Transcript
In This Issue: SLEEP NO MORE, PAGE 4; ROCKY HORROR SHOW, PAGE 5
The Monitor MARYMOUNT MANHATTAN COLLEGE’S STUDENT NEWSPAPER
VOLUME 15, ISSUE 5, OCTOBER 29, 2012
Your Best Nightmare By Madison Murphy Guest Writer New York City harvests a festive and unique experience for any given holiday on the calendar, and Halloween is no exception. Whether you choose to dress up and attend a party or gather a group of friends to adventure to a haunted house, Halloween in New York City is unlike any Halloween in the world. As mock cobwebs and hanging skeletons appear on building windows, the spirit of All Hallow’s Eve can be felt from Queens down to the Financial District. With an infinite amount of festivities to explore, narrowing down the list seems like the most difficult task of the tradition for students here. The tradition of All Hallow’s Eve (meaning the night before All Saints Day) dates back to the mid 1500s, not too long before European settlement of NYC. The roots stem from paganism and early Catholic religions. The Celtics celebrated things such as foods and drinks to those who had deceased to vanish away the spirits. Pumpkins and gourds were also used as a staple around the bonfires in celebration. Once the celebrations were brought over by Protestants to the U.S., All Hallow’s Eve rituals turned All cover story photos courtesy of Reimy Gonzalez. Makeup by David Uscinski.
into fun, spirited parties among villages, where children and adults could indulge in the mysticism of the supernatural powers. New York City and Halloween both boast extensive histories. As for those who believe in real haunted places, checking out some reported locations could always get you in the spirit. Just around the corner from Marymount Manhattan College, between First Avenue and York on East 61st Street, lies the Mount Vernon Hotel Museum. Built in the late 1700s, this hotel has had its share of visitors, some who have never left. The daughter of President John Adams is believed to still roam the Hotel from time to time, watching the East River. Across Central Park on Central Park West at 72nd Street is the Grand Dakota Building. Its gothic architecture dates back hundreds of years, and it is most known as the place where John Lennon lived and was killed in front of. However, workers around the building claim to see a boy and girl from time to time, dressed in clothing relatable to the nineteenth century era. A 58 year old resident, (who wished to not be named) also stated, “I’ve heard some stories about John Lennon haunting the gates near the scene of his shooting, but for me, I’ve never had an ...Continued on Pages 6 and 7
Take a bite out of the Big Apple this Halloween and discover its deeply rotten core! Madison Murphy takes us through the bowels of New York City’s haunted history so that you can have an All Hallow’s Eve to remember!
COFFEE AND CONVERSATION, PAGE 3; TIM BURTON, PAGE 9; FUN PLEDGE, PAGE 10
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The Monitor Staff EDITOR IN CHIEF Lindsey Sullivan
PRINT MANAGING EDITOR Erin Shanley ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR Sarina Bloodgood
THE MONITOR
OCTOBER 2012
Letter from the Editor Halloween is the day after tomorrow, and The Monitor hopes all of our favorite ghouls, ghosts, goblins, and Griffins have an enjoyable and safe holiday! In the spirit of All Hallow’s Eve, The Monitor staff has produced the Halloween Issue, a publication almost as coveted as Winifred Sanderson’s flesh-bound spell book (almost). There are certainly a few tricks and plenty of treats within the pages of this issue, both demented and delicious. You most likely grabbed a copy because our Photo Manager Reimy Gonzalez’s cover photos put a spell on you during what you thought was a typical daily walk to Peet’s and/or the library. When I first decided I wanted to make Issue #5 THE Halloween Issue due to its October 29th release date, I really had no idea what would come of it, so I made a face kind of like this (Thanks fantasmick.proboards.com!):
ONLINE EDITOR Taylor Morgan PRODUCTION EDITOR K. Chaney Long NEWS EDITOR Molly Ward FEATURES EDITOR Juliann Lajeskie COPY EDITOR Chelsea Gentile PHOTO MANAGER Reimy Gonzalez PROMOTIONAL MANAGER Kelsey O’Brien FEATURED STAFF WRITERS Nadia Shammas FEATURED GUEST WRITERS Chris Calfa Zachary Elvord Zolot Kelli Kardell Joe Liner Madison Murphy Alisha Rajpal Sierra Williams
As you can see, we’ve got some fantastic pieces in this issue, the first of which is Madison Murphy’s cover story. To accompany this tale of New York City’s literal old haunts, Reimy Gonzalez used Marymount Manhattan College’s very own Black Box to create a fantastically frightening world where our various cover-ghouls could celebrate both the fear and frolic characteristic of Halloween. Morgan Campbell, Jean Flick, Natalia Lopresti, Ramshah Kanwal, and Mareily Mena were an absolute treat to work with and looked fantastic thanks to David Uscinski’s makeup skills. Reimy’s combined skill, talent, and passion for being behind the camera accompanied by Uscinski’s makeup, and the lighting in the Black Box transformed MMC’s Lower Level into the underworld. If you loved our Photo Manager’s spooky shots, out his page at http://facebook/remyphoto.com. Juliann Lajeskie recommends some spookily sweet treats (I’m dying to try the Shakenstein!) on Page 8 among a number of events and happenings available in the city (Check out The Rocky Horror Picture Show on Page 5!). Chelsea Gentile notes the importance of being safe in the city on this chaotic holiday on Page 4, so definitely give her piece a read before bobbing for any apples or looking under the bed. We at The Monitor cannot believe we only have two issues left this semester, and again, we hope everyone has a spirited and safe Halloween! Lindsey Sullivan
Where in the World?
STAFF ADVISOR Melissa Benca The Monitor is the student newspaper of Marymount Manhattan College. It is published 7 times each semester, with the exception of January and Summer sessions. The Monitor has a circulation of 700 and shared readership. Additional articles, a variety of multimedia, and the online PDF of this issue can be found and viewed at www.mmcthemonitor.com. For comments, questions, or suggestions, please email The Monitor at
[email protected].
Photo courtesy of Alexis van Dijk
Where in the world has your Monitor been? Send us a snapshot of your adventures reading The Monitor to
[email protected]! Whether you are caught reading your favorite student newspaper abroad, around Soho, or in the underworld, our favorite pictures will be featured in this section of our next issue!
OCTOBER 2012
Halloween Costumes 2012: Calfa Style
STUDENT LIFE
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Presidential Chit Chat: Judson Shaver Reaches Out to MMC Students through “Coffee and Conversation”
By Chris Calfa Guest Writer As a person born on this day, I can By Zach Elvord Zolot rightfully say that Halloween is the best Guest Writer holiday next to Arbor Day and Yom Kippur. Many college and university presidents I take Halloween very seriously, and wouldn’t take the time out of their schedules I believe everybody should, even my nonto engage with the students of said college or supportive friends who won’t even wear university. However, that is not the case for costumes (Losers). In recent years, a controversy Marymount Manhattan College’s own President surrounding Halloween has been the Judson R. Shaver. Working in an attempt to engage the “slutiness” of the costumes. While kids have to walk house to house to get candy in students at MMC better, he has set up a series of suburbia, girls can just put their legs over events called “Coffee and Conversation.” Through their heads to get candy. It’s a season of Coffee and Conversation, President Shaver getting. engages the students at the College in stimulating But, of course, just because conversation and discussion on a range of topics. something has the word sexy in it does These conversations are open to the entire MMC not mean it is. There are some pretty community. stupid sexy costumes around Ricky’s such The most recent of these sessions was last as Slutty Finding Nemo. But have no fear ladies, because after this year, the Prince Wednesday, October 24th. The topic of that day’s of Halloween, Chris Calfa, has some great conversation was the 2012 election. The President, and sexual ideas for what YOU could be for along with a group of seven MMC students, engaged Halloween 2012. in a stimulating conversation on many different aspects of the 2012 election: the candidates and 5. Slutty Snow White how the nation’s decision would ultimately affect This was her most exposed year, could be the lives of the students. yours too. The session lasted for roughly an hour, and there was never a dull moment. The President 4. Slutty Angelina Jolie’s Oscar Leg was able to pose questions and give commentary Not Angelina…Just her leg. in a way that provoked the best out of the students participating in the discussion. The atmosphere of 3. Slutty Rush Limbaugh He deserves it. the discussion was like that of a classroom in which everyone truly wanted to be there. 2. Slutty Tom Cruise and Katie Holme’s In addition to the conversation, it was Marriage apparent that the students participating were making Find a dress that’s half rainbow and half a connection to the President and were becoming orange with a handcuff. more comfortable with MMC’s dominant authority figure. 1. Slutty Big Bird “I feel like I have a better relationship with Don’t forget your “Vote for Obama” button. him now,” said Sameera Uddin, a junior at MMC. “I Here are some real comments from real MMC mean some students have never met with him [onestudents: on-one].” “… Chris, I don’t get how half of these could That is exactly what Coffee and be slutty… “ Conversation is trying to change. President Shaver - Megan Bruce, Senior is trying to inspire a better connection between “…what...?” himself and the students on campus. - Alyssa Lawrence, Senior In addition to forming a connection with This year I’m being Hawkeye, Ariel, Superboy, the students, Coffee and Conversation has proved and Robin. To read the uncensored, “It’s the to be a pathway to more student interaction. When Great Slut Whore, Charlie Brown!” version, discussing the 2012 political election, the students check out Chris’s blog at http://chrispan991. really were able to take charge and answer the blogspot.com/.
President’s questions while engaging in a spirited debate with fellow students. One student, junior Vladimir Martinez, mentioned how he felt about the interaction with other students. Let it be noted that a good number of these students were not acquainted with one another going into the discussion, yet everyone was able to engage in the conversation. And for some, especially freshmen attendees, it was the first time they had met President Shaver personally. All in all, the general consensus was that Coffee and Conversation was time more than well spent. Coffee and Conversation is an event that is open to all students. The event is put on in order to get students more comfortable with MMC, holding discussions with other students, and President Shaver himself. The next Coffee and Conversation is titled, “Is College Worth It?” and will take place from 4:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 8th. Any student can sign up to attend the conversation by making a reservation on the 8th floor office in Main building. The event is free, and all students are encouraged to come meet the President and engage in the relationship building conversation.
Photo courtesy of dnainfo.com
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STUDENT LIFE
OCTOBER 2012
Wide Awake: Sleep No More Continues to Enchant By Lindsey Sullivan Editor-in-Chief The sound of footsteps pounding on hardwood rips through your soul. Before your next heartbeat, you alone must quickly decide to sprint toward or as far away from the bloodboiling shrieks. You keep seeing this particular face; sometimes it startles you as you turn a corner, belonging to a wanderer like yourself. Sometimes it makes you catch your breath when you notice a sea of these faces darting all around you. Entranced by the chaos, you follow them. You then startle yourself in an ornate mirror, remembering that you, too, are masked. You, too, possess the gaping eyes and beaked mouth and immobile lips. As you run, mosey, stumble, struggle, stroke, dance, and discover your way through Punchdrunk’s labyrinth that is the McKittrick Hotel, characters from Shakespeare’s Macbeth, hotel employees, and the subjects of your most terrifying dreams and pleasurable nightmares surround you. Welcome to Sleep No More, an interactive theatrical merry-go-round that has been churning since March 2011. Originally, the production was scheduled to only last until May of last year. However, the haunts hovering in the gargantuan McKittrick Hotel are here to stay (and come and go as they please, waltz around grand ballrooms or on pool tables, or have spontaneous, blood-strewn orgies). Along with the senses, spirits, and sanity
of its sojourners, the hotel possesses about 100 rooms, which 350 masked audience members are encouraged to explore six nights a week. (This supernatural sensation is too titillating for Sunday.) Patrons are permitted to enter the hotel at five varied arrival times each night from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m. and from 11 p.m. until 11:59 p.m. at Friday’s and Saturday’s late-night performances. As the alleged “spice of life,” variety is the stuff Sleep No More thrives on, audiences enter the experience at different times, and parties are purposefully (and often times, forcibly) separated by time, space, pacing, and the performers themselves. Sleep No More promises a highly individualistic experience: “Those who are brave shall be rewarded,” advises an eerie elevator
operator as he lets visitors off at different floors throughout the hotel at the outset of each group’s journey. Upon entering the delightfully maddening McKittrick, you will have anywhere from two to three hours to dare; whether you dare to navigate a pitch black corridor from which you hear the faintest sound of 30s swing music or to take the bloodied hand of a character, daring will get you everywhere even if you are unable to witness everything going on in the performance. This is likely, but it is also what makes Sleep No More such a thrill. Each night, there are approximately 14 hours worth of plot going on in the McKittrick. Whether you choose to begin your journey dutifully following Shakespeare’s Macbeth or bounding down upon the heels of that mysterious woman in red or that man wearing absolutely nothing at all, there is only a single certainty: nothing is certain. The story of Sleep No More is all your own and will keep your senses wide awake from the time you receive your playing card key upon entering the McKittrick. Purchase tickets for this theatrical bucket-list topper at http:// sleepnomorenyc.com/. Photo courtesy of coolhunting.com
The Safety Dance: Halloween in NYC By Chelsea Gentile Copy Editor The autumn weather set the mood right as October rolled in, and before you knew it, you were purchasing all things pumpkin-flavored and frolicking through Central Park taking in the scenery. However, for lots of us, autumn’s arrival means one very important event: Halloween. Many of us splurge on the most creative costumes we can find and make outrageous plans with our friends. Whether those plans include going to (and maybe even joining) New York’s famous Village Halloween Parade, being terrorized at Blood Manor, or dancing the night away at the Village Halloween Costume Ball, it is important to remember that safety is a very important factor, even though Halloween seems unlike any other NYC night. Being scared on Halloween is appropriate, but there is a fine line between a desired adrenaline rush and a dangerous one. We have heard plenty of urban legends about Halloween. The most popular of these legends is
the famed Halloween gang initiation. The generic version of this legend is that gangs use Halloween night to initiate new members, forcing them to attack or even kill people. According to TheGrio.com, a daily online news and opinion source owned by NBC, during this time of the year these urban legends get passed around via the web. In recent years, though, the NYPD has worked to dismiss these troubling rumors, but they urge people to exercise extra caution nonetheless because Halloween is, after all, a prime night for crime – gang initiations or not. To put it generally, you should use the New Yorker sensibility that you use on any other night on the town, but be more attentive to it on Halloween. First of all, once you find out where your plans are located, try to stop by the venue before Halloween so you are familiar with how to get there; you may be giddy because of more than just sugar on Halloween night, and it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the environment you will be partying in.
It might also be a good idea to reconsider your costume choice. If your costume includes a mask, try to find one that does not cover your entire head. In a place like New York City, chances are that someone may have a similar costume to yours. It is important to make sure that your friends can identify you amongst the crowd. One very important rule of thumb to remember is to never leave your drink unattended. You do not want to take a drink from a stranger, either (though you can talk to strangers this time around). The truth of the matter is that you cannot trust someone you do not know with your drink, especially at an overly crowded Halloween party in New York City. Above all, remember that you are in a huge city and anything, good or bad, can happen. Adding Halloween to the nightlife mix makes craziness even more probable. Essentially, make sure your only fear on October 31st is of the fun kind, not the dangerous.
OCTOBER 2012
STUDENT LIFE
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“Don’t Dream It. Be It”: The Rocky Horror Picture Show By Alisha Rajpal Guest Writer Halloween gives us the opportunity to really find our inner freak, paint our faces, and put on clothes we normally would not. So we scouted the perfect Halloween activity in New York City that fits well in a college student’s budget and most definitely allows you to showcase your inner freak. Chelsea Clearview Cinemas is playing host to the cult classic, Halloween must-see midnight movie, The Rocky Horror Picture Show. What makes this performance stand out is the incredible shadow cast and the mega-fun pre-show. The shows are usually sold to capacity, so it’s a good idea to show up early to snag a Rocky Horror tattoo or even just to make a quick run to the restroom to grab some toilet paper to throw around during the show. What makes this experience really special is the pre-show. You walk in to a dance party, complete with disco lights and a live DJ set, followed by the traditional humiliation of the first timer’s of the show. (The cast likes to call them “Rocky Horror Virgins”). RHPS Cast Director Tom Amici says that this humiliation process actually benefits the show. “We bring the first-timers, or ‘virgins,’ onstage and have them perform sometimes embarrassing, yet harmless acts, to get them used to being in a participatory audience and bring them out of their shells,” said Amici. “Once the movie starts, there are times when we break from the action of the screen to act out gags that complement
the performance.” In the crowded audience, almost everyone can be seen belting out “Touch-a Touch-a, Toucha, Touch Me” and dancing to the “Time Warp.” So what makes this midnight movie so different from others of its kind? Actor and MMC senior Valerie Humphrey, who does a solid job as Dr. Frank-N-Furter says, “Rocky Horror is nearly 40 years old, and it is people like me who have kept it live for so long and will continue to do so. The key word that comes to my mind is ‘acceptance.’ Nobody will ever not be allowed to be a part of this community
for any reason whatsoever, and not very often to you hear someone say the word ‘no,’ as far as limits are concerned. Our audiences come to our shows to be themselves, to show off their favorite crazy clothes that they are afraid to wear out in public, to yell out ridiculous things and do wild dances...and just so much more!” Amici adds, “The thing that keeps Rocky Horror going is the timelessness of the story and the way it speaks to people who feel they have a different lifestyle than most of the people they meet in life.” While (literally) performing up against actors like Susan Sarandon and Tim Curry is not an easy task, the cast seems to hold their own. “Tim Curry’s confidence and dominating essence were what originally drew me to want to play Frank-N-Furter, and the idea of getting to project such an attitude was something I couldn’t refuse,” says Humphrey. “I think one of the biggest aspects is the look, with the cape and the big hair and all that. Once I take the two hours to apply the makeup, strap down my chest, and get into those slinky garments, I just feel like such a boss!” The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a fun and guilt free experience and for only $9.50, a show a great way to spend an evening in a city as weird and fantastic as the tale of Rocky Horror itself! The show runs every Friday and Saturday night at Chelsea Clearview Cinemas at 23rd street between 7th and 8th Avenues. Photo courtesy of Val Humphrey and Jen DiMatteo
PAGE 6 encounter.” The famous Palace Theatre of Broadway contains the most reported ghost sightings in the entire city. Many have claimed to see the spirit of Judy Garland walking through from time to time. Even more chilling, a ghost of an acrobat who reportedly broke his neck during a show is said to bring witnesses extremely bad luck. Another theatre said to have ghost sightings is the New Amsterdam Theatre on West 42nd Street. A Ziegfield Follies girl by the name of Olive Thomas committed suicide and has been reported to still appear in her Follies dress, lingering the theatre. It seems as if the oldest souls have never really left the city. For hundreds of years, people have claimed to see a “Ghost Ship” on the Hudson River, believed to be Henry Hudson’s HalveMein/Half Moon ship. This ship dates back to the earliest settlement of Europeans onto the island of Manhattan, where local Indians were not pleased with the bombardment of foreigners onto their land. If the air seems foggy enough and you spot a ship far in the distance, running towards it is said to make it disappear. For those Griffins who prefer to tackle some hands-on urban legends, possibly the strangest, yet most intriguing is the constant rumor that alligators thrive through the New York City subway and sewage systems. This rumor draws some strange attention, but it does in fact present itself in the novel V by Thomas Pynchon. Although we are not suggesting you go out and conduct your own search, this rumor has been talked about for quite some time. “This [story] is just great because…well… do you feel 100% certain that it’s not true?” pointed out Writing New York Professor Richard Hutzler. New York City flourishes in its history, and along with that history (for those who believe) comes in a magnificent celebration of supernatural
YOUR BEST NIGHTMARE powers, for those who wish to adventure. For students eager to simply put on a costume and have a fun time, don’t miss the biggest Halloween parade in New York City: the Village Halloween Parade. This is an incredible sight to see, with vibrant costumes and the Hallow’s Eve spirit in full throttle, any student at MMC should take advantage of seeing. Whether you wish to attend a staged haunted house, conduct a real search on NYC’s supernatural history, or simply get dressed up and attend the parade, Halloween in New York City is one big celebration you do not want to
OCTOBER 2012
OCTOBER 2012
YOUR BEST NIGHTMARE
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All photos courtesy of Reimy Gonzalez
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FEATURES
OCTOBER 2012
On the Cheap: Halloween Costumes By Kelli Kardell Guest Writer “Trick or treat!” It’s something we have been saying since we learned how to talk. It allowed us to get candy or treats on one special day each year from our neighbors. And most importantly, it enables us to dress up as one of our favorite characters. The concept of trick-ortreating is not new at all; it originated during medieval times in a celebration called All Hallows Eve, the day preceding All Saints Day. Regardless of its origins, Halloween is a fun day to celebrate. Some people have been in the process of planning their costumes for weeks or even months now. For those of you who have not yet found a costume, don’t fret--it’s not too late! You can always find last minute costume choices at the thrift shops located throughout the city, or you can go to Halloween Adventure (104 4th Avenue) or Spirit Halloween (466 6th Avenue). Of course, there are numerous Ricky’s throughout the city as well, and you are bound to find one simply By Juliann Lajeskie Features Editor New York food--like New York fashion--changes with the seasons. We are never at a loss for something new, especially around the holidays. During the month or so leading up to Halloween, stores stock up on all sorts of seasonal goodies to satisfy our fall cravings, from apple cider doughnuts to pumpkin beer, to the traditional Oktoberfest fare offered by countless restaurants and pubs. Here, I have highlighted a few of the best fall foods from places that most of us frequent: David’s Tea: This tea joint offers several fall flavors, including Pumpkin Chai, Banana Nut Bread, and Indian Summer, to name a few. However, the best by far is Toasted Marshmallow. A flawless blend of black tea, mini marshmallows, brittle, allspice, cinnamon, and kukicha green tea, it is the perfect fall flavor. I get anxiety just thinking about it being “limited edition.” Shake Shack: Arguably some of the best fast food New York has to offer, Shake Shack has perfected its fall custard flavors, the best of
walking from the school to one of the Residence Halls. Looking for a cheaper side of costuming for Halloween? There is always the traditional ghost costume, or some other monster or ghoul. “Broke school student Halloween costumes include pirates, old school uniforms, cops, and ghosts. Or you might as well just go as yourself,” said Diante Webb, a sophomore at Marymount Manhattan College. These are not bad ideas; simply wear an old school uniform, and you are instantly transformed into a jock or a cheerleader. Or, get a white sheet, cut two holes in it, and voila--you are a ghost! While that is acceptable for some, others might want to be more original or pretty. This is still possible, be it last minute and on a budget. Simply look at the clothing you already have, or check out local thrift stores to see what you can throw together. Some of the best costumes are made from clothing one already owns. Want a more traditional route, or the most popular costumes of
Halloween 2012? “Zombies, vampires, and princesses are the most popular for all ages,” said junior Morgan Campbell. There is also the traditional cat costume, which is extremely easy to put together: wear all black and add a tail and ears. Superheroes and villains are always a popular choice, such as Superman/Superwoman or Spiderman. Dressing up as a character from popular new movies is always exciting; this year, it is The Hunger Games. Lastly, the everclassic Disney princesses: Ariel,
Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty, which are a hit for girls of all ages. Throughout the Halloween season, there is always a way to find a costume that fits your personality. And don’t forget--for those looking to win the new media shirt, snap a picture of yourself before October 31st, and post it to MMC’s Facebook page. If you do not wish to participate, that’s fine, but make sure to go online and cast your vote for the best costume! Have a happy, ghoulish Halloween! Photo courtesy of pinterest.com
Spookily Sweet NYC Treats the caramel apple cupcake are both worth the four dollars and hundreds of calories--at least once in awhile.
which is called Shakenstein. It’s a vanilla-based, Frankenstein-green custard with chocolate cake pieces and marshmallows, a perfect Halloween treat. Sprinkles: The “original cupcake bakery,” which alternates flavors throughout the days and months, has Halloween cupcakes down to a science: the pumpkin cupcake and
Dylan’s Candy Bar: And of course, we cannot overlook Dylan’s Candy Bar. Although they offer literally thousands of varieties of candy all year round, Halloween is an especially fun time, because you can say “Trick-or-Treat” to an employee and score a free piece of candy! For Halloween, they carry body parts lollipops (think eyeballs and brains), gummy teeth, and perhaps the most interesting feature--chocolate-dunked fortune cookies. And because it only comes every four years, it is worth mentioning that Dylan’s also offers a gigantic selection of Election 2012 candy. What better way to support your candidate than to eat your weight in processed sugar in front of the TV on election night? There are innumerable fall foods offered at other places
throughout the city as well. Natalia Lopresti, a junior at Marymount Manhattan College, thoroughly endorses the pumpkin bread at Trader Joe’s. “I stockpile it. I’m like a chipmunk gathering pumpkin bread for the winter,” raved Lopresti. Kelsey O’Brien, another MMC student and an employee at Bouchon Bakery, suggests their pumpkin macaroons. “It’s my favorite, because it’s a step away from our traditional flavors; I eat way too many...every day,” O’Brien laughed. My personal favorite place, Doughnut Plant (located in both Chelsea and the Lower East Side), offers apple cinnamon and pumpkin doughnuts for fall. And do not forget about Alice’s Tea Cup! Their pumpkin scones are practically an eighth world wonder. If you love fall foods, your options are limitless in New York. So get out there and grab yourself a pumpkin-flavored, Frankenstein-colored anything! Photo courtesy of healthychicks.com
OCTOBER 2012
FEATURES
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The Master of Macabre: Tim Burton called Vincent, which came out in By Nadia Shammas 1982. The movie was based off of Staff Writer a poem that Tim Burton wrote, in Nothing rings in the which a boy dreams he Halloween season like the master is Vincent Price of the macabre, living within a Tim Burton. horror movie It seems that (Vincent Price he’s coming out even contributed with something as a voice actor.) new every His second year, and every film was a twenty year, his work is five minute recognizable and live action original – even film called the remakes, in Frankenweenie their reimagining (which, as – in the artistry many now and manner of know, was which the work is extended created. into an entire Tim Burton film, put in was born Timothy animated form, Walter Burton on Photo courtesy of festival-cannes.com and available August 25th, 1958, for all to see in in Burbank, California. As theaters today). When it first came a boy, Burton would make short out, Frankenweenie was considered stop motion animation films in his inappropriate for children and was backyard; one of his oldest known put aside until finally being released films is Island of Doctor Agor, which in 1992 on video. It was this film that he made when he was thirteen years brought Tim Burton to Paul Reubens’ old. (aka, Pee-Wee-Herman’s) attention. It was apparent that there was At this time, Burton was only something different about this boy in his mid-twenties, but Reubens from the start. He had an unassuming decided he was the perfect and introverted disposition, and person to direct his debut in enjoyed painting, drawing, and Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, watching horror films. His childhood which was released in heroes were Dr. Seuss, Edgar Allan 1985. The collaboration Poe, Ray Herryhausen, who made led to huge success and horror and science fiction films, recognition, as Pee-Wee’s and of course, the indispensable Big Adventure became Vincent Price, who would appear a surprising box office as an influence on Burton’s work smash. throughout his life. The success After graduating from made Tim Burton’s Burbank High School, Burton went name synonymous with to the California Institute of the Arts “the dark and the strange.” He was to study character animation. The approached with the paranormal Disney Corporation had strong ties comedy Beetlejuice, which came out with this college and would often be in 1988 as an even bigger success involved in order to pick out future than Pee-Wee. employees. Tim Burton was one of The notoriety led Warner those chosen, and he would go on the Bros. to give Burton the reins to work for Disney after college. work on Batman, a hugely expensive During this time would project that had been put aside for ten Disney, Burton did work on some years to find the right director. Tim mainstream films (such as The Fox Burton’s Batman came out in 1989 and the Hound) but found them dull and was one of the most successful and far from his own artistic vision, films of its time, setting the opening and so Disney let Burton work on week box office record of $50 million his own personal projects. The first dollars and going on to make $400 of these was a six-minute black-andmillion worldwide. white stop motion animation piece
Thanks to Batman, Burton solidified his position as the up-andcoming visionary in Hollywood, a freedom which allowed him to come out with the unforgettable and extremely moving Edward Scissorhands, which came out in 1990. This film was the first time that Johnny Depp and Tim Burton worked together and marked the beginning of the artistic relationship that has been going on for about twenty years now. Batman Returns, which came out in 1992, was much darker and more eccentric than its predecessor, which showed how much freedom Burton had won as a director in Hollywood (though Warner Brothers was very unhappy with the result). Burton returned to his roots as an animator (as well as producer and creator) in the remarkable The Nightmare Before Christmas. It was the epitome of Tim Burton’s art, starting from a poem he wrote many years earlier, and before working on it under Disney, The Nightmare Before Christmas was waiting in his heart to be made for over a decade. It was the first full-length stop motion animation film produced by Disney and also marked the beginning of the
Photo courtesy of ticketsarasota.com
relationship between Danny Elfman and Tim Burton. Burton stayed with Disney despite tension over The Nightmare Before Christmas, which was deemed unsuitable for children, and directed the biopic Ed Wood. Featuring Johnny Depp as the world’s worst director and Martin Landau as a debilitated Bela Lugosi, the film was set in a bizarre historical reality and was a box office disaster. However, it acquired the critical acclaim of his career and won him two Oscars. Tim Burton was not just
working on movies during this time. In 1997, he came out with a collection of drawings and poems called “The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy and Other Stories,” which is stunningly macabre and witty. This streak changed with Sleepy Hollow, which came out in 1999 and starred Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci. The film earned three Oscar nominations and was a huge horror movie hit. In 2001, Burton took on a remake of the 1968 cult classic Planet of the Apes, which was where he met his current partner, Helena Bonham Carter. Before Helena, he had been engaged to actress Lisa Marie, who he dated from 1992 to 2001. Helena is currently his fiancée, and they live in adjoining houses in London. She gave birth to his son on October 6th, 2003 and to a daughter on December 7th, 2007. 2005 was a big year, for Tim Burton released both a remake of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” (which did not receive that much acclaim, from critics and from myself) and the stop motion animated feature Corpse Bride, which received an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature Film. In 2007, Burton directed the film adaptation of the popular musical Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, which received critical praise and several Golden Globe nominations. In 2010, Tim Burton worked on Alice in Wonderland, which was meant (despite the title) to be a sequel, not a re-adaptation. In 2012, Burton worked on the film adaptation of Dark Shadows, and his reworking of Frankenweenie is now in theaters world-wide. The dog in the movie is inspired by Tim Burton’s own childhood dog, Pepe. In addition to his film work, Tim Burton has released over 700 drawings in the MoMa in 2009 and 2010. The exhibit was so popular that it required an online ticket reservation. I was fortunate to get in on opening night, and the interactive experience, as well as being allowed to follow Burton’s childhood sketching to the fully imagined works in his films only deepened my artist’s crush on the eccentric and extraordinary Tim Burton.
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FEATURES
OCTOBER 2012
A “Frightful” Fun Pledge By Joe Liner Guest Writer While Halloween may not be everyone’s favorite holiday, it still holds a special place in the hearts of New Yorkers as the city’s most beautiful time of year, when the city bursts into fall colors, and everything starts to buzz with apprehension for the big night. In fact, the fun starts a lot earlier than the 31st, with many popular annual attractions opening a month in advance, allowing funseekers plenty of time to get into the spooky spirit! (It’s also great motivation to get started early on your costume… nothing like a little ghoulish charm to get inspired!) One of the top destinations to check out this Halloween season is New York’s very own Blood Manor. Located on Varick Street in Lower Manhattan, even the most seasoned Halloween veterans can expect a scream and a half when visiting this ultra-realistic haunted mansion. How realistic is it? Put it this way: If Disney turned its penchant for production values and quality recreations onto the horror scene, you would still not reach the level of imagination put into Blood Manor.
treats at the ready, I’ve hunted around to find you some of the best that New York has to offer. First up are the Pumpkin and Apple Gobblers from Big Gay Ice Cream Shop; The Pumpkin Gobbler features vanilla ice cream with pumpkin butter (say no more!), maple syrup, piecrust, and whipped cream, while the Apple Gobbler has apple butter and bourbon butterscotch instead. You can find B.G.I.C.S. at 127 East 7th Street, right near St. Marks Place. My second suggestion takes us out of Manhattan and into Astoria, Queens; for all things pumpkin, head to MexiBBQ this Halloween season. They’ll be featuring amazing confections like Pumpkin Crème Brûlée and Apple Cider Donuts, and for the 21 and over crowd, a line of pumpkin-flavored beers, as well as Halloweenthemed ones such as a Coney Island local, Freaktober Beer. Find MexiBBQ at 37-11 30th Avenue in Astoria (Grab the N or the Q train!). Since Halloween is upon us quite soon, I’ve kept these suggestions light, affordable, and easy to do in a pinch. So load your MetroCards, grab your coats, and get out the door! Don’t waste a second trying to make the most of the fall season, one that really is New York’s time to shine!
Participants usually go on foot in groups of six in order to help make the experience more personal. In total, the mansion is made up of 5,000 square feet of corridors, labyrinths, and theme rooms all designed to plumb the depths of your personal fears; by the end of the trip, you can rest assured that you’ll be screaming - for more, possibly? The expertly trained actors have been known to throw some random bits into the mix, just for some additional fun. “Most of the thrill comes from a more psychological type of horror. There are plenty of moments where you jump and get startled, but they make sure that the fear gets right in your head,” said MMC student Melissa Trujillo. “They made one of the people in my group go by themselves, just because they decided it would be more fun that way!” Hurry down this weekend to catch the last few runs before the big day, and go online to www.bloodmanor.com to get their latest student discounts! No holiday experience would be complete without a little nosh to get your taste buds in the spirit as well. Halloween is a great time for themed baked goods, and while nearly every bakery, café, and restaurant will be expected to have holiday
My First Halloween By Sierra Williams Guest Writer I see little children walking beside their parents, pointing out the costumes in store windows. Black, orange and purple colored decorations abound, right alongside the skeletons and cobwebs. It is October, but more importantly, it is almost Halloween. When I tell most people that I have not ever celebrated Halloween (or any other holiday, for that matter), they react with a shocked gasp and exclamations of surprise. Truthfully, this is the first year I’ve actually had a choice in the matter, but after so many years of not participating, even just the decorations in my apartment are throwing me for a loop. The house I grew up in is a strongly religious one, and I was not exposed to holiday or birthday celebrations unless it was happening at school, and even then, that was a minimal thing. Now I find myself, for the very first time, with the option of celebrating the most ‘satanic’ of holidays, All Hallow’s Eve.
I’m still getting used to having decorations up where I live! In fact, I’m continually startled by my suitemate’s skeletal, zombie-esque butler (affectionately named Victor) where he hangs on our kitchen wall at the 55th Street Residence Hall. He’s been in place for almost a month already, yet I still find myself jumping every time I turn around. It’s really quite surreal to me how New York City in its entirety seems to dive into their Halloween spirit and costumes. I do not quite understand the appeal of this worldwide day of make-believe, with the ghosts and ghouls, witches, zombies, and Elvis Presleys running amuck. I rather feel like I’m standing on the sidelines as everyone competes around me to be the best gore covered murderer or the character with the most sex appeal. All the decorations are almost enough to get me to suit up in some Alice in Wonderland costume and bust out the candy. Almost, but after seventeen years of ignoring the holiday, truthfully, I still don’t know what to think of it. I’ve never been trick or treating; not once have I ever been to
a Halloween party, nor have I ever personally seen a costume competition. I have no experience with acting the fool for fun and candy, and while my friends say, “Sierra, you HAVE to dress up! It’ll be so much fun,” I’m quite alright with watching everyone else have at it. So while I may be the only eighteen year old on the planet who has never celebrated Halloween (or so it feels, at least), I’ll be sitting on the sidelines as I’ve always done, watching everyone else pretend to be someone else for a
PAINT YOUR OWN PUMPKIN EVENT When: TODAY, October 29th at 6 p.m. Where: 32nd Floor Lounge at the 55th Street Residence Hall Get in the Halloween spirit tonight with RA Lindsey! Add some funky colors, googley eyes, and glitter to your very own pumpkin!
OCTOBER 2012
FEATURES
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Pumpkin Palooza: The Great Jack-o-Lantern Blaze By Erin Shanley Print Managing Editor Every year, under the creative direction of Michael Natiello, over 5,000 hand-carved pumpkins take over the Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson, New York for the great Jacko-Lantern Blaze. Volunteers and local artists come together to create a spectacular trail of twinkling pumpkins that are pieced together to form larger replicas, including animals and monsters. The trail begins by crossing through a field blanketed in a sea of twinkling, spookyfaced pumpkins. As you continue walking, poking amidst the crowd is a tree entwined with more jack-o-lanterns that start at the base of the trunk and continue into the branches. To the right, onlookers will see skeleton fingers reaching through the ground of a haunted graveyard. Continuing forward on the left are cloth ghosts encircling a cylinder pyramid of flame-carved pumpkins mounted on top of each
other as if to portray a bonfire scene. As the path continues, the pumpkin forms become more unreal. Arachnophobes beware, as the trail comes upon a field of larger than life spiders, with the sparkling lights almost giving off the impression that they are moving and ending with jack-olanterns strung together to form a spider web. If the spider
display hasn’t sent you spiraling into a panic attack, your nerves can be calmed by passing through a line of artfully crafted pumpkins, carved with exquisite patterns and designs. Next you will approach a band of Macbetheqsue witches, life-sized, and hunched over their bubbling cauldrons. Visitors will also pass under an archway where the inside ceiling is completely covered with skull-faced jack-o-lanterns, and on the sides is a wall of aquatic creatures. As the trail comes to a close, you start to approach
life-size animals, including lions, tigers, and bears...oh my! Famous monsters including Frankenstein and Dracula can also be seen poking in between glistening fields of corn stalks. Children and adults of all ages can enjoy walking through the interactive path lit from the glow of thousands of handmade jack-o-lanterns, accompanied by spooky tunes. The show is running for six weeks this year with a total of 22 shows, having started over Columbus Day weekend and continuing until November 11th. There are typically two different show times during this period. For more information on the show and how to obtain tickets, you can visit www.hudsonvalley.org/events/blaze. Photos courtesy of hudsonvalley.org/events/blaze
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By Kelsey O’Brien Promotional Manager Watch out! Do not open that door if you know what is good for you. Behind that door there is a monstrous-looking man in a striped sweater with a knife, scissor hands, and a desire to rip you and your friends to pieces. No! What is wrong with you? Do you not know running up the stairs is just another recipe for disaster? Are you going to survive tonight? Would collecting candy on jack-o-lantern lined, suburban streets have been a better idea? Or perhaps, the best idea of all, would be to make some pumpkin spiced tea, pop some popcorn, and curl up with a bowl of candy corn and an eerily awesome Halloween movie. What? You do not like that option because you do not know what to watch? Good news, this is one decision that your life is not dependent on, and I have your back. Here is a list of some of the best Halloween movies out there. There are all types of classic, creepy movies perfect for the spirit of All Hallow’s Eve. Why not start with Rosemary’s Baby? “I’m a huge Roman Polansky fan,” admits senior Zachary Stephens. “In Rosemary’s Baby, he created the perfect, eerie atmosphere.” Or maybe you would be more of an Alfred Hitchcock fan. Who does not love definitive films like The Birds or Psycho? “Psycho is a Halloween classic and
a staple! It started it all,” exclaims Stephens. He adds, “Anything Alfred Hitchcock is an automatic win in my book.” If you like particularly gutty and gory movies, check out the Saw series. This hit franchise currently boasts seven disgustingly bloody movies and two video games as well. Other movies that still show an interesting amount of severed body parts, strange stabbings, and scary, sticky situations include The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Amityville Horror. Do not forget about The Shining.
FRIGHTENING FLICKS
Photos courtesy of imdb.com
“It’s an A+ film,” says Stephens. Or you could go the route of scream queens. When teenagers are involved, when is there not a good time to venture to a cabin the woods or go to a raging party that not a single adult knows about in an abandoned barn? Because that clearly makes sense. Movies like Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween, House of Wax, and Trick’r’Treat are perfect to get your daily dose of slashed up young adolescents. “End the list at Trick’r’Treat!” exclaims senior Evan Warren. If you are looking for a little humor with your dead teenagers, try the Scream franchise. These four movies try to make light of awful teenage movies while becoming one themselves. (If you want to get really silly, you can watch the Scary Movie franchise that solely seeks to produce tears from laughter, not fright.) Try something ghostly if none of these sound particularly appealing. Films like Poltergeist, The Haunting in Connecticut, and Paranormal Activity (all four) all touch on spirits that linger in the afterlife. “Paranormal Activity is actually the perfect date movie,” claims senior Leigh Berenis. She explains, “If you want a girl to jump on top of you in fright, watch it.” Sometimes religion can be pretty creepy too. Movies like The Exorcist and The Exorcism of Emily Rose put a creepy spin on demons and churches. Who also could forget Samara in The Ring? What is not terrifying about a girl with seemingly no face coming out of a static-filled television screen? “It scared me so much. I was so scared of that little girl with the wet hair until I saw them spoof it in Scary Movie 3,” junior Austin Nelson admits. Tim Burton may be a better cup of tea.
OCTOBER 2012
Known for his creepy films, Burton is a staple when thinking of the ghoulish and deadly. Try titles like Beetlejuice, A Nightmare Before Christmas, and Edward Scissorhands. “Beetlejuice was so much a part of my childhood,” says Stephens. “I can quote every line from it.” Alumna Cecilia Perez-Homar says A Nightmare Before Christmas is her favorite. “The best thing about the movie is that it extends until late December!” she explains. Halloween movies do not have to be scary, though. Some Burton films are not. Disney Channel Original Movies are family friendly and wholesome, while still celebrating the Halloween spirit. Titles such as Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire, Underwraps, Don’t Look Under the Bed, and the Halloweentown series are a few to name. “Mom’s got a Date With a Vampire is flawless,” says junior Lindsey Sullivan. Senior Maura Holloran loves Halloweentown. She says, “It’s our childhood. We grew up with it!” Junior Meghan Mirsch embellishes Holloran’s statement by agreeing, “At age twenty, I can still watch it and enjoy a completely original story about a town based on Halloween.” Speaking of childhoods, who could forget quintessential childhood movies like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s Double, Double, Toil and Trouble, It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, or the Casper movies? “Oh my God, Casper!” exclaims Stephens. “Watching that now would make me completely
nostalgic.” Without hesitation, this article would not be complete without a giant shout out to Hocus Pocus. The classic Halloween film is still a huge hit with 90s babies, who spent their childhoods scared to light the Black Flame Candle or terrified of having their souls sucked out before sunrise. “What girl still doesn’t want to be a Sanderson sister for Halloween?” says Berenis. Boo! Have I scared you yet? Well if I haven’t put you in the spirit for All Hallow’s Eve, these movies certainly will. Happy watching, Griffins! And don’t look under the bed!
