December 2017
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 katherine leak '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 carolina gonzalez '19 ASSOCIATE EDITOR isabella monaco '20 STAFF WRITER stephanie stifelman '21
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 PHOTOSHOOT DIRECTOR judy liu '19 LAYOUT DIRECTOR anna li '19
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A Letter from the Editors
D
ecember, already?? For us here at the Bulletin, 2017 has flown by faster than you can say “Maggie the Magnolia was an inside job.” We’re taking this issue to look back on everything that’s changed in the past year, from policies to pea coats. One year ago, our December 2016 issue grappled with new political realities, reflected on how we got to where we were, and tried to look forward into an uncertain future. This year, we’d like to highlight and celebrate the positive moments we’ve had-- as a school and as a country-- as well as acknowledge and interrogate what brought about the negative moments. We’d also like to take this opportunity to introduce you to some new folks on our staff! This is our first issue of the school year to include the fabulous work of our five new Associate Editors, and our six new Staff Writers. As we wrap up the calendar year, we offer a warm welcome to the future faces of The Bulletin. We’re so happy to have you. 2017 was a rollercoaster year, but we at the Bulletin feel #blessed to have been by your side, in your backpacks, and on your bookshelves through every moment of it. Happy holidays, and happy reading! XOXO Claudia Levey and Imani Randolph
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3 // Letter from the Editors 5 // Behind the Scenes 6 // Trending & Playlist
Health & Style 8 // Well woman & you 9 // the barnard babe's holiday wishlist 10 // moisturized mood 11 // make the most: 5 ingredient meals 12 // take it from the pros 14 // bundling on broadway
Features 15 // reflections: home for the holidays 16 // centerpiece: here, in review 24 // in her words: the barnard legacy 26 // deck the quad 27 // abroadnard
Politics & Opinion 28 // to be or not to be: an eagle scout 29 // the borderline of bipartisanship and bigotry 30 // mental health mentality at columbia 32 // is everything potlical? 33 // one year later 34 // she said / she said
Arts & Entertainment 35 // gallery galavanting 36 // what we're binge watching this month 37 // accountability in hollywood 38 // ai weiwei: art with a message 40 // yayoi kusama: infinity mirror rooms 42 // profile review: urinetown
New York City Living 43 // top 5 little known donut shops 44 // bites outside the bubble 45 // an intern in the big apple 46 // holiday dessert crawl
ehind he cenes Model
peyton ayers Photography: sharon wu photo Direction: judy liu
Carry all of your essentials in this timeless and useful bag
Half Pound Cookies from CityCakes They're huge stuffed cookies that come either warmed by themselves or with ice cream as a sandwich
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Commuter Clutch from Mark & Graham
Crap Eyewear Trendy styles at competitive prices
1.
4.
Born to be needed
perfect ed sheeran & beyonce
tennis
2. Mystery of love
5.
give it to me miya folick
sufjan stevens
3.
6.
Say less
lets get married bleachers
roy woods
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Well Woman & You A
s much as we offer our friends tea, slip encouraging words under their door, and lecture them to sleep more, we often let our own health slip through the cracks and neglect resources that can help us be healthy. Last year I lived steps away from Hershey Kisses, tea, therapeutic arts and crafts, informative conversations, helpful direction, and comfy couches. Yet I didn’t think to stop by Well Woman during their hours to actually go inside, other than quickly (and shamefully) grabbing materials from their bin outside the door. I entered the Well Woman space, or what Well Woman Program Director Jessica Cannon (‘03) thinks of as Barnard’s “lounge”, with the same self-induced guilt some students feel, wondering why they have never utilized this resource. It is so grounding to have resources like these available, and it’s never too late to take advantage of them. Cannon describes Well Woman as a “good first step”. It’s a place to talk about anything regarding health and wellness- physically, mentally, emotionally, sexually, you name it. If you are hesitant whether the educators at Well Woman can help, they will help you find someone who can. Cannon has been at Well Woman for al most fourteen years. She was thinking of going to law school post-grad, but ended up staying at Well Woman because of the value she sees in having a
place on campus to explore health and wellness - even those that may be considered taboo. Cannon was a Peer Educator herself, and has seen how Well Woman has evolved over the years along with the needs of Barnard’s students. She says that Well Woman began at Barnard 24 years ago, originally split into several separate programs with different focuses such as HIV-AIDS, body image, and sexuality. After interest from Peer Educators regarding the intersection between the different programs, Well Woman became holistic in the late 90s. “I really value that our peer eds are trained on a really broad range of knowledge.” Cannon emphasized that the Peer Eds, such as Aneliza Ruiz, really shape Well Women. Aneliza Ruiz is a current junior at Barnard who is both an RA and Peer Educator. She agreed upon the importance of the holistic training, because one question often leads to another. Ruiz says that students often “think they have one question, and then after you ask a question” they say “my real question is...”. Conversations like this have made Ruiz feel more access to the Barnard community. Well Woman is a physical welcoming space for us to claim ourselves in. It is a resource for Barnard students and even for our pals across the street and any potential partners. They have hours THE BULLETIN -
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during the day and in the evening to accommodate our busy lives. Cannon emphasized that many events take place in the Well Woman space. She and Ruiz both agree that events such as craft nights make Well Women not just about health education, but about community building. Ruiz laughed that craft night conversations often lead to other conversations, such as someone asking about a pillow resembling a uterus. “So many conversations come out of craft night… very innocent conversations of ‘What’s that?’ and pointing to a diagram.’” Did you see a craft event flyer and couldn’t make any of the dates? Walk in whenever Well Woman is open and use the supplies yourself, or with a peer. Bring a friend or meet someone new. Process a break-up. Get a bandaid. Read a book from the bookshelf. Come with a question, or with no particular reason at all. Ask about a pillow that looks like a uterus. Stay awhile, drink some tea. Be well. WellWomen Staff Office Hours take place MonFri 1-4pm Peer Ed Office Hours take place on Sun, Tu,W, & Th 7-9pm WellWoman is located in 119 Reid Hall, on the first floor of the Quad More information can be found at www.barnard.edu/wellwoman
Disclaimer: The Bulletin does not own any images on this page
by Aliya Schneider
The Barnard Babe’s
Holiday Wishlist by Stephanie Stifelman
T
he trees, the peppermint hot chocolate, the sweaters and socks, the bad movies. The holidays are here. They arguably the best time of the year and add a hint of cheer to the blistering December winds that hit us while walking down Broadway. But, there is one thing that not everyone loves about the holidays: the gifting. I can hear the arguments. The recounts of tales of pushing and shoving and totally not meaning to (but secretly meaning to) grab that half-off top from that poor old woman with the cane. But, my friends, there is a remedy: online shopping. And with that, the best beauty gifts you can find for Christmas, Hanukkah, or just because it’s cold out and Sephora had that killer sale.
Voluspa Mini-Candle Set ($75)
Disclaimer: The Bulletin does not own any images on this page
Something about candles feels so luxurious. You can imagine yourself lighting them on a blustery day, getting into a warm bath, and reading a book. And the more chic the candle, the more chic the fantasy. So, give away these a incredibly chic candles to one of (or twelve of, depending on your mood) your closest friends. And also, toss away the thoughts that you don’t have a bathtub, can’t remember the last time you read for fun and candles technically aren’t allowed in the dorms-- nobody likes a party pooper.
Disney x Kiehl’s Creme de Corps ($35)
You’re killing two birds with one stone with this gift. For thirty-five dollars, you get to gift your friend with both moisturized skin and memories of childhood.These products smell like vanilla musk-- exactly what you want to smell like come winter-- and actually work. Say goodbye to cracked skin and hello to Mickey (someone worth getting jolly over).
Milk Makeup The A Team ($39)
Oh, Milk Makeup. I hate you and your need to take my money. But, I love the way you make me feel-- like a cool girl ready to take the city by storm with on-the-go products and fantastic shoes. Maybe it’s excellent marketing, or the fact that these products are simply good, but I keep shelling out the money for these sticks and their promises. And now you-- ahem, your friend-- can get all the sticks, for $39! Excuse me, I might need just a second to process this. But, seriously, these sticks can prime, highlight, hydrate, and contour! They do it all! Just take my money already!
Ouai to Go ($25)
Ouai, pronounced “way,” is the secret to your friend’s winter hair woes. Gift her (or him #manbunsunite) hair with shine, spritz for beachy waves, and the the perfect dry shampoo. Then kneel at the altar of Kim Kardashian’s hair stylist, for she has saved the hair of many. And then subsequently hate yourself for loving everything Kim touches so freaking much.
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Match Stix ($54)
Oh, RiRi, why did you have to do this to our bank accounts? These Match Stix will make you g l o w like Rihanna, and banish all of your dry winter skin worries. Glow in econ, glow in Butler, glow everywhere! And go on, buy this one for yourself, because it’s the holidays and you deserve it (self care for the win).
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Moisturized
Mood W
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ith weather getting chillier and our layers getting thicker, it’s time to start paying extra attention to our skincare routine. The winter season always brings harsh cold winds that require added care to ensure that our skin stays healthy and plump during the wintry months. As busy college students, following an extensive skincare routine is may be the last things on many of our minds, but with a few essential heavy moisturizers you can stay on top of your skincare game this winter season.
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré- $12, 1.0 fl oz
French-pharmacy cult favorite, fashion week back-stage essential, and my preferred winter moisturizer is the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré. This is an unscented thick cream formula that is sure to leave your skin hydrated, and perfect for sensitive skins. Its formula packed with fatty acids and vitamins give your skin a healthy glow, without making it oily. Apply it as the final step before heading out the door or use it as a super hydrating mask for an extra moisture boost.
Glossier Priming Moisturizer Rich, $35, 1.7 fl oz
Nick named, “Crème de Glossier,” Glossier’s Priming Moisturizer Rich, is a step up from the brand’s original Priming Moistruizer, and perfect for the cold weather.This moisturizer promises to deliver intense moisture in a dense and rich cream texture with a light lavender smell. It contains plenty of skin soothing ingredients like Red Algae Complex, fatty acids, and ceramides to nourish the skin and reduce redness.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, $11, 16 fl oz
An intense moisturizer with good ingredients, CeraVe moisturizing cream is a classic drugstore favorite. With a very thick almost paste like formula, this option is best for those who normally have dry skin and want so extra added hydration. The hyaluronic acid and essential ceramides help protect your skin barrier to ensure maximum healthy and moisturized skin.
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Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream, $18, 1.0 fl oz
Kiehl’s is a brand known for products that deliver performance and their classic face moisturizer, the Ultra Facial Cream is no different. This moisturizing cream formulated for all skin types replenishes dry skin throughout the day, while protecting the skin’s moisture barrier with ingredients like squalane. Be sure to apply this formula both day and night for maximum benefits.
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Coconut Oil, varies
Another great way to ensure you stay on top of your skin’s health this winter is by going the natural route and using coconut oil as a moisturizer! Coconut oil is a great moisturize for those with normal to dry skin who are not acne prone. Coconut oil can be found in both solid or liquid form depending on storage temperature and your preference. The collagen in coconut oil can aid your skin’s elasticity, while it’s antibacterial properties protects your skin throughout the day. Be sure to apply a generous amount to your skin and layer up as needed.
Photography by Cherrie Zheng
by Mirthia Prince Figuereo
Make the Most
5 Ingredient Meals T by Mirthia Prince Figuereo
Illustration by Sadie Kramer
aking a full course load, being active in various clubs, and trying to land that oh so coveted internship means many of us do not have time for elaborate meals as college students. While trying to manage a work/life balance, making sure you’re eating all the right foods for a healthy and nutritious diet should not come with any added stress. Additionally, food insecurity is a very real issue on our campus, leaving many students without the resources to go grocery shopping frequently or purchase some ingredients. To take away some of the extra burden of meal planning, here are three 5 ingredient meals that are sure to taste good while not stretching your grocery budget.
Sweet Potato Grain Bowl
Bowls are a great way to get a full meal in without much prep or items. This recipe is packed with protein and good carbs to keep you full and energized throughout the day.The base of the bowl calls for 5 ingredients, but feel free to add your own twist by including some of your favorite veggies and toppings! Ingredients: Black beans, Quinoa, Spinach, Avocado, Sweet potatoes 1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F 2. Wash, peel, and cut the sweet potatoes into small cubes. Place onto baking sheet drizzle with olive oil and your favorite
seasoning 3. Roast sweet potatoes in oven for 20 minutes 4.Cook your favorite quinoa based on the package’s instructions 5. Place spinach, black beans, quinoa, and sweet potato in bowl and top off with avocado
3. Begin cooking rice in rice cooker or on stove 4. Finely chop the top of the bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions 5. Cook the shredded chicken to your taste, mixing in the peppers, tomatoes, and onions 6. Mix the chicken mixture with rice and stuff the bell peppers 7. Cover with foil and bake in oven for 30 minutes
Quinoa "Burgers"
Stuffed Bell Peppers
If you ever want to make a meal that looks a lot fancier than it actually is, I definitely recommend these stuffed bell peppers! These are super easy to make, and taste delicious. Ingredients: bell peppers, rice, shredded chicken, tomatoes, onions 1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F 2. Wash and cut off the top of the bell pepper, making sure to clean the inside of seeds THE BULLETIN -
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These quinoa “burgers” are a fun way to meal plan. Eat the quinoa patties in a bun, a salad, or by themselves. Make these on a Sunday and you can incorporate into your lunch or dinner throughout the week. Ingredients: Quinoa, eggs, breadcrumbs, corn, onions, tomatoes 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F 2. Cook quinoa using the package’s instructions 3. Dice and mix equal parts of onions, tomatoes, and corn, and 2 egg in a bowl, season to taste. Add ½ cup of breadcrumbs in a separate bowl 4. Take three tablespoons of quinoa and flatten it out to a patty while dipping in egg mixture and then breadcrumbs 5. Bake for 8-10 minutes on one side, until golden brown, and then flip for 2 additional minutes.
Take it from the Pros
A
Photo Illustration by Sharon Wu
s students who live in New York City, one of the biggest fashion capitals of the world, we are constantly exposed to the hottest trends. From people we pass on the street to posts that we mindlessly scroll by, virtually everything around us leads to inspiration that we incorporate into our own personal fashion arsenals. In recent years we’ve seen a rise in the presence of fashion bloggers, and they serve as relatable role models to whom we look for fashion news and guidance. Here’s a round-up of a few NYC fashion bloggers to keep up with for an inside scoop on what’s in style and pointers on how you can channel your inner fashionista.
Blair Eadie - AtlanticPacific - @blaireadiebee
Blair Eadie is no newbie to the fashion scene, as she started as a merchandiser and has worked with various fashion and luxury brands since. Blair describes her style as “timeless meets classic with a hint of quirk” and I couldn’t agree more. In her ensembles you’ll find frequent touches of pink and modern takes on classic designs. She often wears jackets of traditional cuts that are livened up by rainbow stripes, cozy textures, or unique button details. In fact, Blair dedicates a page of her website to stripes, which I wholeheartedly support. She exhibits everything from the classic striped tee to a striped jacket
by Lilly Kallman
and shorts set with retro vibes. No matter what Blair is wearing, she’s likely to flaunt a bold red lip and oversized sunglasses, establishing her personal style identity.
Jessica Steele - The Steele Maiden - @thesteelemaiden
Next up in our fashion blog crawl is The Steele Maiden. Like the other bloggers featured, Jessica Steele resides in New York and showcases her unique style on our streets daily. Jessica’s style encompasses vintage vibes and often unexpected combinations. She’s not afraid to mix patterns, such as in a recent Instagram post where she pairs a leopard print dress with a pair of sheer black polka dot tights. Her unlikely ensembles and fun accessories, such as a red beret or hair bow, keep her looks fresh and young. Also, she recently rocked an emerald green jumpsuit which we should all add to our closets this holiday season.
Helena Glazer Hodne - Brooklyn Blonde - @ brooklynblonde1
Helena Glazer Hodne, otherwise known as Brooklyn Blonde, effortlessly embodies New York street style. She’s a businesswoman, a mother, and a wife, and THE BULLETIN -
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she makes it all work. Her style communicates these roles, as it is sophisticated while remaining relatable. One day, she’s hitting the NYC streets in all black with a long camel colored coat and a pair of killer heeled booties. The next, she’s looking equally stylish on a family trip to Woodstock in ripped jeans, a classic cozy sweater, and a pair of flat loafers. Helena illustrates the fashion balance we all aim to strike, effortlessly transferring from the laidback weekend to the workweek hustle.
Katie Manwaring - Katie’s Bliss - @katiesbliss
Katie Manwaring of Katie’s Bliss has mastered the fusion of classic prep with fashion forward NYC street style. Her fall looks are especially enviable, featuring plaids in autumnal hues, versatile vests, and cozy sweaters and blanket wraps. Katie often opts for warmer color palettes, frequently choosing brown over black when it comes to accessories. I admire this departure from the highly monochromatic tones for which New York is generally known, and I take it as a reminder that we don’t always have to dress “too cool” for color. A common thread through many of her looks is her effortless blonde waves and large aviator sunglasses, simultaneously giving off an easy going and polished vibe.
Bundling
onBroadway by Imani Randolph
and joggers. Plus, stores are making things fresh by offering the style in bold colors — think: crimson, cobalt, and baby pink — as well as fun textures, like velvet, vinyl, and suede. Check H&M and Zara for puffer options as low as $50.
The Bubble Puffer
The teddy coat proves that chic and cozy are not mutually exclusive — think of it as the Snuggie™ gone right. This option, often made of fleece, is the eye-catching equivalent of last year’s faux fur outerwear trend. Nevertheless, unlike 2016’s statement piece, the teddy coat looks best in neutral tones like cream and camel — hence its name, (hint: the most iconic of stuffed animals). Consider pairing this option with muted turtlenecks so the coat reigns as a centerpiece. Check
Although this silhouette may bring you back to your days of rocking LL Bean or an interchangeable Columbia Bugaboo™, trust us, this jacket is back and it’s better. The puffer is the perfect outerwear option for keeping your casual looks cool; it pairs perfectly with hoodies
The Teddy
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I.AM.GIA’s “Pixie Coat” ($84) for an ideal option.
The Tailored Longline
In plaid, herringbone, or checkered print, the tailored longline coat will provide you with the perfect amount of prep and refinement. Topping your favorite chunky knits with this lengthy outerwear option is guaranteed to make you feel like a million bucks. Take Reformation’s “Hackney Coat” ($328) as an example of what a tailored long line should be: double-breasted, reaches down to the calf, composed of a neutral, printed fabric. Nevertheless, you don’t need to blow a few stacks to get the look; check ASOS for alternatives that start at $64.
Illustration by Tuesday Smith
A
lthough a New York winter brings with it loads of holiday spirit, it can also cause pure dread by way of chilled temperatures and intense winds. But there’s just one thing that’ll having you itching to get out of your dorm room: bomb. ass. outerwear. A great coat or jacket will not only keep you warm, (duh), but make the frigid weather well worth it. Without further ado, here’s the rundown on the season’s best options.
Home for the Holidays W Disclaimer: The Bulletin does not own any images on this page
hile I walk down Broadway to my 8:50 class each morning hoping one of the traffic lights will grant me passage to the Columbia side, I take in the morning sensations: the crisp fall air, New Yorkers with places to be and people to see, the red-tinged trees, the sky that peers through from just beyond, and the sense of utter contentment that floods through me. I am happy here; New York has become my home. At the end of the day, exhausted from class and studying, I begin to think of another home, the one I originate from. Quite frankly, it’s hard not to when you’re a stressed out Barnard student. The thought of home comes intertwined with a feeling of nostalgia—finally, a break in the schoolwork and some time to genuinely be with the people I love without the ominous presence of my GPA looming over my head. I hail from the island of O’ahu in the state of Hawai’i. I grew up in a suburb called Mililani, about 30 minutes outside of Honolulu (give or take, especially since Honolulu has been nationally ranked as
by Kalena Chiu
one of the top locations for worst traffic). I have an amazing family who supports me through everything and being around them helps to stoke the fire in my soul when I’m feeling burnt out. At home, I get to see my very best friends from high school. Many of us have cast our lines out into the great expanse of the world, and we’re only reeled back to the Hawaiian tropics during academic breaks. Tales of college experiences are exchanged, new chapters of university love stories are told, and afternoons are spent basking in the sun at Waimea while we simply appreciate each others’ presences. Hawai’i, my original and most deeply-rooted home, reminds me of who I am. During the first semester of my freshman year, I lost myself a little bit. I got caught up in the life of my now exschool’s campus (I’ve since broken up with that university and left it for Barnard, who I’m certain is the love of my academic life) and failed to see where I really fit into the picture there—or, retrospectively—refused to fit into that picture at all. Naturally, I returned home to
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Hawai’i for winter break. My weeks back home acted as a refresh button; I began to realize just how unhappy the life I was living at my then-school was, and thus began my journey that lead me here, to Barnard. Hawai’i is my root and my core; it is my home. It is the home that reminds me of the woman I aspired and fought to become throughout high school. It is the home that taught me kindness and breathed the spirit of aloha into my soul. It is the home that inspires me to pursue a life in which I can help to preserve the world’s ecosystems and the creatures that inhabit them. If I were a map, all my roads would lead to Hawai’i, not to Rome. Barnard—New York—is the home that provides me the freedom to live as the woman I have become. I’ve always had a strong sense of self, but I’ve never met a city who could match me the way New York does. I’ve never met a school that could challenge me the way Barnard does. Hawai’i is the home the allowed me to grow; NewYork is the home that allows me to thrive.
Here, in Review
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By Claudia Levey Model: Peyton Ayers
Photography by Sharon Wu Art Direction by Judy Liu
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W
ithout a doubt, the hardest project of my elementary school career came from my fifth grade math class. Equipped with toy catalogues, SkyMall magazines, a pair of scissors and some glue, we were each challenged to “spend” a million dollars in a week. It seemed easy; every object we cut out of the catalogues and glued to a poster would subtract from our total bank, and as literal kids in paper candy stores, we shopped our ten-year-old hearts out. But no matter how hard we tried, no one in the class managed to spend the entire million. The goal of the project wasn’t to teach us some kind of lesson about capitalism or smart spending, but to teach us about the magnitude of a million, about how something that seems like an easy task could actually be insurmountable. That’s how I feel now, sitting down to write out a snapshot of 2017. People talk about years the way they talk about millions, flimsy little terms we throw around in hyperbole-- “Oh, I haven’t seen you in a million years!” But as I plan this article, it becomes increasingly clear to me that to sum up everything that happened this year in a few pages would be even harder than spending a million dollars on toys and games. I could go chronologically, or list out the goods and bads, but I think I’ll employ the same strategy in wrapping up this year as I did trying to spend a million dollars in fifth grade, starting with flatscreen TVs and full-size trampolines.
Let’s start big.
Earth
Well, folks, just like me between the years of 2013 and 2017, the Earth has gotten hotter. Nothing is official until the year actually ends, but it’s looking like 2017 will either rank as the second- or third-hottest year on record, according to the World Meteorological Organization as of early November. Toss a few hurricanes into the mix, and, also like me between the years 2013 and 2017, it seems the Earth has hit its hormonal teenage phase. The USA pulled out of the Paris Climate Agreements, so this is probably when angsty teen Earth would scream “Mom, you’re totally ruining my life!”
If you put aside the rising temperatures, tropical storms, and melting ice caps, some good things happened in the world this year, too! Germany voted yes to samesex marriage in June, and Australia followed in November. Snow Leopards got taken off of the endangered species list, and a species of salamander that had been considered extinct for 42 years was just rediscovered, alive and well. Also, in space news, NASA found 7 Earth-sized planets orbiting a nearby star, and there was a solar eclipse this year, so that’s all pretty rad.
USA
To say this year was a politically tumultuous time in the United States would be a bit of To say this year was a politically tumultuous time in an understatement. From the the United States would be a bit of an understatement. From Women’s March to the Dakota the Women’s March to the Dakota Access Pipeline, from Access Pipeline, from facebook facebook posts of protest to celebrity statements of solidarposts of protest to celebrity ity, now more than ever has been a time of people speaking statements of solidarity, now out and standing up for their beliefs. In addition to the conmore than ever has been a time troversial, the US saw some good news this year: 2017 local of people speaking out and standelections brought about possibly the most diverse group of ing up for their beliefs. In addielected officials our country has ever seen, including Mintion to the controversial, the US neapolis city councilwoman Andrea Jenkins (the first openly saw some good news this year: transgender person of color elected to public office), and Vi 2017 local elections brought Lyles (the first Black woman mayor of Charlotte, North Carabout possibly the most diverse olina), just to name a couple. group of elected officials our Arguably the most important news I’ll report in this country has ever seen, including article, Beyonce had twins, Kate Middleton announced she’s Minneapolis city councilwoman expecting her third child, and it seems like all of the KardashiAndrea Jenkins (the first openans got pregnant this year, too. Speaking of the Kardashians, ly transgender person of color Kendall Jenner singlehandedly ended the entire police bruelected to public office), and tality epidemic with a can of Pepsi. Tragically, Chris Pratt and Vi Lyles (the first Black woman Anna Faris broke up, and Selena Gomez left the Weeknd to mayor of Charlotte, North Carpossibly get back with Justin Bieber, so overall a wild year for olina), just to name a couple. American pop culture. Arguably the most important news I’ll report in this article, Beyonce had twins, Kate Middleton announced she’s expecting her third child, and it seems like all of the Kardashians got pregnant this year, too. Speaking of the Kardashians, Kendall Jenner singlehandedly ended the entire police brutality epidemic with a can of Pepsi. Tragically, Chris Pratt and Anna Faris broke up, and Selena Gomez left the Weeknd to possibly get back with Justin Bieber, so overall a wild year for American pop culture.
Barnard
It’s been a tense year of ups and downs here at Barnard. We started off 2017 with the possibility of a contingent faculty union strike, which was fortunately worked out before they had to settle it in a bowling competition (that’s what a strike means, right?). We divested from fossil fuels, which was a total power move, and said goodbye to Debora Spar, and good-Beilock to our new president. Never a dull moment here, the constant and confident chanting of protesters echoed through campus throughout 2017, overshadowed only by the ringing of fire alarms as Columbia dorms seemingly perpetually burned, and the sounds of the infinite procession of construction equipment being moved on and off of the library site. Speaking of libraries, the Milstein Center looks a lot less like a hole in the ground and a lot more like a real building, our majestic Green Tunnel lives to see another day, and Maggie’s clone is… well, she’s doing her best. Personally, that’s all I think we can ask of ourselves as we reflect on the difficult year we’ve had, and look towards another year of new challenges: to do our best. 2017 was a trying year for a lot of us, but, like Maggie2.0, we can rise from the ashes/woodchips of tribulations past and move towards the future. As we enter the fall 2017 finals season, and I make my New Year’s resolutions for 2018, I would like to take words of wisdom from the @BCMagnoliaTree twitter account from December 2014, a simpler time: “take 15 minutes tonight to do nothing. eat a peanut butter cup. listen to some sam cooke. draw a donut & tell yourself u love u.”
In Her Words I
by Natalie Dicker
n high school, being a legacy meant something very different to me than it does now. The emphasis was placed on the loophole it gave me to get into college, and that if I hadn’t held the legacy status, then maybe I wouldn’t have even been accepted in the first place. Once I began attending college, however, the stakes have been completely different, and in the best of ways. Legacies are praised for continuing the family tradition of attending the same college, mainly because they also fit the mold of what your parents stood for so long ago. At Barnard, the feeling of belonging is amplified, not only did my mother sit in the same classrooms, learn from the same professors, and live in the same dorms, but she held and still upholds the same values that I do as a current Barnard student. My mother has taught me to be strong, and stand up for what I believe in, whatever that may be. She’s constantly making sure that I am confident in myself, as all Barnard women should be, and pushing me to take risks in my studies, as well as in everything that college has to offer. Though I am often asked if I decided to attend Barnard because my mom and my older sister did, the answer I tend to give is much more complicated than that. I had the option of applying wherever I wanted for college, but I chose to apply here not only because my mother did, although she does nothing but rave about the Barnard institution, but because it’s so hard to say anything negative about such an empowering yet welcoming, challenging yet warm, and diverse yet inclusive college, and I can’t imagine myself attending college anywhere else, even if I wasn’t a legacy at Barnard. I’ve spoken to a bunch of other current students who are also Barnard legacies, and their mentalities are all the same. Of course, they love that their mothers studied here just like they are, but it is only an adornment to the overall experience of being a Barnard woman. After all, not only is it an honor to be able to study here, but it is is even more meaningful to be able to share the special adventure with one’s mother. Thus, the phrase “like mother, like daughter,” is even more meaningful for me now that I started attending Barnard - not only have we always known we were similar on the inside, but now the outside world knows that we are Bold and Beautiful, Barnard women. Now that the meaning of being a Barnard legacy has changed for me, I feel as if I’ve come full circle. College is about exploring all of your options, and I’m so glad that I’ve been given the opportunity to do so at Barnard, no matter how others may perceive whether or not I deserve them. I feel so lucky to share every slip-up and triumph that I encounter in Barnard with my mom, and know that someone is always looking out for me here, especially since that someone went through it all just a few years prior. THE BULLETIN -
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Barnard Legacy A
by Francesca Kelly
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Illustration by Sharon Wu
s I embarked on my college search, I knew I wanted a liberal arts experience, and I had always dreamed of going to school in a big city. However, Barnard was out of the question for one simple reason: my mother had gone there. My romantic views of college as a chance to forge a new path and learn to be an individual didn’t seem to mesh with going to my mom’s alma mater. How could I forge a new path for myself if I was literally following in someone else’s footsteps? I originally applied to Barnard partly to humor my mother, and partly because I couldn’t deny the attraction I had for the school. After taking a tour, I found myself fantasizing about studying in the Diana Center and reading in the quad. When I got my acceptance, I couldn’t help but note the powerful excitement I felt. I pretended to flip-flop for about a month, but my decision had already been made the moment I got my Barnard sleeping mask in the mail. As an avid napper, I had never imagined I could be so thrilled at the prospect of going to a place that advertises how little sleep its residents get. So far, in my two months at Barnard, the fact that I’m a legacy student has struck me in particular moments, imbuing my experience with a newfound connection to my mom’s past. For example, sometimes when I walk into Milbank, I remember my mother telling me that the ivy-strewn building with its marble stairs had intimidated her, a first-generation college student, and I’m reminded of how privileged I am to be going to this institution, when just a moment before I may have been bemoaning all the work I had to do. Or when she comes to visit me, and she recounts all her memories on the grounds, and after she’s gone I wonder if she and I would have been friends if we were students at the same time. I think we would have, in an “opposites attract” sort of way. As for my mother, she is thrilled that she no longer has to disguise her enthusiasm for Barnard like she did during the college application process. Seeing her daughter attend the same Ivy League school she attended drives home just how far she and her family have come since her inauspicious beginnings in a run-down apartment complex in Flushing, Queens. Needless to say, she’s very proud, even if she hasn’t gotten around to putting a Barnard sticker on her car yet because she claims she doesn’t know how to order it online. Overall, I would never trade my experience as a legacy student at Barnard for some superficial perception of independence at a different school. I’ve learned that my mother’s alumna status doesn’t hold me back, but rather connects me to both my new school and my family history. Also, I’ve never felt like being a legacy student has prohibited me from being an individual. I’m a still an individual—I’m just one who’s really close to her mother.
A
Deck the Quad by Collier Curran
s the holiday season slowly but steadily approaches, it can be easy to get lost in the busyness and stress of finals. Spending the first weeks of December in an endless loop of heading to class, clocking in hours at the library, and trudging home to a bland and lifeless dorm room takes its toll, and by the time the semester ends, many students feel less than festive. These cheap and easy decor tips are sure to brighten up your space and provide some cheer throughout the finals season (and beyond!).
Theodore the Christmas Cat Mug, Pier 1 Imports, $7.95
DIY: Photo Frame Presents, Price Varies
This DIY is blissfully simple but provides a clean and professional-looking holiday touch to any room. Simply remove any framed photos from your walls, wrap them in any paper of your choosing, add a bow, and place them back on the wall for festive presents that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit! This project is extremely inexpensive and easy to clean up once you return for the spring semester.
Wallflower Plug and Scent Refill, Bath and Body Works, Price Varies
While I have never been a huge candle person, I always love lighting one during the holidays and enjoying the subtle warmth and inviting fragrance. I remember my immediate disappointment upon realizing that my candles could not accompany me to college, and the resulting frantic internet search for ways to still delight in my favorite seasonal scents. These wallflower plugs do the trick; they produce enough fragrance for an entire dorm or apartment without overpowering the space, while the plugs themselves act as an adorable decoration. If you don’t mind making your way to Midtown, it is a holiday treat in and of itself to test all of the different scents Bath and Body Works has to offer. Conversely, to those of you who cannot imagine giving up half a day of precious studying time, I recommend ordering the Evergreen scent online (it smells exactly like the Christmases of my childhood!).
Window Ornaments, Price Varies
Who says that you need a tree to have ornaments? This quick and easy DIY allows you to show off cute holiday ornaments without taking up precious floor space. Simply tie any ornaments of your choosing to string or ribbon of varying lengths, and hang them in your window. For extra holiday cheer, you could hang them in your doorway so that they form a sort of curtain behind your door. This way, you are literally hit with festive spirit each time you enter your room! Gone are the days of expensive, large, and inconvenient holiday decorations. These items and DIYs perfectly fit a small space, enabling students to feel at least a little festive as they wrap up the fall semester. Cheer is truly about the little things, and making small changes in your space can greatly boost morale and remind you of the beautiful season of love and giving that is upon us. THE BULLETIN -
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I love holiday mugs because they are such a simple and inexpensive decoration that can be used year after year. This mug makes me feel especially festive because the grumpy cat reminds me of my own four Maine Coons at home. I love collecting mugs that have some sort of personal sentimental value, whether they hail from a favorite vacation spot or remind me of a specific tradition or memory. I highly recommend investing in a mug this holiday season; a warm beverage in a festive mug can make relaxing after a long day of studying even more rewarding. And, a bonus: this mug is microwave and dishwasher safe!
AbroadNard C
oming into study abroad, I figured that I would spend most of my time wandering through London and Europe. These would be the new and meaningful experiences that appeared on Instagram, transforming me from a halfbaked Barnard girl into a world-traversing woman. And yes, to some extent I’ve spent a good amount of time wandering new streets and listening in to conversations in new languages. But I’ve also spent probably just as much time on a new experience: being alone. Obviously, I’ve done things alone before. But abroad is a new depth of alone. Growing up, I shared a room with my sister. My tiny house was filled with love, family, and a multitude of pets. At Barnard, even when I sat alone in my room in Sulzberger or Plimpton, I knew friends were always one door knock away. I would go to the Diana Center to study and find a group of friends, or head to Hewitt alone and bump into someone I hadn’t caught up with in a while. There’s a difference between being alone in a dining hall where you’ll always know at least one person, and being truly alone.
by Juliana Kaplan As a visiting student in London, dropped into a school peer group where bonds are already forged and would most likely be temporary, I don’t know many people. I’ve made a few friends in classes, and I’m always happy to see my other Columbia peers. I like to go out with my friends here and explore. But on a weeknight, when I might spend hours in the Diana Center or Joe with friends back at Barnard, I find myself completely and utterly alone. This may sound sad and more than a touch melancholy. And yes, it can certainly be lonely at points. But being alone, and not lonely, is something I’ve grown to treasure on study abroad. At Barnard and Columbia, I’m often a whirlwind of activity and socialization, running from class to lunch to club to internship and then repeat. I don’t spend much time checking in with myself or enjoying the quiet of solitude. I’ve learned how much I enjoy sitting and writing out the month’s activities in my planner. I’ve learned how much I enjoy listening to a good podcast while cleaning a space that is purely and simply
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mine. I actually have time to call friends from home, or to take a night for myself and lose myself in a Brooklyn 99 binge. I’m not scared to spend the night or afternoon in my room, or walking the streets myself. I’ve gotten myself to the airport and experienced travel as a solo flyer. One of the best parts of study abroad is how much I’ve come to appreciate being alone. At Barnard, I think we are often scared of being alone, and understandably so. We attend rigorous classes, run clubs, chug through internships, and balance robust social lives. Feeling like you’re not stranded in this overwhelming wave of activity and decompressing with friends is a necessity. New York and Barnard is a different pace of life, and if you don’t latch onto friends or an opportunity, they’ll slip through your fingers. Study abroad is temporary, in all senses of the word. Friendships and relationships are probably fleeting.Your room is only yours for a matter of weeks. But you’ll be with yourself forever, so why not spend the time getting to know yourself?
To Be or Not To Be:
An Eagle Scout O
n October 11th 2017, The Boy Scouts of America announced that, along with the boys, girls can now join the organization as Cub Scouts to earn the rank of the Eagle Scout. Although considered a bold move, this policy change resembles previous ones regarding prerequisites for membership. In an effort to address dwindling members, the organization lifted its ban on openly gay scouts in 2013, allowed gay leaders in 2015, and opened up for transgender youth who identified as male in 2016. The most recent policy change has been openly criticized by the Girl Scouts of the USA, who released a statement claiming, “The need for female leadership has never been clearer or more urgent than it is today – and only Girl Scouts has the expertise to give girls and young women the tools they need for success.” In fact, Girl Scouts was created in response to the backlash received when girls tried to “scout”. The animosity between the two organizations bred very distinct organization agendas. The Boy Scouts have adopted a conservative approach to teaching their scouts, which may have been influenced by their close relationship with the Church of the LatterDay Saints. Meanwhile, the Girl Scouts praised education and preparedness for
their scouts, pushing for progressive initiatives that sought to empower women, such as the 1970 career program that inspired girls to challenge social norms and pursue fields like aeronautics and science. However, as Girl Scouts attempt to empower young girls, the organiza-
tion also prepares them to become strong mothers of the family. The badges that could be earned from the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts tend to reinforce the traditional ideas about what skills a male scout versus a female scout should have. The Girl Scouts offer badges that stereotype femininity: “Considerate and Caring”, “Social Butterfly”, and “Eating for You”. Naturally, the Boy Scouts also stereotype masculinity: “Backpacking”, “Robotics”, and “Welding”. Excitement has risen among American girls about the new policy change due to the increasingly popular THE BULLETIN -
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movement that girls should also have the opportunity to learn whatever boys do. It’s important to recognize that girls now can potentially accomplish the achievements that boys are able to do in the boy scouts. As a result, with girls being able to join the Boy Scouts and learn the values and skills once exclusive to boys, girls now have an advantage to acquire skills that are often overlooked in the Girl Scouts program. While the Girl Scouts does seek to empower young girls to become leaders of tomorrow, the Boys Scout’s move to become even more inclusive as an organization also invites girls to challenge stereotypes of how girls should behave. It gives the girl freedom to choose the path to becoming a leader that is best suited for her. More importantly, the chance to accomplish alongside males disregards the idea that males are superior. However, most scout organizations around the world have merged to allow both boys and girls. The United States lags behind, which raises the question whether the purpose of Boys Scouts and Girls Scouts are effective for raising leaders. After all, children join to become leaders and active citizens, rather than become “boys” and “girls”, so it’s essential that both boys and girls should be taught the same skills that are attributed to both stereotypical boys and girls.
Disclaimer: The Bulletin does not own any images on this page
by Lillian Zhang
The Borderline of Bipartisanship and Bigotry by Hadassah Solomson
A Illustration by Maria Jijon
politically active campus, Columbia University often hosts politicians, scholars, or other intellectual figures peddling their social or political agendas at the invitation of student groups. Inevitably, controversy surrounding the First Amendmendment frequents campus conversation. For example, Columbia University College Republicans invited a number of purportedly incendiary personalities as a part of their fall speaker series, among them Tommy Robinson and Mike Cernovich, who espouse views which many students find deeply offensive. These events galvanized hostile protests, one which resulted in the silencing of the speaker. A number of the students involved were subsequently subjected to disciplinary action, reigniting the recurring debate regarding the limitations of the right to speak freely, specifically with regard to responding to allegedly bigoted or hateful speech on campus. Although private universities are not subject to the restrictions the Amendment imposes on government or public institutions, Columbia’s Rules of University Conduct delineates standard protocols that rigorously support students’ free exercise of the Amendment on campus. To paraphrase President Bollinger, the University bears the immense responsibility of a “truth seeking” educational institution to maximize students’ exposure to issues’ “full complexity” which it must “jealously guard.” Concurrently, Columbia mandates that counter demonstrations remain undisruptive and in no way affect the proceedings of the speech that demonstra-
tors deem to be offensive, preempting the Heckler’s veto. So-called hate-speech, defined as “speech that offends, threatens, or insults groups, based on race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or other traits,” although considered, rightly, intolerably offensive to its targets, is nonetheless, protected by the First Amendment. In fact, hate-speech in particular is precisely what the Amendment exists to safeguard. For example, in Matal v. Tam, a unanimous Supreme Court decision authored by Justice Samuel Alito, the Court wrote that “...the proudest boast of our free speech jurisprudence is that we protect the freedom to express ‘the thought that we hate’.” By arguing from a stance of supposed moral superiority, one side attempts to silence the other on the grounds that such immoral or hateful views are undeserved of a platform and anyone who believes otherwise is a bigot. This misguided opinion assumes an overarching ‘moral authority’ that must somehow be present - a prerequisite - to express one’s views. The same constitutional principle that provides for the protections to protest also guarantees speakers’ rights to express opinions uninterrupted. Who is to be declared the designated arbiter of morality, the sole decider of which positions are moral and can therefore be expressed? Such arbitrary decisions would almost surely devolve into the subjective censorship of opinions and ideas, the very danger the Rules seek to avoid. Therefore, Columbia “cannot and will not” impede THE BULLETIN -
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discourse deemed “objectionable, offensive, immoral, or untrue,” directly correlating the value of free expression with the right to present unpopular, even abhorrent ideas. In other words, the Rules specifically protect hate-speech. Similar to the Court’s approach, Columbia recognizes only a couple of “narrowly construed” limitations, including a “genuine threat of harassment that unjustifiably invades an individual’s privacy, or that falsely defames a specific individual.” This exception, however, applies only in an instance where the academic atmosphere that open discourse is meant to facilitate has itself been compromised by threatening the physical safety of a particular participant, intentionally inciting imminent violence, and actively stifling students’ ability to engage. It does not preclude hate-speech. Students often insist that campus activities ought not be viewed in a vacuum, as campus affairs are part of a greater national discourse. Accordingly, students must recognize the consequences of infringing on the protections of a particular group may lead to forfeiting their own in the future. The solution to combating offensive, bigoted, speech is not to silence, but rather, to debate and educate. As Justice Louis Brandeis wisely explained: “[I] f there be time to expose through discussion the falsehoods and fallacies, to avert the evil by the processes of education, the remedy to be applied, is more speech, not enforced silence.”
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Illustration by Tuesday Smith
Mental Health Mentality at Columbia
by Annabella Correa-Maynard
I
f mental health is taboo within the United States, then it is practically an anathema within the Columbia University community. The existence of mental health instability at Columbia does not alone showcase the university’s lack of responsibility for the well-being of its students; unfortunately, mental health instability is prevalent at any college or university. Rather the effect that mental health instability has on students’ behavior highlights the university’s lack of concern. The inadequacy of mental health care on campus came to the attention of many students in late October after one student noticed the Berick Center for Student Advising advertising a time management chart on their website that was simultaneously dubbed a “commitments reality check.” In a concise table organized by commitment, calculation and time, the management sheet compiled a list of activities that involve student participation on a weekly basis. Among the sheet were three outstanding activities: an allotted 2 hours a week for hygiene/prep, 8 hours for work each week, and an additional 49.5 hours a week meant for homework and studying, not including time spent in class. Although the University quickly removed the time management chart after receiving heavy criticism, its mere existence further corroborated the red-tape approach that Columbia takes to mental health mentality.
How, many students asked, could Columbia delegate precious time to such ambiguous activities without basing their sheet off of an individual student enrolled at the University? Indeed, it seemed as though the sheet offered an unrealistic look into the life of a student that doesn’t exist; a student who could mentally manage an eight hour work week along with a 16.5 credit course schedule; a student who could designate eight hours of sleep per night and simultaneously mentally manage the studying that accompanies the challenging course load expected at Columbia, while also prioritizing the suggested two hours needed for hygiene and prep during the week. Yet, this is not the first time that Columbia has been under scrutiny for failing to provide adequate solutions to mental health obstacles prevalent on campus. Last year, after the unfortunate suicides of seven students from September through January, headlines regarding the deaths appeared on The New York Post and The Gothamist. However, Columbia’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS), still has not offered a concrete solution to adjusting the mental health insecurity on campus. This puts primary custody of mental health into the hands of the students, and not into the hands of the administration. By forcing this onus on students, the amount of time that students must add
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mental health to their intense schedule increases both in and out of the classroom, with students who make appointments with Furman Counseling Center and students with disabilities who are required to attend regular doctor’s appointments. This has engendered a series of projects, clubs and initiatives, seeking to prioritize mental health on campus, and offer a release from the tidal wave of stress culture that many students face. Most notable is the Mental Health Task force that has been in existence for four years, but has recently revamped its purpose as a project-oriented group that aims to use “policies, procedures, and resources to better accommodate the needs of those students with mental health issues and those students who support them,” as stated on the group’s facebook page. And while the actions taken by the Mental Health Task Force are certainly notable and worth attention, the mere existence of a mental health task force suggests a larger polemic issue. Understandably, college is no walk in the park. Stress culture is real, no matter at which school you enroll. However, status does not excuse a lack of attention toward mental health. It is the responsibility of the administration, not the students, to address mental health passionately and to further address whether or not Columbia truly does have an empathy problem.
Is Everything Political?
F
ox News framed the Harvey Weinstein sexual assault accusations as to how it would hurt Democrats in 2018. Democrats used the Las Vegas shooting to promote common sense gun control legislation. Both parties used the recent hurricanes and floods to discuss the ineffectiveness of their adversaries. No topic or event is off limits for political pundits and everything seems to be viewed through the political lense, but is this a good thing or a bad thing? The problem is not that everything has become political, but that everything has become partisan. Every elected official has one fear: being voted out of office. This fear motivates a majority of their actions. Politicians maintain what seems to be a blind loyalty to their party in order to ensure reelection. The most reliable voters are those with strong ties to the parties and these voters are disenchanted by moderate opinions, bipartisan efforts, or compromise. These voters want an elected official who will stand up for the party at all costs. To keep these voters happy, and
more importantly - voting - elected officials have been pushed more and more to either end of the ideological spectrum. The polarization of government is why the immediate response to tragedy is “what our party is doing” versus “what the other party is doing.” Due to the fear of seeming weak or ineffective, so many elected officials immediately turn away from bipartisan solutions. They refuse to compromise or do anything that may be viewed as agreeing with the other party. Tragedies used to be what brought Democrats and Republicans together, but now it seems to be what is driving them even farther apart. While most issues do have political implications and should definitely be examined through a legislative lense, politicians seem to be overlooking the opportunity to work together. Why can’t every member of Congress talk about the problem of sexual assault, without pairing it with the political affiliation of each individual perpetrator? Why can’t solutions to mass shootings be discussed without one side blaming the other for being insensitive THE BULLETIN -
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when they themselves refuse to address a crisis due to fear of negative political implications? Republicans and Democrats must try to find common ground. By connecting through shared human decency, hopefully our elected officials will be able to solve our problems rather than just discussing how these problems will affect the next election cycle. They should stop caring about how their responses poll and start caring about whether or not their responses actually help their constituents. With the increased accessibility to politicians through social media sites and increased news consumption, the possibility of removing politics from tragedies is difficult to imagine. However, that just means that we must hold those we elect even more accountable and encourage them to focus on working across the aisle to find solutions. Politicians will continue to be political, but it’s time that we demand they become less partisan. Politics should not just be about parties; politics should be about people.
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by Naava Ellenberg
One Year Later by Megan Simmons
A
Disclaimer: The Bulletin does not own any images on this page
year has passed since November 8, 2016, but it is not the time to focus on the events and implications of that day. It is time to focus on today, tomorrow, and the future. Each of us processed the 2016 election of in our own way. For me, an ambience of defeat, weariness, and sadness hit me whenever I saw a straggling campaign sign on a lawn or opened Twitter. As someone who grew up under the Obama Administration and wholeheartedly believed in his message of Hope and Change, I struggled to grapple with a country that seemingly erased decades of progress in one night. The way I saw those around me changed; how could I feel empathy for those who could not see the potential impact that the race’s outcome would have on other people throughout the country? Despite the divisiveness that the president has displayed since even before his inauguration, a sense of hope has returned in the form of grassroots organizations and the people who work tirelessly for causes they believe in with ever fiber of their being. Progressive organizations have been created to not only counter the divisive, hateful actions of the current administration, but also to empower citizens disenfranchised by the political process to become more involved.
Run for Something, an organization founded on January 20th, 2017, encourages millennials to run for office by supplying training, mentorship, funding, and campaign volunteers. In just the first two weeks of the organization’s existence, they recruited almost 3,000 young candidates to run for local office. Swing Left, founded after the 2016 election, help people who live in safe Democratic districts connect with campaigns near them that have a chance of swinging left. Crooked Media, founded by four former
Obama Administration Communications staff members, hosts podcasts to make news and politics more accessible to people, and encourages listeners to support campaigns and liberal non-profit organizations. Because of organizations like Run for Something, Swing Left, Crooked Media and so many others, a new batch of young, fresh faced Democratic candidates is being built through grassroots organization. On November 7th, 2017, Democrats sent a message of hope and change THE BULLETIN -
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through the success of the young, progressive candidates who now hold public office. Danica Roem, a transgender woman, won a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates by 10 points, defeating Bob Marshall, a 26-year incumbent who once called himself Virginia’s “chief homophobe”. Andrea Jenkins was elected to the Minneapolis City Council, becoming the first openly transgender African-American woman elected to the city council of a major U.S. city. New Jersey elected Sheila Oliver as its first female AfricanAmerican lieutenant governor and Vin Gopal as its first Asian American state senator. Vi Lyles was elected as Charlotte, North Carolina’s first female AfricanAmerican mayor. Representation matters; you have to see someone who looks like you accomplish something for you to believe it to be possible for yourself. On the morning of November 8th, the dreams of young girls, people of color, and the LGBTQIA+ community members got a little bigger. I for one was dreading the anniversary of 2016 election, but thanks to all the activists and organizers who have not given up hope, who said ‘sign me up’, I am once again empowered with optimism and reminded that progress is not measured by wins or losses, it is measured by the incremental steps we take forward in pursuit of what is right.
She Said/She Said Free Feminine Hygiene
PRO& CON
R Disclaimer: The Bulletin does not own any images on this page
ecently, debate has spurred surrounding the accessibility of feminine hygiene products on college campuses. Some college campuses such as Brown University and NYU have already began implanting initiatives to provide free pads and tampons to all its students. Not only have college campuses started these initiatives, the entire NYC public school system has begun to provide free access to feminine hygiene products in school and public restrooms. If a large system like the NYC public schools, with over 1.1 million students can provide accessibility, it only makes sense that a women’s college like Barnard should take initiative too, with only 3,000 students. Menstruation is a process that almost all women experience, and without access to pads or tampons, life can become incredibly difficult, especially for young students. An average box of tampons or pads costs nearly $7 to $14, which can be a significant burden over time to some people, including students who are already burdened with their college tuition. Without access to pads or tampons, it can hinder one’s learning abilities due to the worry of not having these feminine hygiene products, causing women to stay home and miss school, work, or any other event they are a part of. Thus, Barnard administration should also move towards this change and also provide free access to pads and tampons, especially considering the fact that it is a women’s college. Barnard currently
by Aneeza Asif
provides free contraceptives to its students within the freshman quad and other locations throughout campus. These contraceptives are more costly to the school, ranking expenses anywhere from $10 to $50 a month. Thus, financial burden onto the school would not be a large factor in making this change. Student-run clubs such as Well-Woman can further lead initiatives to help implement access to pads and tampons. This could be done by placing baskets with pads and tampons in bathrooms around campus or by having events which provide pads and tampons to its attendees. Although some may see this as financially burdensome, Barnard would be paying for these high-in-demand products from vendors who already have funds available to them. Since reallocating funds may take some time, in the meanwhile, Barnard can supply pads and tampons in metal dispensers already found around campus for a small charge. In doing so, it allows accessibility to necessary feminine hygiene products along with allowing the administration to further think of ways on taking action as some student-run clubs such as McAC and Well-Woman have already done . Barnard, an institution found on pro-women ideologies lacks accessibility to what almost all women share in common: menstruation. Menstruation is often stigmatized, but Barnard can work against de-stigmatizing it and reclaiming it as a natural process that women go through.
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Many institutions, primarily co-ed institutions, have already established accessibility to pads or tampons. Thus, by implementing more accessibility to feminine hygiene products on campus, even if it is not free, Barnard could be working towards ending the stigma of menstruation and even better expressing its pride in being an all-women’s institution. Now is the time for Barnard administration to take action, as this is a topic that has already garnered attention on campuses worldwide.
Gallery Galavanting Carolee Schneemann: Kinetic Painting by Petyon Ayers
V Disclaimer: The Bulletin does not own any images on this page
isiting MoMA PS1, the Museum of Modern Art’s auxiliary exhibition space in Long Island City, Queens, is an undeniably unique and enriching experience. The space features art exhibitions that can’t quite be contained to the museum’s main Manhattan space, often times with exhibitions focusing on more controversial or interactive works of art. MoMA PS1’s current exhibition “Carolee Schneemann: Kinetic Painting” is no exception to this standard, offering a once in a lifetime glimpse into the extensive artistic career of Carolee Schneemann. The exhibition portrays a unique, enriching view of the controversial topics Schneemann dared to explore throughout her lengthy career. With three hundred works of art spanning six decades, the exhibition “Carolee Schneemann: Kinetic Painting” presents a fascinating look into the life and the artistic evolution of one of the twentieth century’s most revered female artists. Schneemann is known worldwide for her pioneering work, exploring themes pertaining to the human body and form, specifically in dissecting the relationship the female body has in terms of social constructs and dialogue. The exhibition, open until March 11 of 2018, portrays
Schneemann’s fascination with this highly contested topic, as well as exploring the relationship between objects, kinetic movement, and Schneemann’s own body and the role these themes played in the artwork she produced throughout her life. The exhibit features an exceptionally wide amount of art mediums, from radical videos and projections to more traditional acrylics and pastels. No matter the medium, however, Schneemann is able to evoke intense emotion and provoke thought, with each piece lending its hand in exploring the artist’s innermost thoughts and ideas. Adding further intrigue to the collection, a number of the exhibition’s works claim no one particular medium, rather, many of the pieces are multimedia, incorporating a number of elements--film, sculpture, and acrylics, for instance--to create a truly distinct and complex work of art. While the entirety of the exhibit is impressive in its own right, a number of Schneemann’s works stand out amongst the collection. At times jarring, intense, and grotesque, it is impossible to look away from Schneemann’s artwork; the pieces present an unforgiving look into sexuality, femininity, and humanTHE BULLETIN -
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ity, at times in the most graphic of ways. When Plumb Line (1968-71), a film-based piece depicting a video of a couple that is violently obscured with bold lines and splashes of color, turning an ordinarily romantic scene into one that is brash and perplexing. Similarly, Portrait Partials (1970), a collection of thirty five gelatin silver prints turns the ordinary into the arcane by portraying extreme close ups of individual parts of the human body. From eyelashes to belly buttons, these prints provide a deep sense of intimacy, examining the small things that make us human in a uniquely personal light, all the while enlarging the body parts to the point of abstraction. MoMA PS1’s “Carolee Schneemann: Kinetic Painting” presents an incredibly impressive collection of Schneemann’s life work. In displaying pieces from six decades of Schneemann’s career, the exhibit enables any visitor to closely examine the gradual artistic evolution of the artist throughout the years. Full of emotion and controversiality, this fascinating exhibit portrays a unique sense of the human form and its role in modern society.
What We’re Binge Watching This Month
at his dad’s construction company. His next-door neighbor, Betty Cooper, daughter of the editor of the local newspaper, is in love with him, but she is unable to tell him before the new girl in town arrives. Veronica Lodge is from New York City, and her millionaire father has just been sent to prison on embezzlement charges. Despite their opposite personalities and their crushes on Archie, Betty and Veronica become best friends. The girls successfully try out for the cheerleading squad, where they butt heads with Cheryl Blossom, the twin sister of Jason who claimed that he drowned when he fell out of their boat on an early-morning boat ride on Sweetwater River. Jason’s body tells a different story, though, when it is recovered. Jughead reconciles with Archie and begins to write a novel about Jason’s murder and the many secrets of Riverdale’s residents. Riverdale has received a lot of media attention lately, both seasons having been rated “fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes, and it is completely worth the hype. While most of the young actors are relatively unknown, they have an undeniable chemistry and act like seasoned professionals. The most well known young actor is Cole Sprouse, who starred on the Disney Channel series The Suite Life of Zack and Cody with his twin brother, Dylan. Sprouse might have been a Disney kid, but he has grown up and is a legitimate THE BULLETIN -
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force on Riverdale as Jughead Jones. The most well known adult actor on the show is Luke Perry from the 1990s hit series Beverly Hills, 90210. Perry plays Archie’s dad, Fred Andrews, and it is intriguing to watch the former teen idol interact with his TV son, played by rising teen idol KJ Apa, on the show. Besides its actors, the strongest suit of Riverdale is the plot and well-developed characters. Although a TV series revolving around a murder mystery sounds cliché, Riverdale is so much more than that, focusing on issues including but not limited to strained family dynamics and secrets, sexual assault, and gang violence. Recurring character (now a starring character in the second season) Kevin Keller, the sheriff’s son, is the only gay guy out of the closet in Riverdale; his struggles with his sexuality are more than a mere plot device, adding depth to the show. With so much to unpack in only 13 episodes, Riverdale consistently finds ways to keep you coming back to find out what happens next. Riverdale is especially appealing to Barnard girls because it is an addictive show that has actual substance and makes you think critically about complex issues. Television shows that can fulfill both of these traits are harder to find these days, but Riverdale does it with ease.
Disclaimer: The Bulletin does not own any images on this page
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iverdale is a television drama series currently airing its second season on The CW. Season 1 is available to stream on Netflix. Each episode is approximately 42 minutes in length, and there are 13 episodes in the series (excluding season 2, which will contain 22 episodes). The series is loosely based on the characters by Archie Comics, but the TV show does not stick exclusively to the comics. Instead, it is a darker interpretation that is meant to resonate with a modern audience. The show is set in the present day in the small town of Riverdale, a seemingly normal place until you give it a closer look. The first season begins with the disappearance of Jason Blossom, a teenage football player, the son of the richest family in town, and heir to their maple syrup business on the Fourth of July. When his dead body is recovered from Sweetwater River soon after the beginning of the school year, the residents of the town quickly become paranoid, accusing each other, including loved ones, of the crime. The narrator of the series is Jughead Jones, a creative loner and sophomore at Riverdale High who has his own secrets and used to be best friends with the show’s main character, Archie Andrews, until they fought over summer break. Archie became more attractive and muscular over the summer after working
by Lizbeth Abbott
Accountability in
Hollywood L Illustration by Sadie Kramer
upita Nyong’o. Cara Delevingne. Gwyneth Paltrow. Angelina Jolie. What do all of these actresses have in common besides award-winning careers in entertainment? Each of these distinguished women have recently come forward as having been sexually harassed by Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. Now that there is a call for greater accountability, consequences are finally being sought and light is being shed on an issue that has existed for centuries. Careers in the arts often involve an “unspoken contract” for women to stay silent about sexual harassment from their employers. Anyone who speaks out will be replaced by someone younger, thinner, and willing to keep what happens behind the scenes “hush hush,” all for a role consisting of three lines. At Elle’s Women in Hollywood Awards ceremony, Reese Witherspoon spoke about a time she was in this very situation, and she felt “true disgust at the director who assaulted [her] when [she] was 16 years old and anger at the agents and the producers who made [her] feel that silence was a condition of
by Annette Stonebarger
[her] employment.” While women fight this battle, their male colleagues and counterparts at times sit by idly. Actor Matt Damon admitted on Good Morning America that he had been told that Weinstein had sexually harassed his coworker Gwyneth Paltrow on the set of their film, The Talented Mr. Ripley, and yet he “never talked to Gwyneth about it.” Damon then elaborated that he “knew that they had come to whatever agreement or understanding they had come to. She had handled it. She was the First Lady of Miramax, and [Weinstein] treated her incredibly respectfully. Always.” Sorry to burst your bubble, Matt, but I do not know in what world suggesting that you and your employee “head to the bedroom for massages” can be categorized as “incredibly respectful.” Whether allies choose to speak out because sexual harassment affects their friends, wives, sisters, mothers, or daughters, it all comes down to one thing: basic human decency. Women, though, are not the only ones affected by the abuses of Hollywood. Accusations have been brought against ac-
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tor Kevin Spacey for sexually assaulting multiple teenage boys, showing that sexual assault is a serious issue for both women and men in the industry. Spacey denies these accusations and recently announced that he has “loved and had romantic encounters with men throughout [his] life, and [he] choose[s] now to live as a gay man.” Using an announcement as intimate and personal as coming out of the closet is not an acceptable way of distracting from the fact that one has assaulted numerous children. Unless a greater environment of accountability is created, abuses of power will continue in Hollywood. Many perpetrators have faced no consequences for their actions, because it is nearly impossible to prove whether or not an act was consensual. Until the larger system recognizes that sexual assault is not the fault of the victim, no matter who the perpetrator is, justice will never be served. So call congressmen, call lawmakers, call anyone who will listen to get out the word about the importance of accountability in Hollywood and accountability everywhere.
Ai Ai WeWei WeWei
Art with a Message
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by Noelle Penas
A Photography by Noelle Penas
cross New York City, sculptures centered on the theme of borders have been installed by controversial Chinese artist Ai WeiWei in an attempt to humanize the refugee crisis. Growing hostility toward immigrants has dominated the stage of global issues today, especially in the Middle East, North Africa, and along the US-Mexico border. As a relentless political dissident, WeiWei has entered this conversation to call attention to the tension and contradictions of who can cross borders. Unafraid to challenge the issues of tolerance and coexistence, he centers many of his large scale projects around addressing humanitarian crises to politically engage society. This particular project, called “Good Fences Make Good Neighbors,” takes its name from a Robert Frost poem. As Ai WeiWei’s most ambitious public project yet, it is composed of over 300 artworks that can be found on bus stops, subway stations, lamp posts, and other areas throughout the five boroughs. The project debuted on October 12, and will be on display until February 11. I visited one exhibit, “Arch”, a steel barrier in Washington Square Park.
A grandiose sculpture, it is unmistakable and hard to miss. The cage-like bars imply restriction of movement, but the silhouette cutting through the barrier transform it into a passageway. The carving of two people embracing is possibly meant to encourage unity and solidarity, especially as people gaze into their reflections mirrored in the sculpture. At the monument, people walking past slowed down, pausing to look or to take selfies. A small crowd that lingered looked for the most part curious and confused. One woman I talked to was conducting a survey of opinions for her art class, and I asked her about the responses she’s heard so far. “Most people don’t know what the monument is and most don’t think that it looks political. Their impression is that it seems to be a bird cage, or about lovers. For the most part, people seem to think it’s beautiful,” she told me. Community feedback, however, has been largely negative, with unhappy people protesting the use of public spaces for political statements. WeiWei’s installation is designed to provoke strong reactions. He intends
to use these urban spaces to test social and political limits. When asked about the theme of fences in his artwork in an interview with Vox, he insists that these kinds of borders are not just physical, but also in our hearts and minds. His work resonates with a sense of social responsibility, and it is explicit in his words, “We have to protect the people just like we have to protect ourselves. Otherwise, anyone can be refugees.” When I left the park, I looked back at the monument one last time. The sculpture stood glittering, a powerful symbol of transit ruling who can go in and who must stay out. No one seemed particularly moved; it was difficult to reconcile the urgency and desperation it represented with the sunny playfulness of the park.We looked at the sculpture, took our pictures, admired or disapproved of it, and moved on with our daily lives. There is no crisis for us. Ai WeiWei, however, is determined to shake off this veil of safety we’ve enveloped ourselves in. We have become desensitized to the migrating numbers, and one is left wondering if humanizing the statistics is enough anymore.
Yayoi Kusama
Infinity Mirror Rooms
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ayoi Kusama’s highly-anticipated “Infinity Mirror Rooms” exhibit, alongside two others, opened in New York City on November 2nd. I arrived for the opening to a crowd stretched around the David Zwirner Gallery and beyond. The incredibly long entry line seemed to stretch to infinity itself. The glamour of waiting for a contemporary gallery opening — as NYC-liberal-artsy as that sounds — wore off quickly. I remained outside for the next two hours. When learning more about the gallery, I discovered, to my dismay (and the universe’s irony), that of the three rooms to see in this location, one had a viewing limit of a minute. Another 30 seconds. A serious internal debate raged. How does one fully view an exhibit in 60 seconds? As an avid museum-goer, I enjoy walking slowly around galleries. Restrained shows are foreign to me. Despite these unfortunate circumstances, let it be known that Kusama’s work was worth it. The first room, “Let’s Survive Forever,” allowed a few people to view at a time. A panel opened to facilitate entry; otherwise inner contents were hidden. A gallery worker motioned me, opening the door. I stepped inside a wall of glowing light, and immediately saw a huge, dark monolith in the center of the room. Kidding. The vibe did seem very 2001: A Space Odyssey, though.
by Alexa Silverman
In those first seconds, I was bewildered by the room’s endlessly mesmerizing qualities. The mirrored walls, which I knew about beforehand, were surrounded by hordes of reflective glass orbs. Hanging from invisible strings and placed delicately around, the different sized globes enhanced the slice of infinity in which I had stepped into. The center held a small model of the room, in which circular peepholes revealed a glittery, geometric universe within the eternity. After walking the perimeter and briefly reveling in the glory of artistic integrity and design, I whipped out my phone. In 2017, it is impossible for Kusama to have ignored the selfie culture ingrained in society, especially with an exhibit of mirrors. Viewers are willed through structure and time to take pictures of the space, capturing a truly fantastic moment. When I was taking photos, my phone acted as an additional sense to perceive the world. I was capturing images to not only prove I was there, but also to physically place myself into the art. Kusama’s work is interactive in a digital sense. Furthermore, my pictures all feature not just my physical being, but thousands of versions of myself. Through my presence, observing with my own eyes, I melted into the infinity. For 60 seconds, I was a modern-day Narcissus. In this way, Kusama’s art walks THE BULLETIN -
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the line between presence and recreation; forcing the audience to reconsider viewing. The second exhibit, “Looking for Infinity,” was not a traditional room. Three mirror panels formed a pyramidal figure, with a singular oculus on each side. Black surrounding walls contrasted the white ones from before. Peering into the circle revealed a tiny infinity of geometric shapes, with one’s face at the end of the tunnel. The fragments quickly shifted bright hues, from bold magenta to deep cerulean. Using my most refined terminology, it was a classy disco ball. “With all My Love for the Tulips, I Pray,” the last room, did not incorporate mirrors. It was a white room with red dots placed on every wall — including floor and ceiling. Two oversized, patterned flower sculptures blended with the space. Kusama designed the entire room as a platform for viewing art as a jarring effect. Kusama transformed small spaces into literal eternity using mirrors and lighting; visiting her gallery was a disorienting and mesmerizing experience. Witnessing her works in person enhanced any visual representation of the work I had encountered previously. Visit Kusama’s 2017 Collection, on view until December 16th — but don’t forget your spacesuit.
Photography by Alexa Silverman
Profile/Review: Urinetown menting on its “awful” title. After ecological devastation results in a drought, the Urine Good Company takes control of all toilets, charging a fee for all that wish to relieve themselves. All who do not comply are exiled to the mysterious Urinetown. But what is Urinetown? “It’s a musical that’s especially relevant today,” says producer Hannah Stern (BC ‘20). “Cladwell is very representative of what Trump is like, and the show demonstrates what happens when a society’s leadership is corrupt and has no true values. I think all people need is a great musical number to both take them away and call them to action.” Calling the people of Urinetown to action is Bobby Strong, earnestly portrayed by Gus O’Connor (CC ‘20). Some of the strongest comic moments in the show belonged to O’Connor’s impressive grasp of physical comedy; he bended and swooned over Smith’s Hope and reenacted everybody’s high school choral director with gusto in the Act II showstopper “Run Freedom Run.” Smith proved herself an actress willing to take risks, replacing Hope’s pretty blankness with hilariously scrunched-up facial expressions to reveal the character’s inner frustrations and cartoonish naivete. Maggie Vlietstra (BC ‘20) infused the traditionally male role of Offi-
cer Lockstock with Sally Bowles-esque sass. She was at her best when interacting with Bernadette Bridges’s (CC ‘19) Little Sally, played with a mischievous glare and a chipmunk squeak. Gabrielle Bullard (BC ‘18) figured an elegant Pennywise while Glusker impressed with his robust vocals and impeccable comedic timing. Unlike most productions, scenic designer Yilun Ying (CC ‘20) and lighting designer Gabo Lizardo (CC ‘18) replaced the traditional dustbowl aesthetic of the show with a stage awash in color and a minimalist set that recalled comic book graphics. The costumes, designed by Ilana Lupkin (BC ‘20), were as eye-catching as they were effective; lower-class characters wore a mosh of tattered graphic tees and vintage duds while their upper-class counterparts wear futuristic greys that reflected their seeming indifference. Especially memorable was Little Sally’s plastic bag tutu, which accentuated her childlike gait. Choreographer Carina Goebelbecker’s (BC ‘20) jazz-inspired numbers were sharp and effective, notably during “Mr. Cladwell” and “Run, Freedom, Run.” Despite the show’s tendency to comment on itself, it never resolves the issues it poses. How should power be wielded? Should the needs of the individual outweigh the needs of the collective? Is it the government’s job to ensure its citizens’ happiness? Berke’s direction does not provide answers, but rather gives the audience something to think about as the laughter fades.
Disclaimer: The Bulletin does not own any images on this page
I
f there’s one tone-setting moment in the CMTS’s production of Urinetown: The Musical, it’s when the urinary monopolist Caldwell B. Cladwell (Adam Glusker CC ‘20) confronts his daughter Hope (Emma Smith BC ‘19), who has become conflicted about joining the family business. “Did I send you to the Most Expensive University in the World to teach you how to feel conflicted, or to learn how to manipulate great masses of people?” he asks. “To learn how to manipulate great masses of people, Daddy,” she replies, whipping off her jacket to reveal a Columbia shirt beneath. The audience roared in laughter perhaps in recognition of Columbia’s exorbitant price-tag and its propensity for churning out its own Cladwells. Yet despite moments of pointed humor, the production, directed by Britt Berke (BC ‘18), never lost any manic energy.The musical, based on a book by Greg Kotiswith and featuring music by Mark Hollmann, is nutty to the core; it employs the stylings of Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht while parodying everything from Les Miserables to West Side Story. The show is not above parodying itself, frequently c o m -
by Emma Hoffman
5
Top 5 Little Known Doughnut Shops
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by Courtney DeVita
t is the age of the doughnut, with shops popping up all over the city fighting to produce the most distinct and delicious flavors and trying to achieve that perfect balance between taste and texture. Here’s where to find the best donuts in NewYork City, from classic cake doughnuts housed in a car wash to more high concept flavors like Prosecco and hibiscus.
Peter Pan Donut and Pastry Shops
Illustration by Letty DiLeo
727 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn Get transported back in time at this classic Brooklyn establishment where workers wear mint green smocks, the floors are checkerboard, and the menu is posted on a black and white letter board. Little seems to have changed since this donut shop opened its doors in the 1950s, with the prices at just $1.15 a donut. There are countless innovative donut shops cropping up all over the city, but come here when you’re in search of a good old fashioned glazed or honey dip.
Moe’s Donut Dough Shop
126 Nassau Ave, Brooklyn It seems unfair to those of us on the Upper West Side with a rather desolate selection of doughnuts that Greenpoint should have not one but two excellent doughnut shops whipping up classic flavors all within a five block radius, but alas. Started by a former Peter Pan Donut and Pastry Shop employee, Moe’s offers its own take on youthful flavors, like the Rocky Road donut with deep rich chocolate and layers of marshmallow, or the Samoa donut. Oh, and the donuts are only $1.10 each. Run, don’t walk.
The Doughnut Project
10 Morton Street, New York Come for the famed Prosecco doughnut, stay for the innovative sweet and savory creations, like the cream cheese doughnut topped with the seeds from an everything bagel. Their menu changes frequently, so be sure to stop in to check out seasonal favorites like their bourbon eggnog donut seeds before it’s gone.The donuts
run from 3.75 to 4.50 each, and if you’re feeling less adventurous try one of their more classic flavors like the Malter White, a malted milk chocolate donut topped with cookie crumble.
Underwest
638 W 47th St, New York New York’s best cake donuts are sold in a car wash. If you’ve ever longed to watch cars being washed as you pick up your morning donut and coffee, Underwest is the place for you. Even if this isn’t you, the shop is well worth the trek over to 12th Avenue for moist and rich cake donuts. The flavors are unusual, but familiar, ranging from a brown butter to a dark chocolate and raspberry cinnamon sugar donut. At 3.25 each with 8-10 flavors it’s hard to go wrong, but make sure to try to the “Carwash” donut. Its lilac flavor pops, and the white frosting with pink and blue pastel stripes can make even the grumpiest morning commuter happy.
Dough
448 Lafayette Ave (at Franklin Ave) Brooklyn; 14 W 19th St, New York It would be remiss not to include this infamous fry factory on a list of best donut shops in the city. Their behemoth, fluffy yeast creations have received much hype since they first opened in 2011. In many cases hype can be misleading, but in this case, not even a little bit. Their dulce de leche donut, an airy, moist combination of caramel and vanilla, topped with savory almond chips is perhaps one of the best donut confections to come out of New York’s doughnut craze. Doughnuts are $2.25 each; a dozen is $27.
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sacred chow terms and that’s all I can think about), or for anyone who is looking for a good, Instagram-worthy meal. And it’s vegan and kosher! My friend Juliet and I had one course each, and they were very different. She had “Huevos Rancheros” (a Mexican dish that if shamelessly stripped to its core, is scrambled eggs with sauce), and I had the “Soy Buttermilk Biscuit Po’Boy.” Regarding her food, you should know I was dubious about its quality, as a proud Mexican who takes special pride in Mexican food. I’m always skeptical of Mexican food that’s served in a country other than my homeland. But I can assure you that Sacred Chow did a good job with their Huevos Rancheros! They served my friend a plate of scrambled tofu with sauce, and they included tortillas and beans on the side, which is the most traditional - yet not necessarily famous - way of serving the dish. My friend also got juice, the kind that combines like a million different fruits that somehow blend well together, and that was also good! Although the ginTHE BULLETIN -
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ger was way too spicy for me when I tried it. My food, on the other hand, was a very interesting dish, and it was like nothing I had ever had before. It consisted of scrambled tofu served on top of two slices of a sweetish biscuit and seasoned with a coconut gravy sauce, with salad on the side. It was weird; I’m not going to lie. But it was a good weird! I enjoyed the subtle kind of sweetness from the coconut and biscuit, which was the primary flavor of the dish. And while I’m not the kind of person who struggles to finish the last bites of their plate, this dish left me full. So if you’re ever looking for an interesting and filling dish you should try this biscuit po’boy. Next time you’re downtown (if you ever gather up the courage to endure that 40ish minute subway ride) stop by Sacred Chow and get a weird meal that will unexpectedly conquer you so that you’ll write a whole article about it in the Bulletin.
Photo Illustration by Art Board
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t was a beautiful, crisp, fall Friday morning. My friend invited me on the adventure of going downtown (yes, ALL the way downtown) to help her find the perfect Halloween costume in a cute vintage store she had heard about. As the good friend that I am - and the hopeless dreamer who forces herself to leave Morningside Heights at least once a week! - I agreed to accompany her on such important endeavor. However, before we began our quest, we both knew there is only one right way of starting a Friday: BRUNCH. And this is where my story gets relevant (I know you were very confused until now). We searched for a place downtown that would satisfy our (high) brunch expectations, and we found it. Located a few streets away from Washington Square Park, Sacred Chow was awaiting us. This cute and trendy spot is perfect for tired college students, curious travellers (I definitely overheard people speaking French while I was there, and it’s not only because I have way too many French mid-
by Orit gugenheim
An Intern by Julia Pickel
M
in the Big Apple
ost of us were drawn to Barnard in part because of New York City. Being in New York provides us with an abundance of opportunities for internships in museums, government, fashion, public health, to name a few. Alex Boubour ‘19 always knew she loved the city lifestyle and started an internship during her first year on campus. Currently, Boubour interns with the Columbia Department of Neurology at the Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC). Her projects include studying HIV neurology and the neurological components of AIDs as well as a project collaborating with a Malawi-based team on pediatric cerebral malaria. She hopes to travel there this summer to follow up on her research in person. One of the capstone projects of her internship is working with health literacy in patients discharged from the CUMC hospital. This project grew out of health professionals’ observation that many patients who were being diagnosed with various medical problems, often
diabetic or high blood pressure complications, did not understand their diagnoses or the medication or management plan to treat their condition. Her project focuses on patients at CUMC hospitals, who are primarily Washington Heights residents. She studies the gaps in health literacy and health education that exist for many of these patients. On a day-to-day basis, Boubour spends time directly working with patients to assess if they understand their diagnosis. If they do not understand it, Boubour connects them with resources such as health literature, often brochures or other easy-to-read informational packets, and with a health professional if needed. Boubour believes that these gaps in healthy literacy and education result from a number of factors, including inadequate information about diagnoses, language barriers, and education gaps. Working directly with patients is one of Boubour’s favorite parts of the internship. “Being able to work at a renowned medical center like CUMC is something very uniquely New York” Bou-
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bour says. She appreciates the opportunity to study large scale hospital discharges, something she could not necessarily do somewhere else. Boubour, who hopes to enter a career at the intersection of medicine and public health, values the preventative approach the project takes, encouraging patients with less severe conditions to be a treated at a clinic rather than unncessarily returning to the hospital. From the internship, Boubour has increased her understanding of preventative medicine and epidemiology, particularly as it relates to the communities most often served by CUMC. Another highlight of her internship is getting to meet students from the Columbia Mailman School of Public Health and hearing about their experiences in the field. Aimed with the tools of understanding prevention and population-specific approaches from her uniquely NYC internship, Boubour is off to a fantastic start in her pursuit of a public health career.
Holiday Dessert
Crawl
T
by Katherine Leak
hough the quickly approaching winter season means colder temperatures and impending exams, it also calls for the arrival of holiday flavors and sweets. In a city like NewYork where the dessert options are endless, it can be hard to pack your favorites into the few hours you give yourself for exam study breaks. The following locations will give you just a taste of the best that New York City has to offer and satisfy your holiday sweet tooth.
Frrrozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity 3
The first stop is for this iconic treat at the Upper East Side location, perfect for rom com lovers and those wanting to escape into a quirky space reminiscent of old-fashioned soda shoppes and general stores. Serendipity’s hot chocolate is like a giant milkshake but with the richness of hot chocolate, all topped with a giant mound of whipped cream. If you are feeling slightly more decadent (and have an unlimited bank account), opt for the Golden Opulence Sundae, which is topped with 23-karat gold leaf and priced at $1,000 with 48 hours of advance notice required.
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Dulcinea Churros at Bryant Park Holiday Shops
With over 150 boutiques, the Bryant Park Holiday Shops offer the perfect holiday shopping experience. But shopping would not be complete without a snack, so grab a few of Dulcinea’s warm, sugary churros loaded with Nutella or dulce de leche. These churros are all fresh and made-toorder, and they are certain to keep your hands and stomach warm and satisfied.
46 - december 2017
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Peppermint Gelato at Otto
This downtown spot near Washington Square Park is known for its delicious Italian food and many pizza options, but it is also becoming famous for its seasonal peppermint gelato. Creamy and mouthwatering, this dessert is the perfect ode to one of the season’s most popular flavors. If you are not a peppermint person, not to worry, because there are many other seasonal flavors available, including pumpkin and apple cider sorbetto.
Maman's Holiday Trio Cookie Gift Box
If the New York temperatures drop a bit too low, you can always forego the outdoors in favor of ordering in. This speciality gift box can be ordered from Maman’s website and contains an assortment of cookies: nutty chocolate chip, white chocolate candy cane pretzel, and gingerbread oatmeal raisin. If you don’t need a dozen cookies for yourself, gift this box to your friend or roommate and hope that they share with you with it arrives.
Holiday Ripple Doughnuts at Doughnut Plant
Last year, these doughnut experts released a brand new creation: the Ripple. Composed of three doughnut rings that fit snugly inside of each other, the Christmas Ripples allowed for three different seasonal flavors: red velvet with white chocolate, mint with chocolate pudding, and gingerbread. The Ripple flavors for 2017 have not yet been released, but go ahead and add this decadent doughnut to the top of your wish list.
THE BULLETIN -
47 - december 2017
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