FEBRUARY 8

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February 8, 2012

Volume 63 | Issue 13

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

Brad Pitt

at the University for

DAMIEN MORGAN Arts Intern

Actor, producer and activist, Brad

Pitt, visited the NYC Campus as a guest of “Inside the Actors Studio” on Jan. 31, 2012.

Starring in popular movies such as Thelma & Louise, Seven, 12 Monkeys, Fight Club, Ocean’s 11, 12 and 13, Inglorious Basterds and Moneyball, Pitt had nothing less than a packed auditorium to hear him talk about his achievements and acting roles.

As the room drew quiet and host James Lipton gave his usual profound introduction, the crowd went wild as Pitt walked onto the stage with a relaxed pose and hop in his step. The actor strode in, not as a snobby celebrity, but as a casual everyday person that was just happy to be there.

The show began as it usually does with questions about his parents and childhood. To the surprise of some, the 48-year-old star grew up in Oklahoma and then in Missouri, nowhere near a usual place for an actor to come from.

He then went on to talk about how his earlier movie influences came from the drive in. Dictated by what movie his father would want to see, the family would drive out just to sit under the stars on the hood of their car as they ate homemade popcorn and drank Kool-Aid. On multiple occasions his mother would drop Pitt off for the day just to watch the “Planet of the Apes” marathon on the big screen, which soon became a favorite series of the actor.

Lipton proceeded to ask about Pitt’s early acting career. He responded by stating that he left the University of Missouri shy of a few credits with only $325 in his pocket, in search of something bigger.

When he arrived to Los Angeles, he tried his luck at being an extra in commercials, movies and television shows. While striving for greatness, he had to support himself by having many odd jobs, such as driving strippers around. As glamorous as this job title sounds, eventually Pitt had to quit, but on his last day one of the girls had mentioned something about acting classes.

Being at the right place at the right time, this was the moment that Pitt learned about his future acting coach, Roy London. He then soon starred in the

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bravotv.com Brad Pitt answering James Lipton’s questions on “Inside the Actors Studio.”

movie No Man’s Land and television shows such as “Growing Pains” and “Dallas.”

Pitt talked about how he was a stand in extra as a waiter in a movie with one task, to pour the wine and leave. With a smile on Pitt’s face, he told the audience about how he thought this would be his big break and decided to go for it. “Would you like anything else?” was all Pitt said to the actress, but as quick as the words came out of his mouth, he was thrown off the set.

A Yugoslavian movie by the name of The Dark Side of the Sun gave Pitt his first leading role in a movie, but it wasn’t until his supporting role in the film Thelma & Louise that he was truly recognized.

When asked about the famous movie Seven, Pitt sat back with nothing but enjoyment on his face. He talked about the influences that Morgan Freeman had on him as well as the role itself.

As a detective hunting down a serial killer, this part would give Pitt a new horizon and take away from his usual “pretty boy” role. He then talked about an incident that occurred on the set of this film.

During the last take of a chase scene where his character is running across the top of cars to chase down a villain, he decided to slide off the last car onto the street. Instead of a sliding motion, he actually jumped, crashing bottom first through the windshield of a car. “It was like sitting in a bath tub,” Pitt said and with no hesitation he pushed himself back up and continued the chase.

Without realizing it, three of his fingers, along with his left arm, were cut up. Pitt then

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NEWS

February 8, 2012

University expands performing arts program to new location

New 16-story building at 140 William Street to be future home to performing arts students ERICK MANCEBO Staff Writer The University signed a 21-year lease for the addition of the 140 William Street building that will be used for the Performing Arts Department on Jan. 6.

The 47,200 square foot space will include, “rehearsal spaces, classrooms, a television studio and a 100-seat theater,” according to the University’s press release.

Renovations are to be completed for the space and opened in time for the upcoming fall semester.

According to The Wall Street Journal, $1 million was granted from the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation to help with renovations.

The building will be taking over 41 Park Row as the home base for the Performing Arts Department, leaving a significant amount of space to be occupied by offices or other departments in the 16-story building which sits steps from One Pace Plaza.

“This was a rare opportunity for Pace University to secure an entire building of ideal size and layout in a strategic location,” University Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer William McGrath stated in an press release on the University’s website.

“The new space is mostly an expansion due to the success and growth of our performance arts programs,” McGrath added.

“That is a good thing that they’re investing in something besides business...I’m not in the business program, so I feel like the business major[s] [are] getting all the perks of like going here. If you’re not in that major it feels like you don’t belong here. So even though it’s not my major…at least somebody else is getting some attention [from the administration],” junior Chloe Buckner said.

Freshman Shannon Palsma agreed, stating that she is also happy that the University is taking the time to help expand and grow other majors. “When people hear that you go to Pace, they automatically assume that you’re in the business school….It’s not like business is the only thing they have here. It’s not like you can put all of your money into that [program] just because it’s your most common major,” Palsma said.

pace.edu googlemaps.com 140 William Street is the future Performing Arts program location, a few block away from One Pace Plaza.

The school’s new Performing Arts Program has found success on the NYC Campus, averaging over 1,000 yearly applicants for only 100 open spots. The program has also grown in the last decade from only 100 students to nearly 400.

“They [do] not have good practice rooms….they [can] hear each other really well and…[I’ve heard there are] really terrible acoustics. So they kind of really need a good space,” Palsma said.

Although the University did not release financial details of the deal, the University’s press release did state that the annual asking rental rate for the new property reached $1.7 million with the rate being $20

per square foot.

“I mean it probably is a lot of money. It’s probably expensive. It is...going to impact the price of certain things here, but you have to put money into it [the Performing Arts Department] if you expect something to come out of it,” Buckner said.

With the addition of the new building at 140 William and the construction of a new residence hall at 180 Broadway, the school will occupy eight buildings in Lower Manhattan. The Performing Arts Dance Program will also be leaving its current location at 280 Broadway once the lease on that space expires.

New York City takes first place as the rudest city in the United States Travel + Leisure magazine’s annual survey creates debate among NYC residents SARAH AIRES Staff Writer Travel + Leisure magazine’s annual reader survey has named NYC the rudest city in the U. S., a title that the city previously held in 2009.

Even amongst New Yorkers, there is no consensus about whether or not they deserve the title of rudest city.

“I’d pin it on the people of New York City and their lack of empathy towards others. A common thing that happens every day that everyone has been guilty of sometime or another is bumping to others on the street.

“The fact that no one will take a second to say sorry or even pass an apologetic glance shows how invested people are in their own lives,” sophomore and Queens native Diya Vazirani said.

It is indubitable that New Yorkers have their own psychology and way of life that is vastly different from any other metropolis in the U. S., but for many, the belief that all of NYC can be considered unfriendly is far from the truth.

Shows like “Sex and the City” and “Gossip Girl” have given New Yorkers the snobby reputation they have.

Unlike a lot of what is shown in television, most New Yorkers are not pompous socialites.

Another misconception about New York is that it is a

dangerous city. In every major city there comes a risk of petty crime, but the belief that muggings and other crimes occur on every street corner is severely misleading.

Robbery occurrences are down by over 80 percent since 1990. Murder and burglary are down 77 percent and 84 percent respectively as well, according to statistics released by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Ray Kelly on Nyc.gov.

The fact that no one will take a second to say sorry or even pass an apologetic glance shows how invested people are in their own lives.

-Diya Vazirani, Sophomore

“I do not agree that NYC is a rude city; I find New York City to be a very busy city. New Yorkers are consumed with their demanding daily life and hundreds of things happening around them, more than most other

cities in the study, so they may seem to an outsider as rude [and] distant.

“In my experience, however, as busy as they are in most cases they will stop and help a person in need or distress. In my nearly 20 years here, I have not experienced more rudeness in NY than any other cities I have lived in, like let us say London or Rome or Amsterdam or Los Angeles just to name a few,” Communication Studies Professor Manos Pantelidis said.

There are aspects of the Travel + Leisure’s survey that one could question. For example, the culture of the voters and how often they had visited NYC. In last year’s survey, Travel + Leisure’s magazine named Los Angeles the rudest city in the U.S. NYC is part of a global community but also has its own identity that many may have a hard time adjusting to the culture.

“New Yorkers are misunderstood. First we must answer, what makes up a New Yorker? A better question might be; how does one ‘earn’ the right to be called a New Yorker or is it a bestowed legacy? A New Yorker’s mental state boils down to perceptions which foster the interactive roles and performative roles,” Psychology Prof. Daniel Molina said.

February 8, 2012

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University receives recognition for Top Online Bachelor Degree Program

Top faculty credentials and training earn school fourth spot in U.S. News & World Report SHYAM NOOREDEEN Contributor In a ranking released in early January by U.S. News & World Report, the University ranked in the top four for Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs and was listed on the honor roll.

According to U.S. News & World Report, the honor roll was based on “faculty credentials and training, student engagement and assessment, and student services and technology.”

The survey included 196 schools with the University being 3.4 points away from the number one spot.

Some of the most sought after programs are in the fields of business, engineering, nursing, education and computer information technology according to U.S. News & World Report data.

Dr. Nancy Lynch Hale, Special Program Chair in the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems stated, “This award validates Pace’s commitment to online education and we are highly honored to be ranked in the top four amongst so many schools.”

Recently, with the standing economy and qualifications for certain jobs becoming more competitive, working adults and non-traditional students are turning to convenient ways to complete a Bachelor’s degree. People who put off obtaining a Master’s degree are also turning to virtual classrooms.

Likewise, current college students are giving online courses and degree programs a chance while securing available jobs or to lighten up their workload. This option

will allow students to study and complete assignments, while trying to balance work, family and other commitments.

The University’s Office of Online Support Services reported that there are 3,425 total enrollments with over 2,000 individuals continuing to be University students.

“More than one half of students say that they chose online learning because of flexibility and convenience,” Manager of the Office of Online Support Services Danielle Plass said.

However, some students may wonder whether the education acquired online is similar to that offered in a classroom.

The course material being taught in a traditional classroom setting facilitates student engagement, thinking and peer work, while most ideas that center on technology come with distractions and easy access to other information that may influence an individual’s thinking.

“I generally follow the consensus that it’s not as well respected as an actual course. What’s the difference between watching a video or reading a webpage, compared to reading a book? We pay ridiculous amounts of money to be in the same room as graduates—the interaction insures us that we retain the information we’re taught.

“That’s not to discredit multimedia lessons, I’ve definitely watched half a dozen very well produced videos that I can say, have been easy to learn with.

“I guess it really depends on the format of the lesson. Broadly describing it as an ‘online course’ could mean the difference between a bad Skype call and a well-produced interactive multi-media

lesson or program,” freshman Stefan Iliescu said.

“The success rate depends on a student’s learning behavior and their ability to focus. There are many components of an online class which is fairly similar to in-class procedures.

For instance, our online courses are instructor led and provide online interactivity amongst students that is very much similar to group work or projects in a traditional class,” Dr. Hale said.

Dr. Hale also stated that innovative technologies such as web conferencing are being added to Blackboard to promote student engagement. “Pace University strives to deliver online courses and

pace.edu programs equivalent in content and format to traditional face to face programs,” she added.

The level of faculty commitment, the instructional materials, the availability of proctored exams and the student support services are evidence of the University’s commitment to deliver the highest quality online education.

“Online classes are helpful because they are quick and efficient in getting your degree faster and allow people to be able to get work done at their own pace,” sophomore Alec DeRoss said.

University Professor John Cronin paves way for environmental change in NY

The 40th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act underlines the success of Cronin’s work with NYC water JULIA YEUNG Staff Writer This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, which has helped to transform the NYC area’s water and is considered to be one of the most remarkable environmental success stories in U.S. history.

Senior Fellow in Environmental Affairs at the Pace Academy for Applied Environmental Studies and director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Beacon Institute of Rivers and Estuaries, John Cronin, has helped to achieve the turnaround.

Cronin has dedicated 37 years to his career in environment and innovation and is best recognized for his work as the Hudson Riverkeeper for 17 years, which has inspired more than 200 Waterkeeper programs throughout the world. The Hudson Valley has long been considered the birthplace of the modern American environmental movement and is also where Cronin started his career.

Cronin first started working on the Hudson River in 1973, where the contamination left almost a permanent

smear in the water. The condition was described as so damaging that on some days his eyes would water from the smell.

Some of the contaminations included wax from a candle company that coated rocks in Newburgh, NY, adhesive from a tape manufacturer which solidified on beaches in Beacon, NY, paint from an automotive factory that stained water in Tarrytown, NY and junkyards and abandoned cars lining the shores and shallows.

The efforts to add green spaces, plant new trees and make NYC into a more livable area helps NYC to reach its goal of being a national model of what can be created in urban living.

NYC streets are also less polluted than they were even a decade ago. In 2001, NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s Management Report rated 85 percent of the city’s streets as being “acceptably clean,” while in 2011 it increased to 95 percent.

The streets are also considered to be safer as well. Pedestrian deaths in the ‘60s and ‘70s would have an annual total above 500 deaths; however by 2009 it has decreased to 155. They are now approximately below 200 a year.

Noise complaints according to the

NYC’s Department of Environmental Protection have also dropped from 49,221 complaints in 2008 to 31,778 last year.

The American Lung Association have also found that the number of days of unhealthy air in NYC has an average of 21.8 fewer days of unhealthy ozone levels than it did 15 years ago.

The improvements have happened due to a combination of factors. Improved vehicle emissions, especially with the new trucks, are now required to have diesel particulate filters. The shift to cleaner home heating oil is also expected to help improve air quality.

The water that surrounds New York is also a major factor as well since NYC has about 600 miles of coastline. Until the mid-80s, the Hudson River was used as a dumping ground for all of the raw sewage generated by the West Side of Manhattan. Even with the passing of the Clean Water Act in 1972, it still took 14 years and several lawsuits before the North River Wastewater Treatment Plant opened in Harlem and stopped polluting the river daily.

Between 1947 and 1977, General Electric dumped an estimated 1.3 million

pounds of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) into the Hudson River. The cleanup is scheduled to be completed by 2015, with the remaining environmental threat to the Hudson River being the aftermath of a heavy rainfall.

For approximately 50 days out of the year, heavy rainfall makes it too difficult for the city’s 14 sewage treatment plants to have enough capacity to handle the rain with the overflow going into the river.

The Bloomberg administration had created a plan for a $1.5 billion green infrastructure program that would promote many things, such as green roofs to porous pavements that aims to reduce runoff to the point that the system would be able to handle everything, even significant rainfall without overflow.

This would bring the Hudson River one step closer to Cronin’s ultimate goal of the Hudson becoming the first wellpopulated river in the U.S. to have zero pollution discharge. His current work is directed at water policy reform, teaching environmental policy and politics, and training the next generation of environmental leaders.

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Toby R. Winer appointed as new EVP, CFO and Treasurer of the University

February 8, 2012

President Obama discusses affordable student education JOANNA GONZALEZ Staff Writer

ANGELICA RAZACK Contributor Toby B. Winer has recently been appointed as the University’s new Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.

According to press release on Jan. 23, 2012 from the Pace Press Room, Winer has 20 years of experience in higher education, specifically in senior administration roles and has worked for two public and two private institutions.

At CUNY Baruch College she was the Assistant Vice President of Planning and Budgeting, as well as the Assistant Vice President to the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of California-Oakland. Her most recent position was at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. as the Associate Chancellor of Finance.

In addition to her administrative experience, Winer is a Certified Public Accountant and obtained her Bachelors of Arts degree with a concentration in Mathematics from Carnegie Mellon University. She also has a Masters of Administration Business degree from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business.

The Pace Press had the opportunity to speak with Winer on what her new duties and responsibilities are, as well as what she

pace.edu Toby R. Winer, University Executive VP, CFO and Treasurer.

Audit and Financial Operations (FIS, Procurement, and Contract Management.)

TPP: What do you plan to offer the University?

TW: In order to increase our assets I will be working along with the Vice President, the Provost and key faculty and staff to look

It’s a great responsibility; I have a responsibility to both men and women. I hope to be a good role model...and to be proactive, productive and professional -Toby R. Winer,

EVP, CFO and Treasurer of the University plans to offer the University and being the first woman at the University to hold these positions.

at new programs, fund-raiding, and other revenue streams.

The Pace Press (TPP): What are your key duties and responsibilities?

Toby Winer (TW): I ensure that the resources of the University are allocated wisely, as well as safeguard our assets and increase those assets.

TPP: What changes will students and faculty expect to see at Pace?

TW: Pace will be taking over 140 William Street as a new performing arts building in order to house the Dyson Programs.

All proposals are subjected to a rigorous business case analysis.

TPP: Could you please elaborate on all three of those duties?

TW: Sure, there is a budget process that will ensure that the faculty and staff members will have the necessary resources to help them innovate and improve. When safeguarding the assets, there are units that report to me that help manage financial risks, a proper infrastructure, as well as manage financial resources appropriately.

The units include Controller (internal and external accounting and financial reporting), Cash Management (cash, debt, and investment management), Tom Brady, who is the Associate Controller of Cash Management, the Vice President for Budget and Planning Stephen Graham and the Executive Director for Auxiliary Services Mary Lieto, Risk Management, Internal

TPP: How does it feel to be the first woman at the University to hold these positions?

TW: It’s a great responsibility; I have a responsibility to both men and women. I hope to be a good role model... and to be proactive, productive and professional.

However, Winer acknowledges that there are a few hurdles that the University must jump in order to perform said tasks and reach certain goals.

“There are certain economic pressures… student affordability, credit and competition with other institutions…We need to look at the changes out there and look at our strengths and weaknesses,” Winer said.

She also mentioned the use of possible fundraisers and addressing the University’s demographics. Winer also reaffirms that “we need to be proactive.

President Barack Obama delivered the State of the Union Address on Jan. 24. One main aspect of his address focused on students and affordable education.

“Higher education can’t be a luxury—it is an economic imperative that every family in America should be able to afford,” Pres. Obama stated in his Address.

Unless you attend a state owned university, private colleges and universities as well as Ivy League institutions can be daunting for parents and students.

The thought of paying back loans that are inevitably increasing can be very frustrating for graduating seniors who might want to continue their education or find a job when it comes to the cost of tuition.

“I think we already pay enough for dorm[ing], books and living in the city. Tuition should not be something that costs so much. The University is good, but the tuition feels like we should be in [a] Ivy League [school],” freshman Camila Camilo-Rodriguez said.

The University’s tuition has only been increasing, with the direct cost which includes tuition, fees and room and board increasing yearly, according to the University’s website.

For the 2009-10 academic year, the estimated direct cost was $44,186 for a resident and $32,896 for a commuter. For the 2011-12 academic year, the estimated direct cost is $49,262 for a resident and $35,282 for a commuter.

“Based on tuition, our campus should have more facilities, maybe a recreation center/room for commuters and better cafeteria food with student affordable prices,” sophomore Adhnan Sulaiman said.

One of the topics Pres. Obama’s addressed in his speech was student resources, such as work-study jobs found at most universities. “…give more young people the chance to earn their way through college by doubling the number of work-study jobs in the next five years,” Pres.

Obama said in his Address.

One the best resources the University offers is Career Services which has the eRecruiting website, where students can upload their cover letters resumes and apply for internships and jobs.

Senior Phil Medina is concerned about how finding a job after graduation might affect the debt from loans he has accumulated while being a student.

“I feel that President Obama is making a great point because students nowadays graduate from school with overwhelming debt; and the fact that the economy is recovering at a slow rate, students are not guaranteed a job when they finish school,” Medina said.

Taking the students’ side, Pres. Obama declared an important proposition regarding higher education costs that could alarm higher educational institutions.

“The point is, it’s possible. So let me put colleges and universities on notice: If you can’t stop tuition from going up, the funding you get from taxpayers will go down,” Pres. Obama said in his Address.

Despite high costs, the University holds a high reputation for employment rates after graduation. According to the University’s Career Services website, “Pace 2011 Bachelor graduates surpassed the national employment rates by 12 percent. At graduation, 36 percent of Pace Bachelor candidates who had begun their job search were employed. The national average was 24 percent.”

The University was ranked in the Top 30 list of “Best Northeastern Colleges in the U.S. by Salary Potential” according to a Payscale.com survey.

President Stephen J. Friedman said, “I think Pace will do well under President Obama’s standards for providing good value to students and their families. The value proposition of a Pace education is high. Last year, Pace placed nearly 1,500 undergraduates in internships at more than 500 companies.

“Finally, Pace offers several combined degree programs that allow students to earn both a bachelor’s and a graduate degree in a shorter time frame than usual, like a combined BS in Criminal Justice/JD, a BA in History/Master’s of Science for Teachers, and a BS in Biology/Master’s in Environmental Science,” President Friedman added.

Whether the amount of loans taken out by each student eventually matches to a graduate’s salary in the long run ultimately depends on what the student chooses to do after graduation.

February 8, 2012

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THE PACE PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD Kim Bui Editor-in-Chief

NEW YORK GRADUATES!

Student Commencement Speaker and Singer

A student speaker will be chosen from among the candidates for undergraduate and graduate degrees who apply for this honor. Speeches are to be approximately three minutes in length (about 400 to 750 words depending on rate).

If you are interested in applying to be the commencement speaker, please contact Ms. Mary Stambaugh in the Communications Department (212) 346-1510, 41 Park Row, 5th floor, by March 7, 2012.

If you are interested in auditioning to sing the National Anthem for commencement 2012, please contact the Dean for Students Office, (212) 346-1306, located at 41 Park Row, 9th floor, to arrange an appointment.

Auditions will begin in early March. Look for postings with details or contact the Dean’s office.

COMMENCEMENT INFORMATION

All January, June and September 2012 graduate and undergraduate candidates for graduation on the New York Campus.

Commencement exercises for the Undergraduate Class of 2012 will take place on Wednesday, May 16th, 10:30 a.m. at Radio City Music Hall.

Kaitlynn Blyth Associate Editor Ivonna Thompson Managing Editor Hilda Adeniji Creative Director Fotini Sachpatzidis News Editor Stephanie Hansen Arts Editor Craig Held Features Editor Kate Hamzik Copy Editor Leucepe Martinez Advertising Manager Nazary Nebeluk Web Editor Kathryn Bosch Circulation Manager Michael Oricchio Faculty Consultant

EDITORIAL INTERNS Sarah Aires Olivia Beteta Erick Mancebo Nicole Morales Damien Morgan

STAFF Amanda Baker Patrick deHahn Betty Fermin Joanna Gonzalez Anthony Mastroianni Ruveena Rossitto Julia Yeung

Commencement exercises for the Graduate Class of 2012 will take place on Wednesday, May 16th, 4:00 p.m. at Radio City Music Hall.

If you have not already filed a credential card with the Registrar’s office, you must do so before any commencement material can be forwarded to you. Commencement material was mailed out to those candidates who filed credential cards on time.

IF YOU DID NOT RECEIVE YOUR COMMENCEMENT PACKET OF INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR COMMENCEMENT COORDINATOR: Ms. Jonelle Waldropt Campus Activities Office 8th Floor – 41 Park Row (212) 346-1590 graduation@pace.edu

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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February 8, 2012

ARTS 1

Treasures hidden above a bodega

The Hollywood Theater in the East Village may be destroyed forever

DAMIEN MORGAN Arts Intern

A

piece of history lies dormant in NYC waiting to be torn down. The Hollywood Theater located in the East Village has lived its last few years perched above a little bodega that the landlord plans to close and take down. The estimated date of demolition was set for Feb. 5.

Opened in 1926, between 6th and 7th Avenue as the Avenue A Theatre, this structure of true architectural beauty stood tall until it was closed in 1959. Standing the test of time, the Hollywood styled theater has been used as a simple storage space for the convenience store that lays beneath it known as the East Village Farm.

Photographer and musician Kevin Shea Adams, heard of the ideas of demolition by being a frequent customer at the East Village Farm. With permission and multiple attempts, the photographer was soon let into the theater.

The photos were taken to show that even after 85 years, this home of art for others was indeed a work of art all on its own throughout the ages.

On the outside, one will see a windowless brick structure decorated with graffiti and wrapped with a rusty old fire escape, but upstairs on the inside is where the art truly is.

Multiple rows of seats for the audience look upon the stage while the lights flicker on everything. With only one light working, one can see that’s all that is needed.

Placed smoothly on the ceiling is a piece that reflects art that existed in the ’30s. It is what seems to be, a marble pattern of circles combining with squares. Set before the sculpted rafter is a wideopen area where anyone can picture the performances that took place there.

Serving as the outline of the backstage where the actors would perform in front of, this detailed structure demonstrates the hours of work put into the structure, with the little designs that make up

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the towering display. Made of stone and wood, while decorated with crafted vines and in depth animals, this piece is the justly crown of the theater.

Topping off this piece of art history is the ’30s styled podiums positioned through the area. One look at this and anyone can get a feel of how antique and precious this place can be.

Even though the pictures recently taken of this theater look like something straight out of a horror movie, waiting for a ghost to pop out, it does not take away from the fact that this place has truly served its time as a one of NYC’s greatest pieces of art.

As time goes on so do the things that represent the past. The Hollywood Theater above the East Village Farm brought hours of entertainment for 30 years and shows how art can survive the test of time in this city.

ARTS

February 8, 2012

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Musical theater major Whitney Winfield on “Broadway’s Next Star”

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OLIVIA BETETA Arts Intern Last summer, University senior Whitney Winfield entered the talent competition “Broadway’s Next Star” and has since then beat hundreds of other applicants and finalists to make it to the final seven. Only time will tell if Winfield will make it to the end, but the future looks bright for this musical theatre major. The Pace Press got the chance to ask Winfield about the competition.

The Pace Press (TPP): Tell us a little about yourself.

Whitney Winfield: I’m a senior and I’ve been performing since I was eight-years-old, doing community theater and school plays. In high school, I went to a boarding school [Interlochen Arts Academy] for acting and musical theatre. This summer actually was my first real job in musical theater. I spent the entire summer in Maine working in a regional theater, it was amazing.

TPP: How did you get involved with “Broadway’s Next Star?”

WW: Actually I went their randomly with a friend of mine from Pace. I already had an audition that day so I just popped in did my audition and left. I don’t even know how many people they saw, probably at least 100 and from there only 15 were picked for the first round.

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TPP: What can you tell us about the competition [“Broadway’s Next Star”]?

WW: There is a wide range of talent within the competition and people tend to focus on their strongest suit. They do what they do best from week to week, for example one girl is more into rock so that’s what she does.

I’m different…I try to do a variety of different styles because musical theater is so diverse and versatile. I think it is important to be versatile and I have a wide range of talents which really help me to be ready for anything.

TPP: What is your favorite part of the competition so far?

WW: The exposure online definitely, YouTube videos that are new and current. Nowadays that’s a necessity; casting directors will go look you up online before they even see you for an audition. It will be helpful to display my range of talents and abilities.

TPP: What is your favorite style or go to style when it comes to musical theatre?

WW: If I had to pick, I’d say I have a more classical style in musical theater, but here at Pace it’s become a second nature to focus on stronger women roles, a real chest voice, I like to be able to do anything. I think that’s the great thing about Pace and the teachers here, they make you learn more than one particular style or type and really prepare you for a lot.

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TPP: What would be your dream job or role?

WW: I’d love to play Gypsy Rose Lee in “Gypsy” in a regional theater.

It’s something I’ve never played before but I connect to the character a lot. The story is about a life journey and taking the reins of your own life.

TPP: Has it been difficult to manage school with the competition?

WW: It hasn’t been difficult so far. There have been a couple times when I asked to leave to come to class or something but nothing too big.

TPP: Do you think you can win?

WW: I think I’m the most versatile, I think the casting directors who are our judges see that and it will really help.

1. Classic wood carvings on the stage rafter.

2. Full view of the theater from the back row.

3. Front row perspective of the stage.

4. An exterior view of the bodega and theater.

5. Decorative molding on the theater ceiling. all photos by Kevin Shea Adams

TPP: What the status of the competition is right now?

WW: Right now we’re down to seven and we don’t know what’s going on with the organization. It’s is going over some big changes and they lost major funding in August. Right now we don’t even know if there will be a prize at the end. I know the site went down for a little while but now it’s back up and they said they will let us know as soon as they know.

TPP: What are your plans after graduation?

WW: I’ll be staying in the city and hopefully working on a play in a regional theater or a small theater, hopefully not too small and we’ll see where my life takes me.

TPP: What advice do you have for people who are currently musical theatre majors or who are thinking about becoming one?

WW: I would say, learn everything you can from everyone and every situation, you know regardless if it is good or bad force yourself to learn from it and to not take it for granted. There are so many people here who have so much to teach.

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ARTS

February 8, 2012

Legendary folk artist Bob Dylan honored with tribute album OLIVIA BETETA Arts Intern Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International is the surprisingly long title for an even longer tribute album. The album consists of four disks and 76 songs with more than 80 contemporary artists covering some of Dylan’s most famous songs.

Amnesty International is known as one of the largest and most influential human rights organization that consists of over three million members and supporters. Since its founding in 1961, the group along with its affiliates has worked to, “Prevent and end grave abuses of human rights, and to demand justice for those whose rights have been violated,” according to Amnesty.org.

Through his music, Dylan has been fighting for the same things. He has managed to incorporate political, social and philosophical ideals in his music. Through his work, he found a way to teach his philosophies all the while entertaining the masses.

The album combines current artists and some of the most prominent from Dylan’s era. There are musicians like Pete Townshend from The Who performing “Corrina, Corrina” and Joan Baez performing the song “Seven Curses,” who are no strangers to Amnesty International.

There are the younger performers on the album as well who are new to the activist scene like Evan Rachel Wood and Natasha Bedingfield.

The lineup for this compilation is a little scattered to say the least, yet somehow it is fitting for Dylan and his music.

The compilation begins with Johnny Cash and The Avett Brothers adding their truly skilled guitar playing with those gritty vocals Cash is known for, and out comes the splendor that is “One Too Many Mornings.”

Then there is Rise Against with “Ballad of Hollis Brown” that ends up producing an interesting mix of punk and folk that works for the song in a completely unexpected way. A few tracks later, Ziggy Marley takes on “Blowin’ in the Wind,” which carries the subtle reggae tones Marley is known for, while managing to still do justice to the original Dylan song. Hard rock band Silverstein, took on Dylan’s “Song to Woody” and in an astonishing turn of events, produced one of the better songs on the album.

It’s no surprise that artists like Adele pull at the listener’s heartstrings with her cover of, “Make You Feel My Love,” which does just that. Her soulful voice and Dylan’s poignant lyrics is a perfect match.

Her voice and a piano are simply enough to pay homage to the classic.

Queens of the Stone Age tackled “Out-

law Blues.” The cover is so fluid and natural that the song could easily be placed on one of their own albums. Irish punk band Flogging Molly delivers on “The Times They Are A-Changin’” by combining their typical foot-stomping Celtic sound with Dylan’s powerful lyrics.

Needless to say that with the star power on this album, there are countless gems and then there are songs that would be better left alone such as My Chemical Romance’s rendition of “Desolation Row.” It was clear that the band was trying to make the folk song work with their more rock sound but it just sounded like noise. The music and lyrics are so disconnected it will have anyone reaching for the skip button.

Ke$ha was another artist who had her heart in the right place with the song, “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right,” but just didn’t deliver anything worth listening to. It seemed as if she was trying to capture the emotion of the song but just ended up sounding weepy.

The real shocker of the century came from Maroon 5. The pop-rock band actually did a nice job with the song, “I Shall Be Released.” The group is typically known for fast paced dance music, but with their cover of Dylan’s song, Adam Levine’s talent truly came through. Once all the layers of unnecessary synthesized sounds are removed, Levine’s voice shines and reminds

the listeners of the band’s earlier recordings.

Regardless of the random ensemble of artists, the album is a great way to honor what an incredible organization Amnesty International really is and the legend Bob Dylan has become.

It is such a rare spectacle to see such talented artists come together to back the same cause. The artists not only paid to record these legendary hits, they then donated the songs to Amnesty forfeiting any profits their songs generate.

There are a number of tracks that not only display the range of talent featured, but the song writing skill of Dylan, and for $20 it is definitely worth it to pick up a copy.

amazon.com

ARTS

February 8, 2012

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9

Terry Winters hosts art exhibition at Matthew Marks Gallery STEPHANIE HANSEN Arts Editor Artist Terry Winters had an opening at Matthew Marks Gallery in Chelsea on Feb. 3. Winters is an abstract artist inspired by botany which includes cells, spores and seeds, geometric and mathematical shapes and biology.

A few of the pieces were entitled “Tessellations” followed by a number, clearly showing Winters interest with math and grids.

Winters was born in Brooklyn and graduated from the Pratt Institute in 1971.

He painted for 10 years before exhibiting his work in his first solo show in 1982.

The paintings featured in the exhibit are quite large and impressive. Each piece is a mix of organization and chaos. It was easy to see the careful color selection and planning in each piece, as well as the painterly elements through the application of paint and brushstrokes.

Even though his work is painterly, Winters is inspired not only by natural sciences, but also by architecture, computer graphics and information systems. He is also a printmaker and draftsman, so he considers drawing an important part of creating his final works.

The gallery was surprisingly empty, considering it was the opening night of the show. That’s not to say there weren’t some exciting people in attendance. Winters circled the room, shaking hands with the gallery goers and having conversations with viewers. His warm and inviting spirit made the gallery opening that much more relaxed and welcoming.

Even though the artist himself was there, famous art critic Jerry Saltz was very close to stealing his thunder. Since 2006, Saltz has been the senior art critic and columnist for New York Magazine and a judge on Bravo’s “Work of Art: The Next Great Artist” competition. It was easy to spot the art lovers, as they became star struck when they noticed Saltz scrutinizing the art.

Overall the show was a success.

Everyone enjoyed the artwork and the company. But most importantly, the works inspired the people who attended the opening. There is no comparison to seeing a piece of artwork in person. Gallery openings are a great, free way to do this.

There are always interesting people to meet and more often than not there is free wine or cocktails during the reception.

So if you are ever bored and broke on a Friday night, remember, you can always

go to a gallery opening, get some free wine, look at amazing art, mingle with the artist and art lovers, and truly have an amazing experience.

Winters work will on display at the gallery through April 4. The Matthew Marks Gallery is located at 522 West 22 St.

matthewmarks.com Reprise by Terry Winters. Oil on paper mounted on composite board

Pitt inspires University students, speaks of famous acting roles continued from PAGE 1

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revealed to the audience a secret about the movie. As his left arm was incapacitated for many shots afterwards, one will notice during the film that he was indeed wearing a cast, and inconspicuously only used the working arm throughout the remaining scenes.

Another turning point for Pitt’s career was his part in the film 12 Monkeys. For this character, Pitt had to play alongside Bruce Willis as a fellow mentally ill patient in a psychiatric ward. A clip of Pitt’s performance was shown to the audience and in comparison to his other acting roles; he really brought a wild, yet disturbing characteristic to the part. By taking this risk, Pitt won a Golden Globe Award and received an Academy Award Nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

As the interview was coming to a close, many questions were asked about his cult classics and his more recent movies.

Pitt shared how in Fight Club, he really only did about 20 seconds of actual fighting and how one of his more favorite roles was indeed the one he played in the western drama, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward of Robert Ford.

What he seemed most happy about was his work with Jonah Hill and director Bennett Miller on the film Moneyball. Even though, as Pitt put it, he is not a big baseball fan, this was a character that he enjoyed watching, even if it was his own.

In the end, Pitt showed everyone that he was not only a celebrity, but a genuine human being, not one that has been corrupted by fame, but as someone that is grateful for what he has.

Before he left, Pitt said how happy he was to be able to come to the University, talk about his life and answer everyone’s questions that the students had to offer. His appearance left many of the acting majors in the crowd with the hope that if a poor kid from Missouri can make it big, then anyone can.

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FEATURES

February 8, 2012

Council of Fashion Designers of America cracks down on models Organization attempts to regulate model age and weight in order to address concerns NICOLE MORALES Features Intern As Fashion Week looms over New York, designers may have just one more thing to add to their list of worries.

President of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Diane Von Furstenberg has created a new set of guidelines that designers must adhere to starting with the upcoming Fall 2012 Fashion Week.

The guidelines include carding model’s IDs and holding educational workshops spelling out the dangers and signs of eating disorders among others. In an industry infamous for exploiting prepubescent girls in the name of fashion, the CFDA’s regulations are sure to be a game changer for designers.

Furstenberg has been pioneering these regulations for the past five years. It comes as no surprise that over the past 10 years, models have looked increasingly bonier than ever before. Even fashion muses like Alexa Chung have been known to raise eyebrows for their frail frames.

Runway models today average an alarming 95 to 110 pounds, with 110 being on the “large side” while ideal measurements are 34-24-34. One can imagine how difficult it must be for adolescent women to meet those standards in order to stay in the industry they likely grew up in.

In fact, these standards are the reason why so many models force eating disorders upon themselves or resort to drugs in order to keep extra pounds from building up. Furstenberg’s regulations address the true issue at hand; the industry does not encourage models to look or be healthy.

Another result of the superhuman measurement standards that models have is the sad truth that the only people who might actually live up to these standards are prepubescent girls.

Underage models are often exploited through the glamorous modeling industry. At times, underage models usually wear the most revealing pieces from a collection because their undeveloped bodies are most flattering in the sample sizes.

As witnessed through the revealing photo shoots of 16-year-old Kendall Jenner and 10-year-old Thylane LenaRose Blondeau, the industry is definitely guilty in oversexualizing underage girls. For this reason, CFDA has called to put a stop to this, beginning with the runway. Models are now required to provide proper documentation upon

entering a fashion show proving that they are over the age of 16. Although, the impact may not be seen on this season’s fashion week, the new CFDA regulations will no doubt impact fashion standards in the future.

Fittingly, PLUS Model magazine published an article in the Jan. 2012 issue presenting some rather disturbing statistics comparing old modeling standards with those of today. Some of the stand out statistics included: “Most runway models meet the Body Mass Index physical criteria for Anorexia” as well as, “Ten years ago plus-size models averaged between size 12 and 18…The majority of plus-size models on agency boards are between a size 6 and 14, while the customers continue to express their dissatisfaction.”

The article shook up the public with sad and true factoids, only making the CFDA’s regulations seem all the more appropriate. As the article pointed out, a large portion of the public is not in favor of the unrealistic standards models must upkeep, citing that it promotes an unhealthy lifestyle.

Sophomore Ruth Espinal agrees, stating, “[Younger models] look up to these models who [lose weight] to be skinny. I’m curvaceous and I’m proud of my curves, [but] they believe being skinny is the standard. ” “I think being happy [should be] the standard,” sophomore Omnia Khamis said. As the standards of beauty are ever changing, the CFDA addressed on their website that the industry is responsible for not adding to the pressures models already have to deal with by promoting ridiculous standards.

“Designers share a responsibility to protect women, and very young girls in particular, within the business, sending the message that beauty is health,” as stated on the CFDA’s website.

Furstenberg is one of the first powerhouse designers to address the issue at hand as president of the CFDA, as models succumb to the pressures of the standards the industry upholds. As a result, eating disorders develop and without a doubt emotional scar tissue as well.

The scrutiny should not be directed at the model facing issues with weight, but instead at the industry, the designer and the supposed mentors of the young girls looking for a shot at fame. Designers’ unrealistic ideals have affected both models and the public. However, with the change in CFDA regulations, one can only hope that their impact this time around will be a positive one.

modelinia.com Model Karlie Kloss only recently turned 18.

Bisexuals still facing harsh stigma when it comes to acceptance from all Ignorance, fear and misinformation blamed for the icy reception from peers AUTUMN FOX Contributor There’s been a lot to say about bisexuality, especially in the gay community. Often confused with the concepts of polysexuality, pansexuality or pomosexuality, bisexuality is the physical or romantic attraction to males and females. Bisexuals are typically branded as greedy or indecisive, yet this ignorance seems to come from both homosexuals and heterosexuals alike.

Sophomore Jimmy Dirck explained that he wasn’t sure if bisexuality actually existed past the ‘transitional stage’—an in-between period from figuring out if one is gay to coming out of the closet. “It was easier for me to say I was bisexual at first. At least while I was still trying to figure out if I was actually gay, or just curious.

It wasn’t only easy on me, but for my family and friends too,” Dirck said.

For some students, the question on whether bisexuality existed or not wasn’t a problem, but a threat.

“I have nothing against bisexuals. I know there’s a lot of questioning in regard to people buying the bi-thing, but my concern is dating a ‘bi guy.’ I would worry about everyone, rather than just one gender. If he sleeps at his best girlfriend’s house, I’m going to be worried. The jealousy is definitely amped up, because now everyone is game,” freshman Jeff Heimbrock said.

Freshman Michaela Reggio stated that her apprehension with bisexuality came from personal experience. “I have nothing against bisexuality, I see it more as ‘cool, do your thing.’ I just prefer to have no involvement with Bi-girls when it comes to a relationship.

They can change want they want. I have dated a bi-girl, and it just felt like she was going through a phase. They can just leave you at any point for a guy.”

Incoming University student Jade Mehrman admits she has mutual feelings for both men and women. She is currently involved with a guy, but has had three girlfriends in the past. When asked about her standing within the gay community, Merhman said, “I just think it’s really ignorant to think that we can be shoved inside all of these little boxes. Why am I only allowed to think that boys are beautiful or only girls? There are fantastic, different things about them both.

“I think there is even sexism when it comes to bisexuality, it’s nearly demeaning to say only one gender is deserving of my attention, and by no means does attention equal sexual activity; there is a huge misconception that bisexuals are promiscuous. This may be the case for some, but that relies more on that person’s personality­­—and why would it matter anyway? Be sex positive. Whatever someone gets off to is their own business,” Mehrman said.

Vice President of Stonewall Coalition, Roberto

Chavez, stated, “I have to admit, in high school I was very ignorant about bisexuality. I associated it with polygamy. I thought that [it] was cool to date a guy and a girl at once. I was really hesitant towards bisexuals and just assumed that they weren’t ready to come out and say that they were gay.

“I realized now that both of my ideas of what bisexuality is were just damaging stereotypes. I guess I just woke up one day and realized how stupid I was being. Arguments that are used against bisexuals were also used against homosexuality. I see hating bisexuals in the gay community as hating your own people. We should embrace them, not try to shun them away,” Chavez said.

VISIT The LGBTQA & Social Justice Center 41 Park Row 9th Floor, Room 901 For more information on Pace’s LGBTQA center visit: pace.edu/lgbtqa-center

February 8, 2012

FEATURES

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Marked increase in sightings of rats forces city to act MTA, State Senate take tough stance on pest control after commuters complain ERICK MANCEBO Features Intern A grainy video struck fear into the hearts of commuters citywide—­­­­­­a man catching a quick nap on a downtown bound No. 4 train was stirred awake by the shrieks of on-looking passengers as a foot long rat scurried up his body in a fearless bid towards the man’s face. Shaking awake, the man managed to fight off the rat, but the video evidence resonated with Metropolitan Transit Authority passengers, going viral online.

A year after the Jan. 2011 video, the MTA has not made much headway in the eternal crusade against one of the city’s biggest pests, with Yahoo! News featuring a report detailing some passenger complaints.

The website Ratfreesubways.com, voiced New Yorkers’ complaints, “Rats are proliferating in the New York City subways. Riders overwhelmingly agree—it’s getting worse. Aggressive rats are bolder about coming onto the platforms and have even been known to bite riders. They invest the ‘refuse rooms’ where garbage is stored.”

Sophomore Sarah Poppe said she sometimes sees rats on the train tracks. “I’ve seen them on occasion, I’m not necessarily out looking for them,” Poppe said. When asked if the increased reports of rats biting and attacking passengers will dissuade her from riding the subway, Poppe said, “I’m not necessarily wary of rats or rodents in general, I’m not really that freaked out.”

Sophomore Kylie Hammell said she has seen the rats while riding the subway, but says she’s fine with sharing the space as long as the rats keep their distance. “Yeah, sometimes I see them,” Hammel said. “As long as they don’t come really close to me—most of the time they aren’t really on the platform. The only time I see them on the platform is like, after 2 a.m. and I probably shouldn’t be out that late either,” Hammell said.

Many subway riders brush the increased sightings away, but there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that if the city’s rat population were to increase, they could pose a real public health and sanitation risk to many New Yorkers.

Poppe stated that the reports of biting are worrisome for health reasons. “I think it’s more in terms of the diseases and getting bitten, especially in terms of medical bills. Who would be paying that? Would it be the MTA, [etc.]?” Poppe said.

In response, the New York State Senate has threatened to pass a bill that would make eating illegal on all subway trains and platforms. The controversial bill is said to be an attempt to cut down on not only discarded food subway riders may leave behind, but also the trash and wrappers the foods generates.

Poppe agreed with the new efforts, stating, “I think it would help, especially in terms of litter. I know that’s an issue down there as well, so kill two birds with one stone— kill the rat problem, get rid of the litter problem.”

Hammel, however, thinks the bill misses the point and

isn’t a viable solution to a problem that needs to be addressed more creatively. She seemed doubtful if the bill would work. “I mean, maybe, but then there’d be more rats on the street getting food there,” Hammel said.

Hammel said it’s the MTA that should be addressing the issue, stating, “Yeah, a lot of time they don’t really have people out there watching [for rats]. I would go for the ban on food just cause sometimes it’s annoying when someone has something like really smelly on the subway or if someone spills [something] or all the garbage and stuff. I mean just banning food alone I’m for but I’m not sure if it’ll actually help.”

As far as using poisons or other rodent-killing devices, Hammel said the city would be wise to stray away from those dangerous and sometimes inhumane and unethical practices. The poisons would easily make their way onto platforms and near other humans.

“That would be bad. Well, yeah, cause all of the people down there, and then you would have all of the carcasses too. Plus I don’t really like the killing of animals,” Hammel said.

The issue of rats increasing on the subway will have to make its way through the bureaucracy and red tape before New Yorkers see any real action of resolutions on the part of the Senate or MTA. Until then, subway riders will have to be sure to double-check their surroundings before dozing off.

Big Box stores seek to reinvent themselves during economic downturn NICOLE MORALES Features Intern

freshid.com JCPenney unveiled a new logo on Feb. 1.

The recovering economy has no doubt affected even the most seemingly successful businesses, causing major retailers like JCPenney, Sears and Kmart among others to reinvent themselves. Their goal is to socially adapt their market to the new economy.

Over the past few years, the aforementioned retailers have been suffering in the stock market. With powerhouse stores like Walmart taking up all of the revenue, these stores have realized that perhaps their business model is a bit antiquated. In order to keep up with popular demand, these stores have included designer diffusion lines targeted toward their usual consumer base in order to increase their revenue.

Sears has a partnership with French Connection for a diffusion line called UK Style, along with a recent collaboration with the Kardashians for the Kardashian Kollection. With the exception of the Kardashian

Kollection, these diffusion lines have hardly garnered any press.

Neither line is enjoying success, much like JCPenney’s designer diffusion attempts with the Olsen twin’s line, Olsenboye and Charlotte Ronson’s I Heart Ronson line.

The reason may be as sophomore Katherine Canales said, “[These stores] get a bad [reputation] for being discount stores,” meaning label conscious customers may opt for the higher end version of a brand rather than its $20 counterpart.

On Feb. 1, JCPenney implemented its new strategy to increase sales, one which involves no coupons. The three tier structure includes “everyday” low prices, “monthly value” for discounts on featured items every month and “best price” clearance deals every first and third Friday of the month.

While the model sounds quite similar to Walmart’s strategy, the idea is to have all customers on the same page so no one misses a sale. However, the true test in this model as applied by JCPenney is whether or not it will truly work out. As of now, JCPenney’s stock has increased 11 percent since the announcement, yet it is still too soon to see how customers react to the new strategy and if this will increase clientele.

Kmart stores feature a bit of a different take on designer lines, often featuring T.V. personalities rather than actual designers. Kmart features “Modern Family’s” Sofia Vergara signature clothing line, Chef Gordon Ramsey’s kitchen collection, as well as Martha Stewart’s home collection. The reason for T.V. personalities at Kmart may be because the lines, much like the store, cater to the audience that watches the programs featuring these personalities.

The marketing scheme seems to mirror that of QVC and the Home Shopping Network, which also features as many T.V. personalities as it does high end fashion designers. However, it still had not been enough to keep 120 Sears and Kmart stores from closing their doors by the end of 2011.

Though it is difficult to say whether or not these stores will successfully reinvent themselves, these major retailers may be setting a recession-friendly standard.

Freshman Rachel Wandishin believes that other retailers will have to follow suit because of the new structures. “I

officialkourtneyk.celebuzz.com The Kardashian sisters modeling their “Kollection.” feel like other stores will have to [live up to] the others if they are going to have low prices,” Wandishin said.

The future of discount stores looms in an uncertainty that mirrors the country’s current economic state. While people attempt to save the money they make, retailers try to get people to squeeze out some money to keep their businesses alive.

By reinventing themselves, retailers and designers alike are coming to terms with the current economy and therefore trying to show their alliance with the public by offering discounted designer lines. The very existence of many discounts stores like Kmart, Sears and JCPenney hangs by a thread. One can only hope that their restructuring will ultimately save these iconic American businesses from shutting their doors.

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February 8, 2012

FEATURES

Jealousy blamed for veteran artists feuding with their contemporaries Rivalries between artists reach boiling point as fans take to Twitter to fan flames ERICK MANCEBO Features Intern Madonna, pop music’s self-proclaimed reigning Queen, made headlines in January when she took a couple of pointed shots at Lady Gaga during promotional interviews for her upcoming film, W.E., and album, M.D.N.A. Gaga, 25, who made a name for herself with her controversial variety of dance music and fashion, has come under fire for being accused of ripping off Madonna’s style and music. Speaking about the similarities between the two and whether she was flattered or annoyed, Madonna said she felt Gaga was “reductive” — crude or simplified.

The attack is just the latest in a string of attacks aimed by older artists at their younger contemporaries. Most recently, choice words were exchanged between veteran comedian Joan Rivers and “Chelsea Lately” host Chelsea Handler on separate appearances on Howard Stern’s satellite radio show.

Yet, rivalries between pop divas, old and young, are a long standing tradition of the entertainment industry, with even the likes of Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, all at one point or another were rumored to be feuding with one another.

Rapper Lil’ Kim famously lashed out at new girl Nicki Minaj in 2009. Minaj, a newcomer in the rap game who many also said had been inspired by Kim’s style, retorted with words and a diss track, igniting a long-standing feud.

Speaking at the height of the feud, Kim said, “After she did the ‘Roman’s Revenge’ [the diss track on Minaj’s first album], definitely… It was time to cut all the buffoonery.” Kim went on to reveal that she was deeply offended by the track, but said she would continue to address the situation, suggesting that onlookers didn’t have all the facts of the rivalry. “Sometimes when something is in the dark, you gotta bring it to the light to expose it,” Kim said in an interview with Hot 97 Radio Host Angie Martinez.

Junior Zoë Kaseman thinks that the feuds are stupid. Stating that she didn’t think the rivalries would last for long, Kaseman said, “Well no, cause it’s two separate careers…. [Gaga, Handler, and Minaj have] their own careers and Joan [Kim, and Madonna] have their own career[s].”

Student Chris Player thinks the feuds and rivalries come about because of jealousy on the older artists’ part. “I think in the Lil’ Kim situation, definitely yeah [Lil’ Kim is jealous]... she...does not have a career anymore and the only reason she’s being talked about anymore is because of the beef with Nicki Minaj, so I feel like she’s playing that up so that she can be noticed again.”

The jealousy angle has been used to describe the Madonna and Gaga rivalry as well, especially since Gaga has remained silent regarding Madonna since the first shots were fired. Previously the two were said to have been on good terms, with Gaga saying, “Madonna is a wonderful, wonderful person, and she is so full of the most wonderful freedom and spirit, and she’s so kind….I ask her questions, [and] she has given me advice.”

Kaseman, however, doesn’t understand the reasoning behind the feuds, arguing that she doesn’t see how Madonna or any other artist can say that a younger person is copying their style. “Cone boobs aren’t style,” Kaseman said.

“Like I did that when I was like a little kid on the playground, like that’s nothing….If somebody wore something I wore [today in] 20 years, [I wouldn’t be offended; I would be] like, ‘Good job, you’re 20-years behind, what are you doing?’” Kaseman added.

Player, for his part, also doesn’t understand the feud between Handler and Rivers. Some onlookers have demanded an apology from Handler for her comments, citing Rivers’ contributions to comedy, and her instrumental role in paving the way for other female comedians after her. Player, however, isn’t buying it. “Just [because] Joan may have made it possible [for Handler to be a comedian] doesn’t mean…

Chelsea has to like Joan Rivers or anything,” Player said.

Player thinks that the older artists’ role in paving the way for their successors is irrelevant, saying that paving the way, “doesn’t necessarily mean she [Rivers] is good, though; that’s not a valid argument. You could say that none of the music we listen to today would be possible without Elvis, but…. [not everyone] has to listen to Elvis.”

The rivalries between the artists have always been a matter of public interest. Now, however, the large-scale use of social media tools like Facebook and Twitter seems to be fueling the rivalries. Fans of artists take to Twitter and use the site to spread false rumors and hate about their favorite artists’ rivals.

In one instance, a Gaga-dedicated BlogSpot account, run by fans, was found to be accepting donations from Gaga fans and using the funds to pay other fans to log on to Madonna-related websites and news articles to give bad reviews for her new single, “Give Me All Your Luvin’.”

The blog promises compensation in exchange for hate, informing prospective people, “You will be paid for long, negative comments on any Google News approved site.

The biggest one we are monitoring is the one on Huffington Post.” It is clear that fans’ absolute and unyielding dedication to their favorite artists has led to a dangerous and destructive online culture in which no artist or their fans are safe.

The fans, self-proclaimed “stans,” a combination of the words stalker and fan, run rampant throughout Twitter, serving those in their fan community by providing news and updates about their favorite artists’ new singles and promotional plans, but also using their power to bully and taunt other artists and fans.

Some fans took to the website on Feb. 2 and trended the hashtag #GagasCareerDiedWithJamey, referencing Jamey Rodemeyer, the 14-year-old Gaga fan who committed suicide this past September after relentless homophobic bullying at school.

Clearly upset and angry because of the trending topic, Gaga later tweeted, “Tweets about a 14 yr olds suicide in order to take a jab at me? Consider your integrity making fun at a dead child’s pain….Direct your insults @ ladygaga, I can take it. Don’t bring in those who are not alive anymore to defend themselves. Be braver than that.”

Speaking in 2010, Lil’ Kim acknowledged that the fans sometimes blow things out of proportion and perpetuate rivalries. “This is what the fans do,” she said, “they put female[s]… against each other all the time. I hate that they do that but you gotta be a strong person to blow past it.”

photo illustration by Hilda Adeniji