Volume 1. Issue 2
Cover Art by Nick Millner
ISSUE 1 2007
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ART/EXHIBITS
T
s
4 The Susan Inglett Gallery presents: Hope Gangloff
6 Plushies!
MUSIC 30 32
8 All They Are Saying, Is Give
TECH
Peace a Chance
12 Featured: Mindy Tom 40
Art of The Brick: Nathan Sawaya
THEATER
Album Reviews Featured: Matt Feldman
36 38 39 47
New Tech Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto Accessorize Y0ur Gadgets Macbook Air
16 Can You Ever Go Home
Again? (The Homecoming
Copy Editors Maria Plotkina Ariana King Jaime Sunwoo Benny Lam Victoria Kam Valerie Wang Harlie Brindak Paul Vergara Jun Shepard Jesse Sussman
Louis Peralte Rio Nose Katrina Cortes Ren Santiago Amanda Sonnenschein Hilary Davies Cid Nichols Madalina Cucuteanu Mary Turgeon Annais Rittenberg
Chicago Review Help Me! (Jump!) 19
20 I Am Legend Review 21 Juno Review 22 Atonement Review 23
Layout Editors Mary Turgeon
or
42 44 46
MOVIES
There Will Be Blood Review
Nick Millner (Cover) Gwendolyn Kehrig-Darton Mary Turgeon Annais Rittenberg
GAMES
18 and Crimes of the Heart)
FOOD
Guitar Hero III vs. Rock Band Wii Fit Super Smash Bros.
FUN 48 49 50
Slaying Dragons: The Adventure Begins Find The Hidden Objects The Big Canvas
24 Viand Coffee Shop 25 Joe’s Shanghai
IN THE LIFE OF 26 Where I Live: Kingsbridge Heights
35 Subway Stories: The Go(o)d Father
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A R T
GALLERIES
The Susan Inglett Gallery presents
Hope Gangloff Courtesy of www.inglettgallery.com
In her second solo exhibition, Susan Inglett featured Hope Gangloff’s astonishing artwork which demonstrated the idea of “lives lived.” Susan Inglett presented the artworks of many young emerging artists. Hope Gangloff was the second artist Inglett featured since she moved her gallery to a bigger space in Chelsea in 2003. In the past and still today, we see different artists evince various ideas in their artwork. In Hope Gangloff’s works, she simply illustrated snapshots of the lives of people that seemed perfect, as if the scene of the illustration had been picked out from a movie where the actors, props, and sets had been chosen from commonly used casting. Gangloff had an ability to show each and every detail of the objects and characters of the drawing; this skill made each one unique. Many of these scenes could be familiar to some of us: the local DVD rental store, watching the television while painting your nails on a Saturday afternoon, or gossiping with your friends on the subway. The way Gangloff carefully includes every single detail made each illustration so realistic, making us believe that our lives could be this relaxing and perfect. The atmosphere of the gallery was astonishing, organized, tidy, simple and clean. In the window, Gangloff’s stunning illustration of two girls sitting in front of a television simple ideas with the most remarkable details. This is what makes her work so intriguing. ---Rio Nose
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A R T
GALLERIES
By Madalina Cucuteanu
In the apartment, I saw tons of plush toys resting on shelves and hanging from the walls and ceiling. There were all types of colors, shapes and sizes. The majority of the toys were animals and inanimate objects. Among the many different creatures and items were cupcakes, and organs! These fuzzy creations were made from a variety of materials such as felt, velvet, wool, and even old sweaters. Buttons and thread were used on almost every piece to create the eyes and facials features. You can always go crazy with plushies.
Title: Scenery 03 Artist: Kup Kup Land $52
My trip to the Luvable and Hug-able gallery was delightful and fun and it inspired me to make my own plushies (but, of course, I couldn't make something as well as those artists could). The best part was that everything was purchasable and the prices ranged from $12 to $1200. Those talented artists created a wonderful exhibit together and it was
Title: Cup O'Joe Pincushion Artist: Betz White $48
Art galleries are quiet and inspirational places to go to, but do you know what makes them more exciting? Plush toys! There is no other gallery that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside than the Luv-able Hug-able gallery. This cute exhibit, located in Gallery Hanahou on Broadway, was more than I had expected. The creator of the Luv-able and Hug-able gallery was the former plush collector Kazuyoshi Kitami (also known as PAPANDA). He brought together various American and Japanese artists, such as Anna Chambers and Saki Yamashita, to create their own toy collection to put in start this fun trend. Soon after, Kitami hostGallery. The Luv-able and Hug-able galed States. Kitami is also sponsoring another plush toy show this coming February. 6
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Title: Red Monster Doolie Box Artist: Anna Chambers $125
Title: Trash Bear Artist: Keiko Miyata $910
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A R T
EXHIBITS
All They Are Saying, Is Give Peace a Chance By Annais Rittenberg
“
illustrator from New York City who has had his work in galleries all over the country. His featured piece is called “America’s Peace Campaign.” It shows a group of large doves diving in from the sky, breathing the blood of the earth. It looks almost as if the birds are trying to stop the blood from spreading, but continue to breathe it in. There is an overwhelming amount of blood. However, there are many doves which signify that if peace is spread, bloodshed will lessen.
The Eastern world it is explodin’,
din’. You’re old enough to kill, but not for votin’… If the button is pushed, there’s no runnin’ away. There’ll be no one to save, with the world in a grave… Ah, you don’t believe we’re on the eve of destruction.
These were the words sung by Barry Sloane and The Byrds during the peace rallies against the Vietnam War (1965-75). The efforts to achieve peace and stop the present war in Iraq are not any different from the ones that were trying to be made back in the 1960s and ‘70s. There is an amazing art exhibit protesting against the war that is going on currently in New York City. It is called Artists Against the War located at the Society of Illustrators on East 63rd street. Over 50 amazingly talented graphic designers are featured in the exhibit, each individupeace that will be achieved if the war is ended, but the destruction that has already happened and will continue to happen if the war persists. Several pieces use the eternal image of the dove to show how peace is dying in the midst of the intense violence and blood being spilled in Iraq. One of the most powerful uses of the symbol is by Scott Bakal, a talented 8
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CENTER: Scott Bakal, America’s Peace Campaign RIGHT: Francis Jetter, Bone Throne All courtesy of The Society of Illustrators
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Many of the drawings illustrated each artist’s great resentment for George W. Bush. In many of the drawings, his face is drawn like a caricature, making him look incompetent. Two outstanding caricatures are “Bone Throne” by Smith. Both of these drawings conveyed opinions that with Bush running this country, America will continue to in Iraq. Consequently, Bush’s decision is ruining the lives of so many innocent civilians and taking the lives of so many of our own soldiers in this unceasing war. In particular, Tomer Hanuka’s mixed media work titled “Refugees” illustrats the sadness of Iraqi civilians that have been displaced as refugees because of the war. Barry Blitt’s watercolor titled “Support Our Troops” demonstrated the irony of that familiar motto
UPPER RIGHT: Tomer Hanuka, Refugees UPPER LEFT: Barry Blitt, Support our troops BOTTOM LEFT: Joseph Smith, EGRUUS All courtesy of The Society of Illustrators
Artists Protesting Against the War is an amazing exhibit. There were a range of medias used, even one that was carved out the determination that these artists put into their work to get their point of peace across could be felt throughout the entire museum. The effort of these artists to achieve peace could be made a reality if more people notice all the art that is being created to stop not just this war, but any war. Peace is possible, but it will not be easy to achieve if violence and bloodshed continues. In the words of John Lennon, a great peacemaker and artist, “If someone thinks that love and peace is a cliché that must have been left behind in the Sixties, that's his problem. Love and peace are eternal. Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will live as one” 10
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A R T
featured
Mindy Tom Grade: Senior Major: Art Reppin’ from: Woodhaven, Queens Mindy Tom, Wired Rose, Sculpture with wire, acrylic, and cardboard. Courtesy of the artist.
LGM: Where did you take ‘Words’? Interviewed by Jaime Sunwoo LaG Mag: What art classes do you take right now?
LGM: What are your motivations and inspirations? MT: Well, I always wanted to become an artist ever since I could remember but my sister really encouraged me to continue art because she also attended an art high school in the past, and she would bring home all these different art supplies that I was interested in and that is one of the reasons why I auditioned for LaGuardia--because of my sister. As for inspirations, things I see everyday, my family, friends inspire me. Like, even when I walk by the park in my neighborhood, Forest Park, I get inspired. I like looking at the changing colors of leaves and nature. Also, reading books, magazines, and watching TV also inspires me. They give me different views on particular things and just give me new ideas.
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color pencils, watercolor, charcoal, and color pastels. I never took a photography class, so the photos are taken as a to continue photography. I am thinking of taking a photography class outside of school.
Mindy Tom: I am taking sculpture. In the past, I have taken illustration, anatomy, advance painting, calligraphy, and advanced watercolor.
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Mindy Tom, Colored Pencil series. photograph. Courtesy of the artist.
MT: I went to China in 2006. China was actually one of the of my time shooting pictures. I spent two months there. It was crazy. I was homesick. I was only with my grandparents there so I was pretty bored. My camera became my new best friend and it still is, haha. cance of the Chinese characters displayed in ‘Words’? MT: Well, I didn’t write those words on the ground. It was actually an old Beijing lady who spent most of her time at the park writing calligraphy with water and brush. She really fascinated me because I never saw that activity done before, especially not in NYC. I think what she wrote there is, “southern calligraphy will forevtranslation or understanding of that phrase is accurate, though. LGM: I see you have a fascination with colored pencils. MT: Haha. Yeah, I really like the vibrant colors of the pencils. Also, it’s one of my favorite mediums.
LGM: What kind of art do you particularly enjoy?
LGM: ‘Brushes’ was displayed in the semi-annual art show, correct?
MT: I usually take photos or use
MT: Yes. ISSUE 1 2007
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Mindy Tom, Jellyfish lamp. Courtesy of the artist.
at around the same time? It has the same, rainbow scheme. painting in my advance painting class. Yes, I love colors, haha. LGM: Hmm, what are your favorite colors? MT: I would say...aqua, purple, blues... I like aquatic colors. LGM: You have a couple works dedicated to jellyMT: Haha, well I always thought they were strange and different from other animals. People usually don’t always think animals so I thought they were interesting. I love the way they move in a very smooth mo-
Mindy Tom, words. photograph. Courtesy of the artist.
to capture because of their transparent body forms. I try artworks to challenge myself. LGM: Life after LaGuardia--What college do you plan to go to? MT: Parsons. I want to major in product or industrial design. I am also considering communication or graphic design but I’ve never taken a computer graphics class so I will probably experiment. I was considering photography too...but I believe it’s harder to come out with a career with photography. LGM: What exactly is product/ industrial design? MT: From designing plates to shoes to bags and other products.
Mindy Tom, Untitled, silk-screen print. Courtesy of the artist.
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Mindy Tom, underwater, oil on canvas. Courtesy of the artist.
LGM: What drove you to make that decision? MT: Well, I always enjoyed
going to furniture stores...well, stores in general like Target, the Container Store, the MoMA store. Their designs are always so fun to look at and I want to contribute to society in designing things that everyone can use. I actually took a class at MoMA over last summer, “In The Making: Design In Action” class. LGM: Are there any artists who inspire you? MT: Yes. My sister, my friends, Pablo Picasso, and Georgia O’Keefe. LGM: One last question: Where can people see more of your artwork? MT: I guess in semi-annuals or in some of my classrooms. They can also see my artwork on the web.
Check out more artwork by Mindy Tom at:
Mindy Tom, brushes, oil on canvas. Courtesy of the artist.
http://www.minnieminnmin.deviantart.com/
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THEATER
ery encounter. When the Americanized son returns with his wife, the status quo is turned upside down. The production values of this play are effective. The drama is directed by Daniel Sullivan with a clarity that emphasizes the emotional highs and lows of some rather bizarre characters and situations. The set, a one-room interior of the house, designed by Eugene Lee, shows hints of being decrepit without distracting from the actors in the space. Ian McShane, as Max, the authoritarian father, and Raúl Esparza as the shady son Lenny, are particularly strong. In the role of Ruth, Eve Best does her best to bring an elusive and purely
CAN YOU EVER GO HOME AGAIN? The Homecoming and Crimes of the Heart Reviews by Amanda Sonnenschein Two revivals that have recently graced the New York stage offer very different perspectives on the nature of family and home. The Homecoming, Harold Pinter’s bleak study of familial relations and the struggle for power, is playing at the Cort Theatre, and a few blocks away at the Laura Pels Theatre, Beth Henley’s improbably optimistic Crimes of the Heart is on view.
The Homecoming was a groundbreaking play for Pinter, who is a master of his own brand of playwriting. He took the Theatre of the Absurd and made it more accessible to audiences by giving it plot and molding it into the framework of a domestic drama. To this, he added Freudian overtones. Modern dramatic theory distills the four main elements of play production into movement, stillness, sound, and silence. Pinter is excellent at incorporating pauses with absolute silence and stillness. This technique resonates with the audience and creates something quite unique coming was shocking to the audiences of 1965 when
Pinter’s simplistic view of women: they occupy the niche of either a madonna or a whore. In The Homecoming, Pinter portrays women as indispensable to the family but not as three-
Courtesy of www.monstersandcritics.com
Courtesy of www.applause-tickets.com
it won a Tony award due to its audacious ending, its dark, almost morbid view of human nature, and its satirical assault on conventional morality. It retains its intense emotional impact today. In The Homecoming, a successful son returns with his wife to his North
London home after having lived for several years in America. Here, his father, uncle, and two brothers inhabit a highly dysfunctional, possibly illegally maintained homestead, shrouded in deception, secrecy, rivalry, and hatred. Violent attacks—verbal, physical, and psychological—characterize their interactions and the absence and mys-
Courtesy of www.variety.com
reason, this reviewer had trouble relating to the play, despite the virtuosity of the performances and the overall quality of the production. Crimes of the Heart, at the Laura Pels Theatre, is a Pulitzer Prize produced in 1979. It is written by a woman, directed by a woman, and concerning three women in a small Mississippi town. In this play, as in The Homecom-
ing, family life is irrevocably altered following the notorious death of the mother. The “homecoming” here is to the house of the women’s hospitalized grandfather where they had been raised since they were orphaned. Although there are elements of the absurd in this primarily domestic comedy, especially with its excesses of tragic occurrences, the playwright Beth Henley provides so much dialogue and detail that the improbable is totally
believable. Like The Homecoming, Crimes of the Heart derives comedy out of peculiar and potentially tragic circumstances, but Henley’s notes are lighter than the dark accents hit by Pinter, and consequently, the dynamics are quite different. The three women in this play work with one another, forming a supportive and loving unit that leaves the audience with a positive outlook on the primarily wholesome nature of family life. This is in direct contrast to the men of The Homecoming who destructively work against one another in a struggle for power that only creates tension and leaves the audience feeling uncomfortable. The story of Crimes of the Heart centers on the tumult surrounding the shooting of the youngest sister’s abusive husband, but the play is really concerned with the inability of each of the sisters to establish a productive, happy, (continued on page 52)
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Courtesy of www.newsday.com
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THEATER
THEATER
Help Me!
C H I C AG O review Every year, for my birthday, my parents buy tickets for me to see a Broadway show. As a result of this annual ritual, I developed a love for musical theater and show tunes. This December I was fortunate enough to see Chicago, a musical widely renowned for its musicality and creativity.
diences believe Chicago is a musical which portrays “R rated values,” and they
Yet, there is a moral to this story. The musical serves as a harsh, but accurate insight on the workings of showbiz. Through the protagonists, the audience learns why only the most corrupt people can win in the “dog-eat-dog” world of theatrical entertainment. This is because one of the play’s premises is that, in general, people are drawn to violence and crime, and if an actor embraces this attitude in their theatrical life, that actor will be able to shape the public’s appeal to the actor. This becomes evident
when Roxie pushes Velma out of the limelight only after Roxie murders a man named Fred Casely. After the murder, the audience becomes infatuated with Roxie, and completely forgets about Velma. Personally, I enjoyed the musical very much and was extremely
wonderfully performed Chicago is about play. Yet, at the same the trials and tribulations time, I felt that it was not of Roxie Hart, an aspiring the best musical I have vaudeville performer, and ever seen. My criticism Velma Kelly, an entertainer comes from the way that extraordinaire, as they purthe protagonists went sue careers on vaudeville. on tangents and begin The story begins with a perto talk about something former warning the audifunny but pointless, which ence about the greed and made the scene insipcorrupt business (musical id. For example, at one photo courtesy of bangitout.com theater) displayed in point, Roxie had the the play, and is folstage all to herself, lowed by that fabuand she made me lously famous song feel that she was we all know and going to break out love – All that Jazz. into song, I almost Throughout the play knew it and I was we learn about show waiting for her to business and its distortbreak out into that ed views of the world, song, but she did and how it eventually not. Instead, she drives Roxie Hart and talked about ranVelma Kelly to a psydom things which chological precipice. were funny, but From this had nothing to do observers viewpoint, with her predicaChicago can very ment. As a member likely make some of the audience, people uncomfortI was thrown off able because of and was looking for the sexually explicit songs, costumes, rambles, but could and plot. Some au18
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by Ren Santiago
Katrina Cortes
In one word, hilarious. Jump! encompasses martial arts, acrobatics and vaudevillian slapstick. It starts off with the family, introducing themselves with signature moves; the “strict" grandpa's "Flying without wings!", haughty mom's "Groin Blast!", prankster dad's "The... Dodge", drunk uncle's "Drunken Chop" and the hidden battle-ax antics of the daughter's "Talk to the feet." They’re a family living in a typical korean home, with behavior that is anything but. There's almost no dialogue, except the heavily-accented words from the grandpa and once, by the daughter. The dopey uncle's style is reminiscent of Jackie Chan's Drunken Master, but as for the rest of the story, it's totally different. It's been described as "Jackie Chan meets Charlie Chaplin." The whole family takes any chance to show off their skills, somehow angering their grandpa and then managing to blame it on the drunkard.
It sets off when a seemingly harmless suitor (signature move; "the Flipgrandpa, intended for the daughter. Within seconds glasses are taken off, he transforms into some wild combination of a martial arts master, rabid dog, and Michael Jackson (a bit of a stretch, but it explains his over-the-top hip thrusts and joking "self-loving" well enough). Their romance, very funny and cute, being constantly interrupted by her very discrete uncle. It gets funny when two burglars break in, the clumsy one's main weapon a subway sandwich. The best chance for the three generations of martial artists to show off, leaping across the stage, moving in slow motion, rewinding themselves, and speeding up. It reminds me
of Kung Fu Hustle; there's no outbursts into song, but there are random steps and dances placed strategically throughout. My favorite scene is when the daughter freaks on the afro-burglar, beating him unconscious. When she realizes her watching, she takes his limp hand to her neck, uttering a funny, "Heruppu me!" The extreme jumps and graceful Tae Kwan Do mash with these hilarious characters makes ninety Right now, they’re playing The prices range from $20 to $65. The ages are anyone over four.
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MOVIES
I AM LEGEND review by Maria Plotkina
I am usually not a big fan of zombie and horror movies, simply because annoying rather than scary or thought-provoking. Will Smith is the only reason I decided to go see I Am Legend; I've loved every movie I have seen him in, no matter how silly. So, it was with mixed feelings that I entered the theater to see this movie. Surprisingly, it far surpassed my expectations. The movie is based on the 1954 book I Am Legend by Richard Matheson, with many changes (including changing the location from L.A. to N.Y.C., which made it all the more appealing to me) made to the plotline. The movie tells the story of Robert Neville, a scientist who resides in a completely abandoned New York City several years after a medical experiment gone
wrong unleashed a deadly disease. This virus killed 90% of the world's population and turned the rest into aggressive zombies who cannot stand the daylight and who hunt and kill any ille is immune to all strains of the virus and believes that he is the only healthy human left on Earth. He spends his days trying to of the disease, with a faithful dog as his only comstory of Neville and of the spread of the deadly virus. The opening sequence of the movie captures the attention of the audience well. Neville is racing a car through the abandoned, overgrown streets of New York on a hunt for deer that have most likely escaped from a zoo. This scene opens up some of the questions pre-
mains vivid and thoughtprovoking. However, the holes and is not always completely convincing. I Am Legend may not be a movie for everyone. It is far from perfect. It may not be a movie that you'll show your children or even one that you'll buy on DVD. However, it may just be worth renting and thinking carefully about. It possesses many elements that relate to our society and our futures. Also, the fact that that Neville is somewhat obsessed with Bob Marley makes for a nice soundtrack.
impact have humans had on this planet, and how long would it take for it to be reversed? Can we, as humans, truly survive completely alone? The visuals are excellent and the overall message rephotos courtesy of: (bottom left) deadhours.files.wordpress.com, (above right) fallout3.wordpress.com
OVERALL : 7/10 stars:
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MOVIES
JUNO Reviewed by Victoria Kam
“‘That ain’t no etch-a-sketch. This is one doodle that can’t be un-did, homeskillet.’” --- Juno (Ellen Page)
The movie begins in the Midwest where Juno, a teenage girl, discovers the world of consequences and love as she deals with an unintended pregnancy. Juno decides to have sex one night with her friend Paulie, whether it be boredom or of interest, with a relationship that means nothing more to her than just friendship. Paulie sees this connection as something else, yet he never reveals the subin her parents and friends to advise her on the next stumbling upon a family that will adopt her child. With the help of her peers and her own spirit, Juno manages to point herself in the right direction, conquering her struggles and becoming a more mature woman on her own. The script and music together in this movie are arousing and comical, and the scenery is beau-
tiful. Together with the humorous yet emotional acting of the characters, the audience will be led into an understanding of appreciation of each character and his or her behavior throughout the the main artist (Kimya Dawson) made up most of the movie’s soundtrack, I personally found that the beginning credits’ music went on for too long before the movie actually started,
COURTESY OF BOSTONHERALD.COM
scenes were fascinating. In the Golden Globes, Juno has joined the nominees of Best Picture – Musical/Comedy, Best Actress – Musical/ Comedy (Ellen Page, who plays Juno), and Best Screenplay (Screenwriter: Diablo Cody). Diablo Cody’s script for the movie was witty, with random lingo such as ‘That ain’t no etcha-sketch. This is one doodle that can’t be un-did, homeskillet’, but after a while the constant language would just be thrown off and nothing the characters said made sense anymore. All in all, Juno shows us how much spunk one could have, no matter which situation they’re in. All of the characters have a truly inspirational spirit, who make this movie all the more worthwhile to watch.
Juno is still showing in certain theaters, so you’d better go get tickets before it’s too late! COURTESY OF FIRSTSHOWING.NET
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MOVIES
ATONEMENT review by Cid Nichols
“Atonement takes you on an emotional journey through the trials and tribulations of a young woman...” Joe Wright’s Atonement setting is a place in 1935 on a British country estate in England. Thirteen-year old Briony Tallis (Saoirse Ronan) has a vivid imagination. On what seems to be the hottest day of the year, Briony’s imagination runs into Robbie Turner (James McAvoy) while he tends to the family’s garden. By the way Briony acts towards him it is quite clear she has a
crush on Robbie, but he looks upon her only as a little sister. However, Robbie has strong feelings for Briony’s headstrong older sister Cecilia (Keira Knightley) and Cecilia for him, but she chooses not to acknowledge it. Due to the heat, the house takes on a very discomforting atmosphere causing Robbie and Cecilia’s emotions and combust. Briony, noticing their relationship, feels it is her duty to intervene in the relationship. She goes as far as accusing Robbie of a crime he did not commit. So, with the help of Briony and her false testimony, Robbie is sent to prison after he declare their love for each other. Finally, at 18 years old, Briony (Romola Garai) seeks re-
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demption for the misdeed she committed in her naïve childhood years. Based on the best-selling 2002 novel Atonement by Ian McEwan, Christopher Hampton has written a compelling screenplay adaptation. He has done ing the literature to the screen. Joe Wright, the
PHOTOS COURTESY OF: (RIGHT) WWW.FROMTHELEDGE.COM (BOTTOM LEFT OPPOSITE PAGE, MID RIGHT THIS PAGE) WWW.STOKESAYCOURT.COM (MID BOTTOM THIS PAGE) W W W. PA R A M O U N T VA N TAGE.COM (UPPER RIGHT OF OPPOSITE PAGE) WWW.MOVIEPOSTER.COM
the end, but its failed attempt had my attention span off the movie and on the person next to me. Actress Saoirse Ronan, the young Briony Tallis, is an amazing actress. The power behind her eyes had me glued to the screen. A young actress with such tremendous talent well deserves an Oscar nomination for best supporting actress. I was not pleased, however, with the actress Romola Garai, the 18-year old Briony. Her talent to me was mediocre and she seemed nothing like the young Briony. She did not remind of her in the slightest bit. The chemistry between James McAvoy & Keira Knightley was like hydrogen and oxygen. To see them perform on screen just took my breath away. Keira Knightley did an excellent job in
somewhat caught the essence of the book. I do like the way he chooses ing it from many different perspectives pleased my eye. Mr.McEwan’s words instantly pull you into a world of power
of the women of that era. Atonement takes you on an emotional journey through the trials and tribulations of a young woman who seeks forgiveness for her naïve childhood mistake that changed the course of two lives, as well as her own, forever. It is a
does that in its beginning stages and somewhat at
power of enduring love can do to someone.
There Will Be Blood review by Jun Shepard
One of the most anticipated motion pictures of 2007, There Will Be Blood triumphed the new year with immense applause and praise. This epic follows an oil miner, Daniel Plainview, as he steps foot into a small town in search for fortunes with his great oil mine, but with it, corruption and deviation. With an outstanding cast, including Daniel Day-Lewis (of Gangs of New York) and Paul Dano (of Little Miss Sunshine), director Paul Thompson Anderson successfully of human values within a community that results from success. With eight Academy Award nominations including Best Picture, it is pretty clear that this movie is worth paying 12 dollars to go see. Being one of the very few genuine pictures of 2007, I think I learned more from this movie than from from. And I think that that’s what movies are for, right?
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RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT:
Viand Coffee Shop by Ariana King
Environment:
673 Madison Ave New York, NY 10021-8042
The environment here is all a matter of opinion. It’s an extremely small shop only meant for someone eating alone or with one other person. Before entering you are greeted with an array of what could very possibly be known to humankind. It is a very warm place to go on a cient enough that you can get your food and not be pestered or interrupted by a waiter. The manager himself is apparently a waiter also. The seats are unusually small and there is hardly any walking space, but that can be considered a cozy thing. but that can be ignored. There is no back kitchen; all of the food is cooked a foot away from the eating space itself, and there is no bathroom. This makes me personally feel a bit less anxious about the general hygiene of the restaurant
Photography by Ariana King
Overall: After 30 minutes of searching for an inexpensive restaurant came across a small coffee shop. Curiously, it was actually more of a diner than a coffee shop. Viand is located at 673 Madison Avenue, between 61st and 62nd Street, and apparently there is another one on 86th Street. Although I was initially unsure of whether or not to go in, I was coming from the Met and had walked endlessly searching for an affordable restaurant. This one had three award plaques from the Zagat guide prominently displayed, so I entered.
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Taste: While the food is just typical diner food, it is indeed very good typical diner food. The menu is somewhat limited, and has fairly plain items such as sandwiches and hamburgers. According to other reviewers, the turkey sandwich is excellent, and the burgers weren’t bad at all. I would personally highlight the fries. Surprisingly, the fries have great taste and texture. While not particularly crunchy, the outer shell at least has a nice crispness, and the inside tastes like real potatoes. I saw rice pudding on the menu, but didn’t try it. The turkey and
veggie burgers are not the best out there but they are more than acceptable.
Price: Sadly, there is a minimum of 8 dollars per person, but a dish will probably be something around 8 dollars anyway. In comparison with the expensive restaurants around this location, Viand is somewhat of an oasis. Perhaps it is a bit pricey, but one person can get a decent meal here for under $10 in a very expensive neighborhood.
If you want a burger or turkey sandwich to eat alone and in peace, Viand is probably a good place to go. If you also want to gain a few pounds in the process, there is hardly a doubt that you should go to Viand. If anyonetriesthericepudding, please let me know how it is.
Photography by Ariana King
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Joe’s Shanghai 9 Pell Street New York, New York 10013 Joe’s Shanghai is a bustling restaurant tucked in a slender alleyway. It is a small place with a big reputation; a favorite of New Yorkers. Even celebrienjoyed its cuisine. Joe’s is credited by many as having the most authentic Chinese eats you can get in Manhattan. The prices have not changed in the ten plus years it has been open and remains cheap. Yet, the quality is top notch. It is famed for its juicy little soup dumplings (which they serve either plain or with crab meat-be careful they’re hot!) which are good but could be better. The Shanghai rice cakes are to die for and the scallion pancakes are great. Although Joe’s is often extremely busy, the waiters are quite attentive and you will be digging into your food before you know it. As of all successful restaurants, Joe’s has an atrocious line. Come early or be prepared to wait. After six pm, the queue stretches down the block and the wait may be as long as an hour or more. Even at ten p.m. there is often a half hour wait. However, the food will not disappoint. So, work up an appetite and head on over! ---Valerie Wang
ISSUE 1 2007
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