PG. 10
MEET SOME INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
INTERNATIONAL RECIPES
PENGUIN SPOTLIGHT: MAYA JACOBS
PG. 8 PG. 6 PG. 2
BOXING: A MUSICAL PERSPECTIVE
DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY!
PG. 4
THE PENGUIN
ISSUE 67
APRIL 13, 2015
N E C ’ S S T U D E N T- R U N N E W S PA P E R
WWW.NECPENGUIN.COM
The Penguin Celebrates ‘We Are The World’! Hello, fellow penguins! Isn’t it an exciting part of the year? The air is charged
dedicated solely towards taking care of yourself in these busy weeks ahead.
with a special atmosphere of rebirth – Spring has most definitely sprung.
Meanwhile, things are ramping up at school in preparation for finals, recitals,
April 21-24, we have an international focus in this issue with some student
big concerts, and graduations (for some of us)! In some ways, it’s hard to
interviews on Page 8, and enticing recipes on Page 10.
believe the school year is almost over, and soon we’ll be fanning out across
the country, and globe, for the summer at large.
of her job, and we’ve got the second chapter of the serialized story ‘New
Boston’ for you.
We know that with more activity there can be potentially more
stress too! Well, we’ve got you covered! Our first two pages in this issue are
Also, to coincide with the We Are The World event happening
Finally, we quizzed the SAC’s Maya Jacobs about the ins and outs
Happy Spring, and keep on trucking!
penguin CULTURE The Power Of Positive Thinking
by FRANKIE YU Second-Year MM Trombone
A FAMOUSLY BUBBLY PERSON SHARES HER SECRETS I read once that whenever you are super stressed out or
my thoughts like this and slowly stopped being mean to my own
overwhelmed, or you feel like everything in life is just so wrong,
brain. Things started happening in little steps: little thing’s that
you should smile. Smile, and you will feel better. Honestly, I
used to make me clench my teeth didn’t bother me anymore.
thought it was kind of dumb, but I’ll try anything once. You know
I became a more patient person, I’ve opened my mind more,
that feeling in the base of your neck when you start to tense
and even that mean glare that my face tended to fall into when I
up and it works it’s way out towards your shoulders and into
walked went away! That person who steps onto the elevator just
your face, and before you know it your chin is jutting out, your
as the doors begins to close? You’re fine man, don’t even worry
shoulders are up to your ears and your face is scrunched into
about it. The person who cuts you off in the hallway? It’s cool, in
a kind of grimace? It’s awful isn’t it? So I figured I’d give this
reality you really aren’t keeping me from getting to where I was
smiling thing a try. It may sound cliché, but smiling made me
going anyway. I also noticed a kind of freedom. If I was happy
feel as if some nasty weight that had been weighing down on
in my own mind, I felt much less inclined to care what other
my soul had been lifted. I could breathe, and more importantly
people thought, which was amazingly liberating. I applied this
it gave me the most important attitude to have in any bad
very thought process to my recent recital, and found that it had
situation: perspective.
wondrous results!
"You'll find that life is still worthwhile, if you just smile." Charlie Chaplin
Positive Thinking. Two simple words that hold a whole
Another great part about incorporating positive thoughts
depth of meaning. Two simple words that hold the key to living
in your life is that other people can sense it. Like when you talk
happily. Two simple words that represent a beautiful thing that
to your friend who’s in a really good mood and their good
we too often deprive ourselves of.
mood rubs off on you and you can’t help but leave them feeling happier. Happiness is contagious! If you are thinking positive
For some odd reason, it becomes too easy to be mean.
thoughts I am sure that it would have an affect on the people
Not necessarily mean to others, but mean to ourselves. But
who are in your life, leading to happier people all around the
what does that lead to? A mean comment to ourselves here and
school! And what’s better than sharing positive thoughts with the
there may seem like no big deal. We end up tricking ourselves
people who you see and spend time with everyday?
into thinking, “It motivates me,” or, “it makes me work harder.” But negative thoughts sprinkled throughout the day add up,
I know, it all sounds a bit cheesy, but I highly
and over an extended period of time with negative thoughts, I
recommend at least trying it out with a simple smile, because it
believe it can take a real toll on us. There are no benefits to be
could lead to greater things. In the end, the only person keeping
reaped from that.
you from a positive, happy, and more satisfying life is you. It’s a lot easier than you might think. So to end this article with some
I noticed changes in myself when I started approaching
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APRIL 13, 2015
famous words: you do you.
Taking Care
by SARAH ATWOOD First-Year MM Violin
HOW YOU TREAT YOU BODY MATTERS
’Tis the season for auditions and recitals. Spring is a very busy time of year playing-wise, and practicing seems to reach an all-time high. There’s pressure to prepare and memorize lots of pieces, for recitals and promotionals alike. Worries about the outcome of school auditions, summer auditions, and job auditions prevail. It’s hard to do what needs to be done and practice what needs to be practiced while staying injury-free.
Terms like “overuse-injury” and “tendonitis” are words that – understandably – cause general panic. My arms were once
so strained, before I started college, that I had to take six months completely off, and then spend another six months gradually working my endurance back. The time away from my instrument caused both an existential crisis and also forced me to research what is out there in terms of healthcare and self-care. Whether a long-term injury applies to you, or if your arms are simply tired at the end of a long day, these methods can be helpful to all. Many of these tactics are embarrassingly obvious, but many people (myself included) forget to do them consistently.
1. Consistency is the key word, if you want to stay a healthy musician, playing long into your life. First, take breaks! Taking a break does not have to mean a full fifteen minutes; if you’re in rehearsal, a quick five-second stretch will still help break the repetition and possible tension.
2. Drink water. Coffee does not count. 3. Eat well. The student lounge vending machine does not count. 4. Mental practice. Or, if you can’t stand the thought of that, practice one arm at a time. For example, for string players, focus on a soft consistent left hand without the bow, then on a fluid right arm playing open strings.
5. Things that help keep your body strong and flexible are important, whether you are already hurting or not. Staying active and keeping your larger muscles strong gives relief to the smaller muscles. I dance and run, and I know many people who swim. Find what you like and do it consistently.
6. Chiropractors, massage, Alexander Technique, and Feldenkrais. Many people know these tools exist, but depending on your situation, it may be an expensive endeavor to do them consistently. When I was injured, I discovered Somatics, which essentially healed me. It is akin to Feldenkrais and Alexander Technique, but you can learn to do the exercises yourself after sometimes just one session. I took a few “lessons” and learned how to make the adjustments myself. It felt comforting to know I could “fix” myself, instead of relying on someone else.
7. Yoga is also good, although you need to be careful about the strain it puts on your wrists. Many instructors are aware of how musicians might need to modify poses, and yoga is great for releasing tension through movement and breath.
8. I have started a little bit of Tai chi, which really helps to release my shoulders and feel my circulation. There is pretty much a never-ending list of things that can help, so experiment with what works and what you can maintain consistently, even when in the crunch-time of school and recital preparation.
9. SLEEP! Musicians are similar to athletes, and we should take care of ourselves in a similar way. Taking the time may seem like a waste; it is tough to make yourself do something that is less obviously rewarding short-term, when a big performance is looming. However, now is a good time to get in the habit, so good luck! And happy, healthy playing to all.
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3
Boxing In The Concert Hall
by ALEX STENING First-Year MM French Horn
MUSIC AND BOXING HAVE MORE IN COMMON THAN YOU MAY THINK On May 2nd 2015, Floyd Mayweather Jr, will fight Manny
must be extremely present, visualize the punches they wish to
Pacquiao in what will be the highest grossing boxing fight in
execute while anticipating the opponent’s moves like a chess
history. Floyd “Money” Mayweather is an undefeated five-di-
game. 12 rounds 3 minutes each in boxing, and the slightest
vision world champion American boxer who is the world’s
millisecond slip of focus is enough time to allow the opponent to
highest paid athlete. Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao is an eight-di-
throw the one punch that ends the match.
vision world champion Filipino boxer who was also a congressman of the
In a less violent way, a musi-
Philippines. In boxing, it doesn’t get
cian’s mind needs that same intense
any better than this.
focus while playing music. We know from experience that the more we
Anticipating the fight, I can’t
think to ourselves while playing
help but imagine the superhuman
“Here comes that darn high note” or
training these two world champion
“I don’t like BHOP pizzas” or any
boxers are enduring. Mayweather
unrelated thought, the more likely we
starts his day well before sunrise
will be hit by the jabs and uppercuts
jogging through the streets of L.A. in
of our performance.
solitude. In the gym, he jump-ropes at blinding speeds, chops an 800lb
log of wood with an axe, and uses
it takes to get through an etude or
a strap connecting his head to a
piece without missing one note. I’m
weight, lifting it by his neck as his
just scratching the surface of this
crew chants the mantra “Hard work.
fascinating skill; trying to hear and
Dedication.” Pacquiao also starts
sing every note in the moment as
his day well before sunrise jogging
I’m playing. When done correctly,
up a mountain with his team in the
I may gain a burst of energy from
Philippines. At the top, he meets vig-
my performance, feeling revitalized
orous abdominal exercises. Jogging
and satisfied with my efforts. Just
back to the gym, he exercises with
like pushing someone on a swing
resistance bands and a variety of
It’s amazing how much focus
or hitting a punching bag, the more
IF ONLY WE HAD AS MUCH FOCUS AS THIS GUY!
punching bags that contribute to his electric hand speed.
energy you put into it, the more energy comes back.
As vastly different as the two boxer’s backgrounds and
To learn more about increasing your focus, try looking
unique approaches to training are, a trait that makes them
into Adversity Training adapted by Don Greene and Dr. Noa
the greatest fighters in the world is their ability to focus. They
Kageyama.
Singing In Tongues
WHAT IT’S LIKE TO SING IN A LANGUAGE THAT’S NOT YOUR OWN
by ELIZABETH WENDT Third-Year BM Voice
One of the biggest perks of being a classical singer is getting
we may not be fluent in these languages, singers are able
to study and sing in a wide array of languages. The three
to understand and express all of the important elements that
main foreign languages that singers experience are French,
make up a language: the natural rhythmic patterns, putting the
German, and Italian, but there are so many more to explore
correct stress on each syllable of a word, and, of course, the
like Russian and – my personal favorite – Spanish. Although
meaning of the words. Language is such an important part of
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APRIL 13, 2015
singing. Sure, we all love to sing a beautiful melody, but part
time to understand the languages we are singing in, we would
of what makes that melody so beautiful is the text that it’s set
never be able to tell a genuine or effective story, and that
to. As a singer, it is our job to translate the text into a story
would truly be a tragedy.
and to convey that to an audience. If singers never took the
A Construction Update
SOME IMPORTANT THINGS TO TAKE NOTE OF
by ELLEN PFEIFER NEC Senior Communications Specialist
Dear NEC Family, As we move closer to the May start date for construction of the Student Life and Performance Center, you may want to attend the April 9 Open Forum session at 2:30 PM in the St. Botolph Conference Room. Ed lesser, Mike Ryan, and a representative from Tishman Construction will be on hand to answer your questions. REMINDER: the main entrance to the St. Botolph Building will be closing April 17 (or possibly a few days before that) in order to construct a handicapped-accessible entry way. • During construction, you can access the building from the ground level doorway in the parking lot. • PREP students and their families will need to use this parking lot entrance beginning Saturday, April 18. NEW DATE FOR PARKING LOT CLOSURE: the St. Botolph parking lot, previously scheduled to close on May 1, will now be open until Monday, May 4. This means that College and Prep faculty may use the lot on May 1 and 2. SUMMER WORK: Construction crews will complete accessibility upgrades in the St. Botolph Building. These include one handicapped-accessible restroom on each floor. The work will not be as disruptive as last year’s sprinkler project. • Foot traffic will be rerouted to the Matthews Arena side of St. Botolph for the duration of the project. • The classrooms 313, 314 and 315; the Opera rooms G13 and G14; the Jazz and CI office; the Health Center; Student Services and the EM offices will be temporarily relocated the first half of May for the duration of the summer. These new locations will be announced in a subsequent e mail. LONG RANGE CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE: Check it out on our Construction blog here: https://necconstructionnews.wordpress.com/2015/04/01/entrance-closure-parking-summer-work/ We’re committed to making this transition as comfortable as possible for all of us, and the disruption as minimal as possible. We’re keenly aware of the big changes ahead, and are very grateful for your patience as we embark on this exciting campus evolution! As always, if you have questions, contact Mike Ryan (michael.ryan@necmusic.edu 617-585-1187), Karen Kidd (Karen.kidd@necmusic.edu 617-585-1181) or Ellen Pfeifer (ellen.pfeifer@necmusic.edu 617-585-1143).
WWW.NECPENGUIN.COM
5
s b o c a J a y a M
penguin SPOTLIGHT by Andrew Nissen
1. How long have you been working with the SAC? This is my 4th year as the Coordinator of the Student Activities
5. What’s your favorite thing about living in Boston?
Center. I was working in the SAC prior to that as an Activities
I like the spirit of Boston. Everyone is so devoted and engaged
Assistant and Graduate Assistant.
in something. If it’s a school or a job, I feel like I can relate to people here because everyone is experiencing a similar
2. What brought you to working there?
journey but in a very different way.
When I came to NEC for my Master’s and I was shocked there’s a whole office like the SAC. In my undergrad we
6. Thing you’re most excited about coming up in the SAC?
didn’t have anything like it and I was organizing events for
I’m super excited about our annual Spring Fling. Besides the
students for fun. I
great food and
was looking for a
people, I really
job on-campus and
enjoy the relief of
I saw the ad for the
the end of the year.
SAC and I couldn’t
We all deserve to
believe that I will
party!
be paid to work in such an office, I was
7. Most rewarding
doing it for free for
thing working
so many years!
there? Hearing stories
3. What’s your best
about our programs.
memory as an NEC
I heard SO many
student?
stories about how
I will never forget
the cruise helped
playing chamber
people finding their
music in Jordan Hall
soul mates ... you
and my Master’s
really can never
MAYA WITH HER FRIEND MAYA (OUR MAYA IS ON THE LEFT)!
recital. I will also remember my teacher’s green studio
know what a 2-hour cruise can lead into. Also I enjoy seeing
(Martha Katz) and how she pushed me through all this rep.
how the NEC community has changed and grew with the
I will also remember how fun it was to play in lab orchestra
years.
with friends and see their progress and be there for each other.
8. “Blue sky thoughts” - dream you’d love to be able to accomplish with the SAC?
4. What’s the thing you miss most about home?
Get more people involved in our programs and spread the
I definitely miss my family the most. I have a big immediate
word about our awesome clubs and organizations. I really
family (6 nephews and nieces!) and not seeing them is really
wish every student will feel welcome to walk-in our office and
difficult. I also miss my hometown Tel Aviv and the atmosphere
tell us ideas and thoughts. We are always happy to hear
there. And the food of course!
ideas and feedback and that’s what we are here for!
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APRIL 13, 2015
A New Commission
MARIEL AUSTIN TELLS US ABOUT AN EXCITING NEW DEVELOPMENT
by MARIEL AUSTIN Second-Year MM Jazz Comp.
Mariel was recently awarded as one of three winners of the New York Youth Symphony’s ‘First Music Commissions’ program. Her work will be performed by the NYYS Jazz Band a Jazz at Lincoln Center on Monday, March 14, 2016. Below, Mariel tells us a bit about what it’s like to receive such an honor. “The First Music Commission is the very first honor I have ever earned for any of my compositions or arrangements. No, I’m not about to start a long-winded, watery Oscar acceptance speech; I am simply stating a fact. I was admittedly surprised when I was first informed, since I have always been an avid applicant to all sorts of competitions (related and unrelated to music) since I completed my first big band chart at age 21. Competitions have always seemed to me like a vast, endless pool of incredibly diverse talent, insurmountable for the judges to pick through and impossible for any one person in that pool to be recognized. Having that sentiment ingrained in me for so long, I consider myself hyper-competitive and take my creations and my image very seriously – okay, maybe a little too seriously – in that I only want to put better-than-my-best forward. Well, after five years (and way more application fees than I’d like to admit) I now have my first bite. Without question I am ridiculously grateful and very eager to work with the New York Youth Symphony Jazz Band, let alone premiere my piece at Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola, part of Jazz at Lincoln Center. Being selected for this commission has proved to me that you never know what will happen unless you put your work out there. You never really know who is listening.”
Save The Date for the SPRING FLING PARTY!
When? May 8, 7:00pm Where? The Colonnade Hotel 3-course dinner from Brasserie Jo, a FREE photo booth, music and friends! For ONLY $15 WWW.NECPENGUIN.COM
7
MEET^OUR INTERNATIONAL (some of) STUDENTS!
by NATALIE ALPERLEROUX Third-Year BM Viola
YISHAN HONG, BM PIANO ‘18 What made you choose NEC? I chose NEC for several reasons. First, I choose NEC in order to get a better music education. I very much like my piano professor, Meng-Chieh Liu, and his teaching style and method. I always can get a wealth of knowledge from him. Second, NEC is very near to the Boston Symphony Orchestra, which makes it easy for me to go see performances at Symphony Hall.
Yishan
How is the U.S. culture different from your home culture? Because I am studying western music now, the best place where I can study western music is the U.S. U.S culture is very abundant and full of variety. What do you miss most about your home? I always miss the delicious Chinese food. As you know, China has many different kinds of foods which I miss very much. We often go to Chinatown to order some Chinese dim sums to eat. What’s your favorite part about living in Boston? Boston is a city I can absorb knowledge from in diverse ways. Sometimes, I like to go to the museum to see some paintings, or go to library to read some music references and literature.
LIHAO LI, BM PIANO ‘18 & SARAH GAO, BM PIANO ‘18 What made you choose NEC? S: The main reason I came to NEC was to study with my teacher, Gabriel Chodos. He studied in Germany, and my previous teacher also studied there, so they have similar teaching systems. I love his [Mr. Chodos’] playing; I find his music very touching. L: I had worked with my teacher, Sasha Korsantia, before I cam to NEC, and I wanted to keep working with him. I like his style and his playing very much. Boston is a good city for study, and it’s a very peaceful place. How is the U.S. culture different from your home culture? S: The most different part is the teaching style. I don’t know about other places in China, but at my school we had only Chinese, Math, English, History, courses like that, and no art courses or “fun” classes (the art class was taught by our Math teacher). So what we do is go to school, do homework, and practice. L: Middle school and high school students in China don’t have a lot of free time. We have to study every day, and prepare for exams to get into university. In middle school in China, I had lots of things to do but I was very free at university, and in America, there’s lots of things I have to do, it’s different. What do you miss most about your home? S: Food! L: Yes, food! Chinese food is so delicious.
8
APRIL 13, 2015
Lihao
Sarah
S: Even though we can eat Chinese food in Chinatown, it’s still totally different. It tastes more American. L: It’s not real Chinese food. S: In China, we can spend more time with friends. We can go to KTVs (karaoke booths) once or twice a week, but we can’t do that in America. Here, we mostly just practice and study. L: Because we’re students! But we do have more friends, from middle and high school, and our families back in China, to spend time with. S: It’s been hard to find a place to go bowling. I miss doing that like I did in China. What’s your favorite part about living in Boston? L: New York is fancy and there’s a lot happening, but it’s too noisy and there’s a lot of pressure just living in the city. I feel like Boston is a better middle place for students, compared to places like New York and Oberlin. There’s more choices for places to eat and things to do. S: I like the study environment. People in Boston seem to know how to enjoy life more. L: But I don’t like the Boston winters.
RICHARLITA YOU, BM PIANO ‘18 & TAICHIRO EI, BM CI ‘18 What made you choose NEC? R: I auditioned at three schools, and I wanted to go to NEC most out of all of them. The atmosphere is more optimistic, and the people are more energetic. T: I wanted to be in the Contemporary Improvisation program, and I liked that NEC was a smaller school. How is the U.S. culture different from your home culture? R: Everything is huge, especially food. It’s much more expensive in Taiwan. T: Yes! R: Food is more expensive than in Taiwan. A bento, like the ones at Symphony Sushi, costs around $3. T: That’s true. It’s maybe a little more expensive in Japan. What do you miss most about your home? R: Food! T: That’s it! That’s all! Well, rice. R: Rice? T: Here, there’s lots of ways to cook rice, and they put flavorings on it. I miss white rice. And good ramen. And sushi! R: I miss the food my mom cooks. What’s your favorite part about living in Boston? T: It’s a good place to study. There are students everywhere, and everyone seems really ready to study. R: I think the people look nicer in Boston. They’re more forgiving.
Richarlita
Taichiro
Don’t forget to participate in the NEC: We Are The World event to celebrate our school’s diverse student population! Check out the ad on Page 13, and keep an eye on your NEC E-mail or stop by the Off ice of Student Services for even more information! WWW.NECPENGUIN.COM
9
penguin RECIPES International Recipes TWO AUTHOR’S FAVORITES!
by ELIZABETH WENDT Third-Year BM Voice
by FRANKIE YU Second-Year MM Trombone
In honor of our NEC’s We Are The World event, we’re serving up some internationally flavored recipes for you this month. Both Elizabeth and Frankie incorporate some of their family history into each recipe. Remember also that on April 21st, you’ll have a chance to share a recipe of your own from your heritage at FoodFest! Taking place at 5pm in the Student Lounge, NEC will reimburse you for the ingredients – so turn up and experience some new tastes as well whilst you bring your unique palate to the table!
German Rouladen
4. Sauté the rolls on each side until browned. Add the remaining pickles, onions, and bacon to the pan in between and around the meat.
German Rouladen are a staple of German comfort food. Pickles, onions, and bacon create a flavorful filling for tender beef, and it all is drenched
5. Add a bit of the beef broth, and try to scrape up and mix in any
in rich brown gravy.
browned drippings at the bottom of the pan. Add the rest of the broth and bring to a boil. Let boil for one minute, and then reduce the heat to
Cuisine: German
a simmer and cover for an hour to an hour and a half.
Serves: 6-12
6. Remove the meat from the pan. Tent aluminum foil over the plate with
Ingredients 12 slices of thin-sliced top round beef (should be approximately 10” long , 4” wide, and 1/4” thick) 1 lb thick-sliced bacon, excess fat removed, diced 1 onion, minced 8 oz bread and butter pickle slices, chopped 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 3 cups beef broth 1/4 cup flour 1/3 cup water Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions 1. Lay out each slice of beef and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Spread about a tablespoon of each the bacon, onion, and pickles on each. Roll the meat up tightly and secure with cooking string or toothpicks.
7. Stir together the flour and 1/3 cup water until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the gravy to thicken, stirring constantly. Bring the gravy to a boil as you stir, and keep boiling and stirring until the gravy has reached the desired consistency.
8. Remove the toothpicks or cooking string from the meat. If you used toothpicks, be especially careful when removing them. The Rouladen should be extremely tender and you don’t want them to fall apart too much.
9. Return the meat to the gravy and heat for about 5 more minutes. Serve warm. PREP TIME 20 mins COOK TIME
3. Heat the oil in a large, high-walled pan over medium-high heat. Place the rolls in the pan. It is okay if they are packed in somewhat tightly, they will shrink a bit when they cook and free up more space.
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the meat in order to keep it warm.
APRIL 13, 2015
1 hour 30 mins TOTAL TIME 1 hour 50 mins
Sriracha Cauliflower
2. Cut the cauliflower into 1 inch florets, wash and let dry. 3. In a larger bowl combine the liquid ingredients and whisk together.
I wasn’t really a big fan of cauliflower before (it always seemed like a strange vegetable…), but this way of preparing it is so easy. Bonus: as it
4. Gently stir in cauliflower and fully coat with the marinade. Let the
turns out, cauliflower is very beneficial to our health as it contains lots of
cauliflower sit for around 15 minutes to really soak in the flavors.
antioxidants as well as being great for cardiovascular support.
5. Lay out cauliflower onto a baking sheet and stick in the oven for 10 Cuisine: Asian American
minutes.
Serves: 1-2
Ingredients 1 head of cauliflower 1/3 cup olive oil 1 teaspoon sesame oil 3/4 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 2 tablespoons sriracha
Instructions 1. Oven: 400 F
6. Take out and stir, and put it back in the oven for another 10 minutes. 7. Now it’s ready to serve! PREP TIME 5 mins COOK TIME 20 mins TOTAL TIME 25 mins
Send us your own favorite recipes ...
... at facebook.com/ penguinnewspaper!
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11
penguins GET CREATIVE New Boston
by NATALIE ALPER-LEROUX Third-Year BM Viola
The following is the second chapter of a serialized story. Check out Chapter 1 at necpenguin.com!
Chapter 2: South Station Halfway through the ride to South Station, Caela suddenly stopped crying. It wasn’t the stares of the passengers around her, first sympathetic and pitying, then impatient and condescending, as the minutes of uncontrollable sobbing stretched on. It wasn’t the hypnotically repetitive view out the hovershuttle’s windows, a snowscape of wind-blown drifts undulating far into the distance interrupted by the awkward corners of what used to be roofs. It wasn’t the soothing loop of evacuation instructions wafting over the crowd on the shuttle, lulling them into compliant silence with the voice of Maureen Johnson, City-Secretary of Housing and Relocation. None of the sounds and sights around her seemed real enough to get through to her anymore. She simply couldn’t believe that her sister was not beside her. But that only made the tears fall faster and the sobs stick deeper in her throat.
vision of Boston as it once was, an underground safe haven from the storms that incessantly battered the Atlantic coast. According to the poster, “New Boston,” the City-State of Boston’s brainchild of ten years, is an exact physical replica of the city and its surrounding towns, located twenty miles to the west and two miles underground. The self-contained nuclear sun—“THE FIRST OF ITS KIND,” proclaimed the poster in gold lettering—shone at the top of the poster in brilliant Technicolor like the yellow orb in children’s drawings, illuminating crowds of smiling two-child families promenading in front of restored Back Bay brownstones, and sleek maglev bullet trains that looked like they’d been pulled straight out of an old-school sci-fi movie. “No idea how this even got here,” she muttered as she folded the poster in quarters and stashed it in her backpack. At that moment, the hovershuttle began to decelerate and the driver’s voice boomed over the intercom again. “Entering South Station. Doors will open on both sides. South Station.”
What stopped Caela’s crying was the crumpled ball of paper she discovered in her pocket as she desperately grasped around for another Kleenex.
Caela reflexively checked the two feet of space around her for anything she might have forgotten. “You good, Shannon?”
When she heard no response, she looked up in a panic to search for her sister. Suddenly, the memory of Shannon standing over a body smiling flooded her vision, and she cried out softly. She closed her eyes and took a deep, shuddering breath to keep the tears from pouring out again, and slowly inched her way forward through the crowd on the shuttle and into the shadows of the ice-covered bus platform.
“What the—?”
Caela clumsily grabbed at the wad of heavy paper and opened it, flattening out the wrinkles as best she could on the door of the shuttle. She rolled her eyes as she laid eyes on a battered copy of the now-infamous posters that cropped up all over the city at the beginning of last summer, advertising a utopian
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APRIL 13, 2015
Caela clutched her backpack closer to her chest as
she followed the swarm of humanity pressing further into the bowels of South Station. She caught glimpses of the posters again, faded and splattered with mud or covered in swooping scrawls of graffiti. Over the roar of hundreds of voices, she caught snatches of conversations drifting over the crowd.
“Mama, is it really the sun under there?”
“It must be a HUGE cave!”
She barely got a glimpse of streamlined silver steel before someone pushed her up another set of metal stairs. She shot out a hand to grab the thin titanium railing and yanked herself upright, sprinted through the now open doorway into the train car, and threw herself into the closest empty seat.
Caela sat still for the first time in five hours, panting.
“Caela Farr?”
“Honestly, I think this whole this is a scam.”
“Maybe so, but I have the kids to think about, ya know?”
her memories, but the crowd pressed in around her and pulled her closer to the maglevs.
“I’ve seen enough snow for three lifetimes.”
With a jolt, Caela realized that this was probably the last time she would ever see snow. She tried to turn back and get a glimpse of the white powder that covered all of
She whipped around to find the source of the surprisingly deep voice, and her eyes met with those of a statuesque older woman with dark, wiry hair. The woman smirked.
“So you made it. Good. Now we can get started.”
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APRIL 13, 2015
N I G U N G I K N E E ! E P S R E O L H T L T STI EDI IS NEW A
i
HERE’S WHAT YOU GIVE:
HERE’S WHAT YOU GET:
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• A real voice on campus and the
•
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N E C ’ S S T U D E N T- R U N N E W S PA P E R
PENGUIN PENMEN
Andrew Nissen, editor Suzanne Hegland, faculty editor Sophia (Sophie) Adickes, writer David Adewumi, writer Natalie Alper-Leroux, creative Sarah Atwood, writer Taylor Blanton, writer Isabella Dawis, writer Alexandra Gilliam, writer Nesligül Kaya, writer Alec Stening, writer Jonas Tarm, photographer Nick Tisherman, writer Liz Tobias, writer Tong Wang, illustrator/writer Elizabeth Wendt, writer Frankie Yu, writer
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