Volume 1. Issue 2.5
Cover Art by Nick Millner
By Paul Vergara
Where I Live:
Ask the average New Yorker what he or she thinks of the Bronx, and that person would probably begin talking about shootings, gangs, Jennifer Lopez, or the Yankees. There is much more to this northern neighbor of Manhattan than violence, a bodacious Latina, or a major league baseball team. There are some neighborhoods in the Bronx that rival some of the best areas in whole borough is undergoing revolutionizing the borough’s less than elegant image.
people are always shocked by my response. Once people recuperate from learning that ally say one of two things. Either they tell me where they Riverdale. Riverdale is popularly known as one of the best neighborhoods in the Bronx:
Photography by Paul vergara
26
ISSUE 1 2007
it houses a large Jewish community and generally does not follow the stereotypes that the rest of the borough is labeled with. to Brooklyn’s Park Slope. Riverdale is often the only neighborhood that most non-Bronxites know by
right next to it. Being from the Bronx has completely impacted my personality, pride for my borough and especially for my neighborhood. The Kingsbridge Heights neighborhood is the less fancy, but livelier, sister of section of the Bronx. Situated due east of Riverdale, Kingsbridge Heights is a smaller subdivision of the Greater Kingsbridge Area. Bound in the south by West Kingsbridge Road, to the east by Jerome Avenue and the 4 subway line, to the north by the gigantic Van Cortlandt Park and to the west by the elevated tracks of the 1 subway line on Broadway, Kingsbridge takes up much of the Northwest Bronx. Kingsbridge Heights, the Western part of the neighborhood that directly borders Riverdale, ISSUE 1 2007
27
is characterized by a large Hispanic population and extensive “step streets” because of the steep Marble Hill. Though it may not be Riverdale, Kingsbridge Declared as one of America’s Next Hot Neighborhoods by Business Week Online, Kingsbridge Heights is steadily blossoming into one of New York City’s hidden treasures. With a rich history and culture, the neighborhood has a fragrant atmosphere evident from the different types of cuisine. Due to the large Hispanic and Caribbean popula-
28
ISSUE 1 2007
Broadway Pizza & Pasta restaurant has the best pizza for miles. There are several diners, fast food joints, and as in every other neighborhood in the Bronx, several bodegas. There is also a newly renovated, upscale fresh food market, Garden Gourmet, which is located on Broadway and 233rd
steakhouses) and Caridad-style minican home-style cooking) are everywhere. For example, Petropolis on 231st Street, a block away from the 231st Street subway stop on the 1 train, also specializes in foods from the Dominican Republic. Right next to taurant that needs more attention than it gets. On the same
of Fairway or Whole Foods, and it carries a wide array of cheeses, ethnic foods, and prepared goods. There is also a sizable Jewish and Russian population along the border between Riverdale and Kingsbridge Heights whose presence is clear through some Kingsbridge Heights’s amsmaller restaurants and mar- biance and character. Though the neighborhood of these locations, the prices may look unruly, there is virtuare much cheaper than those ally no violence in the area. in Manhattan and are just as Especially as compared to some of the more dangerKingsbridge Heights has ous neighborhoods of the always been plagued with a Bronx, Kingsbridge Heights is a safe haven. There is a nuisance while others think also some very historical it’s a beautiful form of urban architecture in the area:
hundreds of years ago. The Temple of Enlightenment on Albany Crescent, for example, has a circular doorway; unfortunately, it has been a victim of graf-
and restaurant that boasts the best burgers in town. The nearby
changing, and several tags that rival those in Brooklyn, can be seen all around the and restored buildings built
(continued on page 52)
red facade. Many structures in the neighborhood are lined in scaffolding, but that means that there is mass renovation going on becoming a better, clean-
ISSUE 1 2007
29
MUSIC
ALBUM REVIEWS that was translated into the fundamental energy of the songs. Despite the dark period, the
Yeah Yeah Yeahs BY BENNY LAM Written in 2004 between record Fever to Tell, the songs that were once previewed by the Yeah Yeah ing properly released in EP. The featured material is more along the lines of garage and indie rock. The songs in the album were created during an emotionally unstable period in the YYY’s history. Much of
Brian) still managed to produce hooking tracks that ensure the reliability of the YYY’s music. The same attitude that the New York City-based band projected 6 years ago is still being delivered, even after they’ve hit the main-stream. The songs here showcase the group’s signature wildstyle choice of sounds and their amazing ability to perform live. Much of
the raw live-recording effect. Halfway between the nighttime NYC lounge-concert sound of Fever to Tell and the rather mellow and laid back the appetite of the YYY’s fans.
of many studio albums is avoided here with
Radiohead
The end of 2007 was marked by a new concept in music distribution. When Radiohead released their newest alwebsite for the masses to download, there was message appeared that to you… no, seriously, it’s up to you”. The prospective buyer was able to pick the price they wanted to pay for the album -- even nothing. Though predictsetback for the band, the online sale drew a concares about the metaphorical death of the record industry, what about
ATEMAHAWKE Porter
the music?” the diehard fan will say, music player in hand and hope in their heart. Well, my fellow music junkies, do not fear -the material is top-notch. The Oxfordshire-based band drift away from their “15 Step“, and it’s all new from there. Though one or two tracks are reminiscent of their breakthrough al“Nude”, the third track on the album), it is unlike any
of their other music that on this CD is the last track, “Videotape”. The simplicity of the song speaks volumes -- a mournful piano/drum machine melody that haunted me the CD and that is sure both the fanatic and the mildly interested, for both will get something positive out of the listening.
up of a bunch of different - dreams, but they seem to ested in. This doesn’t mean gan to notice the effect music altogether; it merely Gretel’s Bollywood Story.” album in a while that’s been able to catch my at- as though it was running tention. Porter, a Mexican down a deep tunnel and indie rock band, recently then it changed it’s mind released their newest al- and came back with a difbum, Atemahawke. What ferent perspective on life. really makes me listen to this album over and over ally have to hear to understand. Every song seems The songs seem to end, to have a story behind it but they never really seem which adds to the dream-
Photography by Paul Vergara
those dreams that’s made 30
ISSUE 1 2007
ISSUE 1 2007
31
MUSIC
FEATURED
breaker. What do you think of Zac Efron? can’t sit through a showing of High School Musical without feeling the need to vomit. But as you’ve just shown me on the cover of Details, it does show that he has it in him to be a dapper, young, and maybe even good actor. Maybe. P: So before we get to the very interesting sense of style. Where do you get your fashion sense from? [Side note: We both have extreme obsessions with Project Runway. Unfortunately, the sight of Heidi Klum makes us swoon for completely different reawhen Kit was aufed.] M: Daniel Vosovic, Santino Rice, Daniel Baume, Jeffrey verine from the new season [AKA Kevin Christiana]. No,
Photography by Morgan Cady-Lee Interviewed by Paul Vergara
Only one person in this world is allowed to ride a scooter on a regular basis and not look completely ridiculous doing so: Matt Feldman. Junior “Music Major” Matt is often seen coasting along the sidewalk on Rosie, his faithful Xootr Venus kick Tea in hand. Though he has to balance time being a musician, fashionista, and avid worshipper of Project Runway, he is extremely laid-back despite his very busy schedule. Perhaps that’s why Rosie comes in handy. Even scheduling this interof Senior Chorus while listening to a recording of the ensemble in the Semi-Annual Concert the week before. The interview 32
with Zac Efron on the cover, and the rest was history.
ISSUE 1 2007
“look,” as you would say, it came from looking around, seeing what was and what wasn’t, and just environment. P:
Nice segue into your spired by what’s out there like your clothing style is? denies that they are inspired by what’s around them is an idiot. Even subliminally, your surroundings get to you. Now, does that mean that my next song will have the words “’brella…’ella… ’ella… eh, have a myriad group of les to soulful indie acts like the Cold War Kids to tween pop and dance punk and list goes on. P: Well, as we sit here in Senior Chorus, would you say that your classical training in voice, your crazy piano skills, and that musicallyinclined boarding school you used to go to as a kid have also shaped your style today? M: Well, fashion wise, the shirts and ties and that whole svelte look will never leave my vocabulary. Music wise, my personal mumean, my band has gongs and a French horn player! My classical training really did prepare me for what’s up in the musical process, from writing and composing to rehearsal, stamina and just having the balls to get on stage to sing and play.
P: Tell us about this band you just mentioned and the odd inspiration for its name. M: Well, as of now the project is mine. My players, and may God bless them, have the busiest, jam-packed, guitar and piano, Lily “Bessie” Bernstein on French horn, and Joanna “Slim” Sternberg worked with Kane Dulaney Balser and Mason Taub. We all pitch in with percussion. We’re called F.X. Feldman since it’s almost like they’re not there since they’re so busy. P: F.X., eh? M: My full name is Matthew Fang Xiao Feldman; F.X. Feldman is my stage moniker. you’re actually part Asian considering your last name. Would you ever consider adding an instrumentalist who plays the Chinese Violin like the one who is always on the Uptown 1/2/3 subway platform to your already diverse band?
eclectic sounds. ISSUE 1 2007
33
“
”
by Paul Vergara
He ran into the closing doors at 215th Street right as the familiar dingdong sound played over the train’s loudspeaker. The guy was wearing the most interesting of hats: a toddler. Now, many fathers carry children
P: So if we were to listen to one of your songs, what would we hear? What are some emotions we may feel?
in terms of genre, half of our stuff is pretty straightforward or smart songs with a mesto convey the messages the same way. How should you feel? Well, however you been compared to everyone from Belle & Sebastian, Lou Reed, Noah and the feel good, if anything. P: What would you project the future of your band as? And when may we be able to see you perform live? an EP when we’re tight enough, and maybe even an album, but the future only knows. We’ll be playing at 34
ISSUE 1 2007
a father, or a mother for that matter, carry a child on his or her head like one of those African women with buckets atop their noggins in pictures.
LaGuardia’s Relay for Life on March 29, and all other gigs will be posted on my Facebook Music page. Facebook Music page? Do you also have a Music Myspace or the like where we can track what you’re up to? M: Mmhmm. We have a Facebok page titled “F.X. Feldman” and the link is on my personal Fabe found at http://www. facebook.com/pages/FXFeldman/18529184328. My music myspace is http:// myspace.com/fxfeldman. P: One last thing… are you single? M: Yes. turned this into a personals ad? M: Well, you asked me a answer.
Art by Gwendolyn Kehrig-Darton
http://www.facebook. com/pages/FX-Feldman/18529184328.
MySpace
http://myspace.com/ fxfeldman
As he walked onto the train, he thanked the group of Hispanic teenagers that held the door open despite the conductor’s furious commands to release it. He found a decent spot with two empty spaces near the window. He took his daughter off of his head by lifting her up and almost knocking her own head on the ceiling. As he did so,
his actual cap slipped off of his head revealing a spot where his thinning hair was slightly balding. He placed his daughter in one of the orange seats and he took the seat right next to her a second later. He was probably in his mid-30’s, but he still had a very young face behind his 5-o’-clock shadow at 8-o’-clock in
that he was the most atyears ago and he was aging gracefully. He wore a bright blue polo that uncannily matched the color of his eyes. His daughter, on the other hand, looked the opposite of him: she was very tan, had dark brown hair, and eyes that shone when (continued on page 52)
ISSUE 1 2007
35
2 Courtesy of www.gizmodo.com
Wii Frontman Guitar
1
A stylish guitar controller made just for the Wii. When you come home after a long day of school and you just want to play guitar hero or rock band, the bright yellow and contrasting black are perfect for brightening up anyone’s day. ---Harlie Brindak
MediaStreetís solar-powered portable media player
3
Finally, something so awesome that it’s not even certain if it’s for real! Cheap plastic junk or awesome tech of solar-powered portable media player, already being shipped out for 169 bucks a pop. The unit is supposed to be able to offer Nintendo emulation via SD card
Nintendo DS Lite For those who’ve been holding out for the good stuff in the way of portable Nin-
who are rich enough to have more than one DS), it has not been in vain! Two bundled Nintendo DS systems are out. One, gold
game formats), transfer music, photos, videos, and games on and off the player, support music formats MP1, MP2, MP3, WMA, WAV, ADPCM, and AMR, play vid-
Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, naturally!), and another, shiny
ing you to read books), and somehow that’s not all. Because the biggest buzz is around its ability to provide solar power not only for itself, it allows you to charge other devices by plugging them into it.
Nintendogs: Best Friends) are $150 a piece! Pretty sweet. ---Mary Turgeon
4
winning manufacturer and developer, so it certainly seems that this could be a have a smaller-than 2 x 3.5 x .5 MP3 player that can hold 8 gig, and here, this 5.5 x 3 x 1 thing has only an eighth that memory. But maybe they will further develop this product, like the iPodfranchise, into an even more capable device. Only time will tell; a crappy cliché that is all the more irritating because of how true it is most of the time. ---Mary Turgeon 36
ISSUE 1 2007
Courtesy of www.kotaku.com
Taser MP3 Player
the most ridiculous piece of technology on the market. However, all you people out there who are true 80’s rockers at heart, would ard print MP3 player disguised as a taser gun… Or, is it a taser disguised with a whole 1 GB of memory! The perfect unnecessary accessory, ready to buy. ---Harlie Brindak Courtesy of www.gizmodo.com
Courtesy of www.gizmodo.com
ISSUE 1 2007
37
DOMO ARIGATO, MR. ROBOTO
accessorize
your gadgets
Robots are also abounding! A robot convention, CES 2008, revealed an astounding amount of new, fun technology. Will they go in-
Boomwave has put out some cute iPod Nano skins,
not know for sure. Have to admit, though, that most of these seem to be for kids, and rich kids at that.
with a kind of creepy back story, the tagline being: “A new breed of protectors has arisen!” Not just risen but arisen. Classy. Coming in white, black, red, and pink, they go by the names, Spitzer, DoggStarr, BludHound, and uh… Bichpoo, re-
Mr. Clock Radio, by Geewiz Entertainment, costs one cent short of 100 bucks. Perhaps a bit steep throw it at the wall anyway!), but he makes up for it with apparently witty repartee. He comes with about three hundred different wake-up messages, a line-in jack
iRobiQ
have to call them by their proper names. They’ll just use their cybernetically-enhanced-killerbeast-powers to kill you if you
by Yujin Robot has been in develop-
its 7-inch LCD screen displays news, weather, cooking recipes, photos, and videos. You can even sing karaoke with it! Furthermore, you can command it vophone, clean a room when paired with one of those weird Roomba vacuuming devices, and even read
up here, read the description). the small, eye-like details on the back of their heads are indeed eyes, but it kind of freaks me out. But hey, they come with ridges for excellent rubbergrip action. ---Mary Turgeon
ed to be distributed in the U.S. anytime soon, though. Reaching the unreal WowWee product in this here lineup: FemiSapien. Coined as Robosapien’s girlfriend, when the two interact, they apparently carry on like a couple. Like the older Robosapien, FemiSapien is able to dance, move, sing, and carry out other Robosapien, but Robosapien is not able to control
All photographs provided by www. gizmodo.com
Zeno by David Hansen. Still in prototype stages, Zeno looks rather… disturbing. gradeable via an online community, with which he can remain 38
ISSUE 1 2007
Courtesy of www.boomwave.com
---Mary Turgeon
Meanwhile, GelaSkins is responsible for a large selection of skins for a large selection of iPods. You can also get skins for some laptops and phones, and wallpapers to match these various skins. Once again, pretty sweet. The skins themselves contain really amazing, artsy images that are mostly abstracted with interesting landscapes and disturbing characters. There are many different colors, and there is something for everyone, guaranteed. Well, maybe not guaranteed. But that’s just for pessimism’s sake. ---Mary Turgeon Courtesy of www.gelaskins.com
ISSUE 1 2007
39
A R T
ART OF THE BRICK: Nathan Sawaya
by Maria Plotkina
and the two-dimensional shadow hanging on the wall by the tree shows Sawaya's ability to work seem like the photographs of Nathan Sawaya's art are simply overly pixity. However, if you look closer you'll see that the artwork itself is made from tiny bricks of various sizes and colors. LEGO bricks, to be exact. Those very blocks we all spent countless hours playing with as children have been collected and turned into Sawaya, who has been working in his New York City studio since 2002. Nathan Sawaya's love for LEGO blocks began during his childhood, and his creations evolved from simple things like houses 40 ISSUE 1 2007
and apples into 7-footlong models of the Brooklyn Bridge. Thirty of his most interesting pieces are currently on display in the Art of the Brick exhibition tour. Unfortunately, none of the shows are taking place in the New York City area. ing the gallery on Sawaya's website, www.brickartist.com, several pieces caught my eye. One was a replica of the infamous The sculpture showed extreme attention to details and human gestures. The plastic model appears very life-like and realistic. Another was the abovementioned model of the
Brooklyn Bridge. The bridge is reproduced very faithfully, down to the smallest details like roadways and cables.
Sawaya's sculpture of a tree and its shadow was probably my favorite graceful
and
dimensional surfaces. Nathan Sawaya's art has the rare ability to appeal to everyone; children toys have taken on new
dimensions and meanings. Adults will marvel at the artist's ability to combine artistic skill with playfulness. These sculptures are a truly modern approach be keeping an eye on this artist and any exhbitions he may have.
detailed,
Photos courtesy of www.brick-artist.com
ISSUE 1 2007
41
GAMES
V.S. courtesy of gaming.hexus.net
By Jesse Sussman enjoyable, but there is nothing new in the Guitar Hero formula. The setlist is pretty generic, and they put many mainstream songs into it in order to get a wider audience to purchase the game. However, it does still carry over the magic which made the Guitar Hero franchise famous. When compared to Rock Band, the guitar is much better in Guitar
lenge than Rock Band but, it does not share the same multiplayer experience that Rock Band has. Guitar Hero is especially great if you have an Xbox 360, because you can play on Xbox Live against other people. You can do face offs, which are competi-
tions on a song, or battles. Battles are fun and do something new for the franchise. You can break of the buttons will not work until you repeatedly push it about 6 times), make it so that your opponent cannot play unless they hit the whammy bar a couple of
culty, double the notes, or even make your opponent play lefty mode. Lefty mode is incredcan play with a mirror behind you which is a way to cheat out of it. You can also play these multiplayer modes on a local console. ommend Guitar Hero over Rock Band mainly because it is cheaper;
wouldn’t recommend it, however, if you’re going to be playing it by yourself because although there is a wide variety of instruments- drums, microphone, and guitar- it’s no fun and not a challenge by yourself.
like 2 more because in my opinion the setlist is better, but it really depends what kind of music you like. Rock Band is an incredible game when you have all 4 people playing it at once, it reallydoes feel like you’re in a ban
a Guitar Hero 2 controller if you’re getting it for Xbox 360 for about 20-30$ and the game itself for $60. Rock Band costs $184 after tax.
level than Rock Band, and hammer ons and pull offs miliar with the game, hammer ons and pull offs are when you simply press the buttons without strumming
spend that much for Guitar Hero 3, get Gui-
go up and down). Guitar single player experience mainly going to playing by yourself, get Guitar Hero. 42
ISSUE 1 2007
courttesy of media.gwn.com/hardware_reviews/ Image courtesy of phuze.com
ISSUE 1 2007
43
GAMES
WiiFit by Rio Nose Ski, meditation, tightrope walking, heading, etc.
The Wii Fit™ is a new Nintendo® software for the Wii® designed by the makers of Wii™ Sports. what is called a "balance board" to perform over 40 different kinds of activities to keep your body in
your muscles. The game explains the workout very clearly and you use the "balance board" to determine whether you are doing each one correctly. For yoga, there are 15 different poses to choose from, from the tree post to the shoulder stand. Some of these
of moving while some just need patience and slow movement. For example, when you play soccer, you have to hit the soccer balls with your head. You stand on the "balance board" and move your head from side to side. However, you must pay attention because after a while, things
use of the balance board. The "teacher" describes
towards you and you must avoid them. For medita-
each pose clearly and tells you which part of your body each post works out. The Wii Fit™ includes 9 balance challenges, such as Balance
tion, you must sit on the balance board. There is a candle on the tv screen,
active and you can compare your progress with those of your family members and you don't even have to go all the way to the gym to work out! With the choice of muscle training, yoga, balance challenges, or just some fun games, you can spend your time on a rainy day or your weekend doing something good for you body. For muscle training, you have the choices of push ups and sideway balance workout, twistand leg raises, and 11 other activities to work
44
ISSUE 1 2007
and if you move too much game is over. One thing is for sure for this section, all a lot of concentration. There are also 9 fun games to choose from, such as hoola hooping dancing, and simple exercises like jogging and boxing. Jogging only reput it in your pocket and run in place. You can change the channel because the distance you run is determined by the wii remote. You can enjoy different scenes from different places while jogging. So what is this "Balance Board" we speak about? There are 4 little censors in each corner of
the balance board, and when force is applied to the board, it measures weight; it is similar to a scale, the censors in the board are the same censors used to measure the weight of trucks and planes. The game includes one "Wii Fit" software, one balance board, and batteries for the balplayer game. You can change the levels in the Wii Fit™, and you can save up points to get new activities. You can save up to 8 people, and you can even check your data without inserting the disc because you can save it onto your gravity balance, and knowledge of training, the
Wii Fit™ determines your "Balance Age". You can check your progress in "balance age" on one of your graphs. The younger the age, the better!!
PHOTOS COURTESY OF: (BELOW) WWW.FUTUREOFWII.BLOGSPOT.COM (UPPER RIGHT) WWW.VIDEOGAMES.TECHFRESH.NET (UPPER LEFT ON OPPOSITE PAGE) WWW.ABOVEAVERAGEHEALTH.FILES.WORDPRESS.COM (BOTTOM RIGHT ON OPPOSITE PAGE) WWW.TRUSTEDREVIEWS.COM
ISSUE 1 2007
45
GAMES
super smash bros. by Louis Peralte
“Expect the same game with better graphics and more characters and stages.” of merely seven years of and pleaded with my parents to purchase me a new video game. After much groveling they me to the nearest store where games could actually be purchased. Still not
much had changed from the last installment. The graphics, the gameplay, as though the girlfriend, an amazing make-over that made her even more
incubated. They didn’t want a premature game. Now, after years of anticipation and waiting, only it weren’t for Nintendo’s mind games the Holy Grail of gaming would be in our grasps this very moment. The initial release was going to be in mid-December, but Nintendo thought this was a bad time to release their juggernaut so they delayed it to early February.
Getting to know the
MACBOOK AIR
browsed the store for the box art that intrigued me Aesthetically, the MacBook Air
made my selections back eral different characters pummeling the lives out of each other on it and in the bottom right corner it had the catchy phrase, have never guessed that was going to take up a big chunk of my childhood and adolescence: Super Smash Bros. for the N64. long for the next installment to be released. To be frank, the wait was only about two years long. Super Smash Bros. Melee for the Nintendo Gamecube was released in 2001. Like the rest of the game immediately. So 46
ISSUE 1 2007
attractive.
Courtesy of www.britishgaming.co.uk
Sadly,
that
same game, but prettier. of the world, anticipated another short wait for the next game. Shockingly, this years now and the new installment, Super Smash Bros. Brawl hasn’t reared gamers were patient because they wanted the game to be completely
Again, their timing was off so another delay seemed to be the right choice. Now, all of us have to wait until March 9th, 2008 to wrap our greedy little Expect the same game with better graphics and more characters and stages.
thinnest laptop to date and weighs a tations of any ultra-thin, ultra-portable device with a spacious 13-inch display and a built-in, full-size keyboard. The backlit keyboard has an ambient light sensor to automatically adjust both the brightness of the screen and keyboard so that users can work in the dark without strain. As for the speed of the laptop, the MacBook Air is not particularly mind-blowing Core 2 Duo processor and a 1.6 GHz chip. Like all of Apple’s previous laptops, the MacBook Air has a built-in AirPort and Bluetooth. Users can continue to take goofy pictures of themselves on Photo Booth using the laptop’s built-in camera or make videos using the built-in microphone as well. Basically, this laptop offers everything the company had to offer before
backward and forward in Safari, or using As for the battery life, Apple promises that the MacBook Air can with-
stand 5 hours of wireless productivity. However, in actuality, users claim that the laptop can only hold out for a measly 2-3 hours on regular usage. Different circumstances such as the use of backlight can alter its battery life, so don’t take this information too scrupulously. Really, the only true downfall of this laptop is that it doesn’t include a builtin drive, so in order to burn discs or directly insert CDs or DVDs, you need to pay an extra $99 and get the external USB SuperDrive separately. To transfer and inDisc, which allows the user to share optical drives of networked Macs and PCs. The MacBook Air may not be travelers with a need for a lightweight, ultra-portable laptop, it gets the job done. Starting at $1799, the MacBook Air is only limited to those can afford to buy it, so for the rest of us who already own fully functioning laptops, it’s unnecessary to purchase. Still, the MacBook Air undoubtedly sets a new standard and opens a new, innovative scope for future portable devices to come. We can’t wait for what more Apple has to offer. ---Jaime Sunwoo 47 ISSUE 1 2007
by Mary Turgeon
The Adventure Begins
FIND THE HIDDEN OBJECTS By Annais Rittenberg
= green eyeball = top hat
= gold tooth
= stinger = earring = fetus = American flag = moon
= car = technicolor flower
= ring
48
ISSUE 1 2007
= warty nose
ISSUE 1 2007
49
pictures courtesy of Benny Lam; drawn by the students of LaGuardia
50
ISSUE 1 2007
ISSUE 1 2007
51
CONTINUATIONS Can You Ever Go Home Again? and Crimes of the Heart) and independent life. Their strength comes from their unity. Kathleen Turner directs Crimes of the Heart at a brisk pace, but allows the actors to have their individual moments. The acting is as strong all around as the chemistry between the characters. One truly senses the familial bond that has kept these sisters together. The set, designed with the domestic touches that indicate the house has been lived in and cared for. This contrasts with the decrepit and barren set of The Homecoming, which resembles a house on the verge of being condemned. Furthermore, Crimes of the Heart gives the audience the sense of a close-knit town of busybodies with everyone on top of one another. The exact opposite is true of The Homecoming which evokes a sense of alienation from life in the rest of London. What comprises a home? Can one ever escape from home? Can one ever return? These are that arise after seeing these two productions. Whether the choices are a home without women or a home without men, a home of despair and disunity or a home of improbable hope, it is worth the trip to see these two provocative swers. 52
ISSUE 1 2007
Heights er place to live in. Much of the neighbortial. There are many aparttwo or three-family homes along the small streets of the area. There are some places that look like suburbia. Several parks can be found and many people are seen jogging around the massive Jerome Park Reservoir which was once home to the Belmont Stakes. Several schools can be found on the eastern side of the reservoir such as Lehman College, De Witt Clinton High School, and the Bronx High School of Science. There are many well-rated elementary and middle schools in the area. There are many scenic areas in Kingsbridge Heights. Situated on a hill, there are great views of neighboring Riverdale, the northern tip of Manhattan, and the Harlem River. At the border of the Bronx and Manhattan lies River Plaza, a relatively new mall that houses a Target, Marshalls, and Starbucks, among others retail stores. The Broadway Bridge right next to it goes ernmost neighborhood in Manhattan. From this vantage point, one would views of the Henry Hudson Bridge where the Hudson and Harlem Rivers connect as the 1 train rattles above on the second level of the bridge. The George Washington Bridge can be seen in the distance and is especially beautiful at night.
On sunny days, light shines through the buildings and trees and is especially The Kingsbridge Heights neighborhood is not what people expect from the offer, yet nobody ventures up north to discover this amazing community. At least the residents Kingsbridge Heights can keep it all to themselves instead of sharing it with everyone on the uptown 1 train and see Kingsbridge Heights for yourself. Subway Stories: The the light from the rising sun hit them. Either she got that all from her mother, or she was adopted. She almost immediately fell asleep with her left thumb in her mouth and laid her head onto her dad’s lap. He kept her close and held her from falling or kicking the woman next to her. The woman he was trying to make his daughter avoid kicking then engaged in deep conversation about parenting with him, and somewhere in the mix, she spoke the words “You are such a good father.” what characteristics a man must have to be a good father. A woman can lug three unruly children onto a train peacefully, preferably at least one in a stroller, yet never be considered a good mother. One man even moderately keeping an eye on an obedient child warrants at least one person to say “Oh
my, you’re such a good father.” But what really makes a good father, and why do those traits differ from being a good mother? Shouldn’t everybody be good parents? Perhaps traditional gender roles are still resonant in the minds of the people in today’s society. A woman should be the nurturing caregiver while the father is supposed to be the stern, laconic disciplinarian. Once those roles are switched, especially for men, there is a completely different attitude towards the person. pens. On the other hand, a genuinely good father is easily distinguishable. This father seemed different. He would smile along with his daughter when she waved hello to other pa ssengers once she woke up and looked at everyone. He then took out a selection of books from his bag from which she chose a book titled “Sekiller,” which means “shapes” in a foreign language that ish. Almost automatically, the father and his daughter began to speak this strange tongue. As he read the book, he outlined the
tion of a parent’s love. This and translated into written language, rather it is a complex emotion that can only be experienced exuding from that father’s have never experienced from a complete stranger. As sappy as it sounds, guide my child through life like he guided his daughpage.
He maneuvered
the simple shape of a circle, and in a way he was ready to teach her about the intricate circle of life. that, this world would be a anything to be that father, to look that good, too.
and his daughter followed intently observing the
was oddly entertained by this little girl and her father felt the love he had for never describe with words. Reading a book to a child is in no way the only criteria for being a good father, nor is it the best representaISSUE 1 2007
53
your
54
ISSUE 1 2007