October 22, 2015
Est. 1948
Volume 67 | Issue 3
the pace press
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CHRISTIAN GOMEZ Editor-in-Chief PAGE 11
INSIDE @thepacepress
NEWS
ARTS
FEATURES
Democrats square off in first presidental debate
“Inside the Actors Studio” welcomes Sarah Silverman Page 10
Rick and Morty come to an end for the season.
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NEWS
October 22, 2015
NASA begins to solve the mystery of Mars SARAH HARTZELL Arts Editor On Sept. 28, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration announced the discovery of flowing water on Mars, accompanied by photographs taken by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. NASA noticed that the dark streaks in the photos, called recurring slope lineae, only appeared in the warmer months, indicating that the water had melted and was in motion. The water is highly salinated, containing a mixture of chlorates and perchlorates, which allows it to stay liquid in Mars’ subzero atmosphere, at temperatures as low as -94o Fahrenheit. NASA had previously discovered frozen water at Mars’ poles, but had not confirmed the existence of liquid water. Scientists are not yet sure where the water comes from. Current hypothesizes are that it is coming from underground ice, salty aquifers, or condensation in Mars’ thin atmosphere. Because of its briny nature, it is unclear whether the water can sustain life, but the discovery is an important step in understanding whether Mars once had life or whether there could be life in the future. Nearly four billion years ago, Mars closely resembled Earth, having lakes, oceans, a warmer atmosphere, and a magnetic field. Now, nearly none of it remains. The discovery of water, however, gives rise to the hypothesis that organisms that were present in the previously hospitable environment could have clung for dear life to the newfound water, most likely deep underground. New research also shows sediment deposits in the Gale Crater, remnants of streams and lakes, that further evidences the possibility of life on Mars. Despite the magnitude of the discovery, scientists are wary of further exploration. Collecting samples for examination and testing seems the obvious next step, but there are number of obstacles that space agencies face. For one, the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 prevents any country from getting too close to a water source on another planet. NASA is eager to send the Curiosity rover, which is currently on Mars, to the site of the
water. But interacting with the water, even through rovers or probes, risks contaminating the environment. The introduction of Earthly microbes would irreparably alter the Martian environment, potentially affecting whatever ecosystem Mars might have, and certainly impeding the accurate study of Mars. The European Space Agency is currently planning a Mars trip, however, which could return samples from the water site. Set for 2018, the ExoMars mission would have to guarantee sterilization before going near the source so as not to contaminate it. While it is likely that the lack of atmosphere in outer space and the high levels of radiation on Mars would eliminate any airborne microbes and spores, it is also possible that the Martian dust could reduce the effectiveness of radiation in this respect and even increase the viability of microbes, according to the US National Academy of Sciences and the European Science Foundation. ExoMars, a joint venture of European and Russian space agencies, is intended to drill into the Martian soil to test for past or present life forms. The change in mission would require the sterility of the rover to be upgraded from IVb to IVc, the classification required to visit designated areas like those containing water. Such missions are planned years, if not decades, in advance and it is not likely that the scope of the mission will change with such short notice. These discoveries are surely monumental in their scientific impact, but the international attention they garner is perhaps even stronger. A lagging public interest in space programs has seemingly been reversed by the influx of new discoveries, aided by the recent Super Blood Moon and a near-continual release of hi-res photos of the farthest reaches of outer space. “I’m ecstatic about water on Mars,” says University freshman Mellison Arguson. “Finding water on Mars will hopefully accelerate space research in hopes of finding other signs of life.” With every passing day, it becomes less and less likely that we are alone in the universe and the Mars discovery is the closest we have come to finding our interplanetary counterparts.
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October 22, 2015
NEWS
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The Democrats roulette in Vegas The first Democratic presidental debate causes hits and misses
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NATALIE CAROLINA CONDRILLO Feautres Editor The first Democratic presidential debate, broadcasted by CNN and hosted by Anderson Cooper, took place in Las Vegas, Nevada, featuring the five hopeful presidential candidates: Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton, Lincoln Chafee, Martin O’Malley, and Jim Webb. It was obvious to viewers of the debate that the two leading Democratic candidates were given the most attention and asked the most questions, much to the chagrin of Webb, who made angry remarks towards Cooper over, “…standing here for 10 minutes.” Sanders and Clinton were asked extremely dense and complex questions about their agendas and what they believe in. Cooper was not afraid to pose difficult questions towards the candidates. He challenged Sander’s electability and socialist viewpoints, as well as asking Clinton why her opinions have changed so much overtime. Controversially, he debated Webb on his criticism on affirmative action, believing it is discriminatory against white people. Webb responded that he does not think poverty always has a “race”. Webb also stated he always had supported affirmative action for the black community, given their history of being oppressed, but then elaborating that poor, underprivileged white individuals should also benefit from the affirmative action program, not solely for people of color. When asked about the Black Lives Matter movement and police brutality, Sanders notably mentioned the death of Sandra Bland. A very uncomfortable, yet incredibly important topic was then brought into the debate: gun control. Sanders had stated he was a strong supporter of banning assault weapons and that extensive background checks were required for gun ownership, bringing up the issue that too many suicidal and homicidal people have access to guns, when in reality, they need better healthcare resources to help themselves and prevent these tragedies from happening. When asked if Sanders was tough enough on guns, Clinton replied, “No, not at all.” Clinton then said it was time for us as a country to stand up to the National Rifle Association. However, Sanders, representing the rural state of Vermont, said that more rural states are used to gun culture more so than urban areas, making gun ownership very normal, mainstream and necessary for life. Webb had previously held an ‘A’ rating from the NRA, based on his belief of the second amendment. Although devastating mass shootings are more frequently taking place, Webb undoubtedly supports the right to defend oneself with a gun. The atrocities surrounding ISIS’s activity and Russian President Vladimir Putin were the following topics of discussion. Clinton, when asked about underestimating Putin’s intentions in Syria, feels his involvement is unnecessary and unacceptable for
him to be causing more chaos in the area. Clinton also wants nations to come together to solve the conflict in the Middle East and create safe-zones for the civilians who are trying to escape the war-torn country. Sanders called the Middle East situation a “quagmire in a quagmire”, people killing other people for “freedom”. He relates this problem to the war the American government was involved in with Iraq, where he believed it was a mistake and would never let another “quagmire” like that repeat itself, believing it was the worst foreign policy blunder in United States history. Chafee briefly criticized Clinton’s vote in favor of the Iraq War, previously saying that she should not be qualified to run at all because of that, although Clinton made it known her vote had been a mistake. When Cooper brought up Clinton’s e-mail fiasco, she further explained although it was legal to have her own e-mail server by the state department, it wasn’t the best choice. Sanders then surprisingly came to her defense, saying that, “The Secretary is right. The American people are sick and tired of hearing about your damn emails!” When the obvious question of marijuana was brought up, Sanders stated he was in support of legalization. Clinton, as usual, responded that there was still not enough evidence to support that it’s actually beneficial. Also notable was Sanders’s response to what he believes the biggest threat to national security is: climate change. During the debate, Republican candidate took to Twitter to state their own opinions on the topics discussed in the debate and on their opinions on the Democratic candidates. Republican candidate Mike Huckabee live-tweeted his own opinions on the debate, controversially tweeting, “I trust @BernieSanders with my tax dollars like I trust a North Korean chef with my labrador! #DemDebate”. In light of the controversy, Huckabee and his team defended his actions, saying that Democrats are, “[ignoring] injustices and atrocities of a totalitarian nation on human beings and put more importance on a national diet which includes grass clippings and canines.” After the debate had come to an end, it was clear the online world declared Sanders as the winner, having nearly a seventy percent lead on Clinton on all news media polls. CNN, Slate, TIME, among others, however, declared Clinton the winner, despite Twitter, Facebook, and CNN public polls. CNN even took down their poll, which stated Sanders as the winner. Time Warner, who owns CNN, is Clinton’s seventh largest donor to her campaign. This left not only liberal voters, but all voters, with the impression that it was done on purpose. This is in actuality a prime example on Sanders’s belief that corporations have too much control in the political system.
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NEWS
October 22, 2015
Biden lingers on presidental run despite support JESSICA KOVAK Contributor When Barack Obama ran for president in 2008, he ran on a platform that would redefine Washington. In his speeches, he elaborated on the importance of bipartisanship to execute policies that would benefit the American people. His persistence in fighting for LGBT rights, passing the Affordable Care Act and jumpstarting the economy are all examples of his belief that working for the people is more important than winning an argument. Vice President Joe Biden has shown the same determination throughout his career. He has worked tirelessly to assist President Obama in putting these policies to work for the people. He has spoken on the president’s behalf around the country and around the world to reaffirm the importance of these beliefs. The Vice President’s prior experience in Congress was integral in shaping the high points of the current presidency. When it came to economic policy, Biden played an integral role in keeping our country afloat during the Great Recession. He worked with Congress in negotiating to raise the debt ceiling, and as the banks started to profit, it was also Biden who suggested fundamental reform. The President selected Biden to lead the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force after the tragedy in Sandy Hook. The policies Biden put forward served as the current platform for gun violence prevention in the 2016 Presidential Race. In addition to Biden’s ability to affect change, it is also important to note his personal abilities. We are in the midst of an election where the ability to be “one with the people” is more important than his or her resume. One of the most liked qualities about Biden is his authenticity. When he is not a politician, he is the man in a plaid shirt driving a pick up truck. There is not one public appearance where he does not reference a favorite anecdote from a family member or close friend. The other candidates on the campaign trail struggle to get through an hour at the Iowa State Fair. Yet, for Biden, this is easy because he is not pretending. “The case for Vice President Biden to enter the race is that he offers a strong, capable hand ready to lead the country on day one, “ says Sarah Ford, the press secretary of the Draft Biden campaign, “Vice President Biden has more than 40 years of public service as a leader in the U.S. Senate and almost 7 years as Vice President. Joe adds a level of honesty and authenticity unlike any declared candidate. The American people trust Biden to speak from the heart and to do what is best for the country.” During this election cycle, many have lost faith in politics. Nobody feels that anyone can be trusted and Washington in general is too closely associated with corruption for anyone to feel like they should bother to vote. Joe Biden is the candidate that can turn those feelings around. He is authentic. He has lived through struggles that many Americans face. His wife, Jill Biden has taught in a community college, experiencing the issues of student loans and financial aid firsthand. Biden himself is a war veteran, an in the White House and as a Senator he has helped pass real change that has directly benefited the American people. When it comes to elections, the people hold the power. The negativity and lost faith in Washington has given rise to a dangerous future. Candidates leading the polls have no experience in the political field. On the Democratic side, Bernie Sanders, a leading candidate, is proposing a series of policies that, unfortunately, have no way of working in the United States. Free college is what many students dream, but is thought by many to be impossible.
It is a series of empty promises, which is unfair to millions of students that are in debt. We need a president who can lead. We need someone who is knowledgeable about the issues and can take us in a strong, clear direction. Under the current president’s leadership, and as a senator prior, Biden has distinguished himself as an individual in Washington, capable of making a difference. He is someone with a proven track record who is a passionate, relentless fighter. As speculation continues as to whether Biden will enter the race, there is no denying he
The American people trust Biden to speak from the heart and do what is best for the country. -Sarah Ford,
Draft Biden Campaign would be a contender. The Fox news survey of registered voters released on the day of the Democratic Presidential Debate found that Biden is performing better than former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, even though he has yet to declare candidacy. He is also leading the top Republican candidates. In addition, a new Reuters poll published on Monday, Oct.12, released information stating almost half of the nation’s Democrats wanted Biden to enter the race. Adriana Carmona, a junior at the University shared her thoughts on a potential Biden run. “I would be very pleased if Joe Biden entered the race,” she said, “As of now, the race seems very predictable. Adding Biden would spark a lot more interest, especially to Obama supporters who would like to see the efforts of his administration continued through Biden.” Hillary Clinton, the current leading contender in the Democratic Party, has been quiet when it comes to the possibility of a Biden candidacy. However, multiple sources have reported that behind the scenes, she is less than amused. She is dealing with a public interrogation with the FBI and has a serious authenticity problem. A possible threat in the race is something that, simply put, she does not need on her plate. As we await a final decision, the truthful answer is “to be determined.” Only Biden knows if he is any closer to reaching that final goal. There are many aspects that go into this decision. He is still healing from the loss of his son, Beau. Committing to a presidential run is a commitment in and of itself. It takes all of you to run for president, and if Biden is unable to commit to that, he has made it clear that he will not deceive the American people, only reaffirming the notion that he is as authentic of a candidate as it gets. The one fact that remains true is that Biden is taking his time with this decision. He is taking the possibility of a presidential run very seriously. There is a need for a candidate like him, and he knows that. We need a president who will take every decision seriously, whether it affects one person or every person in the United States. Joe Biden is that candidate.
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NEWS
October 22, 2015
An exhibit outside One Pace Plaza in obervation of poverty awareness
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Paula Abreu Pita
University observes Poverty Awareness Week ASIA LETLOW Contributor From Tuesday, Oct. 6 to Wednesday, Oct. 7, the University hosted the Poverty Awareness Campaign in the Bianco Room, in recognition of Poverty Awareness Week. Many sponsors supported and collaborated with the University for this event, such as Techo, Univision News, and UNICEF. Students, alumni, and staff members alike gathered for the two-day event focused on eradicating poverty, both nationally and universally. The event commenced with general opening remarks by Alicia Menendez, a TV show host for Fusion. Menendez provided statistics in relation to the issue of slums and poverty. “Over one billion people in the world are living under extreme poverty, on less than a dollar and twenty five cents a day,” she informed the audience, lamenting that the total was less than the average bottle of water. Menendez introduced the panelists for the first discussion, moderated by Sergio Fernández de Córdova, chairman and co-founder of PVBLIC Foundation. Panelists included Interim Dean Dr. Jonathan Hill of the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems; sociology Professor Andrea Voyer, Paloma Escudero; UNICEF Director of Communications; and Raymond C. Offenheiser, Oxfam America President. The first panel discussion focused on the use of New York City as a hub for creating impact and awareness on the effects of poverty. The discussion included commentary on the panelists’ motives for participation-many cited that the topic related to their fields of study in one way or another. Hill focused on the integration of technology into areas that
lack other resources, and the important role social media plays in spreading awareness to everyday people. Hill noted the “digital divide” that occurs because of extreme poverty and lack of resources, even on a local level, “in a city where you have fabulous wealth and very deep poverty literally coexisting.” The technological efforts he and his students are making involve major companies such as Verizon, AT&T, and even Google. “Science is a problemsolving discipline,” he stated to the panel and crowd. Subsequent events that afternoon included a speech given by Pranav Srinivasan, a high school junior UNICEF club leader. He noted that 350 UNICEF groups have been established across the country, as he recounted the experiences in his role. He urged the audience, specifically students, to take action in their communities to become ‘agents of change’. In a panel discussion moderated by Harriet R. Feldman, University nursing Professors Angela Northrup and Elizabeth Barro shared their experiences in establishing empathy in their nursing students by conducting a simulation that allowed their students to envision the difficulties potential patients would face. “We began to see some gaps in our students’ experiences. We saw gaps in their knowledge, sometimes in their empathy and their experience with their knowledge about poverty,” one panelist noted. Northrup and Barro are both nurse practitioners who work with children, thus, they also outlined the correlation poverty has on health, in the formative years of development and beyond. “The effects of poverty extend beyond their experience in their childhood,” one stated, noting that their risks for other fatal diseases only increase as they approach adulthood
TECHO-US CEO Diego Firpo concluded the day’s panel discussions. He shared a video with the audience that entailed a project involving the transformation of apartments in the city into makeshift slums. Prospective owners were then taken into the apartments as normal, and refused to accept an offer. The project illustrated the idea that no one wanted to live in a slum, which inspired the participants to reflect on those who do. The following day focused on the global impact surrounding poverty, and included speeches given by Mario Orellana, an advisor of Socialab, and René Delgado, a community leader,. Both faced life in slums in Latin America. For those whose primary language was not Spanish, translation headphones were made available for the duration of the speeches. Following panels focused further on the use of technology as a resource for expanding knowledge and participation and crowdsourcing. Inequality, and a myriad of issues that encompass it, was also a key focus. The campaign is sure to leave a lasting effect on the University. “One of the great things about this event is that it is action-focused,” said Voyer, who noted that there is often discussion about the issues surrounding poverty, but little done about it. The campaign involved many coming together to create such awareness of poverty and inequality in the New York community and beyond, in hopes that the same community will take part in improving the quality of life for all citizens, worldwide.
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THE PACE PRESS
October 22, 2015
OPINION AND EDITORIALS
EDITORIAL BOARD Christian Gomez Editor-in-Cheif Maximiliano Onofre Executive Editor Asley Spencer Advertising Manager Chase Ballas News Editor Sarah Hartzell Arts Editor Natalie Carolina Condrillo Features Editor Deniah Cagara Graphic Design Traci Thomas Social Media
A love letter to the King of Broadway LEE EVANS Professor of Music
The Pace Press is the student newspaper of Pace University’s New York City Campus. It is managed and operated entirely by members of the student body as it appears above. The Pace Press welcomes guest editorials and letters from students, faculty, administration and staff. The Pace Press reserves the right to not publish any submitted material, both solicited and unsolicited. All submissions must include the author’s full name and contact information. The Pace Press 41 Park Row, Rm. 902 New York, NY 10038 www.pacepress.org editor@pacepress.org Copyright 2014
I recently showed a one-hour Young People’s Concert film to my Fundamentals of Music class at Pace University on the subject What Is An Interval?, narrated by, and featuring the New York Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra conducted by, Leonard Bernstein. By way of introduction to the film I asked my class of twelve students if they knew who Bernstein was. Not one student recognized his name! But when I told the class that among his many accomplishments he had composed the music for the Broadway show West Side Story, I finally detected a slight stirring of recognition. This revelation got me to thinking that in their previous schooling these young college-age students had been ill-served when it came to the subject of music education, or perhaps I should say its glaring absence from many high school curricula. It seems that somewhere along the line certain educational planners came to the unfortunate conclusion that music education was not at all crucial to one’s intellectual and emotional development. Did it all boil down to money, I wondered? Arts, you see, have always been among the first subjects to be shortchanged in a financial crunch. AN AESTHETICS COMPONENT TO THE CORE CURRICULUM It has been the wisdom of enlightened educational experts over many decades that there should be an aesthetics component to the core curriculum – music, art, or some other cultural area – because it was deemed vital to intellectual growth and maturity for students to be exposed to and
learn about at least one area of the incomparable cultural heritage of our world. These experts also believed that a college education should not merely be a training ground for future jobs, but an essential opportunity for students to develop their intellectual and aesthetic capabilities in order to bring greater depth and meaning to their life. I feel that students have a responsibility to themselves to enhance their life experience by learning about, by developing insights into, and by acquiring an appreciation of history’s great musical art, in order to further themselves intellectually and aesthetically, and then pass on the benefits of that growth to their children so that their world will be enriched as well. POP CULTURE Many of today’s young men and women are steeped in pop culture and pop music, often to the almost total exclusion of any other musical genre, and moreover were deprived of meaningful aesthetic education in the lower grades due to inadequate school systems and budget cuts that resulted in the downplaying, or even virtual elimination, of arts programs in pre-college educational institutions throughout the country. Important composers and musicians have enriched the human condition with their magnificent creations and innovative musical ideas. Among them have been such highly significant musical figures as American-born Leonard Bernstein, known to many as “Lenny.”
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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.
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October 22, 2015
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ARTS
A revolutionary Broadway season Hamilton leads the charge of fresh new musicals, plays for 2015-2016 CHASE BALLAS News Editor As the leaves begin to change, Broadway begins to steam up with the new 2015-2016 season. The Broadway season is split into two for when most shows generally begin, one for fall and the other for spring. The season cumulates in June for the Tony Awards, which honors the best in New York Theater. Currently, all eyes are on Hamilton, the new sensation written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Opened in August after a sold out off-Broadway run, the show is unique in both its presentation and music. Its cast is highly diverse, with Miranda—who is Puerto Rican—playing the title character of Alexander Hamilton, and Leslie Odom Jr.—who is African American—playing his notorious rival, Aaron Burr. Its score, a blend of hip hop and rap, makes reference to both the past and present, and checks social issues that are as relevant today as they were over 200 years ago. It’s a theatrical juggernaut, playing sold out audiences for over two months straight and being fully booked well into 2016, with a top ticket price well into the $400 range. However, there are more original musicals coming this fall that are also experimenting with diverse casting and subjects. Another new musical, Allegiance, is based on one particular dark period in American history: Japanese internment. Starring and inspired by the life story of actor George Takei, who spent his childhood in internment, the show also has the Broadway return of Lea Salonga, as well as other leading and supporting Asian American casts, rarely seen in any entertainment medium. On the contrary, On Your Feet!, a jukebox musical about the rise of the husband-wife team of Emilio and Gloria Estefan, is a much lighter story with a Latin cast and music, notably with the orchestra musicians being members of the Miami Sound Machine, Estefan’s backing band. Rounding out the new musicals is School of Rock, the new musical by famed composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on the 2003 movie of the same name and featuring a cast of children. Revivals of older musicals seem to be the theme this fall. Up first is the first Phillipa Soo, Renee Elise Broadway production of the iconic offGoldsberry, and Jasmine Cephas Broadway hit Dames at Sea, which pokes Jones in Hamilton fun at movie musicals from the 1950s. But, other revivals are coming less than a NBC New York decade since their last production. Spring
Huffington Post On Your Feet!
James Earl Jones and Cicely Tyson in The Gin Game Poughkeepsie Journal Awakening, which first ran from 2006 to 2009, returns for a limited engagement. The new production, however, features something never seen in theater: sign language. Produced by English company Deaf West, the production is performed in both American Sign Language and dialect, making it accessible to hearing and non-hearing audiences. Also coming back is the musical adaptation of The Color Purple, with the Broadway debut of Jennifer Hudson. The original production, running from 2005 to 2008, was a big, Oprah Winfrey-produced spectacle. This new production strips all of that glamor for a minimal, intimate feeling. Lastly, coming back is the sixth installment of Fiddler on the Roof—which last played in 2004— directed by Bartlett Sher, who is known for his epic reimagining of South Pacific and the current production of The King and I. For plays, two British transfers are expected to do well in the states. First is a new play, King Charles III, set in a future where Queen Elizabeth II dies and Prince Charles assumes the throne. The second is a wildly reimagined production of Arthur Miller’s A View from the Bridge, coming in time for the centennial of Miller’s birth, which has no set and features on stage seating. Other plays include revivals of The Gin Game, with James Earl Jones and Cicely Tyson; Roundabout Theater Company’s productions of Old Times, Therese Raquin and Noises Off; and Manhattan Theater Club’s Fool for Love. New plays are MTC’s Our Mother’s Brief Affair, China Doll starring Al Pacino, and an adaptation of Stephen King’s Misery starring Bruce Willis.
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October 22, 2015
Weezer + Yeezus = Yeezer?
Kanye West-Weezer mashup album a match made in heaven
AMOREENA CRISPINO Contributor They say opposites attract, but the cliche is not something usually associated with music. That is, until Ohio State University student Alex Hodowanec decided to pair up two of the most opposite musical acts of our generation. The sophomore took the instrumentals from the 1994 Weezer album The Blue Album and Kanye West’s vocals to form “Yeezer,” the portmanteau that practically writes itself. The combination of the different sounds seem to work in an odd, but intriguing way. It certainly raises the question of why such disparate genres can be combined to such success in some instances and to such failure in others. The reincarnated Weezer album is accompanied by the original album cover of the four band members standing in front of a blue background, but added to it is Kanye standing next to them. A piece of red tape covers the name Weezer and replaces it with “Yeezer”. The album contains ten mashed-up songs and all ten are brilliant. The combination of both artists’ voices intertwine quite nicely and the songs are very pleasing to the ear. Many other artists have participated in the mash-up scene in the past, usually combining modern rappers with acclaimed older bands. Another example of this is the combination of Jay-Z and Radiohead called “Jaydiohead.” Similar to “Yeezer,” “Jaydiohead” has a great selection of songs that take the background music from Radiohead and combine them with the artistic lyrics of Jay-Z. University freshman Rishin Mehta commented, “I personally like ‘Yeezer’ better than the other two mash-ups because Yeezy is my man and it’s so cool that he combined with a classic American band.” Although “Yeezer” has gotten more hype and seems to be more interesting, “Jaydiohead” has the same concept and just adds on to prove that mixing totally different genres sometimes works out for the best.
One more example of these mash-ups is a combination of Jay-Z and The Beatles called “The Grey Album.” Even though Jay-Z and the Beatles are arguably the greatest of their respective genres, it seems like a merger that just wouldn’t work. But the Beatles’ “The White Album” and Jay-Z’s “The Black Album” were mashed together by musician Danger Mouse and for some odd reason, the mixture of the two very different artists sounds great together. For example, Jay-Z’s song “99 Problems” mixed with the instrumentals of The Beatles’ “Helter Skelter” brings out the best of both iconic songs to create something completely new while honoring the brilliance of both artists. These seemingly contrasting genres are mixed together because the combination creates a new genre of music that is just as enjoyable as the originals. University freshman Austin Goodman says of the genre-clash, “I love the idea of combining music from our generation with music from past generations. The music that comes from it is really cool and keeping past music alive is very important.” These mixtures work out because, usually, the combination is between rap and rock. The emphasis on vocals and lyricism from the former and the powerful instrumentals from the latter balance each other out, at least when paired strategically. The idea of also combining two well-known songs in different genres appeals to a broader base, since most music fans are familiar with one or both songs. The people who decide to combine these diverse genres are taking a real risk. They never really know how people are going to respond to these mash-ups, but they do it anyway, for better or worse. If some people are not huge fans of rap but enjoy these other genres of music, they would probably enjoy the mash-ups and have respect for the hard work and artistry that goes into making them as well as the original songs.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar pens Sherlock spinoff CHASE BALLAS News Editor When thinking of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, many think of the game of basketball, as any sane person would. However, the former 19-time all-star is getting ready to jump into a new career field. The basketball legend, along with co-author Anna Waterhouse, has recently published Mycroft Holmes, a novel focusing on the older brother of Sherlock Holmes. AbdulJabbar has been a fan of the stories since he began reading them over 40 years ago in his rookie season, especially with the understated older brother, Mycroft. When asked in an interview about why he was so fond of the character, Abdul-Jabbar replied that he, “…realized more could be done with this ‘older, smarter’ character and his window onto the highest levels of British
government — at a time when Britain was the most powerful country in the world.” While it may surprise a very large amount of people, Abdul-Jabbar is actually already a published author, who has written children’s books, autobiographies and has maintained a column for TIME magazine. Even more surprising, the novel is actually getting solidly good reviews, with the LA Times raving that, “Abdul-Jabbar and Waterhouse have created a smart origin story for Mycroft that slots neatly onto the shelves next to the original canon.” Mycroft Holmes is out now, giving readers something to pass the time while awaiting Shaquille O’Neal’s Jane Eyre sequel.
ARTS
October 22, 2015
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Netflix enters Oscar race with Beasts of No Nation SARAH HARTZELL Arts Editor Beasts of No Nation, Netflix’s first original feature film, might be the most important movie of the year, for reasons that no other film can lay claim to. Netflix has already shaken up television with its high-quality original programming, and now it is entering the film business with the adaptation of Nigerian-American author Uzodinma Iweala’s novel of the same name. The film is one of the first movies to be released in theaters and online at the same time. The mere existence of a Netflix original movie would be momentous enough in its own right, but Beasts of No Nation is making even more waves by being considered a strong Oscar contender. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences only requires that films must open in theaters on or before the first day they are available online in order to be eligible for an Oscar, a requirement that Netflix has fulfilled by having a limited release in the United States and the United Kingdom. Lead actors Abraham Attah and Idris Elba are garnering early praise for their performances, with Attah winning the Marcello Mastroianni Award for emerging actors at the Venice International Film Festival. The success of a Netflix film on a large scale could signal an overhaul of the already fragile business model of Hollywood. But the influence of Beasts of No Nation does not end with box office figures or award nominations. Written and directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, Beasts of No Nation tells the harrowingly real tale of child soldiers in West Africa—a practice found in the recent histories of Liberia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone, Sudan, and the Central African Republic, just to name a few. Beasts of No Nation gives a name and a face to the ghosts that are at the heart of this unspeakable evil. His name is Agu (Abraham Attah) and his life is far less piteous than most American media would have you believe. He’s a harmless preteen boy from a good family who spends his time pranking his brother and performing “imagination TV” with his friends. He is easily comparable to any American boy, save for his country’s volatile civil war that lingers in the background of his daily life, that is until it comes to a head in Agu’s village. After losing his family to the invasion of military forces, Agu is forced to join a rebel army of child soldiers, led by the paternal and ruthless Commandant (Idris Elba). Such a seemingly black and white issue as child soldiers is made grey by the family and purpose that Agu finds in his compatriots and the glory, vengeance, and safety promised by the Commandant. He preaches a familiar diatribe against a government stripping its citizens of their rights and taking the future away from
Netflix.com the youth; he appeals to American democratic values to a T. At times it even seems that the army might be good for Agu, before he is made to slaughter a man in the very next scene. Elba’s portrayal of a charismatic leader is persuasive even to an adult audience; the impact on a young, newly orphaned boy is unimaginable. Abraham Attah’s performance as Agu is equally as haunting, if not moreso. The Ghanaian teenager’s debut is as powerful and stirring as any adult in Hollywood. In fact, every child and every newcomer in the movie are consummate professionals and the film would not be nearly as successful without the quality of acting that fills the screen at all times. The scourge of child armies is hardly a new one, but it has failed to capture the attention of Western humanitarian efforts, save for the trainwreck that was Kony 2012. The white knight attitude of Americans rarely extends beyond public health and education issues. An estimated 120,000 children are currently used as soldiers in Africa, committing unspeakable acts that seem as though they could only occur within a dystopian novel. Beasts of No Nation breaks that veil of ignorance. It becomes impossible to ignore these horrors, both physical and psychological, when they are given faces, names, lives, and stories. And when the stories are as well-told as those in Beasts of No Nation, it has the potential to make something extraordinary happen.
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ARTS
October 22, 2015
“Inside the Actors Studio” with Sarah Silverman CHRISTIAN GOMEZ Editor-in-Chief “Inside the Actors Studio” has always been known for its range of guests and their topics of discussion, from veteran actors reflecting on their careers to comedians discussing the choices that brought their careers to an end. James Lipton’s long running cross examination of actors of all calibers welcomed Sarah Silverman prior to the release of her newest film that not only challenges audiences but redefines the Sarah Silverman that audiences are used to with her portrayal of an addict mother attempting to keep her life and family together in “I Smile Back.” In typical “Inside the Actors Studio” fashion, Lipton jumped right in, diving into Silverman’s life, using many of the deeper secrets that she has recently made public in her book “The Bedwetter.” From depression to body image issues, Lipton, in what felt like a more progressive Actors Studio, pulled no punches and Silverman held nothing back. Lipton has always had a gift for getting even the most private of actors to become transparent but in the case of Silverman, the mature actor had no shame in revealing herself and the events in her life that had held her down and crippled her for so long. From the divorce of her parents that became more of a blessing than a curse for her at the young age, to the trauma and shame she felt attending Jewish summer camp as a late-blooming Silverman struggled with a bedwetting issue. As Silverman grew, the shame of her nightly uncontrollable issue blossomed into depression. Mental health was a major topic during the interview and Silverman laid out the addiction that had been born with attempting to seek help. Through less than qualified doctors, she was over medicated at the age of 13. Receiving a prescription for Xanax to be taken 3 times a day every day creating a shell of the once outgoing and energetic teen. One of her best pieces of advice for those who suffer from depression and as someone who has suffered at the hands of moronic therapists was to try out a multitude of therapists across your life. She argues that we test drive cars, so why is there this shame in attempting to find the right person to help us be content with our own selves? Moving forward to the college-aged Sarah, we begin to see the women that becomes who we know today. Attending NYU and working around the clock promoting the standup spot that begins to refine her craft that will eventually lead to her short run on “Saturday Night Live.” Silverman says her bedwetting and the shame she felt at a young age took the fear away from stand-up, making it a release for her and allowing her to use the depth of her depression and sadness as fuel for her comedy. Multiple times, Silverman and Lipton mentioned comedians have within them a dark core that fuels and empowers many of them to seek comedy as a form of escapism. Lipton dives into the short lived but outstanding “Sarah Silverman Program” that not only shocked audiences with its unflinching humor but also fought every step of the way to even exist. From battles with the enemy of free speech known as standards and practices to the lower than hoped viewership, those who did watch the show remember it fondly. Lipton began to conclude his time with Silverman by pointing out her change as of late and her journey into drama, mentioning her lesbian character on ShowTime’s “Masters of Sex,” who deals with the inability to produce children and the LGBTQA struggle of the 1960s United States. Her performance in “I Smile Back” was also brought
up and Sarah shares how she got the role after speaking about depression on Howard Stern while the author of “I Smile Back” was beginning to plan for the film version. Sarah admits that once it was finalized she fell into a full-blown panic attack, worried she as a comedian and actor could not live up to the role that was before her. During the rushed filming schedule, Silverman admits the emotional toll was great and she found herself acting out at times on set. “I Smile Back” is one of Silverman’s biggest surprises and the audience was treated with a peak at the film before Lipton concluded his interview with the great Sarah Silverman, teasing the audience to experience the emotions of the film first hand.
Complex
PPA theatre kicks off season with Bernarda Alba ASIA LETLOW Staff Writer Pace Performing Arts students have been hard at work on their productions thus far at the University. Through numerous nights spent pulling scenes together properly, to making sure every single item is in its place for every scene, each member has a role to play to make the season a success. There are two theatre seasons for the University: fall and spring. Eight shows are scheduled to run during the fall and spring seasons, culminating in December and April, respectively. Sophomore Olivia Bennett, prop master, is currently working on Drop Dead, a mystery play with comedic elements. The play is about characters attempting to put on a show, but they are hindered with the persistent deaths of characters. Directed by Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore, the play is scheduled to open on Wednesday, November 4 and close on November 10, with a total of thirteen shows. Sophomore Alexandra Laughlin, production stage manager, recently finished working on Bernarda Alba, a show about women’s suffrage in 1930’s Spain. Based on the play The House of Bernarda Alba by Frederico Garcia Lorca, the show had seven running dates spanning from Wednesday September 30, to Saturday, October 10.
“It was a lot about the relationship between men and women in that time period, but it’s very interesting because [the thematic elements] relate to today,” Laughlin said, making note of the portrayal of the sexual frustration the characters faced, among other issues such as family. Through her experience with the recently run show, Laughlin worked with famous actress Graciela Daniele. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1939, Daniele’s career dawned through dancing at the age of seven, later studying ballet in Paris. She reached success with her first Broadway show, What Makes Sammy Run? in 1964. In addition to her role as an actress, Daniele has worked as a choreographer for several plays and musicals, in addition to other roles. She has been nominated for ten Tony awards, for categories including Best Choreography (Chronicle of a Death Foretold, 1996; Ragtime, 1998) and has won the Drama Desk Award for numerous others. Many involved in PPA were pleased to work with Daniele, most likely due to her professional nature and ability to adapt expertise in all aspects of theatre, being of guidance to several learning performers and crew members. Preparation for shows requires paying attention to minute detail on the behalf of all involved. “There is a lot of planning, communication, and scheduling,” said Bennett. She also mentioned that things do not always run according to plan, and that solutions are necessary to conjure quickly as not to
injure the welfare of a production. Laughlin noted the logistics behind stage management; it is often not just that an item or person goes in a certain place without reason—everything has meaning behind it. Performing arts shows always tend to sell out quickly, but the patrons are rarely outside the realm of theatre. “It’s really just people in the theatre community [who] see the shows. I wish more people got to see them,” Laughlin said. “I definitely wish that other majors and other people in New York would get to see our shows. I don’t think most non-PPA students at [the University] venture out to see the shows. It is possible that the issue of low student attendance could be due to pitfalls in advertising. The only methods students have of obtaining information of the shows are through bulletin boards posted in the main entrance of the school building and, scarcely, word of mouth. “They aren’t the most effective because you can just walk around them and never really see them,” said Bennett, of the scant bulletin notifications. Through the strenuous act of performance and production, there are a multitude of benefits the performing arts students share. “It’s very supportive. It’s creative, inspirational, and powerful. Everyone is in a city full of theatre,” said Laughlin. Surely, with such a tightknit community pursuing their passions, their talents reflect the dedication to the unique art of performance.
ARTS
October 22, 2015
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amazon.com continued from PAGE 1 The Adult Swim TV science fiction TV show Rick and Morty wrapped up its second season a few weeks ago and the world stands still waiting for the next iteration of some of the most radical and revolutionary shows in Cartoon Networks history. Produced and co-written by Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland, Dan being known best for his role in the creation of the on again off again show Community, while Justin provides the voice for the lead characters. Adult Swim has championed the duo as the massive ad campaign for the show surpasses any of the networks previous projects. Rick and Morty seem to be a sign of evolution for adult swim the sub-network of Cartoon Network, moving the studio away from its more niche and at times eccentric shows such as the long running Aqua Teen Hunger Force and wildly popular Robot Chicken. Rick and Morty has become almost the more serious, higher budget show for adult swim, with a large crew of animators, and multiple teams of writers the network is very much putting the show at the for front of the networks late night line up. What has really been drawing in fans and critics alike is the maturity of the show, and not in the South Park sort of way where vulgarity and crude humor attack the viewer left and right, but the belief that the audience is smart and can handle not only mature themes such as violence and language but also deep sci-fi tropes that rarely are seen on network TV. From a massive multi-verse subplot that is greater and deeper than just WW2 episodes
that Family Guy devolves into, to episodes that play with the idea of hive minds interacting with independent beings. The show pulls no punches when it comes to gore but also is willing to dive head long into heavy sci-fi themes knowing the audience will follow. Watching the series feels like you are watching a great episode of the X-files, well written, intelligent and engaging where most contemporary animated shows feel too ADD to really be anything more than background noise. While never a show to shy away from the absurd Rick and Morty just feels so fresh in an age of network TV that everyday feels more and more generic and formulaic. In a time where South Park no longer consists of adventures but has become more of a soap box for its creators every episode of Rick and Morty just brings a sense of what will happen next, and its audiences appreciates even with a cliff hanger ending the show gives off no signs of stopping. Season 3 has been confirmed and may premiere as early as Mar. 2016 according to rumors online. This shows the irregular schedule of the show which only had a year and three month gap between seasons, it is nice to see the show return so soon post its finale but it is just speculation as of now. Time has never hurt a show and with the way the season has ended the gap between seasons can almost guarantee more thought and careful craftsman ship will be added to the already outstanding series. Not in a long time has a single show brought such attention toAdult Swim and its radically eccentric writing and visual style has made it stand head an shoulders above its contemporary competition, the next season for fans can’t come soon enough.
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FEATURES
October 22, 2015
Student Spotlight: Joshua Kennedy
University student & filmmaker headed in direction for success
Kennedy (center) with cast of films TRACI ANN THOMAS Director of Social Media On the night of October 9th, Lecture Hall North became one of the busiest rooms occupied at the University. On this cold and rainy night, Undergraduates and off-campus guests anxiously await the world premiere of two monster-centric films; a circumstance so fitting for the Halloween season. The first, titled “The Vesuvius Xperiment”, which tells the dark tale of a visionary scientist and his most ambitious project gone awry. The second, “Dracula AD 2015”, pays homage to the horror icon, with particular tribute to Hammer Films’ portrayal of the villainous count (played by Christopher Lee). Both pieces deliver healthy doses of drama, humor, action, and suspense with a touch of good ol’ campiness to keep a balance of lightheartedness. Both films were applauded for their array of characters, cinematography, and attention and care to detail. Both films are the work of writer, producer, director, actor, and overall good guy Joshua Kennedy. There is no doubt that Kennedy has become one the leading men of the Film and Screen Studies Department here at the University. Raised in Edinburg, Texas, he started college with an already impressive portfolio of theatre and filmmaking. Once he arrived at the University for the 2013 winter semester, Kennedy hit the ground running with new projects. Most of his productions, including two of his recent full length films, can be found on his YouTube page. Over the last two and a half years, Joshua Kennedy has gone on to make 5 full length films, and up to 14 trailers, music videos, University public service announcements and short films; all set within the city as well as the University dorms, classrooms, hallways and stairwells. With “Dracula” and “Vesuvius” in particular, the projects were both shot and produced within a single semester. We spoke with Mr. Kennedy about his filming as a university student and his newly released films: TPP: What influenced you to start making movies? JK: I made my first movie when I was five years old called “It Came from the Bathroom”, [it] was an homage to 1950’s science fiction. I think I came out of the womb with a movie camera. TPP: How has your storytelling changed between high school and now? JK: Hmm… interesting question. I can’t really say that there is a direct difference between high school and now, mostly because I learn something new with each project I do. I’ve obviously learned so much since high school because I’ve made six features
Credit: Joshua Kennedy since… not to mention a ton of music videos. That’s with anything creative though: One learns something new with each project. TPP: What made you want to do two movies in one semester and these specific ones? JK: I just wanted to say that I could do it. I shot these back-to-back, and starred in another student film, wrote two other screenplays, worked as a Teaching assistant for three film classes and still got all A’s in my classes. […] I also have a curse for watching a particular film and then wanting to do a film in the similar vein. That happened when I watched “Airport 1975” and ended up making “Airline ‘79”; “The Big Bird Cage” with “Slave Girls on the Moon”; “The Quartermass Xperiment” with “The Vesuvius Xperi-
“Josh let’s me live out my fantasies of killing.”
-Xander Pretorius, Dracula
ment”…etc. TPP: What lead you to decide to release “Dracula A.D. 2015” on YouTube and “Vesuvius” on DVD? JK: I didn’t have the heart to make an homage to the Dracula movies of Hammer Films without using the music from those films. The music is such an integral part of that franchise (every time Christopher Lee appears as Dracula the music literally sings DRA-CU-LAAAA: BAAA-BAAA-BAAAAA) that I just HAD to use it, and so, I don’t have the rights to them; hence, YouTube. I have all the rights to “Vesuvius”, so [it is] now available on Oldies.com. TPP: What was the process of getting Caroline Munro’s cameo? (Ms. Munroe is known for her work with Hammer Films, including “Dracula AD 1972”) JK: Short Answer: I’m cool. Long Answer: I became friends with her at MonsterBash when I met my future wife, Martine Beswicke, and she was thrilled to help out. One of the nicest people in the world. Although it is unclear as to when his next full length flick will start production, Kennedy has definitely not slowed down on releasing new content. We hope to hear and see more from this inspiring and hardworking individual.
October 22, 2015
FEATURES
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NOW SHOWING FROM JOSHUA KENNEDY
Urban Outfitters causes controversy. Truly shocking. ASIA LETLOW Contributor It is not a rare occurrence for Urban Outfitters to come under scrutiny for its practices in advertisement or the provocative nature of their apparel. Most recently, however, Urban Outfitters has undergone the process of recruiting volunteers to work full-time hours for free, in preparation for the holiday season at their fulfillment center in Gap, PA. The email, addressed to paid workers under URBN (which encompasses Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, as well as Free People) and sent on Oct. 6 was released to Gawker.com. The volunteers were asked to “pick, pack and ship orders” for customers, but to many, this reads as work that elicits pay. The span of their ‘work’ would last five individual weekend days of the month, from Oct. 17 to 31. While the work does not produce monetary compensation, proposed benefits include transportation and lunch. As of recently, Urban Outfitters has achieved its mission of recruiting on-board volunteers for its ‘team building activity’. Their new fulfillment center opened in June. After eliciting their desired number of workers, URBN responded to the surplus of volunteers, stating, “Unsurprisingly, we received a tremendous response, including many of our senior management.” The response continued with the promise that the corporation would comply with labor laws, declining the help of some hourly employees. Urban Outfitters is no stranger to controversy. They have showcased apparel of rather sensitive historical nature, such as a Kent State University sweatshirt, which featured inscription of the university logo with decorative blood spattered on its surface. This caused uproar due to its reference to the Kent State massacre of May 1970, in which four students died at the hand of the police in the midst of
protesting against then-President Richard Nixon. In their apology, Urban defended their shirt by stating the accents were coincidental, not meaning to mirror blood. Other hot-button issues Urban Outfitters has attempted to make light of in their advertisements include eating disorders including a shirt that read ‘Eat Less’, and the appropriation of culturally rooted symbols and concepts in their clothing. With its long and ever-running roster of controversy, their offenses have not been taken lightly. However, it can be surmised that their advertising technique, catered to a youthful crowd, is appealing. Teenagers and other youth often subscribe to notions of what is relative. “I think their approach to marketing is excellent. They market to exactly who their audience is and that is young people,” stated University sophomore RJ Zamudio. “When you see their ads, they’re all young, hip people. It’s mindless, but it works,” she concluded. Urban Outfitters has not been the only corporation under fire for its advertising and compliance with workplace regulations. American Apparel recently filed for bankruptcy earlier this month, because of debt issues. Originally founded in 1989, the company has been notorious for their provocative ads and has advocated for their ‘made in America’ mantra, and is expected to face the close of a number of stores. CEO Dov Charney has also faced an array of allegations regarding his conduct in the corporation, specifically toward models and sexual harassment. Stores such as Urban Outfitters and American Apparel have gained the attention of many over the years, and are likely to stay in business so long as they reach their targeted demographic, scandal and all.
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FEATURES
October 22, 2015
Chuck taylor launches new sneaker line AMY DWORSKY Contributor The days of heel aches, sore arches, and readjusting the tongues are officially over. Chuck Taylor recently introduced a new and improved, yet still contemporary sneaker: Chuck Taylor II. The infamous shoe has been around for decades, even older generations still rock the stylish footwear. Bid farewell to unpleasant foot odor, because luckily for converse lovers, perforated micro-suede liner is used which now allows feet to breathe properly, designed to allow you to be on your feet all day and night. The non-slip grip tongue is perhaps the most progressive aspect of the new sneaker, giving the user 360 degree comfort around the ankle and instep.Foam cushioning and extra arch support means a more flexible, comfortable shoe. Because of these new features,
wearing Chucks year-round became that much easier. The Chuck Taylor II comes in various colors in the low and high-top styles. Season appropriate shades of the sneaker come in the following: black, white, grey, deep bordeaux, salsa red, deep blue, and volt green. The prices of the new footwear line have increased due to the advanced and more durable materials used in creating them. Chuck Taylor II cost seventy dollars for low-tops, and seventy-five dollars for the high-tops. Although Converse have undergone these major changes, the shoe and the brand itself still holds the creativity and iconic look as it was designed to. The famous rubber toe, All-Star patch and monochrome matte eyelets continue to make a statement on the Chuck Taylor II’s. The fashion statement that is Chuck Taylor II is designed to
be able to wear 24/7. The changes to the classic sneaker were brought up when converse fanatics were asked what differences in the shoe they would like to see in order to wear the shoes 365 days a year. Times have changed and wishes have been answered. Freshman university student, Gianna Nemeh says that, “as an owner of several pair of Converses, it’s refreshing to see a new and improved sneaker with the same style as the original converse, yet more comfortable. I might even trade in my old Adidas sneakers for a pair of blue Chuck Taylor II’s. Fellow freshman student, Stephanie Perry gave her approval on the new styles as well, “You know what, I think I’m going to buy a pair… just don’t tell my parents I’m going to use their card.” The Chuck Taylor Converse sneaker trend is truly a shoe that will never go out of style.
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Lenny LEE EVANS Professor of Music WHO WAS LEONARD BERNSTEIN? Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) was the leading musical icon of the latter half of the 20th century, a protean musician and the single most consummate teacher of music worldwide. He chose to attend Harvard as an undergraduate, rather than study at a music conservatory, in order to receive a broader education that would include philosophy, linguistics, etc. It wasn’t until he became a graduate student that he entered the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia, one of the world’s leading music conservatories, and it was there that he studied conducting with Fritz Reiner, one of history’s famous and most respected symphony orchestra conductors. David Hurwitz, author of the book Bernstein’s Orchestral Music (Amadeus Press, 2011), says of Bernstein: “His personality was so huge, so voracious and so very public, that it’s quite easy to lose the music in considering the man.” Anyone watching his many Young People’s Concerts television broadcasts, in which he taught various aspects of music from classical to jazz, will also surely come away sharing that assessment. His six classic Norton lectures at Harvard in 1973, still available for purchase on DVDs under the title The Unanswered Question, also strongly bear out Hurwitz’s statement. NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Bernstein was appointed Assistant Conductor of the New York Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra in 1943. Assistant conductors must learn the music for each concert as thoroughly as a conductor knows it, in order to be ready to step in at the last minute in the event that the regular conductor should become indisposed, which hardly ever happens. However, one day that same year, conductor Bruno Walter became ill at the eleventh hour, and on a nationally broadcast concert from NYC’s Carnegie Hall Bernstein was asked to fill in – without rehearsal!
Bernstein made a sensational debut that brought the house down, and this event became the featured story on the front page of the NY Times the next day. His subsequent brilliant career in music was now assured and in short order Bernstein became America’s leading musical figure. He eventually was appointed the official conductor of that august orchestra, serving in that capacity during the period 1958 -1969, and as Laureate Conductor during the period 1969-1990. Overall, he conducted 1,244 concerts and made more than 200 recordings with the orchestra. BERNSTEIN AS COMPOSER By general consensus, Bernstein’s most successful original music was written for the theater, rather than his pieces in larger abstract forms such as his three symphonies, although they too are theatrical in quality. Bernstein himself says, in his Preface to the score of his Symphony No. 2: “If the charge of ‘theatricality’ in a symphonic work is a valid one, I am willing to plead guilty. I have a deep suspicion that every work I write, for whatever medium, is really theater music in some way…” One of the best film scores ever written was Bernstein’s score for the 1955 film On The Waterfront, starring Marlon Brando, Rod Steiger and Lee J. Cobb. His 1956 operetta/Broadway musical Candide and his 1957 West Side Story were Broadway musical milestones. His current Broadway musical revival, On The Town is a huge hit. Other noteworthy works of his also recommended for listening, in order for one to develop a better familiarity with his oeuvre, include his 1971 Mass: a Theater Piece for Singers, Players and Dancers, his 1949 Prelude, Fugue and Riffs for clarinet and jazz ensemble, and his 1965 Chichester Psalms for choir, male alto and orchestra. END NOTE Bernstein’s father was very much against his son becoming a professional musician. Lenny nevertheless persisted and soon became the world’s most famous and respected musician. In later years, his father was cheekily asked, “Well, what do you think now of your son and his great success?” He replied: “How did I know he would become LEONARD BERNSTEIN?”
FEATURES
October 22, 2015
Microsoft minimalizes and improves MAXIMILLIANO ONOFRE EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Recently, Microsoft unveiled its competitor to the well known Apple Macbook. The new model for Microsoft comes in the form of the Surface Book, a sleek designed tablet/laptop combination that has features its predecessors had but never all in one package. The Surface Book starts at $1499 for the basic model with 128 GB of storage. The screen is the a 13.5 inch PixelSense ™ display with a resolution of 267 pixels per inch. It also includes Microsoft’s latest updates to its laptops, a touchscreen. This feature not only enables the tablet to be fully functioning on its own but works when the computer is in laptop mode as well. Because of this, the laptop includes the Surface Pen that attaches to the tablet. One of the many downfalls of Microsoft based computers was always the battery life but now the Surface Book can compete with its
long battery life of 12 hours of video playback, longer than most laptops in the market. And with that new expanded battery life, comes many features. Functionality is key in this piece, as it comes equipped with two full size USB 3.0 readers, a full size SD card reader, the Surface Connect and a 5.0 megapixel front facing camera. Even more, the rear-facing camera is an 8.0 megapixel camera with autofocus and 1080 p. Including HD recording and dual microphones, the Surface Book works well for recording . One of the large factors of this new laptop versus the older Surface Pros is the backlit keyboard, which is made for fast typing. Although not in stores yet, the Surface Book is available for preorder now as the latest model for Microsoft’s new fully functioning, full size laptop.
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October 22, 2015
FEATURES
Trick-or-Treat Yo’Self this Halloween Put aside your Netflix montage of horror flicks and see what New York has to offer this spooky season
www.ibtimes.com DENIAH CAGARA Lead Graphic Design New York Haunted Hayride at Randall’s Island (now - Oct 31st)
From now until the night of Halloween, Randall’s Island hosts a haunted journey. Usually most haunted hay rides are on Long Island, however this year there’s one in New York City. After making its waves through the West Coast, the Haunted Hay Ride has made it its way to New York. According to its website, the Haunted Hay Ride takes you to another fantasy world in the woods that “exploits the most disturbing fears that live in us all.” Expect to go through ghostly apparitions and demon possession, to crazy clowns and even orphanages of burnt children on this hayride. If this doesn’t sound scary enough, this is less than what the Haunted Hay Ride has to offer. The New York Haunted Hay Ride at Randall’s Island is running now until Halloween and tickets are sold at a fair price of $35. Check out the New York Haunted Hayride’s website (www.newyorkhauntedhayride.com) to see how to get there.
Village Halloween Parade (Oct 31st, 7pm - 9pm)
The Village Halloween Parade is one of the most famous sights to see. Starting at 7pm on Halloween night. If you’re a newcomer to New York City, then you have to go to the Village Halloween Parade. This year makes it the 42nd Annual Village Halloween Parade, running from Sixth Avenue at Canal Street to 16th Street. Many personalities and costumes will partake in the Halloween Parade from puppets to dancers and artists, while having other people in costumes alongside one another. You could either watch or participate the parade, however if
you want to participate you have to be in a costume and meet with everyone on Sixth Avenue at Canal Street. The Village Halloween Parade is one party you cannot miss out on. Again, the 42nd Annual Village Halloween Parade is running from Sixth Avenue to 16th Street from 7pm-9pm.
Gravesend Inn Haunted Hotel (Oct 22nd - Oct 31st)
Instead of waiting on that long line and paying a lot for Blood Manor or Times Scare, try and support NY City Tech’s Gravesend Inn Haunted Hotel, from the 22nd of October until Halloween. Considered a Critic’s Pick for TimeOut Magazine and a community tradition of downtown Brooklyn, the Gravesend Inn Haunted Hotel is known for combining scary, high-technology, and educational elements all in one haunted place. Every year, the City Tech’s Theatreworks program puts up the Gravesend Haunted Hotel for the public to enjoy. From dropping of “dead corpses” in dark hallways to ghostly apparitions, the students and faculty of City Tech did a well and thorough job on creating a very thrilling and scary experience. The Gravesend Haunted Hotel runs from Oct 22nd to Oct 31st at the Voorhees Building on the New York City College of Technology campus at 186 Jay Street. It’s free for City Tech students, but general admission is $8 and $5 for those with a student ID and group admission.
NY Haunted Hayride at Randall’s Island