Balancing act: New NU Dean of Music also composes and teaches
Evanston RoundTable, Feb. 27, 2024 In the 1995 movie Mr. Holland’s Opus, Mr. Holland (played by Richard Dreyfus) has to “settle” for a career as a high school music teacher when what he really wants to do is write a monumental symphony. Dean Holland at his desk. Behind him is the keyboard on which he […]
The Electoral College is a Broken System
Evanston RoundTable, March 7, 2019 Five times in our nation’s history, including twice in the last generation, the will of the people has been subverted by a process that is obsolete and undemocratic. I am referring, of course, to the Electoral College. It is hard to justify its continued existence. Every four years it disenfranchises […]
Bikes Vs. Cars: No Contest
Evanston RoundTable, Nov. 17, 2016 The death two months ago of a Northwestern freshman on her bicycle underscores the seriousness of the recent heated debate in Evanston about how far to go to protect cyclists from cars and trucks. Chuyuan Qiu, 18, a first-year student from China, died after hitting a cement truck Sept. 22 […]
Embarrassed by Founder, City of Evanston Now Claims It is Named for Famed TV Cowgirl
Evanston RoundTable, March 28, 2013
This was my contribution to our annual April Fools’ Day issue. (Leonard F. Slye was Roy Rogers’ real name.) The published story deleted most of the specifics in the fourth and fifth paragraphs to the controversy, which are true.
By Leo F. Slye
With mounting pressure to repudiate John Evans for his role in a notorious Indian massacre years after helping put Evanston on the map, the City Council last week issued a media advisory saying the real namesake of the City was none other than Dale Evans, famed TV cowgirl and wife of the even more famous TV cowboy Roy Rogers.
Ms. Evans, who passed away in 2001, could not be reached for comment, but the advisory pointed out that the actress was also an accomplished, singer, songwriter and best-selling author. From 1951 to 1957 she co-starred with her husband in the TV hit “The Roy Rogers Show.” “As to this other Evans, the one who arrived here in 1855, where is the proof [he also founded the City]?” the advisory asked.
The surprising action was taken shortly after the City Council went into a closed-door emergency session to deliberate, after which white smoke could be seen emanating from the building’s chimney. Neither the Mayor nor any Aldermen could be reached to elaborate on their somewhat-cryptic announcement.
Northwestern’s Victor Yampolsky: A Life As Exciting As the Music
Evanston RoundTable, March 1, 2012 The conductor gives a sharp downbeat, and the orchestra of 60 responds as one, flooding the practice room at Northwestern’s Pick-Staiger Hall with a richness and depth of music (Dvorak) that is breath-taking. The conductor is both calm and furiously busy. His eyes dart across the room, watching for precise […]