for we are always what our situations hand us

i love this enough to have a permanent reminder of its egregious significance.
enjoy.

Changing the World, One Soup at a Time

Students at DePaul University Give More than Just Their Time

The seven o’clock hour is not always a friendly one to the average college student. Getting up in the morning to help others in the community may not be an easy task, but for Ellen Romer, it means so much more than just waking up early. Romer, a junior at DePaul University, volunteers at the St. Vincent de Paul Parish’s soup kitchen in Lincoln Park. The kitchen runs from 8-10 a.m. everyday, with the exception of Sunday. She often goes accompanied by her peers and friends to help the homeless and hungry, to give back to her community.

Through her entire education in the Catholic faith, Romer believes in the importance of social justice. Giving back to the people she has grown to care about in her community is something she truly values, and enjoys the experience even in the early morning hours.

Creating a Community

Her volunteering here began during her freshman year, just to see how she could help in the community. Last year while living in a Catholic community called the Vincent and Louise House, the policies of the house required her to go. She ended up loving the experience so much that she went above and beyond the expectations. Now a regular volunteer, she continues go twice a week, even after moving out of the house and into her own place.

While talking about some of the homeless community that she has gotten to know, Romer says, “Most people don't realize that the homeless and working poor are themselves a community and I have become a part of it. They have become great people in my life and keep me grounded.” The people that she comes to see every week keep her going back to help in whatever way she can.

Social Justice Really Can Help

As students attending college in religious affiliated school, teachers and administrators teach all of our young generation to give back to our communities and to take matters of social justice seriously. Donating time at a soup kitchen is just one small way to get involved.
Some other ways to help the community are:

• Donating money to a favorite charity
• Walking or running for a cause (AIDS Walk, Walk for Breast Cancer, etc.)
• Helping at a parish or organizing such as St. Vincent de Paul
• Recycle old pop cans and newspapers
• Simply reaching a helping hand to someone in need are all ways to promote social justice

As far as social justice goes, Romer has developed a lifestyle that truly echoes the ideals of her faith and beliefs. While she believes social justice is complicated, she understands that what she does “may not affect systemic change, but I feel it is justice because I now find myself more in right relationship with the marginalized in my community.”

Get Involved

The St. Vincent de Paul Parish always is looking for volunteers to come and help, and the need is great in the winter months. Anyone can get involved by going and helping out, or donating money or supplies. Volunteers arrive at 8 a.m. Monday through Saturday and guests arrive at 8:30 a.m.

Another helpful resource to volunteer around the Chicago area is the Greater Chicago Food Depository. From helping at a soup kitchen, pantry or shelter to tutoring children, the agency is helpful in finding the right place for people to help.

A Life Changing Experience

By helping others, she has created her own community and met life-changing people. Anyone could share this experience simply by devoting a little bit of time or energy to helping someone else. Romer comes across this each day by her encounters at the kitchen and even on the street. “For me now, homeless people aren't just homeless people. The guy who sells Streetwise is Bill. He walks dogs too, and lives with his brother. He takes two creams and three sugars in his coffee.” -By: Maddie Asebrook

Photo by: Ellen Romer

Poll:

What kind of service most interests you?
-Soup Kitchen
-Food Pantry
-Tutoring
-Donating Money
-Walking or running for charity
-Creating a your own organization or group to volunteer

The Glessner House Makes An Impact in Chicago

In the South Loop neighborhood in Chicago, an old house that sits on 18th street and the historic Prairie Avenue looks a bit out of place amongst the high-rise condominium buildings. Closely resembling a fortress, the Glessner House helped create a new architectural design and houses many historical artifacts from the nineteenth century.

The Glessner House Museum is one of Chicago’s hidden gems, with its rich background and impact on the community. It is just one of the many historical attractions around Prairie Avenue, holding unique charm and history within its walls.

Celebrate the Upcoming Holiday Season

Every season, the museum hosts various events to celebrate the holidays or get people in the city to participate in what the property has to offer.

For the upcoming winter holidays, the museum will host events to celebrate, including:

• Haunted Tours of Prairie Avenue
• Edgar Allen Poe Readings
• A “Holiday Bazaar,” where artists can sell their creations and crafts to the public
• Sleigh rides drawn by horses down Prairie Avenue and a meet and greet with Santa Clause

The details of the events are listed on the Glessner House website and anyone can attend.

The People that Started It All

The history of the house started when a couple named John and Frances Glessner purchased the house in 1885. The Glessners became famous in Chicago for being involved in the farming industry and helping establish the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. At the time, Prairie Avenue was a very exclusive part of the city, but the house needed some work. They hired a famous architect from Boston to come and spruce up the place.

Henry Hobson Richardson, or H.H., came to the house and began the transformation. He gained attention through his work in Europe, and helped introduce a new style to architecture in the United States. He created a home with grand staircases and large fireplaces, incorporated wood from oak trees, and allowed natural light to flood the rooms. H.H. Richardson completed his project in 1887 and created a lasting Chicago masterpiece.

“The House Was Subject of Much Remark by Passers-By”

As evidence by his quote, John Glessner often spoke about the attention his house received and it's historical integrity. He wanted the English Arts and Crafts movement to be visible in his home, which people still experience today when visiting. Mostly everything in the museum now contains historical significance, including detailed furniture and wall decorations by family friends of the Glessners. Today, the museum features more than 6,000 artifacts that belonged to the Glessner family and friends.

A Rose Among the…High Rise Condos

“Once you walk in, you’ll understand,” says Oksana Paluch, a Glessner House volunteer, regarding the influence of the museum. “The historic integrity of the collection and the dedication to keeping it preserved is incredible. The collection is beyond words.” Paluch says she greatly appreciates the enthusiasm and passion that runs through the staff and volunteers, and believes it adds a great deal to Chicago’s culture.

The city almost demolished the house in 1966, but preservationists came together to keep it restored for future generations. Through contributions and grants, the museum completed the Glessner House Conservation Project in 2000. Today, the house remains fully in tact and better than ever, with tours running Wednesday through Sundays of visitors eager to see this historical piece of Chicago.

Even with all the events and updates, the house truly exists exactly as it did in the 1800s. Museum visitor and Prairie Avenue resident Whitney Butler says, “this house stands out from any high rise floor to ceiling window. It is truly an undiscovered part of the city that is totally worth checking out. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.” By: Maddie Asebrook

Photo By: Maddie Asebrook/Chicago Storytellers

POLL: Which event sounds most interesting for the holiday season?

For Classic Food at Affordable Prices, Stop At Kroll's

If you ever take a stroll around the South Loop, Kroll’s Bar and Grill would be a fantastic place to warm up and relax. The bar is located at 18th Street and Michigan Avenue. and offers great food and drinks at affordable prices As one of only a few restaurants in the developing neighborhood, this is best I have found so far.

The Atmosphere

In a sense, Kroll’s created the definition of a classy sports bar turned restaurant. Sitting only blocks away from Soldier Field, a great deal of its clients are die hard Chicago Bears fans or people that live in the neighborhood. Upon entering, you can choose to sit in the bar area, accompanied with large projection screens playing sports coverage all night, or walk further back into the restaurant. The bar area could be its own establishment, because of its large size. Both areas are equipped with comfortable leather seats and booths, and ample space for your tired feet and obnoxiously large winter coat.

The Food

If you find yourself looking for classic sports bar appetizers and burgers, Kroll’s is definitely the place to visit. They offer three different menus: the regular menu, the late night menu, and the game day menu. Each menu is pretty self explanatory, but includes various items depending on the time of your visit. Personally, I found the double cheeseburger or loaded tator tots quite delicious, but probably gained a few extra pounds while lounging in my comfortable leather seat. My friend had the thin crust pizza, which also was delicious. The variety of the menu drew me in instantly. Take out is also available, with the menu with available online as well.

The Bar

The bar is the perfect place to come and have a decently priced beer or mixed drink after a long day or while watching a game. Kroll’s features daily drink specials on various beers, wines and cocktails, none of which go over $8. The bartenders are very nice and definitely know their drinks like the back of their busy hands. You can find the extensive beer and wine menu available online as well.

The Service

Even while frequenting this restaurant late at night, the service is fantastic. As a fairly picky eater, our waiter remembered my high maintenance order without even writing it down. They can get a little frazzled during a game, but who doesn't when a thousand different things are going on at once. Also, if you live in neighborhood and go on Tuesday, you can receive a 20% off discount on your food and bar tab, which definitely can help the ailing hungry college student.

Overall, everything about this restaurant says affordable and delicious. The drinks, the food and the service are all very reasonable, and the atmosphere is not terribly unique, but enjoyable. Kroll’s is open daily from 11 a.m. until late in the evening. Just get off at the Roosevelt stop on the red line, or take the number 3 bus south to 18th Street. I would highly suggest stopping in with a group of friends for a cheap drink and a good time. -By: Maddie Asebrook

The Top 5 Broadway Musicals To See In Chicago

Every year, Chicago receives national tours of famous Broadway shows. Some, like Wicked and Jersey Boys, become so popular that they stay for an extended engagement. This season, 14 productions are coming to the city, each of which presents a completely different story and cast for audiences to enjoy. If you can afford to see all 14, definitely do so, but realistically speaking, here are five of the best musicals to check out in the upcoming months…

1) Nobody Puts Baby in a Corner - Dirty Dancing

Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story On Stage is currently playing in Chicago for the United States pre-Broadway premiere. In Australia and Britain, the show received incredible reviews by die-hard Dirty Dancing fans and theatre critics alike, thus allowing the show to eventually make its way to Broadway. Josef Brown, the original lead in Australia and Britain, stars as Johnny Castle, the dancer that steals young Baby’s heart when she goes on vacation with her family for the summer. After immediately becoming intrigued by the staff of Kellerman's, she becomes a part of their world of dance, love, and drama. The integrated technology makes the audience feel like they are taking a vacation at Kellerman’s while experiencing one of Broadway’s newest shows. The show is currently playing now through January 17, 2009 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre. Tickets are $27.50-$122.50.

2) All Shall Know the Wonder - Spring Awakening

Spring Awakening will debut in Chicago after winning seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical in 2007. The story revolves around a group of teenagers coming of age and learning to face issues like sex, abortion and suicide. With racy numbers and explicit scenes, it has potential to cause controversy. However, this show will appeal to audiences of all ages, just take caution in bringing young children. “Seeing this show changed my entire view of theatre,” said 20-year-old theatre student Dylan McGill. “I absolutely cannot wait to see it again, and would suggest everyone else do the same.” Producers selected the most talented young actors from big cities all over the United States, including Broadway alums Kyle Riabko as Melchior and Blake Bashoff as Moritz. On August 4 – August 16, 2009, Spring Awakening will premiere, and tickets will be available soon.

3) No Day But Today - Rent

Most theatre lovers know the story of the late Jonathon Larson’s famous musical Rent. A group of people in New York City is experiencing the effects of drugs and poverty, while trying to survive in the big city. Many of the characters are living with AIDS, which forces them to deal with their difficult disease in an uncertain time. Rent has been a worldwide phenomenon since its debut in 1996, and just recently closed after 12 years on Broadway. Two original cast members, Adam Pascal as Roger and Anthony Rapp as Mark, will return for the tour as well. Rent is in Chicago March 31 – April 12, 2009 at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre. Tickets are $22.50-$122.50 and are available now.

4) One Singular Sensation - A Chorus Line

A Chorus Line is coming to Chicago this spring, after the revival recently closed on Broadway. The show has won nine Tony Awards in the past, including Best Musical. The plot revolving around 17 dancers auditioning for eight spots in the chorus line of a new (fictional) show makes the show simple and enjoyable. Each scene is set on just an empty stage in a Broadway theatre. Famous for the large dance numbers, the multi-talented cast will not disappoint. “We just learned the choreography in class,” musical theatre major Megan Pietrantonio said. “It’s one of the most original and fantastic shows in history.” A Chorus Line arrives April 14 – May 3, 2009 at the Oriental Theatre, featuring cast members from the 2008 Broadway production. Tickets will be available soon.

5) Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious - Mary Poppins

Disney took the 1964 classic film Mary Poppins and created another spectacle Broadway show. Audiences everywhere know Disney takes their musicals to new heights, with innovative set designs and the best actors Broadway has to offer. Anyone that loved the movie will really enjoy the familar story and whimiscal characters that Disney directors have translated to the stage in Chicago. New songs and dances also appear to update the show, which begins March 11, 2009 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre. Tickets are on sale now for $20.50-$120.50.

To order tickets for any show, call the Broadway in Chicago Ticketline at (312) 902-1400, go to the box office, or order online.

A Few Other Shows Worth Seeing:

• Xanadu
• Chicago
• Grease
• Legally Blonde
• Spamalot

Careful, The Flight Attendents Are Watching...

For those of us who have attempted to check our Facebook or watch YouTube videos while on a flight, we have quickly realized with a gasp that us addicts will have to wait until the plane touches down that the internet does not work.

However, that is all about to change. Four different airlines will begin to offer wireless internet to customers during their travels for about $6-$13 a flight. Southwest, Alaska, American, and Virgin America are all breaking the barrier and allowing people to not miss one single second, except for the dreaded “no electronic devices allowed” part of the trip.

Some People Aren’t Just Checking E-mail

However, a problem has developed already with people checking their favorite dirty websites while on board, regardless of whatever child happens to be kicking the seat they are occupying.

Due to this unacceptable (and dare I say disturbing...) information, the airlines have began to develop ideas on creating filters for browsing various websites while using the Internet service. Flight attendants, most who have been playing ‘Air Police’ to unaware adults, are all for these new filters.

American Airlines first combatted the idea of inappropriate browsing while using the new wireless connection during the flights. The airline says it will "implement technology to filter pornographic content over it's Gogo in-flight Internet service." Passengers have issues complaints about people not considering the fact that they are not in the comfort of their own living room.

But Will It Actually Work?

However, to me, these filters hardly seem plausible. While porn on a flight is definitely on the unnecessary slash perverted side, the filters will definitely cause problems, especially when people have paid for the service. Angry flight attendants are never good, and neither are the grapefruit sized eyes of an unknowing kid sitting next to you.

Would you pay the extra money for Internet access on your flight? -By: Maddie Asebrook

Photo by: Associated Press

18th Birthdays, Bad Parenting, and Drug Dealing Combine in Weeds

In the Fourth Season Finale of Weeds...

When Everyone Ends Up Screwed, Knocked Out, or Fighting...

Nancy’s boyfriend Esteban gets information from Cesar about Nancy being the woman who turned Guillermo’s name to Captain Till, the chief of police. Till confronts Nancy in a fit of rage after finding out his partner has been murdered. He attempts forces Nancy to tell what she knows about the tunnel and who Guillermo’s boss is. Then threatens to kill her. Great.

Celia goes to Mexico to visit Quinn, her estranged daughter, who has been missing for three seasons. Celia has a hard time figuring everything out, mostly because she is a wasted lunatic, but eventually finds Quinn. She then apologizes for all of her actions in the past, but ends up poisoned, knocked out, and held for ransom by her daughter. So her ex-husband has to pay $200,000 to his oldest daughter to get his ex wife back? And you though your family was dysfunctional.

Doug and Andy fight about Maria, the girl Doug fell in love with who turned out to love Andy. Their friendship makes the show work. Some of their one liners may not be all that appropriate to repeat, but definitely worth listening for. The big twist comes when Doug tells Andy to man up and admit that he is in love with Nancy. But Andy rebuttles that he just puts up with her because of the kids, effectively denying his feelings...until later. Oh ok, now the writers decide “oh yah, that’s what we’ll do…we’ll make Andy fall in love with Nancy, who was married to his dead brother. Even though they have never had any romantic inclinations in the past.” Nice work, brainiacs.

When It Hits the Fan...

Nancy takes a bath, and Andy comes in. She eventually proceeds to tell him the whole story about everything that’s happened, with the tunnel and her boyfriend, the audience can only assume. The shot is actually beautiful, because no one can hear what she actually says.

Then, Nancy calls 411 from the car to get a gift for Silas as she drives to Mexico, which her crazy boyfriend insisted she do on her son’s 18th birthday, and ends up connected to a gift basket store. She asks if there is anything for a son who thinks his mother has completely failed him. She thinks about what she wants the card to say and comes up with “Dear Silas, Thanks for raising yourself these past 18 years. You’ve done a great job.” She starts to cry and can’t speak. She decides on “Silas, you are loved. Me, Mom.” Mary-Louise Parker’s immense talent, originally as a Broadway actress, bursts from the screen here. She is absolutely heartbreaking as she gets too choked up to spit out words. It is the best part of the whole episode, besides when Hunter Parrish is wrapped up in a sheet.

When They Gotta Make a Plan

The boys of the family decide to make a plan if Nancy gets arrested. Silas says it’s time for them to take responsibility and wants to buy land in Mexico. Andy and Silas are going to partner, but they want Shane to stay in school. But he turns into a drug dealer, just like the rest of his family. How depressing.

The final scene. Brace yourselves. -By Maddie Asebrook

Walt Disney And The Gang Sing Us A Song

The curtain draws. From the shadows, you see the silhouette of a very strange, yet familiar figure. You think to yourself…are those giant ears? Did I really just pay an astronomical amount of money to sit here and experience this immense confusion of childhood memories? Yes, yes you did.

Wait just a second, Mickey sings too?

Walt Disney, the man we all know and whose company has most likely taken obscene amounts of money out of our bank accounts, is becoming the new focus of an opera. That’s correct. Disney’s life translated to sopranos belting high C’s while Mickey Mouse runs around in ridiculous costumes.

Well, maybe not that dramatic. The New York City Opera has commissioned Philip Glass, a famous contemporary and classical composer in the United States since 1967, to create an opera entitled The Perfect American. This opera will follow Walt Disney’s life and career completely through song and will debut as Glass’ 24th opera on his 75th birthday. How quaint.

Inspiration?

Peter Stephan Jungk, a famous author known for his fictional writings, recently wrote a novel entitled Der König von Amerik, (translated meaning: the Perfect American) which Glass will use as inspiration to complete this potentially disastrous piece of theatre. The city plans to debut this tribute to good ol’ Walt in its 2012-2013 season.

Glass said, “The story of the last days of Walt Disney, American Icon and creator of perhaps the most pervasive fantasy world on our planet, is surprisingly gripping and at times disturbing. But, on the face of it, how could it be anything else? The pulse of his life has to be the pulse of our own American culture.”

A Difficult Task Ahead…

But let’s face it, the man has his work cut out for him. Anytime someone touches something Disney, especially the man himself (no pun intended), great risk is involved due to the devoted fans that attempt to keep their childhood locked up in their entertainment centers.

Obviously, there is no way to avoid the subject of Mickey and the gang when discussing the career of Walt Disney. The tiny, pesky animal (maybe Mickey himself isn't pesky, but who wants a mouse anywhere near them in real, non-Disney-fied life?) that made Disney famous will undoubtedly be a part of the opera, unless Glass finds some way to avoid it.

Will you let your found Disney memories strut around a stage singing operatic tunes? I’m not sure of my true feelings. But, as a theatre lover myself and a girl that grew up dreaming of becoming a Disney princess, I think I’d give it a shot.- By Maddie Asebrook

Photo by Associated Press