Take Back the Night

Lincoln Park was abuzz Thursday night. The Feminist Front hosted Take Back the Night; a night dedicated to offering survivors of violence an opportunity to give voice to their experiences and publicly affirm their transition from victim to survivor. Take Back the Night has inspired both women and men to confront a myraid of social ills, including rape, sexual violence, domestic violence, violence against children, and violence against women. The unifying theme throughout these diverse topics is the assertion that all human beings have the right to be free from violence, the right to be heard, and the right to reclaim those rights if they are violated.

DePaul hosted an array of events to take part in, The day was in full swing beginning with the Clothesline Project in the Sac. The mission of the Clothesline Project is to provide a vehicle for women affected by violence to express their emotions by decorating a shirt. Then they hand the shirt on a clothesline to be viewed by others as a testimony to the problem of violence against women.

This was followed by a rally in the Student Center, a march around the DPU Campus, and ending with a candle light vigil in the Quad. Students are provided the opportunity to have an open dialogue about abuse. They provide connections, support, and most of all a safe haven to speak out! More than anything the event provides an outlet for survivors to know that they are not alone!

Suada Ljaskic

Chicago’s New Burger Joint

The Counter Burger franchises had made its way to Chicago! This isn’t your mom and pops burger joint. If you don’t know what I’m referring to, by the end of this post you’ll be watering at the mouth. If you’re a burger lover, this is the place for you. With over 300,000 different burger combinations, every customer is to dream up all types of creations!

At the Counter Burger, you’re provided a clipboard with an array of options. You start off with deciding the type of burger you wish to enjoy, selecting from beef, turkey, grilled chicken, or veggie. Next, you choose a cheese. Then the fun really begins. You are to choose toppings, and they offer everything under the sun, literally. Having choices from grilled pineapple and sprouts, to Bermuda red onions and mixed greens, to avocado and chilli! Lastly, you chose a sauce that has many colorful choices as the toppings; including roasted garlic aioli and Dijon balsamic dressing.

Then again, if you’re more of what they call a purist, they offer a great option for you as well. I recently went to the newly opened location on 666 Diversey Parkway, and had a blast! Service is great and it’s definitely affordable. The franchise has been featured in GQ magazine as “One of the 20 Hamburgers to eat before you die” and “Best Burger” on Oprah.

Suada Ljaskic

Taste of Latin America

Despite the fact that I am not Puerto Rican I couldn’t help but notice, once I moved to Chicago, the strong and tight Puerto Rican that reside in Humboldt Park.  From the flags on Division St. to the weeklong celebration of the Puerto Rican Parade and festivities, this community celebrates its roots and culture like no other. 

June is just around the corner and it brings forth a month long of preparation for the festivities.  As you drive down the streets of North Ave. in midsummer you will notice the street vendors that go around the entire surrounding of the actual Humboldt Park.  These vendors have all kinds of prideful accessories for different countries ranging from Puerto Rico to Mexico and much more.

Food is a very important representation of the different ethnicities that take advantage of the Puerto Rican festivities to represent their own.  Traditional dishes and drinks are the highlight of the festival because not only do people enjoy the different foods but they also learn about other countries.  It is an event that at some point communicates the differences among these cultures and brings them together.

People enjoy coming to this festival because there are so many different ways to represent one’s culture.   There are also many performances not only from famous musicians but also dance groups in the community.  Performances take time to prepare so it definitely brings together the youth and inspires many to stay away from the street life.  The festivities do a lot for the Humboldt Park community and it is a sign of a strong working community that is not scared to speak up. 

Ana Perez

Warm weather = Sundresses

Ladies rejoice, its the season of sundresses. No longer will we have to bundle layer after layer, squeezing into too tight jeans with our winter weight and thermal underwear. Not getting ready and looking great is as easy as one dress and flip flops. And guys, we know that you love sundress season too, for very different reasons. 

I woke up Friday to find that my North face was no longer needed. I quickly threw on  jeans and a t-shirt and hurried to go shopping for sundresses before it got too hot outside. I limited my search to the Wicker Park and Lincoln Park areas and kept my budget below $40. Take notes ladies, these are some great spots to get cute, cool duds cheap. 

http://oldnavy.gap.com/?redirect=true

I know it may not be the poshest choice but for college kids on a budget Old Navy is the best thing since sliced bread. Above I have attached the link for the Wicker Park Old Navy website. Most dresses are below $25, great looking, and light loose fitting cotton. Although I love the heat I hate sweating and sweat stains are the quickest way to ruin a great summer look.

The next place bargain hunters must explore is the Village Discount on Roscoe and Damen. http://www.vdoil.com/  This second hand shop is several levels of bargain hunting paradise. Sundresses are aplenty at these stores as are groovy scarfs, vintage T’shirts, and funky bobbles for the home. Warning! Do not go into Village Discount with anything bigger than a 20 dollar bill, the bargains are so low you will walk out with several bags of slightly used treasures. 

Finally don’t forget about H&M and Forever 21, true these items may not make it to next Spring, but the price and the looks makes up for the quality of construction. Hey its gives you a reason to get new duds next year.

                   Hannah Davis