NEIU Independent September 22, 2018 Issue

Student-run newspaper since 1962 tuesday, september 25, 2018

Volume 38 Issue 4

www.neiuindependent.org

Photo by Rebecca denhem

inauguration attracts 600 people

biology department.

See pg. 2

know your sti status STI rates are on the rise, what NEIU should know.

See pg. 10

Indo-Pak Grill is Flamin’ NEIU alum’s restaurant delivers savory food and dessert.

See Pg. 11

read online exclusives Visit neiuindependent.org for more news stories and exclusive event coverage.

Got News?

New technology for NEIU’s

online

Rheaply: free science tools

Arts & life

Gloria J. Gibson’s Presidential Inauguration drew more than 600 people to NEIU’s University Commons on Sept. 13.

Opinions

NEws

Inside News |

See Pg. 4

Let us know!

NEXT ISSUE IS OUT oct. 9 Our office is located in E-049 at the main campus.

2 News | september 25, 2018

Independent Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Cecilia G. Hernandez News Editor Nicole F. Anderson Opinions Editor Amaris E. Rodriguez Arts & Life Editor Robert Kukla Sales Director Tsetan Lungkara Marketing Director Ashley Mathis Payroll Manager Francisco Sebastian Writers Will Jones Joanna Vaklin Alejandro Marroquin Amy Buscemi Armando Flores Copy Editors Leslie Hurtado Hussain Khemani Bisma Zafar Cartoonist Brandi Nevarez Photographers Maleydi Roman Rebecca Denhem Angelica Sanchez The Independent is a public forum for all of Northeastern Illinois University’s campuses and surrounding community.

The Independent is entirely student-run and is published bi-weekly, except during summer and semester breaks.

The editor-in-chief is responsible for the content of the Independent, and views presented do not necessarily represent those of the administration, faculty and students. The Independent is a member of the ICPA and ACP. For further details email theneiuIndependent@gmail.com.

Independent

Rheaply provides free science tools to neiu’s Biology department Joanna Vaklin Perhaps the biggest way for education to thrive is by sharing and communicating information.

NEIU’s biology department is encouraging this idea by partnering up with Chicago-owned company, Rheaply. Rheaply is a resource marketplace where students and institutions can share, exchange, rent surplus science equipment and participate in exchanging networks and knowledge.

Before this partnership, the NEIU biology department did not use a platform for gaining scientific research material for classes. The biology department used the wordof-mouth marketing strategy.

“We now [sic] have an opportunity to explore this wider network,” biology professor Dr. Aaron Schirmer said.

Schirmer played a big part in bringing Rheaply to NEIU by forming a connection with Rheaply’s CEO Garry Cooper at the yearly conference of the Society for Neuroscience.

Beginning of fall semester, the NEIU biology department began logging into and populating their Rheaply profile. They have hopes to connect and collaborate with some of the larger industries and institutions that can exchange resources for NEIU faculty to use in their lab classrooms. Students and staff can get “more for less.”

Rheaply was interested in having NEIU be part of their Chicago area test group. Tom Fecarotta, the marketing director at Rheaply, said they are “trying to understand how institutions where research that is happening on either a big or small scale can utilize this platform.”

Biology students Aafreen Khatoon and Emily Yalda surf through Rheaply’s website. Photo by Joanna Vaklin.

“Our goal and Rheaply’s goal is that this will spread in other departments throughout Northeastern,” Fecarotta said.

“The familiarity of the website really drew NEIU towards Rheaply,” Schirmer said, “[Rheaply] created a user friendly interface that feels very similar to a lot of common online marketplaces like Google Shopping and Amazon.”

“I don’t want to teach students techniques that (were) used 50 years ago,” says Schirmer, “I want them using the newest, latest, current, techniques and pieces of equipment.”

Partnering up with Rheaply could relieve many costly supplies in the biology department. The two year budget crisis at the university resulted in funding cuts. Schirmer said many supplies were “cut and cut and cut down to the bare minimum.”

Schirmer gives examples of the carts of netbook computers that the biology department uses for projects and labs.

“They are so old, and if we

can find something better, it can enhance our ability to teach,” said Schirmer.

Emily Yalda, a biology student at NEIU, was involved in a SCSE research class this summer. Yalda felt that her “research was affected because the equipment was not up to date.”

Yalda said, “I wanted to take a picture of my cell research, but the camera that was connected to the microscope was so bad that I had to use my iPhone to take photos. So if we were to share someone else’s equipment that would really help and give us the right data.”

Cooper said Rheaply “was made with the students in mind …

We can help young scientists with mentorship.”

NEIU is one of the first institutions on Rheaply along with Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, and other Chicago colleges such as University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and Rush University.

Rheaply also recently signed Emory University in Atlanta,

Georgia, which is a medical institution that focuses on leading research. This means any NEIU students using Rheaply can form a connection with other students.

Any current student with an NEIU email can have access to Rheaply. They can create their own profile and interact with fellow students or universities. They can exchange anything from a math tutoring session to a test beaker for a chemistry lab.

“Students were sharing items that would typically be for seven grand, and they would get it for free,” Fecarotta said, sharing one scenario that happened at Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine The idea of sharing science supplies came from Cooper’s experience with students at Northwestern’s School of Medicine where they had excess amount of scientific supplies.

“We don’t know who needs it, but someone can,” said Dr. Cooper.

“It’s important to use this value.”

Cooper said he understood firsthand the lack of resources in some schools. He said it opened his eyes.

“I would have never knew the problem if it wasn’t for my time at Northwestern,” Cooper said.

Biology student Aafreen Khatoon felt excited about the partnership and said, “If we have new equipment for the bio labs, it would help us, the students, learn the concepts hands-on.”

Garry Cooper aims at “making the students’ experience a lot more cheaper and collaborative” and wants to make “the procurement of resources as seamless as shopping on Amazon.”

september 25, 2018 | news 3

Student Newspaper

Photos by Maleydi Roman

Groovin’ with Gibson: Zumba with the President

Amaris E. Rodriguez On Tuesday Sept. 11 President Gibson was the main attraction for “Zumba with the President” which was held in the University Commons as part of her Inauguration Week.

Gibson donned a white NEIU t-shirt with the slogan, “Be you, be well,” on the back while she danced with NEIU staff and students. Gibson continued to showcase her NEIU spirit by wearing blue sneak-

ers with gold shoe laces.

The Zumba class was led by Fabio Barros, an instructor at Campus Recreation. Attendees danced to the sounds of the legendary female Cuban-American singer Celia Cruz’s song, “Le Nena Tiene Tumbao,” and Whitney Houston’s song, “I Want to Dance with Somebody.”

Melanny Buitron, a NEIU student and student leadership development employee, was one of the people dancing in the heat with President Gibson and used the op-

portunity to get in some exercise.

“I needed exercise and it was on campus, right after school. It was with the president so it was two good things in one event,” she said.

The Zumba session was held as a way for the newly-appointed president to be involved with students at NEIU and introduce herself.

Buitron said, “These events are important for the president to have, not just for inauguration but at the beginning of every semester ... so that students get to know the presi-

dent. I think a lot of students come and go and they don’t really know who the administration is. It is important to know because the president makes decisions on behalf of students.”

As Gibson continues her role as the president of NEIU, Buitron believes she will continue her outreach to students and faculty.

“I’ve met the president and she is very student-centered, very student oriented. She is always very engaged and wanting to help out

students, not just at events. You pass her in the hallway and she will say ‘hi’ to you. She is really making that community feeling with students,” Buitron said.

Gibson continued participating in week-long inauguration celebrations leading up to her inauguration ceremony on Thursday at the University Commons at 3 pm.

Zumba classes are available to NEIU students on Tuesdays 1-2 p.m. and Thursdays 2- 2:45 p.m. at Campus Recreation.

4 News | September 25, 2018

Independent

GIBSON INAUGURATion Draws more than 600 people Nicole F. Anderson

“I pledge to you to do everything that I can to create impactful pathways to the brightest future possible for Northeastern and for our students.”

-Gloria J. Gibson, NEIU president

Photos of Gloria J. Gibson’s Presidential Inauguration on Sept. 13.

Photos by Rebecca Denhem

NEIU’s University Commons was packed with a crowd of more than 600 people for Gloria J. Gibson’s Presidential Inauguration on Sept. 13.

Online tickets for the ceremony were sold out, but people were welcomed to still attend the event.

During the ceremony, Gibson said, “I pledge to you to do everything that I can to create impactful pathways to the brightest future possible for Northeastern and for our students.”

Former NEIU Presidents Sharon Hahs and Salme Steinberg gave Gibson the presidential medallion and Acting Provost Wamucci Njogu gave Gibson the ceremonial orb.

Leading up to Gibson’s inauguration, there were events throughout the week such as “Jazzy Monday,” “Zumba with the President,” “Selfies with the President” and “Pancakes with the President.”

Gibson took office on June 1, making her the first African-American female NEIU president.

To listen to audio clips of Gibson’s Presidential Inauguration, please visit: NEIUIndependent. org

september 25, 2018 | news 5

Student Newspaper

Students ‘selfie’ With the NEIU President Photo by Angelica Sanchez

Will Jones

Photo of NEIU President Gloria J. Gibson posing with a recent NEIU graduate.

Through one-on-one conversations at the selfie event, President Gloria J. Gibson introduced herself on a more personal level with students and other NEIU community members.

Gibson took selfies with students, staff and faculty members in the University Commons on Sept.

14. and gave students an opportunity to take a selfie and a regular photograph with her.

Sounds of timeless classics such as “Respect” by the late Aretha Franklin echoed through the corridors of Building B. Marina Whitehead, the president of the Black Caucus, attended the event and said, “The other day, we did Zumba with the president and I think that was good to show how

engaging she is with the students.”

“With recent [NEIU] presidents, we didn’t really know them that well.

Students wouldn’t know who the presidents were, but with Dr. Gibson, everybody knows she’s the president because she shows her face,” Whitehead said.

Unlike Gibson’s presidential inauguration the day before, this event wasn’t as packed with people. NEIU community members lined up to snap a selfie with Gibson.

After taking their selfies and photos with Gibson, NEIU community members were given bookmarks.

Director of Strategic Communications Mike Hines said via email that Gibson “is aware of the power of social media and she wanted to

take part in an activity that will grow awareness for the brand as well as allow her to interact in a fun way with the students, faculty and staff of Northeastern.”

NEIU student Tiara Lopez stopped by to snap a quick selfie with Gibson and said, “The inauguration helped me get to know a little bit more about Gibson’s family background and educational background. An event like this helps students actually see the president in person.”

Leslie Hurtado, who is a transfer student in the midst of her first semester, had time to meet Gibson.

“So far, I got a genuine vibe off of her, and I think she’ll be able to give us great opportunities,” Hurtado said. “If we address a problem, I

believe they’ll be able to solve it.”

In an interview with the Independent on Aug. 2018, Gibson said this semester she was going to focus on being “out and about.”

To read more about Gibson’s background and events, please visit: NEIUIndependent.org and read “Gibson: Not just a president, a model for students.”

Disclaimer: Leslie Hurtado is a writer for the Independent.

Join our news staff!

Email your resume at: neiuNewsEditor@gmail.com

6 News | September 25, 2018

Independent

SMILES AND LAUGHS AT NEIU’S FALL FEST

Fall Fest check-in table. Left to right: Elena Molloy, Nina Tillie, Rae Joyce Baguilat, Alfredo Palafox, Gabriel Chacon and Melanny Buitron.

Black Caucus’ Secretary Latoya Townsend and Vice President Eric Winslow smile as they display their sign.

Students and NEIU community members participating in a dance-off on stage.

NEIU Alumni Association smiles with NEIU swag at Fall Fest.

A’viands employees serving food with a smile.

Dan Herbst serving sweets at NEIU’s Fall Fest.

september 25, 2018 | news 7

Student Newspaper

Police Blotter: Aug. 22 to Sept. 20 Transcribed by The Independent

Sept. 12: NEIU North End: NEIU and Chicago police responded to calls of possible gunfire or fireworks near campus. After further investigation, police weren’t able to determine what happened.

Aug. 22: Bryn Mawr and Kimball: NEIU police officers responded and assisted a person who was observed stumbling in and out of traffic. Chicago police officers and paramedics arrived at the scene and transported subject to the hospital.

Sept. 14: NEIU Access Road: A driver lost control of vehicle, jumped the curb and crashed into the guardrail. No injuries were reported. The driver refused medical treatment and a car crash report was filed.

Aug. 24: 5650 N. Kimball: Chicago police officers, Chicago fire department members and NEIU police officers responded to a disturbance call where one person was stabbed and several people were cut due to an ongoing feud between neighbors.

Aug. 24: NEIU Police Department: An NEIU student dropped off copies of protection orders filed against family members. The student informed police that copies were also given to the Chicago police department.

Aug. 25: Off Campus: A citizen reported her 16-yearold daughter missing near NEIU’s campus. A missing person report was filed with the Chicago police and media outlets were notified.

Aug. 26: The Nest: An NEIU Nest resident reported that her boyfriend and herself were being verbally harassed and threatened via social media by a previous roommate.

Aug. 28: B-Building: An NEIU employee became agitated and complained about flies in the work space. The shift supervisor arrived and helped calm down the situation.

Aug. 28: B-Building: An NEIU employee broke a broom while killing a fly that agitated him.

NEIU officers arrived and calmed down the employee. The employee’s

Sept. 17: Parking Lot-D: An unknown offender struck and damaged a parked vehicle.

Graphic by Jessica Garber supervisor was contacted about the incident.

Aug. 29: El Centro: An unknown offender struck and damaged a light pole in the parking lot. Yellow caution tape was placed around the damaged pole and it was reported for repairs.

Aug. 30: LWH Courtyard: NEIU student filed complaint with a Title IX officer regarding an unknown male who stares and makes inappropriate sexual gestures toward her.

Aug. 30: Parking Garage: Officers assisted a student back to his vehicle out after the student parked so close to a pillar that he dented his car trying to back out.

Aug. 30: CoBM Building: A student reported theft of her tablet computer after forgetting it in a classroom for 30 minutes. Offender unknown.

Aug. 30: 3500 W. Foster Ave: Student reported an unknown

male followed her and asked for a drink and money as she walked to campus.

Sept. 02: Library: Library staff called NEIU police on an unruly patron who laid on the floor and refused to leave.

Sept. 04: 5401 N. Kimball: NEIU police issued two state citations and one I-Bond for disobeying a redlight traffic control and not having a valid driver’s license.

Sept. 05: Off Campus: A victim filed an identity theft report after his home mailbox was broken into and N-Mail account was hacked.

The university help desk assisted the victim to reset his account.

Sept. 05: Café Descarte: NEIU police department is investigating a former employee on possible threatening statements made. The subject was served a trespassing warning at his residence.

Sept. 05: The Nest: NEIU police

responded to a 9-1-1 shield emergency call from a student.

Nest R.A. checked in with student in his room and it was determined everything was okay.

Sept. 06: CoBm: Racist graffiti was found in the men’s bathroom on a stall. The graffiti was documented and facilities were notified for clean-up.

Sept. 06: B-Building: Lab staff requested the removal of an upset female who was being disruptive and loud over a printing job and class registration. The female left.

Sept. 08: The Nest: NEIU police assisted an R.A. on a well-being check on a student who was reported by friends because they had not heard from student in a while. Student was fine.

Sept. 10: NEIU: An ongoing investigation on a caller who claims someone is using artificial intelligence to send messages into his mind.

Sept. 18: NEIU: A student reported a former business acquaintance sent her death threats over the phone.

A police report was filed with the Chicago Police Department.

Sept. 19: Library: An unknown offender caused damage to the library’s deadbolt on the exterior door.

Sept. 20: NEIU: A faculty member received a call from an unknown male claiming to be a state police officer, but he hung up after being questioned as to why he was calling.

Sept. 20: NEIU: A student asked to add NEIU as a protected address on her order of protection. NEIU police officers will accompany her to the domestic court.

Do you have a tip for a news story? Email the news editor at: NEIUNewsEditor@gmail.com

8 News | September 25, 2018

Independent

UGC’s Newsletter Pi Nu was nationally founded in Jan. 1908, but the NEIU chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was founded in March 1992.

There are 1,018 established chapters within the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

Since the NEIU chapter’s inception in 1992, Pi Nu has had 143 members join and more than 300,000 members have joined internationally.

According to the Pi Nu members, “Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Pi Nu Chapter was the first Greek-lettered organization brought to the NEIU campus. During the Fall semester of 1989, the idea of starting a chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha on the campus of Northeastern Illinois University came to life.

“Danielle Lorraine Porch and Carmen Nicole Hampton felt that Northeastern needed a vehicle that would allow African American women on campus to work together. Alpha Kappa Alpha was that vehicle.”

The following are upcoming events hosted by the Pi Nu Chapter: • • • •

Sept. 27: Financial Literacy and Professional Etiquette Workshop Oct. 23: Taffy Apple Fundraiser Nov. 1: Book, Eyeglasses and Shoe Drive Nov. 13: Annual Angel Tree Program Kick-off

The sorority was founded on five main pillars: “Cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, to promote unity and friendship among college women, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature, to maintain a progressive interest in

college life and to be of ‘Service to All Mankind.’”

Pi Nu President LaShonda D. Tate said, “As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., I am committed to preserving our historic and rich sisterhood that was established in 1908.”

Tate said, “Pi Nu Chapter perpetuates the core values of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. by focusing on service, scholarship and sisterhood.”

“We are committed to providing service to all mankind, maintaining high scholastics, and promoting unity among college women,” Tate said.

The following are basic requirements to join Pi Nu: •

•

•

•

Must be a full-time undergraduate student at the campus where the chapter is located or a full-time undergraduate student at an accredited school affiliated with a city chapter in the community.

Must have earned 12 (or more) hours for Spring or Fall session, or have at least one grading period as a full-time student at the institution affiliated with the chapter, immediately after submitting the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. application.

Must have a cumulative and a semester average of a C plus (a 2.50 GPA on a 4.0 scale) or higher, immediately after submitting the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. application.

Must be in attendance at the official Rush.

For additional information regarding membership, please contact the Graduate Advisor Gloria Winston at cynsmom79@aol. com or visit: http://aka1908.com/ membership/aspiring-or-prospective-members#undergraduate

Photos used with permission from Pi Nu.

Meet the greeks: Alpha Psi Lambda

Left to right: The 30th (current) Central Regional Director Sonya L. Bowen; Pi Nu Chapter President LaShonda D. Tate.

Left to right: The 29th International President Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson; Pi Nu Chapter President LaShonda D. Tate; the 17th Central Regional Director Johnetta Randolph Haley; and the 29th Central Regional Director Kathy Walker Steele.

10

opinions

september 25, 2018 | Independent

STI Rates On The Rise, NEiu’s student health services offers free sti/hiv testing Amaris E. Rodriguez

Comic corner - ‘Chlamydia’ by brandi nevarez

2.3 million new cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis were diagnosed in the U.S. in 2017, setting a new record that was previously also broken in 2016.

While we are on a college campus, sex is not a topic that I hear discussed a lot, especially sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), STI rates have increased 31 percent from 2013 to 2016.

As much as we would like to believe that we will never be the person who contracts an STI, the odds are against that. It is important, not only as college students but as human beings, that we take ownership and responsibility of our bodies and our health. This includes sexual health.

It starts with education.

Growing up in a very conservative

Christian household, I was never exposed to any form of sex education talk from my parents. This left me at the hands of my high school health teacher, who actually did a good job at informing students. However, this is not always the case.

David Harvey, executive director of the National Coalition of STI Directors, said in a NBC interview, “There is an extreme lack of awareness about STIs and sexual health. Doctors are not screening and testing for these (infections) and patients don’t know they need to ask to be tested.”

As a woman, it is not uncommon to feel shamed by others for talking about sex or STIs; however, with syphilis rates on the rise, it is more crucial to be open about our sexual health.

Syphilis can potentially have life-threatening side effects on a fetus if the woman were to get pregnant. If it is left untreated,

syphilis, in both men and women, can lead to strokes, infertility and blindness.

Cathy Schacht, an advanced practice registered nurse at NEIU’s Student Health Services office, believes that STI screening is important every time someone gets a new sexual partner.

“Everyone should be tested once a year, or if they have a new sex partner, we encourage them to get tested,” Schacht said.

The Student Health Services offers free STI testing for registered students. While the office cannot test for all types of STIs, they are able to test for HIV, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. Results are available within a couple of days, testing is always confidential and Student Health Services can offer prescriptions for treatment.

HIV positive patients will have to get a confirming test at an outside clinic and are offered

out-of-campus resources. Patients who test positive for gonorrhea or chlamydia will be able to receive treatment directly.

They can also do partner treatment if a student tests positive.

This allows a students sexual partner to receive treatment if they are NEIU students and a prescription to go get the medication at a drugstore if they are not.

Since the Trump administration proposed to cut the budget for STI and HIV/AIDS prevention, colleges have begun to also cut back on the health services provided to their students.

In 2017, Kentucky’s Morehead State University closed down their health clinic, eliminating many key positions including nurses due to lack of funds.

NEIU offering free testing and resources for students is a great benefit as STI rates are increasing in lower income communities;

however it is not well-known on campus what exactly the Student Health Services office can offer.

“I feel like a lot of students don’t know what we do here,” Schacht said. “We do information tables throughout the school year. We go to the orientation sessions so I think we can stress it more during the session.

“Students get a lot of information during the orientation sessions but health services is probably not something that they are thinking about. Talking to other students and word of mouth on this campus seems to be a good way of getting information out,” Schacht said.

It is important to be responsible when it comes to sexual activity.

Safe sex should always be practiced and be an open discussion with any sexual partner.

Remember, it is your body, so it is your choice.

Arts & Life

Student newspaper | september 25, 2018

11

NEIU alum’s ‘Indo-pak grill’ is flamin’ photos by nicole f. anderson

Nicole F. Anderson

NEIU alum Sajid Patel opened Indo-Pak Grill in 2010.

Tucked away on Lawrence is Indo-Pak Grill, a restaurant ready to knock you out of the water with their food.

After choosing a place to sit, Indo-Pak Grill’s owner Sajid Patel came to the table with warm greetings and cold water. Patel is not only the owner of Indo-Pak Grill, he is also a Northeastern Illinois University alum. He graduated in 2008 in accounting, but unfortunately, America’s economy crashed that year.

Patel had a hard time finding a job after college. He opened up Indo-Pak grocery store in 2010 while working a part-time job. On Sept. 9, 2017, Patel opened up Indo-Pak Grill restaurant, right next to his grocery store.

The establishment is simple in design; the silver and glass decorations are modest, but they are very beautiful and glimmer in the light. It’s an open concept and very spacious; a perfect place to catch up with friends and family.

After several minutes of looking over the extensive menu, Patel came back and took our order.

It’s always impressive when

Garlic-cilantro Tandoori naan (left) and Paneer Tikka Masala (right) from Indo-Pak Grill.

orders can be taken and accurately executed without pen and paper.

The food journey continued on with myself and my companion ordering coffee; Indian style with milk. It came out piping-hot and as coffee lovers, waiting for our cups to cool down was torturous.

“Indo-Pak is a hidden-

gem of a restaurant and deserves so much hype, attention and patronage. This restaurant gets five out of five stars.”

- Nicole F. Anderson, Editor It was definitely worth the wait.

It was creamy, smooth and delicious, leaving the feeling of wanting more.

Both of us agreed it was sweet but not overly so. The price of $1.50 for a cup of coffee, a delicious one at that, was a bonus. It beats the prices of coffee from the well-known chains of

Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks.

The meal itself began with vegetable samosas as an appetizer.

A samosa, also known as sambusa or sambuss, is fried and filled with spices, onions, potatoes and corn.

Indo-Pak Grill’s samosa was crunchy, flavorful and satisfying. At only 0.80 cents per samosa, it’s the perfect appetizer for someone on a budget.

Indo-Pak Grill had several vegetarian appetizer options and more than one dozen vegetarian main entrée options; it was both shocking and pleasing.

I decided on paneer tikka masala ($9.99) paired with garlic-cilantro Tandoori naan ($1.99/piece).

Paneer tikka masala is an Indian dish of spiced gravy and marinated paneer cheese (an unaged, nonmelting farmer cheese). For those familiar with chicken masala, this is the vegetarian alternative.

Indo-Pak Grill’s paneer tikka masala is extremely flavorful, filling and delicious. The paneer cheese had a solid firmness to it and left a refreshing aftertaste in your mouth.

The paneer tikka masala’s spiced

gravy was thick and bursting with flavor. It was hard to put the spoon down. The pairing of paneer tikka masala with the cilantro-garlic Tandoori naan was excellent. It’s a delicious dish and recommendable to both vegetarians and nonvegetarians.

Tandoori naan, the kind served at Indo-Pak Grill, is a type of naan that is cooked in a tandoor, which is a type of oven that is either clay in the shape of a cylinder or a metal oven.

Naan originates from the Middle East, Central Asia and South Asia.

The word “naan” is the Persian word for bread.

My companion ended up choosing chicken tikka boti ($9.99) paired with garlic-cilantro Tandoori naan ($1.99/piece).

Chicken tikka boti is seasoned and grilled chicken on a skewer.

According to the Spruce Eats, the chicken in chicken tikka boti is tenderized with papaya but “does not present a fruit-like taste” to the dish.

My companion enjoyed her dish and said it had a “bit of a kick,” but wasn’t overly spicy.

She also thought the garliccilantro Tandoori naan was delicious and was satisfied with her meal.

For dessert, we shared an order of gulab jamun. This is a solid, milkbased sweet, in the shape of a ball.

The traditional Middle Eastern desert has a spongy texture and a very, very sweet taste.

Gulab jamun is soaked and served in rose scented syrup. Gulab jamun at Indo-Pak Grill is a fair price of $4.99 for three medium-sized pieces served in the rose scented syrup.

The food adventure itself may have come to an end with the bill, but Patel’s hospitality continued on. IndoPak is a hidden-gem of a restaurant and deserves so much hype, attention and patronage. This restaurant gets five out of five stars.

Indo-Pak is located 3920 W Lawrence Ave and has street-parking only. It is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Monday through Thursday and open 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

The restaurant delivers in a fivemile radius and is on GrubHub.

12 Arts & Life | september 25, 2018

Independent

14 years of Riot fest: crushing the music scene Alejandro Marroquin Riot Fest smelled of cigarettes, beer and burnt grass. Thousands of people walked out of the California pink line CTA stop throughout the whole day. People from all over the world came to Chicago to experience this one-of-a-kind festival.

“You’re crushed

in a crowd while your favorite band is playing and no one minds it one bit because everyone is there to have a blast.”

- Alejandro Marroquin, writer

photos by anthony nguyen People were jumping, dancing and crowd surfing during this year’s Riot Fest on Sept. 14 to 16.

The Chicago music scene staple Riot Fest is now in its fourteenth year.

Previously in Humboldt Park, the fest has called Douglas Park home since 2015. No matter the location, Riot Fest continues to welcome fans to celebrate rock and hip-hop.

The three-day festival is known for its diverse lineup; inviting artists of different genres.

There was never a minute of silence, as there were five stages throughout the park, offering attendees the opportunity to check out lesser known artists and giving the artists a platform to expand their audience.

The festival also doubles as a carnival with various rides and games.

Every year, the festival offers people a chance to see the Hellzapoppin Circus Sideshow Revue.

It is a “traveling freak show” that consists of sword swallowing, fire swallowing, laying on nail beds and much more. It is not for the faint of

heart and is extremely cringe-worthy but you can not help to look.

Riot Fest is not an ordinary music festival. It is a community that comes together to be a family for three days.

You’re crushed in a crowd while your favorite band is playing and no one minds it one bit because everyone is there to have a blast.

Seeing complete strangers have conversations with one another as if they have known each other all their lives is not a strange sight at Riot Fest.

Notable acts:

Matt + Kim

Beach balls, balloons and mature items were flying in the air as the electronic duo played to an overexcited crowd. The roar of the bass echoed over the hot blazing sun, fans crowd surfed, jumped and danced to Kim’s beat and Matt’s vocals. The atmosphere that they created was simply accelerating, especially for a festival that is mostly catered to rock fans.

Weezer

Coming in as replacements for Blink-182, Weezer made up for the disappointment. The crowd welcomed them with open arms as the band opened with “Buddy Holly.”

As a treat to fans who longed to see Blink-182, Weezer covered “All the Small Things.” With their logo shining in the dark and fans singing along, it was an infectious atmosphere of joy.

Alkaline Trio

Before becoming a part of Blink-182, Matt Skiba was a member of Alkaline Trio. The Chicago native band played for an hour straight, and throughout that hour, all that was heard was singing from the fans. Dan Andriano the bassist exclaimed, “This is probably the best crowd we ever played to.”

september 25, 2018 | Arts & life 13

STUDENT NEWSPAPER

Amy Buscemi Street and graffiti artists from all over the world met up in Chicago’s neighborhood of Brighton Park to create artwork that stretched for blocks during the Meeting of Styles (MoS) event on Sept. 7 through 9.

Meeting of Styles is an event that takes place all over the world annually and has hit a total of sixteen countries since it started.

The international non-profit organization and their local affiliates sponsor events, which serves as a method to promote and legitimize graffiti and street art as acceptable mediums.

The events are known to attract graffiti artists from all over the world, many of who have gained fame through illegal works.

In an interview with Meeting of Styles, artist and participant Bato said, “I have been painting for [eight] years. Graffiti to me is Graffiti. It is passion, not just fun; dedication must be given to it.”

Bato is from Quezon and Valenzuela City and has participated in Meeting of Styles events in the Philippines.

It also gives art enthusiasts the otherwise unlikely experience of watching street art being created in action. Tristen Purpura, a spectator, glasswork artist and owner of Purple Glass Works in the Chicagoland area has attended several Meeting of Styles events. The first he attended was about eight years ago; he was introduced to the event by a graffiti artist friend.

This year, Purpura attended the event’s meet-and-greet on Sept. 7 and the outdoor featured street event from Sept. 8 to Sept. 9.

The meet-and-greet was held at Camp/Us, an art gallery and shop in Logan Square located at 2883 N. Milwaukee Ave. These events give artists a hasslefree creative outlet for their art which can be otherwise both illegal and scrutinized by society due to vandalism laws.

“It’s legal. The property owners allow it,” Purpura said. “You can even go there for weeks after and see the completed art. They haven’t painted over it yet. But that’s part of street art.

It will eventually get painted over. It’s temporary.

“They had an L train car [at the meet and greet event]. It was constructed in the backyard, and everyone was painting and doing graffiti on it. There was art for sale and paint available to artists,” Purpura said.

The city of Chicago prohibits the sale of spray paint and illegal street art and graffiti, making it difficult for inner-city graffiti artists to keep up on their craft and supplies.

Though illegal, street art and graffiti are beginning to earn more respect as an art form in the city of Chicago. We see this by street and graffiti artists getting commissioned legally to create beautiful works on walls and the city’s underpasses.

Legal and commissioned streetstyle art and graffiti decorate walls and underpasses all over the city.

The artwork that now decorates the Brighton Park neighborhood for multiple blocks is available for viewing for an undetermined limited amount of time.

It is located around the Crawford Steel building at 3600 S. Albany Ave. on Chicago’s southside.

photo by amy buscemi

Graffiti Artists create legal work during Meeting of Styles Annual Event

A graffiti artist, who prefers to remain anonymous, paints legally on the side of the Crawford Street Building located in the southside of Chicago.

14 arts & life | September 25, 2018

Independent

‘Kamikaze:’ The Jet Fueled Response to Haters Will Jones A couple of weeks ago, a certain rapper said that the real Slim Shady couldn’t stand up. Well, ladies and gentlemen, Slim Shady is standing and curb stomping everyone who has thrown dirt on his name.

“I had to control my laughter when Eminem replied to Rosenberg’s comments because it was unexpected.”

- Will Jones, writer

On Aug. 28, Eminem released a surprise album and it targets a handful of rappers in the music industry. It seems like the new generation of rappers are in Eminem’s crosshairs, and they need to take cover. Eminem enlists artists Joyner Lucas, Royce da 5’9”, Jessie Reyez and Justin Vernon to complete an extremely short list of featured artists.

Eminem released the previous album “Revival” late last year and it wasn’t accepted well by most of his fans. The lyricism was out of this world, but the crystal clear production lacked on the album.

With the surprise of “Kamikaze,” Eminem re-writes his wrongs and delivers those Mike Tyson punchlines his fans are used to.

The introductory song “The Ringer” caused my eyes to widen with excitement. I think it’s safe to say that this song is the guillotine for the new-age rappers. The 45-yearold emcee makes it perfectly clear he can easily keep up with the

younger rappers.

On the second song, “Greatest,” Eminem mimics rapper Playboi Carti’s song “Woke Up Like This” for a part of his hook. Eminem is a lyrical genius. He is definitely one of the greatest rappers to ever exist in our generation.

“Lucky You” is one of my favorite songs on the album. Joyner Lucas was the perfect draft pick for the feature. The production and the delivery of the lyrics by both artists was phenomenal! My favorite set of lyrics were,“Cause half of these rappers have brain damage, All the lean rappin,’ face tats, syruped out

like tree sap.”

The song “Normal” wasn’t my favorite. The beat changes for the last verse of the song. It didn’t blow me away. He seems to be recalling all of his exes and quick flings and it really didn’t speak to me as the other songs did.

On most of his albums, Eminem includes a skit with music manager Paul Rosenberg. In “Kamikaze”, Rosenberg claims it could be a slippery slope if Eminem continues to reply to everyone that bad mouthed him if he would continue the “Kamikaze” installment.

I had to control my laughter

when Eminem replied to Rosenberg’s comments because it was unexpected. It worked well to add a little comedic relief to the album.

On “Stepping Stone” Eminem takes a brief stroll down memory lane. With this song, Eminem wanted to make amends with all the sins he committed throughout his music career. He really poured all of his feelings out on this song, and I truly appreciated that I chuckled at the beginning of the song “Not Alike.” If you’re familiar with the rap industry, you will easily notice that this song

mimics Blocboy JB and Drake’s “Look Alive’s” melody.

Eminem also mimics the hook from hit-song “Bad and Boujee” which was clever. Royce and Eminem proved to be like Jordan and Pippen when it came to collaborating on a song.

This is one of the most entertaining rap disputes I have ever followed because both artists aren’t sugar coating anything about their feelings for one another.

MGK responded to “Not Alike” with a song called “Rap Devil” that torched Eminem, but only for the moment. It’s dangerous to diss Eminem because he has proven he knows how to surgically destroy one’s career with his lyrics.

Eminem demolishes MGK with the line, “I’d rather be 80-year-old me than 20-year-old you.” That is just one of the many damaging lines in the song.

“Kamikaze” is named after the album and it feels like a crash course of Eminem’s wrath. I would not want step in front of Eminem at this time because he’s like an old locomotive with no brakes.

My favorite song, “Fall,” has such beautiful production and it tosses subliminal shots to Charlamagne tha God, Joe Budden, Tyler the Creator and Lord Jamar, all of whom have previously thrown dirt on Eminem’s name. I loved how he disintegrated multiple people within a four-minute song.

The last three songs are incredible and connected. In “Nice Guy,” Eminem is trying to be the nice guy in the relationship. In “Good Guy,” he is trying to be the model person. Then in the last song, “Venom,” it’s as if he’s being seen as the anti-hero in relationships.

“Kamikaze” delivers a sound that establishes Eminem as one of the greatest rappers. I would highly recommend this album.

movie poster of ‘Searching’ via facebook

‘Searching’ true to Poetry and Pancakes word: A review

Armando Flores “Searching” was a film on my watchlist, but I went into it with low expectations. I feared the film wouldn’t deliver on its promise of sticking with its gimmick of being shot from the point-of-view of computer screens and smartphones.

My trust had already been broken with previous movies that made the same promises and failed to deliver. “Searching” did deliver on its promise and ends the movie from the computer’s point of view.

“Searching” centers around David Kim [John Cho] who after the passing of his wife, finds himself in a strained relationship with his daughter Margot Kim [Michelle La], who goes missing after a night out.

Helping David in the search of his daughter, is police detective

Joanna Vaklin On Sept. 15, NEIU’s creative writing minor, “The 82,” hosted the annual poetry and pancakes event.

Current students, alumni and staff shared their poetry and ate the homemade pancakes English professor Dr. Timothy Scherman served.

“The 82” was started in Fall

Rosemary Dick [Debra Messing].

Through their investigation, they find little to no information. This prompts David to search through the one place where he hasn’t checked: his daughter’s computer.

“Searching” was directed by Aneesh Chaganty. From start to finish, Chaganty plays with your emotions. There were moments where I was tearing up by seeing the photographs of the Kim family John Cho does a tremendous job in his portrayal as a concerned father. Before the film started, I was skeptical of Cho’s casting because he played Harold in “Harold and Kumar” so well. That concern was laid to rest as soon as the film started.

Cho was a believable, loving father that would do anything for his daughter. Cho’s superb performance is not only noticeable

physically but also in the way he spoke; his voice and diction were impressive.

The way he made small changes to his voice by adding a hint of anger, then talking calmly and then again slowly raising his voice in response to the situation.

“Searching” does an excellent job of setting up multiple red herrings, or a clue to what’s about to happen.

At the beginning of the film, I thought I knew what was going to be the reason for Margot’s disappearance, but I was wrong.

The film kept surprising me with new information and disproving my theory.

Overall, “Searching” is a great film. It’s a film that I will keep on recommending as time goes on.

Photo by angelica Sanchez

september 25, 2018 | arts & life 15

Student Newspaper

2016 and was coined such because many of the creative writing minors take the Kimball bus to NEIU. Any student with a passion for writing or enjoy the creative arts such as fiction, poetry or any literary works are able to join the minor.

The event “Poetry and Pancakes,” allows students to showcase their work and become inspired by others.

join our team!

The Independent is the award-winning, student-run news publication for all NEIU campus locations since 1962. We are currently searching for positive, creative and motivated individuals to join our team!

apply if you wish to:

- Expand your portfolio and resume - Meet new friends - Make connections and network - Get PAID and be a published author - Become a leader and a confident writer.

Apply Today!

... and learn more about:

- Adobe InDesign - Adobe Photoshop - Journalism (writing and reporting process) - Photography - Graphic design.

Students can apply online: Join our team on Collegiate Link and email your resume to us at theneiuIndependent@gmail.com