November 16, 2011 Volume 63 | Issue 9

INSIDE

www.pacepress.org

NEWS ARTS FEATURESUniversity veterans march in

Veterans Day ParadePAGE 3

Maurizio “hangs out”at the Guggenheim

PAGE 6

BlackBerry Playbook “bridges” work and style

PAGE 10

THE PACE PRESS

FOLLOW US ONLINE ! Tweet us @thepacepress “Like” The Pace Press

SERVING PACE UNIVERSITY’S MANHATTAN CAMPUS SINCE 1948

NEWSwww.pacepress.org November 16, 20112

Hudson Yards Redevelopment Project plans to bring artwork to Chelsea

Real estate developers Related Companies and Oxford Properties are currently planning for the Hudson Yards Redevelopment Project. It will include a new arts center, headquarters for businesses such as Coach Inc., possibly Time Warner, and a transportation hub. Construction on the 26-acres of undeveloped land will begin next year.

Located close to the Hudson Yards are the Whitney Museum and art galleries in Chelsea. The Dia Art Foundation has reportedly purchased property with the intent to create a new arts center called the Culture Shed. The Culture Shed would also feature art in the High Line Park in the hopes that it will encourage parkgoers to take a trip to any of the number of the aforementioned art establishments.

The High Line would act as an art highway for pedestrians, connecting the Whitney Museum, the Culture Shed and Chelsea art galleries with artwork along the way, drawing comparisons to Fifth Avenue’s “Museum Mile.”

“The more places one can casually see art, the better it is for the city. Not only is it difficult to see young, current work by artists in the area, but I really believe [in] having art on the High Line, in parks in general. I think it will make people just a little bit happier. It’s nice to see art, whatever it may be, in everyday life, without having [to] seek it out or to pay to go to a museum,” senior Marco Wu said.

The Hudson Yards own “Museum Mile” wasn’t the first plan for the undeveloped land, as the New York Jets planned on building their football stadium

there in 2005. The stadium would have also been used for the 2012 Summer Olympics had NYC been selected as the host city.

Time Warner, including HBO and Time Inc., are showing serious interest in what would be a small takeover of the area. Time Warner currently leases approximately five million square feet of office space in the city, with the leases ending before 2020. Related Companies helped Time Warner into one of their current office spaces in NYC, the Time Warner Center in Columbus Circle.

Coach Inc. is moving its headquarters into the first tower to be built at Hudson

Yards located at W. 30th St. and 10th Ave. Coach Inc. may not be the only iconic name in fashion to call Hudson Yards home though. Mayor Michael Bloomberg has proposed to move of New York’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion week from Lincoln Center to Hudson Yards.

“Fashion Week has grown so much. It’s outgrown Lincoln Center already. It certainly outgrew Bryant Park a long time ago. The fashion industry is part of diversification plan. We are the fashion capital of the world. It’s an enormous industry that creates a lot of jobs,” Mayor Bloomberg said according to am New York.

Amongst the biggest news regarding Hudson Yards is the plan to extend the 7 train line. The 7 train currently stops at Times Square, however a W. 34th St. and 11th Ave. stop is currently in the works and is expected to be finished by 2013. There have also been mentions of the 7 train being extended as far west as New Jersey, making life for both commuters and tourists easier.

The Hudson Yards Development Project means serious growth for NYC. From a cultural phenomenon like Fashion Week to business headquarters, to public services like parks and museums, Hudson Yards holds a bright future.

ANTHONY MASTROIANNIStaff Writer

fastcodesign.com

The Culture Shed will be home to next year’s Fashion Week and other creative events

A rendering of the Culture Shed for the Hudson Yards Project.

If you like reading

THE PACE PRESS you’ll love writing for us!

Meetings are every Monday at 12:20 p.m.,

Suite 902 in the 41 Park Row

www.pacepress.orgNovember 16, 2011 3NEWS

Student Veterans of America march in the 92nd annual Veterans Day Parade

The University’s Student Veterans of America (SVA) marched in the annual NYC Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 11. The University’s SVA was represented by both the NYC and PLV campuses.

The SVA runs solely on the work and dedication shown by its veterans, who work to provide the necessary support for fellow veterans who may need help in their journey to pursue a higher education. The growing presence of the veteran population at the University has made an impact on the campus community, as it was recently named one of the most “Military Friendly Schools” in the country.

“The U.S. Military Veterans of Pace University has already made a lasting move to embed themselves forever in the Pace Community by simply establishing their club. It seems that a person will always be leaving the military at some point and going back to school. The Veteran Club will be around to help that person transition into the academic life,” Secretary of the NYC campus SVA Dustin Shyrock said.

The University’s military population represented in the parade showed a high level of organization, and dedication to raising awareness of the efforts by the SVA to make their presence known not

only amongst those at the University, but also in the surrounding community. The organization wanted to pay their respects to those veterans who are unable to represent themselves in the parade.

“It is important that all veterans be represented in the parade. Since this is not possible, the veterans at Pace will be marching in honor of all of those who cannot. It is important for Pace to see that the veterans on campus are united and

willing to join together to accomplish a task,” Shyrock said.

Annually, Nov. 11 is the day the U.S. assembles to respect and honor those who served in the U.S. military.

The NYC Veteran’s Day Parade dates as far back as 1919, making it the oldest and largest Veterans Day parade in the country. This year’s parade opening ceremony began with a wreath laying in Madison Square Park. The parade then

continued up 5th Ave. between 26th St. and 56th St.

This Veterans Day is especially memorable for veterans throughout the country as this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the Vietnam War.

SARAH AIRESStaff Writer

Videoconference with New York Times Foreign Editor Susan Chira

The University will be hosting a videoconference event with The New York Times Assistant Managing Editor Susan Chira on Nov. 16 entitled, “Understanding Foreign News in a Global Era.”

As part of The New York Times pilot program, the University is apart of the The New York Times First Year, which provides the free Times newspapers throughout the NYC Campus. The First Year program is providing the videoconference event to have speakers from The Times to share their experiences in the journalism field.

During her undergraduate years, Chira was a reporter and later became the president of The Harvard Crimson. Chira received her Bachelor of Arts degree in East Asian Studies and graduated summa cum lade apart of Phi Beta Kappa from Harvard University. Chira studied Japanese at the Inter—University with a focus in Japanese Studies.

According to The Times, Chira worked her way up by starting out as a trainee in 1981 and then became a reporter in 1982. She did work in other reporting positions in Tokyo, Japan for approximately five years. She was also served as the deputy foreign editor until 1997. Chira was also the editor in the “Times Week in Review” until 2002 when she served as the Editorial Director of book development.

Chira was appointed as the Foreign Editor in 2004. She will discuss her

experiences in the position and how to function with foreign news and affairs in a contemporary era. Chira will follow her presentation with a Q&A session for further information.

IVONNA THOMPSONManaging Editor

Student Veterans of America members at the Veterans Day Parade.

On Nov. 15, at approximately 1 a.m. Mayor Michael Bloomberg gave the order to the NYPD to clear Zuccotti Park of all the Occupy Wall Street protestors, citing “a health and fire safety hazard to the protestors and to the surrounding community.” Most protestors complied with the requests of police and vacated the park, taking along their personal belongings. However, many refused to leave and instead formed human chains, leading to confrontations that lasted through dawn. By 8 a.m., over 100 protestors were arrested, according to The New York Daily News.

Along with the protestors who were arrested, journalists were arrested or harassed by the police as they tried to cover the story unfolding downtown.

The Village Voice writer Rosie Gray tried to access the barricaded park by telling officers that she was a member of the press covering the story, later tweeting the police officer’s response: “Not tonight.” Approximately 10 journalists were arrested by early morning, with many others taking to Twitter and using the hashtag #mediablackout to complain about the lack of access due to the confrontations going on in the park.

University sophomore Alexandria Aviles made her way to the scene after hearing about the raid through Twitter around 2 a.m. Of the raid, she noted, “It’s a tad aggressive even though they [the protestors] did get a warning. I just feel it could have been more peaceful.”

The warning, which was read over loudspeakers to occupants of the park, read, “You are required to immediately remove

all property, including tents, sleeping bags and tarps from Zuccotti Park...We also require that you immediately leave the park on a temporary basis so it can be cleared and restored for its intended use.”

Jessi Nassif, an 18-year-old from Brooklyn, stated that the clearing of the park was mostly peaceful, but said he did see some police officers using what may be described as excessive force.

Responding to criticism about the amount of force used by the police in the raid, Mayor Bloomberg responded that, “I don’t feel bad at all.” Mayor Bloomberg then reminded the media that he acted at the request of Brookfield Properties, who own the park. “We have every intent to let them back in and to protest...I want to stress that our intent is to...allow protesters to express their First Amendment rights.”

Exactly how the occupiers will be able to protest is still up for debate. Justice Lucy Billings granted protestors a temporary restraining order from police on Nov. 15, theoretically allowing them to continue their protests. However, the city prevented the protestor’s return by closing the park, and by Tuesday night, Justice Michael Stallman, who was assigned to the case by computer, sided with Bloomberg and the owners of the park. The ruling stated, “The movant have not demonstrated that they have a First amendment right to remain in Zuccotti Park, along with their tents, structures, generators, and other installations...”

As protestors and park owners battled it out in court, debating the role of Zuccotti Park in the protest, protestors made their way back to the park, without tents and sleeping bags.

ERICK MANCEBOStaff Writer

Occupy Wall Street Week 8 & 9 Update

Student Veterans of America

The New York Times NY Times Foreign Editor Susan Chira.

The videoconference will be held on Wednesday Nov. 16 at

3 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. at Lecture Hall North, One Pace Plaza.

EVENT DETAILS

www.pacepress.org November 16, 20114 NEWS

Major retailers bring back popular layaway program in time for the holidays

The layaway program is being brought back for the upcoming holiday season in stores such as Walmart, Toys “R” Us and Best Buy. The program offers consumers a way to pay for gifts without having to pay the high cost for them all at once. As consumers started paying with credit cards more, the program was not being used and was not as popular as it was years ago.

The program is basically the same at most stores. Consumers can shop and pick up items they want to purchase and put it on layaway. Stores like Walmart, Sears and Toys “R” Us have a small fee ranging from $5 and up to enroll in the program.

Almost all of the stores require a minimum down payment for the gifts consumers want to put on layaway, which can range anywhere from 10 to 25 percent. Consumers then have weekly or biweekly payments and upon paying off the gifts can pick them up. Most stores typically require that consumers pay for their layaway in 30 to 90 days.

“[Layaway] is good for people on a budget... It lets kids get what they really want while not making them go broke,” sophomore Lauren Drake said.

This seems to be the mentality for the majority of consumers, as layaway offers an alternative to simply charging purchases on a credit card. The program is meant to encourage spending from

consumers. With all of the advertising and marketing

aimed at families, there are often high expectations around the holiday season. This puts a significant amount of pressure on any gift giver who doesn’t want to disappoint.

The allure of layaway often distracts consumers of the dangers that go hand in hand with the program. In addition to the down payment and other supplemental payments, some companies will allow a grace period while others are not so kind. If a payment has been missed, the store has the right to charge a penalty fee.

Other stores take a missed payment a little more seriously and will simply cancel a shopper’s account. The cancellation means the store will no longer hold the items which were previously set aside and keep any down payments.

In theory, layaway sounds like a great idea as people can shop and pick out the items they want the most and make payments for them over time. What people often forget is there is a reason they cannot buy the items at once, mostly because they can’t afford them. Overspending has previously led many people into debt.

“Layaway is just a chance for people to buy the things they don’t need with money they don’t have,” Fordham University student Evan Murphy said.

Anyone who is considering entering the layaway program should carefully read the terms of the policy and make sure they know what they are entering into before shipping.

OLIVIA BETETAStaff Writer

Major retailers everywhere are preparing for the annual Black Friday shopping frenzy that will take place Nov. 25. Many retailers will plan to stay open for 24 hours.

Stores such as Kohl’s, Macy’s and Target are planning to open their doors at midnight for shoppers to take full advantage of discounted items. Best Buy, Staples and Sears have also released their deals online in an effort to reach customers before other stores. The competition is at an all time high this year after numerous reports forecasted a decrease in holiday spending.

The National Retail Federation expects holiday spending to rise 2.8 percent, down from a 5.2 percent increase last year. Many consumers have been exposed to discounts through websites like Groupon throughout the year, making the sales that stores are offering not as appealing.

A recent study by Retrevo, “found that 70 percent of Black Friday shoppers were also members of coupon deal sites,” according to Accessoriesmagazine.com. They also found that consumers believed 70 percent off apparel and shoes constituted for a good deal.

Black Friday will indeed be harder to please consumers but retailers are ready. Best Buy is selling Sharp 42-inch televisions for $200 instead of $800 while Sears is offering the Sony Speaker Dock for $99.99.

Cyber Monday is another chance to reel customers in. Many websites are posting online discounts in the name of the holiday ranging from high end retailer Neiman Marcus to budget-friendly Target. A Mashable.com survey reports that 52 percent of people plan to shop on Cyber Monday, slightly less than the 69 percent who said they will be shopping on Nov. 25. Although consumers are members of various discount sites, they still plan to spend $700 dollars this holiday season on gifts, the survey also mentions.

Black Friday will be the kickoff point for the upcoming holiday season. As the day inches closer, it’s clear that consumers who are in search of the best deal and retailers are more than willing to provide them with one.

FOTINI SACHPATZIDISNews Editor

Retailers compete for Black Friday shoppers

discountqueens.comWalmart’s Layaway Logo entices consumers.

Layaway offers alternative payment plans for consumers with hidden costs

OPINION AND EDITORIALS

DISCLAIMER: These opinions are expressed by contributors (students, faculty, administration and staff) to The Pace Press. These opinions are solely those of the individual writers and do not reflect the opinions of The Pace Press, the members of The Pace Press staff or Pace University. The Pace Press is not responsible and expressly disclaims all liability for damages of any kind of arising out of use or relevance to any information contained in this section.

THE PACE PRESSEDITORIAL BOARD

Kim Bui Editor-in-Chief

Kaitlynn Blyth Associate Editor

Ivonna Thompson Managing Editor

Hilda Adeniji Creative Director

Fotini Sachpatzidis News Editor

Stephanie Hansen Arts Editor

Craig Held Features Editor

Kate Hamzik Copy Editor

Leucepe Martinez Advertising Manager

Brian Rentas Web Editor

Nazary Nebeluk Circulation Manager

Michael Oricchio Faculty Consultant

Sarah Aires Amanda BakerAbby BeatsonOlivia Beteta

Patrick deHahn Betty Fermin

Joanna GonzalezMona Khaldi

Erick ManceboAnthony Mastroianni

Nicole MoralesDamien Morgan

Julia Yeung

The Pace Press is the student newspaper of

Pace University’s New York City Campus.

It is managed and operated entirely by

members of the student body as it appears

above.

The Pace Press welcomes guest editorials

and letters from students, faculty,

administration and staff.

The Pace Press reserves the right to not

publish any submitted material, both solicited

and unsolicited.

All submissions must include the author’s full

name and contact information.

The Pace Press

41 Park Row, Rm. 902

New York, NY 10038

www.pacepress.org

editor@pacepress.org

Copyright 2011

STAFF

www.pacepress.orgNovember 16, 2011 5

ADAM WELLS | CONTRIBUTOR

Joe Paterno: The End of an Era In 1997, Eddie Robinson was midway through his 56th

season as the football coach of the historically black college, Grambling State University. After having minimal success in the ’90s, there were talks of him being fired by the school. But the people could not take the losing anymore.

Public outcry occurred calling for the 76-year-old to retire and the mixture of anger also came from the tongue of elected Louisiana officials. And due to the popular demand, a man who made the school relevant became not only a football coach but basketball coach and teacher, was fired mid-season with 408 games won, the most all time in Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).

Fast forward to 2011, Joe Paterno, head football coach at Penn. State University, passed his good friend Eddie Robinson for the most all-time wins in FBS with 409 wins. Two weeks after the win, turmoil surfaced about his former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky allegedly sexually abusing young boys dating back decades ago.

Paterno was alerted by his receiver coach Mike McQueary and told the heads at the school what happened. Nothing was done; the problem persisted to the point where now the school is now covered in the disgust of what a sick individual did to these boys. He took away their innocence, scarred them for the rest of their lives and no one did anything.

After the atmosphere was thick with the stench of the scandal, Paterno was fired by the board of trustees. Not even with the decency he deserves, he was told over the phone last Wednesday night, Nov. 9. Students showed their support in the streets and at his home. In my opinion, allow him to at least finish the game against Nebraska on Nov. 12 and then make the announcement if you must. He does deserve that much.

Is Paterno at fault for all of this occurring? Not from a legal stand point, however to not have done more to help these

children is the part that is unsettling but the most he could have done was to call the police. I find it hard to believe that people still would have said, “Well he did all he could.” To imagine someone like the great Paterno allowing something like this happen on his watch at the historic Penn. State University is unthinkable, but it happened. To his defense, he said that he should have done more in hindsight, but I guess that’s just not good enough.

This is different from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sanctions for a player taking some money to go and buy a pizza for dinner. This is now traveling into a much powerful realm of morals and how the adults in the situation did absolutely nothing but tell the higher-ups.

However, McQueary needed to be fired first. Why? He saw a boy allegedly being violated by the 60- year-old Sandusky in the shower and did nothing but tell Paterno? He didn’t help the boy, he didn’t protect him, he simply saw this boy being allegedly abused and did nothing.

The time had to come for Paterno to step-down, eventually. His legacy would have been regarded in the highest remark as one of the most successful coaches in Division 1 football. The image of him going out at a bowl game and the team carrying him off the field would have made highlights for ESPN to last a week. But now the situation has changed, it is not about football anymore, it’s not about the wins, the bowl games, the graduation rate, it’s about the actions or lack thereof from the adults.

Two good friends who loved the game, one pushed out for being there too long, one pushed out for indifference, legacies that would have been iconic, now tarnished and surrounded by the shame of a scandal, and the lack of respect given. I guess being the all-time winning coach comes with some consequences.

Correction: Front Page — Coordinator of Auxiliary Services Mr. Birchchum E. Wilkins’ name was misspelled in the article, “University Flex Dollars program leaves students hungry” printed

in the November 9, 2011 issue.

M O N D AY NOV 22

POTLUCK THANKSGIVING!Sponsored by The LGBTQA & Social Justice Center

106 Fulton St. 2nd Floor Lounge 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.

ON CAMPUS EVENTS

T H U R S D AY NOV 17

FRATERNITY & SORORITY NIGHT Sponsored by Greek Council

Gymnasium8 p.m. - 11 p.m.

F R I D AY NOV 18

HOLIDAY CARDS FOR TROOPS Sponsored by Beta Alpha Psi

W61312 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Art’s bad boy Maurizio Cattelan has made a name for himself by installing site-specific sculptures around the globe that address dark issues such as mortality, commercialism in art and a variety of other topics.

Cattelan’s latest exhibition, Maurizio Cattelan: All, is currently on display at the Guggenheim Museum. It is retrospective of Cattelan’s work since his introduction to the contemporary art community in 1989 and is a celebration of his sense of humor in an industry that takes itself far too seriously.

Cattelan’s work aims to evoke an extremely visceral reaction to his pieces by presenting pieces like the corpse of John F. Kennedy in an open coffin and a squirrel that committed suicide in a kitchen.

While the Guggenheim has become one of the most renowned spaces for art exhibitions, the building has gathered its fair share of dissent because of its tendency

to shift the focus from the art to the architecture of the actual building. Cattelan embraces, and in a way dismisses, the problem that the curved walls of the Guggenheim present by suspending all 130 of his works from the center rotunda of the museum.

When one sees a taxidermic horse hanging from the rafters of a building as iconic as the Guggenheim, there is no denial that this exhibit will be classic Cattelan.

The immediate view is incredibly overwhelming. A 22-year career hangs like the sword of Damocles over the viewers as they enter the rotunda.

Some of Cattelan’s pieces were originally exhibited in suspension, like 1997’s Novecento, in which the aforementioned taxidermic horse hangs from the ceiling. Yet, many of his works weren’t intended to be seen in this manner.

This exhibit also breaks the conventional museum experience by presenting an accompanying smartphone and tablet app. The app, which is hosted by acclaimed filmmaker John Waters, is an in-depth view into the

mysterious world of Cattelan. Besides interviews with those he’s worked with, the app also shows viewers how Guggenheim officials came to the idea to suspend Cattelan’s work from the ceiling.

The exhibit is unlike any exhibition at the Guggenheim in recent history. The way Cattelan’s work is presented strips them of their original intended message.

Instead, viewers are treated to a literal mash-up of Cattelan’s entire career. The exhibit’s press release states, “The exhibition is an exercise in disrespect: the artist has hung up his work like laundry to dry.” The overlying theme of death is addressed as well. With Cattelan’s retirement, it seems as if he is sending all of his works to the proverbial gallows.

Cattelan fans and newcomers alike are encouraged to make their way to the Guggenheim as soon as possible as the exhibit closes on Jan. 22. With his recent announcement of his retirement from the art community, this may be the last chance his works will ever be displayed in this manner again.

6 www.pacepress.org November 16, 2011

ARTS

Maurizio Cattelan’s work at the Guggenheim suspends viewers in awe

all photos by Stephanie Hansen & Craig Held | The Pace Press

STEPHANIE HANSEN & CRAIG HELDArts Editor & Features Editor

A collection of Maurizio Cattelan’s work suspended at the Guggenheim.

The Italian artist creates contemporary exhibit focusing on his “death” in the art industry

ARTS www.pacepress.orgNovember 16, 2011 7

University art teachers prove those who do art, teach art

The University is best known for its programs in business, marketing and even theater, but what some may not know is that the University also has very enriched studio art courses.

Even if it doesn’t seem to be the strongest art school NYC has to offer, the University has immensely grown over the past 10 years. It is becoming more professionally active while still showing great promise for the future.

The art department is located on the 12th floor of 41 Park Row. It is open to anyone wanting to take a class, whether it is drawing, painting or sculpting, the courses will give any student a greater experience than expected.

Each art course is run by faculty who can be easily identified as a practiced artist, prior to teaching. Most of the professors have a wide variety of experience in the field of art outside of the University and have been to or hosted multiple shows. This will give any student taking an art class the confidence that they’re being taught by someone who actually is involved in the art world outside of the classroom.

An example of one of these multi-experienced artists teaching at the University is fine arts Professor Barbara Friedman. Prof. Friedman has a very extensive background, including receiving degrees from Rhode Island School of Design and the University of California, Berkeley. She has displayed her artwork multiple times in both solo and two person exhibitions in many different states.

The Pace Press interviewed Prof. Friedman where she talked about her love of art, reaching all the way back to when she was a little kid and was interested in fiction books, along with doodling during math class.

When asked why she wanted to teach art at a University, Prof. Friedman stated, “It was

an easy decision. I actually love talking about art and to people in general. Also looking at other peoples work, that was natural.” She also taught in a high school while working on her degree.

Prof. Friedman expressed that her passion goes beyond art by helping to inspire her many students. Her greatest accomplishment as a professor is getting to see every day, that light bulb turn on in somebody’s eyes when interest is generated.

As an instructor, Prof. Friedman wants everyone to take a sense of commitment and discipline but to also, “realize there is a way to do it. There are rewards and expediential possibilities,” Friedman said.

When asked what her most favorable and exciting achievement as an artist was, Prof. Friedman spoke about the time when she was able to travel to Berlin, Germany. An exhibit hosted pieces of her work that were on a traveling tour through places such as Germany and Northern Ireland, while she stayed in a German artist studio.

Not many people get a chance to go to a different continent, let alone say they’ve presented their work for the locals to get a glimpse of and critique.

Another outstanding achievement of hers is the time she was amongst a select few that were actually allowed to draw inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She was allowed for a couple of days to sit with the famous pieces placed in The Met and create her own pieces from them.

Even though her experiences and teachings are exemplary and ideal, Prof. Friedman is only a taste of the knowledge that one can obtain through the faculty that teaches in the University’s art department.

Since the University’s art program continues to grow each year with talented professors and fulfilling studios, it will come as no surprise if in the near future this University is widely accepted as a recommended institution to acquire an art degree.

DAMIEN MORGANStaff Writer

“Storm in The Alps, June” 2011

Painting entitled “Stroll” by University art professor Barbara Friedman.

all artwork by Barbara Friedman

“Storm in The Alps, July” 2011

ARTSwww.pacepress.org November 16, 20118

Guardians of the Gate by Vincent N. Parrillo presents a historically accurate portrayal of Ellis Island at the turn of the 19th century; however, its lack of compelling story makes it a hard read for anyone except the most serious fans of immigration history.

The author, a sociology professor at William Paterson University in New Jersey, is a world renowned expert on immigration and it certainly shows throughout the book. It’s factual and contains several photographs to help illustrate various sections of the book.

It’s clear from the writing however, that he is not an accomplished novelist. The novel follows Dr. Matt Stafford as he joins the workforce of Ellis Island to inspect newly arrived immigrants and his development in the role, as well as the tribulations of his life. Dr. Stafford fails to appeal to readers on any significant level. More time is spent discussing his interactions with immigrant patients than his personal life. The personal problems he does go through seems to not faze him in the least.

Having no way to connect with the protagonist makes it hard for readers to care much about any of the other characters. In fact, some seem less like people and more like caricatures of a particular stereotype learned in a history class. Dr. Stafford is best seen as a pair of glasses through which readers can observe the slice of U.S. history being served in this book.

In this regard, the book shines as it is full of information about Ellis Island that one would not encounter in almost any other setting. It helps the reader appreciate the hardships that immigrants faced and the conditions they had to suffer through. It does so factually and without emotion.

None of the novelistic flourishes the author tries to add amount to much, from the infidelity of Dr. Stafford to the poor foreshadowing of a fire on the island by Director Joseph Henner, it just feels flat.

The book does a poor job of showing, but not telling and this becomes awkwardly jarring when discussing the racial biases present in people at the time. The characters are almost flippant about their views and unnatural in their statements on the subject. The scenes seem as though they are written only to remind readers that these biases existed and not that any of the character actually feel that way.

The interplay of history and fiction makes it hard to see what the author’s goals were. As an exploration of immigration in the U.S. and the role Ellis Island played in it, the book soars. It’s sure to leave readers with a new appreciation for the immigrant experience. However, as a novel it fails to entice readers with a strong plot, character development or any other aspects that would be expected from one.

There’s two books trapped in here—a historic account of a man working on Ellis Island and the emotional story of a doctor trying to reclaim his life. Unfortunately like an acid-base reaction, the two mix to produce something very neutral.

Ellis Island novel is half full with facts but half empty with entertainmentNAZARY NEBELUK

Circulation Manager

The Black Angels perform at Music Hall of Williamsburg

Austin, Texas, natives The Black Angels brought their psychedelic sound and southern flare to the Music Hall of Williamsburg on Oct. 29 for Halloween.

Despite the snow, the venue was packed full of hipsters in costume, dancing happily to the upbeat music. The Black Angels were preceded by Golden Animal and Spindrift as both bands were great lead-ins to the main event.

Golden Animal is a two-piece band that was more on the mellow side with hints of the Pixies and Pink Floyd. Golden Animals set the scene for the night, but it was Spindrift who really brought up the energy.

Spindrift took the stage decked out for Halloween and put on an amazing opening act, almost outdoing The Black Angels themselves. A lot of the songs were instrumental but they had the crowd dancing to each one.

The songs were again reminiscent of the Pixies and the psychedelic sounds of the ’60s and ’70s, but Spindrift also had strong western overtones. A lot of yee-haws, whoops and whiplash sounds were intertwined throughout the set.

Behind the band, a video of amorphous images were

projected on the wall, adding to the psychedelic feel of the set. After bringing up the energy, Spindrift left the stage and made way for The Black Angels.

Formed in 2004, the band consists of Stephanie Bailey (drums, percussion and bass), Christian Bland (guitar, bass and drums), Kyle Hunt (keyboard, percussion, bass and guitar), Alex Maas (vocals, bass, guitar, keyboards) and Nate Ryan (bass and guitar).

Inspired by The Velvet Underground, the band gets their name from the song “The Black Angel’s Death Song” and their logo is a high contrast of Nico, who vocally collaborated with The Velvet Underground.

The Black Angels are able to seamlessly incorporate a number of influences into their music so that each bit of inspiration is noticed, but the overall sound is not jumbled. Even with their mellow The Velvet Underground sound, The Black Angels still had the crowd moving to the music.

From the snow outside, to the dressed up concertgoers, the strange projected images and the flowing movement of the crowd, the show seemed like a surreal experience.

The Black Angels put on an amazing live show, supported by two equally impressive opening bands. The overall night was a true testament to how great live music can truly be when it is done right.

STEPHANIE HANSENArts Editor

bandweblogs.com

tower.com

FEATURES www.pacepress.orgNovember 16, 2011 9

Cyber Monday aims to become the new Black Friday

Now, there are not only in-store sales on Friday, but yet another sale online the following Monday. Cyber Monday is an additional treat for consumers who may choose not to sacrifice sleep early Friday morning, but can still reap the benefits of a sale the next Monday.

Every year during the last Thursday of November, American families officially kick off the holiday season with Thanksgiving. Unofficially however, it is the kickoff of the holiday shopping season. In recent years, carefully calculated marketing techniques have created the start of the shopping season to be the Friday following Thanksgiving or Black Friday as it has come to be known. However, the next new favorite American shopping day may be the relatively new Cyber Monday.

Although it is not an official holiday, many companies give employees the day off regardless, as it is now an understood part of American consumer culture. On Black Friday, almost every store one could think of including Target, Urban Outfitters and Neiman Marcus amongst what is sure to be thousands more, provide consumers with an incentive to shop at their store by giving “Door Buster” deals and drastic price cuts for a limited amount of hours on Black Friday.

Consumers find themselves shopping at stores they may not normally frequent. Stores open as early as 3 a.m. to let customers in and stand in lines that end outside the store. While this may all seem exciting, it is more often than not, a day spent in long lines and aggressive crowds. The appeal of Black Friday frenzy may be dying out as more and more people are beginning to realize that there is a way to still get amazing discounts for the holiday season without getting mauled by the masses.

However, there are those who prefer the excitement of Black Friday to Cyber Monday. “I prefer Black Friday because I like going from store to store. It’s the thrill of the hunt. I feel like online [shopping] is a tad impersonal,” sophomore Adam Lagosz said.

One can only imagine the frenzy it causes when Urban Outfitters announces that the entire store has 40 percent off including clearance items or when WalMart sells an LED T.V. for

just $80. The result is without a doubt utter pandemonium as customers grab anything and everything that fits in their arms and carts, as well as a success on the side of marketing strategists. Reports over the years found that as a result of Black Friday, online sales increase when those same consumers return to work and begin shopping online from their offices.

Some stores feature both Black Friday as well as Cyber Monday deals. Topshop usually features an in-store sale as well as emailing

subscribers discount codes to enjoy 20 percent off and free shipping as they did last Cyber Monday, creating an exclusive online sale for consumers. Target does something similar, offering some products and deals exclusively online or in-store. Even Neiman Marcus gives customers on their email list unbelievable deals for Cyber Monday.

NICOLE MORALESStaff Writer

Upgrade YoUr Career. online, on-site, or both.

Hofstra’s M.S. in Computer Science is a flexible program designed for working professionals.

If you are a software engineer, software developer or computer science professional, Hofstra University’s Master of Science in Computer Science program is designed with you in mind. Improve your skills and advance your career while accommodating your demanding schedule. Take classes online, in the classroom, or do both. Our program offers maximum flexibility and challenging course work in areas such as medical informatics, cyber security, data mining, and mobile computing.

Our graduates have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs, continue their education in doctoral studies, or pursue successful careers in software engineering and project management, database administration, and systems and network administration and security analysis. Hofstra alumni are currently working in software manufacturing, health care, communication, banking and financial services, government organizations and research laboratories.

v Find out more Graduate Open House Sunday, November 20 hofstra.edu/grad-day

I prefer Black Friday because I like going from store to store. It’s the thrill of the hunt. I feel like online [shopping] is a tad impersonal. - Adam Lagosz, Sophomore

CYBER MONDAY continued on PAGE 12

FEATURESwww.pacepress.org November 16, 201110

BlackBerry PlayBook opens new world for BlackBerry fans

With the world divided between iPhone, Android and BlackBerry users, it is no surprise that an elite preference has also emerged in the tablet market. The BlackBerry PlayBook from Research In Motion (RIM) is a compact, multitasking tablet that will open up a new world for any BlackBerry user.

The tablet measures 7.6 by 5.1-inches and is only 10mm thin, with a glass touch screen and a rubberized protective back casing. The appearance is sleek and compact, with the touch screen illuminating in a bright, high-resolution display. With BlackBerry users notorious for their clicking of the keyboard, the touchscreen and full keyboard width takes some adjusting to feel more familiar for the user. With the 7.6 inch screen, it may seem like a stretch—literally, for some users to type with. A simple tilt sideways can turn the device screen orientation vertical, but it still feels a bit overwhelming. Avid BlackBerry

users may feel foreign with a larger scale device than their handheld.

The keyboard can feel a bit small, but the screen sensitivity has a quick response time, allowing users to swiftly change between multiple applications and programs. Standard programs and applications with the device include: Facebook, Twitter, a web browser, music, camera, pictures and additional standards like a weather app, calculator and the BlackBerry app store.

With BlackBerry devices known for their efficiency for emails and work programs, “Word To Go,” “Sheet To Go” and “Slideshow To Go” work perfectly with the device for the person who is constantly writing, organizing or making presentations. Additional options for applications can be found with a downward swipe from the top of the device as well, giving users more options and selections within programs.

A downside is that unlike a BlackBerry that has immediate and direct email account access, the Playbook is not compatible with this feature. BlackBerry Bridge allows access to a user’s BlackBerry mobile device through the PlayBook screen, bridging the programs and displays together. Allowing one to control their main BlackBerry apps from the tablet, users can access their direct email accounts, contacts, browser, calendar, BlackBerry messenger, memo pad, tasks and files. The applications one can access are limited, so it’s really just a standard BlackBerry screen as one would access from their mobile device, but the operating system of the PlayBook enhance it in a sense where the old information and functions are new and exciting almost.

Without many buttons besides the main power button and volume controls, the tablet can take a while to get

accustomed to. The PlayBook also comes equipped with user tutorials to get you more familiar with the motions and actions of the device. Without a central return button, navigation can seem a bit complex at first, with random swiping back, forth, up or down to figure out the motions and main functions.

The tablet, which comes with 16 GB, 32 GB or 64 GB’s of storage, is also Wi-Fi compatible. Wi-Fi connection can be a bit spotty at times, but when around a network, connection stays pretty solid. Featuring dual HD cameras, a 3 megapixel front-facing camera allows for quick snapshots or even video chatting, while the 5 megapixel rear camera let’s one capture images and video, but unfortunately still at that “BlackBerry,” grain-type quality.

Although compact, the device’s speakers and sound quality are to where a user could even prop it up to enjoy a T.V. show or movie like one would with their laptop, but unfortunately it is only Hulu compatible and still not compatible to run Netflix just yet. The average seven to 10 hour battery life of the tablet is convenient for an avid user, allowing it to be on overnight and having to go maybe up to a day without having to charge.

The BlackBerry PlayBook is a great tablet for BlackBerry fans, allowing them to expand all BlackBerry device use to a larger scale. The 1 GHz dual core processor and OS software allow for great device performance. The lightweight, clean and sleek design is definitely a highlight of the device for the user on the go, and it takes up no more, if not, less space than a book or planner in one’s bag. The BlackBerry PlayBook tablet from RIM is a great investment for any BlackBerry or non-BlackBerry user.

KIM BUIEditor-in-Chief

The professional grade tablet “bridges” style and convenience with efficiency

blackberryempire.com

FEATURES www.pacepress.orgNovember 16, 2011 11

Competition ensues amongst mobile devices during the holidaysNAZARY NEBELUK

Circulation Manager

This holiday season, the most in demand item will definitely be a tablet PC. Since the iPad debuted in early 2010, a sea of imitators and competitors have emerged into the fast growing market. To help students decide and spend their money wisely, The Pace Press has assembled this chart comparing some of the major tablets on the market in time for the holiday season.

AppleiPad

B&NNook

AmazonKindle Fire

SamsungGalaxy Tab 10.1

BlackBerryPlaybook

Screen Size

Screen Resolution(pixels)

Battery Life

Basic Price

Apps

Special Features

For:

9.7in

1024x768 pixels

10 hours

$499 for 16GB, wifi ($829 for 64GB and 3G)

Full catalog of Apple Store apps

Two cameras, one rear facing and one front facing.

A solid gift for just about anyone as Apple iPads are always easy to use. Just make sure the price doesn’t stick in your throat.

7in

600x1024 pixels

11.5 hours

$249 for 16GB

Several popular services preloaded

SD Card slot allows for more storage. Also has a built in microphone.

This is the tablet you’d get for someone who actually shops at Barnes & Noble. It’s affordable, reliable and can be read one handed just like a book.

7in

600x1024 pixels

8 hours

$199 for 8GB

Access to Amazon App Store

Free access to Amazon Cloud Storage and unlimited movies and TV with Amazon Prime membership

The cheapest entry, this might be a good gift for someone that requires very little usability from a tablet, like a parent.

10.1in

1280x800 pixels

9 hours

$499 for 16GB, ($629 for 32GB and 3G)

Access to Android App Store

Two cameras, one rear facing and one front facing.

This tablet is a serious beast. This should only be recommended for a serious tech friend, and one that can hold up its massive screen.

7in

1024x600 pixels

10 hours

$499 for 16GB ($699 for 64GB)

Access to Black-Berry App Store

Two cameras, one rear facing and one front facing.

Nothing about this particular tablet stands out. If you love the BlackBerry get the PlayBook. If not, shop elsewhere.

12 www.pacepress.org November 16, 2011

FEATURES

BLACK FRIDAY SELECTION SALES

When statistics showed that Cyber Monday was indeed one of the most profitable online shopping days, online retailers began following the Black Friday business model and slashing their prices drastically. Whether it was free shipping or 10 percent off any order, online retailers joined the shopping season bandwagon in a big way. Exclusive online sites like Amazon got creative by offering a timed, limited quantity sale. Every hour, a few items become featured sales for the next two hours or until supplies last. The price cuts in these limited quantity sales are ridiculously drastic, where last year the latest Sims PC game was sold for $9. That sort of incentive attracts consumers to stay glued to the site all day, whether it is on their phone or on the job. Online apparel megastore ASOS.com features a 40 to 75 percent off sale with their usual free shipping. Even auction sites like EBay will feature shops on their homepage that are offering Cyber Monday specials.

While Cyber Monday and Black Friday may go hand in hand as part of American consumerist culture, Cyber Monday may even be a relief to many consumers who have witnessed the pitfalls of Black Friday sales gone wrong first hand or on CNN. Walmart infamously boasts fatalities during Black Friday sales. Whether it be pure coincidence or just a sick thought that Walmart’s Black Friday fatalities, add not only a stigma to the notorious shopping day, but also inadvertently serve as a grand marketing scheme where Walmart becomes synonymous with Black Friday.

Where Cyber Monday might be gaining popularity, scandals like Walmart’s are given so much media attention where it almost becomes free press. Even as other companies benefit from the increase of Cyber Monday sales, Walmart remains in the hall of Black Friday infamy, meaning the consumerist holiday is not going out without a fight.

During the holiday shopping season, it’s no doubt that consumers just want to find the best deals. No one really wants to be trampled in a rush over a PS3 or Cabbage Patch Kid and the sooner realized, the sooner it seems online sales soared following Black Friday. In today’s technologically advanced world, we strive for the convenience of things and while we still love the excitement of waking up before the sun rises for a good sale, we now realize there are other methods to get these deals. Consumers no longer have to accommodate for retailers, instead they are more accommodating of consumers. While Cyber Monday is relatively new, it is obvious that it is not just a fad. With the increase in general online sales, it is obvious that Cyber Monday is just a part of the change of times.

Black Friday is the official start of the holiday shopping season. The Pace Press has decided to get a head-start on its shopping by scouring the Black Friday ads that were released before print. Here’s our picks for best sales so far.

Online shopping expands with Cyber

Mondaycontinued from PAGE 9

NOVEMBER 25, 2011

CLOTHING:Old Navy:$29 Peacoats $15 Jeans$5 Graphic Tees50% all outerwear

Express:40% off everything before noon30% off everything after noon

JEWELRY:JCPenney: 50% off diamond solitaire rings and earrings50% off cultured freshwater pearl jewelry

Kohl’s: 55-60% off all fine jewelry

Toys R Us:50% off Leapfrog Leapster 260% off Littlest Pet Shop Rescue Tails Center50% off Mega Bloks sets

Kohl’s:50% off all toys

TOYS:

Rite Aid: Buy one, get one free Borghese and Sally Hansen nail polish

CVS: $10 off all designer fragrances

BEAUTY:

Costco:$70 off Panasonic SD40 High-Def Camcorder$80 off Nikon CoolPix S6100 Digital Camera$20 off Sony Blu-ray Disc Player

Target: $60 off 4GB Xbox 360$250 off Westinghouse 46’’ LCD HDTVFree $40 Target gift card with purchase of 8GB iPod Touch

ELECTRONICS: