The Pace Press Dec 12

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December 12, 2012

Volume 64 | Issue 8

THE PA E PRESS SERVING PACE UNIVERSITY’S MANHATTAN CAMPUS SINCE 1948

Debie Gravittes visits Schimmel IRENE SCHULTZ Features Assistant Pace Presents brought Debbie Gravitte’s All-Star Holiday Show to the Schimmel Theater for this holiday season. The show starring Debbie Gravitte, Norm Lewis, and Marc Shaiman, was truly a festive treat for all those who celebrate the holiday of Christmas, and even humorous for those who don’t. Jubilation filled the air as soon as the Russ Kassoff Orchestra began to play.

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The Pace Press Holiday Guide NORA SHVARTSBERG Contributor Time to get those presents for your significant others, family and friends, brew up some hot chocolate and watch the snow fall, or explore the greatest city in the world for the plentiful holiday activities for all.

New York City is the place for holiday joy for all: from ice-skating by the tree at Rockefeller Center to exploring the holiday markets in Union Square and Bryant Park, New Yorkers are guaranteed entertainment throughout December.

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NEWS University commemorates World AIDS Day PAGE 2

ARTS The Maine act as “Pioneers” with new documentary PAGE 8

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FEATURES Handwriting being phased out PAGE 10

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NEWS

December 12, 2012

Kappa Delta gives back to community KD supports Girl Scouts and holiday coat drive RACHEL WALTERS Contributor

Prevent Child Abuse America was founded by Kappa Delta Donna Stone in 1972.

The organization is involved in “valuing children, strengthening families, and engaging communities nationwide.” Every spring, Kappa Delta hosts its annual Shamrock event to raise money for PCAA. In previous years, they have held tabling events and a walk from campus to Times Square to ask for contributions. This year, Kappa Delta will be hosting a school wide event encouraging the university community to get involved.

The Girl Scouts of the USA promote the same values and ideals that Kappa Delta Sorority instills within its members. Every year, KD works with local Girl Scout troops in the Manhattan area to build self-esteem and confidence in young girls. Recently, the girls of Kappa Delta went to Queens and played teambuilding games to strengthen unity among the Girls Scouts. In addition, each year at Kappa Delta’s recruitment, the girls make crafts such as picture frames, bracelets, and ornaments with confidence quotes on them as sentimental gifts for the Girl Scouts.

The Kappa Delta Foundation created the Confidence Coalition to inspire women for greatness. Each year, sorority members distribute blue balloons with confidence quotes to girls on campus for their “You Make Me Smile” event. Positive messages for women are then written, including phrases such as: “You’re beautiful just the way you are,” on post-its and stuck on the bathroom mirrors around campus. This year, Kappa Delta had a Confidence Celebration on campus where sorority members painted nails using confidence decals, had a sundae bar with encouraging notes on the cups, and made small paper crafts for the Girl Scouts to spread the word about KD philanthropies.

Currently, Kappa Delta is having a coat drive for New York Cares. Donations can be made at the collection box located in the SDACA office on the 8th floor of 41 Park Row.

KAPPA DELTA COAT DRIVE Bring Donations to: SDACA Collection Box 8th Floor - 41 Park Row or contact: vpcommunityservice@kdetaiota.org

The sisters of Kappa Delta Photos by Nicolette Neurauter

Sigma Delta Tau donates to charity Sorority tables toy drive for Toys for Tots NAZARY NEBELUK Editor-In-Chief The university’s Delta Theta chapter of the Sigma Delta Tau sorority started off the holiday season with a toy drive in the front lobby of One Pace Plaza. From Dec. 3 to Dec. 6 the sorority had a collection box for new and unwrapped toys set up in the lobby and all the donated goods went to Toys for Tots. On Dec. 3 and 5 the sorority also had a bake sale set up to raise further funds for the charity. The event was organized by Caitlin Farish; the philanthropy chair of the university’s chapter.

Lindsay Mitchell, vice president of the university chapter of SDT, said “philanthropy is one of the pillars of our foundation that we feel strongly about so we wanted to do something for the holidays” adding “we chose Toys for Tots because we liked the idea of giving toys to children in need”.

The sorority was able to raise over $200 for Toys for Tots and collected a full box of toys.

Toys for Tots is a national effort of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve that collects toys during the autumn months and donates them to less fortunate children in time for the holidays. Sigma Delta Tau is a national woman’s sorority founded in 1917 at Cornell University, which works to empower women and promote higher ethical ideals. The Delta Theta chapter was founded at the university on Nov. 17, 2006.

Sisters of the Delta Theta chapter during the toy drive and bake sale Photos by Freia Titland

Happy Holidays from the Greek Life at Pace

NEWS

December 12, 2012

HIV/AIDS awareness on campus

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U.N. holds vote on Palestine

University recognizes World AIDS Day

United Nations acknowledges Palestinian statehood

JESSAMIN CIPOLLINA Contributor

ANGELICA RAZACK Staff Writer

World AIDS Day is recognized every Dec. 1. Established in 1988, it was the first official health day created and is an opportunity for people worldwide to come together and support those fighting HIV/AIDS and take a moment to remember those lost to the diseases.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there are an estimated 34 million people worldwide battling AIDS, with more than 1.1 million of these people living in the United States. Over 25 million people since 1981 have died due to complications from AIDS. In New York alone, as of 2010, about 129,000 New Yorkers were living with HIV/AIDS, according to the New York State HIV/AID Annual Surveillance Report. About 21 percent of these individuals reside outside of the five boroughs, but the highest rate of HIV and AIDS infections occur in Manhattan.

Since 1988 and the founding of World AIDS Day, developments have been made in HIV treatment, with new laws to accommodate people living with HIV and innovative ways to be tested for the virus. However, many people are still unaware of how to protect themselves from HIV, and many more are unaware that they carry the virus.

On Dec. 3rd, the university’s LGBTQA and Social Justice Center and the Office of Multicultural affairs sponsored an event to recognize World AIDS Day by inviting Kenyon Farrow to speak at the university. Farrow has worked as a writer and community organizer on issues relating to the HIV/AIDS crisis in prisons, race and homophobia.

He discussed the history of HIV/AIDS and the need for all around support in providing access to life saving medical treatments.

Kelly Herbert, assistant director of the LGBTQA and Social Justice Center, said, “It is still an issue around the world, and many people do not have access to proper care and information about AIDS. World AIDS day is an opportunity to recognize the many individuals around the world who continue to die due to HIV and AIDS complications,” Herbert said, “as well as the many are currently living with HIV ­— some of whom do not have access to life saving medical treatments. Continued action and advocacy is crucial to battle the injustices in relation to access to medical care for all people.”

Dr. Denise B. Santiago of the Office of Multicultural Affairs feels that AIDS awareness is not what it could be. “You really don’t see a lot about it, and not a lot of programming [for HIV/AIDS education.],” Santiago said.

She feels that the AIDS pandemic is something that has long since been “swept under the rug” as a problem that was most prevalent in the 1980s. She mentions a Spanish saying that references “cover[ing] the sky with your hands,” which is a general attitude about the AIDS crisis today. “It’s there, it’s in our communities, but we don’t like addressing it,” Santiago said.

The LGBTQA Center also participates in the annual AIDS Walk to raise awareness and raise funds year round. The AIDS walk takes place in New York every year – this coming spring it will take place on May 19th. Registration and more information about the walk can be found on the AIDS walk website.

Students and faculty can donate to the Gay Men’s Health Crisis, the founding organization for the walk, at the LGBTQA Center at 41 Park Row on the 9th floor in room 903. All proceeds go to the GMHC. ­

FOR HIV/AIDS TESTING LOCATIONS VISIT: University Health Center 3rd Floor 41 Park Row, NYC.Gov, or Planned Parenthood

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A ceasefire between Palestinian Hamas group in Gaza and the Israeli government was announced Nov. 29, as Palestine was lifted from its status from an observer state of the United Nations to a non-member state. The resolution passed 138-9 with 41 abstentions, allowing the establishment of a Palestinian state in the Gaza Strip, West Bank, and East Jerusalem.

This change allows the Palestinian Authority to participate in General Assembly debates, and increases its ability to gain access to United Nations Agencies and the International Criminal Court an independent body-separate from the United Nations.

However, this access is not guaranteed.

According to BBC, in the event that Palestine is allowed to sign the ICC’s treaty, the hope is that prosecutors will investigate alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Susan Rice, the U.S.’s Ambassador to the United Nations, expressed U.S. opposition in a press release from the United States Mission to the United Nations: “For decades, the United States has worked to help achieve a comprehensive end to the long and tragic Arab-Israeli conflict. We have always been clear that only through direct negotiations between the parties can the Palestinians and Israelis achieve the peace that both deserve: two states for two peoples, with a sovereign, viable and independent Palestine living side by side in peace and security with a Jewish and democratic Israel.”

“That remains our goal, and we therefore measure any proposed action against that clear yardstick: will it bring the parties closer to peace or push them further apart? Will it help Israelis and Palestinians return to negotiations or hinder their efforts to reach a mutually acceptable agreement?”

According to the Council of Foreign Relations, the United States opposition to the Palestinian Authority’s new status could lead to future criticism labeling the United States as a hypocrites, since the US has supported the revolutions in Libya and Egypt who fought for democracy. In a

statemet they said: “The U.S. opposition to the Palestinian Authority’s renewed bid could alienate the Arab and Islamic world on an issue of central political significance and at a time of great political upheaval. The opposition could isolate Washington, exposing it to criticisms of hypocrisy (e.g., supporting a rebellion in Libya and Egypt, but opposing the self-determination of Palestinians) and impair its ability to mediate the IsraeliPalestinian peace and cultivate alliances with nascent Arab democracies.”

The Palestinian Authority has been trying, since 1967 to establish a sovereign state in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, which were occupied by Israel during the Six Day War. Palestine protested Israeli settlements and sought self-governance in West Bank and the Gaza Strip. That same year, the United Nations Security Council issued Resolution 242, which asked for the “withdrawal of Israeli forces from territories occupied in the recent conflict.

The Palestine-nationalist organization, Palestinian Liberation Organization, and the Israeli government signed the Oslo Accords of 1993 in an attempt to resolve the Israeli-Palestinean conflict, allowing for the creation of a Palestinean selfgovernment. According to the BBC, the most recent negotiations broke in 2010.

Palenstinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, attempted to gain full membership status at the UN for the Gaza Strip, West Bank and East Jerusalem in 2011. Two months later his request was denied, and he requested for Palestine to be a nonmember state.

Dr. Matthew Bolton, assistant professor of Political Science and Faculty Advisor to the university’s Model United Nations team said, “This shows the importance of learning about international relations and how the United Nations operates. It also demonstrates that despite the growing importance of non-state actors in global politics, statehood still means something.

“It offers access to recognition, impact and authority that movements, businesses and nonprofits don’t have by themselves.”

New Arts Degree offers students greater chance at double major OLIVIA BETETA Arts Editor

On Dec. 3 the university revealed it’s plan to add a new arts major that would require only 36 credits. In an email sent the same day Prof. Derek Stroup, university Arts Advisor, said, “ The BA (Bachelor of Arts) is just 36 credits, so it’s great for double majoring or for students who want the freedom to continue to explore classes throughout the university.

Also, there aren’t very many required classes in the BA, so within the art department, you can quickly move into the upper level classes or electives that interest you the most.”

For years the university has offered a Fine Arts major but with a 72 credit workload it was difficult for fine arts majors to double major. Even without a struggling economy fine arts majors have a difficult time finding work with just their degree alone. In a study completed by the National Association of Colleges and Employees, students graduating with degrees in accounting engineering, computer science, economics or business administration will have a more likely shot at receiving a job offer. The difficulty of employment is far from a new idea to any liberal arts major. The arts world has always been competitive one and without a second major to offer a cushion it can be vastly challenging to find work.

However the new 36 credit arts major allows students who are interested in pursuing

a career in arts have more options. The new major was tailored perfectly for students interested in double majoring or completing multiple minors. Students won’t have to limit themselves to a single degree or a degree in a subject they are not passionate about.

If a student is interested in art they can pursue a concentration in it while simultaneously finishing a program in another sector.

A double major helps students to be more versatile and knowledgeable in a wide variety of arenas. 36 credits is a small enough workload that anyone can complete the second major without sacrificing all their free time. Students who pursue a double major often need additional time to complete all the required coursework, resulting in additional loans and debt.

The majority of the 36 credit necessary to complete the major can be also be used to fill the University’s requirements for electives and AOKs. Arts professor Barbara Friedman described her excitement for major’s addition. Friedman stated, “I’m very excited about it and imagine that many students, particularly those who wanted to double-major in Art, will find it a very useful option.”

Undergraduate is the perfect time to explore interests and develop a greater sense of direction for the future. The new Art major is hoping to enrich interested students with a more attainable degree.

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ARTS

Siblings recconect in Wisner’s memoir SARAH AIRES News Editor

Seldom do books have the power to leave an indelible imprint on a reader’s heart the way “Honeymoon With My Brother: A Memoir” by Franz Wisner can. The book is a New York Time’s bestseller and Wisner’s story has fascinated all who read it. His infectious writing, beautiful story telling and unique view of the world around him make this book a necessity in any avid reader’s collection.

Wisner’s memoir begins when his fiancé jilts him days before his scheduled beachfront wedding.

The onslaught of guests had already begun and refunds for the wedding were nearly impossible. Wisner faced a world without the woman he believed to be the love of life, and yet managed to take his heartbreak and venture off into a two year long global expedition with his brother, Kurt.

After Wisner was left at the alter, his brother Kurt, with whom he had a distant and foreign relationship at the time, insisted he have the wedding anyway and treat it as a celebration of Wisner’s success and hope for the future. 75 guests, Wisner’s entire half of the guest list, attended the celebration. After the celebration, Wisner and his brother decided to go on the trip together, minus any of the romantic details because a refund for the honeymoon scheduled in Costa Rica wasn’t possible.

While on the trip, Wisner and his brother began to mend their strained relationship, and by the time their week long vacation in Costa Rica came to an end, they had decided to return to their native California, quit their executive level, high paying jobs, sub-let their homes, sell any unnecessary possessions and travel the world one country at a time using their life savings. Wisner and his brother traveled through 53 different countries gaining a lot of knowledge and a new found love for one another.

Another fabulous thing about the book is that although Wisner is distraught over the break up with his fiancée, he does not take his sorrow with him on his journey, allowing for the readers to really enjoy his quirky anecdotes from faraway places across the globe. His conversations with his brother, tricks of the travelling trade and self-realizations make this book educational without bombarding you with lectures. Honeymoon With My Brother is simply written and a light read perfect for subway rides and weekend reading.

The book is perfect for college students. Because of the life altering transition Wisner undertakes, students can easily relate to his struggle in creating his new life, the same way students prepare to do after graduation.

While there are some preachy moments in the book, the unwarranted advice often comes off as Wisner’s lessons learned on his trip rather than a condescending attempt to teach readers about the meaning of life. Even though Honeymoon with My Brother is a feel-good novel about triumph over heartbreak, the fact that this is a memoir and not a work of fiction makes it so much easier to connect and relate to. Anyone who has suffered a loss of love – nearly everyone – can take something profound, and fun away from this novel.

December 12, 2012

Ten non-tradional songs to get you in the holiday spirit OLIVIA BETETA Arts Editor

1. The Dropkick Murphys - The Season’s Upon Us 2. Family Force 5 - Carol of the Bells 3. The Maine - Ho Ho Hopefully/ Santa Stole My Girlfriend 4. Weezer - The Christmas Song 5. The Ready Set - The Wishlist 6. Amely - Christmas Time Again 7. Blink 182 - Won’t be Home For Christmas 8. Death Cab For Cutie - Christmas (Baby Pleased Come Home) 9. Bright Eyes - White Christmas 10. Adam Sandler - Hanukkah

Marketing major Jacira Araujo moonlights as singer IvoryJay STEPHANIE KEMPADOO Contributor

Pace University, being the safe haven for creative minds, has introduced a variety of talented individuals, especially in regards to art and music. Jacira Araujo is just one of the many talented singers to have grace the hallways of Pace. She is a sophomore Marketing student that goes by the stage name of IvoryJay. Her life at the university and the city of New York has added more momentum in pursing her dreams of being a household name like many of her influences. Here are her answers to what Pace has offered her as well as her advice to many aspiring singers out there.

PP: What made you decide to be involved in music?

JA: Music was something that just came very natural to me. My family is heavily into music, there was never a silent moment in the house. I would always watch my idols perform on TV and I knew that one day I would love to be a part of that. So, as I grew older, my love for music grew too so I started getting more involved in the music scene and I’ve never stopped since then.

PP: How has living in NYC furthered your career?

JA: Living in NYC has definitely furthered my career in many ways.

There is never a dull moment and everyone is always on their grind, and that already gives me more motivation to work harder especially on days where I’m just not feeling it and want to give up. I have also been fortunate enough to make great connections and meet a lot of really talented and inspirational people, which is great because I revolve around inspiration, that’s how I write my songs and from that I get ideas on how and what I want to promote in my music...I mean NYC is THE entertainment city, you just have to throw yourself out there and hope to get caught with the right arms.

PP: How has being at Pace helped you with your music?

JA: There is a lot of talent in this school, more than I had imagined there to be and it gave me an insight of what I am up against. Also, most of the friends I have made here at Pace are involved in the Entertainment industry in some type of way. They have taught me and showed me alot in the past two years, and I feel like I have become more accepting and open minded when it comes to experimenting with my music.

PP: What do you think sets you apart from other artists out there?

JA: I just always stay true to who I am and when I see that I am getting carried away I step back and remind myself why I started doing music in the first place. I’m like a sponge, I observe a lot and let my imagination run wild and I try to incorporate that into my music. I’m influenced by a lot of genres of music, especially from my hometown in Angola, I feel like I could bring that fresh new flavor into the mix.

PP: Any advice to aspiring singers on how to get started?

JA: Be patient, because it’s not all going to happen overnight, work harder than you did yesterday, and always remember that hope is the last to die.

December 12, 2012

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OPINION AND EDITORIALS

THE PACE PRESS

DISCLAIMER: These opinions are expressed by contributors (students, faculty, administration and staff) to The Pace Press. These opinions are solely those of the individual writers and do not reflect the opinions of The Pace Press, the members of The Pace Press staff or Pace University. The Pace Press is not responsible and expressly disclaims all liability for damages of any kind of arising out of use or relevance to any information contained in this section.

Nazary Nebeluk Editor-in-Chief

A Farewell Letter NAZARY NEBELUK Editor in Chief

I’ve been proud to be Editor-in-Chief of The Pace Press for all of fall semester. It was an exciting opportunity to dive deeper into one my hobbies and I can’t say I regret it. On Dec. 13 I will cease to be Editor-in-Chief. It’s not a decision I’m happy to make nor do I want to but I don’t see any other option.

It’s a decision I’m particularly unhappy with as I think that the current staff has worked really hard to provide a quality paper week in and week out and I hate to leave a commitment unfulfilled. However I also don’t want to work for free.

The details of the situation are complex and I don’t want to get into them here in case a wrong word or bad phrase puts blame on a party that’s not at fault. The basics of it are that I found out the Monday before Thanksgiving that I would be receiving absolutely no compensation for my semester of hard work. The Pace Press, along with a select few organizations, is a University Funded Organization and the members of its editorial board qualify for Tuition Remission. It turns out I did not.

I can’t be mad about not receiving compensation, although I do find a certain bitter irony that in waiting for the payment I accrued an OSA late fee and have in effect paid $108 to work diligently and for the benefit of the Pace community, since the rules were clearly laid out. My problem is that those rules were never laid out to me. It wasn’t until I talked to several members of the Offices of Financial Aid, Student Success and Student Assistance that the situation was explained. The back of our financial award statements has a catch all claim that any university’s student’s financial aid can be changed at any time for any reason. It sounds like something that belongs in the fine print of a company’s promotional offer, not in documents that are meant to help you finance your way to a better education.

I can’t tell if this is a Pace problem or it’s a national problem – I’m sure that the current all time high amount of student loan debt wasn’t accrued with forewarning. If it’s a problem in the way that Pace handles their aid packages and communications, then I wouldn’t be surprised. There seems to be an air of ignorant negligence around certain offices, as if administrators believe that by not telling their workers all the details the workers can’t get them in trouble, since they don’t know enough to say anything perceived as damaging. That we have an office, The Office of Student Success, whose main function seems to be making sure the Office of Student Assistance actually assists students is uncomfortable to say the least.

And if this is a national problem, a systematic approach to educational funding, using blanket statements and opaque answers and asterisks hidden in documents to paint a better picture then truly exists, I see no reason why it should be a Pace problem. If Pace is striving towards greatness, then it should start by looking inwards. No amount of expansion, land development or grant acquisition will cover up incompetence, sloth or the complete distrust students have in the administration.

In a school whose students aspire to and succeed in Broadway roles, who secure jobs on Wall Street and at elite companies like Goldman Sachs, and who develop entrepreneurial startups before even earning a bachelors degree we expect more. In a school where professors are founders of civil movements, former Rockettes, and recognized for their work by national associations we demand more. Pace can, and does, attract and breed excellence.

But why does this school complicate the lives of students by providing little guidance and fighting them at almost every turn over bureaucratic formalities? And if this is a national issue then why doesn’t Pace take the time to rise above? Train the staff you have better, condense departments and get rid of what doesn’t work. Provide guidance to students and become proactive, educate students about issues and work with them to avoid problems, don’t just be reactive and respond to the problems that arise.

I’ll be done in May and I’m lucky to have finished with relatively few headaches. But when we ask why students don’t finish or transfer we shouldn’t be surprised to find the answer is because they find themselves with extra charges three quarters through a semester.

I’ll take time to reflect on my Pace experience and I’ll see how I feel about once it the alumni donation letters flood in. Although if nothing changes I won’t be surprised if they get sent to the wrong address.

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EDITORIAL BOARD

Fotini Sachpatzidis Associate Editor Katrina Abreu Ads Manager Nicole Morales Managing Editor Damien Morgan Creative Director Sarah Aires News Editor Olivia Beteta Arts Editor Erick Mancebo Features Editor Brian Rentas Web Editor Kathryn Bosch Circulation Manager

STAFF Julia Yeung Shannon McMahon Shyam Nooredeen Angelica Razack

The Pace Press is the student newspaper of Pace University’s New York City Campus.

It is managed and operated entirely by members of the student body as it appears above.

The Pace Press welcomes guest editorials and letters from students, faculty, administration and staff.

The Pace Press reserves the right to not publish any submitted material, both solicited and unsolicited.

All submissions must include the author’s full name and contact information.

The Pace Press 41 Park Row, Rm. 902 New York, NY 10038 www.pacepress.org editor@pacepress.org Copyright 2012

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December 12, 2012

ARTS

Superheroes swarmed the U.S. box office in 2012 with a series of hits

Promotional material from Marvel’s “The Avenger” worldofenterainment.info MICHAEL “TJ” WILLIAMS Arts Assistant Each year, newly-released movies are faced with fierce competition for the top spot in the U.S. Box Office, which is determined by total domestic gross. Although the year is not over yet, it is highly unlikely that any of the December releases will alter the current rankings. As of the beginning of December, the U.S. Box Office and their current gross income ratings were: 1. Marvel’s “The Avengers” ($623,357,910), 2. “The Dark Knight Rises” ($448,097,008), 3. “The Hunger Games” ($408,010,692), 4. “The Amazing Spider-Man” ($262,030,663) and finally, 5. “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2” ($255,813,342).

Marvel’s “The Avengers” was considered this year’s number one summer flick. The film, based on the Marvel comic book, focuses on a team of superheroes formed

by Nick Fury played by Samuel L. Jackson. Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans), The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Hawkeye (Jeremy Rener) and Black Widow (Scarlet Johanson) are the members of this elite team.

These superheroes assembled as ‘The Avengers” and

Christian Bale as Batman theoriginators.com

are obligated to save planet Earth from Loki and his evil army.

This film was deemed successful even prior to its release because of the previous fan base its other superhero franchises had established. Nevertheless, critics have praised both the action sequences and special effects.

Each character in this amazing ensemble of superheroes is given their own great action scene, leading up to a collective finale.

The script was consistently regarded as one of the more well-written superhero movies. Each character was fully developed, in addition to the strong focus on the plot and ultimately the clever dialogue enhances chemistry between the characters. With these aspects, the bar has definitely been raised for any movies Marvel releases in the future.

“The Avengers” became the third highest-grossing movie of all-time, grossing a total of $1.51 billion worldwide, following behind “Avatar” and “Titanic”. Due to its recent box office success, director and writer Josh Whedon is working on a sequel to be released in 2015.

Ranking second in the U.S. Box Office for 2012 was the highly-anticipated conclusion to “The Dark Knight Rises”. This is the third and final installment of director Christopher Nolan’s Batman film trilogy.

Overall, this film has been reviewed as an end to Nolan’s trilogy. It lacked, however, great qualities of a superhero film to stand alone without its two predecessors.

Nevertheless, most reviews still classify this as the greatest comic-book adaptation to date. University freshman Jason Davis compared “Dark Knight Rises” to “The Avengers”, “I thought that Dark Knight Rises was a better film in regards to film quality and plot, but “The Avengers” definitely had more action and was overall more entertaining.”

The third box-office hit was none other than “The Hunger Games”. Although not superhero-based, “The Hunger Games”, adapted from Suzanne Collins’ series of the same name, is set in a futuristic dystopia where two teenagers from each of the twelve districts are sent to fight to the death in a televised event known as ‘The Hunger Games.’ The movie was greatly reviewed in regards to the action and set, but many believe it was truly Jennifer Lawrence’s performance as Katniss that made the film so successful.

“The Amazing Spiderman” was the third superhero film to do well in the box office, but ranked as the fourth film in the U.S. Box Office according to domestic gross income. This reboot of the original Spiderman trilogy shows the development of Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) into Spiderman during high school, with more focus on his origins and relationship with Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone).

Although many audiences enjoyed the new attractive and witty Spiderman portrayed by Garfield, many critics

explained how people have already established Tobey Maguire as the only Spiderman. Furthermore, many reviewers felt that this film simply repeated plot points from the 2002 “Spiderman”.

Sydney Seperis, university freshman, disagreed with the majority of the reviews and explained, “I believe Andrew Garfield was a better Spiderman than Tobey Maguire. Also, I think it is necessary that several plot points were reestablished because when dealing with a superhero classic such as Spiderman, the details must be accurate, otherwise the movie will fail.”

Lastly, currently ranked fifth in the U.S. Box Office is “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2”. This is the final movie for the best-selling series. Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner all reprise their roles as Bella Swan, Edward Cullen, and Jacob Black, respectively. This final installment focused on the birth of Bella and Edwards daughter, Renesmee, begins a war between the Volturi and the Cullens.

Superheroes were the go to attractions in this year’s movie crop. With blockbuster hits such as “The Avengers”, “The Dark Knight Rises”, and “The Amazing Spiderman” studioes are sure to take notice and try to repeat a similiar sucess for 2013.

Andrew Garfield as Spiderman moviefanatic.com

December 12, 2012

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ARTS

Debbie Gravitte creates Christmas spirit with hoilday show

continued from PAGE 1

Unaccompanied by singing, the opening music created a sense of winter wonderland. Each orchestra member had great expression on his or her bodies, including a musician with a xylophone in the rear that impressively played multiple instruments without missing a beat. Throughout the night, the drumbeat encouraged the audience to clap along with each song.

When “Broadway’s greatest voice,” Debbie Gravitte entered the stage, her entire aura made the audience feel at home. From the first note she sang, her vibrato filled the house. The contrast in her sound was additionally pleasing, as she made very smooth transitions into different tempos and specific dynamics in the music. When she smiled, every audience member felt as if she were smiling right at them. When a group of audience members entered the theatre late, Gravitte humorously says “Don’t worry, you only missed a couple songs!” During the last long note of the most beautiful song she sang all evening, an audience member sneezed, and she interrupted saying “God bless you!” She was an absolutely adorable and loving woman.

Not only did she sing, but she also acted while she was singing, and interacted with the audience.

She danced through her songs and her facial expressions were nothing short of theatrical. It was evident she was a musical theatre performer. Even when she wasn’t singing, she still remained present and in the moment, as a good actress would, and captured the undivided attention of the audience. She ended each song on a button with her arm shooting straight up in the air.

Tony Award winning conductor, Don Pippin, was fortunate enough to be able to guest conduct the song “We Need a Little Christmas.” The Broadway by the Year chorus that accompanied Gravitte singing the song and others was charming. They were extremely talented vocally during their own medley, but weren’t very impressive otherwise. One soloist, Brad Giovanine, had a great voice, but lacked the stage presence and eye contact that Gravitte brings to her music. During the “Little Drummer Boy” song, the young chorus huddled together in a circle and bobbed up and down, which appeared messy and not in sync.

Marc Shaiman, writer for the lyrics of the new hit series SMASH, was hilariously entertaining.

Shaiman used the fact that he is Jewish to bring humor to his music. He shared sweet memories about writing his music and his relationship with Gravitte. At one point he even rose from the piano to sing downstage, while Kassoff took over playing the piano behind him for a few brief moments.

Legendary Norm Lewis, famous for his Tony Award winning Broadway performances, stole the show. Many audience members even cried when he entered the stage. Similar to Shaiman, Lewis shared several funny stories about his experiences with Gravitte. During Gravitte’s and his duet, he portrayed acting skills as well. Lewis neglected to memorize the lyrics to “Baby it’s Cold Outside,” however, and improvised the entire song which was rather amusing.

The most comical part of the evening, however, was the audience’s rendition of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Gravitte chose 12 audience members to help her sing the lyrics of the song onstage. The university’s own musical theatre majors sounded amazing, while others with no experience had the audience laughing enormously.

Everything about the production, down to the stage lights, which followed the singers around the stage and into the audience at random moments of time, contributed to an amazing performance.

The show ended in an audience sing-a-long. With snow falling from the ceiling of the stage, everyone was put in the Christmas spirit.

Debbie Gravitte during her Holiday Show

Photo by Kevin Yatarola

Time is on The Rolling Stones’ side with the 50th anniversary CHRISTIAN GOMEZ Arts Assistant

The Rolling Stones have been rocking the world for 50 years and are sharing the celebration with their fans.

A new tour, album, documentary and even an art exhibit with a host of artists showing off their Rolling Stones inspired pieces are just a few tributes prepared for the iconic rockers.

The Rolling Stones are arguably one of the most influential rocks bands and it is no surprise they are being honored. The art exhibit and the tour are the band’s way of thanking fans for sticking with the band for so long.

GRRR! is the newest album by the legendary rock band is a five CD compilation of their greatest hits with two new studio recordings.

Largely aimed at the collector the GRRR! special edition release contains a five CD collection of greatest hits, a tour poster, a 36-page booklet and the unreleased first ever studio recording of The Rolling Stones back when very few knew who they were or how they would change the face of rock music.

If the CD does not satisfy those with a Rolling Stones”addiction, the group is set to perform at the Barclays Center along with two shows at the Prudential Center in Newark.

All tour dates have been given their own original art work and poster showing off the GRRR! album covers gorilla sporting the iconic Rolling Stones lips and tongue.

Mick Jagger lead singer of The Rolling Stones news.yahoo.com

In addition to the CD and tour the “Symbolic London” presents “The Rolling Stones 50 years of Rocking the Art World: A celebration of the Rolling Stones” exhibit in New York.

The exhibit will contain a variety of pieces, from artists who have done album covers for The Rolling Stones in the past, to those influenced by the music that is known worldwide. Big name artists such as Jeff Koon and Ron English along with many other artists have come together to create Rolling Stone themed pieces.

John Pasche, the creator of the Rolling Stones iconic lips and tongue, will also have some of his personal art work on display. As a special treated limited editions of Andy Warhol’s famous “Mick Jagger” piece will be shown too. It is a rare item in the art community that has not typically been shown in art exhibits, so fans should catch it while it is still available for their viewing pleasure.

If all the other things still do not captivate fans the new documentary “Crossfire Hurricane” is being released soon on DVD, Blu-Ray, and is being offered on premium TV networks across the world. The documentary, directed

by Brett Morgan, gives a personal look into the lives of The Rolling Stones during key parts of their career with archived footage and personal interviews.

The 50th anniversary of The Rolling Stones has gone by with a media frenzy and fans couldn’t be happier with the wealth of new recordings, new shows, and a new documentary giving a backstage look at one of the most influential bands in history.

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December 12, 2012

Native American culture struggles with cultural appropriation

Victoria’s Secret and Gwen Stefani are just a few offenders of wearing faux “Native” garb JEFF WHITNEY Staff Writer The more attentive viewers of Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on December 4th may have noticed that the calendar-themed event neglected November. But it was not pure neglect that kept Victoria’s Secret from honoring the full twelve months. Instead, the world’s largest lingerie retailer landed in hot water with the Native American community.

The fashion show itself took place on November 7th, and preview photos were released to the internet. The model representing November was Karlie Kloss, who strut down the runway in a leopard-print bikini, turquoise jewelry, fringecovered heels, and a feathered war bonnet.

The outfit not only homogenized Native American culture, but used a very important part of it for commercial gain. This, of course, all happened in a sexualized manner.

Immediately following the pictures’ release, various independent writers and bloggers publicly denounced Victoria’s Secret for cultural appropriation. Cultural appropriation is the adoption of a culture’s symbols, rituals, or ideals, frequently used for commercial gain. The cultures stolen from are typically those of a marginalized group.

Blogger Adrienne Keene, who runs a blog called “Native Appropriations” was one such blogger. In previous posts, she had explained the offense of wearing Native American headdresses, explaining, “The image of a war bonnet and war paint wearing Indian is one that has been created and perpetuated by Hollywood and only bears minimal resemblance to traditional regalia of Plains tribes.

It furthers the stereotype that Native peoples are one monolithic culture, when in fact there are 500+ distinct tribes with their own cultures.”

Basic research on the war bonnet also indicates that it was reserved for warriors who committed particularly brave acts in battle, worn only on special occasions as a sign of great respect. It is arguable that its use by a non-native person with little understanding of the culture trivializes and condescends the Plains Indian culture.

Victoria’s Secret is not the only offender of cultural appropriation in the past few months. It has been a hot topic as of late, with another recent controversy sparked by No Doubt.

Their music video for the single “Looking Hot,” featured Gwen Stefani and other band members dressed as stereotypical Native Americans,

playing along with a “Cowboys vs. Indians” narrative. The incident ought to have provided a warning for Victoria’s Secret, given the parallel results within one week of each other. No Doubt pulled the video from the internet and issued a formal apology.

Fashion designer Paul Frank also found himself in the cultural appropriation doghouse, and handled the apology more proactively than others have. Following a backlash to a “neonNative American powwow” themed party featuring glow in the dark glow paint and countless other offenses, Paul Frank Industries had a mess on their hands.

They issued the standard apology and pulled all of the offending products, but also released a statement announcing that they will hire a Native designer to help with a new line, with proceeds going to a Native charity.

The people over at Paul Frank will never manage to make everything okay, but they did set an example for an ever-offensive American society where Urban Outfitters decides they can sell “Navajo” panties, and musical icons Lana Del Rey and Ke$ha decide they have the right to wear headdresses.

This is all before discussing the sexual aspect of it. To put this as simply as possible, there are two facts to consider before exploiting this culture in a sexual manner. First, rape and sexual assault of the indigenous Americans was extremely prevalent in the European invasion of the Western world.

It spans as far back as Christopher Columbus’s personal letters to the king of Spain. Second, it has not stopped.

Currently, one in three Native American women will suffer from rape or sexual assault, and non-native men commit 86 percent of those crimes. Furthermore, in 1978, the Supreme Court ruled that tribal governments cannot prosecute any nonNative criminals, regardless of where the action took place.

According to the press, though, this is all beside the point. On November 10th, Victoria’s Secret tweeted to over one million followers “We are sorry that the Native American headdress in our fashion show has upset individuals. The outfit will be removed from the broadcast.”

This solves almost nothing, aside from preventing the worst-case scenario. Removing the outfit was the equivalent of putting a band-aid on a broken leg. It will do little to resolve the deep seeded issues surrounding the use of Native American images in popular culture. It is only by giving the indigenous people the respect they deserve that the many wrongs can began to be fixed.

examiner.com

Classic video games become an exhibit at Museum of Modern Art STEPHANIE KEMPADOO Contributor

In this day and age, video games have become intertwined with American culture. Primitive games like the addictive Pong are making a comeback for younger audiences to discover and help the older generation to reminisce.

As far back as 30 years ago, these old school video games captured the hearts of many.

Video games such as “Tetris” or “Space Invaders” were simple in design and quick to pick up. Old school video games created a path for future games to grow and reach a wider audience. This continued evolution of gaming has created a need for preservation.

Recently the Museum of Modern Art has been acquiring old school video games to include in a collection of 40 games in the museum’s Phillip Johnson Galleries.

The exhibition is scheduled to open in March 2013, and include games such as “Tetris”, “SimCity 2000”, “The Sims”, “Dwarf Fortress”, “Pac-Man”, and “Portal”. These ranges of games that are in the process of being acquired are focused on a variety of games on a range of different platforms and creators.

The point of this exhibit is to introduce video games as art. Paul Potter, junior, agrees with this perspective stating, “It tells a story just like a painting or a book from a different perspective.”

Prof. Donabedian, university accounting proffesor,

believes that “From a marketing point of view, all museums are trying to change their demographic. They want a younger audience both for current traffic and to create a generation that feels invested in the museum when they get richer and can make donations”.

Some believe that video games are an art form that can die without constant preservation of its ever changing design and fan base. The criteria for this collection is as simple as “the best use of technology for an expressive goal,” a “masterpiece of interaction design” and making the “best with the technology at their disposal” according to Paola Antonelli, a senior curator in the Department of Architecture and Design in a recent article with Speakeasy.

Not all classic games intend to become a permanent part of a museum collection as some still draw a wide appeal. This is best demonstrated by the bar chain known as Barcade. This chain has location throughout New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia and give costumers exactly what the name would suggest.

These bars are a tribute to the older pubs that served alcohol and rounds of “Brick-Breaker”. Barcade mixes a combination of classical arcade games and a variety of beer. The original bar in the chain opened in 2004 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and has since expanded.

Some of the video games that are featured include “Asteroids”, “Centipede”, “Star Wars”, and “Donkey Kong”. Barcade is not alone in this however as a rejuvenated interest in old school gamer has inspired a flood of similiar bars in Las Vegas, California, and

Oregon. With their growing popularity it is safe to assume that more will be opening up across the country.

Classic video games have changed “the entire idea of I am here” explains Prof. Donabedian “in a fundamental way. People do not interact with their immediate physical environment, but with the alternate reality of games and the Internet”.

Old school video games have become a part of history, and continue to change our interactions with reality using complex designs and universes that they create for users.

Thirty years from now, the possibilities are endless for the next innovations of games that will make games like Halo another classic video game.

VISIT Barcade 388 Union Avenue Williamsburg Brooklyn Monday through Thursday: 4pm to 4am Friday: 2pm to 4am Saturday & Sunday: Noon to 4am.

For specials and a full list of games check out: http://barcadebrooklyn.com/

ARTS

December 12, 2012

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“Anthem for a Dying Bred” shows fans the process behind “Pioneer”

From left to right: John O’Callaghan: lead Vocals, Kennedy Brock: rhythm guitar, backing vocals, Jared Monaco: lead guitar, Garrett Nickelsen: bass guitar, Patrick Kirch: drums

purevolume.com OLIVIA BETETA Arts Editor

The Maine is an alternative band that has never compromised their integrity for album sales. In the six years since the band first began seriously touring The Maine has continued to progress, developing a sound and style all their own while cultivating an ever growing fan base.

Their most recent album “Pioneer’ was released just over a year ago and to celebrate the anniversary, the band released “Anthem for a Dying Breed.” The documentary follows the process of writing, recording as well as the trials and tribulations that The Maine faced to put out “Pioneer.” In an interview with The Pace Press, guitarist Kennedy Brock discussed The Maine, plans for the future and what exactly is “good love.”

Brock along with the rest of his band mates got together on Dec. 6th for Pioneer day, the one year anniversary of the album with the same name. “Well I spent [pioneer day] with the rest of the guys. For most of the day we were…. writing actually. We’ve been grouped together in a little rehearsal spot doing some writing. Most of the day was spent there, then a couple of us went to the office and then we did a Twitter chat.”

The purpose of Pioneer day was to commemorate the album that changed the way The Maine did business. “Well I think we’re a lot more confident being DIY. We hadn’t really gone through the process of releasing a record on our own when we out “Pioneer.” I think we’re just a little more comfortable doing everything ourselves… The whole process was really natural for us. When we sat down and started writing songs for “Pioneer” we didn’t really second-guess anything we just kinda did what we were feeling and pushed that through.”

In the two years The Maine was working on “Pioneer” the band went through countless hardships to release the album. Both the album and the new documentary help fans to understand the band’s change. The documentary follows the band throughout almost the entire recording process. The men of The Maine tried to keep the film as true to life as possible, the good, the bad and the ugly are all on display for fans.

“Well this record was really important to us, there was a lot of things that changed for how we run our band. Basically there was just a lot of important things that happened to our band during the process of the record. Just the recording of it and how to get it out to our fans. We got… basically a bunch of roadblocks just getting the record out. Being able to release it and how we were going to do that whether it was going to be on our own or on a label. All those questions were kinda up in the air for a long and we really changed the way our business runs.”

“We wanted to show people everything that went into making the album and the process it took to get it out and why it’s become so important for us,” Brock explains. “I think the documentary does a really great job at showing that. Garrett and everyone in the band but mostly Garrett had the camera out a lot of times when we were doing things.

So it’s very raw and exactly what was going on and what we were thinking at the times when these things were happening. So I think it’s easy to follow the story and I think it is an important one for us.”

The band was looking to create something that fans could not only enjoy but to bring them into the inner workings of The Maine. “…We basically just wanted to explain how everything happens because… when the record came out we released it on our own and there was a lot of just questions asked about what was going on with our band so we wanted to make clear what was happening and what has happened to us in the past year or two years rather. Then as well we did a concert for the DVD, it has a ton of songs I think seventeen songs, from the live show in Brazil, which was one of the craziest shows we’ve ever had. I think it was just a good kinda combination those two things being able to put those two things together for something I think any fan of us will really enjoy.”

The Maine produced more than a documentary out of “Pioneer,” in fact while recording the album the band also created six additional song that were released this Oct. in the form of “The Good Love” EP. The EP acts roughly as the continuation of “Pioneer.” The songs on “The Good Love” fit flawlessly with those of its predecessor.

The rhythms and melodies of all the songs flow naturally together, making the two seem as if they have an intrinsic connection.

“We originally just grouped the songs together that we felt fit most closely and that was what ended up being on “Pioneer.” I think the other songs, well the other songs were recorded at the same time and they were all written around the same time as well. It didn’t feel right to release it at a later date with something completely separate we just wanted to group them together. Basically we felt the songs on “Pioneer” fit together closer than the songs on the EP. The EP was kinda the outstretched songs we had.

By taking the time and energy in creating their own work The Maine was able to produce something they could be proud of. Brock describes his love for all the songs on the album and his difficulty in picking a standout. When asked his favorite song on the album or the EP he said, “that’s kinda hard. I mean I enjoy all of them that was kinda the point of doing this record. Doing the songs exactly how I wanted to do them. But I tend to enjoy the last song on the record waiting on my sun to shine. I like playing that song a lot of songs live.”

The songs on “Pioneer” and “The Good Love” are a more mature version of the guys who first gained attention with “The Way We Talk.” A lot of the developed sound can be attributed to the band’s strong lyrics. Brock said, “I think we were just listening to a lot of different things that’s why we wrote so many songs in so many different directions. We just trying to focus on expanding what we do as a band and that’s kinda the goal every time we go to go to record and every time we write a song. It’s to not do something that we’ve done previously. “[The writing process] basically stems from John (O’callaghan). He’ll come up with a basic idea for a song whatever that might be, it kinda varies from song to song, whether it’s an instrumentation songs or a lyric or a melody. He’ll kinda make edits on his own work and then he’ll bring’ it to the rest of the band. When we have time like right now we sit in a room and hash things out as a full band. And kinda figure out what the songs are gonna turn into when all of us are playing. It kinda goes through a couple steps of process to get the final song out.

For many bands it can be difficult to continue to produce fresh material, often times exhausted by the cylindrical cycle of recording and touring. The Maine however have yet to run into this problem. “I think … we really don’t get worn down by any aspects of this whole circus. At a time when we’re tired of being on the road we get to go and record songs and by the time we’re done sitting in the studio were out on the road so it’s kinda just a back and forth. We get the best of both worlds. We tour with a bunch of great dudes.

Everyone in our camp is a good person and we really enjoy hanging out with everybody and we make sure everyone’s attitudes are mutual,” Brock stated.

The band seems to genuinely love what they are doing. Their onstage antics and constant releases reveal The Maine’s true passion for their work. Their plans for next year aren’t quite set yet according to Brock. He said, “I’m not sure exactly [what plans for next year are.] We’re doing some writing now and I guess whenever we finish with that we’ll head in and record a record. I think obviously we enjoy moving a little quicker than everybody else; we like to keep things moving. So I think it will be rather fast but we are definitely going to take our time and make sure we appease ourselves when we make this new record and the songs we choose.

Whatever happens, The Maine is sure to put out a product that the band and the fans can stand behind.

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FEATURES

December 12, 2012

As cursive faces extinction, handwriting’s is future bleak Tablets, smartphones and digital input devices set to overtake pen and paper IRENE SCHULTZ Features Assistant With the current use of tablets and smartphones, handwriting is going by the wayside. One can remember a time in elementary school when teachers threatened that all high school essays would be written in cursive. However, it’s obvious that there have been many technological advances since the days of third grade cursive-writing quizzes.

Mostly every student encounters that one teacher who demands that all work be handwritten and does not permit the use of laptop computers in class. However, times are changing, and cursive has become practically obsolete. Nowadays, when a person’s career can revolve around the world of computers alone, it is a question whether or not handwriting is even necessary.

There is a major modern day controversy in education in which schoolteachers are arguing whether or not learning how to write cursive is necessary in the curriculum. Indeed, there are many teachers who believe that technology must be integrated with learning in today’s schools. At the same time others believe that handwriting, even cursive, must continue to be taught to children. As the years progress, cursive is becoming more of an art form for the older generation than a necessity to survive in the modern day society and work force. Before typewriters were invented, handwritten communication was the only option. However, just as we no longer use the telegraph to communicate, computer keyboarding is just an advancement in technology that the older generation may need to accept. Cursive writing itself has even changed distinct styles from 1960’s classrooms to the 1990’s. Cursive writing changes with times, and it is declining with each decade’s third graders.

Making the transition from handwriting to typing assignments better prepares today’s youth for the business world.

Keyboarding is taught to children in schools, but even prior to the elementary level, children are becoming aware of what keys to

press to form words. Children these days are exposed to computers, iPads, and texting on cellphones before they even enter school. The question still remains whether or not legible handwriting is still necessary in the 21st century when keyboards and touchpads are ubiquitous.

In college, students often take notes by hand during a lecture. In addition, legible penmanship is necessary when handing in written exams. Otherwise, the increase in electronic and computerized communication has made cursive skills superfluous.

Matt Fontanez, freshman, is one of the university students that chooses to use only a notebook when taking notes in the classroom. He never uses a laptop, Fontanez said “…I like a hard copy I can hold and take with me and a laptop is too big and heavy to carry.” His handwritten notes are printed rather than in cursive because he is “…really bad at cursive and you can’t read it,” Fontanez admits. He also explains that none of his teachers require notes to be handwritten in class, but none forbid the use of computers either.

Fontanez types formal essays, however “…the teacher requires them to be typed…double spaced and all that stuff.”

Most college professors don’t require students to write essays in cursive because the honest truth is the majority of students can’t. The most common use of cursive writing is for one to sign their name, but even that action may become discontinued in the future. “I think it’s true that handwriting is going extinct because now half the people in my classes use laptops, while the other half writes notes—it’s split,” Fontanez explains.

Does the pending extinction of handwriting tell anything about the future of the world and technology? Perhaps there will come a day when no one even bothers to type a text message, but rather just speaks into a phone to voice a text. Today, most people don’t write letters to friends in order to tell them something important, or handwrite cover letters for a job application. Most people don’t keep a written agenda planner anymore, but rather add obligations into their cellphones to remind them. It is possible to see a future where letters and cards will no longer be written, and checks and legal documents will not require a signature. Handwriting will inevitably die out—the only question is when.

fineartamerica.com

Students look to Career Services for spring internships

Assistant Director Diana Martinez and staff available for internship search help RIDDHI DOSHI Features Assistant As most students start wrapping up the Fall semester, they are already making a mental list of what they want to accomplish in the Spring semester. One of the most popular goals for students is to land an internship for the Spring semester. Last year U.S. News had rated the university number one in New York for internships.

Recently, however, the university’s reputed internship program received another distinguished title; U.S. News named the university among the top ten schools for producing interns nationally.

The Career Services office on the 14th floor of 41 Park Row is open all year to accommodate student and alumni to help with them everything from an internship to a job.

Generally, they see a higher influx of students go into the Career Services office during the Spring semester versus the Fall semester. Diana Martinez, assistant director of the internship program, associates the increase in interest for spring internships with the fact that numerous students look for spring internships to turn into summer internships.

Employers generally do look for their spring interns to stay with them over the summer as well.

“At the same time, many finance/accounting firms recruit in the fall for spring/summer internships that may turn into full-time positions, so there is a greater number of upper classmen who apply for these opportunities,” said Martinez; upperclassmen being defined as juniors, seniors and graduate students. On average the Career Services’ E-Recruiting database has an annual pool of between 2,000 and 3,000 internships posted. Companies can put in a post for the entire year depending on their needs.

Due to this there is not much of a difference between the Fall semester and the Spring semester in the types of

companies who put in requests for interns.

In order to be eligible for an internship, students must be a part of the internship program. The first step to enroll is to complete the online webinar found on Pace.edu/careers. Following the webinar students must attend a mandatory interview workshop, since Spring internships are extremely competitive so it is important to get a head start. The Career Services office advises that

The university’s reputed internship program received another distinguished title; U.S. News named the university among the top ten schools for producing interns nationally. students not already enrolled, enroll as soon as possible so that they can start looking through the database over winter break. Students who are already enrolled in the internship program spend a minimum of half an hour a day searching and applying for internships. Some internships do have deadlines to apply by, therefore it is important to find them early so that there is enough time to formulate a well thought out application. There are also companies that post internships on a rolling basis so they may start looking for spring interns as early as Oct. or as late as Feb. or March.

Internships are available for every type of student and are great learning experiences. They are often a deciding factor for students which help them realize whether or not

they want to pursue their current major. Martinez says “Some unique and fun examples [of internships] that I can think of are the “Dance Entertainment Internship” with Break the Floor Productions, which is a dance entertainment company that has been ‘blessed’ by Mia Michaels from the hit TV show “So You Think You Can Dance”. Another great example is the “Blue Bloods Writers’ Office Internship,” with CBS where students get to work with the writers of the successful television show “Blue Bloods” and actually contribute to the writing sessions for the show!” Overall, the Career Services office has great pre-professional opportunities for students majoring in all areas, but they also offer fun options for students who want to have a truly unique experience at their internships.

FEATURES

December 12, 2012

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Holiday in the city: a guide to winter break in NYC

New York City’s holiday offerings include ice skating and Radio City Music Hall continued from PAGE 1

1) Citi Pond Ice Skating Rink

Bryant Park features the Citi Pond Ice Skating Rink every winter. The rink offers free admission to the rink, but there is a rental fee for skates. Take someone you care about and enjoy the New York scenery while skating around. For nonskaters, check out the shops inside the park while sipping some hot cranberry or apple cider. Sure to satisfy any sweet tooth, desserts like churros with Nutella, pretzels, kettle corn, crepes and many others are available. For those last minute gift shoppers, jewelry, apparel and scarves are also available for purchase. Each holiday booth offers something with pizzazz that will satisfy all of their customers.

2) The Village Winter Jazz Fest bryantpark.org

3) Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Spectacular Radio City Music Hall will once again be hosting its famed Christmas Spectacular.

Director and choreographer Linda Haberman is the reason this show—and the Rockettes— keep getting better. This year’s production celebrates the famous dance company’s 85th anniversary with a new piece that showcases the story of the development of costumes over the years. A revamped version of last year’s 3D spectacle follows a mother and her daughter searching for the perfect Christmas present and finding the Rockettes as the heroines of a video game.

Rudresh Mahanthappa jazztruth.blogspot.com

Don Byron allaboutjazz.com

Stay warm in some of the Village’s coziest caverns and enjoy some music during the annual Winter Jazz Festival that brings more than 70 of the genre’s finest acts onstage. The festival has been going strong since 2005 and shows no signs of losing momentum. Jazz may not be some people’s first thought when it comes to holiday music but these artists are sure to change your mind. New York is considered a birth place of modern jazz and the price of admission is sure to be worth seeing some of today’s modern masters of the musical genre. Catch saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa and clarinetist Don Byron for lively sets, while crooners like Gregory Porter and Catherine Russell promise to make patrons want to sit back and sip another cocktail. For a fun night of dancing, be sure to catch the James Carter Organ Trio or the genre-bending Kneebody, whose urban-inspired sounds will have many dancing. Visit winterjazzfest.com for more information.

dallasnews.com

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December 12, 2012

FEATURES

Top five places to visit before the Mayan Apocalypse ERICK MANCEBO Features Editor

As 2012 draws to a close, the possibility of a Mayan Apocalypse looms ever closer, threatening to indiscriminately destroy all that we love. From the Halal street vendors across from Zuccotti Park to the finest Brooks Brothers store in the city, everything will be gone come Dec. 21. In light of the upcoming End Times, The Pace Press has compiled a list of the top five theaters, bakeries and bars to experience, or to whole up in while awaiting Jake Gyllenhaal and/or Ryan Gosling’s timely arrival to save us all.

Bowery Ballroom. 6 Delancey Street - In the middle of SOHO, surrounded by stores for rich hipsters, rests the Bowery Ballroom. One of the many venues sponsored by The Bowery Presents, it is a near flawless mix of them all. Smaller and more quaint than Terminal 5 but only slightly less hip than the Music Hall of Williamsburg, Bowery Ballroom offers up everything a music aficionado could want.

A posh lounge on the bottom level comes complete with a full bar (where cute bartenders are always on tap). For the size of the venue, the stage, located on the main level, is a fantastic size.

The third floor is a balcony where all the drunken older folk go to talk about how silly the kids in the mosh pits below are.

Indie rock and rap both have their place at the Bowery with the somewhat random array of artists booked to perform almost daily. On any given week, Solange could be performing on a Monday, to be followed up by Mumford and Sons and Dan Black on a Tuesday.

- Olivia Beteta Cousin John’s Cafe & Bakery. 70 7th Avenue, BK - When someone says, “Hey let’s go to brunch in Park Slope,” the natural response is to silently sob because, really, no one can afford brunch in Park Slope. Cousin John’s Bakery, however, is there to soothe aching wallets and fill hungry bellies. Cousin John’s is not only affordable, but also downright cheap. It’s a family-owned institution that is a favorite to those in the community. It offers all the brunch favorites including berry filled crepes, challah French toast and Egg’s Benedict, all served with a side of potatoes and a croissant so big it could make anyone’s heart burst.

In addition to offering brunch, there are an assortment of pastries and barista beverages to soothe the coffee connoisseur.

Everything in the bakery/cafe is homemade fresh daily and it comes through in the taste. As opposed to bakery chains like Financier and Panera, Cousin John’s offers warm environment without sacrificing quality.

- Olivia Beteta

McSorley’s Old Ale House. 15 E 7th Street - For those who may require a certain level of intoxication to face the End, there may be no better place than New York’s oldest Ale House. If the impending apocalypse is distracting, the simple menu here—Only beer, light of dark—should make things easier. Facing the apocalypse can build up an appetite, so grab some cheese and crackers, and maybe onions if you’re feeling decadent at the end of the world.

- Nazary Nebeluk

Veselka. 9 E 1st Street - One sign that the apocalypse may be neigh would be the doors at this East Village staple closing. If the end of time is upon us, take comfort with some traditional Ukrainian comfort food. The borscht is the best this side of grandma’s kitchen in the old country, and the locally sourced kielbasa and veal goulash are world famous.

- Nazary Nebeluk

The Jane Ballroom. 113 Jane Street - This West Village hot spot is lavish and decadent without the pretentiousness that sometimes comes along with it. Sit and talk with friends by the large fireplace that feels like someone’s fancy living room versus a hotel bar. Here, the DJ plays old-school hip-hop and dance tracks for those dancing under the crystal chandelier in the middle of the floor. Once past the woman outside with the clip board, the prize is a night among Soho princesses, Lower East Side hipsters, and finance types who make this their go-to spot. When your feet start hurting, head upstairs and take a seat on the many leather coaches and people-watch.

- Fotini Sachpatzidis