By Sherise Netanya

From food to technology to music, Asia has greatly influenced the lifestyle and livelihood of American culture.

But do people really know the magnitude of Asian influence in American culture?

An informal survey was conducted on the streets of New York by an NYU Summer Journalism student in an attempt to find out.

Participants were tested on their knowledge of the music, food, and technology of Asia to get a balanced result. Eighty percent who answered were from the East Coast and 20% were not. Every person had an idea of how Asian culture has influenced the nation in a certain field.

 

 

Asian Invasion in the Music Industry

K-Pop, J-Pop,. These are the two music genres that half of  New Yorkers recognized.

Over the last decade, Asian music has had a wide global growth and expansion, reaching out its influence even to the audiences on the other side of the globe. The music industry had a boom when Psy’s ‘Gangnam Style’ video broke the Internet, which resulted in exposure and more interest in music from Asia.

More Asian artists and bands have been gaining global recognition for their art.

Generally, K-pop and J-pop are electronic and funky in sound. These genres of music are heavily influenced by the Western culture of pop music. It can be seen in the format and style of the songs which have noticeable similarities. The repetitive lyrics and catchy tunes reveal an uncanny resemblance to the pop music in the U.S. The difference with the two is only in their language and production.

When asked on the streets of New York, 70% barely had any knowledge of Asian music.

“ All I’ve heard was that one with the guy in the suit saying Gangnam Style or something like that. Other than that I know of some Japanese pianists,” said George, 49, from Astoria, Queens.

Only four out of ten have even heard Asian music being played in public areas.

The platform has been set for more Asian musicians and producers to showcase their talents. Big names like Keith Ape, G-Dragon, and 88 Rising have started to bubble up in the hip-hop and rap world and are gaining a reputation.

“A lot of Asians are moving in Western music. I see a lot even producing their own pop and rap songs,” said Elizabeth M., of Michigan, an avid K Pop-er.

We had the rock and the Indie eras. Will Asian music be the next big thing? Forty percent said there is a big potential for Asians to be the next hit makers

“It’s not exactly my type of music and I feel like they’re just copying off what was already made. Asian music definitely has potential, only if they can come up with something new and innovative,” said Elvan, a Arts student from New York.

 

Technology  

Technology and electronics have become a staple and necessity for life in the 21st century. Yet not many of the people living in the United States know where most of the products they use daily come from.

An article from The Economist wrote “China produces about 80% of the world’s air-conditioners, 70% of its mobile phones and 60% of its shoes.” Despite this fact, only 3.1 out of 5 rating was given as its supposed popularity in the United States according to the survey.

When asked about some of the Asian electronic brands they know of, most participants generally answered Samsung, Toyota, and Toshiba. These companies are known to produce and manufacture products that are used daily, such as automobiles and mobile devices.  

There were also some people in the survey who did not realize that the phones they held in their own hands were from Asia. Seventy percent of the participants in the survey use an android phone, but they all thought it was American made.

Most New Yorkers in the survey only found out about these Asian brands only five years ago, so it can be considered relatively new to the American market. Almost 70% of participants predicted that these brands will stay relevant and in use in the future.

“If they continue to make good quality products like they’re doing now, I’ll probably stay a loyal customer,” said Elvan, a photographer, who makes a living with his Sony camera.

 

Munchies and Bites

Chinese take outs and sushi are common options for meals in a New Yorker’s  day. Be it Chinese, Japanese or Vietnamese, Asian food is very much present in the New Yorker’s diet.

“I love to get bento boxes on my way to work and also some sushi rolls,” said Lila from Long Island City. She is one of the few culturally immersed New Yorkers, having experienced cuisines from the most basic, Chinese, Korean and Japanese, to even the rarest like Taiwanese , Malaysian and Indonesian food.

Restaurants like Nobu, Sugarfish, and Totto Ramen are some of the big names in the food life in Manhattan. However in Queens, which is very culturally diverse, there are a few name spots to get a dose of the authentic Asian food.

“Kumo and Watawa, in Astoria, serve really fresh sushi and soba,” said Richard T. from Astoria. “But to get the real authentic experience, take a trip to Flushing, Queens. They have all the good stuff.”

 

 

Sherise Netanya is a rising senior from Vickery Christian Academy, Jakarta, Indonesia. 

By Vicky Zhang

A visiting student from Seattle felt ashamed of wearing a T-shirt and sweat pants in a restaurant in New York.

“I was so used to wearing T-shits and sweat pants every day in Seattle, and when I sit in an Italian restaurant in Manhattan, I realized that everyone is wearing stylish tops, cute dresses, and nobody is wearing sneakers,” said Megan Allen, a 17-year-old.

According to a survey about East Coast and West Coast’s style differences, East Coast people often put more effort into outfits than West Coast people.

Randomly selected 20 young women, age 14-19, 10 people from The West Coast and 10 people from East Coast, answered the survey. On the scale of 1-10 with 1 being the least important and 10 being the most important, people from the two coasts gave their rating about what factors they care the most when shop for clothes.

Sometimes the style differences can go wrong. When Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook, showed up with Wall Street investors wearing a hoodie, his outfits covered a lot headlines and contrasting Silicon Valley’s culture with the East Coast’s tradition of formality.

 

 

Among the West Coast young women the survey showed, comfort was most important with a rating of 9.6/10. On the East Coast, “style” was most important also with a 9.6.

“My mom always tells me that don’t buy the good-looking ones, only buy those that make you comfy,” said Ceria Martin, a high school student from Bellevue, Wash.

On the West Coast, people wear T-shirts and shorts all the time.

“My dad sometimes goes to work with shorts and sneakers, and I never thought that’s informal,” said Marisa Anunobi, daughter of a Microsoft employee in Seattle.

On the East Coast, New York City in particular, the streets can be a fashion runway.

“Honestly, I see people on streets who are looking ready for the runway all the time,” said Ahn Euiri, a girl from South Korea who has lived in New York City since middle school.

 

About 33% of the West Coasters were judged negatively on their clothing, and half of the people on The East Coast were judged negatively on their clothing.

“I’m from Seattle, and somebody made a bad comment on my clothing because I over-dressed for a homecoming dance,” said Rozella Kim, a freshman in high school.

“My English teacher told me I dressed too casual for a semi-formal school dinner. I was wearing flats and an off-shoulder top,” New Yorker Molly McConkey said. She also said she was judged once because she wore the same clothing as the day before.

Lisa Sun, who lives in Bellevue, Wash., said she was once judged negatively by her friends because her top was too “sexy.”

“I wore the same top to New York last summer, and no one ever paid attention to me,” Sun said.

There is a big difference in what young women wear. Nine of 10 West Coast people chose “T-shirt” as what they wear the most often, and only half of the East Coast women choose it.

“I have many T-shirts, but I mostly wear them at home. When I go out, I prefer to wear something more stylish and cute because it gives me a feeling of I’m ready for the day,” an 18 years old New Yorker, Melissa Bain, said.

East Coasters usually wear sandals or flats, and six of 10 people from the West Coast said they usually wear sneakers.

“Sneakers are so comfortable! My feet hurt when I wear sandals or flats because the shoe’s bottom is too thin and isn’t supportive,” Los Angeles resident Marica Uyeda said.

Sneakers are definitely good for long-distance walking even running, but some East Coast people think they aren’t stylish enough.

“I often wear dresses in the summer time, and sneakers just don’t match with any dresses or cute tops,” Said Faith Chamberlain, a visiting student from New Jersey.

Eight of 10 West Coasters and nine of ten East Coasters wear makeup.

Two West Coast people said they wear makeup because they don’t feel confident enough being bare faced, and four East Coast people who wear makeup felt the same way.

“My friends in elementary school always made fun of my freckles.             I know I shouldn’t be ashamed of my freckles, but I always put on makeup to cover it,” said Keri Cao, a junior in a Boston high school.

Another interviewee from San Francisco, Joana Collins, also has freckles. She is one of the people who doesn’t wear any makeups.

“I was judged negatively on my freckles for a few times. But I thought it’s a part of me and I shouldn’t be afraid of showing it,” Collins said.

Vicky Zhang is a junior at Forest Ridge School in Seattle, Wash.

By Qianyue Yang

New York City is a paradise for movie lovers. Every street could be a scene in a well-known movie. But they may not be really filmed in New York though the story is in New York.

Many great directors including Woody Allen, Ang Lee and Alfred Hitchcock have chosen this city for their movies. As a result, many tourists come to see the “new landmarks” where the movies were filmed.

East Village and Greenwich Village

“Eyes Wide Shut”, “Taxi Driver”, “Rear Window” and many other movies took place in the East Village, Greenwich Village and the Lower East Side of Manhattan.

According to Vivian. L, a 16-year-old British girl who just came to New York, “Begin Again” did entice her to see New York.

“I’m satisfied with Washington Square. The street performers in there are exactly same with the movie’s scene!” Vivian said.

For Tony Z. who is in college in Philadelphia, it seems that New York hides so many crimes and pains after he watched the famous Robert De Niro and Jodie Foster movie “Taxi Driver”. When walking along the street, he can still feel the loneliness and melancholy of the night. And the movie reflected this reality, Tony said.

“Taxi Driver”

Wall Street

As the financial core of New York, this district has contributed a lot in movies such as “Wall Street”, “Catch Me If You Can”, “Ghostbusters(1984)” and “The French Connection”.

Seventeen-year-old Alan Y. from China liked “The Wolf of Wall Street” among all New York -based movies.

“The Wolf of Wall Street”

“ I’m curious about how the Wall Street bankers work after watching it. I’d really want to solve this puzzle. So I’m here. Wall Street is exactly the same in my imagination—speedy and busy,” he said

Fifth Avenue

“Breakfast of Tiffany’s” has been discussed a lot when talking about Fifth Avenue. It molds a luxurious, vain but also innocent girl in NewYork.

As a local New Yorker, Kylie Collins can relate.

“I have met these girls so often. They chase love and money, but keep neglecting their real selves. However, New York is still kind to them anyway. They can still hug their fantasy before the window of Tiffany’s,” Kylie said.

“The Devil Wears Prada” reflects the career and life choice of fashion workers in New York City’s midtown.

“The Devil Wears Prada”

“I thought New York is glorious and pressured. There are indeed many well-dressed pedestrians. But it is more comfortable and less crazy than the movie. Thus I enjoy the reality better,” another British girl, Elizabeth, said.

Brooklyn

Movies including “Goodfellas”, “Requiem for a Dream” and “Annie Hall” contain views of Brooklyn.

Jonah Z. is a huge Woody Allen fan from Boston. He said “Every time I head to New York, I feel it’s like a pilgrimage.” And the Brooklyn Bridge is the spot he visits frequently.

“I love here. It is the same in Allen’s movies. Like “Annie Hall”, which is an old work, but still reveals the true romantic feature of New York. The city itself is fascinating and full of uncertainty, similar to the movie,” Jonah said.

“Once Upon a Time in America” is also a favorable crime movie shot mainly in Brooklyn. Sharon W. from Brooklyn regards this movie as the best gangster movie she has seen.

“Once Upon a Time in America”

“Though it was 30 more years ago, I still appreciate the movie,” Sharon said.

“The poster’s background is Brooklyn and I have to say the movie completely displays the charm of Brooklyn,” Sharon said.

Little Italy

The multicultural environment in this immigrants’ district benefits movies such as “The Professional” and “Godfather 2.”

“The Professional” with Natalie Portman was shot in Little Italy and touched an Indonesian student’s heart. Sherise said she was attracted by those little old grocery stores in the movie.

“Leon: The Professionals”

“The movie displays another side in New York. I once thought New York belongs to the rich, pricey fur and pubs. But I realized there are people who still struggling and striving to make ends meet,” she said

Empire State Building

“Sleepless in Seattle”, “King Kong”, and many other well-known movies took place here, one of the top tourist spots in the city.

“I believe in love again because of this movie!” That was how Maggie from Korea commented on “Sleepless in Seattle” starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.

“Sleepless in Seattle”

“I am still firmly convinced that destiny will take your true love in front of you in any way. That’s the only reason I come to Empire State! I like New York because everything can happen here, no coincident is weird here, even the romance in the movie,” Maggie said.

Central Park

“The Front”, “North by Northwest”, “Home Alone 2” and “Manhattan”, are among the famous movies made around Central Park.

For 40-year-old local Megan Mostel, “When Harry meets Sally” is the classic for relationships.

“When Harry met Sally”

“Every one watched this movie back to my school days. It is realistic but also sweet. When we went out for dates, Central Park was the first idea came up thanks to this movie. And we still do that now, Central Park is always good.” Megan said.

“Bride War” with Annie Hathaway was mentioned several times. Chinese student Yuxin P. said that the movie reflects a delightful side of New York.

Another most remarkable movie is “The Great Gatsby” with Leonardo DiCaprio.

“The Great Gatsby”

Mark F. from China has visited thePlaza Hotel which is located near Central park in order to experience the fancy scenes in the movie. And he said it was actually plainer than in the movie.

“But it’s sill astonishing.” He said.

 

Qianyue Yang is a rising senior student in No.1 middle school of Guangdong, China.

By Justin Taylor

The Music Under New York (MUNY) program has been around since 1985 fostering over 350 musicians and groups. Musicians are spread out in several different locations across the five boroughs.  

Prohibition of musical performance in the New York City subway was common since the MTA’s early history. Some musicians still sang and played instruments in an effort to earn money.

Following a court order challenge by musician Roger Manning, in 1985, the ban on subway performance was declared unconstitutional and the MTA created MUNY.

Music Under New York artists is still guaranteed the same rights as other street performers in New York. However, association with MUNY provides  benefits to performers like priority scheduling in popular locations, access to commuter railroad terminals, and fewer problems with law enforcement.

Every year, auditions are held in Grand Central Terminal to add new performers to  MUNY. In an effort to represent people from all cultures, the MTA looks for musicians who reflect the diversity of New York City.

There is an online application that musicians submit early in the year and then those who are contacted will be asked to the live auditions in Grand Central.

They are judged by a panel of professionals from the music industry and each performance is five minutes and is based on “quality, variety, and appropriateness, for the mass transit environment,” according to the Music of New York website.

Alice Tan Ridley

Soul singer, Alice Tan Ridley was born in Georgia into a musically talented family of nine siblings, most of whom have become artists. She has been drawing large crowds since she was 3 years old.

After moving to New York in 1971 and raising a family,  Alice focused on her singing career and in 1992  she began singing full time in the New York City subway station as part of the Music Under New York program.

Ridley said that the program “was one of the greatest opportunities of her life… opening many doors.”

Ridley likes to perform at “all the hotspot stations in New York” like Union Square, 34th Street, and the 42nd Street-Times Square station. She tends to sing a lot of vocally challenging hits such as, “I Will Always Love You”,” I Will Survive”, “My Heart Will Go On”.

When asked what advice she would give to people trying to pursue music she said, “ Never give up even if there is a chance that you will never make it… never give up”.

The 64-year-old said that she will never stop performing. In five years she says that she will still be going to the 34th Street station and 42nd Street and Union Square with “her chair and microphone.”

Yaz Band

Yasuyuki Takagi was born in Osaka, Japan, and moved to New York in 1992 to pursue his music career. In 2002 his career began to take off. After years of playing small jazz clubs, he started his band, Yaz Band.

Takagi said that he didn’t want his “long and difficult” name in the title but still wanted to be represented at the same time.

During the audition process for Music Under New York, Yasuyuki said that “it didn’t feel like a competition” but more like “a celebration of musicians’ work”.

He said that at first, his parents were reluctant to “accept his dream” but over time they began to understand that he was dedicated to his music.

Yaz Band, a group of three to four musicians plays throwback R&B songs from artists such as Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, and Marvin Gaye.

When asked what his life would be like if he wasn’t a musician, he said he, “wouldn’t be anything” In the future, the musician wants to “tour the world and let people hear” his music.

 

Justin Tayl0r is a rising senior at Holy Cross High School in Flushing, Queens.

 

By Kirsten McLaren

Central Park is an oasis of green in a city known as a concrete jungle. It’s the perfect place to find concerts, amusement parks, birdwatching, races, or even to read a good book.

Central Park is also famous for the statues and landmarks that lie within. Experience a taste of a childhood fairytale or explore Central Park’s very own castle!

Statues glitter in the sun in Central Park. Families crowd around statues, trying to snap a picture of their children in front of landmarks such as Alice in Wonderland, the Belvedere Castle, and King Jagiello.

The Alice in Wonderland statue, constructed in 1959 by José de Creeft, was designed to resemble the original illustrations by John Tennial in Lewis Carroll’s story.

“My daughters love it. It’s their favorite place in the park,” said Stephen D., 42, from Manhattan.

The statue features Alice, the Cheshire Cat, White Rabbit, Mad Hatter, Dormouse and Alice’s cat, Dinah. De Creeft designed the Mad Hatter’s face to resemble George Delacorte Jr, who commissioned the project.

“Alice in Wonderland is my favorite princess so I really really really love it,” said Skylar F., 4.

It is located just north of the Conservatory Water at East 74th Street.

The granite circle surrounding the statue has an engraving of a line from “The Jabberwocky,” one of Carroll’s poems: “Twas brillig, and the slithy toves did gyre and gimble in the wabe.”

Belvedere Castle, Italian for “beautiful view,” was designed in 1865 by Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould.

“I love the castle, it’s beautiful. I used it for my wedding photos,” said Raquel A, 27.

Originally designed as a lookout, the weather instruments in its highest tower began to provide weather data in 1919. It now also serves as an iconic photo backdrop.

After renovations in 1983, the castle now contains the Henry Luce Nature Observatory.

The Observatory houses natural history artifacts and provides equipment for those who want to see Central Park through a scientist’s lens.

An ideal birdwatching spot, the castle gives you the chance to see hawks, ospreys and kestrels.

The castle also holds various events including birding events, astronomy talks, storytelling and a haunted house each Halloween.

Belvedere Castle is located mid-park at 79th Street.

With his swords crossed overhead, “King Jagiello” can appear menacing but the statue is instead a symbol of pride and courage.

“King Jagiello” was originally featured at the entrance to the Polish Pavilion at the 1939 New York World’s Fair in Flushing Meadows, Queens. One year later, Nazis invaded Poland and the statue couldn’t be returned home.

In 1945, the Polish government placed the statue in Central Park permanently as a symbol of Polish pride and courage.

King Jagiello, Grand Duke of Lithuania, became King when he married the Queen of Poland in 1386. With the marriage, he united Lithuania and Poland.

The statue depicts the Battle of Grunwald in 1410 when the King crossed the two swords handed to him by his adversaries, Teutonic Knights of the Cross, over his head to demonstrate his strength.

“King Jagiello” is located mid-park at 79th Street on the east side of the Turtle Pond.

All photos by Kirsten McLaren

Art on Broadway

Sculptures decorate Broadway, one of Manhattan’s busiest roadways, for passerby’s enjoyment. The ever-changing art lies in the malls that separate the uptown and downtown traffic.

Since 2005, the Broadway Mall Association has been displaying public art from artists all around the world.

Currently, BMA is displaying works in nine of the Broadway Malls from 72nd Street to 166th Street. Sculptures byJoy Brown made their debut on Broadway on May 17, 2017 and will be removed in November.

The larger-than-life bronze sculptures are designed to suggest a “warmth and lightness of being,” said the Broadway Mall Association website.

Brown’s roots in Japan aid to the Japanese aesthetic represented in her work.

Brown’s is the tenth exhibition that BMA has displayed since 2005.

In the past, BMA has displayedwork by Don Gummer, Broadway Moore Boogie, Saint Clair Cemin, Peter Woytuk, Manolo Valdés, Carole Eisner, Chakaia Booker, Boaz Vaadia, and Tom Otterness.

In 2009, Broadway Mall Association added an information line where visitors could call the number indicated at any given sculpture and hear the artists’ description of the piece. Listeners could also leave comments. In 2010, BMA installed the same in Spanish.

BMA has the guidelines for prospect artists’ works on their website. BMA Guidelines tell how to submit a proposal.

Artists are encouraged to select specific malls and to use at least three malls to display their works however, the BMA and the Parks reserve the right to decide exhibition sites.

Art must be anchored to the hardscape to prevent theft and damage Artists are responsible for the restoration of the area after the exhibition is complete.

Artists and/or sponsors are required to provide property and liability insurance. BMA does not claim any responsibility for the art.

If you want to view Joy Brown’s works, they are located along Broadway at 72nd St, 79th St, 96th St, 103rd St, 117th St, 148th St, 157th St and 166th St.

 

Kirsten McLaren is a rising junior at Lexington High School in Lexington, Massachusetts.

By James Marceau

Several big name artists performed at Randall’s Island in New York, but the beat-the-heat street styles were the main attractions during the midsummer’s second annual Panorama Music Festival.

The festival attendees arrived showing off their diverse sides, both in the makeup and style departments. Among edgy and bohemian styles were protest tops promoting personal political views.

Frank Ocean, the Friday night headliner, took to the stage wearing a white t-shirt that read “WHY BE RACIST, SEXIST, HOMOPHOBIC, OR TRANSPHOBIC WHEN YOU COULD JUST BE QUIET?”

These shirts, however, are not only common for the streets of New York. Kirsten McLaren, 16, of Lexington, Mass., said, “People at my school wear pro- and anti-Trump t-shirts almost every day. It causes a lot of dissent.”

Brigid Hosmer, 15, of New Hampshire, said that at her private school, these tops would “be on the do-not-fly list.”

Brad Keeler and his wife Kerry, in typical festival garb 

Other fashion forward fans arrived ready to model trendy Instagram and Snapchat worthy ensembles fit for the bohemian-chic crowd. They stayed cool by wearing hats, flowy t-shirts, cutoff jeans, and of course—sunglasses.

These styles, some of which are usual summer looks for New Yorkers, would not be as likely to be found on the streets of New Hampshire, according to Hosmer. “Kids in my town normally wear chino shorts with a Vineyard Vines top. It’s nothing like it is here [in New York].”

The festival was fully prepared for the sartorially gifted fans who needed a cool down. Near the Main Stage, there was an air-conditioned Sephora tent where Milk Makeup provided guests with highlight and shimmer.

Milk Makeup was also present at the American Express two-story lounge, which provided cardholders with Instagram opportunities, from a subway background to a swing set.

Some concert-goers chose to escape the crippling heat by doing face masks in the Sephora tent, over the sweaty crowd and ready to unwind.

“I spent two whole hours in that tent,” said Hampton Keith, 19, of Brooklyn. “My whole face would have sweat right off if I didn’t get out of that sun.”

The festival permitted guests to bring empty bottles into the venue and had stations where they could refill their waters. Guests flocked to this option, as the lines for food and drink opportunities were outrageously long.

Sisters Linda and Brianna Lewis strike a pose in front of the main stage. All photos by James Marceau.

Panorama Preparations

Concert-goers spend a long time waiting every year for ticketed music festivals and maybe even longer figuring out what outfits to wear.

According to an informal survey done by NYU Journalism students, 80% of attendees at Panorama music festival said that their outfit was not something that they would wear in their day to day life.

“I would never wear this anywhere but to a festival,” said Dani Worthalter, who was wearing a netted black top with black denim shorts and fishnets. “My mother would kill me.”

Despite this fact, Worthalter said it took her more than two weeks to assemble her completed look, and that she spent just over an hour getting ready.

Worthalter was just one of the 60% of people who said they spent more than an hour preparing for the event.

According to the survey, 40% of people said they paid $40 or more for the clothing they were going to wear to the festival.

Statistics of different places where attendees obtained their festival clothing.

 

“I know I’m probably only going to wear the outfit just this once,” said Caroline Pesch, 19, of Midtown. “But to me, it’s less about the money and more about self-expression.”

Pesch, who runs a beauty channel on YouTube, said she focused less on clothing and more on makeup. It is standard for concert-goers to have extravagant makeup looks for events such as these. Pesch and Worthalter, who attended the festival together, were both wearing a Sephora bright blue liquid lip liner.

“I think it’s normal for people in makeup to spend anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes beating their face for an event like this,” Pesch said. According to the survey, which includes both men and women, 70% of attendees wore makeup.

Demographics of attendees interviewed.

Kendall Jenner Celebrity Style

Kendall Jenner took to the streets looking ready for Randall Island’s Panorama music festival.

She was seen there wearing a corresponding red, white and blue striped top and shorts from Private Policy Spring 2017 men’s collection. The model completed the look with plain white sneakers.

The Combo Stripe Turtleneck Top, which has white belt/luggage straps that hang from the sleeves, retails by itself for $1,396.

The ensemble, however, was not hand picked by the reality starlet and it did not come from her closet.

Maya Minocha, an intern at Purple PR that provided the top for Jenner, said that for celebrities the outfit selection process is easy.

“The celebrity lets somebody know what they want, their agent gives us that information, and then we provide them with a look based on how positively we think people would react to it,” Minocha said.

“The look is free for the star wearing it because they’re modeling a brand. At the end of the day, they are the fashion influencers. They are the ones that make people want to buy the products,” Minocha said.

Jenner attended the festival with her almost-brother-in-law Scott Disick, who kept it casual for the event. He was seen in the crowd wearing a white Captain’s Sanitation Services t-shirt and light wash blue jeans.

The Kardashian’s hairdresser Jen Atkin’s brand OUAI was present at the festival also, doing hair for attendees and giving out braids and space buns.

 

James Marceau is a rising senior at Bishop Brady High School in Concord, N.H.

By Yuxin Kira Liu

As an international student from Beijing, I always pay attention to cultures while traveling. Museums are always my favorite places to visit.

In New York, after I went to several major museums, I discovered some features that are different from museums in Beijing. Like the city of New York itself, the museums show diverse cultures vividly.

It is truly amazing for me to see so many exhibits from countries all around the world in a decorative marble palace, which gave me a sense of cultural inclusion and enjoyment.

The museums in Beijing always impress me with the long history and fabulous cultures of my country, from thousands of years ago to today. The elaborate art works which are 800 years old still shimmer under the lights.

I am always proud of my country’s long standing history, while appreciating the amazing diversity of cultures mixed in New York City.

Yet the museums in Beijing focus on Chinese collections, while the museums in New York City include worldwide exhibitions.

The Museums in Beijing are mostly free, while the museums in New York City charge fees.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art on Fifth Avenue

The Met Fifth Avenue is the most famous museum in New York.

Presenting various kinds of cultures over 5000 years, it elaborately shows a wonderful view of civilization.

The majority of visitors are tourists who come from different cities and countries, according to a small survey.

“We came from Tokyo,” said Alex, a girl with two of her friends.

“The main reason why we came to New York is to visit the Met! It is fantastic!” she said.

The Met has many separate exhibitions, such as the medieval   area, the ancient European part, and so on.

“I love Van Gogh. All his worksare fabulous!” said Jenny, a 17 precollege student at NYU from Hangzhou, China.

The great artists such as Claude Monet and Paul Cezanne are also on display.

The Met Cloisters

Located in Northen Manhattan’s Fort Tryon Park, the MetropolitanMuseu

m’s Cloisters has unparalleled natural views of the Hudson River.

After walking the winding road through the park, the Cloisters museum came to view. Inside the stone building decorated with delicate design, assorted exhibits are on display. The designs of the whole museum was a mirror of the Medieval European monastic life, giving tourists a sense of the mysterious.

The majority of the collections inside were from Romanesque and Gothic periods, including art and architecture.

The whole museum is divided into four parts: the Cuxa, Bonnefont, Trie and Saint-Guilhem. Each of them represented unique style

s of a particular period.

Besides the material objects, Stained glasses inside the museum alsodrew a lot of attention. The vivid colors and abstract designs of these artworks add to the museum’s fascination.

“The most beautiful thing I have ever seen,” said Sue, a tourist from India.

 

The Museum Of Modern Art 

For all art lovers, the Museum Of Modern Art is an obligatory stop. Because of its location (very close to the Met), tourists can visit these two famous museums in one day. But, if you want to carefully appreciate the works here, a one-day visiting is highly recommended.

Founded in 1929, MOMA is one of the largest modern art museums in the world. It is

famous for having the best collection of modern Western masterpieces in the world, such as “The Ladies of Avignon” by Pablo Picasso, “Reflection on the Clouds on the Water-Lily Pond” by Claude Monet, and “Starry Night” by Van Gogh.

There are always crowds in front of these world-famous modern artworks.

“The Starry Night is fabulous! Because Van Gogh is my favorite artist, I come here for his works,” said Mary, a visitor from South Korea.

In addition to the museum, there is a beautiful garden next to the building. Tourists after visiting always can rest and chat with friends there, while appreciating the gorgeous view and decorative sculptures.

  National Museum of China

National Museum of China is an integrated museum famous for its long history. Its location, at the east side of Tiananmen Square and being opposite the Great Hall of the People, helps it to become the most popular museum in Beijing.

The goal of the Museum is to make all the most exquisite cultural relics in China be accessible to all people from different countries around the world, giving them a enjoyable visiting experience.

Whether you want to learn something about Chinese history or just want to view the delicate antiques, this should be the your first choice in Beijing.

“I go here once a month. Viewing these exhibits brings me enjoyments,” said Stephenie, a student who lives in Beijing.

“There are always new items on display, always updates,” she said.

Based on the ranking published by Themed Entertainment Association, the National Museum of China is the most visited.

 

Yuxin Liu is a student from Beijing Academy, China

By Brigid Hosmer

After months of subway system breakdowns and extensive delays, New Yorkers are growing increasingly frustrated with how the public transportations systems are operating.  

“I feel like the subway is constantly letting people down,” said Justice Reyes, a 14-year-old from the Bronx. Reyes rides the subway daily and relies on it to get to school, work, and home like many New Yorkers. He’s experienced numerous delays this month alone, interrupting important appointments and even making him late to pick up his siblings from day care.

Unfortunately, his experience is not isolated as more and more New Yorkers share his sentiment.

Over the last five years, delays have more than doubled, to about 70,000 a month from 28,000, according to official City Hall data.

New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo has said that he will be signing an executive order declaring a state of emergency for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority that oversees the the city’s transit system.

Cuomo has also been vocal about the bureaucracy surrounding the MTA that has led to excessive delays and much needed improvements to the subway system.  He’s characterized the MTA’s project capacity as “deplorable” and has sided with New Yorkers who are impatient with the glacial pace of upgrades.

“There’s an urgency here,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said at a recent press conference at Brooklyn Borough Hall when discussing the subway situation.

“It’s driving New Yorkers crazy. The subway is not working. And that’s creating a tremendous amount of pressure on Albany to actually do something different, so I think you would agree in moments of crisis the political landscape starts to change,” he said.

Subway ridership has risen dramatically since the 1990s when about four million people used the system each day. Now nearly six million people ride the subway daily. The system has not increased capacity to compensate for this increase in riders.  Unfortunately, the subway cars are jammed with two million more riders and many others like Reyes say the experience is less than pleasant.

“I’d never ride the subway if didn’t have to, but it’s the only way to get around and I guess I’ve gotten use to the inconveniences,” said the young rider.

But how exactly does overcrowding cause delays?

Subway officials say that at each stop too many people are trying to get on and off the train in a short amount of time, delaying it and the other trains behind it.  Once one train is delayed, every train behind it gets delayed.  It’s like a traffic jam on the highway that just creeps along and eventually comes to a complete stop.

“After a train starts to pick up large crowds, it becomes harder for people to get on and off,” said train operator Brussard Alston, who spoke with the New York Times. The delay reverberates down the line as a queue of trains behind it backs up.

Many ask how this issue could be overlooked for so long resulting in a potential state of emergency?  Some people indicate the system’s long term neglect and bureaucratic reluctance to make timely investments in the system.

“It’s not as if the governor just got elected. He’s had seven years to deal with these problems,” said Richard Barone, vice president for transportation at the Regional Plan Association, a nonprofit group that advises governments on infrastructure policy.

“The agency has been treading water for years without improving its subways and adapting with new technology.” he said.

Numerous inquiries to city officials were not returned.  

Joe Lhota, Chairman of the MTA,  unveiled a  new “action plan”  in late July aimed at fixing the subways. Plans included adding new cars to trains, replacing tracks and increasing maintenance staff. When asked when commuters can start to see improvements, Lhota couldn’t give a specific answer.  

Once these repairs are done, the MTA has to modernize the subways with a new signal system and new cars. Lhota estimated that work will cost $1 billion on top of the current capital budget.

Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on August 7  that he would push for a tax on wealthy New Yorkers to pay for improvements needed to address the problems in New York City’s subway.

This “millionaire tax” as de Blasio called it, would tax wealthy New York City residents to pay for subway and bus upgrades. The new tax would apply to individuals making over $500,000 a year, increasing their income tax rate to 4.4%.  This proposal includes reduced fares for more riders, an idea that has been successful in Seattle.

But, the pushback to a tax increase was rapid and pointed.

“Raising taxes is not the answer,” said NY State Senator John Flanagan a republican from District 2.

“While I support increased city investment in the subway, the city already has a $4.2 billion surplus and therefore has the ability to do so with existing resources. Mayor de Blasio doesn’t need to reach into the wallets of city residents to make that happen,” according to the N.Y. Daily News.

Other proposals to correct the subway problems include seat removal, so 25 more people can fit per train, asking the NYPD to issue more summons for littering, and dedicated teams to deliver expedited repairs to signal problems.

It’s fair to say that the subway problems are extensive and costly.  Unfortunately, riders like Reyes are already worn out by subway chaos.

Said Reyes “I want to live in New York for the rest of my life, but if I have to ride this crazy overcrowded subway system I’m outta here.”  Time will tell whether riders will have the patience to tolerate the NYC subway system.

 

 

Pre-College Journalism Students’ Subway Survey

During the summer of ‘17, Pre-College journalism students at NYU conducted a survey about New York City’s subway. One hundred and thirty subway riders and non-riders were asked about the well-documented problems that have been occurring in the system and their overall attitudes and opinions.

If you live in the New York City area do you use the bus or subway?

Yes- 50%

No-5%

If you are a tourist or visiting student do you use the bus or subway?

Yes-38%

No-7%

 

If you use the subway, what is your overall approval rating of the service?

On a scale from 1 the worst to 5 the best-  Average score: 3

 

How clean are the subways?

On a scale from 1 the worst to 5 the best- Average score: 2.3

 

Is it a good idea to ban food/ eating on the subway and busses as an attempt to keep the system clean and free of track fires?

40% yes

60% no

 

How efficient are the subways and busses?

On a scale from 1 the worst to 5 the best- Average score: 3.1

 

Could service be improved?

87% yes

12.5% no

 

Have you experienced a change in the number of homeless people/ panhandlers on the subway in the past month?

32% yes

68% no

 

Have you experienced delays or other service disruptions in the last month?

79% yes

21% no

 

How safe do you feel on the subways and busses?

On a scale from 1 the worst to 5 the best-Average score: 3.5

 

Demographics

Male- 43%

Female-57%

Other- >1%

 

Age:

Under 18- 26%

19-24 -32%

25-34- 22%

35-50-13%

51-65-6%

Over 65-1%

Brigid Hosmer is a rising junior at Tilton School in Tilton, New Hampshire.

By Sarah Gil

Washington Square Park: Center of Performance Art

In the heart of Greenwich Village lies Washington Square Park. A place where music fills the space between its beautiful greenery. A place where the Washington Square Arch holds forth with its extraordinary architecture.

A place where performance artists come to showcase their projects to the people who happen to pass by. The performance art in the park ranges from simple conversation to writing your “story” on a piece of paper and hanging it up to show everyone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Stranger Project

Everyone has a story, a lesson, a message; some wisdom to give out to the world and to whoever cares to listen. The Stranger Project gives the average person the platform to do so. The Stranger Project is a performance project where people come up and simply write what they deem the most inspirational situation or story that they have had in life. Then the artist, Brandon Doman, hangs the pieces of paper up with clothes pins onto a makeshift laundry line for people to come and read.

The Stranger Project started in 2009, and since then Doman has collected nearly 25,000 anonymous handwritten journal entries. The letters are not only hung up in Washington Square Park for everyone to read, but Doman has collected them together to form a book.

“What’s your story?” is a collection of 200 stories from the 25,000 in the Strangers Project. (“What’s your story?” on amazon.com or Barnes & Noble.com)

Doman said on his official website (strangersproject.com) that he, “has always been curious about the people with whom we share our world,” and that was simply his inspiration for starting the project. It all started when he “sat at a local coffeehouse and decided to ask a passerby a simple question: ‘What’s your story?’”

However even though the project was born in New York, it travels all across the country with different festivals and events, showcasing its message. The project has gone from Las Vegas to Venice, Calif., but resides mostly in Washington Square Park.

“These stories help us explore our universal truths, desires, and experiences and illustrate the emotional power of storytelling and our shared humanity,” Doman said.

A Love Letter to the World

While strolling throughout Washington Square Park, you might stumble upon a small table draped with a blue cloth made to look like clouds, with a giant red heart on the back of a chair and an even larger piece of paper filled with love letters. If you do happen to find it, you’ve just come across “A Love Letter to the World.”

“A Love Letter to the World” is exactly what it sounds like. This newly founded project’s concept is that people passing by can come and write what they appreciate about the world and all it has given us on one giant, ongoing piece of paper.

The artist also travels all around the world with it, trying to get different perspectives from people in different places.

French singer and performance artist, Cocovan, is the creator of this project. Cocovan’s goal is to create the largest love letter in the world, to the world, by the world.

“A Love Letter to the World” originated in Paris, France, Cocovan’s hometown, and the project started in late May of this year.

Although a new project, Cocovan has already made great progress. After only one month into the project, she had collected nearly 300 letters in 10 different languages, before making the trip over to Manhattan to continue it.

“I just want people to simply write about what they love about the world,” Cocovan said.

“It truly is amazing seeing how other people view our world, and maybe it can help others appreciate what they didn’t see was already there,” she said.

Cocovan is now trying to figure out a way where people can send in their love letters and participate in the project from great distances. Cocovan is also going to collect some of the letters and share them through social media.

A Free Conversation with a Human Being

Washington Square Park constantly has a flow of people coming and going. Whether they’re rushing for work or enjoying a cup of coffee on a bench, people tend to keep to themselves.

Brooklynite Charlie M. wants to change that.

“One Free Conversation with a Human Being,” is an independent performance project Charlie M., 19, does in his free time to try and “understand people and their struggles more.”

The idea of the project is that anyone passing by in Washington Square Park can sit down with him and have a conversation on absolutely anything they want.

Charlie’s project isn’t very extravagant or fancy. In fact he just sits by the Washington Square Fountain holding a sign that says “One Free Conversation with a Human Being.”

“It’s a bit informal you know, but I did it that way purposefully because I wanted to create an approachable atmosphere. I really wanted people to be comfortable when talking to me, as if we were friends,” Charlie said.

Charlie’s main inspiration for starting this project is that he wanted to be a source of help to people.

“If someone is having a bad day, or going through something, I want them to know that someone does care for them and their problems,” Charlie said.

“One Free Conversation with a Human Being,” is an ongoing project in Washington Square, and according to Charlie “will continue for as long as people need someone to talk to.”

Sarah Gil is a rising junior at Paul J. Hagerty High School in Oviedo, Fla.

By Victoria Esquivel

Taco Bell and Chipotle are the primary examples of Americanized Mexican fast food that have gained popularity in New York. Being Mexican-American has showed me that real Mexican food takes hours to prepare. It is not meant to be a fast food industry.

Hidden in the East Village, are a few traditional small shops that bring to life Mexican culture and the food reflects the essence of the south.

In the past 10 years an increase in Mexican migrants has been see in the boroughs surrounding Manhattan but the popularity of Mexican food has not blossomed in the heart of New Yorkers.

Chinese food continues to be the preferred food sweeping across the entire United States and very popular to New Yorkers. New York is fast paced and Chinese food is fast take out for those on the go.

“I think if any nation in the world would be ready for Latin American food it was the United States. Americans are inquisitive. They’re curious. They jump into things with a passion.” Latin American Culinary historian Maricel Presilla said.

Taqueria Diana and La Newyorkina are both found in East Village and have gained a crowd thanks to authentic Mexican food. Taqueria Diana, is a taco shops that serves burritos with pinto beans and rice, quesadillas and tacos with the taste of Baja California. La Newyorkina is a Mexican sweet shop that serves different kinds of ice creams from soft serve to popsicles of different flavors, only found on the streets of Mexico City.

Food Review: Taqueria Diana

Located on Second Avenue next to Abe Lebewohl Park and the New York Public Library- Ottendorfer, Taqueria Diana attracts tourists and residents alike. Resembling a typical taco shop found on the streets of Mexico with bright colors and stone-cement tables, the atmosphere takes one back to their Mexican roots. I know it did for me.

The menu offers main course dishes that taste like my grandmother’s homemade tacos. I had the tacos Al Pastor with cebolla, cilantro and pineapple. I personally added green salsa and guacamole but those are additional add ons. Nonetheless, the tacos were delicious.

All products were fresh and the dishes had the warmth of homemade food. The chefs take great care in preparing their customer’s orders. The restaurant also caters for all tastes in the selection of drinks that they offer, from Jarritos, a Mexican drink, to Horchata, a milk drink made from almonds. This location of Taqueria Diana does not offer liquor.

Due to its small size, one can see the cooks work on their tacos and view how they prepare them. All seats are located in the back of the restaurant on stools and the tables are made of cement coming out the the wall. However, the sink and cleaning materials are right next to the tables on the left giving the restaurant an even more claustrophobic feel.

The service provided is amazing. Customers are attended right away and are treated with the utmost respect. Most if not all orders are completed within minutes. All workers are kind and offer a smile to entering customers.

I had a pleasant dining experience with food of the most exquisite flavors. For this reason I highly recommend going to the taco shop Taqueria Diana for your daily dose of Mexican food.

Location: 129 2nd Avenue
New York, NY 10003
Hours: Sun and Mon: 12pm to 12am
Tues to Wed: 12pm to 1am
Thu: 12pm to 2am
Prices: $3.15- $3.50 per taco
Best Seller: Tacos Al Pastor

The ice cream made in a barrel

Have a sweet taste of Mexico.

Slow churned ice-cream, or better known as Nieve de garrafa in Mexico, is hidden in the East Village in a small sweet shop on 240 Sullivan Street named La Newyorkina. The ice cream is close to a gelato as it has less air and fat that American style ice cream.

La Nieve de garrafa is found all over Mexico and is made in metal cylinders (the garrafa) that is placed inside a wooden barrel. In between layers of salt and ice the garrafa is surrounded and the ice cream is made with a wooden paddle. Some flavors include dairy while others just ice.

La Newyorkina is the only restaurant in Manhattan that serves this kind of ice cream that is made daily every morning.

Fanny Gerson, owner of La Newyorkina, said the flavors rotate everyday. On some days they serve coconut or mango and in a different day they serve queso fresco and tequila raisin.  Some of their best sellers are Mexican vanilla bean and Oaxaca chocolate chunk.

“In 2009 I spent a year doing research and traveling through Mexico to write my first book ‘My Sweet Mexico.’   That experience changed my life and when I returned to New York  I knew I wanted  to share and celebrate the amazing frozen treats and sweets of Mexico,” Gerson said.

Gerson’s sweet shop offers more than just cold sweets. It sells Mexican hot chocolate, pan dulce (Mexican doughnuts) as well as cookies and many more sweets.

Location: 240 Sullivan Street
New York, NY 10024
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 12-9PM
Friday & Saturday 12-10 PM
Prices: $3.75 – $7.25
Best Seller: Mexican Vanilla Bean (Nieve de garrafa)

Victoria Esquivel is a rising senior at Bonita Vista High School in San Diego, California.