Summer 2 Issue 1 2013 A R L IN GTON HEI G H T S • B E NS E NV I L L E • C H I C AG O • D U PAG E • E L G I N • LA K E C O U N T Y • O R LA N D PA R K • PEO R IA • SC HAUM BUR G • SPR INGF IELD
The Eagle Sits Down With President Viollt pg. 4
RMU GRADS TAKE THE NEXT STEPS
MICHAEL JORDAN: A LIVING LEGEND
HE SAYS/SHE SAYS ISTANBUL PROTESTS
PG. 2
PG. 10
PG. 12 ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY
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THE NEWS Graduation:
GRADUATED. WHAT NOW? The Start of a New Chapter By Kelsey Neville A college degree, whether it’s from undergraduate or graduate level, is a very fancy and expensive piece of paper. But that piece of paper is proof that its owner possesses some really great qualities. It’s no walk in the park to get a college education, no matter the concentration. There are a lot of sleepless nights. There are a lot of “I can’t, sorry, I’ve got homework” moments. There are a lot of really great relationships built with professors and a lot of lessons learned that will never be forgotten. RMU recently held a spring graduation ceremony to celebrate and distribute these wonderfully meaningful pieces of paper on Saturday, May 25th at the Arie Crown Theater. According to Amanda Kostic, a recent Nursing program graduate, “it was definitely a beautiful experience; it felt really rewarding and I was honored to be apart of it.” Not only did Kostic graduate, but she was also chosen to welcome and give the invocation to all the guests and graduates at the ceremony. Another student, Shannon Bennett, was chosen to introduce Provost Mablene Krueger at the graduation. This was the first time that Robert Morris had selected student speakers for these roles. There was an audition process held prior to graduation to find a student that would
represent and say a few inspirational words to their class. The student that was awarded this great honor was Jillian Hendzlik. Hendzlik’s favorite part of her speech was “whether we are aware or not, RMU has shaped us. It has given us the tools necessary to step into our careers and not only excel at our jobs, but be successful as one person taking care of another.” For the many students that attended this ceremony, graduation is not an ending, but rather the beginning of the next chapter in their lives. For some students, it took attending the ceremony for them to realize that this new chapter was officially upon them. Take Joanne Gracia, a Business graduate, who said “graduation was an amazing experience that gave me self-fulfillment and has triggered a tremendous aspiration towards larger goals in life.” To all the recent graduates, a few words of wisdom: whether your future takes you where you thought it might, or somewhere completely unexpected, embrace it. Take this education you have received and do something with it. You now have the foundation it takes to build your career. Also, please do not forget where you came from and keep this wonderful community of Eagles forever in your hearts. Congratulations to all spring 2013 graduates! v
Mission
The Eagle is the student-centered news source of Robert Morris University (IL) and does not necessarily represent the views of Robert Morris University administrators, faculty, or students. The Eagle provides a venue for the exchange of ideas and information pertinent to the students of RMU. Like us! RMU Eagle News Follow us! @RMUEagle
Check out the publication page! http://www.robertmorris. edu/publications/eagle/
My plans are to further my education, pursue a career on corporate tax and fulfill my wanderlust. All in good time, of course.
I plan to continue in the Hospitality industry and someday become an Event Planner. Being a Banquet Supervisor currently, my plans are only to successfully move up. I love the industry that I am in because there are always new and extravagant opportunities.
-Mildred Lechuga
-Sage McDonald
My plans for post-graduation are to be an Event Coordinator for Octagon Marketing. They have clients who sponsor NCAA football and have provided me with the chance to tour with them for this upcoming fall season. This opportunity will serve as the first of many major steps in the hopes of growing and being successful in the sports marketing industry. -Shannon Bennett I plan on taking advantage of my management internship with Sears Holdings and using my knowledge of business and management that I have gained at RMU to expand my experience. I also plan on returning to RMU in the fall for my Master's in management. -Izaela De La Rosa
Finding a job after graduation was frustrating and depressing; however, after a few weeks of countless resume adjustments and rejection letters, I was fortunate enough to secure a position as an accountant at a law firm located in the Willis Tower. To improve my chances of future development and advancement, I will attend the Morris Graduate School of Management. -Jhonatan Fuentes
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Freshman Excellence Recognized By Phi Eta Sigma By Stacy Zamskaya Transitioning into college can be quite a challenging experience, especially at a university which prides itself in its accelerated programs. The first year of study in a collegiate environment can help define the remainder of a student’s career. Stepping up in leadership roles, designing innovative projects, and learning to balance school with personal life are some of the common characteristics of college freshmen. Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society is a national honor society which celebrates such freshmen successes through recruiting students who demonstrate high scholastic achievement at the end of their first year. The society was founded at the University of Illinois in 1923, and has chartered over three hundred and seventy five chapters since then. Students joining the society have to have at least a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale and rank in the top twenty percent of their class. On June 6th, RMU hosted its first induction ceremony into the society, as one hundred freshmen students joined the ranks of over one million members in the nation. During the ceremony, four current students were initiated into the society as RMU Chapter Officers. Angela Livingston serves as President, while Janelle Greenup is the current Vice President. Lisette Crisantos is the newly initiated Secretary, and Angelina Kelly serves as Treasurer. Three campus representatives were also announced with Khristian Davila, Stephanie Segal, and Samantha Nowicki representing the Bensenville, Chicago, and Springfield campuses respectively. Carrie Roath Ernst, RMU’s Director of Education and current Phi Eta Sigma Chapter Advisor, is the key reason for the formation of an RMU chapter of the society. While trying to develop a way to acknowledge and reward freshmen for their academic achievements, Roath decided to organize a chapter of Phi Eta Sigma within the university, joining the
ranks of current RMU honor societies, such as Sigma Beta Delta and Tau Sigma. “We thought bringing a national freshman honor society to RMU would give the students the recognition they deserve and allow them the opportunity to be involved in an organization that can contribute to RMU and the surrounding communities through on-campus activities and community service projects, “ Roath explains. Currently, the society has several goals for the upcoming school year. “We would like this organization to be an active one. The officers would like to see the members become involved as RMU representatives in various RMU events, such as orientations and sporting events, “ states Ernst. The society is working on planning fun on-campus events, while also looking at various community service opportunities. During the induction ceremony, Provost, Mablene Krueger, shared the following words with the newly initiated members, “Some of you may have excelled in high school and continued to do so here, but maybe some of you found your passion at RMU and chose to excel in it.” Phi Eta Sigma works to unify the diverse freshman population by acknowledging the excellent progress of RMU students, but especially through helping achieve the students’ dreams. v
TO MBA OR TO NOT MBA Speakers from the latest Alumni Forum provide testimony to the successes of going the extra mile On Wednesday, June 19, Liz Wheeler’s latest efforts in the Alumni Initiative brought 3 alumni back to Robert Morris University to speak on topics such as having successful careers in the business field, what it takes to reach that level of success, and the wide array of opportunities that become available if one chooses to pursue a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. Nowadays, especially as the job market continues to become more and more competitive, the opportunity to make your resume stand out above other job candidates has become more of a necessity than a choice. More jobs require a Bachelor’s Degree as opposed to a Master’s, but according to the credentials of the Alumni Forum’s keynote speakers Crystal Steinbach, Norma Serrano-Rodriguez, and Derrick Hawthorne - it’s beyond worth it to go the extra mile. Crystal Steinbach spent the beginning of her career working in marketing and operations in the financial markets industry. She received her MBA with a concentration in
Management from the Morris Graduate School of Management in 2011. As of January, Crystal is an adviser for the Innovation Initiative Team at Integrated Project Management Co. and continuously establishes herself in the areas of innovation and change management. After receiving her BBA from Robert Morris College in Accounting, Norma Serrano-Rodriguez began worked in Real Estate and Franchise Division of McDonald’s Co. in Oak Brook. She then moved on to PLS Financial Services as an Accounts Payable Accountant, and was promoted to Manager of Accounts Payable and Money Order Operations at the end of 2010. In July of 2012, Serrano-Rodriguez completed her MBA at Robert Morris University and is currently working as the Accounts Payable Manager at DePaul University. Norma is also active in the community as Chairman of the Local School Council for Chicago Public Schools. Derrick Hawthorne, who was featured in The Eagle’s Alumni Profile last issue, is a Certified Public Accountant and earned ...CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
Eagle Advisor
Content Team
Paul Gaszak PGaszak@robertmorris.edu
Dan Ciaglia [Editor] Stacy Zamskaya [Editor] Heather D. Alexander [Editor] Adrian Saucedo [Writer] Aaron Wilson [Writer] Myranda Cate [Writer] Kelsey Neville [Writer] Lawerance Chamberlain [Writer] Phylicia Fletcher [Writer] Jessica Fuchs [Writer] Jessi Bahena [Writer]
By Dan Ciaglia
Advisory Board David Pyle Mick McMahon
Campus Faculty David Belotti • Lake County DBelotti@robertmorris.edu Beth Gainer • Bensonville BGainer@robertmorris.edu Nicole Hager • Springfield NHager@robertmorris.edu Gerard Wozek • Dupage GWozek@robertmorris.edu Jane Wendorff-Craps • Peoria JWendorffCraps@robertmorris.edu
Design Team Blake Whitmore [Art Director] Tyson Bosco[Designer] Austin Huette [Designer] Bobert McMorris [Designer] Matt Theodosopoulos [Designer] Kyle Ashley [Designer]
Public Relations Team Mason Riley [Social Media Manager] Mishel Chinbat [Event Coordinator]
Contributors Alyssa Brown
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THE NEWS
Robert Morris University’s
MEETING MR. PRESIDENT President Michael P. Viollt
Photo Courtesy of President Viollt By Blake Whitmore You might know his name or pass him in the halls of RMU, but the Eagle got a unique chance to sit down with President Michael P. Viollt and get to know what makes him tick. First off, President Viollt talked about his educational background. He actually earned his undergraduate degree right here in Chicago at Loyola University. Then he attended the University of Illinois in Champagne-Urbana and received his Master’s degree in Education. Finally he went to Norte Dame in South Bend, Indiana to earn another Master’s degree in Not-forProfit Institution Administration. Fortunately for President Viollt he said, “I always knew I wanted to work at a college. I didn’t
know I wanted to be President. I was very interested in student services, supporting students, and helping them to their goals.” After talking about his educational past, President Viollt continued on to talk about his father, a CTA bus driver with eight children. Due to the family’s financial situation, most of Presidents Viollt’s siblings got jobs right out of high school. President Viollt says he feels very grateful and fortunate that he was the first of his family that had the opportunity to go to college. This experience has really affected President Viollt and his view of how important higher education is to first generation college graduates. Outside of his job at the university, President Viollt has a lot of hobbies. President Viollt said, “I don’t feel like I have to be par-
ticularly good at everything I do. I love to golf; I am not very good at it. It is fun just to be out there.” His list of hobbies also includes cooking, painting, photography, and sports. President Viollt spends a lot of his time attending RMU sporting events. One of the most interesting things about Presidnet Viollt is that before he became President at RMU there were no athletic programs. This is particularly impressive since athletes now make up a large amount of the student body and we have several very successful collegiate athletic programs. In addition to be successful on the field, athletes at RMU are also successful in the classroom, which is an accomplishment President Viollt is very proud of. Currently President Viollt is working to grow the Performing Arts programs at RMU, much like
he did with the athletic programs. President Viollt says he is a firm believer that students bring so many skills to college before they even begin, and that college is more about putting those skills into practice and learn to work as a team with fellow classmates, teammates, or even coworkers. President Viollt’s closing words to RMU students was a piece of advice, “Take advantage of the opportunities and extracurricular activities here at Robert Morris. If you are here just to go through the books, no one is going to tell you that you can’t do that, but I think you are really missing out on some of the most important things we have to offer.” v
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3... an MBA with a concentration in Accounting from Robert Morris University in the spring of 2008. Hawthorne is responsible for the Asset Management services for The Habitat Company, focusing on the investment goals and value maximization of an asset portfolio covering five Metropolitan Service Areas.
At the Forum, each was given an opportunity to talk about their paths to success and provided plenty of testimony to the plethora of opportunities that come from having an MBA. Their individual bodies of work are excellent examples of the importance of doing everything you can to be able to follow the path to the dream career you want. v
TEN STEPS To Land Your Dream Internship
By Lawrence Chamberlain
ply for an internship.
1. Make a List- Start by looking for internships that interest you. Don’t worry about how big the company is or the chances of you making it. Every company has different requirements for their internships, so do not disqualify yourself automatically. Organize the list into categories such as paid or unpaid, full-time or part-time, school credit or not.
6. Work That Resume- Make sure your resume is top of the line for these companies. A way to make sure that you have a solid resume is to have a trusted friend or a teacher overlook the resume to see if there is anything to be fixed. Make sure you are using relevant information. Many companies do not care what you did while you were in junior high, so stay away from information that is older than five years unless it is volunteer work or a previous job.
2. Research- Look into each Internship and figure out exactly what you would have to do, as well as what the requirements. Organize each internship by listing the best two attributes and compare them to the worst two attributes. 3. Hit the Streets- Searching online is a great way to find out about internships, but nothing is ever going to beat the opportunity to actually see what the internships is like. Ask around if any smaller companies in your area have internship opportunities. 4. Never Stop- No matter what happens, always keep looking for that internship opportunity. Some of the major companies that you originally have on your list may or may not already be full and may even have a waiting list. You cannot let that affect your search since there is always an opportunity somewhere. 5. Make Sure You Can Make It HappenOnce you get ready to start applying for internships, you must make sure you can actually perform the responsibilities of the intern. Will you be able to get to work on time? Will you be there every day? Can you afford to take on this internship? Questions like these must be answered before you ap-
7. Sucking Up Is Not Always Bad- After you fill out all of your paper work, try to find out who will receive the information in that company. Call human resources and they should be able to tell you who takes care of new hires. Send this person an email of why you really want to work for this company. 8. Network- Even if you were not called in for an interview, stay in contact with the people who looked at your resume. You never know when a position opens up and they need someone to come in on a short notice. 9. Interview Time- Make sure you dress the part for your interview. That does not always mean to dress in a suit and tie. Some companies, such as Nike, prefer you to wear your favorite shoes with a business casual feel for the interview. 10. Be Yourself- Most employers at major, as well as smaller companies, can tell when someone is not being themselves. If you put a mask on for the interview and the interviewee realizes it, then they do not know the real you and therefore most likely will not hire you. v
Coming Soon to an RMU Near You! By Heather D. Alexander RMU’s student body is growing at a rapid pace, which means more options for courses and degree types are necessary. Students can expect a few new courses to appear in the course catalog at the beginning of the Summer II and Fall quarters. A Fitness track has been added, instead of the traditional health track for the Bachelor’s in Applied Health Sciences program. “In the Fall quarter, AHS 405, Techniques for Training, will be offered [as part of the fitness track]. [This is] the first time this class is being offered,” said Pam Westerholm, Academic Advisor. In addition to AHS 405 being added, the Fitness track will also require students to take a Health Psychology class, which will also be offered in the Fall. RMU’s School of Business Administration also recently received approval to administer a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. With this change going into effect, all Accounting courses will be revamped to meet required curriculum standards. New classes that will be added to the program include FIN 325 Investment Management, FIN 375 Financial Markets, ACC 311 Accounting Forensics, ACC 371 Government Accounting, ACC 430 Non-Profit Accounting, and ACC 490 Accounting Strategy. The sequence of new courses will begin in the Fall, but not every course will be available right away
“AHS 405 [will be offered] in the Fall quarter; the Psychology course [was offered] during Summer I and will be offered again in Fall, and all of the Accounting and Finance classes will not be offered for a few quarters down the road [because those] are for the new Accounting students starting in the Fall.” Westerholm also mentioned that there will be a few new courses added to the General Education list, including Chicago Urban Experience (SSC) and a Civil War course (SSC) taught by Michael Stelzer Jocks. “I took [Chicago Urban Experience] while I was [a student] here many years ago. It was a four hour class that met once a week instead of twice a week and we got in different groups and did different things around the city of Chicago. I think students will really enjoy that class, especially the out-ofstate students or students who have never been downtown; they’re going to learn a lot about the city. I personally really enjoyed that class.” Some students would like to see more math and chemistry courses offered for further advancement as well as relaxation courses such as yoga and recreational photography. As of now, students have little say in what classes are being offered at RMU. If students are interested in taking specific courses, they are welcome to present their ideas to faculty members or their Academic Advisor. v
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Catching up with former Eagles
By Dan Ciaglia
the University of Chicago Hospital.
Carlos Santiago (’12), Bachelor’s in Graphic Design. Carlos helped design EPIC Magazine’s iPad app that ended up being featured as a digital magazine app at an Adobe conference. In addition, his work on the EPIC app ultimately helped him secure a full-time paid internship with Sony Records. He is currently in New York at his internship and also enrolled in RMU’s MM Video program. He is set to receive his Master’s in 2014.
Hal Prohaska (’02), Bachelor’s in Business Administration. Hal is a former RMU basketball player and currently works as the Vice President Branch Manager for PNC Bank.
Cheyenne Brown (’04), Bachelor’s in Business Administration. Cheyenne works as a Patient Service Coordinator at
Selena Hughes (’08), Master’s in Business Administration. Selena works as a Senior Financial Analyst for City Colleges of Chicago. v
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SPORTS & HEALTH The Power of Routine By Phylicia Fletcher
There are two types of wealthy people, people who are successful and those who are prosperous. Naturally and individual will assume that both of these words mean the same, but they do not. A great teacher once said, “ Your
brain is a program of inference, the only way to be sure about anything is through research; other than that you just know a lot about nothing .” In honor of this teacher, the dictionary states, “[success is] the attainment of wealth, position [and] honor...”, While on the other hand, “[prosperity is living in] a successful, flourishing, or thriving condition.” In retrospect an individual will assume both of these definitions mean the same, but when taking a closer look success focuses only on the attainment of wealth and power while prosperity focuses on the condition of thriving and flourishing – something an individual can do without wealth and power. When interviewing Dr. Janelle Hunt, founder and CEO of Leaped and Bounds Consulting, there was a list of questions revolving around routines that heal the mind and promote prosperity. Shockingly, she explained how
simple it is to create a routine that would not only lead individuals to their goals, but allow them to know who they are and make them more receptive to seeing other avenues for success. Dr. Hunt says, “An individual can have the car, house or funds, but without prosperity there is no growth or happiness.” One of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is to have self-achievement; if a person is not trying to achieve a goal then the individual is not living up to their life’s true potential. Dr. Hunt explains that routines are the indicators of not only how an individual’s day will go, but how their whole life will go as well. “Your days help your mental health, if you set your day to achieve a goal, you are healing yourself mentally.” She also stated that regardless of how busy an individual’s schedule may be there are ways to implement healing in every aspect in of their lives. Dr. Hunt goes deeper into the topic by breaking down how one of the key ways to heal the mind is through finding peace. She states, “Being quiet allows the individual to find out who they are and what sets them apart from others, by having this time they will go through stages of healing themselves mentally, financially,
spiritually and with every day relationships.” One of Dr. Hunt’s clients stated that the hardest part of this process is that it takes up too much time. Dr. Hunt explain why: “An individual goes through years of wrong thinking and what my process does is reverse it, may times people are racing to success not knowing that it’s a marathon and not a sprint.” Dr. Hunt says the issue is that people want to accomplish so much in a short time that the loose site to who they are. The individual focuses too much on competing when the key it letting their true potential shine. For more information on Dr. Hunt and how she helps people accomplish their goals contact her by email at janellehunt@ leapsandboundconsulting.com v
Epilepsy and Seizures: Things to Know seizure is marked by excess electrical energy in the brain at a brief moment in time. Anything the brain can do under normal circumstances, the brain can do during a seizure (altering one’s movement, behavior, awareness and sensation). The majority of all seizures are NOT medical emergencies. The young student described above had a tonic-clonic seizure. It is a very common type of a generalized seizure and is not fatal. These seizures begin with a loss of consciousness and a fall to the ground. Immediately the person will experience stiffening of their limbs followed by jerking of the limbs. It can be scary to watch, but the person having the seizure feels nothing and is not in pain at all. But for certain s/he will wake up feeling exhausted, fatigued and possibly confused. Between chemistry and English class, you’re enjoying your lunch outside, marveling at the spring flowers. Across the way, you spot a classmate acting a bit odd. You don’t know her name, but you recognize her and notice she looks a little dizzy and then right before your eyes, she falls to the ground and goes into what you think is a seizure. You’ve seen this on TV, and the shaking and foaming at the mouth is all you know about seizures. You freak out and don’t know what to do. Seizures are a symptom of epilepsy, one of the most common neurological disorders. A
First aid:
Be a friend
If someone around you is having a seizure, (and you know they have epilepsy) the best thing you can do is to make sure the person is safe. First aid for the tonic-clonic seizure is as follows:
Don’t be afraid to ask the person questions about seizure triggers or first-aid options.
A first time seizure – always call EMS Track the time
Respect the person’s privacy and don’t discuss their epilepsy with others who might not know about their condition.
Turn the person to his/her side & loosen their necktie, scarf, etc Stay with the person until after their seizure is over
Treat the person the same as you would anyone else, epilepsy is just a part of their life.
Have campus medical personnel or security numbers readily available.
Be a friend
Fast facts about seizures and epilepsy:
ü 1 in 10 people will ever have a single seizure in their lifetime? ü 1 in 26 people in the US will develop epilepsy in their lifetime? ü Epilepsy is not contagious. ü Epilepsy is not a mental disease; it is a neurological disorder.
To learn more about epilepsy, or to have a free presentation on campus, contact Ayesha Akhtar, Community Education Coordinator for the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago. Email: aakhtar@epilepsychicago.org v
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There Can Only Be One MJ By Dan Ciaglia For years, LeBron has been hyped as the next Michael Jordan. In fact, no high school player in the history of basketball has received as much attention as James. Credit is always given where it’s due, and LeBron deserves credit. He has earned 4 MVP trophies, 2 NBA Finals Championships and Finals MVP honors in back-toback seasons. His accolades are worthy of comparisons to the all-time greats, but this debate ends in sentence – Michael Jordan isn’t just better than LeBron James; he is the best player of all-time, and there’s no ifs, ands, or buts about it. It’s easy to make that statement, but let’s break it down completely and deduce why MJ is the best player to touch a basketball court. Forget the statistics; they hold no weight in this argument because LeBron is just starting the prime of his career and Jordan was finished playing before LeBron was done with high
school. But just for good measure, Jordan had 7 scoring titles in his first 10 seasons while LeBron has just 1. Scoring doesn’t win championships though, defense does. Just one last statistic for more good measure – Michael Jordan is widely regarded as the best perimeter defender of all-time. If statistics can’t be used as leverage for one against the other, then what makes Jordan so much better than LeBron? Simply stated, it was Jordan’s killer instinct against opponents. He didn’t want to win; he wanted to beat you so bad that you remembered it. LeBron just had 37 points in a Game 7 Finals win, a more than dominating performance. Jordan never had these numbers because Jordan never let one of his 6 Finals go 7 games. He finished off his opponents well before that. LeBron likes to get his team involved; MJ’s teammates knew he was getting the ball if the Bulls were down. Jordan also has an upper hand on LeBron in the sense that he played all (with the exception of a final
2 seasons in Washington) of his seasons in Chicago. While it may not be a legitimate argument to some, sports analysts will always criticize LeBron for fleeing Cleveland in order to team up with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami. He abandoned the team that drafted him to win championships because he couldn’t do it on his own. Granted MJ had another superstar in Scottie Pippen with him for all 6 championships, but they were together for all of their careers. LeBron’s all-around game is more polished than Jordan’s, which makes him more comparable to Magic Johnson than Jordan. He has better rebounding and passing skills, but the truth is that Jordan was a more pure player. 6 Championships and Finals MVP honors in 6 tries says it all. LeBron’s career is far from over, but as it stands right now, Michael Jordan is and will be the greatest player of all-time. v
It's a Hard-Knock Season By Dan Ciaglia Well, it’s been a rough “summer” thus far. Just when we start to see clear skies and temperatures in the 80s and 90s, we’re hit with a few storms and sent back down to some chilly 60-degree days. On the respective north and south side diamonds, it’s much of the same – just when things start to turn around, both the White Sox and Cubs somehow find a way to bring their fans back down to earth with the realization that times are rough for Chicago baseball. Let’s start up north. The Cubs’ struggles have mostly come at the plate and in the form of Carlos Marmol, but both of these were expected. Since Opening Day in April, the Cubs have hung around the bottom of the loaded NL Central, but now 3 months into the season, we’re really starting to see the foundation of the future in place. There’s no question that First baseman Anthony Rizzo, Shortstop Starlin Castro, and pitching ace Jeff Samardzija are here to stay. What we’ve seen this year is that joining those
3 will likely be Second baseman Darwin Barney, Catcher Wellington Castillo, and pitcher Travis Wood. Other than that, everyone else on the 25-man roster is just stopgaps for prospects in their farm system. In June, they picked up NCAA Division 1 Player of the Year Kris Bryant in the amateur draft. He is expected to be the Third baseman of the future and could be in blue pinstripes as early as next season. As for the rest of this season, the struggles are likely going to continue. Their pitching rotation has been solid, but they can’t get enough run support to catch the Cardinals or Reds atop the division. They’ll likely finish in 4th or 5th in the Central this year, but the future is bright for the young Cubs squad. Down on the south side, the struggles have been just as bad. Gavin Floyd is out for 12-18 months, Jake Peavy can’t stay healthy, and Adam Dunn’s batting average has been below .200 for all of the season. Gordon Beckham missed a lot of time due to injury, Paul Konerko is struggling at the plate; the list goes on and on. Unlike the Cubs, though, the
Sox can’t use rebuilding as an excuse. They went all in for this season and have done nothing but come up short, which means it’s time to blow up the roster. Unfortunately, the pieces they have on their roster have little or no value to other teams. Although they struggle more than they succeed, they’ve shown flashes of offensive prowess and have enough pitching to sustain wins down the stretch. Compared to the Cubs, the Sox are in a much better position to make a run for the playoffs simply based on the fact that the AL Central is much weaker than the NL. The Tigers are clearly the top team, but after them it’s pretty much anyone’s chance at a wild card spot. Only time will tell if the White Sox have the will and talent to be that team. v
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ARTS & CULTURE Photo Credit: Elliot Lee Hazel
Album Review
Daughter: If You Leave By Stacy Zamskaya Words of wisdom are hard to come by in an era when very few of us spend the time reflecting upon the world around us. As meager daily tasks become the focus of our thinking, the contemplation of the bigger picture rests in the hands of a select few individuals. Elena Tonra, the lead woman behind Daughter, has the ability to voice the truth behind love and death, urging her listeners to change their ways. Supported by drummer Remi Aguilella and guitarist Igor Haefeli, Tonra explores the world of indie folk music, while examining some of the darkest soul searching moments in our lives. The English trio met at London’s Insti-
tute of Contemporary Music Performance in 2010. As word traveled about the unique demo released by Daughter, the band put out their first EP, His Young Heart, on April 20, 2011. That October, the band released a second EP, The Wild Youth, earning praise from several British music outlets. Upon being signed onto the prestigious UK label 4AD, Daughter began work on their first album, If You Leave, which became available in March of this year. If You Leave can easily be called one of the top musical masterpieces of this year. The record focuses on emotional upheaval, through its unique modern sound. Each song expands upon the darkness of people’s souls, as Tonra provides chilling vocals and lyrical genius in her truth-seeking words.
The opening track, “Winter,” focuses on heartbreak and the ability for love to disappear with ease. Stark guitar riffs and simple drum beats flow with Tonra’s echoing voice. Though simple at first glance, the lyrics convey a heartfelt meaning, as Tonra sings, “It's different now/ gray-faced/ eyes burnt out/ flames are gone/ gloves are on/ I have a feeling love's gone mad.” Continuing the solemn lonely journey, tracks like “Smother” and “Youth” stand out as the key pieces of the album. Daughter is able to pick up the pace, while continuing the grave overtones, on “Human,” as the track begins to closely resemble Florence and the Machine. Although the majority of the album is nothing below exceptional, certain tracks feel monotonous, such as “Amsterdam” and the
record closer, “Shallows.” The indie music scene has slowly been creating a new sound, which Daughter has raised above the bar with If You Leave. The trio’s uniqueness resembles other similar artists, such as The XX and Rhye, with its airy lyrics and melodic guitar riffs. If You Leave has the power to excite and sadden the listener in an instant. The well thought out songs remind us of the flaws and breaks within human beings. Although people may build up walls around themselves, Daughter reminds us that everyone is fragile in the end. The world is beautiful, but beauty is sadness. Find If You Leave at your local record store and catch Daughter at Park West on September 25th. v
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Survival
Guide By Trey Pruente Lollapalooza is Chicago’s very own musical extravaganza, where bands from all over the world come to play three epic days of great music. It brings together different types of music, with performances taking place in historic Grant Park. Here are five tips to maximize your Lollapalooza experience.
1. Preparation
Preparation is the first key to the ultimate Lollapalooza experience. Make sure you know what bands are going to be playing, so that way you can plan out who you want to see and which bands you do not mind missing. Why waste time when you get to Grant Park to figure out which bands are playing? In fact, download the Lolla app to help you out with the planning process. Another thing to keep in mind is the need to prepare for the performances themselves.
If you want to be up front for the band, stay a bit near the sides, in case there’s a rush towards the stage.
2. Friends
Friends are the second key to the ultimate Lollapalooza experience because no one wants to go to a concert alone. Gather up a couple friends that share the same taste in music as you, so you will have somebody next you while you rock out to your favorite band. Having people to share this awesome experience with will be something you all can reminisce about years from now.
3. Chicago Weather
Chicago is known for having some bipolar weather. It can be sunny one minute, then pouring rain the next. Due to this, students have to be prepared for no matter what Mother Nature has in store. The two extremes that will likely happen at Lolla will
either be extreme heat or torrential downpour. The last two years at Lolla have had both of these instances. Make sure you are wearing clothes that keep you cool, but can also keep you dry from sweating or getting muddy from the rain. But all in all, just be ready for whatever happens.
4. Money
Money is something you are going to need, especially at an event like Lollapalooza. You will be rocking out to your favorite bands and you will be working up a sweat. What’s better to cool you down then a bottle of cold water? Lollapalooza has places where you can stop and get a beverage or two, but they are not cheap, so be prepared to spend a little extra. Also, when you are not in Grant Park, you may be out and about downtown Chicago. Having a little extra cash to grab a bite to eat or do some shopping could come in hand.
5. Fun
Fun is the last tip because you want to remember that you are at a music festival, rocking out, with a couple friends. Enjoy the time you are spending seeing some of your favorite bands live in person. It is something you will want to remember for the rest of your life, so make it a good one. Remember to have fun and take in the experience that is Lollapalooza. So if you are thinking about getting tickets to this summer’s Lollapalooza, don’t forget to take these five tips into account to maximize your viewing pleasure. I promise Lollapalooza will be an event you will never forget. v
Experience Chicago on the Water By Myranda Cate Jet Ski Chicago is open for season! Jet skiing is a thrilling sport and Chicago is a great place to enjoy it. Jet Ski Chicago offers Jet Ski rentals, banana boat rides, and tours, as well as party and event services. Located at beautiful North Avenue Beach, Jet Ski Chicago allows you to see the city from the seat of your jet ski. Feelings of freedom and speeding across the water entice customers; it’s a rush that can’t be beat. Jet Ski Chicago provides customers with excellent service, friendly workers, and summer fun. Walk-ups are welcome, but availability is not guaranteed. Reservations are always recommended and they make it easy for anyone to go onto their website to pick a date, time, and type of rental to reserve a slot. Drivers must be 18 years of age or older and must provide a government-issued ID. As well as have a credit card for deposit just
in case anything were to happen out on the water. They provide life jackets, a place to stow your gear, and good times. Rent a Jet Ski for $75 for a half hour or $140 for the whole hour and its only $10 more to add an additional rider. They have 8 skis available to rent and allow up to two passengers on each ski. If you’re looking to slow it down and soak in the skyline there are guided tours available for $165 an hour and $180 for a sunset tour just reserve a time online at www.jetskichicago.com or call 312-600-8769. If you and your friends are looking to spend less, renting a banana boat is the way to go. Banana boats are $20 per person for a 20-30 minute ride; minimum four riders and can fit up to eight adults comfortably. Bring along three or more of your friends to enjoy a thrilling ride across the water while being pulled by a 110-horsepower Yamaha Wave Runner.
Jet Ski Chicago is easy to spot. If you’re walking toward the lake you’ll see a large restaurant named Castaways, and to the
right of that is a booth with an old Jet Ski dug into the sand for decoration. A booth girl will get you all set up and once you
have signed a waiver, paid, and received a life jacket then she will send you down the beach toward the dock that holds all of the Jet Skis. Beginners, don’t worry, Jet Ski Chicago guys are there to help. They’ll let you know how it’s run and provide safety tips. When heading to North Ave. Beach keep in mind that parking in the area is limited at the paid lot, so it’s best to use public transportation. The beach is located at 1600 N. Lake Shore Drive. The sun is only going to get hotter this summer so might as well spend it on the water flying across Lake Michigan. Jet Ski Chicago is open weekdays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Open seven days a week depending on the weather. Make reservations today at www.jetskichicago.com v
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CUISINE The Tastes of Bridgeport Fabulous Freddie's Italian Eatery By Heather D. Alexander If there is one thing that Chicagoans love more than the White Sox or Cubs, Blackhawks, Bulls, and Bears, it is definitely food. Freddies, located at 701 West 31st Street in the Bridgeport neighborhood, offers an extensive new menu to entice everyone’s appetite and taste buds. Family owned and operated since 1990, Freddies has become a neighborhood food icon of Chicago’s Southside. As a food connoisseur who grew up eating Freddies on a weekly basis, I can assure all food lovers that this family business aims to satisfy your hunger. The menu includes homemade specialties, such as boneless
pork chops, grilled cheese, charbroiled steak, wraps, seafood, sandwiches, salads, a variety of pasta dishes, and of course, pizza. Everything on the menu is made to order and always tastes exceptionally fresh. One of my personal favorite menu items is the homemade Italian ice. I recall as a little girl, Freddies only offered two flavors: lemon and strawberry. Due to the increasing number of customers and constant demand for new menu items to keep business booming and thriving, this list has grown from two flavors to six delicious flavors: the original strawberry and lemon, watermelon, cantaloupe, raspberry, and mango. All of these mouthwatering flavors, reasonably
priced between two and five dollars, are made with fresh fruit, and if you are lucky, you will even get a few chunks in your cup. Aside from their amazing Italian ice, Freddies pizzas will have you coming back for more the moment you pull away from the curb. One of their newer specialty pizzas, meat lovers, has not even been added to the menu, but is sure to be a success. For those who are a little stricter with their diets, they even offer gluten free crusts. Pizza slices are conveniently priced at only $2.80 for cheese and $3.00 for sausage. Unfortunately, sausage, cheese, and meat lovers are the only slices available. Freddies has always had heavy traffic, especially during the sum-
mer months, due to a summer sidewalk café with outdoor seating. After a fire in 2011, caused by a deep fryer, the owners built a parking lot for customer convenience and expanded the kitchen and indoor dining areas. College students will definitely appreciate this delightful gem because they stay open late, Sunday through Thursday from 9 A.M. until12 A.M. and Friday and Saturday from 9 A.M. until 2 A.M. They offer the options of dining-in, carry out, catering, and delivery if you live in the area. Freddies is the perfect place to go to satisfy your appetite after a Sox game or on a hot summer day. Just head to Bridgeport and check it out for yourself. v
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Pleasant House Bakery By Myranda Cate Pleasant House Bakery is a family owned bakery and café located in Chicago’s Bridgeport area. They offer traditional and modern savory pies and specialty sweets. They are the home of Royal Pies which are hand made using the finest meats and quality produce that is mostly grown in their own Pleasant Farms locations in Chicago. They also serve lunch and offer daily dinner specials with drinks, including their own homemade sodas and are BYOB. Pleasant House is a quaint little restaurant on the corner of Morgan Street and 31st Street in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood. It is easy to spot with the dull yellow roof covering a small white, one story building next to a dive bar called Maria’s.
Though there is limited space inside, there is plenty of seating out back on a nice summer day. As you walk in and take in the aroma of their savory pies, there is seating to the left and on the right they have placed napkins, silverware, cups and a jug of water for customers. Beyond that is the order and pick-up counter with a chalk-like board placed up above with the menu, and daily specials are placed on the counter next to the register. The kitchen is directly behind the counter so you are able to see the workers and cooks. Try one of their daily specials or choose from a selection of their delicious pies. Tuesday’s bakery burger served with crispy house-ground chuck chips. On Wednesday, enjoy Pleasant Bakery’s house-made banger sausage prepared a different way each
week. Thursday offers a special pie bursting with flavor every week. Thank God it’s Friday because ABC 7 Chicago’s Windy City Live has named Pleasant House’s fish ‘n’ chips the best in Chicago. You’re going to love their beer-batter-fried fresh fish with crispy chips and homemade preserved Meyer lemon tartar sauce. A few of the many flavorsome meals offered at Pleasant Bakery will leave you wanting more. Bite into their steak and ale pie for $7.95 or try a chicken balti pie with all-natural chicken in fresh-ground curry spices with tomato and Nigella seeds, again just $7.95 for a filling pie. Their assortment of spuds include: mash for $1.99, thick-cut crispy chips $1.99, deluxe gravy chips which include skirt steak, gravy and cheddar cheese for $5.00
all infused with flavor. Wash it all down with their Sunday special freshly brewed high tea or a homemade soda. Pleasant Bakery employs friendly and upbeat workers who are ready and willing to help each customer that walks through the door. They welcome family, students, and anyone who strolls past their front door. As long as the open sign is lit up, you’re more than welcome to come in and try their delectable food and drinks. If you find yourself in the lovely neighborhood of Bridgeport, don’t forget to stop by and have a taste of Pleasant House Bakery. Follow them on Twitter @PHBakery or check out the rest of their menu at www.pleasanthousebakery.com v
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COMMENTARY
He Says // She Says
Istanbul protests in Taksim Square Stacy Zamskaya
Adrian Saucedo
V.S. For over three weeks, Istanbul has been the center of massive protests triggered by the government’s plan to demolish Gezi Park in Taksim Square to build a mall. With the help of Twitter and Facebook, these protests have extended to other Turkish cities, making the protests a nationwide movement against the government. Protesters have used social media to communicate, given there is little coverage of the events in the Turkish media. These protests have accomplished little and have only caused chaos. It is unclear what the protesters are fighting for and what they plan to achieve. Protesters are supposedly fighting to save a park from being turned into a mall, but the protests seem more directed at the Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. According to Turkish citizens, the Prime Minister has acted as a sultan. He has initiated projects without considering public opinion or approval. However, the economy of Turkey has grown and it is attributed to Erdogan. He blames protesters for destabilizing the government and Turkey’s international image. Five people have lost their lives and 5,000 more have been injured in these
massive demonstrations. Although the demonstrations have been considered for the most part peaceful, riots have erupted especially between the youth and police forces that have used tear gas, rubber bullets and other methods of brutality. Whether the violence is being caused by police or protestors, the truth is that the situation has caused fatalities and injuries. More importantly, people don’t know what they are fighting for. If these demonstrators are so adept in the use of Twitter and Facebook, then why not come together under one direction and state what it is that they are discontent about? Have a series of demands and if they are not seen through, make an organization and continue using social media to your advantage. Stage a protest if necessary, but one with a clear purpose. To international media, all this looks like is a government that has been unable to control its people instead of a group of people who are fighting against a government official whom they consider a dictator. Many of the people involved in the protests are from different groups or organizations; some are not affiliated to any group in particular. Having a large group of demonstrators who don’t know exactly why they are there accomplishes nothing. It makes the city chaotic, the Turkish government seems incompetent, and in the end, neither side will win. As long as the protests continue, the city and perhaps the whole country will face instability and this will affect everyone without exception. v
On May 28, a small group of environmentalists gathered in Istanbul’s Taksim Square to peacefully protest the Justice and Development Party (AKP) government’s decision to tear down the neighborhood’s Gezi Park, the only remaining park in the neighborhood. AKP’s plan to build a shopping mall in this area left many residents infuriated, which brought them to protest in the area. The protests to keep the park as it is unexpectedly inflamed the public’s frustrations with Istanbul’s Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as the environmental protests turned into a political battle. Erdogan openly criticized the protesters, as he told the public, “Do whatever you want to do, but we have made our decision.” His unwillingness to cooperate with the people’s wants created a mass disapproval of the AKP’s authoritarian policies. The AKP, having roots in political Islam, has been ruling the country since 2002. The party has increased its votes in the following elections, reaching 49.8% in 2011. With the increase in votes, the AKP has revealed its true authoritarian tendencies through its recent imposing of Islamic values on Turkish society.
During its rule, the party has initiated “a silent revolution”, by silencing its prosecular critics, curtailing media, and reducing academic freedom. Erdogan has imprisoned journalists, increased the power of the police, and redesigned the mandatory education system. A draft law has been prepared to restrict women’s rights through imposing an abortion ban after the fourth week of pregnancy, while also restricting Caesarean births. Theaters and opera houses are now ordered to have a small mosque, as well as each university in the country is now forced to build a mosque on its campus. With all these new policies restricting the citizens’ freedom, it is no surprise that a peaceful protest turned into a month long demonstration against the government. Protesters were violently attacked by police through the use of tear gas and water bombs, leaving five protesters killed and over five thousand injured. The true nature of the AKP was shown to the world through the government’s unwillingness to cooperate. The government’s policy of intimidating protesters through brutal police force has had the reverse effect and instead resulted in the creation of a solidarity spirit among the people. Protesters turned to social media as a means of broadcasting the events, seeing as the Turkish media censored any protest related news. Twitter became the main outlet for the Istanbul protests, with the slogan “One million people to Taksim” becoming the top hashtag on the site. The United States has regarded the AKP as a successful model of democracy for the Middle East since 2002, yet after the recent events, many believe it is time for the US to reassess its policy towards Turkey. Treating citizens with brutality and restricting fundamental freedoms urges people who value democracy to speak up against authoritarianism. The Taksim Square protests show that the AKP needs to rethink its current goals if it wishes to remain in power. Although no political party or leader has formed from the protests, if the government continues its authoritarianism, radical change will most likely follow for the betterment of the country. v
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By Phylicia Fletcher Ever question the idea of what it means to be a perfect Christian? Most churches are based on a religious tradition that dictates the meaning of what or how a perfect Christian should be. For example, these churches show members how to dress, speak, eat and sleep, then to top it all off the individual is issued a list of laws and commandments that are most likely outdated and misinterpreted. No doubt, this is a risky topic to break down, but after much research, finally the truth has surfaced and will be shared. Often when bring up the topic of Christianity people are already on pins and needles. Sometimes wondering whether or not the “Christian” is going to condemn
them and/or force them to come to their church. In an honest opinion, there is absolutely a good reason for this fear. Church, in general, to someone that may not have ever been, might look like some weird cult, and after going to a few services, may look like an Alcohol Anonymous group were everyone points fingers and talks about the individual. No doubt the church is a place of praise and serenity, but most likely, this is what people see. Not saying there are not churches that don’t do this, just know there are very few. Now reverting back to the question at hand, is there such thing as a perfect Christian? And the answer is ...drum roll please... No, there is absolutely no such thing. People are seeming more obsessed
with being perfect that they forget the age old line “nobody’s perfect.” The Bible explains this when Jesus speaks to the crowd in the defiance of Mary (the prostitute), Jesus said, “ Those without sin cast the first stone” and all of them dropped their stones, turned and walked away. Clearly, if this simple scripture does not answer that question then all hope maybe lost. The fact that the crowd walked away should bring to peoples’ understanding that we all sin and we all fall short of the grace of God, but thank God that his grace is efficient and no matter how many times an individual may struggle they can be forgiven. To some, including myself at one point, this idea of God being some type of big bad wolf with the power to either help land a job
promotion or burst an individual into flames and doom their souls to hell. No doubt he has this power, however he’s as gentle as a butterfly and would never want to even try to bring harm to his creation. Think about it, if an individual creates an epic, one of a kind, priceless piece of art and profits from just holding on to it, do you think that individual would destroy it? No. In the end, nobody but God has the right to punish or judge an individual, yet some people, no doubt Christians, seem to always want to pick up stones and throw them. However, hopefully after reading this the only one who could judge and condemn didn’t throw a stone or even pick one up; individuals including myself, will think twice about judging others. v
The Fear of Missing Out By TCW It’s a constant concern to all of us to know where we come from; what makes us who we are. At two o’clock in the morning, I find myself pondering that very question to an almost unimaginable degree. For me, I see life the way a chemist studies matter; it can all be broken down into smaller parts for better examination. So really, what is it that makes us who we are? The answer is our ability to combine and divide. It seems quite silly to think that the answer to our individuality sways based on two polar opposites, but so far as my calculations have concluded, it remains true. I will break it down to you as this; there are things that we all have in common that further give depth to our character as well as things about ourselves that separate us from others. I can explain it with music as my example. We tend to like people more that like the same music as us. As humans, we constantly
strive to understand everything based on things we already understand. Why else would I try to explain my understandings with a hypothetical subject we both can grasp? With that being said, bonds grow between you and the person you share the commonality with. Because you both like this specific style of music, your relationship builds as your like for the music builds. Also with such, the new bands you find out that sound like the music you like will eventually be given to your friend, and vice versa. In this instance, the music you like is what starts building your characteristics as to musical preference. Say, on the other hand, that you and your friend have completely differing styles of music. The music you like makes you into one certain characteristic, and your friend’s style of music makes them different. However, since you two won’t let your musical influences break apart your friendship, you still grow together, even if you grow separately. That is one of the many things that build our personalities.
It is strange to know that so many points in life deal with a paradox. A paradox is basically a question that can be answered, but by answering it also creates an inconsistency. Here is another pertaining to music. Listening to music in a club is partially how people meet. I’m dancing, you’re dancing, and eventually we dance together. They say music, like all forms of art, can help bridge gaps between strangers. It is quite strange though that music being listened solely can drive people apart. IPods destroy our ability to talk to people because they preoccupy our mind with the music without the need to share that music with others. Therefore, this agent that glues people together can also be the knife that splits them up. We are not alone. We do not make our own fates or control the progression of our own personalities. To say we do is to say an entire civilization could be built by one person. Our minds are very much the same as walls. They are made out of something other than themselves. v
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s t s o COMMENTARY Turtle P s ' r u e n a l F e h T
Best of the Flaneur’s Turtle Beach Read Revolution
By Michael Stelzer Jocks, History Faculty As the weather warms, and the sun becomes radiant, I know what is coming: ‘Beach reads’. NPR will do a story about the best ‘beach reads’; Facebook friends will share lists of the ‘hottest summer reads’; bookstores will John Lavery (Irish Painter, 1856-1941) Girl in a Red Dress Reading by a Swimming Pool display the most scorching books of the summer. Well, I am here today to proclaim ‘ENOUGH’! I have had it with the ‘beach read’ status quo. We need a literary revolution. Let me be clear, I have nothing against bringing books to the beach. I myself have a book with me at all times. When I go to the pool, I bring a book. When I go to the playground with my kids, I bring a book. And yes, when I go to the beach, I bring a book. So, it is not the idea of ‘beach reads’ that irks me. What annoys me is the notion that ‘beach reads’ must be mindnumbing, poorly written pap. ‘Beach reads’ have become the reality television of the literary world. I ask myself, why do Americans willingly waste hours and hours of relaxation reading books that are turned out by authors who are formulaic and, as most will admit, absolutely forgettable? I realize the answer that most give to this question: ‘Beach reads’ should be entertaining and should allow the reader to ‘lose himself ’. I understand, I really do. But, this points to the central kernel of why a revolution is necessary. Though publishing houses, bookstores, and our mass media disagree, entertainment is not the antithesis of quality. Unlike the deadening ephemeral nature of today’s ‘beach reads’, great literature lives and breathes beyond the three months of summer because it is so entertaining. Don’t believe me? Pick up Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby this month, and feel the life pulsating through the pages.
Grab Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov in July, and discover the definition of a ’page turner.’ In August, just try to put down Salinger’s Franny and Zooey. As with all revolutions, this one has a utopian undercurrent. I hope this summer, millions of Americans will be laying on the beach, lost in Phillip Roth, or Richard Wright, or Yukio Mishima, or Toni Morrison and gain insights into humanity. What better time to be meditative on the human condition then when you are lying under the scalding sun, breathing in the scents of summer? Perhaps Franz Kafka can be our revolutionary forebear? Over a century ago, Kafka wrote to a friend that: “Altogether, I think we ought to read only books that bite and sting us. If the book we are reading doesn’t shake us awake like a blow to the skull, why bother reading it in the first place? So that it can make us happy…? Good God, we’d be just as happy if we had no books at all; books that make us happy we could, in a pinch, also write ourselves. What we need are books that hit us like a most painful misfortune, like the death of someone we loved more than we love ourselves, that make us feel as though we had been banished to the woods, far from any human presence, like a suicide. A book must be the axe for the frozen sea within us. That is what I believe.” Okay, maybe Kafka goes a little far, but the basis of his idea is correct. Books should stay with us after we close the cover. The ‘beach reads’ of today are the opposite of this ideal. They are particularly marketed as the art of the forgettable. Like so much else in our society, ‘beach reads’ are intended to be disposable. So, I say, let’s dispose of them! Bury your latest Faye Kellerman in the sand! Toss your Richard North Patterson into the waves! It is time for a revolution, and this revolution will not be reality-televised! v
A Reading List for the "Beach Read Revolution" Last week, I wrote a Turtle post calling for a ‘Beach Read Revolution’. In that blog, I made the contention that “beach reads” should not be fluffy, forgettable works, but instead entertaining contributions to literature that make the reader ponder life and humanity. Naturally, I thought we should follow this call for revolution up with some Turtle beach read ideas. Hence, each day this week, the Flâneur’s Turtle ‘Hall of Fame’ bloggers will be providing their own personal beach read lists.
For my list, I would like to point out that I am going about this in an unorthodox way. Most beach read lists are made up of books that have already been read. Mine will center on books that I plan to read this summer. You, dear reader, will also notice that my revolutionary beach read list has a theme as each book is either a family chronicle, or a series. So, without further ado, here we go:
The Family Moskat by Isaac Bashevis Singer – I have been wanting to read something by Singer for a couple years, and this is his novel that intrigues me the most. It is the story of a Eastern European Jewish family living in Warsaw during the 19th and early 20th century. I am fascinated by the Eastern European Jewish experience during the modern era, and Singer was a novelist who powerfully explored that experience. I am excited to start this one.
The Sea of Fertility by Yukio Mishima – The Sea of Fertility is a cycle of four novels (Spring Snow, Runaway Horses, The Temple of Dawn, and The Decay of the Angel), centered on the changing world of Japanese society from the early twentieth century to the post-Second World War occupation. I read Mishima for an undergrad class years ago, and instantly was taken by his powerful, yet beautiful style. Though I don’t agree with his political outlook, his poetic language is second to none.
The Red Wheel Cycle by Alexsandr Solzhenitsyn – I believe there are four novels in this cycle, but only two have been translated into English; August 1914, and November 1916. Both books investigate the Russian experience during the First World War, and the Russian Revolution of 1917. I am going to give Solzhenitsyn a second chance this summer. In undergrad, I read his famous work One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich and was underwhelmed. With a better understanding of Russian history today, I think I will now appreciate his work.
The Balkan Trilogy by Olivia Manning – I will admit, I know nothing about Olivia Manning or her novels. I just stumbled upon these recently, and I was intrigued. The trilogy is the tale of a family living in Bucharest during the beginnings of World War II. I find the mid-twentieth century history of Central and Eastern Europe enthralling; I have come to appreciate that this history has greatly shaped the world we live in today. So, why not give this classic series a try?
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More Beach Reads... By Paul Gaszak, Peter Stern & Jenny Jocks Stelzer
Killer Angels –It’s about the battle of Gettysburg relying heavily on letters written by several of the generals who participated in the war..
The Hedgehog and the Fox – It’s not for biologists, but historians who wonder whether
When You are Engulfed in Flames – Sedaris is one of the preeminent living humorists. His
historical events are primarily matters of fate or free will.
essays about his life are hilarious, introspective, and relatable. This may not be his most famous collection, but I rank it as his best, in part due to the brilliant essay “Old Faithful.”
The Art of the Novel – Here too the title tells what the book’s about though James’ use of the
CivilWarLand in Bad Decline – George Saunders’ fiction is intelligent, weird, dark,
word “art” seems a bit misleading for in that short three letter word most important issues pertaining to literature eventually get raised.
disturbing, thought-provoking, and very funny. This is likely his most famous collection and a good entry point to his work, but add the story “Sea Oak” from his collection Pastoralia to your reading list; I consider it to be his weirdest and most laugh-out-loud funny story.
The Birth of Tragedy –The title gives a good indication of what it’s about, though I’m fairly
The Portable Dorothy Parker – Dorothy Parker is viciously witty and hilarious. Her fiction
The Gospel of Hip-Hop: The First Instrument –Because how can I claim any kind of
sure there’s a lot more in it as well.
and poetry is characteristically brief, yet packs a deceptive amount of depth. This collection contains her poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Read it and you’ll be quoting Dorothy Parker in no time..
street credibility (in hip-hop OR in philosophy) without reading The Teacha’s treatise? I’m following this up with The RZA’s “Wu Tang Manual,” because, why the F not?
Eating the Dinosaur or Chuck Klosterman IV– Reading Chuck Klosterman’s nonfiction is
stories about people doing the wrong thing. Diaz’s narrator (and, probably, alter ego) Yunior (whom I met in the also-awesome “Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao”) is a lying, cheating mother-f ’er, and I love him. THAT’S how good Diaz’s writing is.
like sitting in a bar having drinks with your odd, yet super intelligent friend: you never quite know what he’ll say next – it may make you laugh, piss you off, make you think, make you tell him to shut up. Whatever the reaction, you’ll be interested and engaged in the conversation.
Fierce Pajamas: An Anthology of Humor Writing from the New Yorker– This anthology is packed with a lot of short, funny pieces from a variety of authors. The hilarious “Here’s a Really Great Idea” by David Owen is one I share in several of my classes. I’ve also taught Steve Martin’s “Writing is Easy!” (Yes, THAT Steve Martin.)
This Is How You Lose Her –Did I mention that I like smart and hilarious cursing? I also like
A Spy in the House of Love– Seriously, forget “50 Shades.” The first book was fun but, after that, WAY too much authorial effort went toward the plot. We all know what we’re reading it for. It’s summertime. It’s hot. Get yourself some real erotica. While Henry Miller gets all the props for the books you’re not supposed to read, Nin’s got the chops. Her diaries are great, too, but, in this novel, Sabina gets to do the stuff that Miller only lets men do.
Keyless Entry By Tricia Lunt, English Faculty The substantial handful of keys for my new apartment presented me with a typical challenge for apartment-dwellers. The other night, I went up and down my three flights of stairs three times (front, then back, then front again) before solving the mystery: which key Imagefits which lock? I grew up without keys. I know that sounds improbable, like any number of lies older people tell younger people to illustrate the stunning difference between then and now, but it’s the truth. We didn’t lock our doors. It was my Mother’s house, and she always said, “We don’t have much that’s worth stealing.” The less we had, the less we had to worry about, she reasoned. Thus began my detachment from the accumulation of material wealth. I’m not interested in expensive things.
Recently, I was filling out a questionnaire that Imageinquired about products I’d purchased in the past few months. There was a question about purchasing gas, but thanks to the CTA, I donated my car 5 years ago. I don’t buy any games because I don’t have a video game console. Generally, I don’t buy (or illegally download) movies or songs because I subscribe to Netflix and listen to Pandora or old CD’s. In fact, the bulk of the movies and music I own are gifts; my friends know me well and are generous. Even though I might like to have fancier things, I don’t confuse my desire with need. One of my favorite lines of poetry is “getting and spending we lay waste our powers,” a forceful reminder to use time and money more deliberately from William Wordsworth’s “The World is Too Much with Us.” The life-choice to invest in people rather than things still requires constant
effort in contemporary American society. A great article written in 1998 by Juliet B. Schor called “Keeping Up with the Gateses” addresses the need to resist the relentless upward skew of competitive consumption. In response to the social pressures to consume at a rate that far surpasses income, Schor wrote about people who strive to create a life Imagethat is abundant in experiences and relationships, rather than possessions, a trend I am proud to be a part of, and one that has grown in the past 15 years, including down-shifting and the slow movement. Every day I try to concentrate my energy on things that are truly worth my time and attention. And, as much as we all want to believe in keys and the safety and security they seem to promise, locked doors don’t always accomplish much. I know many people whose homes have been burgled while the
doors remained firmly locked. When an intruder attempted to get in to my apartment this past February, he wrapped his elbow in a jacket and broke through the bedroom window. Happily, he didn’t bother entering once he realized someone was home because he certainly would have been disappointed by the lack of big-ticket items. As for keys, I wear some as earrings, and I use the ones for my new apartment, too. But if I could, I would follow my mother’s example and leave my doors unlocked since the things I value can’t be stolen: the fullness of experience, the times spent with friends, the joy of family traditions. Still, I might worry (as she does on occasion) that the wind would blow the doors open, and rain would come inside. v
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ODDS & ENDS
Sudoku
No Class by Kyle Ashley