The Columbia Chronicle November 7, 2011

Checking up on Kevin xx Web Exclusive Interview

The official news source of Columbia College Chicago

November 7, 2011

Prioritization process runs into snafus

by Heather Schröering Campus Editor FACULTY AND staff who must complete

Volume 47, Issue 10

www.columbiachronicle.com

Salary freeze chills campus Faculty ‘disappointed’ about pay halt, remains committed to students

Program Information Request forms, as part of Columbia’s prioritization process, are grappling with several problematic issues in filling out the forms, including inaccurate data and time pressure.

Specific data regarding the number of students in each program, diversity, courses taught, current programs offered and other categories were collected by the college and given to the prioritization committees to distribute to respective program heads. However, a number of flaws were found in some of the information, according to several department chairs.

Sara Mays THE CHRONICLE

The Faculty Senate discussed the college’s lack of budget information during the Oct. 21 meeting. Faculty Senate president Pegeen Reichert Powell said the Swenate is committed to “looking forward.”

by Heather Schröering Campus Editor

You can always get it done, but there’s a minimum amount of time, and if you go below that minimum amount of time, the job is not going to be done as well as it could be.”

–Bruce Sheridan

As previously reported by The Chronicle on Oct. 31, the PIR forms ask academic programs, non-degree programs, centers and support and operational offices to answer in-depth questions concerning—but not limited to—historical context and finances.

“As co-chair of the Chairs Council, quite a number of departments saw inaccuracies in the data that they were given, often just in the way things were named and identified, but also in some of the data,” said Bruce Sheridan, chair of the Film and Video Department. “The people running Blueprint Prioritization have been very responsive to that.”

Sheridan said most of the data in his department is valid, but there are a few discrepancies, such as duplicated or missing programs.

Patty McNair, associate professor in the Fiction Writing Department, is concerned that the flawed data could potentially affect the outcome of the questions.

“I have no doubt that we can find the room to talk about what we do in the Fiction Writing Department [that] will show that we are a strong, vital [and]

THE RECENT announcement of a salary

freeze has left Columbia employees, who have received raises only one time in the past three years, with more questions than answers.

“We realize the financial circumstances of not only the [college], but the country,” said Tom Nawrocki, associate professor in the English Department and the president of the Columbia College Faculty Organization. “I have to say that full-time faculty were disappointed that there wouldn’t be an increase, but we understood the need.”

On Oct. 18, President Warrick L. Carter

Vintage decor, drinks galore

xx SEE BUDGET, PG. 7

Study shows correlation between non-diet soft drinks, teen violence

by Nader Ihmoud

ship between soft drink consumption and teenagers’ behavior. The method was used because of the multiple variables in the study.

“We used a technique called robust variance estimators to account for the fact that respondents were not all separate and individual, but they were grouped together in 22 schools,” said Sara Solnick, department chair of economics at the University of Vermont, in an email.

Logistic regression is a method for determining the relationship between predictor variables and a dependent variable, according to TheMeasurementGroup.com.

Solnick and David Hemenway director of the Harvard Injury Control Research

Assistant Sports & Health Editor TEENAGERS BEWARE—drinking

too many non-diet soft drinks may spark violent behavior.

A study published on Oct. 24 in the journal “Injury Prevention”—titled “The ‘Twinkie Defense’: The relationship between carbonated non-diet soft drinks and violence perpetration among Boston high school students”—suggests that adolescents who drink more than five cans of non-diet soft drinks per week are more likely to carry a weapon or act violently toward peers.

According to the study, regression analysis was used to determine the relation-

Heidi Unkefer THE CHRONICLE

» PG. 18

ignated assistant, associate or full professors based on such criteria as years of service.As at most colleges, each rank has a salary base or floor.

“The raising of the floors is in keeping with the commitment that was made to the faculty when the rank was instituted,” Love said in her email.

When full-time faculty rank was implemented at Columbia, the college was able to compare salaries to “peer” institutions, according to Love. A commitment was made that the college’s salary bands for fulltime faculty members would not be lower than the top third of peer institutions.

Soft drinks, hard knocks

xx SEE DATA, PG. 2

Arts & Culture

informed the faculty and staff via email that there will be no across-the-board raises for employees this academic year, as previously reported by The Chronicle on Oct. 24.

Louise Love, vice president for Academic Affairs and interim provost, announced in an email sent to full-time faculty on Oct. 27 that, in response to a request made by the Faculty Senate, successor to the CCFO, individual letters will be given to full-time faculty members stating their current salaries, which remain the same as last year.

However, some individuals’ salaries will be raised by the adjustment of the “floor” of each rank, according to the email.

Rank refers to the school’s recent adoption of a system whereby faculty are des-

Commentary

» PG. 31

Metro

xx SEE SODA, PG. 13

» PG. 33

INDEX Campus 2 H&F 11

Athletes need Twitter 101

Dentists scarf up candy CANDY

A&C 17 Y

ND

CA

Commentary 30 Metro 33

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THE COLUMBIA CHRONICLE

I NOVEMBER 7, 2011

EDITOR’S NOTE

To master or not to master MY PARENTS both

have master’s degrees. When I was young and I caught them doing something that I was not allowed to do, such as eating in their room instead of the

by Brianna Wellen kitchen, their go-to Editor-in-Chief quip was, “When you have a master’s degree you can do whatever you want.”

I realize now that this was their way to avoid explaining to me that they were adults and I was a child, so the rules were different. At the time, however, it was a subtle message to my young ears. I heard, “You must get a master’s degree.” Ever since, I assumed it to be the proper thing all adults would do before getting a job and continuing on with life.

Now, at the point in my life when I should be considering graduate school, I’m not so sure it’s the right thing or entirely helpful.

When my parents got their master’s, it meant they were one step closer to a job than other candidates and would most likely be offered more pay. In those days, companies would often even pay their employees to go to grad school so they could be the best they could be. This is a far-off dream in today’s downtrodden economic times.

These days, a master’s degree could hurt you in the marketplace. Employers are, more often than not, looking for recent college graduates who are willing to do the most amount of work for the least amount of money. A MBA or MFA on a resume just might scare them into thinking job candidates want—and probably

rightfully so—more money.

Without a job, it will be awfully hard to pay off those student loans. And at this point it’s no longer just for undergraduates. Graduate programs can cost just as much if not more than an undergraduate education, and most programs last at least two years. That’s tens of thousands more dollars to worry about. No, thank you.

Continuing education after getting a bachelor’s degree is a respectable move, but there are ways to go about it that can save money and job opportunities. Plenty of programs offer night classes and online classes individually, which could curb the cost of another full year’s tuition.

There are certainly career benefits in the long run to attending graduate school that I wouldn’t want to dismiss. Those with a master’s degree are able to teach at a college level and can go on to earn their doctorate, which could open up job opportunities down the road. These things, however, are not mandatory for success.

When it comes to experience and education that will be useful in the workplace, someone recently said it to me best: Your first job is your grad school. That’s where you’ll learn the business, learn from your mistakes and get the most valuable education for your future.

For now, I’ll pass on graduate school and concentrate on getting a jump start on my career instead.

Once I have my bearings and am making enough money to pay for it, I’ll consider getting a master’s degree so I can, at the very least, have a solid argument for my children when they catch me eating in my room.

xx DATA Continued from Front Page “I have no doubt that we can find the room to talk about what we do in the Fiction Writing Department [that] will show that we are a strong, vital [and] important part of the [college],” McNair said. “We have no doubt about that, but at the same time, we want to make sure that the information that people have access to about our department is giving a true picture.”

Sheridan said some of the work may need to be repeated, which is an extra burden when those who are filling out the forms are already fighting the clock. The forms were originally due to the dean or director of the program by Nov. 18. However, because of the problems, the deadline has been extended to Dec. 2, according to an email from the Academic and Support and Operations teams.

Sheridan suggested that the process should not have begun until all of the data was corrected.

“We can do it,” Sheridan said. “You can always get it done, but there’s a minimum amount of time and if you go below that minimum amount of time, the job is not going to be done as well as it could be.”

Sheridan isn’t the only one concerned about timing. McNair believes the timeframe for the process is a struggle because

students need the most attention in the middle of the semester.

She said the department has to factor in the time it takes to meet with students one-on-one for registration, which started today, and midterms.

“We all knew it was going to be a lot of work,” McNair said. “And it’s not as though we’re worried about taking on the challenge, but having it come right in the center of a semester [is difficult because that is when] students are at the most vulnerable, I think.”

According to Pantelis Vassilakis, chair of the Audio Arts and Acoustics Department, the forms are asking for statements at the program level.

Because data were only given on the entire department rather than at the individual programs level, faculty and staff must determine the relevant information for specific programs, Sheridan said.

McNair feels sure that the faculty and prioritization teams are aware of the issues of data as well as timing and are “working hard” to correct the problems.

“Personally, I really think that one of the things that will come out of prioritization is that the college as a whole will get better and more sophisticated at its analysis and how it measures and summarizes its activities,” Sheridan said. hschroering@chroniclemail.com

DICK JOSEPH

bwellen@chroniclemail.com

STAFF Management

Photo

Brianna Wellen Editor-in-Chief Sam Charles Managing Editor Luke Wilusz Managing Editor

Sara Mays Senior Photo Editor Tiela Halpin Photo Editor Ting Shen Photo Editor

Projects

Graphics

Darryl Holliday Associate Editor

Jonathan Allen Senior Graphic Designer Edward Kang Graphic Designer Zach Stemerick Graphic Designer Heidi Unkefer Graphic Designer

Campus Heather Schröering Campus Editor Alexandra Kukulka Assistant Campus Editor Lisa Schulz Assistant Campus Editor

Arts & Culture

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Amanda Murphy Arts & Culture Editor Sophia Coleman Assistant Arts & Culture Editor Brian Dukershein Assistant Arts & Culture Editor Advertising Ren Lahvic Ad & Business Manager Metro Andrew Billmyer Sr. Ad Account Executive Vanessa Morton Metro Editor Sean Campbell Ad Account Executive Greg Cappis Assistant Metro Editor

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Sports & Health

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Senior Staff Chris Richert General Manager Jeff Lyon Faculty Adviser Stephanie Goldberg Assistant Faculty Adviser

Amber Meade Copy Chief Molly Keith Copy Editor Gabrielle Rosas Copy Editor

Courtesy KAT WIERSUM

Name: Dick Joseph Year: Sophomore Major/Minor: Marketing Communication By playing drums in my band, Obliged, in Ohio, I’ve always been into music and the arts, as well as the business side of the music and entertainment industries.

I recently founded “Co-Chi Entertainment,” a student-run company. I’m a Student Government [Association] senator involved in marketing and public relation clubs on campus. I intern as a marketing coordinator and booking agent, and as a marketing director for the radio talk show, “Awakened America.”

The Chronicle is a student-produced publication of Columbia College Chicago and does not necessarily represent, in whole or in part, the views of college administrators, faculty or students.

Views expressed in this publication are those of the writer and are not the opinions of The Chronicle, Columbia’s Journalism Department or Columbia College Chicago.

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All text, photos and graphics are the property of The Chronicle and may not be reproduced or published without written permission.

Letters to the editor must include full name, year, major and phone number. All letters are edited for grammar and may be cut due to a limit of space. The Chronicle holds the right to limit any one person’s submissions to three per semester.

Letters can be faxed to (312) 369-8430, e-mailed to Chronicle@colum.edu or mailed to The Chronicle, 33 E. Congress Parkway, Suite 224 Chicago, IL. 60605-1996.

Main line: (312) 369-8999 Advertising: (312) 369-8984 Newsroom Fax: (312) 369-8430 www.columbiachronicle.com

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CAMPUS I NOVEMBER 7, 2011 I THE CHRONICLE

Ting Shen THE CHRONICLE

College Council members voted on Nov. 4 in the Hokin Lecture Hall, Wabash Campus Building, 623 S. Wabash Ave, to terminate the organization. The council was replaced by the College Assembly.

COLLEGE COUNCIL VOTES TO DISSOLVE

by Lisa Schulz Assistant Campus Editor ONLY ONE attendee objected to the discon-

tinuation of the College Council that will take effect on Dec. 1—its self-proclaimed oldest member, Mark Kelly, vice president of Student Affairs. A torrent of laughter followed a quick, baffled moment of silence before he announced that he was kidding.

The College Council began dissolving the

minute the meeting started on Nov. 4 in the Hokin Lecture Hall in the Wabash Campus Building, 623 S. Wabash Ave. John Green, chair of the council and the Theatre Department, said the meeting—which began 15 minutes later than scheduled—needed one more person for its full quorum to proceed with the meeting and to pass motions.

The motion to give way to the Council’s replacement, the College Assembly, was unanimously passed. In an effort

facilitate transparency and communication with the college’s administration, two members from each department, full- and part-time faculty, staff and students, will be elected to attend the assembly meetings. “[The more] quickly we include the parttime faculty in the Faculty Senate, the better off we’re going to be and healthier we’ll be as an institution,” said Peter Hartel, chair of the Academic Affairs Committee and associate professor of the Film and Video Department. “It would be hypocritical to call ourselves a Faculty Senate without including the majority of the faculty.”

The part-time faculty union representative at the meeting, treasurer John Stevenson, who is an adjunct faculty member in the Humanities, History and Social Sciences Department, said the union is deeply concerned with the absence of a P-Fac representative to the Faculty Senate.

He also said the National Labor Relations Board issued two complaints concerning the union, while negotiations on a contract with the college is still in the works and cannot be further discussed. Stevenson also announced his election bid for P-Fac’s steering committee.

The Student Government Association also disclosed it will be recruiting new members because within the last two weeks, four senators dropped out of the group, withdrew from their classes and left Columbia due to “financial and personal reasons,” said Cassandra Norris, SGA president.

Kelly addressed student affordability and the $27,845 net price for a full-time freshman living on campus.

“Our 40 percent graduation rate does not show up well in the marketplace,” Kelly said.

“Any kid who’s looking at the college, the first thing they see is the graduation rate; the second thing they’ll see is the net price.”

3

Norris said SGA just finished Forum Week to weigh students’ opinions about the college for improvement. An initiative with Roosevelt and DePaul universities to save the Pell and MAP grants continued, she said.

“We’re kicking our efforts into high gear with [students] and with department chairs,” Norris said.

Among the ongoing topics of prioritization, Louise Love, interim provost and vice president of Academic Affairs, also said the School of Fine and Performing Arts had approved separate concentrations in contemporary, urban and popular music and composition.The Arts and Sciences Curriculum Committee proposed a minor in chemistry and had individual courses approved, Love said.

According to Love, the college formed a task force composed of Faculty Senate members and those appointed by her, to work on the next iteration of the tenure document. The document will include details on “housekeeping matters,” grievances, appeals and the role of the Elected Representatives of the College.

The Columbia College Faculty Organization announced an open election for the bylaws committee until Nov. 11, said Tom Nawrocki, CCFO president.

Along with the College Council being dissolved in December, facade construction projects are scheduled for completion by Dec. 17, said Alicia Berg, vice president of Campus Environment.

“It’s very weather dependent,” Berg said.

“They will be completed hopefully before the winter gets really bad, but [the Conaway Center], 1104 [S. Wabash Ave.] may have to drag on into the spring.”

For more information on prioritization, see the Front Page. lschulz@chroniclemail.com

Student films reel in support, prizes

by Alexandra Kukulka

Assistant Campus Editor THE LIGHTS dim and the crowd gets quiet,

anxiously waiting for the films to start.

Credits start to roll on the large screen, inviting guests to partake in the 21st annual Take 1 Film Festival.

The festival, which took place on Nov. 2 in the Conway Center, 1104 S. Wabash Ave., featured 13 student films. They went through a precise jury process that looked for creativity, content and execution of concept, according to Columbia’s website. Five of these films came from the Moving Image Production I class, five from Moving Image Production II and three were documentaries. “[The festival] makes you want to make better films,” said Jill Sultz, Take 1 coordinator and adjunct faculty member in the Film and Video Department. “[Students] see that if [they] work really hard, [they] can get into a festival like this. It

motivates them to make better films.”

This festival is also beneficial to students in Foundations of Film and Video—who were in the audience—because they get a chance to see the type of films being made by their classmates. This can motivate them to one day be in the festival as well, Sultz said.

The audience received ballots and voted on its favorite movie from each category.

When the votes were tallied, an award was given out to the film with the most points.

The award winners received a prize of $150.

The jury also chose the best movie in each section when it nominated films for the festival. Directors who won this award, called the Jury Award, received a prize of $250.

Both groups agreed that the film “10 Hour Power Shower,” directed by Kevin Cline and Dylan Ptak, was the best in the documentary category. The film was about a young man’s dream to combine long showers and giving back to others.

Courtesy DOUGLAS R. ADDUCI

xx SEE FILM, PG. 7

"Egglixir of Love" was one film shown at the Take 1 Film Festival on Nov. 2 at Film Row Cinema in the Conway Center, 1104 S. Wabash Ave. Thirteen student films were screened at the festival.

THIS WEEK 11/7/11

11/9/11

11/10/11

11/10/11

11/10/11

Coffee Talk

Game Night

Red Car

Big Mouth

Cover Your Assets

This open mic night focuses on social justice, racism and homophobia. 5 – 7 p.m.

Come play board games such as "Monopoly," "Risk" and chess. 7 – 10 p.m.

618 S. Michigan Ave. 4th floor

731 S. Plymouth Court Residence Center

The Portfolio Center is taking a trip to Red Car, the national creative editorial company, 10:30 a.m. – noon.

455 E. Illinois St. Suite 370

Open mic night series featuring Columbia's most talented musicians, bands, poets and performers. 6:30 – 9 p.m.

1104 S. Wabash Ave. Conaway Center

Martin Kamenski presents tax essentials, like deductions and timely payments, that professionals should know. 6 p.m.

623 S. Wabash Ave. Portfolio Center

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THE COLUMBIA CHRONICLE

I NOVEMBER 7, 2011

Leaders keep city commuters in Loop Columbia leaders give students distant guidance, invitation to campus activities

by Alexandra Kukulka Assistant Campus Editor THE LACK of sororities, fraternities

library on the fourth floor.

According to Cozetta Smith, one of the South Loop and West Side exploration leaders, this is the first year the program has been up and running. Every week, the leaders email with the commuters and update their Tumblr pages.

However, the program is new and Columbia commuters are not fully aware of it, according to Smith. “[The program] has been a little slow,� she

said. “I don’t think people are fully aware of exactly what our role is yet, just because it is super brand new.�

Smith noted an increase in participation in events and more communication between commuters, so she believes the program is picking up and will be better known by the spring semester.

The program is very beneficial for commuter students who need help getting adjusted when they are far away from campus, Smith said. “I think this is a very smart program,� she said. “I just think there are things that we need to take into account and sort of

and sporting events at Columbia may make it difficult to get involved around campus—especially if a student is a firstyear commuter traveling to and from campus everyday.

In an effort to build a sense of belonging and community for commuters, Columbia created its new Exploration Leaders program to connect those who live off campus to a strong student network that pursues engaging activities, as reported in The Chronicle’s Orientation issue. “All freshman commuter students who live in the city are assigned an exploration leader,� said Melinda McIntire, assistant director of New Student Programs and Orientation. “[It’s similar to] how a residence assistant is to a residence hall floor. They are all assigned based on where they live.�

There are eight leaders currently enrolled in the program.

The exploration leaders are responsible for taking commuters to an on-campus event and an off-campus event. These events are not mandatory, according Courtesy MICHAEL HAMMOND to McIntire.

The leaders also have Tumblr pages and From top left: Melissa King, Callie Frey, Zack Dessent, Cozetta Smith, Hailey Donaldson, Monica Chapman. keep “office hours,� when they are available From bottom left: Amanda Cade, Gabby Stinnett. They are part of Columbia’s Exploration Leaders program, attempts to connect those who live off campus to a strong student network.

Columbia Ad 5x8.pdf 1 8/25/11 1:34 which PM to meet with commuters face-to-face in the

change, maybe do a 180 [degrees] on the whole program just to get people really excited and interested [in] it.�

On the other hand, Gabby Stinnett, exploration leader for the South Side, believes that the Tumblr pages and emailing with students has been effective with keeping commuters informed and involved. “Because they aren’t on campus at all times, having a Facebook page and a Tumblr page gives them a connection through social media,� Stinnett said. “For them to see the different events that are going on around Columbia through their computer is amazing because sometimes they don’t have an opportunity to look at the Tally-Ho [newsletter] on the elevators, or see different posters on the wall because they are coming to class and going straight home.�

The Exploration Leaders program is beneficial to freshman photography major Michael Moore, who checks his email frequently for events and tries attending as many events as possible—especially music-related ones. “Without [Exploration Leaders], I probably wouldn’t go into half of the buildings, just to see what’s in them,� Moore said. “And [the program] helps me communicate with a lot of students [who] I wouldn’t get to meet.�

Exploration Leaders are helping commuter students from different parts of Chicago. What they don’t do is help commuters from the suburbs, though there is talk of xx SEE LEADERS, PG. 9

The Music Center at Columbia College Chicago 1014 S. Michigan Avenue C o n c e r t ZLWK YDOLG VXGHQW ,' IURP &ROXPELD &ROOHJH ‡ OLPLW SHU VWXGHQW ‡ OLPLWHG WLPH RIIHU

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Monday November 7 Aubrey Faith- Sherwood Piano Studio Recital at the Sherwood 6:00 pm Tuesday November 8 Student Concert Series

7:00 pm

Wednesday November 9 Noon Guitar Series at the Conaway

12:00 pm

Thursday November 10 David Yonan in Concert

7:00 pm

Friday November 11 Jazz Gallery in the Lobby

12:00 pm

Jazz Forum

2:00 pm

Charlie Coffeen Senior Recital

7:00 pm

Classical Guitarist Concert at the Sherwood

7:00 pm

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Saturday November 12 Open House

Bikram Yoga South Loop

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11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm & 2:00 pm

* All Concerts are FREE. For more information call 312-369-6300

CAMPUS I NOVEMBER 7, 2011 I THE CHRONICLE

Sale Save up to $200 Extra New price in effect for previous model MacBook Pro Limited time only

15” MacBook Pro starting at only $1499 from $1699

Pro Tools 9 $285 w/Mac $260

Free Upgrade to Pro Tools 10!*

Buy a Mac, Get a Free Printer * Excludes Mac Mini, Applicable to In-Stock models only.

ComputerStore Store Hours : M-F 11am - 6pm 33 E. Congress Pkwy (Entrance off Wabash) • 312.369.8622

We Accept:

Checks Money Order

Must be a current student, staff, or faculty member. Free upgrade to Pro Tools offered by AVID upon availability of Pro Tools 10.

Free Printer valid while supplies last. No rainchecks or special orders. All sales final.

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THE COLUMBIA CHRONICLE

I NOVEMBER 7, 2011

Browser tab mobs no longer threat Website launches, hosts multiple educational resources

by Lisa Schulz Assistant Campus Editor SOMEWHERE BURIED beneath 12 Internet

browser tabs lies the user’s long-lost, original intention of commanding a computer to hum to life. Several hours and many tabs later, an exasperated sigh comes from the typical, modern-day Web surfer.

If only there was a quicker way to catch the best waves in the infinite website sea.

With a similar thought, three Columbia graduates and one student applied to be part of MentorMob.com, a website in which users can customize search engine results for other members into tutorials.

The former invitation-only experiment launched on Oct. 31.

Put yourself out there. Enjoy the moment. It doesn’t have to be scary.”

—Erin Sheffer

Kristin Demidovich, marketing director; Krystal Marquez, marketer; Jessica Kocemba, copywriter and current senior marketing communication major; and MentorMob

Community Manager Erin Sheffer have brought their Columbia history with them to the new website, which reached 1,000 registered users on its launch day, according to Sheffer.

“MentorMob can change the way society learns,” Sheffer said. “Really, it can evolve into this social movement where we’re no longer confined by location in order to learn. We can learn online from millions of people from anywhere in the world.”

With a viewer’s click of a button, a community-created “playlist” introduces stepby-step how-to guides to a particular hobby, interest or curiosity. Ranging from a tutorial of Photoshop to “World of Warcraft” tips, from beginner’s guitar lessons to finding a wedding dress, the playlists are made of videos, articles and pictures from various manually selected online sources.

The ultimate goal is to reduce wasted time in the user’s search process, said Vince Leung, co-founder of the website.

MentorMob’s blueprint came to life after Leung and co-founder Kris Chinosorn entered the website in the Tech Bunch Disrupt competition in California with an intention to create an innovative website to replace current technology.

“Wikipedia disrupted the whole encyclopedia industry,” Leung said. “[Craigslist] rendered newspaper classifieds pretty obsolete, really causing a lot of hurt and

E X P E R I E N C E [of Cunningham]

“One of the greatest artists of the 20th century.”

- The New York Times

T H E

pain. But a lot of this is good because it forces innovation.”

Users are able to edit the playlists to condense steps, better explain the topic or to correct information, just as the online community of Wikipedia.org can, Leung said.

But with the vast amount of independent learning opportunities, the struggle is following through with personal projects. The time it takes to pursue what one needs to know for a hobby is also a factor. For instance, beginners in guitar could learn a basic song in three months, depending on his or her motivation, said Gary Yerkins, senior lecturer in the Music Department.

“Personal, one-on-one lessons are good,” Yerkins said. “You could conceivably give lessons over Skype, so it’d be a mixture of media there, but work-

W O R L D

ing with a live human and learning is always better, with respect to music training.”

Beyond the basics and techniques of guitar-playing, such as playing the right chords, Yerkins said that learning with another person would differentiate accurate playing from interpretive playing.

Maintaining an attention span for learning and researching are different, Yerkins said. When comparing a child’s attention span while learning guitar to a teenager’s attention span who xx SEE MOBS, PG. 9

Heidi Unkefer THE CHRONICLE

T H R O U G H

D A N C E

MERCE CUNNINGHAM DANCE COMPANY November 18 & 19, 2011 8:00 p.m.

LEGACY TOUR A co-presentation by The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago and The Harris Theater for Music and Dance Presented at The Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph Drive, HarrisTheaterChicago.org

As the Legacy Tour draws to a close, the Merce Cunningham Dance Company presents two programs of work from several decades as a celebration of Cunningham’s lifetime of artistic achievement and a testament to the choreographer’s enduring genius.

PROGRA M A NOV EMBER 18, 2011 * 8:00 PM Squaregame (1976), Quartet (1982), Antic Meet (1958) PROGRA M B NOV EMBER 19, 2011 * 8:00 PM Roaratorio (1983)

FOR TICKETS CALL 312.369.8330 OR VISIT COLUM.EDU/DANCECENTER

thedancecenter The Dance Center’s co-presentation with the Harris Theater of Merce Cunningham Dance Company is funded, in part, by lead sponsors Caroline and Caroline Ballantine and the Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation, with additional funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Image: Dancer Rashaun Mitchell in Antic Meet, photo by Yi-Chun Wu

CAMPUS I NOVEMBER 7, 2011 I THE CHRONICLE

xx BUDGET Continued from Front Page According to Love, 15 percent of full-time faculty will be affected by the change.

Richard Woodbury, associate professor in the Dance Department, believes this is an intelligent way to handle salaries.

“I think, in my judgment, that’s a healthier move with limited funds than an acrossthe-board raise would be,” he said.

Oftentimes in a salary freeze, there are questions of how the situation will affect worker morale. David Bowles, author of “Employee Morale: Driving Performance in Challenging Times” and a consultant on business morale issues, said morale is motivated by more factors than just salary.

“We shouldn’t assume that pay is the No. 1 driver of morale,” Bowles said. “Other more intrinsic things are far more important on a longer-term basis.”

Some faculty, though, believe morale is a worry.

“Morale is not very high right now,” said Michael Bright, supervisor of student workers in the Film and Video Department and president of United Staff of Columbia College, the staff union. “I think the majority of our members are professionals, and they are going to continue to do the best job they can, even if they feel undervalued. I think their commitment to the students and to the college itself is strong.”

Woodbury believes three factors contributed to an “atmosphere of concern” among faculty: the abrupt disappearance of the college’s former provost, Steve Kapelke, fast advancement in the prioritization process and the halt in salaries.

Pegeen Reichert Powell, assistant professor in the English Department and presi-

dent of the Faculty Senate, said providing the highest quality of education is a major focus for faculty.

Columbia is not the only college experiencing this problem. There is a nationwide trend toward salary freezes due to the state of the economy, according to John Curtis, director of Research and Public Policy at the American Association of University Professors office in Washington, D.C. According to Curtis, faculty salaries across the nation have been flat for the past three years.

“Overall, faculty salaries have been pretty stagnant during this time,” Curtis said.

“They’ve been just above the level of inflation, but inflation has been very low during these past [two] years.”

However, the salaries of full-time faculty members in private institutions are not suffering as much as those at public colleges, he said. Private colleges are not impacted by decreasing revenues at the state level.

Instead, lack of communication between administration and the college community is a concern for some faculty members.

“If we could have a little more information on the kinds of choices the college has to make, perhaps we could communicate that to the membership, and they’d be a little more understanding of the college’s position, but we’re not getting that kind of information,” Bright said.

In Carter’s email sent to faculty and staff on Oct. 18, he said decreased enrollment has affected the college financially, but the college is “not in a crisis situation.”

“My particular concern is that, in the future, especially in the budget next year, we would like raises, not just for full-time faculty,” Nawrocki said. “We would like to be considered as a high priority.”

xx FILM

7

neighborhood during the evictions and restorations.

Continued from PG. 3 “I was introduced to [Fleming] by a friend of mine who works for the [National Public Cline, who was also the star of the film, Housing Museum],” Vesely said. “[Fleming] remembers being young and enjoying was down to walk around for an hour and showering. This led him to an idea for a doc- a half and talk to us in the rain that day.” umentary about taking a 10-hour shower According to Welever, the most challengand broadcasting it live on the Internet. ing part of this film was going to dangerHe did this in an effort to raise money to ous areas with a camera, which could have build more wells in Africa, which as the film offended neighborhood residents. But their pointed out, does not have as much water motivation to get the story took over, and as America. they decided to go for it, she said.

When the project was announced on The audience pick for the Motion Image Facebook, most people thought the shower Production I category was “One Day at a was a bad idea. However, the two ended up Time,” directed by David Devries. The finding support and exceeded their goal comedic film was about a chocoholic of raising $1,000, accustruggling with his mulating $1,172 for a addiction and almost losing his family, well in Africa that was who were upset with built in October 2011, It’s an amazing experience to his behavior. according to Cline.

The co-directors see something you made on a As the protagonist said they were blown fights his addiction, big screen in front of an actual many temptations away by the number almost force him to of people who watched audience.”

—Hannah Welever their film in other cave in. In the end, he countries like Germadecides to take it “one ny and by winning two awards. day at a time” and beat his addiction so that “It feels great [to win], because when we he doesn’t lose his family. first made the Facebook [page], it seemed “I find it hard to take things seriously, so like no one liked the idea,” Ptak said. if something is stupid, that’s the only way I Another inspirational film was “Through can do it,” Devries said. the Cracks,” directed by Motion Image In the end, all the directors took home an Production II students Austin Vesely and award for their hard work and creativity.

Hannah Welever. The film was about the “It is always awesome seeing projects Cabrini-Green housing development and people put together in an environment how people are being kicked out of their where everyone is supportive,” Welever homes because of building renovations. said.“It’s an amazing experience to see The film followed Willie “J.R.” something you made on a big screen in Fleing, who is part of an anti-eviction front of an actual audience. league and a Cabrini-Green resident. hschroering@chroniclemail.com He told what it was like living in the akukulka@chroniclemail.com

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8

THE COLUMBIA CHRONICLE

I NOVEMBER 7, 2011

THE NEW LOST GENERATION part 2 History of student loans shows trends in all the worst directions

by Darryl Holliday Associate Editor WITH A combination of rising tuition, a

recession, high levels of unemployment and unprecedented loan debt, it’s hard to know for certain if the country is experiencing a transitory crisis or another potentially catastrophic bubble. Many experts and higher education faculty members familiar with student loan debt think the latter.

As overall student debt is set to top $1 trillion, graduates with federal and private

B. Johnson at the 1965 signing ceremony of the Higher Education Act, which authorized precursors to the Pell Grant and Stafford Loan Program.

However, recent studies, including “Drowning in Debt: The Emerging Student Loan Crisis” from independent group Education Sector, show not only that student debt is rapidly increasing, but that the distribution of financial aid to students of middle- and upper-income families is nearly equal to, and in some cases exceeds, aid provided to the lowest income quartile.

I would argue [that] this is the most important and challenging issue facing American higher education.”

-Mark Kelly

loans may find themselves in financial peril before the ink on their new degree dries.As for Columbia, with its 7.4 percent default rate—one of the highest rates in the city among colleges of the same type—graduates in the arts may find themselves particularly encumbered “I think ‘bubble’ might be an accurate term,” said Mark Kelly, vice president of Student Affairs. “If you look at the cost of American higher education relative to the cost of living and compare [that] to housing costs, the cost of higher education [has] far outstripped [them]. And then you add to that diminishing employment prospects—these are seismic issues for American society.”

Worries that an impending crisis will affect recent graduates for the rest of their lives are becoming more commonplace even as the future of the economy remains uncertain; and while the history of loan debt goes back more than 50 years, the system is still far from fine-tuned.

In a way, financial aid wasn’t originally meant for everyone. While the program was designed to be open to all students seeking a higher education degree, the emphasis was on low-income students—those in need of assistance.

“It means that a high school senior anywhere in this great land of ours can apply to any college or any university in any of the 50 states and not be turned away because his family is poor,” said President Lyndon

This trend is part of a cycle that includes an increase aid access for students—primarily middle-class and wealthy students— who are already able to pay.

“It’s just gotten completely out of hand,” said Andrew Gillen, research director at the Center for College Affordability and Productivity. “One-third of all unsubsidized loan dollars [goes] to students [whose families] make more than $100,000 per year. These are basically not recognized as need-based programs anymore.”

This cycle, fueled by federal subsidies, has resulted in a broader base of students taking out loans for larger amounts of money in order to pay for rising tuitions—eventually leading higher education institutions to further increase tuitions and students to take out bigger loans, according to Gillen.

In his 2008 study, “A Tuition Bubble?

Lessons from the Housing Bubble,” Gillen argues that lax lending standards and artificially low interest rates$500 for student loans exacerbate tuition increases because $470 they increase the ability of too many stu$400 dents to pay—further encouraging schools to raise their tuition more than they otherwise would.

During the last 15 years,$300 following a national trend of tuition hikes, Columbia has raised its tuition by 150 $200 percent and its fees by 422 percent, largely due to the addition of student resources such as the health center and student counseling $100 services, both of which, Kelly said, were essen-

Sara Mays THE CHRONICLE

Fears of a student loan bubble, in some ways similar to 2008’s housing crisis, are becoming more common as rising tuition, unemployment and record rates of default and debt hit students even before graduation.

tially self-imposed taxes via the Student Government Association.

Though Columbia has seen a decrease in loans of 4 percent and an increase in grants of 21 percent since last year, according to Kelly, the college is working at the margins of a larger problem. Less loan debt is great for students, but rising tuition remains the largest contributor to rising debt.

“I would argue [that] this is the most important and challenging issue facing American higher education,” Kelly said, noting that burgeoning student loans paired with crumbling public support for higher education is having a dangerous effect on students and their families.

With the addition of rising residence hall costs, tuition and fees, the “net cost” to students—the cost that all students pay regardless of whether they receive aid— has also been largely on the rise, according to a 2011 report from College Board, an education advocacy and policy center. (All colleges and universities participating in federal student aid programs are required

by Congress to post net cost as of Oct. 29.)

Costs appear to be generally on the rise when it comes to college these days, but according to Amy Laitinen, senior policy analyst for Education Sector, the elephant in the room is really affordability.

“We’re not talking about ways of making college more affordable,” Laitinen said.

According to a report from The Project on Student Debt released this month, Illinois graduates from the class of 2010 averaged nearly $24,000 in debt—making the state 20th out of the 50 states in debt rate.

Coupled with an average national unemployment rate of 20.4 percent for 20–24-yearolds and 62 percent of Illinois students leaving college with debt, prospects for recent graduates seem dim.

It’s led many around the country to wonder if the high cost of college offers a higher return on the investment.

“Right now, the lowest rate of employment is—without question—college grads,” Kelly said. “It’s sort of the American conundrum right now—the choices are pretty tough.”

The question is whether this generation of recent grads will be lost in the shuffle before the economy recovers and educational reform takes place.

“The New Lost Generation” will conclude next week with, a look at possible solutions to the mounting student debt crisis. See this week’s commentary for further information. dholliday@chroniclemail.com

$0

Change in Columbia’s tuition from 1996 to 2011

Change in Columbia’s fees from 1996 to 2011

$20,000

$500

$19,140

$470

$15,000

$400 $300

$10,000

$200

2011

$0

1996

2011

1996

$5,000

$100 $0 $20,000

CAMPUS I NOVEMBER 7, 2011 I THE CHRONICLE

xx LEADERS

xx MOBS

Continued from PG. 4

Continued from PG. 6

starting such a program, McIntire said.

“When the program first started, [suburban commuters] were not put on our list,” Smith said. “Since we have such a slow start, we’ve sort of begun to include them.”

According to Smith, suburban commuters have access to the site, and they can participate in any events that are posted, or talk to a leader. If the program grows and expands, then suburban commuters will be officially included in the program, Smith said. To keep the program going, all commuter students to take advantage of the program, Smith added.

“We definitely do want to expand to suburban students,” McIntire said. “It would be [approximately] twice the number of students, so we wanted to see how we could launch the program here in the city and then go from there.”

If suburban commuters want to get involved, they can receive a newsletter with every event that the exploration leaders are doing, so they are more than welcome to join and follow the program, McIntire added.

“We are hoping [commuters] are able to meet people,” McIntire said.“That’s what our students have been frustrated about. It’s hard to get involved on campus and be able to meet other students and have opportunities for that. Resident students have their RAs for programming and have opportunities through Residence Life, so [Exploration Leaders] are supplementing that. “

wanted to emulate a heroic musician, it is more likely that the teenager would dedicate more time to learning, especially on their own time.

However, Yerkins said, we’re becoming increasingly less patient with how long it takes to research information.

To speed up the discovery process, MentorMob uses the crowd-sourcing technique, similar to Wikipedia, Leung said.The playlists on the site are less likely to be duplicated or contain false or lack of information when leaving the content up to the user’s discretion.

Also, if the community grows too large, the crowd-source method could be used to monitor the site.

Playlist editors could consolidate the excess amount of information into a final product, reducing the amount of misleading educational resources a search engine would present, Leung said.

MentorMob received the Illinois Technology Association 2011 CityLights Award, which is presented to businesses that support technological growth through collaboration for the state’s community, according to the ITA website.

Despite the uncertainty of the current economic conditions within the workforce, being involved in such opportunities as a student is the result of crucial networking, Sheffer said.

“Put yourself out there,” she said. “Go to networking events. Hand out business cards. Enjoy the moment. It doesn’t have to be scary.”

akukulka@chroniclemail.com

lschulz@chroniclemail.com

Rena Naltsas THE CHRONICLE

Fox Chicago anchor Bob Sirott lectured at 1104 S. Wabash Ave. on Nov. 4. Sirott, a 1971 alumnus of Columbia, shared his story with students, faculty, and alumni from radio to live television, ending his lecture with Q & A. He discussed his interview relationship with Barack Obama before he became president, creative ideas that landed him jobs, and gave advice for those who have a passion to pursue a career in the broadcast industry.

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THE COLUMBIA CHRONICLE

I NOVEMBER 7, 2011

Critical Encounters

!"#$%&' !()"*(+&', !-./+0%"/1&

Who’s your radical?

Critical Encounters

!"#$%&' !()"*(+&', !-./+0%"/1&

Critical Encounters IMDB !"#$%&' !()"*(+&', Lisbeth Salander of “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” is an inspirational fictional character who may be able !-./+0%"/1& to teach real-life lessons to women around the world.

by Julia Wehr Sophomore journalism major HER IMAGE on the movie poster interested

me: a pale young woman with black hair, spiked choker, heavy eyeliner and lipstick (both black) on a face adorned with piercings. She looked reserved and mysterious; fully dressed in black, she was sitting on the floor staring right at you. I was surprised that a Facebook ad popped up on the right side of my page and actually suggested something interesting. Curious about the movie, I decided to watch it, not knowing how inspirational I would later find the film’s leading lady.

The original Swedish version of “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” directed by Niels Arden Oplev, is the first of a movie trilogy adapted from Stieg Larsson’s “Millennium Series” book trilogy. Eventually, after watching all the movies, the girl on the poster— Salander—wasn’t just an intriguing figure to me anymore. She had just become my new favorite heroine: my radical.

Throughout the trilogy, Salander not only witnesses her mother become brain damaged because of domestic violence by her father—who later shoots Salander in the head and tries to bury her alive with the help of her half-brother—but she’s also purposely sent as a little girl to a mental institution where she’s sexually abused, something she experiences later on in life as well, at the hands of her male legal guardian.This occurs simultaneously with a bigger political plot involving her father and Salander being framed and accused of a murder she didn’t commit.

Experiences as horrible as these can definitely crush one’s positive outlook on life and tear apart one’s desire to live, so not surprisingly, viewers can’t help but care for Salander and hope for her well-being.

She, of course, isn’t scar-free—her personal relationships and behavior within society reflect that. Her appearance, for example, is not only a way to express herself but also to tell society to keep its distance.

She toughens up and keeps her guard up—making it difficult to connect with others—but remarkably, Salander never considers herself a victim of life circumstances. She’s technically a victim of abhorrent situations, yet her mentality is always one of a fighter—never a victim—and that in itself is enough reason to admire her.

However, that’s not the only reason. In the movies, Salander is both a witness and victim of violence, and because she decides to fight back and deal justice with her own hands—targeting all those responsible for her bad experiences—she becomes an activist against violence toward women. Her male targets can indeed be seen as “woman-haters,” and because of that, hostility and hatred toward men like these flourish, making Salander want to turn them into the victims of their own wrongdoing.

It’s true that some viewers may consider her methods extreme, but knowing what she went through in the hands of these men, I feel they deserved the pain they got for the suffering they caused. I seethed in anger when I saw what they did to her, and I cheered when I saw them getting their payback. In real life, any type of violence toward women is still not taken as seriously as it should: Punishment for the perpetrators is still mild, and unfortunately, victims are the ones who are stigmatized.

That’s why Salander is my radical: After all her negative experiences, she not only remained a strong woman with a fighting spirit, but she didn’t tolerate misogyny, treating men who hate women the way they should be treated, even though only on the screen.

I know she’s just a fictional character, but I’m sure many other fictional characters can be as powerful and meaningful to their audiences as she was to me. I’ll never forget Lisbeth Salander, and hopefully, I’ll still get goosebumps whenever I’m reminded of how inspiring she can be after all she has been through. chronicle@colum.edu

!

SPORTS & HEALTH I NOVEMBER 7, 2011 I THE CHRONICLE

11

STUDENTS, STAFF READY TO PLAY

by Lindsey Woods Assistant Sports & Health Editor TRASH-TALKING IS usually discouraged

between students and staff, but both sides have been playfully poking fun at each other in preparation for the semi-annual staff versus student volleyball game hosted by the Renegades.

The event, scheduled for Nov. 14 from 6 – 8 p.m., has historically favored the staff team.

Of the four games played so far, the staff has taken three, according to Abby Cress, vice president of the Renegades and sophomore fashion studies major.

The game is usually scheduled during fall or spring Field Days, but this year it had to be postponed because of a scheduling conflict with the staff team, Cress said. Forrest Frazier, Renegades secretary and junior film and video major, said the change in schedule may benefit the student team and help reverse the staff’s winning streak.

“This is going to be the second time in two years that we’ve actually been on a court,” Frazier said. “The students will be a lot faster now. The staff just got lucky we were on sand because we’re used to playing indoors. When we’re playing in sand, we’re out of our element.”

The Renegades volleyball team has been preparing for the event during Monday night practices at the South Loop Elementary School gym, 1212 S. Plymouth Court.

During practice on Oct. 31, Brady Hudson,

by Nader Ihmoud Assistant Sports & Health Editor AS THE temperature continues to drop, Fit-

ness, Athletics and Recreation is giving students the option to spend their time at the gym for Game Night instead of staying in and doing the usual “Hump Day” routine, on Nov. 9.

Wednesday the event will be held at the Fitness Center in the Residence Center, 731 S. Plymouth Court from 7 – 10 p.m. Game Night will have board games, a “Magic: The Gathering” tournament and game consoles available for students.

“There’s a [soon to be club] going to be there, called the Planeswalkers of Columbia,” said event coordinator Sean

“This year, because we’re going to have our full team out here, I don’t really expect much of a competition,” Frazier said. “I mean, they’re old.”

The event is open to all Columbia students, family and friends, but only Columbia students can play on the team, according to Cress.

“Anyone can come,” Cress said. “We want people to show up and cheer on the student team and show their support.”

Frazier added that while the event is a fun way to bring awareness to the fitness programs that Columbia has to offer, it also brings the community together in a way that mimics other colleges’ athletic programs.

“Columbia is never going to be like Ohio State or another huge college, so [for] these types of games we want to get as many Sara Mays THE CHRONICLE people as possible because it’s always good to have school spirit,” Frazier said. “You get Renegades Vice President Abby Cress (left) and volleyball captain Brady Hudson (right) prepare for the a sense of school pride, which is what [the semi-annual student versus staff volleyball game.

Renegades] want to do.” volleyball team captain and sophomore Student Affairs. “They’ll be sprawling on Kelly agreed, although he said intercoltheatre major, said this year, the student the floor and tending to all of their aches legiate athletics are not a priority at Columteam has a “secret weapon,” although he and pains at the end of the match.” bia and that the college will “never go down wouldn’t reveal who or what it is.

The Renegades plan to use this change to that path.”

The Renegades are confident that their their advantage. The one win the team has “There’s a rich life beyond the classteam is are going to beat the staff team over the staff occurred during the only com- room [at Columbia],” Kelly said. “And it’s this year. The staff, however, is equally as petition held on hard courts, according to great that our athletic executive commitconfident, saying they have “experience Kelly. Frazier said that the student team is tee has really done a great job of moving in treachery.” more “in their element” on the hard court. forward with students leading active, “We have the talent and they don’t, so it Frazier is confident in his volleyball physical lives.” doesn’t matter whether it’s sand or hard teammates and said he is expecting all nine court,” said Mark Kelly, vice president of players to come out in full force. lwoods@chroniclemail.com

FAR hosts game night

Bery. “They are going to be hosting the “Magic” [tournament].”

Bery said students playing “Magic” are required to bring their own decks.

All of the games will be set up in the gym area of the Fitness Center. The Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii will be hooked up to the twin televisions in the gym. “Call of Duty Modern: Warfare 2” and “Halo 3” will be the games available for the Xbox 360, while “Super Smash Bros. Brawl” and “Mario Party 8” will be available for the Nintendo Wii. Bery thinks the games will reach a wide audience. He also said the game consoles will go through 30-minute intervals.

Students will play the game of their choice and, after the time has elapsed, the next

THIS WEEK IN SPORTS 11/7/11 11/7/11

Jonathan Allen THE CHRONICLE

group will begin. “‘Mario Party 8’ is kind of a co-ed gameplay [in] that guys and girls can get drawn to,” he said.

The game consoles were reserved from the Student Engagement Center in the 916 S. Wabash Ave. building.

For the board games, it is going to be on a first-come, first-served basis.”

–Sean Bery

FAR is one of the groups in the Student Life Advisory Board. Only SLAB members

11/11/11

11/11/11

Food Drive

Monday Night Football Flames vs. Blackhawks UTPA vs. Depaul

Columbia’s Sports Management Club is holding a Thanksgiving food drive until Nov. 21.

The Chicago Bears are coming off a bye week and are facing the Philadelphia Eagles at 8:30 p.m.

Lincoln Financial Field Philadelphia, Pa

Various locations Columbia

The Chicago Blackhawks are home to face off on Friday at 7:30 p.m. against the Calgary Flames.

United Center 1901 W. Madison Ave.

are allowed to take equipment outside of the Loft.

As for board games, there will be “Monopoly,” two sets of “Risk” and chess.

“For the board games, it is going to be on a first-come, first-served basis,” Bery said. “Once you get there, you jump on a game and you’re basically there from 7 – 10 [p.m.].”

Bery said he chose to create the event based on his past experience as a film major.

Also, as a big “Risk” fan, Bery believes that mixing his interest with those of other students will attract many attendees.

“I really [think] it [will] be a huge success … when I used to walk down to the film building, [there was] a game building specifically for gamers,” he said.”

The University of Texas PanAmerican and DePaul University tip off at 6 p.m.

M-Grath-Phillips Arena 2323 N. Sheffield Ave.

nihmoud@chroniclemail.com

11/13/11 Bears vs. Lions A divisional match-up with huge playoff implications. What more could you ask for? Game time is 3:15 p.m.

Soldier Field 1410 S. Museum Campus Dr.

12

THE COLUMBIA CHRONICLE

I NOVEMBER 7, 2011

Fall style runs down catwalk Chicago shop is setting standard for athletic gear with Fall Fashion Week

by Lindsey Woods Assistant Sports & Health Editor THE SQUEAKING of sneakers is an unusual

departure from the click of high heels on fashion show runways, but one Chicago store is bringing the two worlds together.

On Nov. 9, Fleet Feet Chicago will host its fourth annual Fall Fashion Show, which features new lines from the world of running apparel. This year, it has teamed up with Nike, Mizuno and Saucony to put on its biggest show to date.

“For a long time, running has been a very geeky sport,” said John Moloznik, Fleet Feet Chicago’s general manager. “We’ve been trying to find ways to break out of the geekiness and bring it into the mainstream.”

The show started as a makeshift runway constructed on the sales floor in Fleet Feet’s Piper’s Alley location, 1620 N. Wells St. Now, the event is attended by 400 people at the Second City ETC stage, 1616 N. Wells St., with two shows, dueling disc jockeys, an after-party and a red carpet, according to Catherine Moloznik, buying manager for Fleet Feet Chicago.

“The vibe is always awesome,” said Lauren Matricardi, social media and marketing manager. “It’s not chic by any means, but we try to make it that. We try to do special things that make it a higher-end event.”

In the week leading up to the show, Fleet

Feet hosts three events, each dedicated to one of three companies whose products will be featured. On Nov. 2, the store hosted Nike Shield Gear Up Night, where, in conjunction with its usual “fun run,” it had promotional products for Nike’s new line, as well as free T-shirts, pizza and beer.

On Nov. 4, the store offered a Mizuno event. According to John Moloznik, the event had a historic twist because anniversary editions of their Wave Rider shoes from the past 14 years were featured. The 15th anniversary shoe was released at the event, at which there were food and drinks, but no “fun run.”

The last of the Fashion Week events is a Saucony event on Nov. 7. The theme will tie in daylight saving time and the product, which is gear that helps runners remain visible when it’s dark outside. Catherine Moloznik said the event will be brightly colored, complete with strobe lights and a “fun run.”

The Fashion Week events, unlike the fashion shows themselves, are free and open to the public.Tickets for the shows are $20 and include admission to the runway show, a goody bag, an after-party—which will serve hors d’ouevres—entertainment and a private shopping experience.

Matricardi said that, in past years, the staff walked the runway. This year, she said it is including other models too.

Tiela Halpin THE CHRONICLE

During the “fun run” at Nike Shield Gear Up Night on Nov. 2, patrons at Fleet Feet Chicago, 1620 N. Wells St., tried out Nike’s promotional shoes.

“This year—because we have two shows— we wanted to open it up to other models,” she said. “We have a couple vendor representatives, local media models, news broadcasters and people like that. Mainly, it’s just local people.”

John Moloznik said he wanted the event to emulate Fashion Week in New York, which is why the store decided to put on multiple events instead of just one fashion show. He said they start planning in January for these events because he wants vendors to start debuting their new lines on the runway, instead of just showing looks that are already available.

Fleet Feet is in 34 states, but the Chicago location is the only one that hosts Fashion Week, though John Moloznik said they’re making some headway in persuading other locations to do the same.

“Skateboarders and skiers and snowboarders always [have] this whole line of clothing that they wear when they [aren’t] skateboarding or skiing,” John Moloznik said. “You [can] identify who they [are] based on what they wear. Runners don’t have that. To create that identity is kind of what we’re shooting for.” lwoods@chroniclemail.com

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SPORTS & HEALTH I NOVEMBER 7, 2011 I THE CHRONICLE

xx SODA Continued from Front Page Center, conducted the survey.

The study began in 2008. Boston high school students ranging from 14–18 years old participated. Of the 31 schools eligible, only 22 cooperated.

Solnick and Hemenway used the Boston Youth Survey, a biennial paper-and-pencil survey to question the 1,878 9th - 12th grade students who participated in the study.

I would interpret this study cautiously until it is replicated and more research is conducted.”

–Jann Gumbine

Approximately 30 percent of the sample drank more than five cans of non-diet soda per week. Cans were measured at 12 ounces, or 355 mL, and respondents were told to count a 20-ounce bottle as two cans.

In the survey, students were asked, “In the past seven days, how often did you drink soda?” Students could not include diet soda.

According to the study, Solnick and Hemenway measured the effect of carbonated drink consumption on aggression and violent behavior in three ways: whether the respondent had been violent toward a peer, another child in his or her family and/or someone the respondent was in a dating relationship with. They also examined whether the respondent carried a weapon

during the past year.

The study found that 40.3 percent of the students who drank five or more cans per week had carried a gun or a knife, 56.7 percent had been violent to peers and 42 percent had been violent toward children in his or her family, while 26.2 percent were violent in dating relationships.

Solnick said the violence seems to be dose-related, meaning the more the teenager drank, the larger the possibility of violence. According to the study, 35.1 percent of students who drank one or less can per day were violent towards peers, while 46 percent of those who drank two to four cans were violent toward peers.

“My biggest concern with this study is that they don’t explain what they mean by violence,” said Jann Gumbine, licensed psychologist and professor at the University of California, Irvine College of Medicine.

Solnick believes the study is accurate.

It had various limitations, however. The data was based on self-report, meaning participants evaluated themselves, but Hemenway and Solnick have no reason to believe the respondents who drank more soft drinks are more likely to exaggerate their violent behaviors than those who consumed fewer carbonated beverages, according to the study. “[Solnick and Hemenway] admit they didn’t even ask what type of soda the teens were drinking, so we don’t know if the drink was caffeinated or not, or what ingredient is believed to cause the violence,” Gumbine said. “I would interpret this study cautiously until it is replicated and more research is conducted.” nihmoud@chroniclemail.com

13

Tiela Halpin THE CHRONICLE

Former Chicago Bulls: Randy Brown (left) Bill Wennington and Bob Love joined Benny the Bull on Nov. 3 at Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., to meet and greet fans. The quartet was the first of a group of Bulls personalities to appear with the six Championship trophies during the “Trophy Tour.” For upcoming locations, visit Bulls.com.

Have your picture taken with

Learn about environmental

Join the Recycling Program at

Polar Pete in the lobby of 33 E. Congress (11-4p).

issues from local advocacy groups in the lobby of 623 S. Wabash (11-4p).

1104 S. Wabash for craft demos and cool giveaways (11-4p).

14

THE COLUMBIA CHRONICLE

I NOVEMBER 7, 2011

Make relationships last

1

by Lindsey Woods Assistant Sports & Health Editor

2

IF THERE is anything we can learn from

celebrities, it’s what not to do. Don’t attack people with umbrellas. Don’t go on antiSemitic rants. Don’t send picture messages of genitalia.And more recently, don’t put on a fairy tale wedding if the marriage is only going to last for 72 days.

Getting a divorce after less than three months of marriage, like Kim Kardashian, is embarrassing whether or not one is a celebrity. Jane Greer, relationship expert and author of “What About Me: Stop Selfishness From Ruining Your Relationship,” is known for taking celebrity relationships and applying their lessons to non-celebrity couples. She stressed the importance of communication and seeking professional help before giving up on a relationship.

Greer explained that marriage isn’t like going to prom or going steady in high school. It takes work and shouldn’t be thrown away after one big fight. Although her advice was aimed toward marriage, it is applicable to all romantic relationships.

So unless one is getting paid a ridiculous sum of money to date or marry a significant other, Greer’s advice should be taken to heart to avoid the PR nightmare of an over-publicized, short-lived relationship. lwoods@chroniclemail.com

3 4 Jonathan Allen THE CHRONICLE

step 1: Be willing to work Learning how to compromise, solve problems and communicate takes commitment and is essential in marriage. These are all things that were missing from Kardashian and Kris Humphries’s relationship, Greer said.

“Marriage needs to be taken seriously, and you have to be willing to do the work that goes along with it,” she noted.

step 2: Function as a team As a basketball player, Humphries should have known that learning to form a team with your significant other is important. Money is especially important here. Have realistic talks about finances before making a lifelong commitment.

“Going from being a ‘me’ to being a ‘we,’ where you have to unite and work out a team approach, is very hard for people,” Greer said.

Of course, if one is making millions of dollars, who pays the cable bill becomes less of an issue.

step 3: Seek help if needed “I haven’t read or heard anybody say that Kim and Kris went to see a therapist or a couples counselor,” Greer said. “There was no effort whatsoever.”

If there’s a feeling of disconnect or constant anger with a partner, it’s time to seek professional help. Don’t end a relationship because of one bad fight. Seek help to work through the problem.

step 4: Know when to walk In a letter to her fans, Kardashian said she probably should have ended her relationship, “but didn’t know how to and didn’t want to disappoint a lot of people.” Knowing when to walk away is important, and if help isn’t sought and anger and resentment toward a partner doesn’t dissipate, it’s time to consider calling it quits, Greer said. Also, if there is any kind of abuse, walk away immediately.

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SPORTS & HEALTH I NOVEMBER 7, 2011 I THE CHRONICLE

Classic noodles fit into healthy diets

INGREDIENTS 1 package of pasta noodles (16 ounces) 1 can of condensed tomato soup (10.75

ounces) 1 onion 1 bell pepper (green or red) 1 package of shredded cheese

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Boil water.

2. Empty the can of tomato soup into

by Dennis Valera Assistant Multimedia Editor WHEN YOU go on a diet, pasta dishes are usu-

ally one of the first things you cut back on.

If they do make it into your new regimen, it’s often as a much less tasty replica of the real thing. Does that mean pasta can’t be healthy? Fear not: This dish proves it can.

All the ingredients for pasta are very easy to find in any grocery store, and altogether, the price is fairly light on your wallet. The best part is that there’s a good amount of it, and it can serve up to four people. Can anyone say leftovers?

The ingredients you will need are as follows: 1 package of noodles (16 ounces); 1 can of condensed tomato soup (10.75 ounces); 1 onion; 1 bell pepper (green or red); and 1 package of shredded cheese (it’s all in the preference).

The first step is to boil the water. Look at the 16-ounce package of pasta to see how

15

Sara Mays THE CHRONICLE

much water should be boiled. Next, empty a can of tomato soup into another pot and put on a low heat.

While everything is cooking, slice the onion and bell pepper into small pieces.

Place the pieces in separate bowls.

If the tomato soup is bubbling even the slightest, turn off the heat; it’s probably warm enough. When the water starts to boil, empty the box of noodles into the pot.

Now it’s time to get the noodles tender—stir as needed.

It will take approximately 10 to 15 minutes for the noodles to tenderize. At this time, empty the onion and bell pepper into the tomato soup. By mixing the two with the soup, their flavors will fuse. Feel free

to add shredded cheese. There’s no specific measurement for the cheese, so put in as much as desired.

Once the noodles are tender, drain the pot in the sink. Be very careful—the water will be hot. Once drained, put the pot back on the stove. Empty the sauce into the pot that contains the noodles, and mix until all the noodles are covered in sauce. Let it stand for approximately five minutes, or until cool enough to eat, and voila, your healthy, diet-friendly pasta is completed.

This pasta is great as a main dish. Meats, like bacon or chicken can also be added, if desired. Enjoy! dvalera@chroniclemail.com

a saucepot.

3. Heat the sauce on low heat, being careful not to boil it.

4. Chop onion and bell pepper into small pieces.

5. Place onion and bell pepper into separate bowls.

6. When water reaches a steady boil, add noodles.

7. Cook noodles approximately 10–15 minutes until tender.

8. Stir the onion and bell pepper into the tomato soup.

9. Add shredded cheese, as desired.

10. When noodles are tender, drain the water out using a strainer. Put back in pot.

11. Toss the noodles and sauce together in the same pot the noodles were cooked in.

12. Let stand for 5 minutes, or until cool.

13. Enjoy!

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Ron Terada Big Star, 2003. Collection of Justina M. Barnicke Gallery, University of Toronto. Courtesy of Catriona Jeffries, Vancouver

Iain Baxter Still Life with Winter Vista, 1996. Courtesy of the artist and Corkin Gallery, Toronto. Photo: Art Gallery of Ontario. ©2011 IAIN BAXTER&

IAIN BAXTER& Television Works (detail), 1999–2006. Promised gift of Yvonne and David Fleck, Steven and Michael Latner Families, and Eleanor and Francis Shen. Photo: Art Gallery of Ontario. ©2011 IAIN BAXTER& N.E. Thing Co. Inflated Blue Sky, 1970. Purchase, 1970. Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto. Photo: Art Gallery of Ontario

THE COLUMBIA CHRONICLE

Ron Terada: Being There Nov 5, 2011– Jan 15, 2012

Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

mcachicago.org

Ron Terada See Other Side of Sign, 2006.

Courtesy of Catriona Jeffries, Vancouver

Ron Terada You Have Left the American Sector, 2006. Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal. Courtesy of Catriona Jeffries, Vancouver

16 I NOVEMBER 7, 2011

IAIN BAXTER&: Works 1958–2011 Nov 5, 2011– Jan 15, 2012

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ARTS & CULTURE

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NOVEMBER 7, 2011

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THE CHRONICLE

see page 20

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THE COLUMBIA CHRONICLE

I NOVEMBER 7, 2011

Sipping on Sidecars, Speakeasy-style

by Sophia Coleman

Photos: Tiela Halpin THE CHRONICLE

climbing the staircase to the second level.

The atmosphere becomes more intimate, and red fringe decorates the space to bring in an aura of seductiveness.A vintage 1940s Persian rug greets patrons at the top of the stairs inviting them to the darker corners, where people can choose to retreat.

Patry hopes the white and gold paint will provide relief from the bitter cold and dark days to come. As snow piles high on window sills, it will reflect into the room and bathe it in a golden glow, enhanced by a welcoming fireplace.

In the second-floor lounge area, there is a pool table, fireplace and a wrap-around bar, that Cole says gives off a “Cheers” sort of vibe.

John Russick, historian at the Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., said the styles of speakeasies during the Great Depression ran the gamut from gritty holes-in-the-wall to luxurious nightclubs that were careful to keep alcohol out of the equation, at least at first glance.

“These places knew that their clientele was going to be tuxedoed and flapperdressed, so they styled the speakeasies and nightclubs accordingly,” Russick said.

The mixings of the martini would be laid out at the establishment, but the patron would be expected to bring his or her own alcohol, according to Russick.

He said that although cocktails were invented in the 19th century, they became immensely popular during the 1920s for two reasons: They masked the horrendous flavor of homemade liquor and disguised the drink to make it look non-alcoholic.

Bringing your own alcohol isn’t necessary at Barrelhouse Flat. The style is elegant with a comfortable, worn-in feel, and the forbidden drinks of that era flow freely.

In addition to a selection of 70 cocktails that fall into four different categories—shaken, stirred, bubbles and egg—Barrelhouse also boasts an extensive wine and beer list. And of course, don’t forget the homemade punch and hard ciders.

Most of the drinks will be made from locally sourced products, which Cole admits has been tough considering they opened in the middle of the fall season.

“We haven’t had the chance to use a lot of locally sourced ingredients [with our drink menu], but our kitchen has,” Cole said. “But once we start rolling out our house cocktails, we will incorporate more of that.”

In Cole’s mind, so many bars have been about “pushing the penny,” more so than developing a sense of community. With the Barrelhouse Flat, he hopes to spark that sense of togetherness bars used to have, in addition to serving up nostalgic drinks.

“The most important part about a bar is that it’s first a community bar and second a destination bar,” Cole said. “Back in the day, that’s what bars used to do. It was a market where you could grab your newspaper, hang out and relax.”

(Top) Barrelhouse Flat has an extensive beer and wine list, and serves a selection of 70 cocktails many of which use locally sourced ingredients. The decor of the bar is made up of handcrafted wood pieces and vintage furniture. (Bottom) The bar features a vintage jukebox, equipped with Prohibition-era blues music.

scoleman@chroniclemail.com

Assistant Arts & Culture Editor DURING THE Great Depression, there were

thousands of speakeasies in Chicago.

Though illegal, they gave the deprived public exactly what it needed: a strong cocktail and a place to escape.

Now that the country has fallen into a recession, people may be searching for something similar when it comes to the drinking scene—a bar that provides a sense of adventure and excitement similar to the roaring ’20s.

Granted part of the excitement of that time was due to the likelihood at any moment, police could shut down the

party—but at Barrelhouse Flat, 2426 N. Lincoln Ave., the thrill comes from being transported back in time, while still enjoying the comforts of today.

Inspired by the hit song “Barrelhouse Flats,” by famed blues artist Mary Johnson, the bar captures the illicit but romanticized feel of the Prohibition era.

Though it opened on Oct. 24, Barrelhouse Flat has already proven to be a historic hit among locals.

“The whole idea behind it was that there were so many forgotten classic [drinks] out there that have been lost to time,” said Stephen Cole, owner of the bar. “No one has really brought these fantastic drinks to light, so I decided to do that.”

Cole, a former bartender at Violet Hour, 1520 N. Damen Ave., took it upon himself to create what he pictured as a welcoming and luxurious getaway for the Lincoln Park community.

He used experience he gained as a head bartender at the popular Wicker Park bar, famous for its gourmet approach to mixology. Cole took his expertise to another level by researching classic drinks like Holland’s Pride, which uses Bols Genever, sweet vermouth, bitters and a dash of absinthe to create an unfamiliar but pleasant taste.

The bi-level, speakeasy-inspired bar is two blocks away from the rowdier sports bars and is located inside a building that dates back to 1892.

“It’s unique,” Cole said. “[The bar] is separated into three rooms, which invokes a different personality of the bar.”

The first floor is all about accessibility, said Kellie Patry, head of Patry and Kline, which designed Barrelhouse Flat.

Every element is custom, from the handcrafted woodwork to the giant, group-seating booths. The floor features custom-made black and white hexagon-tiles, which were made to look as though they were aged 100 years.

There is an old grand piano tucked in a corner that blues artist Barrelhouse Chuck plays with ease, despite the missing keys and creakiness of the floor pedals.

“People romanticize that era,” Patry said.

“But really it was rough and tough, and we wanted to translate [that into] our design.”

A mysterious transition begins while

K N I H T 19

ARTS & CULTURE I NOVEMBER 7, 2011 I THE CHRONICLE

Whatchu talkin’ bout, Wilusz?

Support comic book stores MARVEL COMICS

is set to begin releasing digital copies of all of its major titles on the same day they are available in print, according to a Nov. 2 exclusive from

by Luke Wilusz Gawker tech blog Managing Editor Gizmodo. It’s definitely a smart move on Marvel’s part, especially considering the fact that DC Comics began doing the same thing with its “New 52” relaunch in September.

Bringing digital comics up to speed with their traditional print counterparts is sure to draw in lots of new readers who will appreciate the convenience of downloading new titles to their mobile devices anytime and anywhere, which will bring some much-needed revenue to the struggling industry. The fact that digital distribution essentially eliminates almost all of the printing and shipping costs involved in the industry right now means that Marvel and DC will also be saving a considerable amount of money while bringing in new revenue. Ideally, this increased revenue could be put back into comics to bring back the longer issues with more quality and story to them that many fans miss from years past.

However, as good as digital publishing

can be for the major comic companies, there is a very real chance that it could draw business away from brick-and-mortar comic shops. Comic shops are an integral part of the hobby, and the thought that they might go the way of the video store is not one that I relish. The sense of community they provide and the comfort of having a place I can go to talk about my geeky obsessions every two weeks, is something I could never imagine replacing with an electronic marketplace. Even though publishers seem dedicated to this brave new world of digital comics, they should still do everything they can to support the thousands of comic shops across the country that have kept them alive for the past few decades.

Hopefully, both major publishers will standardize the practice of including a code for a free download of a digital copy within physical comics, which both Marvel and DC have been trying out in limited capacities so far. They should even go a step beyond that and find as many ways as they can to give people an incentive to continue patronizing comic book stores. If they can maintain their support for independent retailers while also moving forward with technology and expanding their readership, it will be a win-win for creators and fans alike, and the industry will flourish. lwilusz@chroniclemail.com

Comfort at a premium

by Melissa Magsaysay

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Clearly, comfort is a key trend in denim right now. These workout/premium denim jeans make the transition from the office to the gym or dinner a little easier.

Mart, but that doesn’t mean they’re flattering. Yes, they’re comfortable, but so are a bathrobe and a pair of snowman-printed flannel pajamas. They’re cozy but not something you’d wear out to dinner.

Now two L.A.-based premium denim brands are taking the comfy factor chronicle@colum.edu and applying high-end denim design and technology to make stylish, sleek styles from stretchy new fabrics.

Joe’s Jeans has just come out with what it’s calling Jean Sweats, pants made with a fabric that feels like French terry but that can be processed and treated like denim.

The pants allow for maximum stretch and movement so the wearer can bend, stretch, kick and run all while wearing what looks like regular jeans.

Three savvy styles called the Skinny, the High Water and the Skinny Flare are available in a medium or a dark blue wash and retail for $158 each.

Joe’s is not the only premium denim brand to start turning out jeans that can double as workout pants. Hudson Jeans plans to release a collection in December that will be exclusive to Equinox gyms.

The Hudson x Equinox Fit for Life collection also uses a knit fabric that looks like denim but feels like a plush pant. It’s made to retain its shape whether the wearer is running errands or taking a kickboxing class. The color is fade-resistant.

MCT Newswire There are three styles, including L.A. designers are using high-end fabrics to create a flare leg and slim boot cut, priced at $158 to $198. This is the first fash- “pajama jeans” that may be more fashion-forward.

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THE COLUMBIA CHRONICLE

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C

hicago’s many museum and cultural artifacts, al to view numerous works rine and—for the slightly more spanking bench.

The Leather Archives & Museu the only museum in the United S ture, sadomasochism and other Now celebrating its 20th anniver source for the leather communit glimpse into a world that for m mainstream society.

According to Rick Storer, LAM’s um was founded in 1991 by Tony Renslow, a prominent figure in founder of the popular Internation Gold Coast, the city’s first leathe “Etienne” Orejudos, was an artis rals that moved with the bar to After Orejudos died from AIDS-re Renslow searched for an organiz paintings. When he was unsucces front gallery in Uptown, and the c

I’m waiting where you h inatrix livin Then I’ll kn over, and w rebels.”

Ting Shen THE CHRONICLE Above: The museum’s collection includes hundreds of buttons from leather clubs around the country and a metal head cage, which has been digitally altered here.

Left: One of Dom “Etienne” Orejudos’ paintings, which is on display in the museum auditorium that bears his name.

The LAM moved to its current 1 1999 to accommodate its growin ed by members of the leather an the building may have changed, S organization remains the same.

“Our mission is to collect and where this community’s history a a building that is owned by the lea “Our first goal is to keep it safe. T is a little more important—is to pr Storer said the LAM is actually building houses a library with mo magazines, 100 journals and 5,00 kink. The museum’s collection o

ARTS & CULTURE

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WRITTEN BY: BRIAN DUKERSCHEIN

sitive festival showcasing sex-po ineKink, a New York-based s, film e aries, shorts and featur and kink-friendly document o es & Museum for the Chicag will be at the Leather Archiv v. 18–19. leg of its national tour on No selected zer Lisa Vandever, the films According to CineKink organi March’s those screened during last for Chicago were culled from ion of assortment includes a select six-day festival. This year’s “Kink y: jur film s ined by CineKink’ award-winning shorts determ tional Mr. rna Inte about the histor y of the Crusaders,” a documentary ards for Aw ce tro,” which won the Audien Leather contest, and “Indie ly. t Narrative Feature, respective Best Documentary and Bes festival the to ted mit ber of films sub Vandever said while the num years ht eig d since CineKink was founde has only increased slightly . rease in their overall quality ago, she has seen a large inc [direcawareness of the festival and “I think there is more of an d. “I do ed specifically for it,” she sai tors] are creating films target are ple peo movement out there, and think there is a sex-positive learn more about it.” hungry to talk about sex and ing a full CineKink film festival, includ For more information on the . rmation, visit CineKink.com program listing and ticket info

C PHOTOS COURTE SY CINEKIN

K

ms contain countless historic llowing residents and visitors of art, a World War II submae daring—a custom-made red

um, 6418 N. Greenview Ave., is States devoted to leather culr alternative sexual practices. rsary, the LAM serves as a rety and gives visitors a unique many years was hidden from

s executive director, the musey DeBlase and Chuck Renslow.

Chicago’s leather scene and nal Mr. Leather contest, opened er bar, in 1958. His lover, Dom st who painted large erotic mueach of its various locations. elated complications in 1991, zation that would display the ssful, he opened his own storeconcept for the LAM was born.

–Michael S.

10,000-square-foot location in ng collection of artifacts donatnd S&M community. Although Storer said the purpose of the

d preserve; to provide a place and culture can be preserved in ather community,” Storer said.

The second goal—which I think rovide access to it.” y three institutions in one. The ore than 12,000 books, 13,000 00 films devoted to leather and of more than 8,000 contempo-

Ting Shen THE CHRONICLE The Leather Archives & Museum’s dungeon exhibit contains a red spanking bench originally commissioned in 1997 for a private BDSM party in Chicago.

rary and historic artworks and artifacts highlights aspects of leather and S&M culture, such as jackets, vests, patches and erotic toys. The archival collection contains unpublished records, letters and other documents used by scholars to do analysis on the leather community.

According to Storer, LAM uses leather as an umbrella term for many sexual subcultures and fetishes, including rubber, furries (individuals who dress up as stuffed animals) and practitioners of bondage and discipline, sadism and masochism. Although leather culture is predominantly gay-oriented, Storer said the LAM strives to be inclusive of all genders and sexual orientations. Last year, the museum launched the Women’s Leather History Project to analyze and document women’s involvement in the leather community.

Alex Warner, the project’s historian and creator of the museum’s “A Room of Her Own” exhibit, said female fetishists have a specific and unique history that grew out of gay leather clubs of the ’60s and ’70s. While many women’s groups during that time declared S&M to be anti-feminist, leather activists argued that their sexual practices were not incompatible of feminism.

Documenting the history of the leather community is one of

bdukerschein@chroniclemail.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: TING SHEN

g for the sitcom have the domng next door. now it’s really we’re no longer

the LAM’s primary objectives, according to Storer, and to date the museum has recorded the personal histories of approximately 100 leather enthusiasts around the country.

“When you’re talking about sex, you’re talking about something very intimate [that] people hold as private,” he said. “There are a lot of facets of leather and BDSM sexuality for which there is no hard documentary evidence. We rely on oral histories to fill in those gaps, [and] to provide insight into places where photography and other documentary methods aren’t permitted.”

Storer explained that the leather subculture developed when a large number of gay veterans returned from World War II and searched for a community where they could continue to socialize. They eventually adopted the traditions and practices of motorcycle clubs, including leather jackets, fraternal patches commemorating years of membership and achievements, and a hyper-masculine brotherhood. Leather clubs spread throughout the country, including several in Chicago.

Michael S., 45, is the current president of the Chicago Leather Club, a traditional back patch organization that was started in 2001. According to Michael, the club has five full members who have gone through the pledging process and earned their patches, and has more than 20 associate members. He described the CLC’s mission as one of service to the community, education and outreach, unlike social sexual groups such as the Chicago Hellfire Club. CLC members hold monthly meetings, organize “munches,” or informal social gatherings often held at restaurants and participate in fundraising for leather organizations.

Michael, who identifies himself as a leatherman, said he first learned of the BDSM and leather communities in the early ’90s through the Internet. His wife at the time did not share his growing interest in S&M, and the two soon divorced. He is now remarried and has a master/slave relationship with his current wife, Angie, who is also a CLC officer.

Despite the fact that he is the president of the CLC, Michael said he is still uncomfortable being completely open about his sexual tastes and lifestyle. He is not “out” to coworkers, and most of his friends are within the leather and S&M community.

Both Michael and Storer said they believe that mainstream society has become more tolerant and open to the leather lifestyle. Michael, however, commented that many long-term members of the community are upset regarding how many of the culture’s traditions, such as back patches, are being lost and that its meaning is becoming diluted.

“It’s changing,” Michael said. “I’m waiting for the sitcom where you have the dominatrix living next door. Then I’ll know it’s really over, and we’re no longer rebels.”

For more information on the Leather Archives & Museum, including gallery hours and admission rates, visit LeatherArchives.org.

DESIGN BY: ED KANG

SK I N ON SCRE E N

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Countdown to Armageddon

by Amanda Murphy

with it,” Quinn said. “As an artist, you always have these ideas for fun projects to do and they start and then die.”

After asking his friend Ryan Browne, a THEMED CALENDARS have been around for ages, usually with the same old poses, pic- local comic book artist, to collaborate, the tures and puppies. But Thomas Quinn and two set out to find others who could work a team of other artists have taken the idea with them to create Armageddon-themed Courtesy THOMAS QUINN of the calendar to an entirely new place. artwork for the calendar. Quinn reached out A connoisseur of disaster movies, Quinn to local artists, as well as ones he had met Ryan Browne, whose illustration is above, contributed artwork, including the cover, and ideas to the project. said he has been amused by the rapture talk while studying at the Rhode Island School circulating over the last few years, most of of Design. in mind that people would have it hanging hers for October. The calendar not only on their walls for 30 days, so he made it as features unique art but also humorous quirky and fun as possible. That way, view- factoids to lighten the mood. ers wouldn’t lose interest.

Quinn has listed major historical events As an artist, you always have these ideas for fun projects to His piece, which is a take on the four for each day on the calendar and some do and they start and then die. horsemen of the apocalypse, features four birthdays of important people in history men riding various animals, such as a and in his life, like “Saved by the Bell” star grizzly bear and a demonic looking giraffe. Mark-Paul Gosselar, rapper Vanilla Ice and –Thomas Quinn Browne also contributed the cover art in comedian Carrot Top. Browne’s contribuwhich he tried to encompass as many tion of fake dates, like when a plague of it stemming from the Mayan prediction Besides looking for artists who could con- forms of the apocalypse he could think of. frogs would hit Earth or machines would Quinn took a completely different route become self-aware, added more comedic that Dec. 21, 2012 is the end of the world. So tribute various styles and modes of illustrawhen he had the idea for a 2012 calendar tion, he said he also made it a point to choose when he created what he called “a road- relief to the grim topic.

“I tried to inject some humor into it so that would count down to the apocalypse, those at varying stages in their careers. trip collage” of what some attractions “There’s kind of a mixture of high-profile could look like years after the apocalypse, [it] would not just be this dreaded Doomshe knew he was on to something. After a matter of months, he finally decided to do and low-profile people,” Quinn said. “I saw like Mount Rushmore with an alien head day theme,” Quinn said. something about it. it as a good way to mix up-and-comers with and the world’s tallest pile of skulls. Quinn For more information on the calendar and said he has not yet decided which art will the artists, visit TheApocalypseCalendar.com.

“When I started bouncing it off the heads people whose work [is] established.” of other people and they thought it was a Browne said when he was illustrating illustrate each month, except for one by amurphy@chroniclemail.com cunning idea, I decided to follow through the art for a particular month, he kept it Chandler O’Leary, who specifically designed Arts & Culture Editor

ARTS & CULTURE I NOVEMBER 7, 2011 I THE CHRONICLE

23

Queer cut intuition in the city

by Sophia Coleman

Assistant Arts & Culture Editor IN THE city, enjoying a complimentary beer

with a haircut is becoming commonplace, but a stylist who knows queer hair may be harder to come by.

That is where Barbara & Barbara, 3131 W. Logan Blvd., comes in.

Celebrating their one-year anniversary at the prime location in Logan Square in June 2011, owners Sierra Berquist, 25, and Kara Wabbel, 28, have made it their mission to give the LGBTQ community the genderneutral haircuts they might desire.

We wanted to provide a quality haircut to the community at an affordable price.”

–Sierra Berquist

The two agreed that too often lesbians and gays go to mainstream salons and come out with haircuts falling squarely in either the male or female category.

At Barbara & Barbara, gender doesn’t enter the equation.

“Originally, we called them ‘lesbian haircuts,’ so we started with a bunch of gay clientele,” Berquist said. “[During] the year, we’ve had people of all orientations come in.”

With Clippers, Fades and Pixies galore, the clients of Barbara & Barbara have noth-

Sara Mays THE CHRONICLE

Owners Kara Wabbel and Sierra Berquist started out cutting hair in the back of their art gallery.

ing to fear or hide once stepping into the small salon, equipped with vintage chairs, a giant storefront window and a mural that depicts the salon owners’ personalities.

“Stylists are afraid to take the clippers to a girl’s hair,” Berquist said. “Here, we’re like, ‘Hell yeah, shave that s--t.’”

Valter Desfassiaux, receptionist at Barbara & Barbara, said the salon mantra of understanding queer hair is more than a marketing slogan. It is part of who each individual working at the salon is.

The name Barbara & Barbara was derived from a long-standing joke between the

two owners during a drunken conversation arguing that 20-somethings were no longer named Barbara, and that they should change their names. At the end of the night, it seemed to be a more fitting name for the gallery they had opened before the salon, which was host to queer art shows every other month.

Berquist and Wabbel said the gallery constantly left them broke because they didn’t charge the artists commission. In order to pay rent, they offered haircuts in the back of the gallery.

Though they were getting a steady flow

of clients via word-of-mouth, the two knew that opening a stand-alone hair salon would prove to be a better investment.

“It was the organic thing to do,” said Claire Bibbs, longtime friend-turned-receptionist. “The gallery space was great, but they weren’t able to make money out of it.”

Like Desfassiaux, Bibbs was a frequent client before becoming a receptionist. She used to receive bob after bob when she went to mainstream salons. Finally, when Wabbel cut her hair, she felt complete.

“Before, no one had the guts to give me the haircut I was asking for,” Bibbs said.

Now with a staff of eight stylists and a couple of eccentric receptionists, Barbara & Barbara has massive numbers of clients who are looking for haircuts beyond the gender spectrum. Berquist said now more than ever, obscure haircuts are in high demand.

Not to mention, the prices and salonhours are hard to beat in the city.

“We know we can’t afford a $60 haircut [and that] people have busy schedules,” Wabbel said.“We wanted to provide a quality haircut to the community at an affordable price.”

Above-the-shoulder cuts are $20 and anything falling below the shoulders is $30, which includes a Pabst Blue Ribbon, as long as you’re of age. The salon is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m every day.

“Without judgment, we understand that not everyone wants to look like either a boy or girl,” Desfassiaux said. “Sometimes a person wants to look somewhere in between.” scoleman@chroniclemail.com

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24

THE COLUMBIA CHRONICLE

I NOVEMBER 7, 2011

CHICAGO AUDIOFILE DARRYL HOLLIDAY, ASSOCIATE EDITOR LEONARD COHEN // FAMOUS BLUE RAINCOAT WU TANG CLAN // RADIO, RADIO MGMT // SONG FOR DAN TREACY THE DEARS // PINNED TOGETHER, FALLING APART

TING SHEN, PHOTO EDITOR THE NATIONAL // LEMONWORLD A.A. BONDY // MIGHTIEST OF GUNS COLDPLAY // STRAWBERRY SWING THE TALLEST MAN ON EARTH // WEATHER OF A KILLING KIND

HEATHER SCHRÖERING, CAMPUS EDITOR BLACK KEYS // LONELY BOY THE SHINS // GIRL INFORM ME NOTORIOUS B.I.G. // JUICY FLORENCE + THE MACHINE // WHAT THE WATER GAVE ME

Courtesy BEARS OF BLUE RIVER

Bears of Blue River dabble in a number of musical genres, including ’50s pop, folk and indie rock.

Bear necessities of music

SAM CHARLES, MANAGING EDITOR

by Amanda Murphy TV ON THE RADIO // DLZ ELVIS COSTELLO// RADIO, RADIO OUTKAST // ATLIENS YEAH YEAH YEAHS // HYSTERIC

Arts & Culture Editor SINCE ITS beginnings in 2008, the band Bears

Week ending Nov. 1, 2011

#1 Album

Top tracks

( ) Last week’s ranking in top five

United States We Found Love • Rihanna

(1) 1

Someone Like You • Adele

(4) 3

Sexy and I Know It • LMFAO Mylo Xyloto Coldplay

Pumped Up Kicks • Foster the People Moves Like Jagger • Maroon 5

(2) 2 (5) 4 5

United Kingdom With Ur Love • Cher Lloyd Mylo Xyloto Coldplay

1

We Found Love • Rihanna

(1) 2

Moves Like Jagger • Maroon 5

(4) 4

Wherever You Will Go • Charlene Soraia Sexy and I Know It • LMFAO

(2) 3 5

Spain Moves Like Jagger • Maroon 5

(1) 1

We Found Love • Rihanna

(3) 3

Rain Over Me • Pitbull Mylo Xyloto Coldplay

Rolling In the Deep • Adele

Titanium • David Guetta & Sia Source: iTunes

Follow The Chronicle on

www.twitter.com/ccchronicle

2 4 5

© 2011 MCT

of Blue River has been touring the country, charming hearts and feeding the souls of all who will listen. With frontman Gavin Ellis Wilkinson contributing crush-inducing vocals, Justin Allen Spring on a smorgasbord of instruments including banjo, Dobro, lap steel and piano, Margaret Alexandra Gard singing soulful croons reminiscent of June Carter and Brian Michael Swoveland on drums, the band balances a multitude of genres, talents and personalities. Evolving their musical style, the band released its LP “Dames” on Oct. 17, which marks a departure from its sweet and innocent folk focus to a raunchier sound. With bopping beats and killer harmonies, Bears of Blue River have brought their unique, vintage sound to the eager ears of Chicago.

The Chronicle sat down with Wilkinson to talk about the recent LP release, working with members of Margot and the Nuclear So and So’s and their new, dirty sound.

The Chronicle: How did you guys meet?

Gavin Ellis Wilkinson: We met in a college town in Indiana, but I don’t think at that time any of us were at school. That was in Muncie, Ind., where Ball State is. We’re not terribly spread out anymore, though. We all live in Chicago, except for Maggie [Gard], who lives in Indianapolis. She’s the only straggler.

GEW: The Indiana music scene is small. I booked a show for [Edwards] when I was 13, so I’ve known him for a while. I went to them with my songs, and I told them I wanted to take this band to a more serious place. So they helped me do it the right way.

They kind of acted like parents. If the songs were a little kid, and the little kid had to get dressed for school, they helped me make sure it had all the right stuff.They were also part of our most recent album “Dames,” but this time it was different. [Edwards]was there last time for the entire process, and I went to his house a lot and played him the songs and got his opinion on it. He would help me with ideas for the arrangement— like what a producer does.

The Chronicle: Are you planning on putting out [another] full-length album soon?

GEW: I’m constantly recording, but I don’t know how soon we will do [another] fulllength. We have the material for it, but I think we need to tour more with the recordings we have now before we think about doing that.

The Chronicle: Tell me a little bit about “Dames.” How does it differ from your previous EP?

GEW: It’s definitely dirtier. Our previous EP, even with the title, [is] cute and precious. “Dames” is still precious a little bit, but it’s raunchier, and there are some more controversial song topics.There’s more dirt The Chronicle: How is that working for on the guitar sound. There’s an acoustic you guys? song on this record, too, which I didn’t do with the last.

GEW: Indianapolis is one stretch of road away, so we make it work. Sometimes we The Chronicle: How would you describe have to do funny stuff. I was working on your sound? a new recording and when we played a show in Indiana, we took a mobile record- GEW: It’s boppy. It’s like if you took a lot ing studio with us and recorded [Gard’s] of ’50s and ’60s pop and put it in a blender vocals before the show in this room. I didn’t with some folk and guy and girl vocals. know when I was going to see her next, and Instead of making it into a shake, you put I needed her vocals for the song. I did it on it in a frying pan and try to make eggs out the fly with her before the show. of it [laughs].

The Bears of Blue River will play a show at The Chronicle: You guys recorded your EP The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., on Nov. 17.

“The Killer Bee Scare” with Tyler Watkins Tickets are $10, and the show begins at 9 p.m. The and Richard Edwards of Margot and the album “Dames” is free and available for download Nuclear So and So’s. How did that part- at Facebook.com/TheBearsOfBlueRiver. nership come about, and what was it like working with them? amurphy@chroniclemail.com

ARTS & CULTURE I NOVEMBER 7, 2011 I THE CHRONICLE

25

Elements influencing exhibit

by Kaitlyn Mattson Contributing Writer

ARTISTS IN the Chicago area are using images

of earth, wind, fire and water to create an exhibit that looks like a periodic table.

Their efforts can be seen in “Element Flux,” an exhibit that features 53 Chicago area artists investigating the major elements found in nature. The exhibit is currently on view at the Jackson Junge Gallery, 1389 N. Milwaukee Ave., in the heart of the Wicker Park art district.

The exhibit’s purpose is for each artist to interpret the elements in his or her own way, in styles that range from realistic to the more abstract.

“There are so many elements I love about [the exhibit],” said Chris Jackson, owner of the gallery. “First of all, the fact that we are able to get 53 different Chicago artists involved in an exhibit is just tremendous.

Second, the layout and the whole design of the exhibit just came together so perfectly.”

Now is the perfect time for this exhibit, Jackson said, given current global conditions and artistic sensibilities.

Kim Laurel and Fletcher Hayes, who participated in and curated the exhibit, said the idea for the exhibit came from thinking about the elements and the periodic table.

They said it was also about having a format that could show a variety of experimental work by a large group of artists.

“My end of things was really about promoting the show and giving them wall space and an area to display the exhibit

here at the gallery,” Jackson said.

Artists were given full range on the type of materials they could use but were limited to one uniform size—12 inches by 12 inches—Laurel said.

“Some artists were very representational in their approach, while others were very experimental and edgy,” Hayes said. “One piece, by Lee Tracy, is a mirror that has

words etched into it.”

Artists need a challenge, and if a project like this comes along, they often rise to the occasion and try different techniques, Hayes said.

The Jackson Junge Gallery, which opened approximately two years ago, is one of the largest galleries in Chicago, Jackson said.

The gallery focuses on contemporary art

and is a venue for many Chicago-based artists to showcase their work, he said.

“We are very open and friendly; there is no admission, ever, to enter the gallery,” Jackson said. “We encourage people to come in and look. We offer reproductions of some of the original artwork that are very affordable, which is a big philosophy of ours.”

These kinds of programs help develop community, as well as trying new ideas and formats.”.

–Kim Laurel

Courtesy FLETCHER HAYES

The collaborations between Laurel and Hayes have become part of their life as artists, the two say. As curators, they develop different programs and invite artists around the city to join. The two also collaborate on pieces as well as doing their own work.

“I think of all art as a continuing study,” Laurel said. “No matter [if] you are a student in school or are already a mature artist, it is always a study. These kinds of programs help develop community, as well as trying new ideas and formats.”

The “Element Flux” exhibit has been extended through Nov. 13. The Jackson Junge Gallery is open on Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

The “Element Flux” exhibit explores artists’ interpretations of the four elements: earth, wind, fire and water.

chronicle@colum.edu

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THE COLUMBIA CHRONICLE

I NOVEMBER 7, 2011

Portrait of a $2.5 million bra

by Anne Bratskeir MCT Newswire HOW DOES a nice, albeit glitzy, Long Island,

N.Y., jewelry business end up designing one of the most celebrated (and priciest) bras in the world?

The people at London Jewelers, the 85-year-old, family-owned company with five stores on New York’s Long Island, can answer that question, having just created the $2.5 million bra to be worn by supermodel Miranda Kerr in the legendary Victoria’s Secret fashion show.

Since 1996, it’s been a Victoria’s Secret signature to feature a ritzy, bejeweled number in its shows and holiday catalogs. The Fantasy undergarments have run from the $1 million number Claudia Schiffer wore in 1996 to an $11 million design worn by Heidi Klum in 2003, to the record-holding $12.5 million stunner worn by Gisele Bundchen in 2000. A series of big name jewelry companies have designed the bras, including Harry Winston, Mouwad and Damiani.

London Jewelers owner Candy Udell and her daughter, Randi Udell-Alper, worked on the project from design to execution for close to a year. First, they presented a concept board to executives at Victoria’s Secret. Udell-Alper said they used an aquatic theme incorporating elements they loved— “mermaids, oceans, treasure chests and a

tassel, which is a big trend in jewelry design this year.”

Once they got the job, a sketch was sent to the Los Angeles design studio of Norman Silverman, a diamond dealer and manufacturer who brought the 2011 Fantasy Treasure bra to life.

The process included more than 500 hours of skilled labor to hand-place more than 10,000 stones, including 3,400 pearls and 142 carats of diamonds as well as citrines, aquamarines and the show-stopping tassel centerpiece adorned with two 8-carat-plus white diamonds and two matching 14-carat yellow diamonds.

“It’s very rare to find matched pairs in these sizes, and that adds to the value of the bra,” Silverman said.

Throughout the process, the piece was transported back and forth from L.A. to Long Island at regular intervals by Brinks armored trucks for inspection.

Monica Mitro, executive vice president of communications and events for VictoMCT Newswire ria’s Secret, said the piece is one of the most beautiful Fantasy bras ever made.

London Jewelers, an 85-year-old, family-owned company, has created the $2.5 million bra that will be worn “They love this bra,” Udell said. “It’s very by supermodel Miranda Kerr in the legendary Victoria’s Secret fashion show and in catalogs. different from the others, which were really jewel encrusted and very uncomfortable show in 2007, saying, “Diamonds hurt.” CBS at 10 p.m., after which the 34C will be to wear.”

Kerr said putting on this year’s bra was a available for purchase in the company’s holiday catalog or at the London store.

Former Victoria’s Secret model Selita “magical” experience.

Ebanks famously complained about The bra will be featured in the Victoria’s her bejeweled ensemble worn at the Secret fashion show airing on Nov. 29 on chronicle@colum.edu

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ARTS & CULTURE I NOVEMBER 7, 2011 I THE CHRONICLE

27

FILM REVIEW

Documentary ‘Into the Abyss’ dives deep

by Drew Hunt Film Critic

‘Into the Abyss’

LEGENDARY GERMAN director Werner Herzog

has spent the better part of a decade moving between narrative and documentary-style filmmaking. These days, it’s arguable that he’s better known for the latter, so it comes as no surprise that his newest film is another exploration of human behavior.

The film, called “Into the Abyss,” profiles the aftermath of a triple homicide committed by death row inmate Michael Perry and his accomplice, Jason Burkett. Perry and Burkett attempted to steal a car from the Conroe,Texas home of Sandra Stottler, who was shot and killed by either Burkett or Perry—both claim the other is responsible— in the process. Stottler’s adopted son and his friend also fell victim to Perry and Burkett that night.

The film begins with an interview with Perry, a mere eight days before he’s put to death. From there, the film unfolds like an anthropological investigation, with Herzog labeling the death penalty as the final senseless act in a long series.

“Into the Abyss” has erroneously been labeled an “anti-death penalty film.”

Though Herzog explicitly states his opposition to capital punishment, the film is by no means pushing any sort of political or ideological belief. “Into the Abyss” arrives as yet another sterling addition to his documentary canon, but Herzog deviates from his

Starring: Jason Burkett, Michael Perry Director: Werner Herzog Run Time: 107 min.

Rating: Opens in select theaters on Nov. 11

most tried-and-true theme of the human infatuation and relationship with nature.

Instead, the film is a quizzical examination of human fate and consequence.

Herzog doesn’t dwell on Perry’s looming execution or even the details of his sentencing—the fact that Burkett is serving life in prison for the crime while Perry was sentenced to death goes glaringly unmentioned—but rather on the circumstances that brought these people together. Most of the film’s most engaging moments happen outside of prison walls, in which Herzog queries friends and relatives of the murderers and their victims.

What arises are stories in which education is immaterial, a predilection toward criminality runs in the family and death and incarceration are ever-present parts of life.

The question at the center of “Into the Abyss” seems to be, “Where does it all end?” Herzog goes so far as to make it clear that, despite the definitiveness of the death penalty, it scarcely provides

IMDB

Director Werner Herzog’s latest documentary examines the complicated emotions surrounding capital punishment as it tells the story of a criminal sentenced to death.

closure or justice to the victims’ families.

But the buck stops there. Unlike his previous films, in which he very rarely shies away from espousing his own perspective, Herzog remains surprisingly absent from the film. His presence is only felt during the film’s testimonials—one of which finds him telling Perry, “I do not have to like you, but I respect you as a human,” minutes after meeting him for the first time. In scenes in which his engrossing narration is usually featured, simple title cards propel the story along.

For this reason, “Into the Abyss” is both a challenging and welcoming addition to Herzog’s filmography. Without his ethereal voiceover, the film is devoid of his trademark bluntness and probing inquiries.

But the added ambiguity helps in ways, especially when it comes to remaining an objective observer of an intricate and delicate situation. In the end, “Into the Abyss” emerges as his most stirring and involving film since 2005’s “Grizzly Man.” ahunt@chroniclemail.com

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28

THE COLUMBIA CHRONICLE

I NOVEMBER 7, 2011

The Columbia Chronicle presents your online time-wasters of the week.

VIDEO: “Break My Stride” Matthew Wilder

This is the kind of song that helps you start your day off with a bang. And there’s Sophia Coleman/Assistant Arts & Amanda Murphy/Arts & Culture Editor Brian Dukershein/Assistant Arts & nothing wrong with listening to it periCulture Editor Culture Editor odically throughout the day, too. The video, Worst Halloween costumes of 2011 Reasons why all women should Men’s fashion mistakes sadly, doesn’t do the job the song does, but love Sci-Fi then again, you can never expect good qualGuidos/Guidettes: Sadly, I see enough of The femme fatales: Every sci-fi show I have Square-toed shoes: I don’t even know where ity from ’80s videos.

“I like quirky, vintage clothes.”

“My style is Ace Hardware meets Michael Kors.”

“I like to be comfortable.”

“I like to mix it up. Sometimes very edgy, sometimes clean-cut.”

Freshman

Lindsey Sherman | Audio Arts & Acoustics Major

Check Me Out

Photos Tiela Halpin THE CHRONICLE

Hipster: If you were trying to be “ironic,” you failed miserably.

Adeline Kries | Art & Design Major Junior

Anything to do with the menstrual cycle: Gross. Does the public really need an accurate visual of a bloody tampon or pad? Because these costumes aren’t sold in stores, wearing this costume was proof that you spent at least an hour creating it, which is really lame. Plus, if you’re trying to pick up a girl, you’re going to have a tough time. We aren’t exactly fond of periods.

Erol Harris | Art & Design Major Senior

Casey Anthony: This tops the list of “Most Insensitive” costumes. I also have a sneaking suspicion that somehow Anthony will be making bank off these horrendous masks.

This is evidence that cashing in on the frenzy surrounding the murder trial isn’t above some people.

guys are buying these things. I have yet to walk into any store and spot the rubber-soled, APP: “Zombieville USA 2” contrast-stitched monstrosities I see on a daily basis. I know the majority of you are not This lovely into fashion, but take a flip through any men’s little game has Feminist power: It’s the nature of show busi- magazine and let me know if you see a single come back from ness to be attractive. But for the ladies in sci- ad for those barges you strap to your feet. the dead with fi, it’s not in a superficial way. Take the women new graphics and of “Battlestar Galactica,” for example. Pow- White socks: Really? You’re wearing black gameplay. By far erhouse women, like Starbuck, never wear pants and black shoes. Sure you’re wear- the best of the makeup and are usually dressed in a not-so- ing a white shirt, but matching these two mobile zombie flattering jumpsuit. But that doesn’t take away items should be done subtly with argyle games, it is a favorite among undead fans from their beauty. In fact, it sets it apart. The and other patterns, and even then only and iPhone users. It’s addicting and the women of “Star Trek” in the ’60s did sport the by professionals. perfect time waster for waiting rooms, tiniest of dresses and go-go boots, but they bus stops and long train rides. When isn’t owned their sexuality. It wasn’t meant to be Dress shirts as casual wear: Ah, I see you’re slaughtering zombies fun? their only attribute. It just showed they could sporting that Van Heusen shirt you wore to solve a major problem and look fine while your cousin’s wedding. Notice how its hem BLOG: Ca$hcats.biz doing it. reaches your knees? That’s because it’s meant to be worn tucked into pants. If your Women know how to use weapons: This isn’t sleeves flutter in the breeze every time you a case of girls shooting blindly, never seeming raise your arms, chances are it’s also two to hit anything or leaving the tough stuff to the sizes too large. You’re an average-sized man, big boys. These girls know what they’re doing not John Goodman. with a pistol in their hands. They’ve got good aim. Don’t challenge them to a shoot off. You Mismatched “suits”: I’m sure in the dim early will lose. morning light, you thought you could get away with pairing your pinstriped jacket with solid There are seriously sexy dudes: Whether your pants. After all, it’s a subtle stripe, right? I type is sweet and sensitive, classically hand- hate to tell you, but it’s pretty obvious in every some, stud muffin or the tortured, brooding other possible lighting condition.

It’s hard to come by cat blogs that do type, sci-fi shows have it all. It’s impossible something new. But the emergence of blogs to leave the show without a crush on some Whew!: Just because your cologne is cheap like Ca$hcats keeps the cat rolling. Ca$hcats human or alien character. doesn’t give you permission to wear more of is comprised of felines lying on top of masit. Yes, I know this is not technically a fashion sive piles of money and sometimes guns.

It’s in space: Enough said. complaint, but I still have to raise it.

Dolla dolla bills, y’all.

Sophomore

Hobo: While this used to be a classic go-to as a last-minute costume, it was a bit uncalled for. Considering that a good portion of the population is still facing foreclosures, jobs are at their scarcest and you can’t walk one block without seeing a homeless person, this was a bad choice. That is, unless, you are already homeless and had no other choice.

ever seen has a strong female character.

They kick serious alien butt and/or are wicked smart. These women could beat you in a wrestling match and a math competition.

Bryan Villalobos | Fashion Studies Major

these “Jersey Shore” wannabes walking the streets of Chicago during any given day of the year. Dressing as one of these orange-faced train wrecks is getting old and it’s tackier than skanky costumes. But if you were a dead “Jersey Shore” character, I digress.

ARTS & CULTURE I NOVEMBER 7, 2011 I THE CHRONICLE

Reviews LITERATURE

“IS EVERYONE HANGING OUT WITHOUT ME? (AND OTHER CONCERNS)” BY MINDY KALING

I HAVE long subscribed to my own delu-

sional truth that Mindy Kaling and I already know each other. Based on her Twitter feed, blog posts and late night talk show appearances, it’s obvious we are in sync. In my comedic world, Tina Fey is the cool aunt and Kaling has now proven herself as my hilarious best friend. Her new book, “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)” did nothing to rid me of this notion, which will certainly result in an awkward and embarrassing encounter when I finally meet her one day.

Equal parts hilarious, inspirational and painfully truthful, Kaling’s essays bring a different perspective to the road to Hollywood and growing up in general. While reading her childhood stories and personal commentary on life, I found myself periodically saying to myself, “Me too, Mindy, me too.”

Nothing magically

came to Kaling. As she relates in her book, she had a regular life, worked hard and through her talent, ended up getting her dream job.

In a world of plastic surgery and trust fund starlets putting out their own versions of pop songs and literature, it’s nice to see a real person, who actually knows how to write with wit and charm, put out a book worth reading.

—B. Wellen

NEARLY SEVEN years after his last release

of new music—only two years since the release of his live album—Tom Waits has slithered out of whatever surreal, deranged circus-themed alternate reality he seems to come from and released his 20th studio album, “Bad As Me.” If you’re familiar with his 2004 album, “Alice,” Waits’ distinct voice—best described as gravel in a meat grinder— carries this album through its fast-paced highs and lovable dreary lows,while main-

Uuh...

I can stand this. This is swell.

Best thing ever!

MOVIES / TV / DVD “MISFITS”

ing Nathan’s power until the last episode of the first season. Aside from the thrill of watching these individuals learn about their powers, we’re also treated to engaging characters with significant personal MORE AND more I’m realizing just how superior British TV is to American TV. development.

Shows like “Doctor Who” and Ricky IMDb lists it as a comedy/drama/fanGervais’ “Extras” have been at the top of tasy, and I agree with the decision to call my viewing list for some time now. New it a comedy first. While the show is racy to that prestigious list is “Misfits.” The and intense, it still maintains a lighthour-long show from creator Howard heartedness that keeps you from feeling Overman follows five troubled youths: that these characters and their situations Nathan, Kelly, Simon, Alisha and Curtis, are hopeless.

Currently, the show is in its third who do community service and get struck by lightning, developing superseason and available streaming free on powers.

Hulu.com. I highly recommend giving it a There’s a nice, gradual progression of watch. I was hooked 30 seconds in. the discovery of their powers, not reveal- —T. Halpin

RANDOM

MUSIC TOM WAITS: “BAD AS ME”

No. Just no.

29

taining a strange, aged feeling throughout the album as a whole. The opening track, “Chicago,” is upbeat and uses a combination of banjo and harmonica to create a driving beat that makes this short two minute song one you want to play on repeat.

On the third track, “Talking at the Same Time,” Waits’ rarely—if ever—heard falsetto voice makes an appearance and it certainly doesn’t disappoint any curious fans who have ever dared to dream.

The song, like many others on the album, has a very grim, noir feeling, and we can almost smell the smoke in the air of the seedy dive bar Waits must’ve imagined performing this song in as he was writing it.

I’d definitely recommend this album to anyone who is already a Waits fan or anyone who is curious about his legendary music style.

I will admit, however, the unnatural rasp, depth of his distinct voice and occasionally calloused lyrics may be bit of an acquired taste for some.

—H. Unkefer

HAIRCUTS

I’M USUALLY only allowed to enjoy the

small slice of heaven having a haircut gives me about two to three times a year due to lack of time and/or funds. But when I finally bite the bullet, or should I say mullet, and call up a salon, I always wonder why I let my hair grow to look like John Oates circa 1984. As soon as I hang up the phone, I get tingles all over with excitement of what new pastiche I’m going to walk out with this time. My hair has been dyed, stripped, bleached, toned and permed. I’ve done it all. But for most, the thrill comes from being

pampered—like the wonderful head massage you get when someone shampoos your hair.

For me, it’s all about the beer in my hand, magazine in my lap and the new doin-progress that will hopefully look good.

The easy conversation with the stylist, and the fact that for 45 minutes I can just relax, is also a major part of its allure.

After it’s all done, I always walk out feeling lighter, figuratively and literally, and sashay down the street, happy and confident.

And after my hair has yet again grown out into its Billy Ray-esque style, I get to count down the days again when I’m able to sit my derriere in a salon chair and have the wonder of it all return.

—A. Murphy

30

THE COLUMBIA CHRONICLE

I NOVEMBER 7, 2011

EDITORIALS

Student loans set to burst WITH OCCUPY Wall Street’s focus on the stu-

dent debt crisis, revelations on its severity seem to be coming out of the woodwork every day. However, some have seen the storm clouds brewing for a while. A study by the Center for College Affordability and Productivity—released in the relatively optimistic days of 2008—draws a stark comparison between the housing bubble and the student loan crisis. The study, called “A Tuition Bubble? Lessons from the Housing Bubble,” succinctly describes how the housing-market collapse of 2007 occurred and why student loans could be the next sector of our economy to burst.

Colleges charge more each year because they can, and students and their families choose to pay more because the income difference between college- and high school-educated workers demonstrates that a college degree is a good investment. Colleges do not operate in a normal economic marketplace, though. Even as more students go to college each year, the number of institutions generally does not grow—hence, the rapid price appreciation. Colleges, unlike for-profit businesses, actually turn away applicants. No matter how many apply, there are only a certain amount of spots open at many schools, and so it makes no sense to lower tuition.

Federal loans act as subprime loans in this comparison. The government guarantees federal loans, so the credit-worthiness of the borrower is irrelevant. This wide availability of credit allows too many students to attend college. As in subprime loans, it is uncertain whether student borrowers will be able to pay back the money.

In a booming economy flush with new jobs, this isn’t a bad thing. A society is better off when its citizens are welleducated, and most grads get careers that easily pay off the college investment.

However, with 9 percent unemployment, grads are leaving school with no oppor-

tunities. Thus, more and more default on their loans, creating a generation that will be swamped with debt. This is a catch-22— students should be encouraged to go to college, yet the current system is unsustainable. The more high school students who go to college and take out loans, the worse the crash will be.

No one should be discouraged from getting the education he or she deserves, and the high price of college shouldn’t deter hard-working lower-class students.

The best part of America is the ability to move upward in society—yet no one will move up if only the wealthiest can go to a good university. The only option to defuse this ticking time bomb is for the federal government to invest more heavily in Pell Grants, which do not have to be repaid.

State universities can be further subsidized and their prices reduced.

It’s unlikely that any major federal action will be taken to avert this crisis.

There are some Band-Aids, though, that could slow the hemorrhaging. Transparency in how private institutions spend money could lead to lower tuition by keeping expenses accountable and lowering prices. Universities should also accept more community college credits. Many students don’t realize the severity of the commitment they’re making as 18-yearolds signing off on loans. Financial counselors should be available to review this with prospective students.

None of these small fixes will avert a student loan bubble from bursting and tanking the economy even further. Real action must be taken. Until then, smart students can plan for their future and minimize the loans they take out. Putting responsibility off until the future is what created this mess, and it threatens to dig the hole even deeper.

For more information on the student loan crisis, see “The new lost generation,” PG. 8.

Speed camera revenue trick LEGISLATION MAKING its way through the

Illinois legislature in Springfield could potentially blanket approximately half of Chicago with speed cameras. The measure, introduced by House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton and supported by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, would place cameras within one-eighth mile of a school, college or Park District facility. The kicker on this sweet deal: Speeders would be fined $100.

Anything that’s dressed up as a public safety measure but contains fines—or a revenue boost, depending on how you see it—should be thoroughly examined before implementation. Chicago is full of schools, colleges and Park District facilities. Under the current proposal, 47 percent of city streets would be monitored by speed cameras. That includes the massive O’Hare International Airport and Lake Calumet regions, which have few public roads, thus

YOUR VOICES Letter to the Editor

Mark Kelly, others deserve recognition GIVEN ALL that Mark Kelly, vice president

of Student Affairs, has contributed to fashioning our student body into more of a community than it has ever been, he making the actual percentage higher. is most deserving of being the recipient It’s hard not to see this legislation as of the 2011 NASPA IV-East Outstanding a revenue gimmick. Emanuel is busy Performance as a Senior Student Affairs fighting off red ink at City Hall, so it’s no Officer Award. At the same time, just as wonder he’s getting creative with ways to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. acknowledged raise money. But this bill goes too far and the fact that he was able to stand on the would be another intrusion of Big Brother mountaintop due to all those folk, other into motorists’ lives on top of the plentithan he, who assisted in the making of ful red light cameras. the mountain, the contributions of two No report has shown that accidents other significant figures, who served in near schools are skyrocketing to justify Student Affairs—now both deceased—are this invasion of privacy. If safety really is also due their just recognition. the issue here, there are plenty of other Specifically, there was dean of students ways to ensure that students get to and (also heading the Library), Hubert Davis, from school without fining everyone who in the 1960s and 1970s laid the who drives 5 mph more than the speed groundwork for student affairs initiatives limit. Speed bumps and crossing guards during a time when Columbia was operare already on site to protect students— ating on a dime and a nickel to the extent and the number of these can increase if that had Jake Caref, the college’s master Emanuel deems it necessary. But don’t carpenter, not cashed in his life insurance try to fool us, mayor, with a new revenue policy and loan the college the proceeds scheme. Chicagoans are smarter than that. to help make payroll, who knows if

MCT Newswire

there would even be a Columbia today?

Hubert was succeeded in Student Affairs

by Hermann Conaway, who worked day and night under difficult conditions to further a sense of community among students.

There were the Lincoln Avenue bars, three of which were known as the Columbia bars, where faculty, staff, administrators and students met to discuss the state of the college and the world. Lastly, there was the Mike and Jane Alexandroff salon, otherwise known as their home, where during dinner and wine, heads of departments, faculty, administrators, secretaries and building and grounds staff would gather to also discuss the state of the college and the world.

It is said that it takes a community to raise a child. Well, it is also true that it takes a history of a place to truly understand and appreciate its present.

See the Columbia College Oral History Project: http://www.lib.colum.edu/archives/collections/oralhistory/alpha.php —Louis Silverstein, distinguished professor of Humanities, History and Social Sciences ; Director, Columbia College Oral History Project

Have an opinion about something you read in this newspaper?

Editorial Board Members Sophia Coleman Assistant A&C Editor Sara Mays Senior photo Editor Vanessa Morton Metro Editor Gabrielle Rosas Copy Editor

MCT Newswire

Heather Schröering Campus Editor Zach Stemerick Graphic Designer Matt Watson Commentary Editor Lindsey Woods Assistant S&H Editor

Did you catch a mistake, think we could have covered a story better or believe strongly about an issue that faces all of us here at Columbia?

Why not write a letter to the editor? At the bottom of page 2, you’ll find a set of guidelines on how to do this. Let us hear from you.

—The Columbia Chronicle Editorial Board

COMMENTARY I NOVEMBER 7, 2011 I THE CHRONICLE

31

Voter restrictions purely political move “The GOP is so petrified of [students’] vote, they’ve enacted the strictest voting regulations since Jim Crow.”

eliminated voting on Sunday. College students will also have a harder time voting away from home. Even worse, those who register voters now face fines if they don’t comply with archaic procedures.

Five other battleground states where Republicans took control in 2010 have enacted similar laws. The Brennan Center at New York University estimates that these initiatives could make it more difficult for 5 million eligible voters to cast

by Matt Watson ballots in 2012. The voters who are most Commentary Editor affected by these restrictions tend to be college students, minorities and the THOSE WILY Republicans are at it again. working poor. It’s not a huge surprise The GOP had a good two years, taking that these are all traditional Democrats.

Republicans claim these measures control of state governments across the nation, as well as the House of Represen- weed out voter fraud, yet fraud has contatives. They’ve also successfully hijacked sistently proven to be negligible in recent the national mood, making working-class elections. This isn’t Chicago of the 1960s, citizens believe that cutting taxes for the where voters were encouraged to “vote wealthy will somehow help them. I won’t early and often,” and deceased residents somehow found their way to the polls. lie—I’m actually impressed and a little GOP-dominated legislatures point to the jealous that progressives haven’t implemented this sort of marketing campaign. now-defunct Association of Community Yet this time, the GOP has gone too far. Organizers for Reform Now (ACORN), which conducted registration drives In what is becoming a national trend, and in 2008 was accused of submitting Republican governors and state legislamore than 400,000 duplicate registration tors around the nation are restricting forms. However, the numbers of double citizens’ right to vote. Most recently, in Florida—the battleground state with the applicants were similar to those collected most electoral votes by far—the governor from actual government registrations, according to the U.S. Election Assistance reduced early voting to one week and

75

The percentage of Americans who support President Barack Obama’s decision to withdraw from Iraq by the end of the year, according to a Gallup poll conducted from Oct. 29–30. Obama ran on a strong antiwar platform, and some view his decision to leave as political.

The amount, in millions of dollars, that Illinois legislators are considering giving to CME Group Inc. and CBOE Holdings in tax breaks to stay in the state, according to the Chicago Tribune. The two options exchanges have threatened to leave due to Gov. Pat Quinn’s income tax hike.

110

Commission and were not actually submitted for approval.

No, it isn’t voter fraud that conservatives are concerned about. They’re worried that too many people who aren’t wealthy, older white men will vote, and they know they lose every other segment of the population. We should all be wary when the GOP’s major aim—as Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell cleverly summed up—is to make Barack Obama a one-term president. These voter restriction measures are certainly the sneaky way to go about it. Apparently, a key pillar of the Republican platform is that when you can’t win fairly, it’s okay to cheat a little.

One state senator in Florida said voting should be neither easy nor convenient, which is absolutely ridiculous. What should be happening is the complete opposite—more voters need to be registered and given opportunities to vote.

Voter turnout has hovered around the lower to mid-50 percentile range since 1972, and it’s sad to see the fate of our nation in the hands of so few.

For students, this is an especially important issue. College students who leave their home state already have a hard time voting, and the process should be made as convenient as possible. This group needs to be heard now more than

The approximate amount, in thousands of dollars, that the average college student owes upon graduation, according to the New York Times. That is up 5 percent from last year and has been rising for some time. Fewer grads are finding jobs, making paying back loans difficult.

25

ever, with loan debt piling up and few career opportunities in sight after graduation. With today’s politicians proving themselves completely incapable of fixing even the simplest of the nation’s problems, it is our generation that will have to show leadership. Yet the GOP is so petrified of our vote, they’ve enacted the strictest voting regulations since Jim Crow.

There needs to be a far louder outcry against this injustice. Thankfully, Illinois remains as blue as Lake Michigan, and the students at Columbia will retain their right to vote. But it’s our peers in swing states that should be worried about politics stifling their rights. It’s funny how the GOP can complain nonstop about government stepping on their freedoms, yet they again prove to be total hypocrites.

Accept the GOP’s challenge. They believe students, working-class citizens and minorities are too lazy to vote if it’s only offered in a small window of time.

Prove them wrong. This is an incentive to show that everyone does have a voice and each and every vote does count. I would love to see the astonished face of the eventual Republican nominee on election night 2012 when exit polls show voter turnout at 60 percent. mwatson@chroniclemail.com

1

The amount, in billions of dollars, that the Chicago Transit Authority plans to spend to fix Red Line stations and make commute times shorter, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The project will begin in 2012 and is expected to be completed by 2015.

Athletes need guidance for Twitter use “We hold athletes to an extremely high— sometimes unfair— standard, yet we are setting them up to fail.”

wen I f--kin no I’m one of the best on dis squad but who will f--kin no if I dnt fckn play,” and five others with just as many expletives that put down his coaches and fellow teammates.

It was apparent that he was naive about his actions—bashing his coaches and teammates on a world stage. Even after a warning by someone else on Twitter, Shuman did not understand his audience.

by Greg Cappis “I no everybody that’s following me bro Assistant Metro Editor nd not one of them is from the athletic department sir,” Shuman responded to I WOULD like to pass along some valuthe friendly advice. His three consecutive able knowledge that I learned from one tweets were “do I no u?” to people who of my high school teachers: Do not post had re-tweeted his textual lashings. anything on the Internet that you do not I’m not trying to knock Shuman’s want to see on the front of the newspaper. level of intelligence. He must be a bright I was lucky enough to receive this advice young man, because he attends the No. when Facebook still required a college 2-ranked Southern regional univeremail address to join, and people thought sity, according to U.S. News and World tweeting was a sound birds make.

Report. Shuman should have known ridiSadly, not everyone has been blessed culing his coaching staff and teammates with such great advice at a young age, online was not the best way to vent his or any age at all, as exemplified by Elon frustrations.

University’s senior running back Jamal The athletic department, teachers, Shuman. friends, family members and other After a 48-28 loss to Wofford College on authority figures in Shuman’s life should Oct. 29, in which he had only one recephave educated him about the impact tion for 5 yards, Shuman went on a Twitof his actions on the Internet. There ter rant. These tweets included, “Gotta a were warning signs. Shuman routinely n---a on da sideline lik Ima f--kin scrub tweeted about parties and debauchery

before making his account private after his Twitter tirade went viral.

Shuman would not have had to spend the rest of his Halloween weekend apologizing, deleting tweets and asking others to take down his re-tweets if someone would have previously warned him about the consequences of his actions. He has since been suspended indefinitely from the football team.

The one thing Shuman did right was wait until the game ended to rip into Elon’s coaching staff and turn his teammates into collateral damage. Both the NBA and NFL have banned posting in the middle of games after incidents in both sports where athletes tweeted from the sidelines.

On Aug. 31, the International Olympic Committee published its guidelines for social media usage during the 2012 London Olympic Games. According to the document, the IOC encourages athletes to use social media, such as Facebook and Twitter. However, nowhere in the report does it ban athletes from posting in the middle of competitions.

In a perfect world, it shouldn’t have to. Olympic-caliber athletes should know to refrain from in-game tweets, but professional athletes have proven us wrong before, and I’m sure amateur athletes competing in the games will offer

compelling tweets like Shuman did this weekend.

This lack of a ban from the IOC could make the Olympics even more exciting.

I’m anxious for a Michael Phelps tweet of, “Man that fifth taco I ate last night is not agreeing with my stomach,” as he makes the final turn in the 400-meter freestyle.

Wouldn’t it be great to read a Russian gymnast’s opinion of the pommel horse judging as he prepares for his floor routine? NBC could run with this and have a live stream of Twitter feeds on the telecast. It would be like entering the minds of the world’s greatest athletes— entertaining, but probably not in the best interest of the games. There has to be a line drawn between competition and entertainment.

We hold athletes to an extremely high—sometimes unfair—standard, yet we are setting them up to fail. We’re all learning this technology as it comes out, so it’s fair to say not everyone understands what they’re doing. Athletic directors, agents, teachers and parents need to step up to the plate and drill it into the minds of children that posting things on the Internet is like printing a headline on the front page of the New York Times— it’s there for the world to see. gcappis@chroniclemail.com

32

THE COLUMBIA CHRONICLE

I NOVEMBER 7, 2011

METRO I NOVEMBER 7, 2011 I THE CHRONICLE

33

Separation of church and state

by Samantha Bohne Contributing Writer SAME-SEX COUPLES may have a harder time

adopting and fostering children if a proposed bill is passed in the Illinois Senate.

Sen. Kyle McCarter (R-Decatur) proposed Senate Bill 2495 on Oct. 12, that would amend the state’s Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act to allow religious organizations like Catholic Charities, a global network of charity groups, to turn down any same-sex couple looking to adopt children or become foster parents.

The only thing that is driving this extremely unique situation is, quite frankly, the gay rights lobby, which is driving this movement to get us out of foster care.”

CANNABIS TICKETING

MCT Newswire

Decriminalization of small amounts of cannabis is called for by city aldermen

by Vanessa Morton Metro Editor

A PROPOSED ordinance, if enacted, would

change the way Chicago regulates marijuana possession, potentially raising revenue for the city and allowing police to focus on more serious crimes.

Alderman Danny Solis (25th Ward) introduced the ordinance at a City Council meeting on Nov. 2, which would, in effect, decriminalize small amounts of marijuana. The “marijuana ticketing ordinance” would allow police to ticket those caught with 10 grams or less of cannabis instead of arresting them.

–Kyle McCarter

At a City Hall news conference held after the meeting, Solis, along with nine other supporting aldermen, explained why decriminalizing marijuana would be beneficial to the city.

“This is an ordinance that will not only save the city of Chicago money but will also increase and generate revenue,” Solis said.

“The [city] can re-allocate police manpower to more serious, dangerous criminal offenses while saving the taxpayers money.”

According to Solis, the city’s police department, on average, makes more than 23,000 arrests per year for possession of small amounts of marijuana, and approximately 90 percent of the cases are thrown out of court. He said he’d rather see the time spent patrolling the neighborhood streets to keep communities safe.

“The real tragedy of this is that most

of these arrests [that] are being made are in poor, African-American [and] Hispanic communities where high crime rates are going on and police are being taken out of the field,” Solis said.

Alderman Deborah Graham (29th Ward), a supporter of decriminalization, agreed with Solis and said the ordinance would allow police to use their discretion. She said by looking at the number of arrests, it has become apparent that racial disparity is a huge issue.

Ward-by-ward research was conducted and aldermen accounted for the number of arrests that occurred in their wards.

Within a ten-year period, statistics show that the 28th Ward, with a predominately African-American population, led

Care packages allow troops a break from the highly stressful life of being stationed abroad, according to Bret Moore, a former Army psychologist and author of “Wheels Bound: Adjusting to Life After Deployment.”

The packages allow troops to reconnect to life back home.

“If you look back at all the wars, it’s a big issue or a big deal for [troops] to get letters from home,” Moore said. “It helps bridge that 12,000-mile gap that our [troops] are

dealing with right now.”

When Moore was deployed for almost two-and-a-half years, he said care packages were the highlight of his week. He said he received one approximately every other week from family, friends and various organizations.

“Halloween is a holiday that most people like to observe with their children and in my experience, it helps keep [troops] connected,” Moore said of the candy-

“[Catholic Charities] does have a sincere religious belief that prohibits them from placing children with unmarried couples, so this legislation would make it very clear that they could continue to provide homes for kids in Southern Illinois,” McCarter said.

“When they are presented with the opportunity by an unmarried couple, they will simply refer them to the Department of [Children and] Family Services.”

Randy Hannig, director of public policy at Equality Illinois, an equal rights group for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community, said the bill would create a double standard [barred by] the Civil Union Act. The act, signed on Jan. 30 by Gov. Pat Quinn, requires adoption and foster care

xx SEE MARIJUANA, PG. 37

xx SEE CATHOLIC, PG. 36

Dollars for Halloween treats

Dentists buy candy from children to ship to soldiers overseas

by Greg Cappis Assistant Metro Editor

HALLOWEEN IS over and candy has been over-

flowing from pantries, kitchens and living rooms for the past week. What to do with it all? Either eat it and add two inches to a waistline, throw it out or donate it.There is also another option: Sell it.

Dentists across the nation are buying Halloween candy this month to get the sugary treats out of children’s hands and into the ammo pouches of troops. Dr. Chris Kammer, of Middleton, Wisc., started the candy buy-back program in 2007. It has expanded from 300 dentists in the first year to approximately 1,500 participants in 2011. Dentist offices buy candy for an average price of $1 per pound, then ship the candy to Operation Gratitude, a non-profit organization that delivers care packages to troops overseas.

filled packages.

Operation Gratitude received 250,000 pounds of candy last year, according to the organization’s founder, Carolyn Blashek.

When the candy arrives at the Van Nuys, Calif.-based organization, volunteers fill packages with toiletries, entertainment items and personal letters. They use the treats in place of foam peanuts or bubble

CANDY

xx SEE CANDY, PG. 36

Y

ND

CA

Jonathan Allen THE CHRONICLE

34

THE COLUMBIA CHRONICLE

I NOVEMBER 7, 2011

Charles In Charge

Chicago’s pot luck AT THE most

recent Chicago City Council meeting on Nov. 2, Alderman Daniel Solis (25th Ward) introduced a new bill that would decriminalize

by Sam Charles possessing small Managing Editor amounts of marijuana.

If passed, those caught with 10 grams or less of marijuana would be issued a $200 ticket instead of being arrested and potentially facing jail time.

There really isn’t a downside to this proposal. Cops won’t waste time on low priority drug arrests, fewer people will crowd the legal system and the city would stand to make money off the issued tickets.

So far, there have been no outspoken critics of Solis’ plan, which is surprising because it’s still more politically sexy to denounce “narcotic” decriminalization even with more than half of the American population reportedly in favor of the complete legalization of marijuana. So maybe—just maybe—Chicago politicos are ahead of the curve.

Comedian Daniel Tosh once joked, “I think we should legalize marijuana in this country so potheads have nothing to talk about ever again.”

While full legalization is probably further down the road than it should be, Tosh alluded to something much more

profound, whether he meant to or not.

The clichéd stereotype of a traditional pot smoker, which stemmed from the propaganda film turned cult classic “Reefer Madness,” is not worthy of serious attention anymore. Society as a whole has evolved and moved on to more important and pressing issues like the country’s economic anemia and ways to remedy it.

Marijuana’s assimilation into Chicago is a process that needs to be handled gingerly because it can serve as a trial run for the rest of the nation. While there are already several states in the country that have decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana, Chicago would be a marquee addition because the city would be taking the measure independently of the entire state. But more importantly, it will show a more open and creative approach toward urban policing.

Chicago is perpetually included in the “Most Dangerous Cities in America” conversation. With that kind of reputation—which is deserved, to a certain degree—it seems city brass has finally wised up.

I’m always looking for a way to criticize and find flaws in Chicago’s political logic and rationale. But right now—for the first time in a while—I’m at a loss. Maybe I’m not trying hard enough, but I kind of like the whole “I support my local government” feeling I have right now.

What a wild concept.

For more information on the issue, see “Cannabis Ticketing” on PG. 33. scharles@chroniclemail.com

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METRO I NOVEMBER 7, 2011 I THE CHRONICLE

File photo

Aldermen attend a City Council budget hearing on Nov. 2 to gain public feedback on the mayor’s 2012 budget plans.

CITY CONCERNED Aldermen, members of the public call for changes in the mayor’s budget proposal

by Vanessa Morton Metro Editor MAYOR RAHM Emanuel’s effort to alleviate

the city’s financial crisis has been dealt a setback as the public and City Council members called for changes in his 2012 city budget plan.

A “Dear Rahm” letter—signed by 28 of the city’s 50 aldermen—was sent to the mayor on Nov.1. The letter expressed concerns regarding the proposed budget cuts

to library funding, the consolidation of 12 mental health clinics into six, reductions in graffiti removal crews and a cutback of $10 million from public safety operations at the city’s 911 call center.

“We are appreciative of the efforts you and your staff have made to address the dire fiscal situation that we face as a city,” the letter stated. “However, some of the proposed budget calls for cuts to essential services that the residents of the city of Chicago rely upon. These cuts will have a negative effect on the safety and quality of life of our residents and must be averted.”

Emanuel addressed the letter on Nov. 2 in the City Council conference room. While

he said he was open to discuss alternatives to his budget proposal, Emanuel also stated that he would not be “open to changing where we’re going.”

“There’s some issues, and we’re going to work through on a couple issues,” he said.

“But we’re not going back to a budget or a budget process that doesn’t shape our future, doesn’t make tough choices and [we’re going to] put Chicago’s financial house in order.”

However, it wasn’t until the extensive public budget hearing that members of the City Council heard stories from more than 50 people regarding how the proposed cuts would affect their lives.

Groups of library supporters, mental health patients and facilitators lined up alongside the podium, waiting for their turn to speak.

35

Robert Wislow, chairman of the Public Library Foundation, shared with the audience how the Chicago Public Library has helped shape his life as a businessman, and the vital role of libraries today.

Author Sara Paretsky, a representative of the CPL, told the aldermen to reconsider the library reductions because cutting its funding would reduce its ability to serve the people of Chicago.

“The budget cuts that are contemplated will shut the door on our neighborhood libraries just at the time that people need them the most, and a city is more than a bottom line,” Paretsky said. “It’s possible that by making drastic budget cuts we could balance this budget overnight, but we would pay a very steep price for this in the future for the economic liability of our city.”

Joel Johnson, CEO of the Human Resources Development Institute, said through these cuts their agency has experienced a 20 percent rate reduction, which ultimately affects the funding of Chicago’s social and safety net gear.

“Recognizing that there are other funding priorities [and] other important budget issues, we would just encourage alternative funding opportunities to be explored,” Johnson said. “I just ask you to consider that option as we look at the impact that the loss of these types of programs have on our community.”

However, Emanuel stood firm at the conference,saying the budget cuts were vital to solving Chicago’s “structural deficit.”

“We’re going to have to make sure that we have the costs, the savings and the reforms that are in the system, and that is what is important to me,” he said. vmorton@chroniclemail.com

Cellini found guilty in extortion trial

by Bill Ruthhart, Ryan Haggerty and Annie Sweeney MCT Newswire

JURORS WHO convicted Illinois power broker

William Cellini on extortion and bribery charges said their decision hinged heavily on undercover recordings, not testimony from the government’s star witness, corrupt insider Stuart Levine.

During Cellini’s more than three-week trial, defense attorneys repeatedly questioned Levine’s credibility, highlighting his history of drug abuse and his guilty plea to corruption charges.

In the end, it was Cellini’s voice on government recordings tying him to the extortion scheme that led the jury to find him guilty on one count of conspiracy to commit extortion and a second of aiding and abetting the solicitation of a bribe, jurors said on Nov. 1.

“Obviously, the hardest evidence in this case was the tapes,” said jury foreman William Nast. “That’s where we spent most of our time, and [we] really just tried to make up our minds based on that.”

Prosecutors accused Cellini of conspiring with Levine to try to squeeze a $1.5 million contribution for then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s campaign from Hollywood producer Thomas Rosenberg.

A primary goal of Cellini’s defense team had been to discredit Levine, and jurors received a full accounting of his history of corruption and his 24-hour drug binges at Lincolnwood’s Purple Hotel.

“We wouldn’t have been able to prove [Cellini] guilty beyond a reasonable doubt strictly on [Levine’s] testimony,” said Nast, 27, of Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. “That’s why we said we have

to rely on the tapes. We did not rely on Levine’s testimony.”

The jury felt prosecutors fell short in proving two other criminal counts: conspiracy to commit mail fraud and attempted extortion.

“There were [nuances] in the law that had to be proven that we didn’t think were proven beyond a reasonable doubt,” Nast said. “We really took each count independently.”

Jurors felt the recordings didn’t prove Cellini’s guilt on those two counts because he was not recorded directly implicating himself, he said. The charge of conspiracy to commit mail fraud relied too much on the word of Levine, Nast said.

It took the jury a little more than three days to reach the verdict. The group had to restart deliberations on Oct. 27 with an alternate member after one juror was dismissed from the case for an unspecified conflict of interest. Nast said the juror’s dismissal did not significantly disrupt the deliberations, which he described as civil and respectful. The verdict was announced shortly after noon and two hours later, five of the jurors were at the Elephant & Castle Pub near the courthouse.

“It was no one thing,” said Jennifer van Boven, of Barrington, of the jury’s decision.

“Sometimes there is gray and you have to filter through that... What can you say? We followed the evidence.”

Van Boven and fellow juror Paulette Green, of Round Lake Park, said there was not a single moment on the undercover recordings or one piece of testimony that led to their decision, but that the verdict was based on the totality of the evidence.

Green said she had to take Levine’s testimony “with caution,” as they were instructed

to do by the judge.

It’s not the first time a jury has found Levine’s credibility wanting. In the 2008 federal corruption trial of political insider Antoin “Tony” Rezko, jurors listened to Levine on the stand for more than three weeks, but decided they could not rely on his testimony alone to send Rezko to prison. That jury found Rezko guilty on 16 of 24 counts, the only charges for which they had other evidence to back up Levine’s testimony.

In deliberations over Cellini’s fate, jurors listened to each of the government’s undercover recordings, taking notes and discussing the tapes after each was played, Nast

said. They listened to some of the recordings more than once, he said.

The jurors had made up their minds by midafternoon on Oct. 28, but they took the weekend, including Oct. 31, to think about it. When the 12 jurors returned to their conference room on the 25th floor of the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse on Nov. 1, no one had changed their mind.

“It’s been a five-week ordeal,” said juror Louis Ruiz, of Naperville. “It wasn’t an openand-shut case. What we did was follow the letter of the law, and that’s how we came to our decision. We put our emotions aside.” chronicle@colum.edu

MCT Newswire

(Left) William Cellini and his wife Julie (right) leave the Durksen Federal Building on Nov. 1, after a jury convicted him of conspiring to shake down the Oscar-winning producer of “Million Dollar Baby” for campaign cash.

36

THE COLUMBIA CHRONICLE

I NOVEMBER 7, 2011

xx CANDY Continued from PG. 33 wrap to stuff the packages.

Troops have written to the charitable organization about the impact of the care packages. In one letter, a member of the military said he and his squad members pass the candy out to local children in exchange for information.

“We give [the local children] candy and toys, and they give us the location for

[improvised explosion devices],” said a serviceman in a letter to Operation Gratitude.

The program not only saves lives, but it can also prevent cavities. At Westend Dental, 1170 W. Armitage Ave., kids pick their favorite 14 pieces of candy and donate the rest, according to Tracy Zander, marketing manager for Westend Dental. This allows them one snack per day for the first two weeks of November.

At Dentistry for Kids, 4801 W. Peterson Ave., donators receive a gold Sacagawea dollar in return for each pound of sweets donated. The office will be handing out

the gold coins for the rest of November. In 2010, the office received approximately 100 pounds of candy, and by Nov. 1, the practice had already exceeded 2010’s total, according to dentist Cissy Furusho.

“I don’t know how good [the children] are feeling about giving away their candy, but they know that it’s going somewhere better to someone who can’t trick-or-treat,” Furusho said.

She said the practice doesn’t gain anything monetarily from partaking in the program—just a good feeling.They actually lose money when they hand out gold coins

Courtesy OPERATION GRATITUDE

to patients and pay to ship the candy to California, Furusho added.

After parting ways with their sweets, children are encouraged to write letters to the troops that will receive their candy, Blashnek said. Operation Gratitude gathers the letters and candy and ships them to military personnel halfway across the world.

“Getting a care package is a huge morale booster,” Moore said. “I think it’s really neat when [troops] can feel part of Halloween.” gcappis@chroniclemail.com

Sara Mays THE CHRONICLE

xx CATHOLIC Continued from PG. 33 agencies to be nondiscriminatory toward applicants. “[Catholic Charities] will be taking state money for their services. At the same time, they’re saying to the state, ‘Well, I’m going to take your money, but I’m not going to follow the law that you have set out for us to follow, and we’re going to continue to be discriminatory in our practices,’” Hannig said.

He argued that the state should not fund Catholic Charities when it exempts itself

is not violating the Civil Union Act because of its interpretation.

“We think we are in conformity with the law, so we’re supporting [Senate Bill] 2495 because it further clarifies what we already think is true,” he said.

According to McCarter, Catholic Charities organizations are responsible for the majority of adoptions and foster care placements in Southern Illinois, and if they lose their funding, there will be a backlog of children without parents.

“If we’re going to get that job done here in the state and have it done by people that really care, we need to make it possible for Catholic Charities to do that,” McCarter said.

Allowing publicly funded welfare industries to reject otherwise qualified parents, only because they are lesbian or gay, definitely limits the pool of best parents [who] are available for these children.”

–Randy Hannig

MCT Newswire

Same-sex couples, such as Karla Thomas and Stacy Beardsle (above), could be denied the right to adopt children from Catholic Charities if the state senate passes a proposed bill. Catholic Charities accounts for the majority of adoption agencies in Southern Illinois.

from laws that apply to all other agencies.

“This is actually the fourth time this year that [Catholic Charities] has tried to basically carve out an exemption for itself in terms of adoption and foster care standards,” Hannig said.

But McCarter said the act stated it would not interfere with any religious agency when it was passed into law in early 2011.

Bob Gilligan, executive director of the Catholic Conference of Illinois, a group that represents the Catholic voice in public policy issues, said supporters of the bill are taking action because of the lack of clarity contained in the Civil Union Act. He said the act is not specific about discrimination against adoption and foster care applicants.

“It’s something that has been worked out, and for years this has never been a problem to our knowledge,” Gilligan said. “The only thing that is driving this extremely unique situation is, quite frankly, the gay rights lobby which is driving this movement to get us out of foster care.”

According to Gilligan, Catholic Charities

However, Hannig said it will be harder for gay and lesbian parents to adopt and foster children if the bill is passed.

“Allowing publicly funded welfare industries to reject otherwise qualified parents, only because they are lesbian or gay, definitely limits the pool of best parents [who] are available for these children,” Hannig said. “And it also keeps these children in the system even longer.”

McCarter said Catholic Charities has been proven to perform adoptions and foster care placements for much less than the DCFS and has quality ratings to back up its work. While he believes there are enough votes in the Senate and House to pass the bill, McCarter said it needs get done as soon as possible.

“The concern here is not the [financial well-being] of an organization,” he said.

“It’s important that we pass this for the sake of the kids [who] are looking to be placed in homes in Southern Illinois.” chronicle@colum.com

xx MARIJUANA Continued from PG. 33 the city with 12,270 arrests in December 2010. However, the 32nd and 43rd wards had 719 and 529 arrests respectively.

John Fritchey, Cook County commissioner, agreed current enforcement procedures are unjust. He said, based on the facts, he encourages passage of the ordinance. “[The ordinance] is going to help bring down use and is going to have a more equal spread when you are talking about the racial disparity,” Fritchey said. “When [you] look at the fact that 90 percent of these cases are being thrown out, yet 90 percent of these conditions are still minorities, there’s a problem here with how it’s being enforced and how the police are using this as a weapon.”

Solis said the ordinance would create a level playing field for individuals caught with marijuana. He would require that any person found with 10 grams or less of cannabis would be fined $200 and be required to perform up to 10 hours of community service.

Despite many supporters of the ordinance, the mayor has not indicated a possible endorsement.

When asked about the ticketing ordinance after the City Council meeting, he said he had already been given a similar suggestion by a member of the police department’s gang unit and was looking into it. However, he also stated that the issue had two aspects that he needed to further investigate.

“The first part is the issue of the costs

of the system, and then there is also the criminal justice side, so I have to evaluate both—not one or the other,” Emanuel said.

“Marijuana is a criminal justice offense. If you have looked at other cities that have done something like this, they’ve also created their own set of problems, so if we do it, I want to look at it from both sides and be thoughtful.”

But Solis said he also wants to continue to do more research and estimated there would be at least three hearings to get expert opinions, including the police department and from social scientists. He said the ordinance would most likely not be voted on until sometime next year.

“And then in the beginning of the year, I hope to have the best possible ordinance for the benefit of our city, for the benefit of our neighborhoods and our communities, so we can get more police out into our streets,” Solis said.

Alderman Bob Fioretti (2nd Ward) denied this is a step toward the legalization of marijuana.

“Let’s not forget what this ordinance is about. We are saying marijuana possession is illegal no matter how low the level, [but] what we are saying is there is a more financially sensible and rational method to deal with low-level offenders who are arrested,” Fioretti said. “Offenders will continue to pay the price for their illegal activity and with this ordinance, the city will no longer pay the unnecessary price of unjustified jail and police costs, and we’ll have better use of our resources for other safety measures.” vmorton@chroniclemail.com

37

Photo: George Hagegeorge

METRO I NOVEMBER 7, 2011 I THE CHRONICLE

MCA Stage Dance Exchange Theater Dance Music Liz Lerman’s 2011 ⁄ 12 The Matter of Origins Nov 10–13, 7:30 pm Copresented with the Chicago Humanities Festival

“This hour-long contemplation of the universe is a work of expansive range, emotional depth and singular beauty.”

Sarah Kaufman, The Washington Post

Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

mcachicago.org

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$10 student tickets.* Visit mcachicago.org or call the MCA box office at 312.397.4010. *Subject to availability

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Support for this project is generously provided by the Boeing Company.

Generous support for the 2011–12 season of MCA Stage is provided

by Elizabeth A. Liebman, David Herro and Jay Franke, Susan and Lew Manilow, Lois and Steve Eisen and The Eisen Family Foundation, The Weasel Fund, Mary Ittelson, Carol Prins and John Hart/The Jessica Fund, Ellen Stone Belic, and Richard and Ann Tomlinson.

Season Sponsor

Official Airline of MCA Chicago

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+ TALENTPOOL find your creative other

talent.colum.edu + ++

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MCT Newswire

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METRO I NOVEMBER 7, 2011 I THE CHRONICLE

38

Sara Mays THE CHRONICLE

Pros Arts Studio and Pilsen Environmental Rights and Reform Organization took part in the “Dia de los Muertos” procession in the Pilsen neighborhood on Nov. 2. “Dia de los Muertos” is the longest running Day of the Dead event in Pilsen, having been celebrated for 32 years. The procession was held to remember those who have died from air pollution.

IN OTHER NEWS Drug lord

Computer virus

Rides for homeless

Bags bagged

According to SunTimes.com, Chicago has a new Scarface. Jauquin “Chapo” Guzman is a Mexican drug kingpin of the Sinaloa Cartel, which allegedly smuggles marijuana and other narcotics in planes, trains, ships, trucks, cars and submarines. Most of the product comes from Mexico, but some is grown nearby in Wisconsin amidst pine forests and pristine lakes. Chicago is the main transaction point for the drug grown in Wisconsin.According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Mexican drug cartel is even more violent than Chicago’s Italian mob.

Hackers exploited an unknown bug in Microsoft Corporation’s Windows operating system to infect computers with the Duqu virus.This could be the next big cyber threat, experts said. According to HuffingtonPost.com, the virus surfaced in October 2011. Duqu is similar to the Stuxnet virus that was believed to wreak havoc on Iran’s nuclear program. Analysis suggested Duqu was developed by hackers to lay the groundwork for attacks on critical infrastructure, such as power plants. Researchers said Duqu infected machines after people opened corrupt documents.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel took steps to ensure homeless people can get rides to homeless shelters in the middle of the night, according to ChicagoTribune.com. Emanuel proposed to set aside $200,000 to reinstate two or three homeless outreach teams that would operate from midnight to 8 a.m.

These teams were eliminated two months ago after the state cut funding for homeless support in half. Keeping Chicagoans safe during the challenging winter months is a top priority, Emanuel said. No announcement has been made as to when the overnight rides will be restored.

A proposed ordinance would ban large stores from putting customer’s products in plastic bags, according to ChicagoTribune. com. Alderman Proco Joe Moreno (1st Ward) introduced the ordinance at a City Hall meeting on Nov. 2. Stores larger than 5,000 square feet would be prohibited from using plastic bags with fines starting at approximately $1,000. Smaller stores would be exempted under Moreno’s plan because of the higher cost of paper and biodegradable bags. He said he expects smaller stores to start using environmental friendly bags as the costs come down with increased sales.

OFF THE BLOTTER Stab in the dark

Leg man

Congress Parkway Harrison St

Columbus Drive

Wabash St

Roosevelt Road Michigan Ave Compiled by The Chronicle staff with information provided by the Chicago Police Department.

Lake Shore Drive

State St

Clark St

Balbo Drive

According to police reports, on Nov. 2 a man was taken into custody after he was seen with a steel knife on a train at the Roosevelt and State Red Line station, 1167 S. State St. A witness told police that before the offender entered the train, he saw the steel knife protruding from the offender’s waist band.

According to the witness, after the offender entered the train, he then began swinging the knife around in the air, putting numerous CTA passengers in danger.

‘But my tip’ On Oct. 26, a woman called police at her home on South Michigan Avenue after she was sexually assaulted by her PeaPod Food Service delivery man. After bringing in her groceries and engaging in conversation, he steered her to her bedroom. The victim said the offender told her to turn around, and he began to assault her. In order to get him to leave, she told him she was gay and her girlfriend would be home soon. The offender released her and said he’d be back later for his tip. He was taken into custody after making his last delivery.

On Oct. 30, police responded to a call made by a security officer at 2 E. 8th Street after a man was caught trespassing in a woman’s apartment. The victim told police that she was sleeping on her sofa and awoke to see the man standing over her. She said the offender then sat next to her and began rubbing her legs. The offender then left the apartment but came back later banging on her door. He tried to exit the lobby but was stopped by security personnel.

Withdrawal symptom According to police reports, on Nov. 1 a call was made by a manager of the TCF Bank inside Jewel-Osco, 1224 S. Wabash Ave. When police arrived at the scene, the manager told them a man he was assisting suddenly became irate after learning he had no money in his account. He then told the manager and two other tellers that he was going to get a gun and kill them, starting with the manager. The manager said the offender then fled the scene.

Police scoured the area, but the man was not found.

GAMES I NOVEMBER 7, 2011 I THE CHRONICLE

HOROSCOPES

SUDOKU

9

ARIES (March 21–April 20) A younger friend or relative may be unusually upset this week by a rare social argument. If so, expect roommates or long-term companions to be unresponsive to home proposals or vital family concerns. Encourage patience and avoid detailed financial discussions: Emotional disputes are intense but will soon prove temporary. Late Saturday, a past colleague or work official may present an unusual job request.

New projects will take extra time to finalize: Ask for detailed paperwork.

TAURUS (April 21–May 20) Financial limits will soon be revised. Early this week, someone close may provide improved money strategies or extra funding. Employment advancement or creative business plans are accented.

Thoroughly discuss all new risks or options: Timing, family obligations and ongoing payments will now require careful consideration. After Friday, a new friendship may quickly evolve into romantic attraction. Listen to your first instincts: Complex social restrictions may soon prove bothersome.

4 6

CANCER (June 22–July 22) Rental agreements, property restrictions or new purchases will require determination this week. Authority figures or older relatives may be unwilling to provide permissions. Remain focused: Disrupted plans will cause lengthy delays but will eventually lead to success. Later this weekend, enjoy private social encounters or light romance. Intimacy and renewed trust will prove highly rewarding in the weeks to come: Make sure loved ones understand your needs and intentions.

LEO (July 22–Aug. 22) Workplace politics and minor differences between colleagues are not easily avoided this week. Co-workers or business partners may now ask for final documents or written explanations. Added costs, longterm spending or unexpected repairs may be key issues. Provide detailed facts, figures or estimates. Friday through Sunday, highlight bold romantic discussions, home changes and complex family decisions. Speak your mind and expect honest observations: All is well.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Brief love affairs are delightful this week but unreliable. Respond positively to new flirtations but avoid serious expectations. At present, potential friends or lovers will require extra time to reveal their true feelings: Expect quiet moments as well as sudden outbursts or quick discussions. Later this week, a distant friend may need comfort and emotional support. Family or financial changes are accented. Ask gently probing questions and offer advice: Your insights will be appreciated.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 23) Ongoing money restrictions will now steadily fade.

Reduced payments, special arrangements or added sources of income are highlighted during the next nine days. Carefully study documents and finalize outstanding agreements. If not properly completed or verified, small but important details may be easily misinterpreted. Stay focused. After mid–week, some Librans will receive a unique invitation to travel, study or join a new social circle. Don’t hold back: There’s much to learn.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24–Nov. 22) Loved ones may this week respond poorly to family suggestions. Social planning or travel schedules may be a strong theme.

Watch for signs of group involvement before proposing change. Go slow and wait for improvement: At present, close relatives and long-term friends may feel unusually distrustful of shared motives. Late this weekend, romance, sensuality and rekindled passion are a strong theme: Stay alert and expect the return of past lovers or distant friends.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23–Dec. 21) Enjoy familiar family activities and private social encounters this week. During the next few days, physical vitality may be low: Rest and allow the body extra time to adjust to new health regimes.

After Thursday, romantic partners will offer seductive overtures and gentle flirtations. Emotional breakthroughs will soon captivate your undivided interest and move stalled relationships forward. Be expressive and make sure others appreciate your thoughts, needs and goals: All is well.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22–Jan. 20) Close relatives are introspective this week and may be easily irritated by new information. Recent disappointments with older friends or authority figures may be an underlying influence. Avoid public discussion, if possible, and wait for consistent improvement: Complex issues of self-esteem or public reputation are a central theme. After Thursday, business and financial decisions will work to your advantage. It’s time to take action: Ask friends or colleagues for reliable paperwork.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21–Feb. 19) Shared activities are rewarding during the next few days. Social gatherings and family events will this week increase confidence. Use this time to foster understanding between loved ones or explore new trust in intimate relationships. Long-term romantic promises take on a serious and practical tone. Respond quickly. After mid–week, watch for business officials to restructure team projects or find positive outlets for new employees. Stay balanced: New discussions will prove controversial.

PISCES (Feb. 20–March 20) Group events or rare invitations may this week bring a fresh circle of friends into your life. Several weeks of sluggish romantic progress or emotional isolation now needs to end. Explore new activities and respond quickly to all social proposals. Optimism and self-awareness will soon be a continuing theme. Don’t hold back. Late this weekend accents property decisions and minor power struggles within the home: Expect relatives or roommates to push for revised obligations.

Level 4

2 7 4

3 6 9 7 1 2 8 4 2 1 9 4

9 9 3 1 3 6 1 9 3 5 2 9 7

GEMINI (May 21–June 21) Family planning is easily disrupted during the next five days. Expect loved ones to present conflicting schedules or disjointed social priorities. Act as mediator, if possible. Close relatives and long-term friends may disagree on home celebrations or public events. Advocate compromise. Your suggestions will be closely studied. After Saturday, many Geminis will begin a new era of social interest, business ambition and career expansion. Ask key officials for special favors.

CROSSWORD

39

1

Puzzle by websudoku.com

“Keeping It Together: Paper Clips & Paper Fasteners”

Chicago’s Perfect 10 11.7.11 All Day // Columbia Library, South Campus Building, 624 S. Michigan Ave., 2nd floor

11.12.11 8 a.m.; expo: 10 a.m. – 5p.m. // Navy Pier 600 E. Grand Ave.

Take a moment to honor the paper clip on the Library’s second floor. The exhibit includes images of distinctive fasteners from the 19th and 20th centuries, removed during the processing of archival collections.

Feeling energized? Run a 10-mile or 10-km race along the lakefront or. Following will be an after-party and a free Quality of Life expo, featuring dozens of vendors focused on healthy living. Thos (312) 204-9900 50$ for race; FREE for expo

cadc@colum.edu FREE

Monday

11.07

Tuesday

Monday

11.08

11.07

Tuesday

11.08

“Crime Unseen”

“Wood Type Evolved, Experimental

Parle Mondays

“Battlestar Galactica” Trivia Night

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Letterpress in the 21st Century”

9 p.m.

7:30 – 10 p.m.

Museum of Contemporary Photography

10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Beauty Bar

Harrigan’s

Alexandroff Campus Center

Center for Book and Paper Arts

1444 W. Chicago Ave.

2816 N. Halsted St.

600 S. Michigan Ave., 1st floor

Conaway Center

(312) 226-8828

(773) 248-5933

(312) 663-5554

1104 S. Wabash Ave., 2nd floor

FREE

$5

FREE

(312) 369-6630 “Twentyone”

“Democracy Burlesque: Hypocrisy Now”

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

FREE One Tribe Coffee Talk 5 – 7 p.m.

Tips on Tuesdays:

The Side Project Theatre

Mary’s Attic

Multipurpose Studio

The Business Part Two

1439 W. Jarvis Ave.

5400 N. Clark St.

618 S. Michigan Ave. Building, 4th floor

Noon

(773) 973-2150

(773) 784-6969

(312) 369-7569

Multipurpose Studio

$20; $10 for students and

$15

FREE

618 S. Michigan Ave. Building, 4th floor

military with valid ID

Wednesday

11.09

“Unfree Freedom: An Exploration of

(312) 369-7994

Wednesday

FREE

Thursday

11.10

Identity in Central Europe”

11.09

Thursday

11.10

“ComedySportz” 8 and 10 p.m.

Here’s the Story

ComedySportz Theatre

7:30 p.m. – midnight

929 W. Belmont Ave.

10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Lectures in Photography: Deborah Luster

Stage 773

(773) 549-8080

Center for Book and Paper Arts

6 p.m.

1225 W. Belmont Ave.

$22; $10 for students with valid ID

Conaway Center

Ferguson Lecture Hall

(773) 327-5252

1104 S. Wabash Ave., 2nd floor

Alexandroff Campus Center

FREE; 21+

(312) 369-6630

600 S. Michigan Ave., 1st floor

FREE

dbey@colum.edu

“The Magic Cabaret”

FREE

7:30 p.m.

“Found Footage Festival vs.

The Greenhouse Theater Center

Found Magazine”

Friday

Game Night at the Court

19th Annual Hokin Honors

2257 N. Lincoln Ave.

8 p.m.

7 – 10 p.m.

Exhibiton opening reception

(773) 404-7336

Music Box Theatre

Residence Center

5 – 7 p.m.

$20

3733 N. Southport Ave.

731 S. Plymouth Court

C33 Gallery

(773) 871-6604

(312) 369-6920

33 E. Congress Parkway Building

$13

FREE

(312) 369-6856

Friday

11.11

2011 Albert P. Weisman

FREE

Saturday

11.12

Award Exhibition

“The Columbia Chronicle”

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

All day

The Arcade

Columbia Library, South Campus Building

618 S. Michigan Ave. Building, 2nd floor

624 S. Michigan Ave., 1st floor

(312) 369-8177

cadc@colum.edu

FREE

FREE

“Veteran Administration Guidance and

Sunday

Research Center at Columbia College”

11.11

11.13

All day

“Alumni on 5: Revolution of Self”

Columbia Library, South Campus Building

All day

624 S. Michigan Ave., 2nd floor

Columbia Library, South Campus Building

cadc@colum.edu

624 S. Michigan Ave., 5th floor

FREE

jadams@colum.edu FREE

music

movie

art

Exhibit

theater

speaker

food

AccuWeather.com Seven-day forecast for Chicago

celebrity

reading

Columbia

Sports

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2011

MONDAY

MON. NIGHT

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Mostly cloudy

Rain, some heavy

Cloudy with rain possible

Windy with rain possible

Remaining cloudy

Clouds and sun, a shower

A full day of sunshine

A shower in the afternoon

High 58

Low 46

High 54 Low 43

High 51 Low 30

High 44 Low 31

High 46 Low 34

High 41 Low 37

High 58 Low 33