April/May 2018
IMANI RANDOLPH '18 & claudia levey '19 Editors-in-Chief ali mcqueen '18 Managing Editor
EVENTS DIRECTOR JUDY LIU '19 SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR letty dileo '18 SOCIAL MEDIA EDITORS emily wong '19 erica harreveld '18 ALUMNAE RELATIONS DIRECTOR demme durrett '19
FEATURES EDITOR Emma Yee Yick '19 ASSOCIATE EDITOR collier curran '20 STAFF WRITER Aliya schneider '20
NEW YORK CITY LIVING EDITOR veronia suchodolski '19 ASSOCIATE EDITOR pavi chance '20 STAFF WRITER orit guggenheim katz '21
POLITICS & OPINION EDITOR Sara Hameed '20 ASSOCIATE EDITOR naava ellenberg '21 STAFF WRITERS annabella correa-maynard '20 hadassah solomson '20
HEALTH & STYLE EDITOR isabella monaco '20 ASSOCIATE EDITOR antonia bentel '20 STAFF WRITER emma bellows '20
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Allisen Lichtenstein '19 ASSOCIATE EDITOR JULIA TACHE '19 STAFF WRITER anette stonebarger '21
ONLINE EDITOR lilly kallman '20
CREATIVE DIRECTOR sharon wu '18 LAYOUT DIRECTOR anna li '19 PHOTOSHOOT DIRECTOR judy liu '19 PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR Peyton ayers '20 ART DIRECTOR sadie kramer '21
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A Letter from the Editors
H
ey Readers,
Here we are, folks! It’s the last issue of the semester, and, as always, it’s a bittersweet one for us here at the Bulletin. As temperatures rise and Low Beach turns into the hottest club in NYC, we look forward to a few months of vacation, relaxation, and (for those of us living in the city without A/C this summer) perspiration. After a long, gloomy winter, we can’t wait to get outside and soak up a little Vitamin D. For those of you craving your monthly supplement of Vitamin BB (Barnard Bulletin, part of a healthy diet, not FDA approved) we’ve got a great issue for you. This month, we’re giving you tips for surviving and thriving in that last push through finals. We also tracked down some cool off-campus destinations if you just need to get away, get a snack, or get some cuddling time in with cats. If you’re wondering how to spend all of your free time this summer, we’ve got the low-down on what you should be watching, reading, eating, and doing, plus some ways to get involved both in our local community, and in national politics for you activist-types. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a semester-end issue without an ode to our seniors, the class of 2018. We hope this school year has been a good one for you all. As excited as we are for a little break, we’re sad to see you go. To our seniors: goodbye and good luck! We wish you the best with whatever awaits you outside the Barnard Bubble. To everyone else: we’ll be seeing ya soon. Happy finals, happy summer, and happy reading. HAGS! XOXO Claudia and Imani Co-Editors-in-Chief
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3 // Letter from the Editors 5 // Behind the Scenes 6 // Trending & Playlist
Health & Style 8 // mid semester slump 9 // 10 things to be happy about this month 10 // snacking while studying 12 // bacchanal style
Features 14 // in her words: to iud or not to iud 15 // study abroadnard 16 // centerpiece: class of 2018 22 // a history of commencement addresses 24 // morningside signs of spring 26 // a summer to remember
Politics & Opinion 27 // women in politics: cynthia nixon 28 // where'd you hear that? on foreign news sources 29 // the effects of online consumerism 30 // metoo but make it intersectional 31 // register. research. vote. 32 // summer horoscopes by the signs as female political icons 34 // graying politics
Arts & Entertainment 35 // what we're binge watching 36 // isle of dogs review 37 // an ode to maya angelou 38 // drag race for days
New York City Living 40 // bites beyond the bubble 41 // top 5 little known bakeries 42 // crazy for cat cafes
ehind he cenes Model
peyton ayers Photography: sharon wu photo assisting: Cherrie zheng art direction judy liu
Disclaimer: The Bulletin does not own any images on this page
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Herbalism by Lush This cleanser exfoliates and cleans your skin like no other and will leave you feeling fresh and clear
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T
s e m ester d i m
slump
he beginning of April can feel both overwhelming and never-ending as we move towards finals and summer. If you are experiencing the midsemester slump, then the changing of the seasons is a perfect opportunity to spring into new, healthy habits! Once you start feeling stagnant, you know that it is time to change up your routines to continue on the path to be your live out your healthiest and happiest lifestyle. Instead of stressing about a summer body, focus on creating a balanced lifestyle of vigorous activity and mindful eating. Exercise is vital for your physical and mental health. Whether you are more interested in running or vinyasastyle yoga, there is a workout routine for everyone. Did you know that you release endorphins through cardio, and that the meditative elements of yoga help keep you positive and selfconfident. Working out at night after completing your homework is a healthy way to de-stress from a full day of classes and activities. If you are an early riser, waking up early and heading to the gym can be a great and positive way to start your day. (Pro-tip: both the Barnard and Dodge gyms are usually less crowded after 8:30pm and before 9am). If you get easily bored of a routine, alternating your workouts can be a great way to stay in shape and keep your brain stimulated.
by Katherine Hoppe
If you normally go on runs in Riverside Park, why not try a spin class at SoulCycle (pro-tip: tell the SC staff that you’re a Columbia student interested in trying out the class--most of the time, they’ll give you a free class pass!)? If cardio is not of interest to you anymore, heading to the donationbased yoga studio on 108th street Yoga to the People is a fun (and economical) way to get off campus and exercise. Even researching new exercise routines on Instagram or Pinterest can spark a newfound interest in a healthy activity--share the post with your friends and work out together! Remember that exercise is not meant to be boring or repetitive--it’s meant to be a fun, healthy hobby. If these suggestions sound daunting or if you simply don’t have time to kickstart a full-blown exercise regimen, consider taking the stairs instead of the elevator or stepping off of
the subway a stop earlier and walking the rest of the way to your destination. Most smartphones even provide step-trackers that can encourage you to walk more in order to maintain physical fitness (since you live in New York, it should not be too hard to get a few extra steps in!). These small additions to your daily routine will make all the difference in the long run! A balanced and healthy lifestyle is not all about exercise--it is also how you fuel your body. Nourishing your body properly is imperative not just for physical changes but also for mental ones. Drinking water can help to clear your skin and it also promotes proper brain and body function. Eating foods deemed “superfoods” might help you look your best, but are also chock full of nutrients that will help keep you happy and healthy, which should be your ultimate fitness goal. Spring flowers don’t blossom overnight. You and the flowers can bloom together throughout the month of April as you both go through small steps of growth and change. By May, you will be in full bloom--mentally ready to conquer finals exams and physically ready to take advantage all that summer break has to offer (even if it is just sitting in an air conditioned office at your internship).You got this!
Digital Art by Hibah Rafi
H&S
10 Things to Be Happy About this Month
3 1 2 4 567 8 9 10 A
by Emma Bellows
s the semester winds down, students are often caught in a bind. We get excited by the prospects of good weather but depressed by the fact that we can’t enjoy it from our desk in Butler. With finals coming up way sooner than we’d like to acknowledge, there are still ways to enjoy the spring. Here are ten things to make you happy this month.
Low Beach Season
Obviously the best part about spring is the end of winter weather. This is so much more than retiring your coat or walking to class without looking out for ice patches or tearing from the wind, though. The joy of spring weather comes from the ease and flexibility to go anywhere without feeling limited by weather restraints. It’s the freedom to do your work outside, stop and hang out with your friends on Low Beach, or walk back from an off-campus activity.
Froyo Season
While I definitely do not confine my froyo consumption to the spring, I will definitely admit that it’s just better in the warm weather.The return of froyo season is the return of cute study breaks, and dessert-for-dinner nights. And, with the resurrection of Pinkberry, it couldn’t be more convenient.
Maybe this is just me, but judging by the copious amount of seats open in Butler I have a feeling it’s not. Every semester there are a few days about two weeks before finals where I fool myself into thinking I have nothing to do until finals. While this mindset is totally irresponsible, these days are especially great during the spring semester where you can walk to a restaurant, a work-out class, or even just around campus and enjoy the sun.
Columbia University Spring Events
The Extra Few Hours of Daylight
This one may seem trivial, but it’s only because we never fully appreciate leaving class while it is still bright out. We seem to complain incessantly when we leave our 4:10s in pitch black, but we don’t tend to take time to enjoy the few extra hours of daylight everyday.
The Lull Before Finals
Finalizing Summer Plans With internship applications open in January and companies not getting back to students until mid-April, summer can be a stressful topic. Hopefully, though, by spring you can start to actually look forward to summer without any uneasiness about what you’re doing.
Excitement for Next Semester
With finals coming up, you’re probably sick of your classes. The prospect of a new schedule and new professors is definitely enticing right now, and spring means registration! While stressful for many people, it’s also a great motivator to finish out strong.
NYC Events
Spring Fashion
In spring, campus just looks better. Not just because the sun is shining and the dirty snow has melted, but also because, without our coats and bulky sweaters, we can stop dressing for practicality, and start dressing for fashion! Spring allows us to add more stylized pieces to our outfits like sunglasses, jean skirts, and jackets in this transitional period.
Spring on campus is also very eventful. With Bacchanal, Orchesis, and graduation coming up, weekends start look a lot more exciting.
Iced Coffee
Yes, I know that people drink iced coffee all year, but even year-round iced coffee drinkers have to admit that there is something better about drinking it in warm weather. It’s just more fun. Instead of being strictly consumed for its caffeine, coffee becomes an enjoyable treat to cool you off.
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The most classic complaint at Barnard is that we don’t see enough of New York City during the school year. While we often blame this on work, the cold weather definitely deserves some of the blame too. As the temperature increases and being outside becomes more pleasant, there is no reason not to attend an outdoor concert, go to a rooftop bar, or check out a street market.
Snacking A
by Antonia Bentel
s we inch nearer towards the end of the semester, it becomes harder to stay focused on little else other than your final exams, essays, and presentations.Your brain is fried from re-reading your notes you so diligently took all semester, your hands are cramping more with each stroke of your pencil, and your eyes hurt from staring at your computer screen, willing an essay to be written. Your stomach, normally quiet, is incessantly growling. In order to keep studying, you concede that taking a break to eat a snack is necessary. And it is! According to the American Society of Nutritionists, your brain can burn up to five times as many calories as it normally would when you’re studying. The harder you think, the more calories you burn—a pretty nice upside to the bleakness of reading week. However, the negative aspect of this perk is that your nutrition levels drop much quicker; even if you eat a nutritious breakfast, lunch, and dinner, your body utilizes the nutrients from these meals at a faster rate thus rendering you hungrier and your body ready to receive more vitamins and minerals by means of delicious, homemade snacks. To stay healthy and focused during reading week, here are a few snacks that you can make in your dorm room (and maybe even sneak into Butler!):
Dark chocolate covered strawberries Strawberries are full of healthy vitamins that promote brain function and healthy skin. Additionally, these berries can help to keep you hydrated. Dark chocolate, too, helps you stay focused as it gives you a boost of caffeine. This super food also contains chemicals that promote serotonin production which can make you a little happier as you study. The sugars in both the strawberries and chocolate are provide another boost of much-needed energy. This is a perfect, indulgent snack.
Peanut butterstuffed dates Filled with healthy carbohydrates to help sustain your long study session, dates are the perfect study companion. Peanut butter is filled with healthy fats and protein, which will help keep you full as your brain works hard while you study. This snack is the perfect marriage of tasty and healthful.
Almond and cranberry “trail mix” Hikers burn off calories like crazy as they climb up mountains; students studying for exams do the same! This simpler version of the longtime food of choice for hikers will help you stay focused, full, and healthy as you study. Almonds are full of vitamins that promote heart, brain, and nervous system function—all key to reading week. Dried cranberries are like nature’s sour Skittles; small, tart, and gummy, these dehydrated fruits are chock full of fiber and vitamins (try to get unsweetened cranberries to prevent a sugar crash!). THE BULLETIN -
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Celery sticks and hummus If you’re a person who enjoys savory food, this is the perfect snack for you. Celery is loaded with fiber and water, keeping you fuller longer and hydrated to boot. Additionally, it promotes regularity. Hummus is a great dipping sauce, filled with protein, fiber, and brain-boosting vitamins; bonus points if you get hummus flavored with paprika (promotes heart health) or pine nuts (healthy fats that help keep you satiated), for example. Disclaimer: The Bulletin does not own any images on this page
Avocado toast
Despite what the average New York brunch hub charges for this favored breakfast food, avocado toast is really simple to make. A larger snack, this is for study warriors looking for a mini-meal (or, if you’re like me, forgot to eat lunch). Whole grain bread is full of fiber and vitamins that help keep you full and avocado is made up of healthy fats that promote skin health and keep you full. Add some salt, paprika, or a squeeze of lemon on top and you have a delicious salty treat.
Sriracha popcorn If you have access to a microwave, beware: you’ll be using it all the time to make this snack. Simply toss in a bag of organic popcorn, cover it in ghee (a healthy alternative to butter) and Sriracha sauce (a spicy Thai condiment) and you have yourself a great-tasting snack. The popcorn is filled with fiber and vitamins that help keep your immune system running smoothly, the ghee is full of healthy fats, and the Sriracha boosts your metabolism and keeps your energy levels up. This snack is a winner.
while
Studying THE BULLETIN -
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bacchanal Bac chanal Style by Isabella Monaco
T
he best day of the year at Columbia has come and gone. We not only got to see Ty Dolla $ign and YG, but we also saw some of the best outfits around campus. While we all would have prefered the weather to be ten degrees warmer, we did our best to stay warm and look good at the same time. Tinted glasses were definitely a trend this year along with jackets that are both functional and fashionable (a difficult combo to achieve).
Allie G.’s (right ) jeans and glas ses are from U her jacket is fro rban Outfitters m Neiman Mar , cus, and her sh oes are Adidas.
Claire R. (left) wears a white crop top and Tilden Bottoms from Brandy Melville. Antonia B. (right) styles a black mesh shirt from Urban Outfitters and leopard print pants from Topshop.
Kate H. (left) wears a t-shirt from Brandy Melville, jeans from Topshop, sunglasses from Urban Outfitters, her jean jacket is vintage, or, as she puts it, “hand-me-downs” from her mom!
Photography by Isabella Monaco
Ariel F. (right) is wearing a tracksuit from Adidas, a tank top from Brandy Melville, shoes from Common Project Chelsea, and vintage sunglasses. Raina W. (right) is wearing jeans from Frame Denim, a vintage leather jacket, and Doc Martens boots.
Claire (middle) rocked pink heart glasses from Amazon and an off-the-shoulder black top from Mystique Boutique in SoHo. Her jean skirt is from Zara and her belt is from her mom’s closet.
oars a tw e w . L Gabriella Sicko Car tel and m piece fro es are thrifted. lass her sung
Rache l year’s W.’s (left) s Bacch anal w tatement p er den ie a im jac s ket fro a faux fur-l ce at this in m Urb an Ou ed trucktfitter s. Sofia B. wears a retro top from O Mighty and a lace-up skirt from Missguided. THE BULLETIN -
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features
In Her Words
IUD or not to IUD It was over winter break, when I emerged from my room after a terrifying thirteen hours of sleep, that I floated the idea of getting an IUD to my mom. After the hours I had spent with her on the phone, sobbing over the sleep and days lost, she readily agreed. I had a consultation with primary care in the spring and scheduled an appointment for my return home. While I was excited about getting the IUD, I still needed to have my mom there. The day of, I couldn’t help but find something darkly funny about talking politics with my doctor while she lengthened the speculum. The procedure was relatively painless and quick. I was told that I have a good cervix, I compliment I was both proud and bemused to receive. As I stood up to leave, I felt the immediate sensation of period cramps. But they were far less intense than what I dealt with each month. Two and half years later, I have never regretted getting my IUD. I have the Liletta, which is a hormonal IUD that will last for up to four years. For the first six months, I had incredibly light and regular periods. Sometimes it would take me an extra minute or two to fall asleep, but I would wake up rested and able to walk. That was already a drastic improvement. After about six months I stopped having a period altogether. While this doesn’t happen for every IUD user, Planned Parenthood says that hormonal IUDs can cut down cramps and lighten periods;
my doctor said that she expected I would probably stop getting my period after about six to twelve months. I’ll be honest: carrying around my birth control everywhere I go, with no physical way to forget it, is a pretty darn convenient. I like to think of it as insurance, just in case. As a birth control method, IUDs are 99% effective. For those thinking about an IUD, there are some considerations that you should take into account. I’m fortunate that I haven’t had any issues with the IUD shifting or other adjustment issues. Planned Parenthood says that users can experience side effects for three to six months after insertion, although none of them are generally serious. For me, the insertion process was relatively painless and fast; this isn’t always the case. I’m incredibly fortunate to have insurance that covered the procedure at Planned Parenthood. All in all, I paid $7 for a $1,300 IUD. Barnard Primary Care offers free insertion for those on the Barnard insurance plan, which is an incredible service that should be standardized. If anything, the biggest issue with IUDs is the inhibitive cost; IUDs should be far more accessible to those who want them. When I left Planned Parenthood that summer day, walking past protesters and pedestrians alike, I didn’t fully understand how my new IUD would change my life. I had a slight twinge in my stomach and optimism that perhaps things were finally going to change. This inch-long piece of plastic is the best decision I’ve made in college, and I truly can’t imagine life without it.
Illustration by Lillian Zhang
“
So, this will last for four years,” the doctor said. It was the summer of 2016; we were a few months away from the election. “It’s good to have. Just in case the worst happens.” As I lay in the reclining chair at Planned Parenthood of Boston, waiting for the doctor to return, my mind was moving a mile a minute. In a few short minutes, she would return with my Intrauterine Device, or IUD. This tiny plastic wishbone would be with me (or, more aptly, in me) through my college graduation. It would come abroad with me. As an English major, it felt fairly poetic (and very Barnard) that my IUD would soon become my closest companion. I couldn’t wait. My first year at Barnard was incredible in almost every way. I ended up on a floor filled with friendly faces, took classes that inspired me, and found clubs that I loved. But once a month, even in the midst of the creative writing assignments I loved, or the John Jay brunches I treasured, I would have the most miserable week of my life. My periods, which had always been fairly regular and heavy in high school, almost knocked me out. If I wasn’t incapacitated by mind-blowingly painful cramps, I would try desperately to nap during the day. I could not sleep due to whatever hormonal increase or imbalance was occurring. The night before my first-ever college final, I laid wide awake in bed, watching every possible hour of sleep slip away from me. An hour before my alarm was set to ring, I began to cry to the tune of the sleepytime video I had desperately put on.
by Juliana Kaplan
Study AbroadNard
Photography by Imma Duverger
A
fter having my semester cut unexpectedly short, I found myself with an abundance of time, and a sudden urge to travel as much as I possibly could. Since my university professors decided to go on strike to protest the drastic changes to their pensions and current curriculum, they have decidedly canceled the remaining classes for the month of March. Am I truly upset about that? A little, as I had specifically choose University College London for their English department, and was looking forward to a semester of fascinating classes taught by passionate professors. But the truth is, I’ve had an absolutely engaging and lovely semester despite it’s brief period.Besides, here I
by Imma Duverger
was presented with an unprecedented opportunity for exploration in what I consider to be the most formative period in my life. So I decided, what better way to celebrate the end of a short semester than a solo trip around three countries for two weeks? During my time in France, Spain and Portugal, I finally realized that the learning experience was not solely limited to the classroom. Being able to contextualize crucial art objects in their host museums, or walk along pathways which have inspired great literature have allowed me to bring the rich conversations that began in Barnard classrooms, to the world. Whether it was seeing Manet’s THE BULLETIN -
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Olympia in person at the Musée D’Orsay or visiting the graveyard in Edinburgh which would inspire the names of the beloved characters in J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter, I find myself astounded by how vast our world is and how little I’ve actually seen.I’ve realized to studying abroad meant open myself up to adventure, to allow my spontaneous side to flourish, and to learn how to indulge myself a little in experiences I think will truly change my being. I honestly cannot thank myself enough for taking this semester to have an experience that I know has changed me for the better.
Clas s of
2018
THE BULLETIN -
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by Talisa Ramos Model | Peyton Ayers Photography | Sharon Wu & Cherrie Zheng Art Direction | Judy Liu
8 THE BULLETIN -
14 - may 2016
I
t’s the type of April morning that is tantalizing -- everything and everyone is basking in sunlight, yet the chill in the air is undeniable. On this particular Sunday morning, I find myself at Nussbaum with four of my dearest friends. I am very much dressed for a lazy Sunday, clad in both sweats and a sweatshirt.Yet, I’m not worried about it because I know that I do not need to be anything other than myself to please these people. My past four years at Barnard have been filled with myriad professional and academic experiences that were exciting and helpful; the most precious thing that was garnered over the course of my time here, though, are without a doubt the relationships.
Graduation 2018
is fast approaching and this energy of transition is palpable among seniors. Barnard’s campus has a tendency to feel vibrant, and such was the case when the class of 2018 arrived to campus on the 125th anniversary of Barnard’s founding. As we adjusted to our new environment, the energy of celebration remained on campus. In four years, the class of 2018 has taken campus by storm as they went from celebrating firsts to celebrating lasts. For me, it feels surreal to be writing this article. Undoubtedly, the past four years has felt like an accumulation of the passing of time and yet, the prospect of graduation being mere days away feels laughable. When I reflect on my time on Barnard’s campus, several involvements come to mind. For one, I have been a Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow since my sophomore year. Being a fellow has been one of the most formative elements of my college career and has prepared me to pursue a Ph.D in American Studies and potentially even the professorship as a young woman of color. More than that, the sense of community with the other students and our faculty and staff coordinators has been, and continues to be, irreplaceable. This space also allowed me to begin conceptualizing my thesis on Puerto RicanAmerican citizenship and really step into my intellectual identity.
In order to get a sense what the class of 2018 will miss and what they plan to do next, I spoke to 5 of
my most incredible friends -- with majors ranging from the interdisciplinary Urban Studies, to a double Dance and Education major, and some of Barnard’s most popular majors, History and Psych -- I knew that they each would have valuable commentary about their experience. What I found so striking about each of their responses was the shared sense that they were leaving campus more confident and assured than they were upon arrival.
Molly shared that “the first thing I’ll take away from my Barnard experience is how empowering the campus and community is... my younger sister is a first year here at Barnard, and one thing we’ve discussed at length is how Barnard gives each of us in the student body the power to shape our future and the agency and education to power our passion. My second take away: Be kind; treat yourself as a whole person, not just a student or a friend or a club member; do all things with love and good intent; and take one of Paula Franzese’s classes - you will NOT regret it. In a world where women aren’t always uplifted, and are taken down a peg more often than not, it’s incredible to be surrounded by people who are constantly being told YES THEY CAN AND YES THEY WILL. A person who has confidence in themselves and conviction in what they do goes so far to further the world for others. (and I’m gonna miss Diana pizza and Mel’s Sunday brunch).” Molly is interested in the sexual health of women and sexual psychology.
Cai echoed similar sentiments when she expressed that said that: “I honestly think that I’ve gained such a new sense of confidence from my time here. It’s really something to be surrounded by peers that are smart, passionate and unapologetic. Their attitudes are contagious. Not to mention some of my professors who have really pushed me to find my voice, especially when it came to thesis writing.” She went on to remind me of the beauty that is NYC as a living laboratory: “I’m leaving NewYork after graduation, and I know that I’ll miss this city everyday! I remember trying to come up with a final project for Spanish course and finding inspiration through a short bike ride around Washington Heights. The city is such a good resource and it definitely shaped my experience at Barnard.” Victoria, a veteran first-year RA, paid an ode to our beloved Maggie. She noted that when “I came to campus [there was] the beautiful magnolia tree in bloom...Lehman as a space to hang in and a full and thriving lawn. So structurally [campus] has changed a whole lot! Personally, it has changed in the ways that it shifted to being strange to familiar, college to a second home, and a place where I initially felt out of place, to a space I find difficulty disentangling myself from now.” She also spoke to the ways in which college forces you to build a productive relationship with yourself. “I have learned leaps and bounds on how to manage my stress in effective ways. This was not easy, and this also did not mean that I did not struggle getting to the place I am today, but the sheer academic and social demands at Barnard forced me to take a hard look at what and why I was prioritizing things.” Currently an intern at the Met, Victoria is looking to make an impact on the New York arts’ community and wrote an Art History thesis on Peruvian art. Simi, the illustrious 2017-2018 Bacchanal president, thought more metaphorically about how physical Barnard changes starting our sophomore spring still allowed for our class to be incredibly physical connected to campus and to each other. Additionally, of everything she is going to be nostalgic for -- her time as a Well Woman tops the list. I cannot count the times that Simi has offered me the space to explain my latest introspection, and I know that this quality is emblematic of so many Barnard students. Armoni gave me answers full of optimism. She offered that while “it’ll be a lot more complicated to maintain these amazing relationships” she is “absolutely putting in 200% of my effort to keep these amazing friends in my life postgrad...I feel such a shift in my confidence to pursue goals and a growth in the scope and range of my dreams and visions. All because I witness amazing Barnard women going above the mark of excellence in everything they do.”
Barnard, like any institution, is more than simply the sum of its parts. Just as the class of 2018 has shifted and grown, neither has Barnard been impervious to change -- the Milstein Center only belong to the class of 2018’s experience as a construction site, but next year it will be as key to campus as the Diana is. So too, Beyond Barnard, is hoping to push Barnard forward. While we may not be the full recipients of these additions, I know that we can rest assured that just as we have been made better by attending Barnard, we are leaving Barnard better than we found it.
A History of
Commencement Addresses by Natalie Dicker
W
ith its status as one of the most prestigious women’s colleges in America, it is no wonder that Barnard College has commencement speakers as notable as its graduates. Here are four of Barnard’s most distinguished graduation speakers over the past decade, as well as the upcoming speaker for the graduating class of 2018!
Hillary Clinton
is an American politician, who served as first lady, junior U.S. Senator from New York, and as the 67th United States Secretary of State all within a span of 20 years. In 2009, Hillary Clinton gave an outstanding commencement address in which she spoke about her experiences attending a women’s college at Wellesley, the best investment that her and her parents ever made. The crux of her speech was about the need for women to take leadership positions in U.S. diplomacy, as each and every powerful Barnard woman has the ability to make a difference: “Serving the people of the world does not have to be your life’s calling, but I urge you to make it a part of your life, to include it in whatever you decide to do as you start out on this adventure.”
Meryl Streep
is a prominent American actress, renown worldwide for her versatile character portrayals and numerous accolades, including 21 Academy Award nominations and three wins. Meryl Streep spoke at Barnard’s commencement in 2010, discussing what it was like for her growing up with goals of one day becoming an actress, a feat that came with a unique slew of difficulties and setbacks. Streep remarked that her time at Vassar, another of the seven sister schools, as well as her experiences being a famous actress, have taught her many lessons:: “Being a celebrity has taught me to hide but being an actor has opened my soul. Being here today has forced me to look around inside there for something useful that I can share with you and I’m really grateful you gave me the chance.” THE BULLETIN -
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Sheryl Sandberg
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is the Chief Operating Officer, or COO, of Facebook, as well as the founder of Leanin.org, a global online community dedicated to helping women achieve their goals. As a preeminent technology executive, activist, and author, Sheryl Sandberg has shaped the women of America, and the world, to be more ambitious and effective in achieving their dreams, so it is no surprise that she was chosen to give Barnard’s commencement address in 2011. Sandberg preached the importance of striving for gender equality in the workforce, and as well as thinking big and believing wholeheartedly in oneself: “believing in yourself is the first necessary step to coming even close to achieving your potential.” Sandberg closed her speech by urging the graduating class to take action to “run the world, because this world needs you to run it.” Therefore, just as every Barnard student writes about when they apply to this prestigious college in the first place, graduating seniors must continue to question themselves with Sheryl’s words of wisdom, “What would I do if I weren’t afraid?” And then, she said, we must go do exactly that.
Abby Wambach
, this year’s upcoming speaker, is a two time Olympic Gold Medalist in soccer, as well as a World Cup Champion, and alltime leading scorer in international soccer history. Off the field,Wambach is an advocate for pay equity and LGBTQ rights, causes near and dear to every member of the Barnard community. In addition to her upcoming speech at the 2018 commencement ceremony, Wambach will also receive Barnard’s medal of distinction, the college’s highest honor, for her embodiment of the college’s ideal of making an impact on the world at large. Despite her countless achievements in the soccer world, Wambach chose to continue her pursuit for greatness by empowering women and the greater society in which they reside. Barnard’s class of 2018 is privileged to be addressed by a figure so impassioned by her beliefs, and will no doubt be deeply impacted by all that she brings to the table. The grandeur of these speakers just begins to scratch the surface of the level of accomplishment of each and every addressee present at Barnard Commencements. It comes as no surprise that at a graduation ceremony for a group of supremely talented and driven women, those who are chosen to address the crowd are equally motivated in their own unique fields.
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Morningside Signs of Spring S
by Maya Sanchez
pring makes its presence known when the days become longer and the sun becomes brighter. But aside from the geophysical changes, here are five ways that spring makes its presence known on our lovely, beautiful Morningside campus.
Campus Tours
There are always tours happening on campus, and you fondly look at the wide-eyed high school students and remember (or not) your first visit to campus. But as spring rolls around, so does spring break for high schools nationwide, and all of a sudden the campus is more tourists than it is students.You know Alma Mater screams Columbia University, and you yourself are guilty of snapping a few selfies with the One and Only, but the huge crowd of tours across Low easily adds five minutes to your daily commute. Five minutes doesn’t seem like a lot of time, but when it takes 15 minutes to get from one corner to another, five minutes is entire third of that. It’s five minutes that could be spent trekking up the stairs of Barnard Hall. It’s five minutes that could be spent sleeping. It’s five minutes that could be spent reading this article.
Your Roommate is Wearing Skirts Again
But it’s not like she ever stopped wearing skirts. Even in the midst of winter, she would get out of bed, roll on a pair of tights, and then slip on a skirt.You thought she was crazy for ever going out in windy, freezing weather like that, but she insisted that her top only worked with her skirt and you knew how she had been wanting to wear that top. It didn’t stop her from coming back to the room, declare that nature is a cruel thing, grab a beanie and gloves, and head back out. Still wearing the skirt. Now that it’s spring, she’s free to wear her skirts ever day without complaint and you don’t know who is more grateful for that: you or her. To top it all off, she’s not even your real roommate. You still love her anyway.
Everyone Insists on Being Outside
Illustration by Tuesday Smith
The sun is important. It gives life, energy, vitamins and much more to our planet. Sure, it spent a few months hiding behind clouds and only peeking its head out to tease, but now it’s here to stay (unseasonable snow storms excluded). And now that the sun is out, so is every single student on this campus. Navigating Low Steps becomes an unsolvable maze of backpacks, laptops, and coffee cups. If you want to get across campus, you’re better off walking up Broadway or Amsterdam. The fields become a cluster of frisbee players tossing and yelling and tossing some more. They’re joined by frat boys throwing a football and failing to catch it half the time. You give them kudos for even attempting to act like they truly care about the sport. The dining halls, from John Jay to Diana, finally have room to sit, but that’s only because half of the students eating are sitting outside and soaking up the rays. In spring, the sun is everyone’s best friend.
Cuffing Season is Officially Over
You yourself never got cuffed, and you are lying to yourself if the thought of having someone to cuddle and hold you tight during the brutal winter months doesn’t sound appealing. Your roommate, on the other hand, went through multiple guys as if they were flashcards: study materials
that make it feel like you’re being productive, but really are just for the aesthetic. But no matter the guys, she never really got ‘cuffed’ and you know this because she would loudly complain about it every time her flings ended. So now that cuffing season is over, you both can go back to craving intimacy and attention normally for the next seven months.
You Can Actually Roll Out of Bed and Go to Class
CG, Plimpton, and 110 excluded, oncampus housing is convenient, especially for the days where you sleep through all seven alarms and only wake up ten minutes before class. But when the temperature was nearing zero, you couldn’t exactly just wake up and go to class. No, the cold weather dictated that you put on at least three layers of clothes and then your puffy jacket on top of it all. Your roll out of bed and get to class became a marathon. But now that spring has brought the warm weather, you really can roll out of bed and get to class. So when you have a 10:10 and you wake up at 10, don’t fret! With a little power walking, you can make it! But it’s probably a good idea to not sleep through your seven alarms. Spring is arguably the best time of the year: it’s not as cold as the previous months, but the warmth is not overbearing. Sure, you may sneeze every time you walk outside, but the sight of the beautiful flowers (and the thought of the semester coming to an end) makes it all worth it. THE BULLETIN -
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A Summer to Remember
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fter taking my last final, marking the end of my first year at Barnard, I could not wait to get home to catch up on sleep and simply just relax for a few days. Attending college at Barnard has and continues to be a great privilege, however, the stress culture is especially impactful during the last few weeks of the semester. Not only was it exciting that I successfully completed my first year here, but I was also ecstatic because this summer would be spent interning at Food Network Magazine (FNM), and would culminate with a well-deserved family vacation. After a week of resting and catching up with hometown friends, I began the first day of a 12-week internship program as an Advertising, Sales and Marketing intern at
FNM. Since I was in my early teens, I have been following many of the shows on this network, and interning for their magazine was an opportunity that I never thought I would get to pursue. I came home to Long Island each night after a long day of interning, excited to share with my family the various fun projects I got to work on. During my time at FNM, I would say that the coolest projects I got to take part in were following up with winners of magazine sweepstakes, and planning events for the launch of the Pioneer Woman Magazine. I have always been an avid magazine reader and constantly found myself entering sweepstakes, so I really enjoyed emailing the winners and then ultimately mailing them their prizes. When winners were truly appreciative of all the hardworking FNM employees, it warmed my heart to receive their
touching emails. Interning during the summer of 2017 was also very exciting because it was during the magazine’s official launch of the Pioneer Woman Magazine, showcasing celebrity chef, Ree Drummond. For the launch of the magazine, we held a huge launch party at a restaurant downtown where all members of the team attended, in addition to clients and Ree Drummond and her family. I got to spend that entire day setting up for the party and even got the opportunity to meet Ree and her family. I never thought that I would get to meet a Food Network chef through my internship, so this was certainly an added bonus! Later on in my internship, I also got the opportunity to meet Alex Guarnaschelli during one of her visits at the office, and this was especially exciting as she’s a Barnard alum. We even bonded over this connection, which was truly heartwarming! This summer was truly a memorable one in that I got to work at a company that I admire deeply, live at home, and even fit in a one-week vacation to Arizona with my family. Especially being that I had just completed my first year of college, I never expected that I would get an opportunity at FNM so early on in my professional career. Being able to do all these activities in one summer made it unique, and with a 9-5 work schedule, there was still time for me to catch up with friends and be home in time to watch my favorite TV shows. I am so fortunate for the experiences I had this past summer, and who knows, maybe FNM will graciously take me on as their next employee once I graduate!
Disclaimer: The Bulletin does not own any images on this page
by Paraskevi Xenophontos
P&O Women in Politics
Cynthia Nixon Illustration by Maria Laura Jijon
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hough you may know her as Miranda Hobbes from Sex and the City, Cynthia Nixon is a woman of many hats. She is a long-time activist for LGBT rights and public education, an ‘88 Barnard alum, a mother of three, and a breast cancer survivor with multiple Emmy, Tony and Grammy awards under her belt. Now, she is also the most publicized defier of Andrew Cuomo’s two-
by Valeria Milesi
term incumbency as Governor of New York State. Nixon announced her gubernatorial candidacy for the Democratic Party on March 19th, releasing a video spotlighting her motivation for running: the lack of opportunities for NYC youth that her own humble upbringing once afforded her. Native to the Upper West Side, Nixon was raised by a single mom in a one-bedroom walk-up. She is a product of NYC public schools, and she later took up acting to pay her way through four years of Barnard’s tuition. The New York of today is different and obscenely unequal, Nixon claims, and something needs to change. Her campaign focuses on the need to remedy inequality and poverty, fix mass incarceration, mend the crumbling MTA, and provide adequate healthcare. Her platform is progressive and civic-minded, her main call to action to make New York more equal. If elected, Nixon would be the first woman and the first openly LGBT governor in the history of New York. She has previously campaigned for samesex marriage and has been advocating for other LGBT issues for years, including the frustrating battle of defining her queerness on her own terms (she has been questioned often on the subject, and has attempted to paint a nuanced picture of THE BULLETIN -
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what is, in technical terms, her bisexuality, but in realistic terms, a fluid movement along a spectrum). She is currently married to activist Christine Marinoni. The responses to Cynthia Nixon’s proposed governance have varied. To those on the left of Cuomo -- whom she has not hesitated to attack for corruption and mismanagement of funds -- her campaign is inspiring in its prospect of bringing real change. As part of her rebuke, she invited Twitter users to tweet #Cuomo’sMTA when their trains were delayed or disserviced. The hashtag is still trending. To others, however, her lack of experience in government is troubling, and her TV stardom in the age of reality stars seeking public office is all the more cause for mistrust. She was dubbed an “unqualified lesbian” by openly gay former City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, an insult she decided to reclaim, Elizabeth Warren style. She’s certainly up against a lot for her very first bid for office: Andrew Cuomo has been governor since 2011 and his father, Mario Cuomo, was governor for 11 years -- the family has a legacy, not to mention the 30 million dollars in campaign resources at his disposal. When prompted, Cuomo has seemed unconcerned by her attacks. A bold undertaking, it will be a challenge for Nixon to beat him to the Democratic ticket, but who better for the job than a Bold Barnard woman?
Where'd you Hear that?
ON FOREIGN NEWS SOURCES by Valeria Milesi
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BBC WORLD The British Broadcasting Corporation, it’s headquartered in London as the world’s oldest national broadcasting organisation.
INTERNATIONAL CRISIS GROUP Founded in 1995, ICG is an independent organization that researches and provides independent analysis on global conflict.
THE GUARDIAN US The New York City-based American online presence of the British print newspaper The Guardian. Guardian US is only available online, although Guardian Weekly, an international version of The Guardian is available in print and online.
AL JAZEERA ENGLISH Also known as JSC, Al Jazeera is a state-funded broadcaster in Doha, Qatar, owned by the Al Jazeera Media Network. The Al Jazeera Network has more than 65 bureaus across the globe and is the most watched news channel on Youtube.
DER SPIEGEL INTERNATIONAL The English-language website of Der Spiegel, a German weekly news magazine among the leading magazines in Europe.
NPR Privately and publicly funded, the National Public Radio is a non-profit membership media organization based in D.C. It is also the national syndicator to a network of over 1,000 public radio stations in the U.S. THE BULLETIN -
A CLOSER LOOK... We scoured two of these and gathered the following: INTERNATIONAL CRISIS GROUP It’s no secret that American news often ignores even the most monumental events in certain parts of the world. The ICG has sections for six global regions -- including one on the United States-- and they provide excellently researched reports and briefings that explore conflict in both English and the local language in question. It should always be read with skeptic eyes, however, as its lens is biased by Western ideas of good governance and social structures. DER SPIEGEL INTERNATIONAL Navigating Der Spiegel online is tricky because even on the English site, all the menu options are in German. This source is an excellent one for pieces on issues not so talked about in the US, especially those relating to diplomacy. Come here when you’re in the mood for an in-depth, informative article, but refer to Al Jazeera English and BBC World as your go-to for breaking news.
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Illustration by Sadie Kramer
e’ve been hearing it again and again: America is having a news crisis. The explanations are varied and complex, but many analyses confirm the relationship between readers and journalists is on thin ice. According to the most recent Gallup poll queuing Americans’ certainty that the mass media will “report the news fully, accurately and fairly,” only 32% confirmed a great deal or fair amount of trust, the lowest percentage in Gallup polling history. Some believe the deterioration of this trust can be traced to the origins of the internet -- others maintain it’s a byproduct of media conglomeration. Media conglomeration is the phenomenon through which a small number of companies buy and own a variety of news outlets. ABC, Fox, CNN, NBC and Telemundo are shared between just 3 corporations. If a handful of businesses dominate so much of the news in the U.S., dictating what events they see as newsworthy (or not) on a massive scale, how can citizens rely on far-reaching, impartial reporting? In an attempt to seek objectivity, many have turned to foreign news sources for their daily intake, even for reporting on current events in the U.S. Here are some independently owned news sources:
The Effects of
Online Consumerism
C
Illustration by Stefani Shoreibah
ommerce has come a long way from the trade and barter system of antiquity. Society has progressed even beyond physical monetary means of exchange to credit cards, and now often relies on previously unfathomable mediums such as Apple Pay and the more recent phenomena of cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin. With the abandonment of a gold standard and the digitization of currency, the monetary system is not the only thing that has changed; customer preferences have evolved as well. The most common of commerce configurations is no longer a central marketplace with individual vendors hawking singular specialty goods. Chains such as Target, Costco, and Walmart have revolutionized the notion of the one-stop shop – everything all in one place. Furthering this trend are online retailers such as Amazon that combine the convenience of the internet and its one-click payment system with an incredible variety of products and infinite options. For this reason, many consumers have begun to shift to online shopping, leading experts to predict the demise of what is colloquially known as the brick and mortar establishments in the not-so-distant future. Already, traditional companies are beginning to feel the pressure of online sales. Toys R Us, for example, recently filed for bankruptcy, citing competition
by Hadassah Solomson
from online competitors as cutting into their profit margins. A Pew Research Center poll found that 80 percent of Americans shop on the internet with about half of that number doing so either weekly or multiple times a month.This is in comparison to a similar poll conducted in 2000, where only 22 percent of Americans had ever made an online purchase. Additionally, the Census Bureau’s monthly retail sales report shows transactions through
online retailers were up 11.9 percent, while department store sales were down 6.4 percent in 2017. The current environment is not quite as damning for traditional retailers operating in physical store-fronts as one might think. Although people appreciate the convenience of the online purchase, 65 percent of those who shop online indicated that they prefer to shop traditionally, in-person. As fast as the shipping industry has become, it will never replace the instantaneous purchase and possession process of in-store shopping. Additionally, customers enjoy the opportunity to assess an item in-person as opposed to relying merely on misleading online images. Avoiding the hassle of the returns process THE BULLETIN -
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is another such benefit. However, price conscious consumers still flock to the cheapest vendor, which, in most cases, resides on the internet and not in-store. Despite the widely prophesied demise of the shopping mall, retail is not dead. According to an Atlantic article, online shopping is not the only culprit. The consumerist lens through which many portray America is not predicated on nothing. Between 1970 and 2015, the number of malls grew more than twice as fast as the population itself. The study cited contends that the oversaturation of malls was inevitably destined to curtail itself. Additionally, preferences for food and travel, or experiential spending, have replaced many people’s desires for material stuff. Combined, these trends begin to explain why some of America’s favorite chains have been forced to file for bankruptcy. Although the internet revolutionized the way in which consumers opt to purchase goods, the traditional store still serves a purpose that can never be fully replicated by online options. The companies that are going to be successful going forward are those that can adapt and capitalize on the online consumer culture, and must, if they don’t want to be left behind.
O
ver the past few months, there has been a marked increase in the amount of people who talk about sexual assault and harassment. Because of Me Too, survivors are feeling empowered to speak out about their experiences in an unprecedented way, and at the very least, the hashtag itself is being widely discussed. However, this mainstream appeal has also served as the movement’s greatest weakness. By simplifying a huge problem, one narrative about sexual assault has been pushed forward as the “right� one. This narrative is overwhelmingly white, heteronormative, and cisnormative, presenting white, heterosexual, cisgender women as the only possible victims of sexual violence while pretending that cis men are the only possible perpetrators of violence. It is true that cis white men are the largest contributors to sexual violence within a patriarchal power structure, but that does not mean that others cannot be culpable in the violence enacted on others. Presenting only one kind of narrative erases and silences countless other survivors. Additionally, the Me Too movement has not given the proper attribution to its founder,Tarana Burke, who is a black
woman. Instead, credit has been unduly given to Alyssa Milano, a white actress. Furthermore, wealthy white women in Hollywood have become by and large the figureheads of an increasingly exclusive movement. Women of color have unique experiences with sexual violence that are often intrinsically connected to their racial identity and those involved in the Me Too movement have undeniably not taken the necessary steps to support women of color. One critical way in which the mobilization around sexual violence must improve is in our willingness to uplift marginalized voices. It it crucial to intentionally share and circulate narratives that do not necessarily fit the current dominant narrative of sexual violence. Most importantly, we all must become better at listening. Everyone has privilege in some way, and these privileges intersect to perpetuate different experiences with sexual and relationship violence for every survivor. It is necessary to always check the language that we are using when discussing sensitive topics, and avoid broad generalizing statements when possible, particularly regarding gender, sexuality, and race. Unfortunately, movements like THE BULLETIN -
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Me Too make it easy for us to do the bare minimum. This, of course, does not mean that everybody needs to be protesting in the streets, as not everybody has the capability or resources to do so, but that we all must treat the survivors in our lives with kindness and empathy. Many people, even those who regularly participate in activism, do not know what trauma looks like in people, what is normal behavior for a survivor, or how best to support a friend. Luckily, there is plenty of information out there for those who are not informed about this kind of critical one-on-one support. In addition to information online, we have resources on campus like Furman Counseling Center and Sexual Violence Response that are qualified and available to explain what a trauma-informed approach is. Thanks to Me Too, we all now have the capacity to be survivor advocates, but with great capacity comes great responsibility. This Sexual Assault Awareness Month, remember that being an ally is a lifelong education process, and remember that while useful, no social media movement can ever replace supporting the survivors in your everyday life.
Photography by Peyton Ayers
by Morgan Apostle
REGISTER.
RESEARCH.
by Juliet Emerson-Colvin
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Illustration by Letty DiLeo
hether through your parents, your high school government class, or incessant emails from a non-profit you donated to once two years ago, you probably understand that voting is important. You know that it is the foundation of American democracy and the civic duty of every citizen. Yet, if you’re anything like me, you have probably also realized that when you go to college, voting gets a little more complicated. You face decisions about whether to register in New York or in your home state, and if you choose to register back home, how to get an absentee ballot. Sometimes it feels like school leaves no time to learn about candidates’ policy platforms or ballot measures or even remember when you’re supposed to vote. But voting has never been more essential than in 2018. Only 50% of 18-29 year olds voted in the historic 2016 election. Since millennials make up 31% of the electorate, not voting forfeited the significant influence we may have had. However, this perceived political disengagement may be shifting. Contrary to the media portrayal of millennials, young people are generating incredible political energy with movements like Black Lives Matter and March for Our Lives, demonstrating that we care deeply about gun violence, police brutality against minorities, climate change, net neutrality, immigration, and other issues
that have an immeasurable impact on our futures. However, this must translate into voting power. Ignoring the chance to use the electoral system to express our interests is a huge missed opportunity. Thankfully, there are resources that can help answer questions and ease frustrations that prevent college students like us from making our voices heard through the electoral process. The single best way to get more comfortable with and informed about voting is by downloading the Voter app. It markets itself as a dating app for politics, but it has adopted all the efficiency of that interface with none of the superficiality. By swiping right and left on issues, the app matches you with the party and candidates in your district that promote your inter-
VOTE.
ests. With each policy question, it offers nuanced, concise, accurate issue descriptions and just the right amount of background on each candidate. Instead of advertisements, it periodically invites you to “check, register, & request absentee!” It’s very effective and honestly, kind of fun. In terms of organizations that support youth rights and involvement in politics, rockthevote.org is ideal. In addition to discussing youth voting rights and providing a platform for political activism, the site connects users directly to a voter registration portal and provides valuable state-specific deadlines, recommendations for college students, links to absentee ballot requests, and more. If you’re tired of scrolling through your state’s secretary of state’s horribly designed website trying to find information, roc kthevote.org probably has exactly what you’re looking for. I know it’s already bookmarked on my computer. Deciding where to register can be tough as well. It may take some thought and research to find out whether you live in a swing state, where the issues that matter to you are most dependent on voters, and which state you feel most connected to. Just make sure not to let this decision overwhelm you, because the most important thing is to register somewhere. Whatever you choose, your vote will count and your voice will be heard.
Summer Horoscopes by the by Naava Ellenberg
Aquarius (January 20-February 18)
Political Icon: Betty Friedan - writer, feminist, and activist Like Betty, you are an intellectual who seeks justice in all facets of life. Just as she advocated for women to find personal fulfillment, you should prepare for a fulfilling summer of meaningful conversations with interesting new friends.
Pisces (February 19-March 20)
Political Icon: Ruth Bader Ginsburg - American Supreme Court Justice Like the Notorious RBG, your wisdom is one of your most reputable strengths. Feed your curiosities by spending your summer taking in culture! See shows, read books, and visit museums!
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Political Icon: Dolores Huerta - American labor leader and civil rights activist Like Dolores, you are a courageous risk-taker who is determined to help others. Prepare for a summer of boldness! Live on the edge and do things that scare you as you carve new paths in your life.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Political Icon: Madeline Albright - First female United States Secretary of State Like Madeline, you are reliable and grounded, often taking the lead and keeping others on track. This summer will be one of hard work that will undoubtedly pay off in some major ways! As you set out to accomplish all of your goals, don’t forget to take some breaks and have fun!
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Political Icon: Jeannette Rankin - First female member of the United States House of Representatives Like Jeannette, you are a trailblazer brimming with curiosity. Your summer will be one filled with exciting adventures as you push boundaries and cross lines.You will return to school with new ideas and motivation!
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Political Icon: Angela Merkel - Chancellor of Germany Like Angela, you are a persuasive debater who draws people in as you distribute knowledge and advice. This summer will be one to focus on building and strengthening new and old friendships, as loyalty is one of your greatest qualities.
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Signs as Female Political Icons Leo (July 23-August 22)
Political Icon: Bella Abzug - Lawyer, US Representative, and leader of the Women’s Movement Like Bella, you are a creative leader greatly admired by others.This summer, prepare to take charge of new projects and to have others look to you for guidance. Don’t forget to have some time for yourself as well!
Virgo (August 23-September 22)
Political Icon: Queen Elizabeth I - Former Queen of England Like Elizabeth, you are practical and work hard to achieve your goals. This will be a truly productive summer so prepare to check a lot of items off that to-do list! You will be prepared for every challenge you face and will emerge victorious.
Libra (September 23-October 22) Illustration by Sadie Kramer
Political Icon: Eleanor Roosevelt - United States Delegate to the United Nations, First Lady Like Eleanor, you are a harmonious spirit who seeks new bonds and partnerships. This will be a summer of meeting new friends! Spark conversations with everyone you meet because you never know who will change your life.
Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
Political Icon: Ellen Johnson Sirleaf - Former President of Liberia Like Ellen, you are resourceful, passionate, and assertive. This summer, prepare to take charge of new situations and experiences. While you may be accustomed to going with the flow, it’s now you’re turn to lead the way!
Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)
Political Icon: Shirley Chisholm - First Black Woman elected to the United States Congress and first woman to run for a major party’s presidential nomination Like Shirley, you are an extrovert who often gets tired of the status quo and likes to make serious changes! This will be a summer full of travel and adventure. Whether it’s a hike nearby or a trip across the world, make the most of your experiences!
Capricorn (December 22- January 19)
Political Icon: Michelle Obama - First Lady of the United States Like Michelle, you are responsible and caring and always prioritize helping those around you. Your summer will be the perfect time to volunteer and work in your community. Your self-discipline will ensure that you accomplish your goals, but don’t forget to take breaks and have fun! THE BULLETIN -
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Graying Politics By Hannah Zwick
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n a recent appearance on MSNBC’s “AM Joy,” Parkland school shooting survivor David Hogg was asked about those on the right claiming he and his fellow survivors are actors or political pawns of the left. “You might as well stop now,” he responded, “because we’re going to outlive you.” It’s a bold statement, both unnervingly threatening and simply honest at once. While it was directed solely at NRA defenders, it reflects a larger trend in American politics. According to Quorum, the current Congress is among the oldest in history. The average age of a Representative is 57 and the average age of a Senator is 61. Democrats tend to be older than Republicans - the average age of house leadership being 72 and 48, respectively - and in the upcoming 2018 elections, 18 out of the 33 Senators running for reelection will be 65 or older. When laid out statistically, it seems shocking, but according to data from FiveThirtyEight, over the past 30 years the average age of a Member of Congress has increased in almost every election. President Trump, who is himself a spry 71 years old, promised to propose congressional term limits while on the campaign trail, but, like with many of his other campaign promises, has yet to follow through. If you were surprised by the fact that Democrats, the party overwhelmingly preferred by young people, is indeed the older congressional popula-
tion, consider the issue of unlimited incumbency. Without term limits, it’s even harder for young politicians to get their foot in the door. The issue is not simply about older politicians holding onto their power, though - it’s the fact that it takes so long to get that power in the first place. Running for Congress requires years of experience, support, and a whole lot of money. Then there’s the issue of the right time to run, thanks to the aforementioned issue of incumbency. You saw how long Leslie Knope was a mid-level Pawnee government employee before moving on to city council - even the most talented (albeit, fictional) civil servants can get bogged down by bureaucracy. The sentiment that anyone can get involved in politics is true, but not without the caveat that the system prefers older, wealthier candidates. This isn’t to say there isn’t any benefit to having older Members of Congress. If we’ve learned anything from our current President, it’s that having political experience is a real plus when it comes to making decisions for a country. Being older doesn’t necessarily equate being out of touch either - many of these Senators and Representatives are actively fighting for issues that are important to young people. What it does mean on a larger level is that Americans tend to associate political legitimacy with older voices,
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which results in the voices of teenagers and millennials often being dismissed. Thankfully, there are organizations dedicated to helping young, progressive candidates both run and get elected. Run for Something is an organization co-founded by Amanda Litman, Hillary Clinton’s email director (not those emails) for the 2016 campaign. The organization was launched on Inauguration Day 2017, and that year 50% of the candidates they supported won. Their website says their mission is to, “lower the barriers to entry for these candidates by helping them with seed money, organization building, and access to trainings needed to be successful.” By helping candidates raise money, they’re working to even the playing field that traditionally favors older politicians. Drastic change could happen as soon as this year, with the 2018 midterm elections approaching. 29-year-old California Congressional candidate Sara Jacobs is hoping to become the youngest person ever elected to congress, while other candidates such as Pennsylvania’s Shavonnia Corbin-Johnson and Iowa’s Abby Finkenauer could take that title as well. Right now, it seems that older politicians are both the gatekeepers and the only ones allowed inside the gate. However, thanks to organizations and candidates like these, that soon may change.
A&E WHAT WE’RE BINGE WATCHING THIS MONTH
Disclaimer: The Bulletin does not own any images on this page
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his month, we’re binge watching Marvel’s Jessica Jones. Jessica Jones is a complex, kick-ass female private investigator, and one of my favorite women in the Marvel universe. She’s independent and doesn’t need anyone to protect her, yet she’s not portrayed as the archetypal femme fatale. Jessica has faced extreme trauma and has got a lot of issues stemming from her rocky past—this series doesn’t gloss over any of it. Jessica is a complex, multi-dimensional character who has trouble trusting people, distances herself from most for fear that those around her will only end up hurt, drinks threefold to forget her problems… and also has super strength. Jessica Jones doesn’t shy away from female characters; instead, it shines the spotlight on female leads with immense emotional depth and complexity in a way that paves new roads for female representation in popular culture. Too often, we’ve seen women flattened out and diluted so that a work is more easily digested. Jessica Jones is the exact opposite—complicated female characters are the backbone of the entire series. Much of the show revolves
by Kalena Chiu around Jessica’s relationship with her adoptive sister and best friend, Trish. Trish has a dark past of her own, and the two desperately try to cling to one another while still maintaining separate lives and beliefs. In fact, these two women are complete contradictions, and the only thing holding them together is their immense love for one another. The show also features complex male characters like Malcolm, Jessica’s neighbor who has easily became a crowd favorite. Malcolm is a drug addict and Jessica cares for him deeply; they become very important to one another over the course of the series and Malcolm remains one of the few people Jessica truly lets into her life. Additionally, Jessica Jones confronts highly gendered social issues such as sexual assault, rape culture, victim blaming, and abuse. Jessica is the victim of emotional and domestic abuse inflicted by a highly sadistic, violent, and volatile man. The show refuses to shy away from the devastating psychological effects of such trauma. Arguably, our heroine is an extremely dislikable character; she is THE BULLETIN -
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callous, crass, and repeatedly hurts the people who care for her. Despite her offputting personality, viewers—particularly female viewers and viewers who are survivors of abuse—find sympathy in her situation because the narrative very effectively communicates that it is not her fault. Through its complex female lead, multifaceted supporting characters, and the gendered issues that make up the premise of the show, Jessica Jones fights against the patriarchal structures of our society with one heavy kick to the balls (in both the theoretical and literal sense… watch the show and you’ll understand). Jessica Jones has two seasons and is available in its entirety on Netflix. Both seasons have 13 episodes; season 1 episodes range from 46 to 55 minutes and Season 2 episodes range from 47 to 56 minutes. With its noir detective vibe and set in the mean streets of our very own New York City, Jessica Jones provides what women have been thirsting after for so long—strong, complex female heroes. Jessica Jones is the hero we need. Jessica Jones is the hero we deserve.
Illustration by Galiba Gofur
by Catherine Ferrante
I
Review
went into Isle of Dogs only knowing that it was a Wes Anderson Film about Japan and dogs, and, honestly, that’s about how much I knew leaving the theater. I am personally a big (like, have a sticker on my laptop, mentioned him in my college applications big) Wes Anderson fan. It is maybe because of my high expectations that this movie felt like a disappointment. The story takes place in a fantasy version of Japan where the mayor of Megasaki City decides that all dogs must be expelled to a placed dubbed Trash Island, because they all have Snout Fever which has the potential to make humans very sick. Atari, the mayor’s ward, goes on a mission to search for his dog, Spots;
on Trash Island he meets a group of dogs who will accompany him on his way to find Spots. Meanwhile, back in Megasaki City, Professor Wantanabe, and his assistant, Yoko, are diligently working to find a cure to Snout Fever. They, along with a high school student, Tracy, are the main forces trying to fight the mayor’s cruel treatment of the dogs. This premise is ridiculous, but perfectly ridiculous for a Wes Anderson film. The movies seems to be about the cruelty that humans are capable of and the power that others have to stop it, but the film continues it begins to crumble. The singular white character, in a world full of Japanese people, is the one who rallies the city against the villain. This THE BULLETIN -
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white woman, Tracy, is a foreign exchange student who is completely unnecessary-as is her afro. In a way, her character has been seen fulfilling the White Savior Complex wherein she must saves a Japan from its own destruction. Yet Japanese characters are just as capable.Yoko, voiced by Yoko Ono, who has already been established as a character with a passion for freeing the dogs from their place on Trash Island could have easily been the face of the movement. The rest of the problems with the film are contentious at best. The lack of subtitles is up for debate. This lack of translation separates the Japanese characters as “other” from the English speaking characters, but this choice also highlights the dogs as the film’s main focus. This is further complicated by the fact that Tracy only speaks English (except for a brief interaction with her host family), thus making her the focus for the English-speaking intended audience. Anderson mentioned in a Q&A session at the Lincoln Center that he had the characters speak Japanese because it was more authentic, but he didn’t want to create an animated film with subtitles as it “wouldn’t work.” Having everything translated, however, doesn’t work either, as the auditory aspect of the film has too many layers while the visuals are classically Andersonian and clean cut. The lack of subtitles blurs the line of who is important in the film, which is problematic when only those speaking Japanese are lost from the lack of translation. Despite all of these issues, the film is beautiful. It is well-shot, well-edited, and the animation of the dogs is truly superb. It does, however, feel very different from his early works. There is still some of Anderson’s flirtations with idealism left in this movie. He highlights that there are ways to stop an overwhelming evil government. I usually end his films feeling that life will be okay, and, no matter the tragedy, there is hope.Yet this film was more fraught with ideological issues, which is a shame, because I really like Wes Anderson, and I really like dogs.
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An Ode to Maya Angelou by Annette Stonebarger
Illustration by Tuesday Smith
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“I am a woman, phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, that’s me.
M
aya Angelou, the poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist, has played a fundamental role in my development as a woman. I recite Phenomenal Woman annually at my summer camp, and as a camper this poem made me think about who I want to be; a woman who empowers others to achieve their dreams. Now as a counselor, I help my campers realize that there is no correct way to be a woman.” These words were the first paragraph of my application to Barnard. Looking back one year later, I am so grateful to be able to share how Dr. Angelou’s words helped shape me into the person I have become today at the school that is helping me be the person I wish to become. Dr. Maya Angelou (1928-2014) is known for her life as an author, actress, screenwriter, dancer, poet, and civil rights activist. Her best known work, I KnowWhy the Caged Bird Sings paved the way for African-American women everywhere as this novel became the first non-fiction bestseller by an African-American woman. Just some of her many accolades include two NAACP Image Awards (2005, 2008), three Grammys (1994, 1996, 2003), a Tony nomination (1973), an Emmy nomination (1977), and a Chicago International Film Festival Audience Choice Award (1998). As a black woman in the deep south, Maya Angelou faced endless discrimination and horrors including being raped by her mother’s boyfriend when she was just 7 years old. In an act of revenge, her uncles murdered the rapist. As a result
of this trauma, Angelou ceased speaking for years after this event. During WWII, Angelou moved to San Francisco and became the first black female cable car conductor. This is also when at age 16 she had her son, Guy Johnson. In the 1950s, Angelou’s career as a performer took off, and she appeared in multiple off-Broadway shows. One decade later, Angelou went to Egypt and Ghana as a freelance writer where she met Malcolm X and returned to the U.S. with him to set up the Organization of Afro-American Unity. After this, Angelou wrote Georgia, Georgia and became the first African-American woman to have her screenplay produced. On Angelou’s 40th birthday (April 4th, 1968), one of her closest friends, Dr. Martin Luther King, was assassinated. After this, Maya Angelou stopped celebrating her birthday and instead sent flowers to King’s widow until her death. Just one year later D r . A n gelou p u b lished the memoir that brought her international recognition, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. While Maya Angelou’s accomplishments inspire me daily, her words are what have THE BULLETIN -
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left a lasting impression on my life. Many of Angelou’s works deal with the experience of women in America, and specifically black women.While many of her poems are over 50 years old, their messages are timeless. My favorite poem of hers, Phenomenal Woman, has been fundamental to my self-identity. Maya Angelou’s words highlight the power and strength of women around the world and the importance of finding beauty in the small things. As a student at Barnard I feel especially inspired by her words. The women that I have met this year exemplify the values that Angelou puts forward, and as a result I strive to be my best self every day. This poem taught me that I do not have to compare myself to others to feel beautiful, and that confidence and self-love are more important than external beauty.
“
Start your engines, and may the best woman win!
Drag Race for Days by Erin Bronner
T
his year marks the tenth anniversary of RuPaul’s Drag Race—the Emmy Award-winning competitive reality show hosted by drag icon RuPaul—and since January, viewers have celebrated the back-to-back airing of RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars 3 and RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 10. The show, which follows drag queens as they compete in challenges to become America’s next drag superstar, has all the makings of a show for which you would want to watch (and re-watch) all ten seasons as soon as possible. Think of it as the best parts of America’s Next Top Model, Project Runway, and America’s Got Talent rolled into one. With challenges ranging from sewing looks for the runway, to acting in sketch comedy, to lip-synching and dancing to choreographed original “Rusicals,” the queens truly excel in every area as entertainers and artists. Outstanding performances in a variety of challenges have propelled Drag Race alums into a variety of opportunities: comedy queens such as Season 6 winner Bianca del Rio have gone on to headline comedy tours, while singers such as Adore Delano and Courtney Act have released solo EPs and albums since appearing on the show.
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”
Illustration by Sadie Kramer
With the tenth season of Drag Race underway, fans have appreciated the fact that drag is at its most mainstream now, thanks largely in part to the show. Drag has always been an important political art form, specifically for championing LGBTQ+ rights. Drag queens played a huge role in Stonewall and have appeared in pride parades ever since. When ball culture— which originated the dance style known as voguing— emerged, houses often led by drag queens and drag performers provided safe spaces for Black and Latinx queer youth (for more information, Paris is Burning is a great documentary). RuPaul’s Drag Race has continued this legacy of activism in many forms, discussing topics such as marriage equality, race, body image, and trans rights in its episodes and prompting fans to continue the conversation. In addition, it has frequently been cited as having one of the most representative casts in television. In contributing to the mainstreaming of drag, Drag Race also brings intersectionality to the forefront. (Warning: Spoilers ahead!) On
the whole, All Stars 3 was certainly memorable—from the iconic lip synch of “Anaconda” between Aja and BenDeLaCreme, to the hilarious, fully-improvised parody of The Bachelor, to DeLa’s shocking selfelimination, to the jury of past contestants picking the top two, and everything in between. Though I rooted for Shangela the whole season and could understand her disappointment after the jury barred her from the top two despite her incredible track record, I was definitely happy to see Trixie Mattel crowned in the end. She has definitely made such a name for herself outside of Drag Race and now has proven herself excellent within the show’s format as well. By all means, Season 10 continues this level of tal ent. Even the first eliminated queen, Vanessa Vanjie Mateo, made a lasting impression with fans, the other queens, and Ru herself! All of the queens have potential to really bring it this season—from Mayhem Miller, winner of the first challenge and drag family member of four past contestants, to Aquaria, who had over 200,000 Instagram followers before the season even started, to Asia O’Hara, the seasoned pageant queen whose comedic capabilities have been Ru-vealed so early in the season. Though it may be a bit early to call, I ultimately see our hometown hero Miz Cracker taking the crown—any queen so prepared that she brings a photo album full of planned makeup looks is a winner in my book. That fact that she’s even performed at Suite right here in Morningside makes her even better. You can catch RuPaul’s Drag Race on Thursdays at 8:00 PM on VH1, on vh1.com through your cable provider, or on WOWPresents Plus, an online streaming service which carries the show. THE BULLETIN -
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Run time is 90 minutes live (80 minutes streaming), along with Rupaul’s Drag Race: Untucked—a behind-the-scenes look at the queens’ interactions during the judges’ deliberation—which airs for 30 minutes, immediately following the main episode.
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BARRACA down sangria. We were given, on the house, the “Gambas al Ajillo” and the “Patatas Bravas,” as my dining companion coincidentally knew a server. The gambas were soaked in a garlic and oil sauce, with a bit of a kick at the end.The shrimp were fresh and sweet. The patatas bravas were like large chunky fries that were dusted in a sort of chili sauce and then finished with tomato aioli drizzled over the top. For our entrees, we decided to order a wide array of tapas. We ordered the “Bruselas,” “Pulpo a la Brasa,” “Albondigas,” “Croquetas de Jamon,” and the “Bombas.” Since Brussels Sprouts seem to be the new kale, many restaurants are now serving them with different spins on the pretty plain vegetable. The Bruselas were crispy, salty, and sour, all in one mouthful. The addition of pickled apricot balanced out the saltiness with a hint of sugar and tanginess. The Pulpo was perfectly cooked; not gummy or chewy. The combination of the octopus with chorizo, potatoes, and shishito peppers gave it an interesting twist. The Albondigas were lamb meatballs, which were the highlight THE BULLETIN -
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of the meal for me. Luckily my dining companion didn’t enjoy them as much as I did so I got to eat the second half of his meatball. They were flavorful but not overpowering, which lamb can have the tendency to do. The Croquetas de Jamon were tasty but a bit filling since they are essentially cheese and ham balls that are deep fried. Finally, we ate the Bombas, where were similar to meatballs but instead had potato stuffed inside the ground beef, which didn’t make them as filling as they would have been. Even though I was too full to enjoy dessert, I didn’t hesitate to order one. I ordered essentially an ice cream sandwich that was made out of churros that were encrusted with sugar and cinnamon and sandwiched caramel ice cream. It was delicious but messy. The churros themselves, most likely freshly made, were hot, which turned the caramel ice cream to mush very quickly. It was messy but I didn’t regret ordering it one bit. Barraca’s delicious array of traditional Spanish tapas made this an unforgettable night for me. I would definitely go back to Barraca in the near future.
Photo Illustration by Art Board
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Barraca:” where traditional Spanish cuisine and West Village vibes collide. This is the perfect place to dine if you are in the mood to escape the intensity and busyness of the city and get transported to the Mediterranean. If possible, I recommend making a reservation beforehand, as this West Village gem is a popular destination. If you do have to wait for your table, the bar at the right of the entrance offers a cozy environment to socialize with friends and sip a refreshing beverage. My dining companion and I were greeted by a friendly server who was knowledgeable about the food and drinks on the menu, which is expected but often isn’t the case. The service was punctual, reliable, and friendly throughout my whole dining experience. For drinks, I chose to order the “Sunday in Ibiza” cocktail as the first round of the night, followed by the “Valencia Sangria.”The cocktail was sweet but had sour undertones due to the pineapple juice base. The sangria was refreshing but the bartender had loaded my glass up with too much ice, which resulted in a watered
by aoife henchy
5
Top 5 Little Known Bakeries
A
by Collier Curran
s the semester progresses and the days become warmer, sunnier, and–let’s face it–more stressful, we yearn to explore the great attractions the city has to offer, especially in the realm of food.While places like Hungarian Pastry Shop, Artopolis, and Insomnia Cookies are all reliable sources of study fuel, hundreds of bakeries span the city, hidden gems only a subway ride away. If you ever find yourself with a beautiful day and a free few hours, feel free to indulge in any of these little-known bakeries!
The French Workshop, 38-39 Bell Blvd, Queens
Disclaimer: The Bulletin does not own any images on this page
My Long Island hometown was recently blessed with the addition of this bakery’s second location, and, with all effort to avoid hyperbole, it changed my life. While I have only been able to visit a few times due to school, everything I’ve tried has been easily on par with authentic French pastry. From croissants to cheesecake to gourmet sandwiches, the French Workshop has perfected a baked good for every palate. Inside, the bakery has a clean and minimalistic appearance, making all effort to emphasize the beauty and artistry of its products without distraction from bright decor. Although it can be pricey (but isn’t everything in NewYork?), the almond croissant and a hot cappuccino are more than worth the subway ride.
would get at any classic doughnut shop. My friend was kind enough to allow me a bite of hers, and so I would highly recommend the matcha flavor. Unfortunately, each doughnut will run you up $2.50, but that is merely the price to pay for a delicious and cruelty-free dessert.
William Greenberg Desserts, 1100 Madison Avenue, Manhattan
As an art history student, I spend quite a lot of my weekends perusing the Met and its nearby neighborhoods. Mere blocks away from the museum sits this unassuming bakery known for its black and white
With its rustic and earthy decor, Maman immediately invites pastry lovers to bask in its Pinterest-perfect aesthetic. While many find themselves initially enticed by the atmosphere, bakery aficionados certainly stay for the food. Although famous for its chocolate chip cookie loaded with crunchy cashews and macadamia nuts, the bakery also appeals to those with more refined tastes, offering pistachio chocolate croissants, avocado toast, and gingerbread oatmeal raisin cookies (when the season calls for it). Mere blocks away from the famous locales Cha Cha Matcha and Two Hands, Maman faces stiff competition, but holds its own in terms of flavor, atmosphere, and originality.
Arcade Bakery, 220 Church Street, Manhattan
Dun-Well Doughnuts, 102 St. Mark’s Place, Manhattan
I happened to stumble upon this place during a trip to East Village Books when my vegan friend insisted on trying one of their doughnuts. Slightly skeptical due to the bakery’s hole in the wall appearance, I walked with her across the street and ordered myself a chocolate peanut butter doughnut (while she tried matcha). Needless to say, I was not disappointed; although I had originally lowered my expectations upon hearing that the bakery was vegan, I found the doughnut as light and airy as one you
Maman, 239 Centre Street, Manhattan
cookies (a staple in any New York diet). Despite its small size and lack of seating, William Greenberg Desserts provides great treats to enhance any museum visit. Even better, it rests in a beautiful neighborhood, perfect for window shopping and people watching while nibbling on a black and white. And, as an added bonus, they also have great gluten-free options! THE BULLETIN -
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While Arcade Bakery has been mentioned on multiple tourist sites, it is definitely for good reason! Nestled within an office building, this bakery is an unexpected haven for working dessert lovers and hungry tourists alike. Although it is known for its chocolate babka, patrons have also raved about the almond croissants, caramel apple brioche, and margherita pizza. However, I do have a caveat for anyone vying for a pastry: due to its location, Arcade observes traditional business hours, so it is only only Monday through Friday from 8:00-4:00!
Crazy for Cat Cafes I
by Alexa Silverman
nstead of taking the L on studying for finals, I’d recommend taking the L train to Koneko on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Situated in the East Village, Koneko is one of many trendy cat cafes around New York. It’s an airy space that holds a first floor coffee shop and play room, an outdoor patio half a staircase down, and a lower lounge with huge squishy chairs. And, of course, 20 (!) adorable, adoptable cats.
Illustration by Alex Rosales | Photography by Alexa Silverman
Koneko, regarded as “America’s first Japanese cat cafe and sake bar,” is a unique establishment: it is a place to celebrate both kittens and Japanese culture. Their website states: “We love cats and want to create a safe, fun, and unique environment for them to hang out with people.” For $20 you can reserve an hour session in the “Catteries”—modern, stylishly decorated rooms with cushy chairs and plenty of cat toys. I’m going to be honest here: while I have always identified as a dog person, these cats were really, really cute. Some were napping in the sunlight, others were cuddling with their litter-mates, and a couple kittens were mesmerized by the felt mice toys dangled by visitors. Cats moved through the two
spaces (the patio is closed for the winter) freely, rubbing up on the occupants in the adorable, liquid way only cats can move. Among the dark wooden benches and cubular shelves were tiny red journals with the Koneko logo on them. Upon further inspection, they revealed countless testimonies from visitors in the past, in the forms of many adorable notes and drawings. One of my favorite entries profusely thanked a brown and white cat named Murph (in an 8-year-old’s scrawl), who was presently curled up napping in a circular wall piece. All of Koneko’s cats are rescues, and they come from three New York-based organizations. Koneko’s goal, besides being a haven for cat lovers, is to provide permanent homes to rescued cats from shelters. The cafe part of ‘cat cafe’ is as important as the felines themselves, and
Koneko doesn’t disappoint. The menu presents a delicious range of pastries and entrees, from traditional udon noodles to a warm waffle with nutella and strawberries. They also offer many teas and coffee variations, as well as different alcoholic beverages. Sake, a Japanese wine made from rice, is featured prominently on the menu. It joins appetizers Hiyayakko and Gyoza in demonstrating the Japanese culture upon which Koneko was conceived. Just stepping through the glass doors to the first room felt serene and therapeutic. Koneko was able to relieve the ache animal-lovers experience when away from their pets. I can only hope the cats were enjoying the vibe as much as I was. Koneko is an admirable cause, an adorable distraction, and an enticing meal all rolled into one Saturday afternoon. This is no experience you can get at your local Petco.
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