Volume 68, Issue 2

October 20, 2016

Volume 68 | Issue 2

the pace press Est. 1948

page 2

@thepacepress

/ThePacePress

@thepacepress

NEWS

2 www.thepacepress.org

October 20, 2016

(DON’T) SEND IN THE CLOWNS Maximilliano Onofre Editor-In-Chief What originally started as a few clown sightings, believed to be part of a marketing campaign for the new movie “It,” soon turned to a string of threats, robberies, and almost-kidnappings. The widespread appearance of clowns in suspect scenarios around the nation have left law enforcement officials and the general public concerned.

The first official sighting of a clown came from Green Bay, Wisconsin on Aug. 1 when a clown with black balloons was seen walking down the street at night. Now known as “Gags the Green Bay Clown,” he gained online popularity for his creepy façade.

Less than a month later, on Aug. 29, residents of Greenville County, South Carolina reported to their local authorities that clowns were trying to lure their children into the woods.

On Sept. 15, the first threat on a school was made in Flomaton, Alabama, after clowns wrote posts on social media stating that they were coming after the school and the students in it.

AUGUST 1 A clown was seen in Green Bay, Wisocnsin walking with black ballons but was not arrested.

AUGUST 29 One of the first clown sigghtings is reported in Greenville County, South Carolina. The report stated that a person wearing a clown costume had been trying to lurk children into the woods.

The school was alerted of the situation and was put on lockdown. Makayla Smith, a twenty-twoyear-old woman, was arrested for the threats.

However, this was not an isolated case. Two other high schools in the area had clown sightings the same day and were also put on lockdown.

In Phoenix, Arizona, 24 schools were named in a string of threats posted online in early October and half of the students were absent from their classes due to rising concerns that the threats could become deadly. The FBI joined the investigation soon after and arrested three teenagers who face felony charges.

Similar cases appeared through the nation as clowns were spotted in North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Maryland, Florida, New Jersey, Tennessee, Arizona, and Texas in just the month of September. By the end of September, twelve people were arrested, according to an article from The New York Times, but law enforcement officials believe there may be more people working on the clown scare as the threats and sightings continue.

Many reports include accounts of clowns stalking and scaring people. A large number of these cases

SEPTEMBER 15 Authorities locked down schools in Southern Alabama after clowns threatened students.

“Flomo Klowns” are spotted near the schools.

Twenty-two year old Makayla Smith and underage acomplices are

included young children, at times with attempts at kidnapping by trying to lure the children away.

The cases are no longer isolated to the United States, either. On Oct. 7, the first reports of clowns in Edmonton, Canada were verified. Since then, only one arrest has been made, on Oct. 15. In Australia, the first clown sighting was also made on Oct. 7, with 18 cases tallying up in the week following.

Clowns were also spotted in in Europe, the first of them in England on Oct. 9. However, things have turned dour in other European countries as a man was stabbed on Oct. 13 in Sweden by an attacker wearing a clown mask, a day after another woman was threatened by two people in clown costumes.

The concern over dangerous clowns is only expected to worsen through the upcoming Halloween holiday and has put the government on high alert, with the White House stating that law enforcement will be vigilant and take the incidents seriously. Law enforcement agencies have warned citizens not to attack or shoot the clowns, lest an innocent person be seriously hurt.

SEPTEMBER 30 The New York Times reports that 12 people have been arrested in connection to “creepy clowns” in over 10 states.

Threathing posts on Facebook from the account “Aint Clownin Around” put 5 high schools from 3 states on high alert. One post sent to Westside High School in Houston, Texas read, “We Will be at all High schools...to either kidnap students or kill teachers..”

OCTOBER 7 Clowns spotted for the first time in Edmonton, Canada and Melbourne, Australia.

OCTOBER 9 Clown sightnings were first reported by officials in England.

NEWS

October 20, 2016

www.thepacepress.org

3

The loss of an internet icon alivia chegia Contributor The internet has lost another legend this month: Pepe The Frog. Yes, that sad, green guy you have seen everywhere since he just showed up one day online, has officially lost his status as an impartial figure in the meme world. The once innocent green frog tossed around from media platform to media platform is no more. On Sept.

27, 2016 the Anti-Defamation League added the green frog to their online hate-symbol database, which includes symbols such as the swastika and the burning cross.

The decision was made after images of the frog were released alongside anti-semitic messages and other racist text in online forums such as Reddit, 4chan, and other such sites. Once these particular images piqued in popularity in their own in individual communities, the memes spread to other platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and even more websites until eventually, Pepe had gone viral.

Jonathan A. Greenblatt, CEO of ADL, commented on the organization’s decision by stating, “Once again, racists and haters have taken a popular Internet meme and twisted it for their own purposes of spreading bigotry and harassing users.” A character who was once used innocently for nothing but fun had quickly been taken over for a new use that groups such as the Anti-Defamation League have made clear will no longer be tolerated.

Yet, there was a time many can remember when Pepe was not originally intended to become a vessel for hate. The frog was originally designed as a character in a comic strip called “Boy’s Club” which was created by Matt Furie. The original comic found mild popularity after Furie released images of his work on MySpace in 2005. A specific image of the bug-eyed green frog with the caption

“feels good man” found instant popularity among online forum users who used the image as a means of reacting to posts or messages without having to use text starting the now extremely popular trend of texting without any text by using tools like memes and emojis.

From that point forward, the online community was able to find the original comic and take various versions of Pepe as a way of having reactions to virtually any scenario. The “feels good man” reaction grew into a viral movement with Internet users taking it upon themselves to give Pepe their own reactions.

Innocent memes began to add to the various reactions that Pepe represented. One example is Pepe looking sad and distraught with the caption underneath him stating, “feels bad man.” Although these funny and harmless pictures were created daily by millions of online users, the rising popularity eventually overwhelmed chat forums and social media sites, leading to the intervention that unfortunately has now had to come from the ADL. Barry Morris, a communications studies professor at the University, shared his thoughts on Pepe’s transformation. He says, “I have two thoughts on the issue. First, in a way Pepe is a perfect representation of white separatists. They stole him from someone else and demand that everybody acknowledge that he is theirs. I have no patience for these people. I grew up around them, and ‘White Pride’ is like a pride of lions. They lie around and make their women feed them, then growl and swat when you come their way.”

This infamous green frog has even made its way to the upcoming presidential election with Donald Trump Jr., the Republican nominee’s son. Trump Jr. posted a picture on Twitter which included himself, his father, Pepe and a number of other notable Republicans. The picture takes

the cover of “The Expendables,” a 2010 action movie, and replaces the heads of the actors with that of notable figures such as Donald Trump, his sons, Ben Carson, Chris Christie and even a Pepe with a Trump-like frock of blonde hair. The title of this picture was “The Deplorables.” The picture was an attempt to call out his father’s opponent, Hillary Clinton, who just a couple of days before called a number of his father’s supporters “deplorable.” However, many questioned Trump Jr.’s ethics for publishing the post in the first place. Trump Jr. laughed the post off on Instagram by stating in his caption, “All kidding aside I am honored to be grouped with the hard working men and women of this great nation that have supported @ realdonaldtrump and know that he can fix the mess created by politicians in Washington.”

Matt Furie, when asked about his opinions of the presidential candidates stated in an interview with Esquire, “I’m voting for Hillary for sure. I was a big fan of Bernie, but that fizzled out, so I’m all Hillary 2016.” Although Pepe has lost his place as a fun and carefree member of the meme world, his creator never intended for such a drastic and unfortunate change. The original creation of Pepe the Frog was meant for unintentionally fun and innovative expression.

People who appreciate fun and carefree memes must remember that when anything becomes too popular, it can be taken to a disturbing level by those who want to weaponize it, and therefore an extra layer of sensitivity must always be used when posting online. Pepe may be the first official meme to be declared a hate symbol by the ADL, but that does not mean that he will be the last.

So long as people have hate in their hearts, no public symbol, no matter how lighthearted, is free from potential weaponization.

Pace University introduces Starfish Solutions Stickers for encouragement, or just another social disconnect?

caroline carDoso News Intern When we spelled all the vocabulary words correctly on our spelling tests at the end of each week in fifth grade we were rewarded; some of us with a gold star or scratch and sniff sticker. Now, as ambitious college students, we are rewarded with a letter or number determining our academic excellence.

The University uses Blackboard as the platform for online classes and teaching purposes, but now, the University is introducing a new platform for motivational purposes: the Starfish Enterprise Success Platform.

Starfish is a new way for colleges and universities to help support their students academic ability. It is used to encourage and engage with students to achieve their academic goals. For example, rewards for good grades, encouragement to keep grades up, and other initiatives are given to help students grow academically. However, the motivational platform has received mixed emotions from the University community.

On Starfish, students can be reminded of assignments electronically and interact with their classmates and professors in a way that essentially motivates a higher work ethic. Communication Studies professor Dr. Aditi Paul sees this as a new step into improving online classes and providing this generation with more accessibility.

“Research shows that non-monetary rewards—in this case, GPA could be equated to a monetary gain—can be equal or more motivating than monetary rewards,” says Paul.

This platform has not only proven to be beneficial for students, but for professors as well. Vice President of Academic Affairs at Becker College in Worcester,

Massachusetts, Dr. Betsy Fuller believes the platform gives students encouragement and the ability to thrive when they are feeling pessimistic about their performance in class which will essentially help professors see their progress.

“Our faculty advisors appreciate that their students have the ability right through the Starfish system to schedule time to meet,” said Fuller. “Not surprisingly, they also like to use the system to send a ‘kudos’ to a student for a job well done.”

However, it seems it takes more than a “kudos” or gold star to get students motivated enough to work to get to the top of their classes.

Psychology major at the University Laken Fournier believes it is more effective to be motivated by seeing the improvement in her academic history and not by receiving a sticker for her performance.

“We should be learning because we want to be. We lose the ability to learn because we are faced with all these daunting tasks and pay to go to classes,” said Fournier.

“Students need to use that as the reason for motivation to have a career and a future to learn, not rewards.”

Starfish wants to help institutions aid their students’ learning skills by motivating them with rewards. When a student succeeds, they see success in ways beyond GPA and a number grade from their professors.

The platform is a good tool for students to connect beyond a screen, but also seems to capture the disconnect in student to student and student to professor interaction.

According to Speech Pathology major at the University Alex Donato, being in the moment to learn is more important than connecting digitally.

“We live in a digital world, that is an obvious, unavoidable given, and rewarding good marks and

reminders about deadlines are not bad; in fact I think this aspect of Starfish is a great tool,” says Donato. “But instead of teaching students new ways to connect, we need to teach them to be here now.”

Many of the University students see Starfish as another element that will put greater distance between the student and teacher personal interaction. Like Donato, Fournier also sees the Starfish philosophy as a way to distract students rather than help them advance.

But digital learning is not always viewed from a bad angle. Paul visualizes Starfish as a way for the University students to put their already advanced technological skills to more use.

“Given that millennials are used to getting validated— likes, double taps, and reruns of Snapchat stories—this mechanism could be an extension of this social validation they are used to receiving,” Paul said.

Professors, faculty, and staff are not the only ones who view this generation’s digital skills as a benefit.

Finance major at the University Kim McLaughlin believes Starfish could be a platform that can increase students knowledge if exercised correctly.

“Millennials are skimmed over as egomaniacal unorganized haughty technologically obsessed screen addicts who process Snapchat stories better than politics and world issues,” said McLaughlin. “We are world changers and we are efficiently using these skills; Starfish is just another way to put those valued skills to use.”

Starfish has brought on a plethora of opinions from the University community. Whether it turns out to harness the technological strengths from the millennial generation or to create even more distance between professors and students remains to be seen as we await feedback from students as they try out Starfish this year.

NEWS

4 www.thepacepress.org

October 20, 2016

Will we ever see Donald Trump’s tax returns?

JUSTIN KNOEPFL Features Intern From the day Donald Trump announced his candidacy in June of 2015, to the most recent debate against Hillary Clinton, he has succeeded in upsetting the status quo and given this election year some unforeseen fodder for controversy. A major focus point of the election cycle has been whether or not Donald Trump will release his tax returns for the general public.

With voters, the Clinton campaign and Democrats strongly scrutinizing the Trump camp for their refusal to release these returns, the pressure remains on Trump.

While presidential candidates are not required to release their tax returns, it has been a tradition of rivaling campaigns to do so since the 1970s to give voters insight into the candidates’ finances as well as information into charitable involvement, investments and tax rates. Trump has said he will release his tax returns if the IRS declares a routine audit. However, an IRS audit does not prohibit the release of one’s tax returns.

He has also pointed out that he does not see a point in releasing his tax returns if Clinton is not just as open, saying at the first presidential debate “I will release my tax returns against my lawyers wishes, when she releases her 33,000 deleted emails,” referring to the alleged emails that Clinton is accused of deleting from her private servers when she was Secretary of State.

Critics of Trump have thought the true reasoning behind Trump’s refusal to release his tax returns is that Trump could be hiding illegal activity or that he simply isn’t as wealthy as be claims to be. An article published

by Trump’s son Eric Trump has him on record saying “his father would be ‘foolish’ to release his returns.

The Trump campaign feels these taxes are a distraction; taking away from Trump’s

message and what he is looking to accomplish as president, and that it simply “doesn’t matter.”

On October 1st, the New York Times published an article claiming to have obtained Trump’s 1995 tax returns, which show that Trump declared a $916 million loss on his ’95 returns, which would allow him a tax deductible large enough to justify legally not paying federal income taxes for up to 18 years.

The 1995 records reveal the tax benefits Trump received as a result of the financial collapse left behind in the early 90s through the failure of three Atlantic City casinos, his poor purchase of the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan, and his failed attempt to dig into the airline business with Trump Shuttle. Given a $916 million loss, this would have been large enough to disparage more than $50 million a year in taxable income in the span of 18 years. The Times article quotes Joel Rosenfeld, an assistant professor at New York University’s Schack Institute of Real Estate by saying “He has a vast benefit from his destruction.”

The Trump campaign responded, saying, “Mr. Trump is a highly-skilled businessman who has a fiduciary responsibility to his business, his family and his employees to pay no more tax than legally required,” continuing to say, “Mr. Trump has paid hundreds of millions of dollars in property taxes, sales and excise taxes, real estate taxes, city taxes, state taxes, employee taxes and federal taxes,” and concludes with ‘Mr. Trump knows the tax code far better than anyone who has ever run for President and he is the only one that knows how to fix it.”

At the second presidential debate, Mr. Trump capitalized on his campaign’s response, coming the closest he ever has to making a revelation about his taxes.

Moderator Anderson Cooper asked Trump, “Did you use the loss to avoid paying personal federal income taxes?”

To which Trump responded, “Of course I do. Of course I do.” For the rest of the debate Trump tried to divert

the attention off his record; throwing digs at Clinton for her ties to Wall Street and reminding the audience that nobody knows more about the tax code than himself.

There is now a bitter fight between the New York Times and the Trump campaign over the publication of the records over how these records were obtained. This revelation seems to have little effect on the voting public who already support him, and comes as no surprise to those who oppose him.

Chris Furcick, junior at Pace University believes, “It doesn’t really matter. I’m not a supporter, and it doesn’t surprise me one bit.”

He says, “I think if his words over the past year haven’t made a difference to those who do support or think of supporting him, his tax returns won’t either.”

Everybodylovessammy.

Prison strike calls attention to modern day slavery Dexter john scott News Intern Sept. 9, 2016 marked the beginning of the largest prison strike in the history of the United States. It began in a few prisons in Alabama and Texas, but has since spread to more than 40 American prisons. Despite the magnitude of the strike, the mainstream media, only interested in Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton trading barbs, has mostly ignored it, with the inmate’s efforts only reaching small levels of publications.

Their efforts must be acknowledged, so that their strike may be taken seriously.

The prisoners used smuggled cellphones and social media to communicate amongst each other.

Communing for months led to their decision to start the strike on the 45th anniversary of the Attica prison uprising.

Their horrible living and working conditions reinforced their determination.

It is well known that prisoners live in fear of sexual and physical assault from fellow inmates, and even prison guards.

However, they are also used as cheap or free labor for the private companies that own prisons, and contract their manufacturing to state prisons. Companies like Wal-Mart, TCI Manufacturing, and many other use inmates for that labor.

It is very lucrative for both the prisons and companies, but not the prisoners.

According to The Root, approximately 38 percent of the United States’ prisoners work for little to no pay. Some opt out for incentive programs, such as good time release or time off for good behavior. With that, an inmate is offered a few days off his sentence as a credit for every shift he works.

That appears beneficial, but after racking up a large percentage of credits, a problem reveals itself to inmates. The problem is that some parole boards do not honor these credits because they are not required to, which is not explained to most prisoners.

In Texas, a prisoner by the name of Comrade Keith ‘Malik’ Washington, Comrade Malik for short, is one of the leaders of the Texas strike and has recently been thrown in solitary confinement.

He has an explanation on his website, comrademalik.com, for why these credits are not being honored. He writes, “Comrades we have been lied to and tricked. The oppressors who sit on the Texas Board of Criminal Justice have attached a numeric monetary value to prisoners, and so has the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, there is no way they will ever honor these bullshit credits and release us.”

He vehemently implies the prison system stands to make more money off

a prisoner that chooses to work, rather than a prisoner that is forced to work.

Some people look at that as prison slavery. Most of those people work in groups like the Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee, a pseudo-union for the incarcerated workers. They fight for the inmates to be recognized as legitimate employees, and helped to organize the strike. I spoke with the Media Co-chair of the IWOC, Azzurra Crispino, about what the prisoners hope to accomplish.

On that list, is the end of prison slavery, minimum wage for prisoners, an end to long-term solitary confinement, appropriate health care, and for Good Time release to be honored. She went on to further explain their end goal. “We’re not to just trying to make things better for prisoners. We don’t just want bigger cages and longer leases, we want an end to prisons, period.” That may sound like an impossible task, but when you compare how prisons are sold to us to the reality of them, one can see how they are obsolete.

When I was child, I was told that prison is a place of rehabilitation, that criminals were put there so they could learn to be a contributing member of society. I am sure most people were taught to believe in the prison system and the wonders it does. As a child, I imagined

how they worked, cartoonish images of prison would often run through my mind. Images of murderers and thieves going in the front door and coming out the back as honest, hard-working citizens, as if they were on an assembly line. But my naiveté was quickly destroyed by the reality of prison life. That reality of prison is that rehabilitation does not happen. It has proven to be a place where humanity is erased and a number is written in.

As an African-American and Latino male, the truths of prison were quickly explained to me. You see, I grew up in a poor neighborhood. Every day, I saw African-American and Latino men and women thrown into the back of police cars for all manner of things. Drug possession, gun charges, and robbery may sound like they are worthy of hard time, but most of these crimes are done out of necessity, or youthful ignorance. That is what most inmates who are involved in the strike are. People who made the wrong decision when they thought it was their only option.

People whose backs were against the wall because of the system and society they live in. People whose voices are being stifled by corporations that benefit off their free labor.

The companies that run these prisons would like for us to forget the most important aspect of this strike: Prisoners are People.

As President Obama reaches the end of his eight year term in office, his actions and comments during this time are put under the microscope. The President recently vetoed a bill passed unanimously by the House and the Senate to allow families of 9/11 victims to sue the Saudi Arabian government for the September 11th terrorist attacks. The government is allegedly involved in helping at least some of the 19 hijackers carry out the attacks on September 11th.

This veto was overturned by Congress.

Obama acting in favor of the Saudi people is a shift from the not-so-great relationship he’s had in the past with the Middle Eastern country. Some see his views to be changing as it comes time to pass the torch.

Merely the fact that President Obama and Saudi Arabia are on the same side of this argument against Congress, is a sign that Obama’s actions favoring Riyadh shows a major change from his past eight years in office. There are a number of factors contributing to the tense relationship between the two. Obama has made it clear in the past that he doesn’t believe the country is doing enough in the fight against ISIS. He is also disapproving of the country’s

loved ones?”

Despite the Saudi people’s great efforts to stop it, Congress overturned Obama’s veto to defend Saudi Arabia from international lawsuits on Wednesday. Although Riyadh has repeatedly denied any government role in the attacks, Congress went through with the bill as a result of great pressure from the victim’s families. Obama has since criticized Congress for their decision to overturn the veto, calling it a “political vote.” Obama saw Congress’ decision as a way for them to please voters before an election, without thinking of the legal consequences it could cause internationally for the American people.

Officials say Obama’s concerns are not only for Saudi Arabia. Obama’s veto, known as the Justice Against Sponsors For Terrorism Act, is the 12th veto of his eight year presidency. In his message to Congress, Obama said the bill “undermines core US interests.” He fears that this bill will strongly go against the principle of sovereign immunity. Sovereign Immunity is what prevents US citizens from being able to sue foreign governments. If this concept is contradicted by the new bill, it creates a grey area and could allow countless legal issues for the

I don’t believe suing Saudi Arabia is a way of attaining justice for the victims of 9/11. Al Qaeda was the terrorist group responsible for this tragedy, not the country itself.

-cora thomas

University freshman english Major support for jihadist rebel movements.

In addition, Saudi Arabia’s low oil prices have not only hurt their economy, but the world as a whole, contributing to the harsh relations. One of the more prominent issues resulting in a strained alliance is the Iranian nuclear deal. Bringing the US closer to one of Saudi Arabia’s rivals is clearly not great for maintaining close ties. On the other hand, many Saudis see President Obama as naive and weak in his attempts (or lack of attempts) in their view to calm the war in Syria.

Many Americans took offense to President Obama’s veto to allow families to sue Saudi Arabia. Chief Republican sponsor of the bill Senator John Cornyn said “How can anyone look at the families in the eye and tell them that they shouldn’t have the opportunity to seek justice against a foreign government responsible for the death of their

American people going up against outrageously powerful foreign governments. In other words, this could snowball into potential lawsuits abroad for Americans and putting businesses in great danger.

When asked about the controversial legislation, the University students had a lot to say. Freshman English major Cora Thomas said “I don’t believe suing Saudi Arabia is a way of attaining justice for the victims of 9/11. Al Qaeda was the terrorist group responsible for this tragedy, not the country itself. It’s tragic that these families have nothing to turn to, but I don’t think that suing Saudi Arabia is the right way to go about it.” The many risks outweigh the benefits.” The country will see if this bill truly brings justice to families affectewd by 9/11, or if the complication of international lawsuits brings detrimental effects.

Let them bee christian halsteaD Contributor

ia

carlY bivona Contributor

5

ed

Bill passes allowing US families to sue Saudi Arabia

www.thepacepress.org

i ik W

m

NEWS

October 20, 2016

Seven species of bees were added to the endangeredspecies list by the US Fish & Wildlife Service on Friday, October 7th. This marks the first time ever that bee populations have been officially recognized as endangered in the United States.

In May 2016, the United States Department of Agriculture reported that honey bees contribute roughly $15 billion a year to the United States economy. This can be accounted for mostly because they pollinate key crops such as fruits and vegetables. According to a UN report published last February, 75 percent of food crops globally depend on pollinators such as butterflies and, most prominently, bees.

While honey bees are essential to the global food supply, wild bees are essential to the global ecosystem. Wild nuts, seeds, and fruit pollinated by bees sustain countless animal populations, ranging from grizzly bears to song birds. Bees maintain their natural habitats more than any animal.

Bees recently added to the endangered species list are part of the Hylaeus genus, a group of wild pollinator bees known for their wasp-like appearance and yellow-to-white facial markings. Although they exclusively exist on Hawaii, their endangerment is part of a much larger pattern of declining bee populations all throughout the world.

Between April 2015 and April 2016, beekeepers in the United States lost over 40 percent of their overall bees.

Globally, “about 40 percent of invertebrate pollinator species, such as bees and butterflies, are facing extinction,” according to a UN report.

Environmental scientists cite the overuse of pesticides and the destruction of bee habitats as key reasons for their decline.

According to experts the Hylaeus bees’ are dying due to their prolonged exposure to toxins like neonics along with the recent urban development in Hawaii which has affected their habitats. The introduction of invasive wildlife and plant species and climate change have all played roles as well.

Spokesman Matthew Shepherd of the Xerces Society, an organization which has advocated for the preservation of Hylaeus bees’ for over 10 years, feels that the recent endangered-species designation is, “excellent news for these bees.”

Now that they’re considered endangered, the Hylaeus bee will undergo a federally funded recovery program.

Pesticides and habitat destruction still continue globally.

Considering the urgent and imperative nature of the issue at hand, the United States and world as a whole will have to do a lot more going forward to make sure bee populations are maintained.

6 www.thepacepress.org

THE PACE PRESS

October 20, 2016

OPINION AND EDITORIALS

eDitorial boarD Maximilliano onofre Editor chase ballas Executive Editor sarah hartzell Executive Editor jessica Kovac News Editor asia letlow Arts Editor Katrina alonso Features Editor adam Manfredi Graphic Design traci thomas Social Media amoreena crispino Editorial Assistant Dr. stephanie hsu Faculty Consultant 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. 906 New York, NY 10038 www.thepacepress.org editor@thepacepress.org Copyright 2016

Women’s right to vote comes under fire traci ann thoMas Associate Editor As the Presidential election draws ever closer, the country has drawn multiple lines in the sand, making their true colors more vibrant and their words of opinion more vivid with each new headline.

With the recent exposure of Republican nominee Donald Trump’s commentary during an interview in 2005 with thenAccess Hollywood correspondent, Billy Bush, voters have continued to show their passion and sentiments, including the female population; both from the liberal and conservative parties.

Trump’s name and reputation has begun to receive the “Bill Cosby treatment” from the liberal community, including several more women recently coming out to accuse the nominee of sexual assault. While those handful of women have received lukewarm treatment from the general public for telling their experiences with Trump years after the fact, a controversial subject found a short-lived trend on the conservative side of social media. #Repealthe19th started shortly after Trump’s son, Eric, posted one of two statistical maps of the United States, which were originally shared by Statistician Nate Silver. Eric Trump chose to post only one of the

maps, advocating that his father would have a landslide victory if the female population were not allowed to vote.

This hypothetical information led to hundreds of Twitter users supporting this statistic using the hashtag, leading to polarizing debates; only three years short of the centennial anniversary of the onset ratification of the 19th Amendment.

There has even been a slew of female conservative members adamant in fortifying their support to give their vote for Trump on the 8th…OR give up their right to vote along with all women. Many images of women wearing attire, with text supposedly complying with the idea of Trump performing actions to them comparable to the words he was exposed for saying in the 2005 recording with Bush. These images, these arguments, this polarization of the subject of sexual assault being undermined for the sake of political affiliation is mindboggling and socially detrimental. #Repealthe19th reverberates the course ambition of Americans who want to not only get Trump in the Oval Office, but to keep their prime example of corrupt government from being Commander-in-Chief

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.

October 20, 2016

www.thepacepress.org

7

ARTS

PPA opens season with “Xanadu” production KelseY nicholson Features Intern This October, the cult classic film-turned-musical “Xanadu” performed by Pace Performing Arts premiered at Schaeberle Studio Theatre. The show boasts a nostalgic trip back to the 1980s roller-disco scene. The University’s production had a run of thirteen performances from Oct. 5th through the 15th at the theater located on the 10th floor of 41 Park Row. The musical is based on a cult classic film of the same name starring Olivia Newton-John. The plot revolves around Sonny, a struggling artist looking for inspiration, and Clio, one of the nine Grecian muses who decides to inspire Sonny and consequently falls in love with him. In the role of Clio/Kira, who was played by Newton-John in the movie, is University senior Bettina Bresnan, who is part of the Musical Theater program.

In the role of Sonny is University student David Park, who is currently pursuing his BFA in Musical Theater. Assistant Stage Manager and University student Laura Zamsky said on the experience, “Xanadu was definitely a fun show to work on. As a stage manager you have to organize all the technical elements of a show. The fact that we were organizing things like glitter, snake bras, and roller skates made the experience unforgettable.”

Needless to say, the show is a spectacle that warrants viewing. Freshman University student and crewmember Sophia Carlin described the show’s atmosphere during production; “[There is] high energy on stage and off. Adrenaline is constantly running in this quintessential 1980s show that plays with clichés.” Of her experiences working on the show, Carlin responded, “It inspires us to remember the power of leg warmers, a good synthesizer, and lots of glitter.”

And lots of glitter there was; the makeup for the show boasted bold colors, complete with essential 1980s makeup trends bedecking the stage. Even the costumes were covered in neon colors and completed with 80s staples such as tube socks and huge hair bows.

While the movie was originally a box office flop, the soundtrack was well received; this is what sparked the idea for the musical. The musical also ran on Broadway, beginning previews on May 23, 2007. The show opened on July 10, 2007, 27 years after the original film was released.

It ran for a total of 513 performances, eventually closing on Sept. 28, 2008.

The musical was directed by JV Mercanti, choreographed by Sean McKnight, and musically directed by Rodney Bush. Other crewmembers included Grace Lee, Charlotte McPherson, Samantha Seaman, Samuel Mainzer, Caspin Jones, Stephen Stanec, David Wayne, Fernando Moya, and Alyssa Kakis. Mercanti is a professional director, teacher, and casting director. He graduated with a BA from NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Studies, and an MFA in Directing from Rutgers University. He published two performance guidebooks in 2013 and 2014, titled “IN PERFORMANCE: Contemporary Monologues Late Teens

Mark Wyville Photography - 20s,” and “IN PERFORMANCE: late 20s - 30s,” respectively. He has been the casting director for shows such as “Romeo & Juliet,” “Grease,” and “Cyrano de Bergerac.” Currently, Mercanti is the head of the Musical Theater Program at the University and is the artistic director for Apothecary Theatre Company in Brooklyn.

Upcoming shows for the fall mainstage season through the Pace School of Performing Arts include “An Octoroon” from Oct. 26 through Nov. 5; “Eurydice, “ from Nov. 16 through Nov. 20 in the Schaeberle Studio Theater; and “Jesus Christ Superstar “ from Nov. 16 through Nov. 20 at the Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts. Tickets for “An Octaroon” and “Eurydice” are available online, and tickets for “Jesus Christ Superstar” will go on sale soon.

“Cock” raises questions about identity jaMie saUnDers Contributor The Pace Sketch Comedy Group staged Mike Bartlett’s “Cock” from Oct. 8th to 9th. This was the first full-length production presented by the student organization. Bartlett’s “Cock” is an intriguing piece about a young man’s exploration of his sexuality and how he maneuvers his feelings for both a man and a woman. Joe Reault’s direction of the piece was relevant and relatable, presenting us with refreshingly comedic characters.

Our protagonist, John, played by Josh Call, was quite the epitome of the indecisive millennial. Josh’s nuanced and skillful understanding of his role lent itself to a beautifully honest portrayal of John. John’s male lover, “M” is a bundle of energy. Sophomore Jameson Lowenstein successfully portrayed “M” in his fearless pursuit of our dear protagonist. Lowenstein proved to be

a crowd favorite with his dynamic range of emotions, running the gamut from blistering anger to delicately sensitive and back again. “ Soon after we meet “W,” portrayed by Laurel McGoff. She is John’s female love interest, as he goes through a rough patch with “M”. McGoff immediately entices the audience with both a sexy and silly stage presence. As the story between her and John unfolds before the audience, McGoff effortlessly rolls her dialogue with a quick paced charm and musical accent.

Aside from the too-frequent scene changes that seemed lengthy, there were several scenes that played along quite nicely. For example, from the entrance of the fourth and final character, M’s father F kept the plot at a balanced pace. “F,” portrayed by Alec Kirazian, finally incites the fire needed for all hell to break loose at the

dinner table, sending out three lovers into a chaotic and emotional spiral. Kirazian proved to be most impressive in his technique and training, possessing a mature and relaxed nature onstage.

Reault’s clever direction and choice of material provided the University community with a load of laughs and a solid opportunity for self-reflection. This play encouraged us to question not only who and what we are, but also why we are what we are. These themes of identity, love, sexuality, and gender are extremely prevalent in today’s society. The theatre serves as a vehicle that can offer a safe place for us to question how we define these terms. Through the ups and downs that come with the territory of deciphering one’s own identity, the audience walked away from the show with a bit more to wonder about than just sex.

8 www.thepacepress.org

ARTS

October 20, 2016

#BlackFilmsMatter

Black films still in shackles despite overdue representation in media

Shadow and Act alvaro gamboa Staff Writer Black actors on screen. Black directors behind the camera. Black writers at the table. They are all important so Hollywood can reform its #OscarsSoWhite past and accurately represent the lives of Black people. This has been a troublesome task in the past, to say the least. With the general population shouting ‘Black Lives Matter’ every chance they get, the issue has people thinking representation of black lives on the big screen may matter, too.

There has been a recent influx of Black representation both in front of and behind the camera. In recent years, we have seen Black-centered movies be given high praise, such as “12 Years a Slave” earning over $180 million in box offices worldwide and an Oscar for Best Film and Best Supporting Actress, Lupita Nyong’o. “Queen of Katwe,” directed by Mira Nair, is a 2016 film with a predominantly black cast that has many activists happy to see positive representation of African people on screen. “Katwe” is the story of Phiona, a 10-year-old African girl living in the slums of Uganda. She becomes a grand master at chess.

In the process, she deals with poverty in Africa, racism, classism, apartheid, alongside problems arising from the success and fame she accrues along the way. When asked about “Queen of Katwe,” University senior Nnonyem Sappleton responded, “It’s great! [It is] such a positive movie that shows African women can be smarter than boys in chess. I love it!” Black representation is not solely limited to historical accounts—many narratives such as comedian and actor Jordan Peele’s delve into other genres.

Peele’s “Get Out” is set be released in 2017. The trailer certainly has everyone’s attention and has fans of “Key & Peele” waiting anxiously for Peele’s next great endeavor. The movie follows an interracial couple and the strange happenings when the black boyfriend visits the white girlfriend’s suburban family for the weekend. “Think of it as ‘Guess Who’s Coming Home to Dinner’ meets ‘Insidious’”, University senior Ricardo Torres speculated.

“I’m a huge fan of ‘Key & Peele’ so it’ll be hard for me to take him seriously. Honestly, I was cracking up throughout the whole trailer. I’m really hoping that the opening shot of the movie is black screen and the words ‘Based on several decades of true stories’,” Torres stated further. Movie fans will have to wait patiently to see if the Black guy dies in this horror movie, a common trope and stigma for Black people in horror movies. With Jordan Peele behind the lens, it might be the breath of fresh air in the Horror genre that Black horror fans have been yearning for.

The recent release of Nate Parker’s “The Birth of a Nation,” tells the story of the Nat Turner Rebellion in 1831. The movie has drawn critical acclaim and negative backlash from many movie watchers. The title is inspired by the 1915 D.W. Griffith KKK Propaganda films “Birth of a Nation.” In an interview with Filmmaker magazine, Nate Parker spoke of its title and controversy.

“Griffith’s film relied heavily on racist propaganda to evoke fear and desperation as a tool to solidify white supremacy as the lifeblood of American sustenance,” he began. “Not only did this film motivate the massive resurgence of the terror group the Ku Klux Klan and the carnage exacted against people of African descent, it served as the foundation of the film industry we know today. I’ve reclaimed this title and re-purposed it as a tool to challenge racism and white supremacy in America, to inspire a riotous disposition toward any and all injustice in this country (and abroad) and to promote the kind of honest confrontation that will galvanize our society toward healing and sustained systemic change,” he concluded.

The rape of a woman is the center of the film’s negative criticism; it ignites the rebellion, which many are calling historically inaccurate. Nate Parker was accused and acquitted of rape when he was a student at Pennsylvania State University, which has led many women’s rights activists to boycott the film altogether. Rape as the central focus of a movie directed by a man once accused of it leaves many viewers skeptical when watching “The Birth of a Nation.”

Moviegoers and supporters are noticing “The Birth of a Nation” isn’t doing too well in the Box Office. Opening week sales ranked at $7.5 million, placing the film at #5.

Many have speculated the reason behind its misfortune could be the controversy surrounding Nate Parker. Activists posit the poor box office performance to white supremacy.

However, that wouldn’t explain why “Queen of Katwe” has been struggling in theaters, scrambling to make a mere $6 million when compared to the $15 million it cost to make the film. Is the poor performance to blame on marketing?

Marketing doesn’t seem a likely scapegoat, as both movies have tens of millions of dollars devoted to it. Could the lack of revenue be because of stars not being household names? Lupita Nyong’o and David Oyelowo are international stars who have appeal in several markets abroad, not just in America. “12 Years a Slave” is touted as a modern day classic, earning several hundred million dollars and awards for telling the stories of slaves. Movies depicting Black people as something other than slaves or revolting against slavery aren’t as favorable to the mainstream as a slave narrative would be.

Disproportionate accolades have fellow celebrities questioning the system. Radio personality Charlemagne Tha God posted on his Instagram account “Ain’t no money in the liberation, the money’s in the oppression. SMH” followed by a picture of “12 Years a Slave” and “The Birth of a Nation” side by side with the sales generated by both movies and the huge difference “12 Years a Slave” has over the other.

Who knows how these findings will make for Black Films with “Fences,” a film based on the play written by August Wilson starring Denzel Washington, Marvel’s “Black Panther,” “Hidden Figures,” a movie about the first Black NASA scientists, and “All Eyez On Me,” the Tupac Shakur biopic all set to be released in 2017.

The future is looking bright for Black Hollywood.

A strong emphasis on Black Films Matter leaves people questioning if the the film industry will ever stop being so white.

ARTS

October 20, 2016

www.thepacepress.org

9

Connecting cultures: Brooklyn museum exhibit caroline carDoso News Intern

Walking through the glass doors into the architectural structure of the Brooklyn Museum, an exhibit has claimed a home in the Great Hall. The innovative exhibit “Connecting Cultures: A World in Brooklyn” designed by Brooklyn Museum Chief Designer Matthew Yokobosky, first opened in 2012, takes a glance into the different cultures of people, places, and things.

Traditionally,museums organize their art pieces by era, design, artist, or location. Yokobosky took Brooklyn to a new level by taking all these categories and making one: a cultureconnecting exhibit. From BC to AD, Egypt to South America, paintings to ancient artifacts, and featured artists such as Gaston Lachaise and Nick Cave, Yokobosky applied these people, places, and things to one room filled with mixed culture and humanity. By doing so, the Brooklyn Museum’s designer provides viewers with the ability to compare these cultures and relate between different mediums and time periods.

Going against status quo and creating one anew, the collection reflects humanity and the creative culture our world and its people have offered us for millions of years.

Yokobosky uses the words “earth, wind, fire, water” and “mountains, oceans, and gardens” as the diverse unseen world presented in the “Connecting Places” section of the exhibit. Dreamland Roller Rink (2010), a painting of the Childs Building on Coney Island

by Taiwanese-American artist Jeff Chien-Hsing Liao is

presented in this collection. This is the introduction to Yokobosky’s idea of places influential on people and things.

The exhibit then leads into “Connecting People,” exploring humanity and imagination. Yokobosky describes this section as the “human image in the center of our worldview.” American artist William Merritt Chase’s painting, “Girl in a Japanese Costume” (1890) is presented in this section of the exhibit,

Pizzola saw the “Connecting People” section of the collection relevant to the city and even in his own life.

“Living in New York you see so many different people, cultures, and languages,” said Pizzola. “Seeing how people are connecting in this exhibit really shows how connected cultures truly are. We are all so different, but seeing all of this in one place really shows our cultures’ relationships.”

Yokobosky closes the exhibit at “Connecting Things” with man-made pieces representing daily life and self-definition in objects. Leaving the exhibit, a wall full of pitchers from around the world surrounds the viewers with an array of color, shapes, sizes, and creators. Here Yokobosky focuses on the basic form of things and how it defines their purpose. Each pitcher is a representation of a different culture, different purpose, and different materials, but certain similarities.

University Speech Pathology major Erica Kortland entered the exhibit with an open mind and left connecting all aspects of the cultures she say presented through art. “It’s amazing how much just a few things can connect millions of cultures in one place,” said Kortland. “I never thought a pitcher from one country could connect to a totally different place Caroline Cardoso and then to a painting from another era, or a sculpture by a separate artist. It is almost mind blowing.” bringing English and Japanese culture into one. The The Brooklyn Museum’s new collection, created “Japanese Taste” in the British Aesthetic Movement with great depth, allows the viewers to look into a whole of the 1870s and its American successor are expressed world of culture and innumerable variations that can in the portrait of a young woman dressed in a kimono. occur from three simple things: people, places, and things.

University Business Management major Blake

Adventures in book thrifting Skip the big box stores for the big city’s little book shops nathan siegel Contributor If you are like several book lovers, you are always looking for a new bookstore to add to your address book of places to pick up the ever-growing titles on your “toread” list. If that sounds like you, there is a store for you to check out-- grab a friend or two, maybe a coffee, and take a half-hour walk from the University through downtown Manhattan (you will pass the revered Black Tap burger joint and The Doughnut Project, a donut bakery that features bacon-flavored pastries) where you will find your new favorite under-the-radar and adorably named bookstore: Bookbook. Tucked into a small storefront on the artsy and eclectic Bleeker street, Bookbook may look small, but every inch of the store is jam-packed with books at jaw-dropping prices.

“I loved how small and intimate the store is,” said Lulu Daou, a freshman and avid reader at the University whose favorite books lie on the historical fiction shelf. Most of the store’s books are discounted; many sale books at 50% off and every hardcover is always 20% off. “There are so many books on sale,” University freshman Fernell Hogan commented. “Almost everything I want to read is under $10! It’s definitely a good place for a college student on a budget.”

Fernell’s comment rings true. In countless areas, chain bookstores are often the only bookstores people have access to, often with very little wiggle room for discounts and never with the opportunity to buy books used. In the city, independent bookstores are a fantastic option for college students whether it is because they want to save money or because the feeling of a worn-in bookshop is preferable

to a franchised establishment where every shelf of every store across the nation is identical.

Bookbook’s layout is both space-savvy and accessible. The store utilizes both shelf and table space to make the most room for books. Near the back of the store, stacks of books by author sit in front of the shelves, making it easy to find a new author to binge-read or find another book by an author you already know.

The Greenwich shop’s open storefront also create a marketplace-like atmosphere for shoppers, and adds to the feeling of the bookstore’s welcoming environment.

Bookbook’s interior may be compact, but they do not hesitate the make the most of the sidewalk. Passersby stop to quickly scan the tables packed to the brim outside; contrary to the usual bookstore, the bargain section includes dozens of bestsellers and well-known titles. Like many independent stores, Bookbook succeeds in making it easy to access hits like “The Girl on the Train” without shelling out twenty dollars for a paperback. In fact, many of its titles feature little yellow stickers that price them at around eight dollars, usually half of the cover price.

For most college students, getting a library card to the New York Public Library and having to find time in their busy schedules to return books in a timely manner seems like more of a pain than a convenience. “Indie” bookstores often feature such good deals that it is within student budgets to buy two books (usually for the price of one at a chain bookstore) and not have to worry about making returns.

Customers who have ventured inside make the most of their time with more than one book in hand- when the prices are as low as Bookbook’s it is impossible to leave without making a few purchases.

Next time there is a book you are dying to read, Bookbook is the independently-

ARTS

10 www.thepacepress.org

October 20, 2016

Review: “The Girl on the Train” nathan siegel Contributor The fascination with dangerous women has flooded theaters and bookshelves over the last year.

In 2012, “Gone Girl”, the story of Nick Dunne and his missing wife Amy, flew off the shelves and had readers on the edge of their seats. In 2014, its film adaptation directed by Fight Club director David Fincher was a box-office success and a Golden Globe nominee. Following in Amy Dunne’s perilous footsteps is Rachel, the alcoholic narrator of Paula Hawkins’ “The Girl on the Train” whose destructive behavior involving her ex-husband proves to be just as unreliable as Amy’s. The film, which was released On Oct. 7th, is a cinematic and well developed recreation of Hawkins’ sensational thriller. Emily Blunt’s Rachel is an alcoholic who spends her mornings riding the train to Manhattan with a flask mourning her failed marriage to her exhusband Tom. Each morning, she sees a woman, Meghan, outside the train window and envies her perfect life with her husband. When she sees Meghan in the arms of another man on the porch one morning, her world is turned upside down.

For Meghan, the film’s second narrator, life is less perfect than it appears from the train window.

Her dark past haunts her, and her job as a nanny for her neighbors, the Watsons, is less than thrilling.

Next door, Anna and her husband Tom, Rachel’s estranged ex-husband, live a seemingly ideal

suburban life with their baby. Every night, though, Rachel’s drunken phone calls to Tom and unexpected arrivals in their yard crack their perfect facade.

If this plotline sounds confusing that is because it most certainly is. It only gets more complicated when Meghan goes missing. Rachel, dedicated to watching glimpses of Megan’s life from the train, becomes obsessed with her disappearance.

In an attempt to save the portrait of Meghan and her perfect relationship she watches every day, Rachel investigates the disappearance. Rachel was at a bar the night of Meghan’s disappearance, though, and she quickly goes from being a witness to being a prime suspect in her disappearance.

There’s no denying that the cast of characters in “The Girl on the Train” in conjunction with its convoluted plotline, is dizzying. With careful attention, though, the story is a wild ride of varying narrators interspersed with flashbacks to Rachel’s previous marriage to Tom and the fateful night Meghan disappeared.

Emily Blunt, best known for her roles in The Devil Wears Prada and Into the Woods will soon be recognized mainly for her role as Rachel in The Girl on the Train. From the beginning minutes of the film, as Rachel drunkenly sits in her usual train car, she captures the audience’s attention immediately.

Blunt’s performance is not necessarily exciting or electrifying, but her portrayal of an alcoholic unreliable protagonist sets the tone of the entire filmdark, secretive, and intriguing. Although the film’s

ComingSoon.net format can be confusing at times, fans of Hawkins’ novel and newcomers seeking a thrilling, well-acted film will leave the theater breathless.

“Luke Cage,” a culturally-conscious comic jUstin KnoePfel Features Intern Marvel Entertainment, in collaboration with Netflix, has put out a consistently great array of shows existing within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, starting with the acclaimed dark and foreboding “Daredevil.” In addition to the equally acclaimed hyper-violent Jessica Jones, Netflix and Marvel have proven themselves to be a viable source for powerful, faithful, stylish and wellcrafted comic book adaptations—this is not the fun and fluff of “The Avengers.” With their new addition to what will ultimately make up the superhero team of “The Defenders,” “Luke Cage” boasts what Netflix excels at in the Marvel universe, while adding the importance of social relevance into the mix.

A thirteen-episode series, “Luke Cage” is highly suitable for our current social and cultural climate.

As it is essentially a modern ‘70s blaxploitation film Luke Cage prides itself in the cultural influence it takes from. Taking place in Harlem, the setting of the show is a character itself. Much of the series is a discussion of keeping culture and heritage alive. Luke Cage is a superhero for Harlem—not the New York City of Spider-Man and the Avengers, but for Harlem. The series prides itself on this fact. The idea of pride and strength is only amplified by the highly effective cast with Mike Colter playing a version of Luke Cage who has grown since his comic introduction in the 1970s. As a Luke Cage who respects people, and expects respect in return, Colter plays a character whose purpose comes from using his abilities to improve life for others and from being a hero his community can rally behind.

Colter plays the character with dignity and poise while giving the audience much room for thrills and moments of pure action. Simone Cook as the detective Misty Knight portrays a character who has grown from her comic roots being a powerful and layered woman who wants to bring justice to the people. Mahershala Ali plays the villain Cornell Cottonmouth. While being another despicable, morally corrupt villain to add to the increasingly great Marvel/Netflix rogues gallery with qualities that give insight into his history and motives.

Music is a driving point to the success of “Luke Cage.” Music is used not only to supply a retro backdrop to the actions on screen, but also to allow for deeper meaning of culture to abound throughout an already culturally-flourished show. Each episode is titled after songs by Gang Starr (the highly influential early hip hop group). Show runner Cheo Coker has stated that the presence of hip hop culture and music choices is what gives Luke Cage its edge. “The show is what I call inclusively black. It’s an unadulterated hip hop show.

But it’s done in such a way where anyone from outside the culture... can play against anything on television,” Coker mused.

Keeping with the style and influence of the ‘70s exploitation films, Luke Cage represents its influences with respect and legitimacy. The show is able to combine elements of action, hip hop and comic book sensibilities while reinventing it for our time. The films of the ‘70s, always had a spark of social satire and cultural critique. In the ‘70s some may have seen it as tongue-in-cheek; in 2016 the criticism is awakening. “Luke Cage” is a bulletproof black man in a hoodie.

This one line adequately describes the impact and resonance “Luke Cage” has on its audience. It is a show of style and substance.

Race elevates “Luke Cage” beyond other superhero or comic book properties in that it has much to say in the realm of culture, heritage, and pride.

Honestly, it is just a good show; it is a well crafted series with or without the social stance, but such stance only makes it stronger.

Netflix

October 20, 2016

ARTS

www.thepacepress.org 11

Justin Timberlake releases tour documentary 20/20 Experience of two-year tour becomes accessible to fans memorable solo Timberlake hits with the obvious exception of *NSYNC songs. They included “Rock Your Body” and “Cry Me a River” from his debut solo album, “Holy Grail” from his feature in Jay Z’s album, and the unforgettable “SexyBack.” Timberlake also added his own rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature” and Bell Biv DeVoe’s “Poison.” Timberlake made renditions with his own songs such as an acoustic arrangement of “What Goes Around… Comes Around” and a disco version of “Take Back the Night.”These serve to highlight the singer’s musical talent and experimentation.

The tour followed the Space Age theme in accordance with the album; it included mesmerizing

The Canadian Press

visuals of spaceships and cabarets that enhanced The Tennessee Kids’ music and Timberlake’s performances that displayed Timberlake as a “James Bond of pop or a On Friday, Sept. 9th, Netflix released a teaser and zeitgeist Sinatra,” according to The Independent. Whether movie poster of Justin Timberlake’s 20/20 Experience it is jazz, pop, or even country music, Timberlake proves Tour. The concert documentary became available on his versatility and ease in blending each genre together in Oct. 12. The short 52-second teaser that preceded it a two-hour concert performance. The audience is no doubt highlights the achievements of Timberlake’s tour: amazed and captivated by the entertainer’s talents. One can traveling to 134 cities and performing for 1.9 million only muse how far Timberlake can maximize his potential. fans within the span of two years. Even with the massive University student Isabella Vasquez who attended number of international concert-goers, the singer’s the tour in 2014 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, shared focus remained on the audience who motivated him for that her experience was “THE 20/20 experience.” all 134 shows and shaped him as the entertainer he is Although she wasn’t front and center as all concertgoers today. “When you’re up there, look to your right, look dream to be seated, she still had the time of her life, to your left. That’s who this show is for,” he stated. stating, “You could sense his presence whether or not Although the tour was originally titled there was a giant screen broadcasting his face. His “The 20/20 Experience World Tour,” the Netflix music really spoke levels no matter who you were documentary is titled “Justin Timberlake and and his stage presence was really commanding yet The Tennessee Kids,” a simple title that focuses welcoming. If you weren’t a fan at that time he made on the tour’s band, main performer, and director. sure that you became one by the end of the night.”

The 20/20 Experience World Tour began on Nov. Another University student, Jennie Kim, expressed her 6, 2013 in New York City and concluded in Las Vegas anticipation for the upcoming Netflix documentary; at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Jan. 2, 2015. The she wasn’t able to attend any of his concerts. “I’m film focuses on the last show of the two-year world tour. lucky enough to live in the era of Netflix and watch While numerous tours coincided with Timberlake’s, his an entire concert online for a low price; [it is] great attained much acclaim from critics and achievements for those who couldn’t afford it or attend like me. I based on his presence alone. The tour grossed $231.6 think it will also give him more exposure for those million from 134 shows worldwide and became the who don’t know him or [are] not as interested.” second highest-grossing tour of 2014--just second to “Justin Timberlake and The Tennessee Kids” One Direction’s “Where We Are” Tour, according to differs from other concert documentaries (Justin Billboard. Additionally, It is also one of the highestBieber, Katy Perry, and One Direction to name grossing tours of the decade next to The Rolling a few) that are usually featured in theaters such Stones, Madonna, Beyoncé, and other notable acts. as IMAX 3D. The film appears more musicWhile the tour promoted “The 20/20 Experience” focused and appeals to older audiences and “The 20/20 Experience -- 2 of 2” albums, the that grew up on Timberlake’s music, yet concert set list still managed to squeeze in other Timberlake having fun at the premiere of his Netflix documentary

Caroline jaime Contributor

FEATURES

12 www.thepacepress.org

October 20, 2016

Operation Peanut Butter: a charity mission christian halsteaD News Intern Operation Peanut Butter, a new club at freshman dorm 182 Broadway, has a simple aim: to give homeless people grilled cheese and peanut butter sandwiches, and to lift their spirits in the process.

One of the most surprising aspects of living in the city for many incoming

Christian Halstead

University freshmen has been the ubiquitous presence of homelessness in the area, especially considering the University is situated just blocks away from Wall Street.

Freshman students Robyn Wiley, Meg Venkatesh, and Deana Biagi refuse to stand idly by. Their club began as an idea, which was a culmination of Wiley, Venkatesh, and Biagi’s identical feelings towards economic injustice.

“It was the experience of walking by [homeless people] and living so close to them, but feeling so far,” said Wiley of what inspired her to give poverty the attention it deserves.

Wiley is no stranger to charity, this is what made this project come so naturally to her. “Whenever I used to come and visit New York City with my family, we would go out to eat and I would never finish my food. We would always get the leftovers to go and then walk around. Then I would make sure to slip that food to a homeless person,” she explained.

This practice began nearly five years ago for her, and despite her parents’ skepticism, Wiley never gave this up. In fact, she began making and carrying around peanut butter sandwiches for the sole purpose of giving them out to the homeless around the city.

Venkatesh noticed one day that Wiley was carrying a bag full of sandwiches while they were on their way to eat lunch, and this spurred the conversation that would bloom into the creation of Operation Peanut Butter.

Venkatesh had had experience with caring for the homeless while working with an organization in high school. Biagi

had an idea for a club which would give blankets and jackets to the homeless called Operation Cozy. Wiley had been giving out sandwiches to the homeless for years. Together, these women raised the resources to unite their fellow students in a cause that made a difference in the lives of the many homeless people in the area.

Since its inception, with the approval and help of SRA Alexia, Operation Peanut Butter has officially gotten off the ground as a club exclusive to 182 Broadway residents, but just for the time being.

Despite this limited access, the club now has 35 active members and has raked in a good deal of sandwich supply donations from many generous University students.

A new club member, University freshman and Broadway resident John Chin, expressed his excitement for the club.

“It shows how simple it is to help the ones around you, and how little things can go a long way,” said Chin.

These ambitious freshmen plan on having the club accessible to all Pace students and hope to eventually give out sandwiches to homeless people throughout all five boroughs. Working with local high schools is also one of their aspirations.

Starting October 7th, Operation Peanut Butter will be meeting every other Friday at 3:30 p.m. in the Screening Room on the fourth floor of 182 Broadway to make the sandwiches. Distribution times will be determined on a case by case basis. All 182 Broadway residents are encouraged to join.

Moffee: coffee re-imagined Monica colino Contributor College years are filled with scholarships, achievements, and the impressions you make on your peers. Though endless amounts of notecards and study guides show efforts of hard work, there is always one source behind every college student’s success: coffee.

Taken black or with cream, iced or hot, coffee is the driving force behind late-night study sessions and crossing the finish line of term paper due dates. Although the dining hall helps when you have time to spare and coffee shops are acceptable during their business hours, a coffee fix is almost always needed when in the library or in your dorm.

Created by a college student with other college students in mind, Moffee is a new iPhone app that brings coffee to wherever you are: your dorm room, friend’s apartment, school library, even your 7pm lecture class when you need an energy boost. Your favorite cup of coffee has never been more accessible in your greatest times of need.

Created by University senior Daniel Botero, Moffee is designed exclusively for University students. Because all deliveries are conducted by University students, orders can be sent directly to students. Straight to the door of your dorm, exactly where you are sitting in the library, or to your front row seat in the lecture hall, Moffee is making it possible to save every last minute to study without having to wait in a long line for a necessity.

Operating through the Moffee mobile application, which is easily downloadable through the App Store, customers can select and purchase a variety of gourmet coffee drinks and hand-crafted protein shakes from an extensive menu. Customers have the ability to choose the type of coffee, type of milk, the serving size, as well as any additional add-ons or special requests. Once the order is received, it will not cost you anymore than $3 to $5 to enjoy your customized drink. Using his entrepreneurial skills and vision for creating the solution to the college problem of the era, Botero brought to life a company that will forever change the way University students obtain and drink coffee.

In a discussion with Mr. Botero, he laid out the evolution of Moffee and the unique experience it brings to customers. “This year, Moffee is looking to create a new trend for how students and faculty get their coffee. Our mobile app provides a unique service that will increase productivity, reduce wait times, and leverage technology and innovation through a seamless business model. Moffee will eventually be used throughout university campuses across the U.S. We have perfected the delivery of quality coffee and espresso beverages right to your location with the click of a few buttons. Now that we have a proven business model in place, we are focused on marketing our product to make it the first option for all coffee and espresso lovers.”

There is no questioning that Moffee has taken on a life of its own and will

Seidenberg School News continue to grow as the strongest coffee business for college and university students. As the company progresses and the demand for caffeinated drinks rise, Botero is already planning the next phase of the company. “Our vision is to have a coffee shop for our employees where they can hangout and at the same time they will have an option to make money and gain real-world experience.”

A real-world experience of immediate gratification is exactly what Moffee is allowing for University students and faculty. A pure vision allowed for Botero to deliver a service unlike any other, changing the way students and faculty go about obtaining the caffeine that will help in their pursuit of success.

October 20, 2016

FEATURES

www.thepacepress.org 13

UCB Theatre

Laugh it out Being a student in New York City comes with plenty of perks that are pretty great. One of them happens to be that The Big Apple is the mecca of comedy. All comedians at some point in their career wish to make it to New York.

Why? Because, in the industry, the saying goes, “You go to LA to get famous. You go to New York to get good!”

That saying is as true now as it always has been.

There are dozens of opportunities to catch comedy shows every single day. As a University student, you may or may not know about these opportunities. They are all at your disposal and only a MetroCard swipe away.

Comedy shows take place exclusively at night, which is a great way to end the night after a stressful day of classes, deadlines and cramped elevators on campus. They make for great times to hang out with old friends, make new ones, or to take your sweetheart out on a date. Take notes, fill up your MetroCard, and get ready to go on an adventure for some laughs.

New York City is home to more comedy clubs than any other city in the world! Some of the best include The Stand, Gotham Comedy Club, Dangerfield’s Comedy Club, The People’s Improv Theatre, and The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, to name a few. The options are truly endless. All of these clubs have multiple shows Monday through Sunday with great talent, so you will never have to go a night without seeing a comedy show.

The shows at these clubs can either be stand-up comedy or improv comedy like the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, founded by Amy Poehler, which is home to great improv shows and even offers comedy classes. A majority of these clubs are 18+, so no worries if you are a freshman and want to know what is happening in the city.

Comedy clubs in New York City generally have a cover charge or ticket fee to enter into the clubs and a mandatory two-drink or -food order minimum once seated. Minimums mean that you are required to purchase that number of food items or drinks in order to watch the show. The charges can range anywhere from a show costing $20 in total to upwards of $100 for a single show.

The more expensive shows have been known to be worth the money since famous comedians who are household names have been known to pop up at a club unexpectedly and surprise the crowd with some new bits or punchlines that they want to work out in front of an audience. If someone famous is popping up at the show you attend, they have something good and new that they want to work on and you get the exclusive sneak peek at their jokes.

To stay thrifty and have some laughs at the same time,

check out www.freestandupnyc.com for all free standup comedy shows. University freshman Noah Toth, who is a student by day, and a stand up comedian by night, has the inside scoop on some great New York City finds. “One of my favorite shows is at The Stand every Monday at 10pm, called Frantic. It’s honestly so perfect because the host riffs on the crowd so perfectly, and the lineup switches every week but the quality of the show never drops and always leaves me wanting more! The best part about it is that it is completely free, with no cover charge to attend and no drink minimum, but the food and drinks are so good!” he raved.

The Stand has been lauded by both Timeout NY Magazine and New York Magazine as the “best comedy club in New York,” so it is clear why Toth is so fond of the place. Toth’s insider information can be attributed to his own experience doing stand-up comedy.

The University student noted that he will be doing shows at the Broadway Comedy Club on November 30th and December 10th, so look out for those shows and support your fellow Pace Setters.w Finally, if you are interested in improv, standup, or maybe just get a little bit anxious to get on

Lorraine Cink

alvaro gaMboa Staff Writer

stage, there are classes just for you! Some great places to take classes include Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, Laughing Buddha Comedy, The People’s Improv Theatre, and Comedy Cellar classes. Whenever the comedy bug bites you, there are definitely remedies in NYC for you.

This weekend, pick a show, grab your MetroCard and take a bite out of the Big Apple for a night of laughs!

FEATURES

14 www.thepacepress.org

October 20, 2016

Target’s new Tribeca store hits the bullseye KelseY nicholson Features Intern The dollar section of steals and deals. Chic home decor as far as the eye can see. A food court where there is buttery popcorn and pretzels to be had. A produce section, a toy section, red shirts and khakis galore. You know what this is about–everyone’s favorite grocery giant, Target.

Last week in Tribeca, a new two-level Target store opened up at 255 Greenwich St., boasting 45,000 square feet of retail space. The store officially opened on October 9th, 2016, but has been open to the public since Wednesday the 5th. This particular branch boasts what they call a “flexible format,” which is more suitable to urban residents and commuters than the typical expansive, suburban mom-friendly Targets that span the country. It is 40% smaller than stores you will find outside of the city, and also sells fewer bulk items. Instead of picking up a twelve-pack of paper towel rolls, which would be difficult to fit in a dorm room or a small apartment, this Target will sell items individually.

Inside of this Target are new additions besides the usual Café. There is a CVS Pharmacy on-site and a Target Mobile and Order Pickup station. The Order Pickup station is an effort on Target’s part to reach out to younger shoppers that typically order online, receiving their packages from FedEx or UPS instead of getting the full Target experience. In addition to these more modern Target additions, there is a unique Chobani Café: a yogurt bar where you can mix Chobani Greek yogurt with fresh fruit and granola of your choice. It will also serve Mediterranean cuisine, and have cold-brewed coffee and lattes on tap. It is certainly an effort to reach out to millennials, who may start heading to Target for their caffeine fix.

This will not be the only mini-Target of its kind, however. Of the 15 new stores Target plans to open this year, 14 of them will be smaller, more modern models. Opening also on Wednesday the 5th are Targets in Philadelphia, Cupertino, CA, and State College, PA. Now that these are all open, Target has a total of 27 smaller stores, as opposed to their

classic larger ones. Though the company seems to be gearing toward smaller, millennialfriendly stores, they are not done building large branches. The corporation plans to spend $1 billion to remodel and build new stores this year.

This past week, Target has been hosting many events in the area. In Bogardus Garden, Target offered free yoga classes taught by Kristin McGee, and gave out free yoga mats and bags as a gift for attending. Free Chobani Café creations were available at 142 Duane St. on October third, giving University students and residents of the area a chance to try out the food that Target will be selling. Finally, the day before its opening, Target offered free gloves at Silverstein Family Park. This level of community outreach surely was a successful plan to draw people to the new Target. When asked how she knew about the opening Target, University sophomore Allison O’Donoghue said, “I heard about Target from an article that was shared on Facebook, and from people at Pace.” A good portion of Target’s shoppers are sure to be University students, considering students get a 10% discount online, and can pick up their purchases in-store.

But why is Target such a popular store? Why do mothers seem to flock to them like moths to a flame? Kelly Dutertre, a freshman at the University, explains the reasons why she enjoys Target. “It’s a high-scale Walmart,” Dutertre said. “You can get anything you can think of.”

Frankly, there’s a science behind shopping at Target. Employees know how to lay out store displays in eye-catching ways that hold us captive for hours at a time. Target has everything, so you go to make a practical purchase, such as toothpaste or a pack of Post-Its, and you end up browsing the aisles for hours, adding new things to your cart.

Everything is on sale, and you can always dig up a coupon or two from your wallet or online. The music and designs lend themselves to a truly hedonic experience.

Batterypark.tv

Fortune.com

Eat plant-based at Pace KhiDra WeisMan Contributor It seems that vegans and vegetarians have found a safe haven here in New York, as there are a multitude of restaurants that cater to the fastest-growing dietary trend ever. There are countless delicious restaurants that are often only a few minutes away from the Financial District, like Chloe’s, Terri, Vlife, and Peace Foods; however, as delicious as these places are, they are not always an option for college students on a budget.

This becomes abundantly clear as you see your flex dollars dwindling down into the single digits after designing a vegan, gluten-free burger at Bareburger.

Cafe 101 can be a bit daunting to vegans and vegetarians, too, as most general cafeterias and buffets are.

Vegans and vegetarians do not generally have a positive experience finding the diverse types of foods we all crave, but here at the University, as one begins to dive in to the choices students are offered, you will be pleasantly surprised by the options the University carries. Cafe 101 has specific labels to help identify what ingredients certain food items contain. The One sushi bar has two vegan options, the cucumber avocado rolls and the black rice tofu rolls.

The Seaport Grill offer vegan nuggets, fries and two types of vegetarian burgers. The Blendit smoothie bar has delicious smoothies and juices you can design yourself, with alternative milks like coconut! Sono Latin cuisine offers a chipotle-style salad bowl and burritos you can design, with two types of beans, rice, and other salsas and vegetables, and don’t forget the pico de gallo.

Though the pasta itself is not vegan, the pasta section still offers vegetarian accommodations, where you can add vegetables like broccoli and mushrooms to round out your meal. There are also fruit cups, soy chocolate milk boxes, and a freezer filled with vegetarian, gluten free, and vegan frozen food, like the ‘vegan ginger chicken.’

On the amount of vegetarian food options, University freshman Sydney Korman commented, “I feel like there is a good amount, you can make it work for yourself.” When Korman wants a little more on a budget she goes to Trader Joe’s in Union Square, just a few stops on the R or 4, 5, and 6 subway lines. “Some staples I have are peanut butter, bananas and Lara bars. I like McDougall’s soups,” she recommends.

Let us also not forget of the classic diet of vegans and vegetarians, salads. Priscella Shek, a vegan freshman, pointed out that, in the Caf, “there are a lot of choices.

The salad bar is good. There are actually two of them.”

Some students also shop at the local farmer’s markets in Union Square to get some cheap vegetables from local farms. There are some restaurants that have cheap vegan or vegetarians meals. For example, Superiority Burger in the East Village on 1st and 9th Ave has a $6 vegan or vegetarian burger, which is known for winning the title of best burger in the world by GQ Magazine, even compared with actual meat burgers. “I love it,” Korman raved.

In Koreatown between 5th and Broadway on 32nd street, you can get a huge bowl of delicious spicy ramen noodles, which are totally vegan and a steal for $7. A very useful app for those who live the lifestyle is “Happy Cow,” available on the Apple App Store, which suggests places to eat with vegan and vegetarian options and can filter places by cuisine, price range, and distance.

It is also important to remember that there are also a lot of affordable snacks out there that are vegan, even though they are not sold exclusively at Whole Foods.

For example, Oreo cookies and Luna bars are plantbased snacks that everyone can enjoy, but a pack of each will not cost a pretty penny. There are many ways to eat responsibly without breaking the bank or violating your dietary lifestyle as a college student in New York City.

October 20, 2016

FEATURES

www.thepacepress.org 15

Hanna Morrisse

Enjoy a smorgasbord of food at Smorgasburg hanna Morrisse Contributor According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, a smorgasbord is a large mixture of many different things. Smorgasburg, however, is a popular tourist destination at South Street Seaport and Brooklyn Flea Market that serves over 10,000 visitors daily. A popular quote from The New York Times that is plastered on the walls of the Seaport venue calls Smorgasburg “the Woodstock of eating.” This food market is lush with options for all sorts of hungry foodies out there.

The smell of an extensive amount of food makes most people drool when entering this flea market and, because of its success, Smorgasburg had the ability to spread out around the New York area, bringing some taste and flavor to Seaport.

Smorgasburg at Seaport allows visitors to indulge in a little bit of Brooklyn. Your taste buds will be begging to try their fish tacos and their lobster rolls.

From mountains of home baked fries to stacks of sandwiches, Smorgasburg will satisfy an infinite amount of cravings. Smorgasburg at Seaport includes six notable vendors to choose from: Landhaus from Farm to Stand, Fletcher’s Brooklyn Barbeque, Home Frite, Red Hook Lobster Pound, Lumpia Shack, and El Tigre Fish Tacos. With the historical district of South Street Seaport playing host to these restaurants, guests are sure to have a great New York experience to go with a great lunch.

El Tigre Fish Tacos seemed to attract most of the customers at the Seaport location. With a large line, customers anticipated their tacos, and waited while the cooks fried their seafood. The walls of the small venue were covered in intricate decorations that were pleasing to the eye, and fit the overall aesthetic of the vendor. Any foodie with a craving for seafood would fit in perfectly.

If seeking more seafood, The Lobster Pound is directly next to El Tigre. The Lobster Pound, and its world famous lobster rolls, as stated on their posters, creates plates of Maine-style to Tuscanstyle seafood. Their cheese fries can’t be missed,

and their natural blueberry soda is a perfect pick for those with a sweet tooth; it is both affordable and delicious.

University student Mackenzie Merriman commented on her experience at Smorgasburg after enjoying her meal from The Red Hook Lobster Pound, “There are a lot of options, variety, and an overall down-to-earth atmosphere.”

Lumpia Shack and Fletcher’s Brooklyn Barbeque are top picks for those with a tolerance for spice. Lumpia Shack, inspired by Filipino cuisine, offers different kinds of meat skewers and spring rolls, and their house-made garlic chili will fry your taste buds. Vegans can indulge in this food as well; try their fresh tofu skewers on top of a rice, noodle, or salad base. Lumpia Shack is also peanut-free and has gluten free options.

Fletcher’s Brooklyn Barbeque captures a home-style barbeque setting while selling a variety of meats. If you are in search for a backyard barbeque feeling, Fletcher’s will meet your desire.

Home Frite, which satisfied guests at the Tommy Hilfiger Pier this past September, sells french fries that fulfill your cravings. The gluten-free and all-natural fries are paired with unconventional dipping sauces such as lemon garlic aioli, chipotle ranch, and curry ketchup.

Their hand cut basket costs $7, but holds more than enough to quench any hunger a foodie may have. Landhaus from Farm to Stand, a peanutfree vendor, sells all-natural meals and showcases many different salads and meats. The Grilled Maple Bacon Stick is a popular choice, and for vegans an all-natural vegan patty is available.

The down-to-earth atmosphere, satisfying food, and friendly people make Smorgasburg a remarkable place to visit. The venue is spacious, and the location is perfect for any University student who may have a last minute craving. The Brooklyn location made an astonishing indoor food venue that surpasses the look of a food

Hanna Morrisse

16 www.thepacepress.org

October 20, 2016

FEATURES

“Live from New York, It’s Saturday Night!”

The Real-Life “Saturday Night Live” Experience

Trending Topics Mexico hanna Morrisse Contributor On Saturday, October first, I chose to wait in a line that curled around the corner of 48th street to watch the most popular broadcast comedy show in television history.

Saturday Night Live is an NBC late night show that, for forty-two years, has featured famous actors, actresses, and comedians like Chevy Chase, Will Ferrell, Jimmy Fallon, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Seth Meyers. Saturday Night Live, or SNL, has earned an experienced position in the comedy industry. Watching SNL on broadcast television is the easiest way to view the performance. Historically, SNL has been significantly difficult to see live in the studio, which is located at Rockefeller Center. Because of the show’s popularity, people camp out for days at a time to get in line early enough to be given a ticket. The fact that the tickets to see it live are free only exacerbates the problem; no one says no to a free ticket, and many would kill for a free ticket to Saturday Night Live.

My abrupt decision to board the train and head to Rockefeller Center was made at two in the morning. The ride to Grand Central Station possessed a surprisingly vivid atmosphere. When I arrived at 48th street, the sidewalk was damp, and the temperature was cool enough to be comfortable in a coat and scarf. My small group and I felt like amateurs putting down one singular blanket, while others in line came prepared with full picnics, laptops, multiple umbrellas, folding chairs, and sleeping bags. The line started near the NBC News studio, one street over from 30 Rockefeller Center. Luckily, we arrived at a decent time, and could grab a spot closer to the beginning of the line (depending on the popularity of the host and musical guest, the attendance of people in the line varies.) Between the hours of three and seven thirty in the morning, we waited in line with all sorts of people; some had come from other parts of Manhattan, and others had travelled long distances to see SNL live. These tedious hours were filled with a few sprinkled showers, excitement, astonishment, new faces and fulfillment.

Fostering a true passion for SNL allows your time spent in line to seem brief.

At seven o’clock, the NBC assistants started writing down names of the guests that waited in line all night. They took down our names, looked at our IDs, and gave us a card stating what number we were in line. Before they handed us our free standby tickets (which are not guaranteed for entrance), we decided between attending the dress rehearsal or the live show. The live show can be difficult to obtain seats for because everyone wants to see that one live, and it runs for about two hours.

The dress rehearsal is notably longer, but the cast interacts with the audience, and the overall atmosphere is significantly more relaxed. At the dress rehearsal, the comedians get to test out their jokes on the audience and see which ones worked and which ones did not. When the assistant asked me which show I would like to attend, thirty people had already signed up for both the live show and the dress rehearsal. I chose the dress rehearsal to receive a stronger chance of being seated in the studio. The members of my group, and some of the friends we met along the way, did the same.

Audience members had to present themselves at seven o’clock that night, but arriving at six was less chaotic. They started sending people through security into the studio at seven exactly. We were strictly advised to shut electronics off, and told they could not be activated anywhere within the studio. A woman behind me, unfortunately, had a backpack

instead of a purse and could not enter the show because backpacks are not allowed inside the studio, but small purses and wallets are. After sending us through security, we were given bands that had Saturday Night Live printed all over them. We were then sent into an elevator to the ninth floor and seated on the balcony. Michael Che, a cast member and anchor on “The Weekend Update”, greeted us and announced that he was excited to be back for the 42nd season of Saturday Night Live. SNL was an overwhelming experience that combined talented performers and persistent fans. Watching Saturday Night Live is an amazing experience, and worth dedicating your Saturday to stand in a rewarding line.

BuzzFeed