Music is Work
"Social issues, eccentric characters, politics—people are making movies about these things all the time," explains Chicago filmmaker Daniel Kraus, "but no one's capturing what we do, all day, every day." But that's exactly what Kraus has done with his "work series" documentaries. The second film in the series, "Musician," which will preview at the Siskel Film Center August 24, profiles Chicago jazz saxophonist Ken Vandermark, who will also perform at the screening. Although Kraus was originally drawn to the music, he says it was Vandermark's attitude toward his work that made him a good subject. "Being an artist wasn't some nebulous, touchy-feely thing for him; it was a job, it was hard work..." For Kraus, the film and the series' focus on the everyday part of our jobs is an attempt at archiving in the tradition of Studs Terkel. "I want to show who people are through what they do. I think it's a big deal when we become aware of someone's various small successes and failures each day, whether it's the person who cleans your office when you go home at five o’clock, or the CEO of your company."

Bike Hike?
Despite Chicagoans' access to public transportation and the city's relative bicycle-friendliness, according to a study by the Urban Transportation Caucus, Chicago still ranks high in carbon emissions, with a nine-percent growth in automobile trips since 1990. Rob Sadowsky, executive director of the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, says the increase is partially due to "a shift in jobs from the city to suburban communities, and housing development that encourages people to live father away." He points out that Chicago is second only to New York City in the mean travel-time to work, which clocks in at thirty-five minutes. He suggests better interaction between bicycles and mass transit, explaining that eighteen percent of those riding San Francisco's Caltran, that city’s version of the Metra, carry bikes with them. Sadowsky remains positive, though, citing an eighty-percent increase in bicycle transportation. The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation considers the statistic, among others, an indication of their work advocating and promoting bicycle and public transportation since 1985. "We bring the message to people that converting as many trips to bicycle or public transportation is not only good for you but good for the city."

(2007-08-21)

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