The Paw Print

A news publication created by Baruch's College Now high school journalism class

Main Content

Recent Posts

The Change Up

by

Last night, my friend and I got tickets to a screening for the movie The Change Up. The Change up is a comedy about two men who take a drunk pee in a fountain and wish for each other’s lives. The wish is then granted by the creepy fountain statue, which just so happens to go missing. Personally, I thought it was going to just be all slapstick stupid comedy, which isn’t really my thing. But, who turns down a free movie?
 

To my surprise, I found the movie was actually quite good. Besides the stupid jokes that everyone laughed to on cue, there’s a real story that grabs the watchers attention. Each of the men learn a lot of things about themselves, and about what people think about them. The men learn things that people wouldn’t tell them to their face, and throughout the movie they become better friends and people. It’s also cool that they get to experience each others lives, things they never experienced in their own. The whole thing is pretty corny, because they end with – oh wait, let me not spoil it (:

A New Fan In Minutes

by

For my review article I really wanted to do a review of an album, but I didn’t know of any new albums coming out. So I googled new albums for 2011, and found out that Mat Kearney was coming out with a new album. This was a coincidence because (as you can see in my last blog entry) I just saw him in concert when he opened up for Owl City. At the concert, my friend and I agreed that he was talented, but we were so frustrated and tired that we just wanted him to finish to see Owl City.

I listened to most of his album the day it came out (August 2nd, Not all the songs were online yet) and I loved the album. I couldn’t even get past the first song, because I had it on repeat. I immediately regretted not listening to him before the concert. Here I was, a new fan of Mat Kearney, and I missed the opportunity to enjoy him in concert and to shake his hand, since I didn’t care when he walked off stage into the audience.

I’m not the type of person who likes someone or something because everyone else does. I usually become a fan of an artist before they get super famous. Still, I didn’t become a fan of Mat because his album was doing well and was popular. I became a fan because I genuinely liked his music. I now know that I should always learn about an artist if he’s going to be at the concert I’m going to, especially since I’m in love with music and I listen to almost anything. I love coming across new artists, and I wish I had learned about Mat earlier. I can’t wait until I get the opportunity to see him live again, because I definitely want to.

City Announces Agreement to Enhance Services for Shelter Animals

by

An agreement with the city has been announced today that will enhance services and care for dogs and cats in animal shelters system in New York.  

There will be an increase in staff, expanding the days and hours that animals may be dropped off or picked up.  Also an increase in the rescue of animals that have been strayed, injured or abandoned.

The city will commit to increasing its investment in the shelters over the next three years by nearly $10 million.

“Despite a difficult budget climate, we are committed to significantly improving the way animals are cared for while they await adoption,” stated Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg in a press release.

The Bloomberg administration, City Council members and community animal organizations focused on how to take care of City’s animals by continuing in increasing adoption rates and expanding programs to reduce the number of animals needed.

Existing shelters in New York can be found in Staten Island, Manhattan and Brooklyn. Elimination of shelters in Queens and the Bronx is due to a high expense, but only helping in providing needed services.

The Health Department will work with cats to be neutered while increasing dog licensing for owners who have lost their dogs.

The press release reported that the department has raise revenue to support these animal services as well invested in improving for animal care facilities.

“With this agreement, we will be able to focus resources and provide even better services for the thousands of dogs and cats who come into the shelter system”

The agreement will sponsor a bill that will require the city to pick up stray, injured or abandoned dogs and cats in which vans will be available around the clock.  The Health Department is also required to issue a report 24 months from the day the bill is sign to provide data on the progress at each animal shelter and receiving center.

The Health Department will launch a citywide public awareness campaign for New Yorkers to do their part and have their dog or cat spayed or neutered. This helps in improving its behavior, health, and making sure that fewer unwanted animals are born. 

When Calories on Listed, People Pay Attention

by

New Yorkers are paying attention to what the calorie intake are at fast food restaurants, according to a recent study.
One out of every six fast food customer considers the calories posted when making a purchasing decision, according to the British Medical Journal. Customers who did not use the information eat 106 calories more than people who did consider the calories. 
Dr. Thomas Farley, New York City Health Commissioner, said, in a press release. “New Yorkers who want to limit their calories are using posted calorie information to do so.” 
“Posted calories listings help customers make healthier choices.” Said Farley. “Considering the extremely high rates of obesity, these types of systematic changes to the food environment are needed to make a difference in combating today’s obesity epidemic,” according to Dr. Thomas. 
The percentage of New York City adults and children who are overweight is the highest its ever been. Since the restaurant were required to post the calories in March 2008, KFC customers are purchasing 59 fewer calories; McDonalds customers are purchasing 44 fewer calories – according to the study. 
Dr. Lynn Silver, director of the Office of Science and Policy in the health department, said in the statement, “As calorie labeling spreads nationwide and internationally, more consumers will be able to easily access calorie information and restaurant chains will have a greater incentive to reformulate their products and offer healthier options.” 
Even though Dr. Lynn Silver says labeling the calories will not stop obesity in America, she does say it’s a step in the right direction. 

To Be Honest

by

This class has really been a learning experience, but the best thing about it has to be the experience of meeting other people who find  joy in being a journalist. I love knowing that I’m not the only one who loves writing as much as I do and that there are places, magazines and newspapers that could use someone like me to write for them.

I’ll be honest when I say I have no idea where I’ll be in ten years.
Will I be a star reporter for The New York Times, The Boston Globe or The Chicago Tribune? Will I be a food critic? Will I even be a writer? I’m at a complete loss.
The beauty of it, though, is that most people don’t know where their life will lead them. Sometimes they even get thrown into a career.
Meeting these people and hearing their stories makes me feel that being at a complete loss of my future at times is completely normal. I love that.

Food as Torture

by

Those celebrating Ramadan this year, like me, know how hard it can be to not be tempted by the different stores that sell food at every corner of every block here in New York City. However, I can think of something worse than that.

Think of not being able to eat for more than ten hours. Now, think of being taken on a class trip… to a food magazine , when as soon as you step into the building, you’re greeted by a mix of smells of different foods and pastries. And then, while sitting at a long table next to a kitchen where people are cooking, imagine having a gazillion cookies and brownies and juice offered to you.
Yep, that happened to me yesterday. And God, was it awful. I mean, I usually would take up any offer for free food. I love food. I can’t think of a day when I don’t eat something I love, so on any other month, this would’ve been my favorite trip. However, it was so not like that.
My stomach even growled. And by the time we were coming back to class, I felt hungry. For real.
Usually, everyday, people wake up and eat breakfast. Then, about five hours later, they start to say they’re hungry. I am one of those people, of course. But now that I think about it, I realize how much I really wasn’t that hungry. There’s a difference between hunger and extreme hunger, for a lack of better words.
So, now I understand how some homeless people feel. They’re hungry, yet they’re surrounded by so much food.
I wouldn’t be surprised if food was once used as a torture device!
Happy Ramadan everyone! 🙂

A Short Monologue

by

I think “why” a lot. Why was I the one destined for failure while Anna was made to succeed? Why I was the one cursed, and the one who would wind up becoming permanently handicapped? How is it that now, when I am 30-years-old, I spend my days at a disabled learning center while Anna is out experiencing life? I am restricted, and caught in a trap that will never be broken while Anna is living her life to the fullest.

Anna has a life with her family while I have nothing, but endless days at the center. I used to wonder how such things could happen. Is it to test one’s ability to see if one can outlive this nightmare? Why are some put through this hardship? I grew up believing in a higher power in a g-d that helped the world, and create no evil. But how can there be a g-d that would put me through this? How can my family pray to something that caused me this much pain?
 
I long for the days when I will be finished with the learning center. I pine for the day when i will wake up and this will all be a dream. I dream instead of thinking about the harsh reality of having a stage four brain tumor that caused me to be handicapped mentally and physically. I can only hope that one day the curse will be broken and I will be destined for success. 

My Visit To The Farmers Market.

by

Recently, a friend and I visited a farmers market for the first time in years. I couldn’t help but to fall in love with the motley of stores that were filled with homegrown organic products and delicious homemade treats. 
Immediately after our arrival, I began to search for the perfect treat to satisfy my sweet tooth. It was then that I stumbled upon a vintage looking jam labeled Phillips Farms: Spiced Apple, it cost $5.00. At first, I was hesitant to purchase this jam, due to the fact that it was double the cost of a jam in commercial supermarkets. However, thoughts such as “It’s all natural” and “You won’t find this in stores,” began to justify the expense. 
After purchasing the jam, I decided to buy a loaf of bread that would best compliment it’s taste. Satisfied with my purchase, I headed home in hopes to indulge and satisfy my sweet tooth. And so I did. 
I was drawn to the jam’s vintage appearance, but captured by how fresh and toothsome the jam was. Throughout the entire the day, I found myself repeatedly cutting loafs of bread to cover with the jam, in hopes to reencounter the distinctive taste. I became an instant fein, and the jam was my fix.
By the next day, the jam was finished and my only thoughts were when my next visit to the farmers market would be.

Hands All Over Maroon 5 This Summer

by

Before a concert, I have a tendency to listen to an artist/band I’ve never heard of or an artist/band that I’ve never had the chance to listen to. Lately, I’ve been listening to alot of Maroon 5, especially their new album “Hands All Over.” My best friend is a big fan of Maroon 5, and she suggested that I checked out their new album.

My mom is also a big fan of Maroon 5, so I decided to buy her the new album for her birthday. It gave me a chance to uploaded it on to my computer. It was a great decision, because their album is incredible.

“Hands All Over” is filled with a mixture of Rock, Pop & Soul. When I’m listening to music I’m not only listening to the lyrics, but also the instruments involved in it.

Each song has a story, mostly about love, whether is break up or make up.

My favorite songs have to be “Never Gonna Leave This Bed” and “Don’t No Nothing.” “Never Gonna Leave This Bed” is such a great song to listen to on a Sunday morning. It has a calm and relaxing beat that makes you just want to stay in bed all day, hence the title of the song. “Don’t No Nothing” has more of a jazz feel to it. The chorus is very catchy, which brought me to love this song so much.

This album is filled with different types of tempos, and I think it’s a great album to listen to. I’m actually going to see Maroon 5 next week and I’m really excited to see them live. I’ve never seen them live before, so I think it’s going to be a great experience and a sweet ending to the close of my summer.

So You Think You Can Dance

by

So You Think You Can Dance is a reality competition show that is aired Wednesdays and Thursdays on channel 5. The show has had several seasons, and is currently in the middle of its eighth season.

The show allows talented dancers from across the country to compete in many different genres of dance, and competitors of all genres of dance are allowed to audition. I really love this show and have been watching it since its very first season, back in 2005. I love this show because I was a dancer myself, and even though I don’t do it anymore, I still have a passion for dance.
Whenever I watch these amazing dancers preform, something inside of me comes alive and it makes me feel like I am capable of being just as talented as they are. My favorite style of dance is contemporary, because I find it so beautiful. This style of dance can either be very hard, rough, fast, slow, soft or melodic. 
My favorite dancers from this season are without-a-doubt Melanie and Marko, who were actually partners for the first few weeks of the competition. Even though they aren’t partnered on the show anymore, I still love them just as much. They are both technical, yet so emotional when they dance, and I can’t take my eyes off them. I even find myself voting for them…and I never vote on shows like this.
All in all, I would say that this show is fantastic, and I will definitely continue to watch it and root for my favorite dancers in seasons to come.