vango, and of course custom work is always welcomed. I have found that one of the most important ways to keep my work and business interesting is to keep a current portfolio, continually adding new work and practicing with new media or techniques. In addition, showing in galleries and art shows continues to keep this form of art current and exciting for viewers and patrons.
I hope, through this and in the future, I can continue to introduce this art form to new people and new businesses. So far, I have been
hires are active in their field, or have had an extremely interesting career history, and learning from these real life experiences is incomparable. Right after graduation, I decided to put everything I had into this career. I figured if I wasn't all in, I would never get to where I wanted to be. I knew that it would be challenging, as much of the work is freelance, but the most rewarding things often are.
published on blogs, in catalogs, and magazines, and have had work used throughout the world, but I still have many more goals within this business that I would love to attain. This keeps me passionate, curious, and always striving for new opportunities.
his new line came to the school for guidance and one of the names she gave him was mine. He
will one day pay off in the form of being able to do what you love.
I sincerely hope that my path can inspire others to pursue their next goal, especially if it may seem scary or unrealistic. Even a small
step made every day towards your dreams will What really helped me begin was a recommendation by a teacher I had while at be worth it and you never know where it will Columbia. A man looking for in an illustrator for take you. All the hard work and the unknown
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It takes all of a moment for the smiles and the smells to register
Chicago’s oldest all cupcake boutique. As a brand as proud of its
when you walk into
cupcakes as it is of just making people happy, it is no surprise
Swirlz Cupcakes stands out in a crowd.
Going strong in our seventh year of business,
Swirlz Cupcakes’ reach is ever-broadening. What started as a cozy niche in the heart of Lincoln Park has quickly spread across the street to the once home of Children’s Memorial Hospital, out to the twenty regional Whole Food grocers, and across the nation in the form of our new shippable Chocolate Chunk Cookie, which is free of gluten, soy and dairy.
Each tasty treat, whether cupcake or cookie, is
made fresh on-site by our dedicated Swirlz pastry chefs. Creating the perfect cupcake is a meticulous process that begins around midnight with the preparing of our homemade buttermilk batter and continues throughout the morning as customers begin to line up at the door. The cupcakes are baked in small batches to ensure the quality and integrity of the cake. Each cupcake is then hand-piped with the trademark whipped Italian butter cream swirl and individual, flavor-specific garnish. It is worth noting that our Swirlz team has come up with over 750 flavors since the brand’s conception. Why so many flavors? It comes back to the brand itself—we are here to make you happy.
Whether it’s the Twixie cupcake with its salted
caramel butter cream and hidden shortbread cookie layer or the gluten-free Lemon cupcake filled with a homemade lemon curd that strikes a chord with you, there is truly a homemade goody for every customer. Swirlz prides itself on providing tasty desserts to an underserved gluten-free and vegan clientele. The gluten-free and vegan gluten-free cupcakes have made such a name for themselves, people call up and stop by our little bakery from all over the country. In fact, it is for these customers that Swirlz broadened its scope and created the Chocolate Chunk cookie. If our gluten-free and vegan customers could not make it to us, we created a cookie that we could ship across the nation to them.
Swirlz Cupcakes is a brand built on individual attention and delivering happiness—to the cup-
cakes, to you, and to our community. Swirlz has served and continues to partner with neighborhood schools, large retailers including Macy’s and Nordstrom, Children’s Memorial Hospital, now the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House Children’s Charities Group, PAWS Chicago, the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center, and many others. We are committed to serv-
ing our customers and our community by bringing them our own brand of happiness in the form of a cupcake or a cookie, and a smile. Pam Rose, Partner
Pam Rose and Brandon Swirlz Cupcakes® Mayberry, the hearts and minds behind the Swirlz brand, have put seven years of hard work, late
nights, and even baked, iced and delivered cupcakes themselves in order to see a cupcake dream come to fruition. It is by no accident that the Swirlz brand has risen to recognition and become a hallmark of the Chicago area that it is today. Even Martha Stewart has picked her favorite Swirlz Cupcakes flavor— our Chocolate Passion Fruit. Most days, you can find Pam in the Swirlz kitchen brainstorming new cupcake flavors—most recently a line of premium Greek yogurt cupcakes in unique Mediterranean flavor profiles, or in the store front, passing out smiles and cupcakes by the dozens. While Brandon began locally invested in Swirlz, his eminent opera career has carried him to The New York Metropolitan Opera House. But even from New York City, he keeps a finger on the pulse of the business, the Chicago community, and our faithful customers.
Pam and Brandon have lent their hearts and minds and breathed life into a brand that has be-
come an entity unto itself. Ask any of the neighborhood kids who stop by after school for a cupcake, or the boyfriends who have proposed with a cupcake in our tiny store front, or the families at Ronald McDonald House who spend an evening decorating cupcakes with the Swirlz team—they will tell you, Swirlz Cupcakes delivers happiness. We are humbled to be a part of this community, privileged to be invited into your lives, and dedicated to providing our customers with the highest quality cupcakes, cookies, and smiles.
Swirlz Cupcakes® Located in Lincoln Park! www.swirlzcupcakes.com (773) 404-CAKE (2253) twitter: @swirlzcupcakes
705 W.. B Belden, e l d e n, C Chicago, hii c ag o, IIL h 70 5 W L 773-404-CAKE 7 73 - 40 4 - CA K E (2253) (225 3)
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Vigore is a proud partner of Swirlz Cupcakes, Chicago's premier Lincoln Park bakery specializing in daily scratch-baked cupcakes and cakes, for both small and large-scale events, and are also available in Gluten-Free and Vegan Gluten-Free varieties.
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Delicious Swirlz cak akkes and cuupcakkes: the perfect complement to yourr holid hol
705 w. belden ave, chicago 60614 路 773.404.2253 路 swirlzcupcakes.com 路 www.facebook.com/SwirlzCupcakes 64
Pam Rose partner Swirlz Cupcakes速 Located in Lincoln Park! www.swirlzcupcakes.com store (773) 404-CAKE (2253) ps........cupcakes make people happy!速
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PASSION & BEAUTY
Painting by Lidia Wylangowska www.lidiawylangowska.com ewalidia@yahoo.com www.facebook.com/ lidia.wylangowska
Lidia Wylangowska My art tells my story. It's a story of my world, of my thoughts and emotions entwined in an internal dialogue. And some of it can be expressed only through painting. It is incredible, how fairy-tales I heard once-upona-time, in my childhood actually influenced my life and defined who I am. As an adult, I still believe in happy endings and that good will prevail.
LETTERS FROM ACROSS AMERICA handwritten & typed, polished & rough
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The world is at war. The President is taking a soft tempered response to terrorism, ISIS/ISOL and world peace, but gets excited with campaigning style shouting about free college tuition, an “affordable” government health care program, increased government spending, illegal immigrant amnesty and illegal immigrant welfare benefits. The U.S. position about the global crisis of ISIS/ISOL is unclear with long worded and convoluted political responses to protect the current administration.
Déjà vu In July 1940, newly appointed Prime Minister Churchill requested help from then U.S. President Roosevelt, after Britain had sustained the loss of 11 destroyers to the German Navy over a 10-day period. Roosevelt responded by exchanging 50 destroyers for 99-year leases on British bases in the Caribbean and Newfoundland. A major foreign policy debate erupted over whether the United States should aid Great Britain or maintain strict neutrality. In 1941 President Roosevelt faced a dilemma: should the United States use its own armed forces in order to help a nation that might capitulate to the Nazis? Throughout 1940 and 1941 Churchill attempted to win the confidence of Americans by demonstrating his trust in them. In October 1941, Churchill's opinion that “Hitler's revised plan undoubtedly is now, Poland '39, France '40, Russia '41, England '42, '43 (?)— maybe America.”
Different players and rules, same ugly terror Game. Who will lead? Who will protect America? The content of “Letters From Across America are submissions from amateur writers and not the expressed opinions of Vigoré Chicago magazine. Vigoré Chicago magazine takes the “observer” position providing an outlet for voices to be heard. The names of the contributors have been omitted for their protection. Vigoré invites hand written or typed letters mailed through the United States Postal Service (no emails).
Original Digital Art by Marc Rubin
When traditional Fine Art tools are replaced by cursors and pixels and paint is replaced by a seventeen million color digital spectrum the same ideas can be expressed with a new visual appearance. Adding to the notion that commercial art can be included within the range of Fine Art, non-commercial Original Digital Art is now considered a true form of traditional Fine Art. These works are printed rather than painted. It is the use of state of the art pigment printing on varied materials including traditional artist's canvas and pigment based inks and control of printed quantities plus the signature of the artist that establish the monetary value of these works.The following are works from a series called "The 21 Gates of Delirium in the Never Ending Wonderwall of Life" created by artist Marc Rubin. The Wonderwall represents life's barriers and the doorways represent our ability to breach barriers and
A MUST SEE "Animated Cubism" This movie is based on Marc Rubin's love for the works of the French Cubist Piet Mondian http://www.marcrubin.com/swiff2.ivnu Announcement: Vigore' Magazine Online will be hosting juried exhibitions of Original Digital Art and Original Swiff Art animations. All Original Art must be made using "only" the tools supplied with a graphic program or Swiff/Flash animation program. Original means that submitted art can not contain photographic images. Example programs: ANIMATION- Swish V2 through Swish Max4 - Macromedia Flash etc. GRAPHIC- Adobe, Paint, Corel Paintshop etc.
CHICAGO: EMERGING WRITERS & BOOKS
Chicagoland Chicagoland AUTHORS && BOOKS BOOKS Good Old Neon: Signs You're in Chicago Author: Nick Freeman
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Nick Freeman, a life-long resident of the Chicago area, has been involved with words and pictures throughout his professional career. Starting at Feldkamp-Malloy, one of the last of the old-time art studios in the city, he spent 30-plus years in advertising--god help him--serving as production director at Leo Burnett and other agencies. He now devotes his time and attention to his first love, oil painting, and has exhibited his work in a number of local and regional shows. His art, both paintings and photography, can be seen at galleryfreeman.com. He currently resides in St. Charles, Illinois. CHICAGOLAND AUTHORS & BOOKS is a scheduled feature in VigorĂŠ Chicago. Emerging authors and writers can submit published works to appear and be highlighted in subsequent issues. For submissions visit www.vigoremag.com
“What constitutes a great sign? For me it’s an elusive synchronicity of color, shape, typography, and iconography, enhanced by authenticity and eccentricity. Signs that have been maintained and still illuminate are always beguiling. The fragility of glass tubing continuously exposed to harsh Chicago weather makes the survival of an old sign a kind of
urban miracle, deserving, at the least, of photographic preservation. Even the many that have outlived their functional glory days have their own visual appeal. Animated neon signs, working or not, are a special treat.” —Nick Freeman, from the Foreword Delight in Chicago’s rich neon heritage with this full-color collection of gaudy, garish, and downright spectacular signs. From the far South Side to the Wisconsin Dells, Good Old Neon documents the familiar and the obscure, capturing in 135 photos these fast-disappearing artifacts of a glorious era when brightly lit signs filled the urban landscape. ISBN: 978-1893121-81-2 Price: $17.95 Page Count: 140 pp. Pub Date: November 2014 Format: Trade paperback, 7" x 7" Features: 135 photos, location index
Romantic Rebel (Hard Rock Band)
Romantic Rebel (Hard Rock Band)
RISING STARS
Sizzling ROMANTIC REBEL Frontwoman KT PAIGE Graces REVOLVER Magazine as the January 2015 “Hottest Chick in Hard Rock” This may or may not be your first time hearing about up and coming Chicago, IL hard rockers ROMANTIC REBEL, but one thing is for sure – it certainly won’t be your last. Not only is the band kicking of 2015 with a slew of tour dates (including stops with Buckcherry and a three-week tour with Seasons After), their tough-yet-tantalizing frontwoman KT Paige is featured as REVOLVER Magazine’s January 2015 “Hottest Chick in Hard Rock”! KT Paige states, “Being featured in Revolver as one
of the Hottest Chicks in Hard Rock has been a dream of mine ever since Alex and I started ROMANTIC REBEL. Even before the band, I would read Revolver and wish that I could be as cool as the women they featured in the magazine. It’s definitely a surreal feeling to see myself in January’s issue!” In a group statement, the remaining members of the band add, “It’s an exciting honor for KT to have received this recognition. She’s an amazing singer, great person, and one of all of our best friends. We’re very proud to
be in a band with her and to see a magazine like Revolver recognize her is truly amazing.” ROMANTIC REBEL’s full length, self-titled album was released in April 2014 by Pavement Entertainment/Sony RED. Check out a music video for the track “Believe” here: http://youtu.be/JFs6vMoGxM, and get your copy of the new album here via Pavement Entertainment: http://www.pavementmusic.co m/product/romantic-rebelromantic-rebel-cd/
From Bricks to Fish: An American Success Story The sprawling cornfields of DeKalb, IL seem like an unlikely place to expect anything but farms and hardworking farmers, but a booming fish food business and a story of success is exactly what you’ll find. Rod Buehler is the founder and creator of Rod’s Food, a company that makes premium frozen fish food for marine aquariums. This may sound like a small niche business, but the marine aquarium trade is a flourishing global industry worth approximately $330 million annually that consistently demands high-quality fish food. Rod, an experienced fish nutrition expert, has been filling that niche for over a decade and is considered to be a trailblazer in the marine aquarium hobby.
planted. As Rod continued working as a self-employed mason contractor, he began seriously keeping marine fish and corals while living in rural Illinois. In 1997 Rod began breeding a variety of saltwater fish, and in 1998 opened a coral farm and mail order shop out of his basement, and started shipping his tank-raised fish and corals all over the US. All the while, Rod had been making his own fish food from human grade Rod Buehler’s addiction to reef keeping seafood bought at grocery stores, and began in 1990 when he was still workin 2006 finally decided to go commering full time as a mason. While doing a cial with his already sought-after remodel, someone suggested a fish homemade blend of reef food. tank as a room divider, and the seed of Rod’s new salty business had been
Rod’s uses only the finest, freshest ingredients. He uses whole animals because they provide marine creatures with the most natural and complete nutrition. The same fresh, high quality seafood delivered to Chicagoland’s finest restaurants, is also delivered to Rod’s U.S. facility every week. With a growing line of thirteen products, the most popular one is still Rod’s Original Complete Reef Food, the recipe for which was developed in house almost fifteen years ago. From a brick laying business, to a basement coral farm, to an exponentially growing business with his product sold in almost all fifty states, Rod Buehler is a modern-day success story. As he says, “It’s all in the food!” To see his bright, retro website and learn more about his unique company, please visit www.rodsfood.com Rod's Food 15100 Illinois 23 DeKalb, IL 60115 Phone: 815.748.2141 Fax: 866.480.9342 E: rbuehler@rods-reef.com
Adventures in Cuba By Alex Rose, Environmental Journalist Since the early 1960s, Cuba has been almost entirely off limits as a travel destination for Americans. The end of 2014 saw a major shift in policy including a reestablishment of diplomatic relations with Cuba, the largest island in the Caribbean.
Alex Rose
As an environmental journalist, this is an exciting development that prompted me to visit this island nation in January of this year, with the nonprofit organization I work for, Ocean Geographic Society. Due to the absence of US-Cuban commerce for the last five decades, arriving in Havana is akin to hopping into a time machine that brings you back to the 1950s where taxicabs are Chevy Delrays and Buick Centuries, and the aromatic scent of thick cigar smoke lingers around every corner. The estimated 60,000 vintage cars that crowd the streets of this time capsule city are a treat for the traveler, and the envy of any serious car enthusiast.The buildings and atmosphere in Cuba aren’t the only An 8-foot croc diving down to rest in some sea grass.
Cuba is known for its pristine fields of elkhorn coral and the many species of fish that use them for shelter.
relics from the past. Half a day’s travel southeast from Havana is the world-class marine protected area (MPA) Jardines de la Reina, or Gardens of the Queen. And diving these pristine reefs certainly A beautiful Cassiopea jellyfish catching the sun's rays.
does make one feel like royalty. Whereas many islands in the Caribbean have suffered greatly at the hands of destructive and irresponsible tourism practices, pollution from unsustainable coastal development, and severe habitat degradation from overfishing, Gardens of the Queen is a diamond in the world of marine ecosystems that has thankfully been protected from all of this. Fidel Castro was actually an avid scuba diver and friends with the famous French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau, and he established Jardines de la Reina as an 850-square mile Iguanas live on many of the no-take marine reserve. It has been small mangrove-bordered a National Park since 1996 and islands in this National Park fewer than 1,000 divers are allowed to visit there annually. Commercial fishing there is illegal, so the species diversity and sheer quantity of marine life is astounding and unlike anything that exists in other parts of the Caribbean today. The only things you can see more of in Cuba than old cars, are sharks. Cuba boasts some of the “sharkiest� reefs in these waters be-
cause the ecosystem is so healthy. Sharks, despite how many people still misunderstand them, play an extremely important role in the marine food web. They are top predators that are in charge of keeping the populations of other reef-going animals in check, as well as ridding the ecosystem of A silky shark shimmering in sick or injured creatures that are a detrithe Caribbean sunlight. ment to the overall health and success of coral reefs. Sharks are what we call “keystone” or “indicator” species because they are a barometer for reef health, Jellyfish photo selfie in Jellyfish Lake, Palau. so when there are no sharks, it’s clear that the reefs are in trouble. In that case, Cuba’s reefs are about as far from “in trouble” as possible. A diver can easily see three species of sharks in one morning, and then continue the day to photograph crocodiles, sea turtles, tarpons, Goliath groupers, jellyfish, eels, and undoubtedly more sharks. Cuba, both topside and underwater, is a photographer’s paradise. I hope that in the coming years we can maintain a balance between relaxed regulations and sustainable tourism so as to preserve this place in its current beauty for the foreseeable future. Please enjoy some of the photos I captured while in Havana and diving
Sunset through the mangroves.
with Avalon Diving Center in Gardens of the Queen this year. For more photos from other destinations, feel free to visit my website: www.alexroserenaissance.com Some of my articles are also available through Ocean GeoBananas are one of the more popular graphic Magazine fruits available in Havana. (www.ogsociety.org), an internationally distributed ocean conservation magazine that combines fascinating content with unparalleled photography to inspire a greater appreciation and love for our beautiful blue planet. I am also the project manager for Elysium Artists for the Arctic (http://www.elysiumepic.org), an expedition that promises the most awe-inspiring and stunning visual representation ever seen of the Arctic. The sights, sounds, and science captured by the Elysium Artists team will inspire ways to preserve and protect life at the top of the world through art, education, and outreach. If you live in Chicago and are interested in scuba diving, please consider visiting the Our World Underwater dive show at Rosemont, 2/27-3/1. I’ll be speaking there about sustainable seafood and polar exploration, and enjoy discussing all topics related to aquatic conservation, so please stop by for a chat.
A classic Dodge on the streets of Havana, just one of an estimated 60,000 vintage American cars in Cuba.
LETTERS FROM ACROSS AMERICA handwritten & typed, polished & rough
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Global Warming is a natural occurrence. Pollution is man-made. Stop the nonsense.The Current White House Administration, both Republicans and Democrats are hypocrites with their fear mongering global warming and climate change conversations. A direct political and social approach should be taken on a global scale if the global warming fanatics truly were concerned with the CO2 entering the Earths atmosphere. The United States should not purchase products from countries that do not follow US standards of pollution control created by manufacturing. The current political administration takes the path of tax increases to solve problems. Tax increases or import tariff increases should be applied to all products produced in countries that do not match US manufacturing pollution emission standards as they continue emissions of greenhouse gases causing further so called “warming” and long-lasting changes. Recently, U.S. regulations and without government support closed the creation of a “clean coal burning power plant.” Instead, taxpayer money is given to electric car manufacturers. The U.S. has an abundance of coal and the ability with government support to build clean plants. Jobs would be created and taxes generated. The Earth is not flat but there are still existing organizations such as the Flat Earth Society which aim to promote the idea that the Earth is flat instead of an “oblate spheroid.” There are similar well know people and groups trying to force the global warming discussion.Today as in the past people are persecuted indifferent ways for going against the belief of global warming and a flat Earth. Any one with just a little bit of knowledge would know the rotation, shape and position of the Earth in space and solar effects have an impact on climate. Climate change is a natural process of Earth’s existence in the universe. The current White House Administration, are using this natural occurrence to make millions of dollars and promote a political agenda. In the 1700s and 1800s there were severe whether patterns. Was that man-made? The content of “Letters From Across America are submissions from amateur writers and not the expressed opinions of Vigoré Chicago magazine. Vigoré Chicago magazine takes the “observer” position providing an outlet for voices to be heard. The names of the contributors have been omitted for their protection. Vigoré invites hand written or typed letters mailed through the United States Postal Service (no emails).
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Cover Artist
Vigoré
Vigoré Captures The
Art of Life for our readers enjoyment, our contributors exposure, our advertiser’s prosperity, and now for our subscribers benefit, promoting artistic expression, people, life style, businesses and the development of Chicago as a great place to thrive financially,visit, live and enjoy life.
The Art of Life
begins with Imagination & Creativity expressed through many forms of art producing pleasing results, making thier way into our life experience - entertaining the senses and the mind.
Vigoré is the only Chicago focused magazine promoting emerging, new and established artists, people, businesses and current topics.Do your part to keep art in the media and become a subscriber to Vigoré Chicago magazine. Vigoré is an Italian word that translates into English as vigor or vitality. Vigoré originated in Chicago and is the perfect magazine name for the people, culture and artistic talent. Vigoré reinvents the magazine industry providing the best offer by any publication for advertisers, contributors and subscribers In-Print (actual magazine) and On-line (Internet, flip-magazine) for a total market connection.Visit the website for details. www.vigorechicago.com or www.vigoremag.com
“It is my sincere prayer that Vigoré assist in the achievement of helping others.” Sante Furio Founder, Vigoré Chicago magazine
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LETTERS FROM ACROSS AMERICA handwritten & typed, polished & rough
“You didn't build that” is a phrase from an election campaign speech delivered by President Barack Obama on July 13, 2012, in Roanoke, Virginia. The president's remark was made in the context of his belief that wealthy citizens should pay higher taxes to serve the public good. Wake up America! They already pay a higher tax rate. How can a college graduate, school teacher turned politician make a comment about building something?
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work; businesses passed from one generation to the next. The United States is losing its wealth of human spirit, intelligence and hope of a better future. An annual
balanced budget should be the next Constitutional Amendment. The government can certainly build that. New businesses should be encour-
aged to build a bigger tax base. Success in life and business starts with a thought and often a prayer that turns into a vision, that In a democracy, citizens aren’t forced to develops into something real. People pay additional taxes or shamed or punchoose to accept the offerings of a busiished for their success. Some business ness. People create wealth between each successes are due to unique moments in other. Is the government trying to influence history such as war or the passing of a new the thoughts and freedom of its citizens’ law. Government often advances the succhoices? Government can crush thoughts cess of businesses by passing laws that of hope and belief in oneself. Political adfavor one corporation over another. Apple, ministrations often want control over situaGoogle, FaceBook, Microsoft, Ford, and tions and citizens to carry out personal countless businesses were created by citi- agendas. zens and not from government programs. There are millions of dollars given in grants and donations by successful corporations and private citizens that go unnoticed and aren’t made public. There are millions of dollars given to politicians from success individuals and corporations. Political contributions should be taxable to the candidate. Why should politicians receive FREE money? There are countless people that build successful businesses from their hard
States and cities should have a balanced budget before receiving federal funds. Nothing is FREE. Someone is paying for it. “Sign the bill so you can find out what’s in it” can easily be applied to “You voted for the President twice, now you will see what he is really about.” President Obama is trying to build his legacy as the greatest reform President in U.S. history by creating balance through the redistribution of wealth in America.
The content of “Letters From Across America are submissions from amateur writers and not the expressed opinions of Vigoré Chicago magazine. Vigoré Chicago magazine takes the “observer” position providing an outlet for voices to be heard. The names of the contributors have been omitted for their protection. Vigoré invites hand written or typed letters mailed through the United States Postal Service (no emails).
Bohemian Rhapsody in the ‘Spiritual Home of Mexico.’ Written by: Sean Froelich Photography by: Jessica Van Fleteren Latin parades of colors and smells entice the senses during a stroll down 18th street. Sombrero wearing seniors march down the avenues pushing and pulling colorful carts loaded with hanging churros and spiced fruits. The dinging of food carts and the beats of Mariachi music guide guests towards sustenance and good times in the parks, on the basketball courts and towards the restaurantes. Stop in at the dozens of Taquerias where burritos and cow tongues are simmering on plates of rice and refried beans with queso blanco. After a nice meal, feel free to stop in at the National Museum of Mexican Art to view the largest collection of Mexican artwork in the United States, free of charge. This has been the state of Pilsen, a largely Mexican-American neighborhood, for the past fifty years. In the past decade, Pilsen is seeing changes that are both modern and classic. The neighborhood is just one example of the gentrification that has swept across low income neighborhoods across the United States from Brooklyn to Oakland. The gentrification of Pilsen is occurring at a rapid rate, largely unnoticed, raising concerns for low income residents and the presence of Mexican culture in the neighborhood which many are working to preserve The owner and Founder of the Mexican Museum of Art, Carlos Tortolero, believes one of the main efforts of his museum is to “conserve and preserve his culture”. But is this preservation at risk due to gentrification? While low income families are feeling the stress of steeper housing costs, artists and students, mostly white, are finding a comfortable, affordable environment to inhabit in low-cost neighborhoods. Pilsen may be moving closer to a hybrid neighborhood rather than a neighborhood with a specific culture. While Pilsen has a reputation as a Latin neighborhood, the history of Pilsen runs much deeper than the 1960’s Mexican movement. Pilsen is named after the city of Plzen, one of the largest in the Czech Republic, where the original Pilsner beer was brewed. The
drink is most commonly seen on American store shelves today as Budweiser. These Bohemian roots are starting to spring up again in Pilsen, but it also fragments the current Latin culture that is planted. One of the most poignant examples of gentrification in Pilsen can be seen at Dusek’s and Punch House, situated inside Thalia Hall at 1807 S Allport St. A dig into history shows that the revival of the Bohemian established location may be closer what Pilsen once was than what its’ become. Dusek’s restaurant currently stands out like a frankfurter served on a corn tortilla. Dusek’s replaced an Italian gelato café that died among the overwhelming Mexican presence surrounding it. But it does not appear that Dusek’s and Punch House will succumb to failure as easily. Walking past the wide glass walls and golden lettering that reads, “Dusek’s, reestablished 2013” dozens of patrons can be seen sipping on selected brews, smoking cigarettes near a bike stand, or enjoying the company of a lover over candle light and Couscous. The Dusek’s and Punch House experience is a far cry from what Pilsen generally offers and at a cost much more expensive than your average taco pollo. The success of a more upscale and hip restaurant in Pilsen is a clear sign of gentrification in the neighborhood. Thalia Hall is the historic monument that presently houses Dusek’s. The name comes from the founder of the location, John Dusek, who oversaw the completion of Thalia Hall in 1893, offering a place for Czech immigrants to get the feeling that they weren’t far from Prague.
The owners foresee the renovated theatre being the main draw of the newly reestablished venue. While Thalia Hall is being refurbished, the crew plans to maintain the look that was modeled after the historic Prague Opera House in the Czech Republic. It’s doubtful that these historic connections the owners of Dusek’s have revived matter to the average visitor looking for a draft beer or a burger. These incoming visitors will be unaware of the history of Dusek’s and the history of Pilsen as a whole. The upscale scene and higher prices for a bar and restaurant experiences will attract visitors who otherwise have no interest or affiliation with Pilsen and the culture, changing the landscape of the area ethnically and culturally. I felt Dusek’s had a hip and rustic feeling as I stepped in on a Wednesday night. The patrons were mostly white and young and came either with a date or a large group. The food offerings are pricier and more varied than the standard Mexican menu in Pilsen. I enjoyed the Moroccan spiced vegetable tagine which was colorful and exotic. The atmosphere was friendly and the overall energy picked up steam as the night progressed. Dusek’s appears to be a quick hit and a potential mainstay. The quick success of Dusek’s is a sign that Pilsen is moving from a predominately Mexican community into something that is more of a melting pot. Can the different cultures mesh, or will they clash? Carlos Tortolero of the Mexican Museum of Art recognizes the changes for the neighborhood but remains ultimately unfazed by the changes. He says, “East Pilsen is no longer Pilsen, but I think the neighborhood will ultimately remain mostly Mexican.” Thalia Hall stands in the eastern quarter of Pilsen where gentrification is spreading most rapidly. The area surrounding 18th street has welcomed the coming of new thrift stores, co-operative food markets, art galleries, and cafés. The area is seeing changes that are similar to those seen in other Chicago neighborhoods like Logan Square and Wicker Park. One of the men behind the revitalization of Thalia Hall has years of experience in up scaling the real-estate of neighborhoods. Co-owner of Dusek’s, Bruce Finkleman is a wellknown restaurantuer and building manager. He
also has a reputation throughout Chicagoland as a successful business owner, and the revitalization of Thalia Hall appears to be his most ambitious project yet. Finkleman owns concert venues and restaurants so buying Thalia Hall was an obvious venture. In 2010, Finkleman opened Longman & Eagle, a restaurant in the largely Latin neighborhood, Logan Square, which is similar to Dusek’s. Although Finkleman opened Longman in 2010, he says, “Logan began to change 9 years ago.” The changes in Pilsen appear to be happening at a faster rate than this. When asked if he’s concerned about changing the Latin culture of Pilsen, Finkleman replied, “I don’t know if the roots will change, I hope what is there will remain.” Furthering his point, Finkleman said, “I hope to see more art and restaurants in the neighborhood.” Finkleman, and his partner, Craig Golden purchased Thalia Hall for $3.2 Million and seek to reopen the concert hall within the next year. The opening of Thalia Hall will attract a larger movement of art and restaurants exactly what Tortolero described as “not Pilsen”. The location that is now Dusek’s was a saloon at the turn of the 20th century. The current layout of the restaurant attempts to stay as close to that original, post-Civil War interior as possible. Many of the original features remain, including ornate tin ceilings, sparkling crystal chandeliers, and a host stand hoisted up by recycled floor boards. The
walls are a history project, covered with a century’s worth of layered paints while many of the furniture pieces are bit more modern, coming from 1960’s Amsterdam. Finkleman explained the history of Thalia Hall and his vision for the re-establishment. “Thalia Hall was a family venue. It held community events and was a public hall.” Finkleman described that he would like to use the space for more community events like farmer’s markets. Thalia Hall was once prominent for immigrants at the start of the 20th century, it begs the question, what changed? Finkleman explained that, “The Bohemians moved out [of Pilsen at the turn of the century] because of jobs and the economy. The area changed and was gentrifrified.” So, it appears that the Bohemians dealt with the same situation that the Latin community in Pilsen faces today. Perhaps Pilsen is an example of a natural city cycle. The Bohemian origins of Pilsen have never left. The most prominent influence of the Bohemians can be seen in the architecture. But the origins of Pilsen, named after one of the largest cities in the Czech Republic are largely lost in the present Mexican image. Dusek’s may be bringing back some of Pilsen’s essence, but at what price? Ac-
cording to Chicago radio, WBEZ, the Mexican population has dropped from over 37 thousand residents to nearly 25 thousand in the past two decades. While residents like Tortolero are unconvinced that the Latin layout of the neighborhood will be lost, some are more concerned about the displacement of people of particular cultures. Posters stating, “White Hipsters Get out of Pilsen!”could once be found on walls and littered on sidewalks. The poster displays two cartoon white young adults, sipping coffee, wearing boots, thick glasses while representing thrift stores and wearing UIC sweatshirts. While this poster is a satirical representation of the current changes in Pilsen, the question that arises is, ‘who is entitled to live where’? Although the revival of Thalia hall is a sort of reunion with the origins of the Pilsen neighborhood, it is still at odds with the Mexican community that has been established for the past half century. Mexican immigrants began migrating rapidly into the neighborhood during the 1960’s with the expansion of the University of Illinois at Chicago, and the immigrants have for the most part maintained their hold since then. Tortolero, who has been working in the neighborhood for the past 30
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years, is concerned when examining the state of the neighborhood. He is concerned about the many single parent families that will have to deal with rising real estate costs that come with gentrification. It is clear that Pilsen is experiencing changes rapidly. What may be lost is the preservation of Mexican culture that had been building until the 1990’s but is now steadily declining. What is growing currently in Pilsen is a rise in middle class white residents that seek lower living cost while also gentrifying. Although the owners of Thalia Hall have no connection to John Dusek or any of the original founders, the revitalization of Thalia Hall is a reminder of what Pilsen was originally when founded. For the time being, it appears that Pilsen will remain a largely Latin neighborhood.
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The Luck of the Draw By, Joey Thieme joeythieme12@aol.com Ever since I was in grade school, I knew that I wanted to be in the modeling-acting world, but never pursued it until I was twenty-one; I am twenty-two years old now. Realized that if I did not try to follow my dream, that later in life I would regret it. In my experience, there have been days that I have wanted to quit and days that I thought this is the best career choice for me, that I could make. One of the issues I have had in modeling is my height, I am 5’11� and almost all agencies require a male model to be 6 ft. or over. This has been difficult for me. There are a lot of factor’s I had to take into consideration, trying to become a model. Your time has to be very flexible; you have to put out money to acquire a wardrobe to represent yourself properly. Support from family and friends are extremely important, their support has helped me a lot. Rejection is huge! Some people will love your look or they will not, that is just the way it is. There are many agencies that a model will fit into that would be the best fit for them, if they are rejected from one there is always another. I am a firm believer that certain situations or things happen for a reason. In my own experience, I just keep on pushing.I guess the best advice I could give to a new model just starting out is to develop yourself, take classes! Runway, acting voice over, developing a portfolio. All of these things will benefit your self-esteem and make you more enticing to the agencies. Show them that you have done your homework! Some people can walk into an agency with nothing and get signed, but that is rare. It is better to be prepared than not. There also is a lot of luck involved, make some great connections, keep putting yourself out there. Do Facebook, get your pictures out, connect with model friends and people with similar interests.
When you go to the city, represent yourself as a model at all times, because you never know whom you may bump into. It does not matter if you are with an agency or not, pretend you are a model already. Look the part, act the part, walk the part! Good luck to all.
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LETTERS FROM ACROSS AMERICA handwritten & typed, polished & rough
Shame on you Mr. Obama for using the name of Christ three times as an excuse to justify the terrorism, viciousness, brutality, crucifications beheadings, burning and other inhuman actions of radical islamist ISIS organization. It is childish to reason that something that occurred in the 12th and 15th centuries is justified revenge in today's global society. Two wrongs do not make a right. Give back your Nobel Peace Prize. How dare you use the name of Christ to be part of your political statement. In centuries long past, since the time of the Egypt, Roman Empire, Ottoman Empire, Spain, France, England and Saudi Arabia were all world powers. The crimes of the past world powers need to be lessons in life not to be repeated. Mr. Obama, once again you have failed to be a leader. Get a clue - Israel is our allie and Jordan needs our assistance. What are you taking about. You are showing your hate for the United States. Remember The Unites States is the first country to proclaim all men are created equal. The British purchased slaves from Africa. Blame the African leaders for selling away their own people. Remember the British government allowed the introduction of slavery to enter America. The world is looking to the U.S. to leader and you have your head in the sand. The United States of America is the first country to openly take steps to abolish slavery. The U.S. was formed on principles beyond the current state of affairs in 1776. There was a great deal to accomplish to make the words “all men are created equal” take root and become a reality in a new country. Do not forget early Americans were from England and loyal to the King. For centuries european caucasian were indenture servants - “aka
Crusade! Jim Crow!
Slavery!
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slaves”. From 1776 to 1865, a mere 89 years later a great Civil War took place killing countless United States Americans with slavery as a center issue. Some say President Lincoln was assassinated because of his plans to give African Americans the right to vote and own property. Remember women did not have the right to vote. That is another concept that took a long time to correct as society evolved. Mr. Obama you
display a lack of wisdom with your words and lack of actions. Mr Obama here is a brief history lesson - The growth of tobacco, rice, and indigo and the plantation economy created a tremendous need for labor in Southern English America. Without the aid of modern machinery, human sweat and blood was necessary for the planting, cultivation, and harvesting of these cash crops. While slaves existed in the English colonies throughout the 1600s, indentured servitude (caucasians) was the method of choice employed by many planters before the 1680s. Only about 40 percent of indentured servants lived to complete the terms of their contracts. Female servants were often the subject of harassment from their masters. A woman who became pregnant while a servant often had years tacked on to the end of her service time. A class of angry, impoverished pioneer farmers began to emerge as the 1600s grew old. After Bacon's Rebellion in 1676, English American planters began to prefer permanent African slavery to the headright system that had previously enabled them to prosper.GOD BLESS AMERICA for
being a new country given birth with blood and sacrifice to begin the journey of freedom to end slavery.
The content of “Letters From Across America are submissions from amateur writers and not the expressed opinions of Vigoré Chicago magazine. Vigoré Chicago magazine takes the “observer” position providing an outlet for voices to be heard. The names of the contributors have been omitted for their protection. Vigoré invites hand written or typed letters mailed through the USPS. (no emails).
Pop Art Politics by Marc Rubin During the 2008 U.S. Presidential election the kind of photo art commonly called "photo-shopping" exploded as a new standard format in Political Art. As an artist I couldn't resist becoming involved. I chose the genre', "Lampooning". As the pundits on both political sides spoke their words I put some into humorous imagery. Living in America, fear of violent physical reprisal was not a consideration so I showcased 24 x 36 inch posters in my gallery window. We should all remember to be thankful for our Constitution. I could not have done this in a country with a totalitarian government or one run by fanatical religious zealots.
Artists are the frontline Warriors of Free Speech by Marc Rubin
"People are saying freedom of speech will soon be a footnote in history because of the Charlie Hebdo massacre." Civilization, it seems, is too often on the edge of failure. Pundits are saying that. But Artists are saying, "We see and will record the deeds of humankind. We will remind all that humanity should not regress to a state of brutal savagery. We will continue to display all human thoughts from which civilized concensus is achieved. We are the ones that the destroyers of civilization seek to silence on account of their ignorance and fear." The Charlie Hebdo massacre has brought fear of reprisal for freedom of expression to the forefront of our civilization. Americans must be reminded that the U.S. Constitution is the most liberating document of law produced by any human civilization. It calls for the protection of words and images. It also establishes government as the protector. This document has produced nonstop human progress. It calls visual artists to freely express all societal discussions through images and objects. Once words have been spoken they quickly fade away but images remain and the ideas they depict are not forgotten.
Atrocity 911 by Marc Rubin
Years ago ... Marc Rubin finished his college education in 1972. In 1973 he entered his senior thesis painting, “Ladies of the Canyon”, Pointillism, 48x58 inches, in the prestigious Biannual Chicago Competition of the Art Institute of Chicago. His work was included by a rare unanimous decision from the three visiting museum curators and the head curator of the Art Institute of Chicago, James Spiers. The exhibition created profound recognition for a very young Marc Rubin. Within one year his works were shown and sold in Europe, Chicago and New York City. The bold color and contrast of Marc Rubin’s works are derived from George Seurat’s color principle and his invention, Pointillism. Marc Rubin has always produced paintings in numerous established painting styles as well as Pointillism. Marc Rubin is known for his vibrant balanced color and his inventions of Pop-Cubism, Synchronism and other genre. He is studied in university art classes throughout the country.
Marc Richard Rubin The Most Diverse Artist Of Our Time Celebrating Forty Plus Years of Art.
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