Multimedia Reporting: Around New York

Mayor Bill De Blasio has proposed lowering the city speed limit from 30 to 25 mph to make the city a safer place for pedestrians. Some New Yorkers are skeptical that the plan will be effective. In Queens, where many people depend on their cars to get around, the skepticism runs particularly high.

By: Brad Williams

We see people performing in the subway every time we ride the train, and rarely stop to speak to them. The common preconception is that people busk out of need — poverty, homelessness, poor circumstance, etc. — but in fact, many buskers lead pragmatic, productive lives. Many do it simply as an act of passion. Subway performers Matt Maranda and Silvia Johnny explain a bit about their lives, and share their philosophy on busking.

http://youtu.be/PDxguBao6Jw

By Veronica Chavez

As the crisis in Ukraine continues to unfold, a group of artists in the East Village have produced a show that sheds light on the current situation while also weaving in details of Ukraine’s rich past through the eyes of Captain John Smith, known best in America for his travels to Virginia and relationship with Pocahontas. The show includes poetry, musical numbers and satire. Founder of Yara Arts Group and director of Captain John Smith Goes to Ukraine, Virlana Tkacz talks with us about the process of creating a unique show every night as the situation in Ukraine continues.

By: Michelle Macauda

The City Opera Thrift Shop supports the New York City Opera through selling donated clothing,furniture,and home goods. With recent events of the New York City Opera becoming bankrupt, the fate of the shop  is to be decided.

By: Linda Li

 
Reggae record store, Deadly Dragon, sits inconspicuously above a short flight of stairs on 102 Forsyth St., in the heart of Chinatown. The store has been a hub for reggae fans for more than 15 years. With their revival parties, Downtown Top Ranking, occurring every Thursday, the store’s owners seek to keep the scene alive by promoting a more traditional sound. The parties feature live disc-jockeys spinning vinyl records, primarily from the 1960s to the 1980s. Since the Thursday reggae parties were recently moved to a new location at The Delancey, a club on the Lower East Side, Deadly Dragon’s owners have been looking to rebuild the crowd while maintaining the integrity of the music, as well as upholding Jamaican culture.

On Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings, physical trainer and health professional Nancy Bruning instructs a fitness class in scenic Fort Tryon Park, located in northern Manhattan. The class is free, and open to men and women of all ages.

On a brisk Saturday morning Bruning lead head devoted class throughout the park, instructing them in her fun and creative exercises. The class takes advantage of the parks benches, hills, and other features to workout.

On February 24th 2013, World Wrestling Entertainment launched their 24 hour, 7 days a week on demand streaming service available for $10 a month. Fans are able to stream any WWE content they want, including Pay Per Views through this service. Now with fans being able to watch these Pay Per Views and so much more from home, New York City bars have decided to scale back on these Pay Per View parties.

by Andrew Rudansky

by Patrick Chiang

Flushing Queens is undergoing another wave of gentrification as new buildings are springing up all around the area. These new buildings offer more commercial, office, and residential space. Most locals and residents are excited for the buildings saying that business will be booming; however, there are signs of possible over development.

http://youtu.be/a9mlB3uFhug

The “selfie” craze is running rampant. Just look at the record-breaking Twitter reaction to Ellen DeGeneres’ celebrity selfie she posted during the Academy Awards this year. But not all selfies are that successful. Sometimes selfies can be inappropriate or come across as self-promoting. Students at Baruch College in Manhattan advise moderation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wilv7kvCyRw