Volume 1 - Issue 1 www.uptownexchange.netThe premier news source for Truman College and the surrounding community

Truman College plans to turn over operation of its campus physical education facility to the Lakeview YMCA in time for the 2005 fall semester. Due to

budget considerations, the facility is currently closed to students. Truman students however, could be enjoying gym and pool facilities before the next snow. Richard Cleeg, Executive Director of the Lakeview YMCA, stated that the YMCA plans to update the facility with a membership desk, state-of-the-art fi tness equipment, and program materials including stability balls and yoga mats. “The equipment and expertise they’d bring to the table is great,” stated Clifton Truman Daniel, Truman College’s Director of Public Relations.

The facility will fi rst open as a Student YMCA offering classes and personal trainers. Students will be able buy a semester-long membership for an as yet undetermined fee. Student Dexter Harris, age 20, stated that he would be interested in joining if, “It’s open at convenient times.” Dawn Moncrief, age 28, echoed that same sentiment, adding, “They’d have

better equipment than before.” Cleeg explained that once the facility has been opened to students, the YMCA plans to open its doors to the community. Currently other YMCA’s and groups are using the facilities. The YMCA plans to work with the Chicago Department of Aging to do a Senior Activity Center during the day. Louise Smith, Director of the Jane Addams Hull House Center for the Arts, liked the idea of a community YMCA and thought that it would be, “Good for all businesses on Wilson Avenue.” She continued, “It makes Wilson Avenue more of a destination place.” Arlene Crewdson, Executive Director of Pegasus Players, recalls a 1988 production of The Frogs, performed in the pool. The most expensive seats were poolside. Robert Hughes, Truman College Associate Professor, said “People used to fi ght to get in [to the gym]. It would be wonderful if it was revived. It could be a real center.”

Truman Gym to Re-open Fall 2005

The Big Gulp cup is fi lled to the brim with Bacardi Gold rum and a splash of Pepsi Twist. Corneilius Hill downs half of it in four swigs, takes a breath,

and drains the plastic cup completely. “Now I gotta go take a quiz before midnight,” he says. As a Keller Graduate school on-line student, Corneilius has engaged in this pre-test ritual for over a year now, he is all too comfortable going to “class” in his signature stars-and-stripes baggy “Smackdown” wrestler pants. Is it right for one to be dressed the same for a project

management examination as one would for a prostate examination? Can I wear my bleached blotchy boxers to biology? Are the hallowed halls of higher education now tantamount with the hallowed halls of the household? You bet. One needs discipline to complete the programs that are sometimes even more rigorous than traditional schooling. On-line learning is devoid of the tangents and prattling of an overburdened professor. Instead, the student takes command in discussion forums.The accredited institutions require an entrance exam, and keep tabs on students who must interact with one another via group projects by a minimum weekly log-on requirement. Tests are all timed and proctored online. “There are some ways to beat the system,” Corneilius says, “but it’s a little harder than cheating at a traditional school.” While the curriculum is in line with that of a traditional college— Corneilius pays about $1700 per class— the only thing missing is the “human” element. That may be a welcome benefi t to the thirty-somethings that don’t want to sit in a classroom full of 18 year olds. Distractions are few. Class starts when you log on and fi nishes when you logoff. Like it or not, those poorly adjusted, socially inept high-school kids will now have the option of becoming poorly adjusted, socially inept college students, who get their online degree, apply for a job online, and work directly out of their home. Lucky for some, there are no shortages of online dating services.

Online UBy Ezekiel Garnett

By Kari McLean

GREATEST PULL QUOTEGREATEST PULL QUOTEGREATEST PULL QUOTE

Cycling through most of Chicago’s winter, Truman College English major, Garrett Santora, age 19, rides his bike to work and for recreation

and exercise. Santora says that cycling is, “A great time to me, and it is a great way to get around and get exercise.” Truman English Professor and bike enthusiast Andrea Kaspryk enjoys cycling for, “The sense of independence and fl exibility you get. “ Ethan Spotts, Director of Events Marketing of the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation cited the benefi ts of cycling: “Good for your health, reducing traffi c, creating a healthy lifestyle for yourself… plus, it’s a lot of fun.” Springtime brings better weather for beginning and expert riders. Cyclists cite a number of benefi ts and concerns. Truman students and Uptown residents may have some safety concerns about cycling in Uptown. “This morning I saw a man open the door of his Jeep and nail this poor girl… she fell pretty hard,” said Santora. “The worry of getting smashed into by a car is always in the back of my mind.” Kaspryk explained, “Sometimes Broadway seems

dangerous because cars are going fast, [but] overall [Uptown] seems okay as long as you stay off the main streets.” Kaspryk states that cyclists need to watch out for car doors opening, brake lights, and pedestrians. Kaspryk also recommends the use of front and rear bike lights, a fl orescent jacket or vest, and refl ectors. Maria Barnes, President of Uptown Bikes, 4653 N. Broadway, said, “We try and promote bicycling for the commuter.” Uptown Bikes considers itself a basic shop with the focus on service for practical urban transportation. In addition to selling new and used bikes, the shop also sells basic accessories such as helmets and lights. Barnes credits Alderman Helen Schiller’s Offi ce for being, “Helpful with the crazy bus stop and the corner accidents,” by moving certain bus stops away from crowded corners. Denice Davis, Chief of Staff for the 46 Ward mentioned that Schiller’s Offi ce has been asked to assist with, “The problem of bike-riding on sidewalks.” Consequently, some sidewalks in Uptown are stenciled “no bikes.” Chicagoans have a number of resources for cycling in the city. The City of Chicago’s website (www.cityofchicago.org) has information on CTA bike racks, bike to work manuals, and cycling events.

By Kari McLean

A Green Light For BikesCYCLING UPTOWN

cont. on page 2

Photograph by Joseph Hill

Photograph by Joseph Hill

Photograph by Joseph Hill

News pg.1-2 Feature pg.3 Editorials pg.4-5 Letters/Opinions pg.5 Arts/Entertainment pg.6-7 Events Calendar pg.8l Feature l Feature l Editorials l Editorials l Letters/Opinions l Letters/Opinions l Arts/Entertainment l Arts/Entertainment l Events Calendar l Events Calendar

YMCA Plans Operation

Truman College’s fall 2004 enrollment statistics reveal that the mandatory student activity fee could be more fairly balanced. The current dual

tiered fee structure benefi ts full-time students most, at the expense of the majority of their part-time peers. Truman students must maintain a minimum of 12 credit hours for full-time status. Full-time students pay a $100.00 activity fee, while part-time students pay $50.00. A part-time student enrolled for just one hour, pays the same $50.00 fee as a part-time student enrolled for 11 hours. While all students have the same access to the library, computer labs, and other college facilities the activity

fee covers, the disparity between full and part-time students grows when one accounts for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) U-PASS. The CTA U-PASS is provided at no additional charge to full-time students only. The CTA U-PASS grants unlimited travel on CTA trains and busses for the duration of the semester. According to the CTA’s U-PASS Administrator Jeff Wilson, the U-PASS costs the City Colleges, “Sixty cents per student per day.” The enrollment statistics for Truman’s fall 2004 college credit program provided by Truman Registrar Mike Kritikos, show there were 3310 part-time students and 1682 full-time students. This means a total of $333,700 was collected in activity fees. Kritikos provided the

census enrollment statistics which accounts for all students enrolled 30 days after the start of classes. He said this was the most reliable data since students often drop classes after the start of the semester. “Truman had 3,835 full-time equivalent students,” said Kritikos regarding the fall 2004 semester. He noted the full-time equivalent standard was based on 15 hours of credit per student, not 12. He was unsure why the City Colleges full-time equivalent standard was three credit hours more than the 12 hour standard used for the activity fee and U-PASS. “It’s just the way it is,” he said. Based on this full-time equivalent standard, the total

number of hours enrolled for all Truman students during the fall 2004 semester, was 42,525. “It would be a lot fairer if the fee was pro-rated per credit hour,” said Truman student Jesse Masin. According to the fi gures provided by Kritikos, the administration would have to charge only $7.85 per credit hour, to recoup the same $333,700 in activity fee revenue it acquired last semester under the current system. A part-time student taking three credit hours would pay $23.55, and a student taking 11 hours would pay $86.35. A full-time student taking 15 credit hours would pay $117.75 or just $17.75 more than they pay under the current plan.

STUDENT ACTIVITY FEE UNFAIR TO PART-TIME STUDENTSBy Jason Miller

Celebrating their 20th anniversary, the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, a non-profi t bicycling advocacy organization, works to improve the Chicagoland area for safer cycling. Their mission is to “Improve the street environments for pedestrians, transit riders and local communities.” Their website (chibikefed.org) provides a wide range of information on cycling in Chicagoland and on bike events such as “Bike the Drive.” On Sunday, May 29, from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., Lake Shore Drive will be open for cycling from 57th to Hollywood, a portion that includes Uptown’s lakefront. Participants can register online at www.bikethedrive.org or call 312-427-3325.

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MISSION STATEMENTMISSION STATEMENT

• To provide useful information and stories of ies of interest to Uptown residents and students alike.

• To report on issues and events affecting us all.

• To promote a common sense of identity and purpose among readers.

• To build a catalyst for discussion, debate, and action.

• To showcase local culture and commerce.

• To uphold the highest standards of journalistic integrity on every page, in every word.

OUR AMBITIONToToT create Uptown’s #1 source of local news!

Editor-in-ChiefJason Miller

Managing & News EditorEzekiel Garnett

Editorials EditorChris Saylor

Arts & Entertainment EditorSasha Hank

Contributing WritersRussel Forster

Anthony JohnstonDeirdre Merriman

Kari McLean

Design & Production ManagerJoseph Hill

Production AssistantAlex Carr

ProofreadersNancy Steel

Benjamin Akol

Student AdviserBenjamin Ortiz (Communications Department)

UPTOWN EXCHANGE1145 W. Wilson AvenueChicago, Illinois 60640

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ways to get involved!ways to get involved!

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Photograph by Joseph Hill

Photography by Joseph Hill

Photos: Joseph Hill & Ezekiel Garnette

Parking ProblemsBy Ezekiel Garnett

9:30 a.m. You veer into Broadway’s right lane as you pass Wilson Avenue. Already late for class, you join the

crawling procession of bumper cars around the splintered yellow blockade horses only to be waived off by Truman security—the parking lot is full! If you think it’s a fl uke you’re wrong. Most Truman College students have mapped out pre-planned alternate parking areas in case they don’t get into the Truman lot. During the peak arrival hours of 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. or 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., security may wave off potential parkers, not necessarily because the lot is full, but to minimize lot congestion and bottlenecking onto Broadway Avenue. “I park on Clifton or Sunnyside,” said student Maurice Adams, “I don’t even go near the lot if I see a crowd of cars at the lot entrance.” Encroaching on the neighborhood’s parking spaces can be a costly mistake ranging from $30 for a snow route violation to upwards of $100 for parking too close to a fi re hydrant. Street cleaning in the summer also limits street parking. Restricted residential permit parking areas on Racine and Clifton are off limits as well. If you are lucky enough to get into the Truman lot it may take a while to fi nd a space. The tennis court’s 104 spaces and connected west lot’s 105 spaces are a little safer than the crammed east lot’s 144 spaces, but frustrated students sometimes create hazards by blatantly parking in clearly marked “no parking areas.” It is not uncommon to see SUV’s jump the curb and park in grassy areas not designated for parking. Inconsiderate motorists park haphazardly; either partially blocking entrances, or forcing traffi c fl owing in opposite directions to share a single path. The east lot has its own set of problems. The main driveway’s entrance near the security guard shack is an obstacle course of debris and potholes, which are dangerously camoufl aged when it rains. The last areas to fi ll with parked cars are the 249 spaces of the old Wilson Yard area. It’s unpaved and also has several deep potholes and a

lumpy graveled terrain that act as natural speed bumps. Don’t even attempt to park there if you have low-profi le tires or a fancy paint job, but if you are an SUV driver, tooling around this graveled lot may be as close to “off road” as you will ever get. Parking in this large open area during peak hours guarantees security guard assistance; who orchestrates a combination of straight rows, angle, and parallel parking. You can tell if there is experienced lot security on duty by the creative use of space, but one must maneuver carefully around the car cramped rows. Sometimes mere inches of space are all that separate motorists from clipping the side mirror of cars parked on either side.

Wilson Yard Development When the cement trucks fi nally do roll into Wilson Yard, Truman students will lose again. The construction of the structure that will hold a new Target store and Kerasotes movie theater will cost Truman a minimum of 300-400 parking spaces. There are plans to make student parking available in the theater’s lot, but it will probably cost $3 to $4 for 5 hours of parking. The teachers will also lose many parking spaces in the staff

lot when the CTA revamps the Wilson EL in the near future. A survey done in the summer of 2004 by Walker Parking Consultants sated that Truman College should, “…move forward immediately to select a parking solution(s).” It doesn’t take an engineer to fi gure that out. According to the survey, Truman has 779 spaces, 570 of which will be lost to future Wilson Yard and CTA development; considerably more than previous estimates. The parking breakdown on any given day is 21% staff, 78% student, and 1% disabled. The Walker transportation survey conducted on June 15, 2004 found that 77% of the Truman staff, 58% of the credit students, and 50% of the adult education students drove to school. Even with current parking space availability, there is a demand for 1408 more spaces, leaving us currently 1210 spaces short. The Walker study assumes that 133 people park on the street at any given time – good news for ticket-fl ipping meter-maids. Truman College President Marguerite Boyd isn’t dragging her feet on the issue. “If we don’t fi gure out a solution to this problem it’s going to dramatically impact enrollment,” Boyd stated. President Boyd is exploring

several solutions including a multilevel Truman parking structure. In the short term, President Boyd is seeking the assistance of the Chicago Park District and Weiss Hospital for remote access parking. Boyd is also in talks with the CTA for additional bus service if the remote parking becomes a reality. President Boyd is also thinking outside the box with ideas to promote student and staff bike riding and has gotten a pledge from Alderman Helen Schiller to allocate city funds to help in the construction of additional bike racks around Truman. “In order for us to make this work it’s going to take cooperation of the faculty, students, and staff,” Boyd stated, and also pledged to use public transportation more often herself. If Truman were a downtown school, parking would be a non-issue; ask anyone who attends Harold Washington College located in the Loop. They have to fend for themselves when it comes to parking, paying upwards of $20 in public garages. Either way you look at it, the Truman parking situation will only get worse in the coming months. With elevating gas prices, it may well be less painful to trade in one’s gas card for a U-pass. for a U-pass.

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Truman Collegewww.trumancollege.edu

1145 West Wilson Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60640 773-907-4000

Photograph courtesy of Truman College

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4 editorials

Recently Wayne Watson, the Chancellor of the City Colleges, fi red 139 professors for not crossing the picket line in the faculty and

professional (Cook County College Teachers Union-Local 1600) strike last semester. They were all part-time teachers. Many of them were retired full-time professors who continue teaching because they love it. They are highly dedicated and qualifi ed educators. Others were adjunct professors, equally qualifi ed, many of whom piece together classes in different schools to make ends meet. All of these professors felt it was unethical to cross the picket line. I can only assume that it was an ethical choice, because there were others (many others according to the administration) who did cross the picket line to teach their classes. Many union contracts have a “No Reprisals” clause and the one found in Local 1600’s is extremely comprehensive. It states that, “there will be no reprisals by the Union or the Board against the Board or the Union, Union members, students, clerks, or any other person as a result of participation or non-participation by any of the above in a strike by Local 1600 or other activities in connection therewith”. The point of a “no reprisals” clause is so that both parties can move forward after a strike, which can be a disruptive, divisive episode. It means that one cannot be punished for actions (or non-actions) during a strike. Basically, it means, “let’s get on with our lives and work together”. Unfortunately, Wayne Watson cannot do that. This is just the latest in a string of retribution against Local 1600 members, students and other teachers who supported the Local 1600 strike. Just at Truman College alone, there were 8 part-time instructors and 2 Adult Educators who were either fi red, lost a class assignment or faced disciplinary charges for their actions during the strike. The Malcolm X administration arrested a full-time faculty member for alleged assault of a security guard 8 days after the strike was over! Two students were arrested for their actions in supporting the teachers’ strike. One of them, Salomon Balogin from Wright was arrested for exercising his First Amendment right to distribute literature that happened to support the teachers. The City College Board meeting on February 3 gave students, teachers and the Board a chance to weigh

By Anthony Johnson

Truth and Consequencesin on these issues. There were retired professors and adjuncts who spoke out eloquently from the heart against these fi rings. Many of them started the programs and courses they taught. Many had won the Distinguished Professor award that the administration itself had given. Then, Polly Hoover, the President of the Faculty Council, announced to the Board that the faculty of the City Colleges had voted overwhelmingly

on a resolution of “No Confi dence” against Wayne Watson. What was the Board’s reply? Chancellor Wayne Watson did not speak on his own behalf. He has been surprisingly silent in the last month since word of the fi rings came out. James Tyree, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, responded in the following manner: the part-time instructors did not fulfi ll their contractual obligations and the administration must depend on a reliable workforce; therefore, the Board has the right to fi re these employees. Tyree, Watson and the Board choose to ignore the “No Reprisals” clause or claim that these workers do not fall under its protection. At the end of the meeting, he and other members of the Board voiced their support for Wayne Watson. What about the students in all this? The three

students who spoke at the board meeting expressed their exasperation, anger and sadness that the atmosphere in the City Colleges is so bitter right now. One spoke in support of the faculty. Two of them called on the both sides, administration and faculty, to end this confl ict and move forward, as if the two sides were quarreling siblings. I would imagine that this latter view is prevalent among students and perhaps

many administrators, teachers and other City College employees. I can certainly sympathize with this view coming from the students. They want to get a good education and get on with their lives. I heard the “quarreling sibling analogy” quite a bit from students during the strike and it was certainly appropriate at that time. As in most strikes, both sides were positioning for the upper hand, using time and anxiety as pressure points. It would be easy to see how students felt themselves to be pawns in a game. But I’m afraid the “quarreling sibling analogy” does not fi t here. In this case, one sibling keeps attacking the other. In that case, the confl ict cannot be resolved until the violence has stopped…or the one who is doing the violence is pacifi ed or removed.

By Ezekiel Garnett

Letters to the EditorHave you ever watched a boxing match that goes the distance, and the burly pugilists embrace—sometimes even kiss—when all is said and

done? I’ve always wondered (homoerotic embrace aside) how these men really felt about each other after pummeling one another bruised and bloody, now affectionately cuddling in front of millions. Personally, I can forgive, but never forget a confl ict with someone. Students returned to class after three weeks of dispute between the Cook County College Teachers Union (CCCTU) Local 1600 and the City Colleges of Chicago. The most disturbing part of watching the strike updates on the news was what I felt was an exploitation of some of the students. Students are obviously closer

to their instructors, whom they personally interact with every class, than the faceless administration. The bonds built in the classroom are moving enough for the impressionable student to follow their mentor even to the lines of battle. These mentors are the individuals whose very words we immortalize by taking dictation; scribbling fact, theory, and some narcissistic opinion. The CCCTU local 1600’s fi ght is not the fi ght of all students. The under-informed may feel pressure to choose a side, but impressionable followers are usually major contributing factors to unproductive skirmishes

One attribute that has distinguished the Uptown community from many Chicago neighborhoods is its long history of racial and economic

diversity. For the past fi fty years, this has been a place where an incredible variety of immigrants from a wide array of nations, as well as economic immigrants from Appalachia and other devastated communities within the U.S., have found a sometimes welcoming, but often diffi cult place to call home. There has always been a certain amount of racial (and class) strife, but for the most part people ultimately learned to live together with a basic respect for each other’s cultures and backgrounds. I saw this myself when, as a young boy, I spent time away from my parents at my grandparents’ apartment building at 1258 W. Montrose. In the alley behind my grandparents’ back porch I could watch poor Appalachian men and poor Puerto Rican men bond on cars — fi xing them, washing them, polishing them, admiring them. Two groups of people with wildly different ethnic backgrounds and histories somehow found out that they had a lot in common. Though at the time I couldn’t grasp the sociopolitical signifi cance of what I was seeing, somehow I knew there was a melting pot stirring things together in that back alley. When my grandparents died in the mid-1980s, I lost touch with Uptown for quite a while until I became a student at Truman College in 2004. A lot has changed in the 20 years I spent away, but the diversity is still an amazing feature of the community for me. Asians, African-Americans, Latinos, and Caucasians still live in Uptown in relative harmony. But I recently heard of a group called the Uptown Neighborhood Council (UNC) that seems bent on limiting diversity in the pursuit of higher property values. They have campaigned against the proposed building of low-income housing units in

Uptown is diversity

The Healing Process

By Russel Forster

Photograph by Joseph Hill

between sides, often rising to action before obtaining suffi cient information. There are enough distractions in a student’s life for them having to worry if their educational institution is a haven conducive to learning or a hotbed of political variance. The boxing match may be over, but the wounds are far from healed. The struggle continues for many adjuncts, part-time educators, and other strike supporters. The struggle also continues for the CCC administration, who is contractually obligated not to retaliate for union organization and work stoppage—Truman President Marguerite Boyd stated on several occasions that teachers would not be subject to reprisals. Administrators might feel betrayed by instructors who walked out on them, shouted at them behind picket lines, and turned impressionable students against

them, but they must not retaliate. Instructors may feel betrayed by an administration that ignored simple requests for much deserved benefi ts, hurled empty threats to replace them, and turned impressionable students against them, but they must not retaliate. And fi nally, students may feel confl icted when trying to decide which combatant is less evil. No worries. Focus on your studies and wait for that awkward, uncomfortable embrace.

the Wilson Yard complex, instead counter-proposing that the housing built should be used for an Artist Community Residence. They seem to be suggesting that artists are a low-income group who won’t lower property values like other low-income groups might (or might actually raise property values, like in Wicker Park). Property values are a legitimate concern for property owners, but property owners with a long-term outlook would see rising property values as a mixed bag. Sure they help resale value, but they also can increase assessed property values, thereby increasing property taxes. The landowners who benefi t the most from higher property values are those who are speculating, or who plan to sell and leave the neighborhood, not those who are committed to staying and being part of the community there. Serving the temporary homeowners’ short-sided interests at the expense of community diversity is sacrifi cing a long-term good for a short-term one. The original vision of Wilson Yard seems to fi t the history of Uptown far better than the UNC proposal, and I believe community values should trump property values, especially the Melting Pot America value of diversity.

Dear Editor:

In my Sociology class here at Truman College, the Professor told us that in our Cultural Sub fi eld, Truman is like a United Nations Organiza-tion. This is because its community is made up of at least 134 nationali-ties.

In view of the above statistic, I suggest that the college administration and student government try and set aside what I call a students’ govern-ment week, where there will be all types of cultural and sporting activities for the students of different nationalities. My suggestion is based on the fact that I haven’t witnessed such activities at Truman since summer 2004 when I gained admission to the College. In my former college it was like a fun fare, where prizes were given to high-performing teams. It can go a long way to help students understand the culture of their class-mates.

Thank you,Emeka Akpatulu

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To the Editor,

Many colleges across the U.S. promise their students a world full of knowledge, compassion, and resources, but Truman College offers a bit of unwanted adventure as well (and I’m not talking about a new foreign exchange program). The area around the Truman College building can be scary at times. Students are often bothered in one way or another by someone standing at a nearby corner. It’s time to act. Now!

Sincerely,Mirsad Alibasic

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To the Editor:

I have a four hour class on Saturday mornings. Like many students, I like to go to Dunkin’ Donuts for coffee during my break. I propose that the City Colleges make a deal with surrounding businesses on some form of student discount. I feel this would increase the revenue of local busi-nesses and save students money.

Sincerely,Brandy Hans

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To the Editor:

Truman College has a spacious parking lot, but its one entrance also serves as an exit. This causes congestion, and it worsens during the evening hours. The lot is also poorly maintained; the ground is bumpy and uneven. The chains that designate the parking spaces are broken and some of the cars run over them to use the exit on Montrose, which is a construction site and is unsafe. At 9:00 pm the lot is in chaos and cars are running in every direction. These problems should be corrected to prevent any accidents and ensure our safety.

Sincerely,Nadia Jannes

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Dear Editor,

Congratulations on your new project! I wish you good luck and all the best!

During our semesters at Truman, every one of us has gotten into awk-ward situations. Most of them are very amusing and edifying. I suggest you create a column about entertaining student mishaps. I think many people would enjoy these stories. Good luck!

Sincerely,Elena Otachliyska

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Dear Editor,

It is my understanding that the YMCA of Chicago is investigating the possibility of opening a YMCA fi tness facility near the Truman College campus. As a student and local resident the idea sounds terrifi c. I would love to learn more about this possibility in one of your issues.

Thank you, and good luck with the new paper!Gary Price

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Dear editor,

I have tried to use the SOARS website on a few occasions only to fi nd the system is having problems. I have called the helpdesk and all they tell me to try back later. Most students don’t have a lot of time to keep checking back to see if the site is working. Is there nothing that can be done to improve the website?

Sincerely,Yesenia Santiago

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Dear editor,

Question: Why is the parking lot in such poor shape? Is this not an institution of higher learning? I always feel depressed after parking my car and walking through mud and dirt on my way to class. The City Col-leges should promote a positive and uplifting learning environment where students can thrive, and the parking lot is a good starting place.

Thank you,Christy Vrana Wittmann

letters@uptownexchange.netSend us your thoughts.

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Photograph courtesy of Truman College

5editorials@uptownexchange.net

Crooked posters and handmade shelves line the walls. A large man with dreadlocks sifts through boxes of comic books. Two fi fteen year old boys examine psychedelic records for playability. And

Ric Addy, owner of the Uptown second-hand bookstore ‘Shake, Rattle, and Read’, watches it all go down in a kitchen which now doubles as a makeshift offi ce in the back of the store. Addy shifts his attention between the stacks of magazines in his hands and the cigarette dangling from his lip. “This place is part museum,” said Addy. “We’ve tried to capture fi fty years of pop culture and make it affordable for working-class people and students.” “Reading will always be there.” He leans against the green boarded-up door in the back of his offi ce and takes a drag from his cigarette.

“People need good books like they need good food. They come here for something new to read.” ‘Shake, Rattle, and Read’ was originally opened as ‘The Book Box’ in 1966 by Addy’s sister, Gail Osbourne. But when Addy bought the business twenty years later, he had some changes in mind. “I collected LP’s, so I went through my collection and pulled out 2,000 to seed the place. Pretty soon people were asking if I bought vinyl, and the music side started up.” Despite the nostalgic nature of the store, Addy fi nds ways to keep up with the times. “I added a ‘seen the movie, read the book’ section. We like to leave it simple.” Addy shakes his head and looks back to his box of magazines, a garage

sale fi nd from a frequent customer. “He brought in a Buns of Steel tape today. But at least he keeps coming back. We have a lot of loyal customers.” The business has progressed over the years. “Gail sold the place because it was a rough neighborhood, but I have thicker skin than her. I’ve had to kick some ass and put my hands on a few people over the years, but now Uptown’s going through a positive cycle.” “The Chamber of Commerce and the Alderman hear from me all the time. I’m always asking ‘Why are there so many empty store fronts in Uptown?’ and ‘Why are these blocks so blighted?’ Uptown doesn’t have to be a run-down area.” Addy’s is always mindful of the bottom line though. “Buy the book and get the hell out” he tells customers in a light hearted fashion, but he does offer some community services. “We try to keep it hip, and keep a good attitude. In twenty years I haven’t thrown anything away that I can put in the free book box out front.” “We’re always talking about how we’ve given away so many books in so many years that we must be propping up a lot of furniture in Uptown.” Taylor laughs from the other end of the store. “Now buy a book and get the hell out.”

Second-Hand Bookstore Meets Pop Culture Museum‘Shake, Rattle, and Read’ Makes a Dusty Dent in Uptown ChicagoBy Chris Saylor

Photograph by Joseph Hill

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Picture this: a tethered old fence on an empty beach highlighted by a cloudy sky that reaches out infi nitely overhead. Imagine a dark alley

with a human fi gure standing distinguishable only by the silhouetting moonlight. Think of a nightstand whereupon a worn Bible, wire frame glasses and a razor blade lie in eerie stillness peppered with cigarette ashes. These seemingly strange arrays of images come together in the 2005 Vision calendar. Every year the Truman photography department puts out their own calendar featuring the best shots by student photographers. Where no two photos are alike, the only theme followed is that of diversity.

Photo department head Dr. Carole Harmel regards all her students highly and says they have as much talent, if not more, than those attending the Art Institute of Chicago. “It looks very sophisticated for student work,” said Chicago resident Patty Coleandrea admiringly while fl ipping through the calendar’s pages. Stacey Shroyer, the photographer behind February’s picture, said it’s a nice accomplishment to have her work featured. When asked about how he feels having his photo in Vision 2005, Reggie Barba replied, “I don’t take praises from my peers well; I just try to express myself through my lens.” Most of the photos submitted for the calendar were from previous class assignments, such as one entitled “In the Manner Of,” in which students were

T r u m a n P h o t o S t u d e n t s E n v i s i o n 2 0 0 5

Getting the New Year Into Focus

By Sasha Hank

to replicate the style of a painter they admired. For instance, March’s photo, taken by Monika Starczuk of a model posing in front of a basket of lilies, mimics Diego Rivera’s “Nude with Calla Lilies” painting. Barba’s photo for September of a model’s face covered in billowing feathers came about at the suggestion of the model. According to Barba, it was her idea to lie down with her hair spread out to imitate a wind blown effect, since Barba had forgotten to bring his fan for the shoot that day. What began in 1999 as the brainchild of Dr. Harmel turned into the distinguished and much awaited annual calendar exhibiting the student accomplishments from the previous year. Dr. Harmel begins in the spring

semester collecting submitted photos, and actual work on the calendar happens during the summer in preparation for sales in the fall. For the featured student artists, photography comes to mean a blend of creativity and technical skill. “A perfectly printed photo can be a very boring photo without a good eye,” said Shroyer, whose photo of the Brooklyn Bridge was taken during a visit to New York last spring. The Vision 2005 calendar sells for $3.00, available at the photo lab in room 3928 at Truman, or through an order form in the Truman mailroom located on the fi rst fl oor in room 1428, or wherever displayed. Calendars will be on sale throughout the semester.

2005 Vision Calendar Student Photos

Every year the Truman photography department puts out their own calendar featuring the best shots by student photographers.

Directions to Shake, Rattle, and Read:Just North of the intersection of Lawrence and Broadway. From the Lawrence el stop, walk 1/2 block west to Broadway, and turn North.4812 N. Broadway, ChicagoTel: (773) 334-5311

Long ago, this man penned hits for folk legends like Peter, Paul, and Mary and Doc Watson. Today, he sings acapella

under the Wilson El tracks as his full time occupation. As most Truman students pass him on their way to class, they have no idea they’re walking right past a free performance by Folk Singing Hall of Famer, Dwain Story. For over a year and a half Story has been crooning under the El as a means for income. A man who at one time headlined at Chicago clubs performing bluegrass favorites for his fans. Just after forming Knob Lick Upper 10,000 in 1962, Story’s band had a record contract with Mercury Records and released their fi rst album “Workout.” By 1965, Story’s career hit full stride when he co-wrote “The Cuckoo,” with Peter, Paul, and Mary. But the last twenty years have been the

loneliest for Story. With only remnants of a folk scene left in America, he still persists and after some 43 years Story is still living out his version of the American Dream through his music. He still performs about a dozen times a year in the Chicago area at places such as The Abbey, The Gallery Cabaret, and the Circle

Inn. On occasion he comes across musicians that share his love of folk music. One such occasion led to a live recording made of one his performances at the Circle Inn where he was accompanied by the bluegrass band, Home Kookin. Story’s appreciation for folk and bluegrass stems from his college days where he was exposed to folk artists like Flatt & Scruggs, New Lost City Ramblers, and the father of bluegrass Bill Monroe, by his roommate. He

Dwain StoryFolk Legend Performs Under El TracksBy Sasha Hank

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began learning the songs so he could have something to pick on his guitar. In his junior year in ’61 Story dropped out of college and decided to head to Chicago where the jobs were good. At the time, he had a brother in Hammond who was living with his exotic dancer wife. As Story was settling into Chicago, his music career began taking off. Playing gigs at different clubs around town, Story was establishing himself in bluegrass history. “I do want you to know Dwain Story truly was a part of the scene at the Earl Of Old Town, playing there often. I remember Dwain as a beautiful fl at-picker, very precise and delicate,” said famed Chicago bluegrass performer Bonnie Koloc. It’s not an easy life he chooses to live and he knows it. There is taunting, and people trying to steal his money on a daily basis. While pointing to spots of blood trickled on

the sleeve of his coat Story says, “I got beat up the other day in a restaurant.” But then Story doesn’t focus on the hardships, in a sincere tone, he speaks of the good that he’s seen in people; the ones who have shown gestures of kindness by giving him food and clothes. When Story says under the wiry hair of

his beard, “I just want everyone to love one another,” there is a sense that this man remains untainted by the changing society around him. Still holding onto the fl ower children philosophies of the ‘60s is in part why he gets up in morning and goes out under that bridge on Wilson to perform for the passing commuters and pedestrians. To Story, singing folk music is a way to bring people together.

Photograph by Joseph Hill

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events Calendar

Want to have some fun and take a breather from all that studying? Strapped for cash after paying for tuition and textbooks?Uptown Express is proud to bring you a listing of a wide range of cultural events happening in Chicago. Most are free, none are over $10.

Chicago for $10 or Less

* All information is subject to change. Check with contacts for current information on all events.

Truman Events

Digital DivideWork by Truman students in the advanced Computer Art and Digital Photography credit classes.Where: Truman College, President's Gallery, Suite 2230When: Through October 2005 - Artist's Reception June 22, 5:30-7pmPrice: FreeContact: Alexis Steinkamp or Jan Wessels - 773 907-4487

International Environment Awareness DaySponsored by Truman College, Student Activities and National Union of Ogoni Students. Clubs will be given an area at Truman College to Plant Flowers.Where: Truman CollegeWhen: Friday, May 27. Event scheduled to begin at 8:30 (tentative)Price: FreeContact: Academic Cultural Club Center, room 1145. 773 907-4786

Uptown Happenings

Friday Night FolliesWhere: Frankie J’s on Broadway Methadome Theatre, 4437 N. BroadwayWhen: Fridays, 10:00pPrice: $10Contact: 773 769-2959, www.frankiejs.com

Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go BlindWhere: The Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland Ave.When: Fri. /Sat. at 11:30p Sunday at 7p (Open run) Price: $7 + roll of one die ($6-11). Contact: 773-275-5255, www.neofuturists.org

Thursday & Friday LunchEnjoy a delicious meal while making a difference. Inspiration Corporation founded by former Chicago Cop, Lisa Nigro helps homeless become more self- suffi cient by offering free culinary training.Where: 4554 N. Broadway Suite 207When: Thursdays and Fridays, 11:30a – 2:00p Price: Prices vary, most meal are under $6.00Contact: 773-878-0981 www.inspirationcorp.org

JazzWhere: CosmiCafe, 1944 W. MontroseWhen: Thursdays 8p- 10pPrice: FreeContact: 773-728-2233, www.cosmicafechicago.com

Chicago Culture

Estrogen Fest 2005: Changing the RulesChicago artists look at how women have broken the molds of the historical and mythical past, and how they are still smashing them up today.Where: Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. RandolphWhen: May 13- June 5 Price: Prices vary depending on event, some events free. Contact for more info.Contact: www.estrogenfest-chicago.com

Chicago Dance Practice NightJoin the staff of Chicago Dance to practice Latin, salsa, swing, tango and ballroom steps.Where: Chicago Dance at Irving Park, 3660 W. Irving Park Road When: Wednesdays: 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Price: $5Contact: 773- 267-3411, www.chicagodance.com

Chicago SummerDancePopular local and international Djs spin techno, funk, soul, trance, and house music outdoors for all.Where: Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millenium ParkWhen: June 15th- August 24,th Wednesdays : 6p - 9pPrice: FreeContact: 312-744-6630, www.chicagosummerdance.org

A Jazz CelebrationSix free jazz concerts showcasing Chicago’s most talented musiciansWhere: Spirit of Music Garden at 601 S. Michigan Ave.When: Beginning July 14thPrice: FreeContact: 312-742-1168, www.milleniumpark.org

Treasures of Mexican CinemaCinema milestones from the Golden Age of the 1940s to the beginning of the New Mexican Cinema movement in the 1990s. Where: Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St.When: Throughout JunePrice: General admission: $9, students: $7Contact: 312-846-2800, www.siskelfi lmcenter.org .1

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