Posts Tagged ‘NYC’

In the City that Always Eats

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

For a city that never sleeps, New York City is where you can find food at every corner. Whether you find food at a street vendor, a sidewalk cafe, an upscale restaurant, or the latest popular burger joint, you will inevitably be faced with daily decisions of which of the thousands of restaurants you will travel to for something delicious, something budget friendly, or something to give you endurance for a long night of studying. As a student in the big apple, these choices may seem overwhelming, and tempt you into turning the $1 pizza store across from your dorm into your go-to place for all meals. In today’s technology age, there are so many great resources for finding great deals and budget conscious ways to keep you from being a starving college student, that you can surely have a diverse culinary experience while in New York.

Before resorting to the internet to start frantically searching for great lunch deals and hot date spots, use your eyes to spot places you may want to dine. You will quickly learn that living in New York City means you can always “window shop” for clothes, food, jewelry, and anything else you may need. As you use your feet to get around, instead of a car, you have the opportunity to gaze into the restaurants you have heard so much about already, and get a real-life sense of what your dining experience may be like. And, walk around with a pen and a notepad. Some of the best restaurant and food deals are not advertised on their websites – they are advertised on chalkboards right outside of the restaurant! Take note, and add it to the to-do list.

Soon, I will share more specific details on how to dine out on the town in this fabulous city that always eats. But for now, I encourage you to be aware of your surroundings, and take note when you see a slice of pizza that is extra cheesy, a quaint neighborhood cafe, or a bustling hot spot. There are 365 days a year, and 4 years of college. Just think of all the great eating you can do!

-Kerry H

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Recent Grad, New Job, or So I Thought

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

When I received my undergraduate degree from Baruch College in May 2006, I was ecstatic. I immediately began applying for jobs and couldn’t wait for my phone to start ringing non-stop. Little did I know that this was a far fetched idea; my phone did ring, but not as often as I had originally hoped for, so I decided to make some phone calls myself. I contacted the human resources departments of at least three companies to inquire about the status of my applications and was told more than once that I did not have enough experience. Experience I thought, how many new graduates have experience? I believed that one industry related internship and a few years of non-industry related work experience were enough for me to get an interview, but apparently it wasn’t. At that point, I realized both the power and importance of an internship, which may have been obvious to some, but to others, such as me, it was new and enlightening information that could have helped to speed up my career.
According to freedictionary.com, an internship is defined as “a student or recent graduate undergoing supervised practical training.” This means that as a student or a recent graduate, one will gain hands on experience in their field of choice. Most internship’s are unpaid, but do compensate students by offering credit for a specified course. For example, a student may work as an intern for the duration of the fall, spring, or summer semester. When the internship is completed, the student may then receive the number of credits for the course taken in conjunction with the internship.
There are various ways in which a student can find an internship. Below is a list of resources/tips that can help students with their search.

  • Contact your school career and internship center. These centers have trained staff members who are there to assist you with your career, job, and internship needs. Most of these centers offer career guidance, resume and cover letter workshops, and interview preparation assistance.
  • Utilize the career services that are offered by the public library. New York Public Library, Queens Public Library, and Brooklyn Public Library all offer free career services. They also have many materials that may help you with your internship search.

New York Public Library Info for Job Seekers
Queens Library Job Resources
Brooklyn Public Library EJIC

-Shana H

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A Spot of Green in a Grey City

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

It’s crazy, I think, that no matter what time of the year it is I feel like I’m being run into the ground. Right now, for example, I’m in the middle of my finals. Unlike most semesters, though, this semester seems to be all about papers instead of tests, and I’m still not sure if that’s an improvement or not. On top of that, I’m supposed to be finding a job — which I’m sure everyone can agree is almost harder than doing well in school. I think it’s different for people not in New York, though. Everywhere else is moving at a different pace than New York…like we’re always trying to catch up and move ahead at the same time, so everything is muddled and rushed and it’s hard to focus on anything.

My old roommate is commuting from Long Island to the city this semester, and she has an early final tomorrow. I’ve offered to let her stay here for the night, but she won’t get here until late (some people, apparently, take advantage of the libraries being open all night during finals), and I’m already exhausted. Not to mention my mind is on a million different things, none of which include cleaning the apartment and having some kind of breakfast offering in the fridge. I like to consider myself an adult, but I really don’t understand how “real adults” can multitask so efficiently when it feels like I’m stumbling along to get just one or two things done in a day.

What I need, and what New York happily provides when weather permits, is a peaceful day in Central Park. All too often we’re intent on doing something cool and exciting, or something flashy and expensive, that we forget that New York City offers one of the most peaceful places imaginable, for free.

Sure, there are dogs barking and kids running around, but I think that’s what makes it so perfect. Reading a chapter for a Literature class while a couple of guys play Frisbee is just the perfect college experience, as if Central Park is the communal college ground for every single university in the City. I used to be jealous of my friends who would show pictures of them sitting on grassy knolls at Rutgers, or lounging in the sun at Rider between classes, but it’s really everyone else who should be jealous. Central Park offers that unique melting pot that the United States is lauded for; on a nice day you can walk along the 5th Ave border and see a stand from the Strand, or buy a classic print of Aubrey Hepburn. Walking down one of the many paved areas, one will be surrounded by musicians of every different style imaginable. It’s easy to forget about these little things because we all take them for granted, but that colorful spot of green shown in every satellite picture of the city is really the best way to keep grounded, and entertained, in a city as fast paced as New York. And hey, maybe before finals are up we’ll see some sun again.

-Mary K

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Sex Education Museum Style

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

I AM A NEW NEW YORKER, AND MY FIRST FEW MONTHS HERE HAVE BEEN AN EXCITING RIDE OF SIGHTSEEING AND SCOPING OUT THE SCENE AND GETTING A FEEL FOR THE CULTURE OF THE CITY.

AS A PART OF MY SIGHTSEEING, I MADE A VISIT TO THE WORLD CLASS “SEX MUSEUM.” YES, NEW YORK’S VERY OWN 5TH AVENUE HAS A MUSEUM OF SEX. IT’S NOT AS STIMULATING AS IT SOUNDS. IN FACT, I APPLAUD THE MUSEUM FOR THIS CAUTIONARY EXHIBIT. THE EXHIBIT WAS MUCH ABOUT TAKING PRECAUTIONS AND PROPER CARE AND BEING SAFE IN THE ART OF SEX. THERE WERE MANY INTERESTING SCULPTURES AND DRAWINGS ON THE ART OF SEX.

THE MUSEUM TOOK YOU ON A ROOM BY ROOM TOUR OF VARIOUS SEXUAL DISEASES AND THEIR EFFECT ON THE BODY. THERE WAS A ROOM FOR ARTWORK MADE OF CONTRACEPTIVES. THERE WAS A ROOM FOR LIFE-SIZE DOLLS, AND THE ROOM AT THE VERY END, FOR THOSE WHO MAY HAVE BEEN STILL STIMULATED WAS A ROOM FOR FLICKS OF ALL SORTS. BEING THE CONSERVATIVE, SWEET AND INNOCENT GIRL THAT I AM, AFTER TOURING THE “SEX MUSEUM” ON 5TH, I SIGNED UP FOR THE CONVENT. BEING A NUN DIDN’T SEEM SO BAD.

I WILL SAY, ALL JOKING ASIDE, THAT AIDS AND HIV IS A LEADING FACTOR OF DEATH AMONG YOUNG BLACK WOMEN FROM THEIR TEENS TO THEIR 40′S, SO EVEN THOUGH THIS MUSEUM WAS A BIT BIZARRE, I WOULD RECOMMEND THE TOUR FOR EVERYONE, ESPECIALLY CURIOUS TEENS. IT’S BETTER FOR THEM TO SEE IT ALL AND KNOW IT ALL THAN TO BE IN THE DARK. IT WILL SCARE THEM INTO ABSTINENCE. THE SEX MUSEUM IS LOCATED AT 233 FIFTH AVENUE, AND ITS CURRENT EXHIBITION IS ENTITLED “THE SEX LIVES OF ANIMALS.” THIS MUSEUM IS PG 13, SO PLEASE DON’T BRING CHILDREN UNDER 12. ENJOY AN INEXPENSIVE ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY LESSON AND SAVE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS, COMPARED TO YOUR COLLEGE SCIENCE CLASSES! DISCOUNTS ARE OFFERED AS WELL.

WWW.MUSEUMOFSEX.COM

— CANDICE P

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Relax Your Mind and Feel Good

Friday, May 14th, 2010

As a student, it may sometimes seem that stress is never-ending, especially in New York City, which, based on data from forbes.com is the third most stressful city in the country. The difficulties in balancing school, work, and our relationships can increase stress to the point where it has a negative affect on our physical and mental well-being. According to WebMD, “People who don’t manage stress well can have headaches, stomach pain, sleeping problems, illness, and depression.” However, if it is managed effectively, stress can be defeated, allowing us to live a healthy and more fulfilling life.

Cost Effective Ways to Reduce Stress in Your Life

Workout at the Gym for Free– Many gyms offer guest passes that vary from one day to two weeks for non-members. Colleges and Universities around the city also offer students free access to their facilities. This is a great way to work out without coming out of your own pocket. Just contact your local gym for more details or click on the link below for access to another way to get fit for free.
Shape Up NY

Talk to Someone– Sometimes you just need someone to talk to. Contact your school’s mental health center for details on what services are available to you free of charge. It may also help to find a clergy, relative, friend, or therapist that will listen to you; afterward you may feel relieved to have let it all out. If you still feel a sense of urgency, you can always call 1-800-LIFENET.

Meditate– Look for a quiet place to relax, put your body in any position that you feel comfortable in; stand up, sit down, or lie down and take deep breaths, keeping the focus on your breathing. Continue to do so until you feel the stress melt away. For more information on meditation courses in New York City, take a look at the link below or go to your local library for some books on the topic.
Meditation in New York

Listen to Music– Ever wonder why music is a universal language, it’s because no matter what culture or background you come from tunes can speak to you. Just turn on the radio and before you even realize it, you’ll be dancing and singing or humming and bopping your head. There are also places throughout the city where you can listen to free music. Check some of them out below:
Music at Madison Square Park
Music at Licoln Center
Music at Central Park

-Shana H

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I Love New York

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

Catchy right? Okay, okay, you can reem me for the completely unoriginal title later. Introductions are on the horizon, beginning with ‘who the heck is writing this entry, anyway?’ The name’s Cecylia Makarewicz, but that’s a 17-letter mouthful, so let’s just stick with ‘Cease.’

I’ll look at you with the most passive gaze I can manage and say, with my beret drooped over my left eye and an air of snobbish confidence that, “I am an artist,” and you’ll be seeing my work in what is supposed to be an entertaining series of cartoons starring The Big Apple itself and the process of surviving it. Which, for those of us who live here, work here, and try to avoid dying here, understand that this is no easy mission. The good news is that New York, despite its tough-love attitude, does love you, and with a little good faith, you’ll unearth its opportunities, unveil its bizarre beauty, and one day – who knows – you might even love it back.

The idea here is to spill what I know about living in New York, and I do mean living. I don’t like scraping by on Ramen noodles, coffee, and three hours of sleep. There’s a lot to be said about maintaining your well being – diet, exercise, chill-axing – especially if you’re, say, a totally broke (insert career here) student trying to make it in a place that’s already crazier than the average slice of life. I don’t know much about anything official, and I wouldn’t call myself a professional anything, but I’m willing to share what I’ve learned, and what I’m still learning, about living the best life I know how in a city where just about anything can happen.

So now you’ve read my mission statement, and after all of that, I’m not entirely sure how to begin. I thought I’d start with a recipe, or a restaurant, but the truth is that I’ve been living a very poor example of the very thing I’ll be writing about, as some crazy El-Nino nonsense decided to forecast October weather in MAY. I’m hunched next to my space heater, wearing the fleece I naively packed away a week ago, and the most I’ve accomplished today is a twenty-minute walk, a half-emptied peanut butter jar, and this blog entry. So I guess I’ll start by saying expect the unexpected…and that a lazy day now and then is a very good thing. ☺

Till next blog,
Cecylia

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Let’s Dance: MMC Spring Repertoire 2010

Sunday, May 9th, 2010

Each semester, the dance department at Marymount Manhattan College produces two shows. The first is a student-choreographed exhibition, and the second is choreographed by established dancers. In the Fall, our teachers choreograph, and in the Spring, we have outside artists come in.

This semester, the annual Spring Repertoire at MMC featured a work by the newly-appointed head of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Robert Battle, as well as works by Lar Lubovitch, Kate Weare, Erick Hawkins, and Benoit-Swan Pouffer.

It was an eclectic show that ranged in style, from 1986 Lubovitch excerpt “Concerto Six Twenty-Two” to the several world premieres such as the hauntingly beautiful “Channels” by Battle and the edgy work “for all of us” that Pouffer set on the MMC Dance Company.

My personal favorite is tied with Pouffer’s “for all of us” or Kate Weare’s “Primavera.” Both works were exciting and upbeat, with a lot of personality displayed by the individual dancers. in Pouffer’s work, there was a distinctly contemporary movement vocabulary, and it was obvious that the students enjoyed the movement: which is always a pleasure to watch. Similarly, Weare’s piece engaged the students in both group work and series of duets and solos, all of which were interactive and intensely physical and exciting to watch. The dancers at MMC have strong personalities, and they were definitely allowed to shine in these pieces.

It’s always interesting to see student performances; I highly recommend it. Although they may not be perfect and as technically stunning as a night at Lincoln Center, you do get an opportunity to see the up and coming generation of artists. Shows produced at MMC, Juilliard, NYU and the like are of extraordinary quality – it’s no middle school talent show. Seeing performances at my own school is particularly interesting, because I take class with most of the performers. It’s a very different perspective to see your peers perform, but I walk away from almost every show in awe of the talent… and this semester was no different.

So next time you’ve got some free time, see if there are any student performances going around in the city. Not only is it cheaper than a normal performance (they often accept donations, have student rates, or are free), but it’s also sure to be of interest to the college aged crowd. You know going in to it that it won’t be a pitch out of left field – they are meant to educate the students performing through experience, so it must be something topical to our generation. Although I suggest first attending shows at your own school (it’s a great way to see a whole new side of your peers!), branching out and visiting other schools is always a fun time to see something completely different, since each school in NYC has a very different style. Whether it’s dance or theater, or even an art exhibition – check it out!

-Meghan Q

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Let’s Dance: Alwin Nikolais 2010: From the Horse’s Mouth

Saturday, May 8th, 2010

Welcome to my section of the Campus Clipper blog: all of my posts will have the title Let’s Dance because that’s the title of my own blog that I’ll be keeping up with after this publication is done. Yes, it is a reference to David Bowie: but it’s appropriate, because I’ll be giving advice on dance performances as well as other arts and entertainment opportunities throughout the city. To start off, here’s some information on a performance I just saw!

On April 30, 2010 at the Abrons Arts Center, there was a performance celebrating the life and work of famous modern choreographer and teacher Alwin Nikolais.

According to the program,

“From The Horse’s Mouth is structured so that only four people are on stage at one time. Sitting in a chair center stage, each performer tells a brief story relevant to their past or current involvement with dance, then performs his/her own movement phrase – first in place then traveling through space, sometimes improvising with another dancer. A chance element is introduced by picking a card from a box. The card suggests how to vary the phrase. These sections are juxtaposed with stage crossings with the performers appearing in full costume. Some costumes depict a favorite dance; others represent a costume they have always wanted to wear.”

Overall, the night was intriguing to someone who has studied Nikolais technique for a year while in college – although those not familiar with his improvisational ideas and emphasis on space, time, motion, and shape may not understand some of the jokes or movement on stage.

Still, even those not familiar with Nikolais and his approach to dance were sure to have a few laughs. You did not need to know the importance of Murray Louis or the company history to appreciate many of the stories told. Several of the former (and still practicing) dancers were eccentric characters – especially Beverly Blossom, who made the audience erupt in laughter incessantly.

These experimental dance performances are a great treat – not everyone has the patience to sit through an evening-length ballet, but an event such as this often incorporates humor and movement that even a non-dancer can find amusing.

The piece also related directly back to the theater – the Abrons Arts Center was once under the direction of Nikolais, and many of the recollections were of learning and performing in the very space the audience was sitting in. It was a charming, old space. I had never been in the theater before, but it was full of character, comfortable, and seems to have a varied line-up set for the coming weeks.

To reach the Abrons Arts Center, take a bus or the F train to Delancey Street. It is a relatively short walk over to 466 Grand Street – and tickets for the events can either be bought online or at the door. Leave some spare time to get lost if you’re not familiar with the non-gridded downtown streets: I myself ran a few minutes behind schedule after taking a quick detour down a wrong street!

-Meghan Q

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