October 21, 2003

Stanley Fish on Tuition Increases

We all know that college tuitions continue to grow every year. But why, and what should we do about it? The House of Representatives has just written a report on the matter, but academic celebrity and UIC prof Stanley Fish has his doubts.

- ag | 21.10.03 ~ Schools/Education

NaNoWriMo

Only 10 days to go until National Novel Writing Month, where the goal is to write a 50,000-word novel by midnight, Nov. 30. Chicago participants will be having a kick-off party at 6 p.m. at the Ten Cat, 3931 N. Ashland.

- ls | 21.10.03 ~ Books/Authors

The thing with feathers

Studs Terkel has a new volume of oral history, "Hope Dies Last." Here's a fantastic Onion interview: "Hope is very personal. What's the alternative to hope? Despair. Well, if you despair, then put your head in the oven. What's the point? Am I sanguine about the future? Hell, no, I'm worried stiff. But I think the American people basically are decent. This I know."

- ls | 21.10.03 ~ Books/Authors

Read Regular for dyslexia

Read Regular is a typeface that helps with visual dyslexia by differentiating reversable characters. Check out some samples in English or Dutch.

- jd | 21.10.03 ~ Arts/Architecture

What are you going as?

The Sun-Times has an article about what's popular this year for Halloween costumes. I mean come on, Saddam? Soooo last year. Surprisingly, it doesn't mention the one costume that all my friends seem to want to go as this year. All you need is a pair of glasses, a green turtleneck and a Cubs baseball cap. Oh you know who!

- nh | 21.10.03 ~ City Life/Cultural

311 at Block 37

A tipster has informed us that 311, the raggae/metal/rappish party band, are playing a surprise free after-work live performance at Block 37 (State St. between Washington and Randolph) tonight at 5:30pm sharp. Be there at 5 or even a little earlier if you want to get close.

- ah | 21.10.03 ~ Music/Clubs

Falling off the cliff

About 45 percent of young black men in Chicago are out of school and out of work. The New York Times' Bob Herbert writes: "Many of them are leading the kinds of haunted lives that recall the Great Depression."

- ls | 21.10.03 ~ Politics/Activism

Potential laureates reading

Michael Anania and Haki Madhubuti, two of five finalists for the vacant position of Illinois Poet Laureate, are reading tonight in the Ballroom of the School of the Art Institute, 112 S. Michigan Ave, 6:30 p.m.

- jd | 21.10.03 ~ Books/Authors

Current Exhibitions

There's plenty of color on the trees, but you should also head indoors to check out some great exhibits. The Art Institute currently features the photography of Lewis Carroll plus a Manet retrospective; Terra is running Debating American Modernism: Stieglitz, Duchamp and the New York Avant-Garde; and U of C's Smart Museum showcases meditative traditions in Japanese Buddhist art.

- sb | 21.10.03 ~ Arts/Architecture

Two dollars!

The Sun-Times is reporting that CTA president Frank Kruesi is planning two rate hikes in the next two years: a 25-cent increase at the beginning of 2004, and another 25-cent increase in 2005, bringing the ticket price of El and bus rides to a cool $2. If these plans are followed, Chicago would have one of the highest transit rates in the country. Start saving your quarters, kids.

- jma | 21.10.03 ~ Transportation

Free Yoga

Hyde Park's newish Three Pillars Wellness Center offers a free community yoga class on Sundays from 1:30 - 2:30 PM. Who knew?

- rah | 21.10.03 ~ Schools/Education

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