The Cookie Crumbled in My Hands Even Before I Could Taste It

Our final project for Professor Bernstein’s “Perspectives on the News” class was called “A La Cart.” The project dealt with different aspects of food and vending carts. I was excited to work on our final project with my group. Our niche was how vendors market their carts and the foods they sell. For my part, I was do a story on a company that delivers cookies to college students at their dorms. The company is called Insomnia Cookie; of course I did not know that at the time. It took me several days of research on the internet, searching newspapers online until I found it. Of course, once I found out who they were, I had to call them. When I called them that day no one picked up the phones (I called more than one number). That same day I also left them an e-mail. I planned to try and call them the next, but as my luck would have it that was not to be. When I got up the next morning I was extremely ill. When I finally called their office that is located in New York University my luck did not get any better.

When I called I spoke to someone named Lauren (she did not give me a last name). She then told me to e-mail her at [email protected], and I did that as soon as I got off the phone with her. She told me that she needed to see the questions before she could answer them.

These are the questions I wanted to ask them:

1)      Who does the baking?

2)      Do you have a central bakery?

3)      Where did the idea come from for cookie delivery as opposed to opening a bakery or store?

4)      How long have you been in business?

5)      Who/What is your biggest competition?

6)      Why did you decide to deliver cookies instead of other food products?

7)      When it comes to delivering the cookies and milk there are only certain campuses available to choose from. Why is that?

8)      Are you planning to expand the number of colleges you deliver to?

9)      Do you only deliver to campuses? If so why?

10)  I am a Baruch College student, if I wanted to order these cookies for delivery would it be possible?

11)  Are you planning to expand the choices of cookies and brownies that you currently sell?

12)  What is your most popular cookie? Brownie?

13)  Do people really order the milk?

14)  Which one is ordered more,  chocolate milk or plain milk?

Courtesy Of Huliq.com

Courtesy Of Huliq.com

I finally got tired of this brick wall and decided to take a different turn with my project. I decided to interview someone on their thoughts based on what they knew about the company. For this report I interviewed Johanna Echeverria who is a student at Baruch College. When I told her the story of Insomnia Cookiesm the first thing she said was “Is it really worth ordering cookies and then taking time to wait for them to come? She said that she could prefer getting her own cookies. I told her about the variety of cookies sold by Insomnia Cookie. I asked her what her favorite cookie was and she said it was peanut butter, but that chocolate chip was a close second. I informed her that the company also delivered milk, plain and chocolate and asked her who she felt about it. She feels that they should start selling strawberry milk.

As our phone interview continued I asked her about her feelings on the fact that Insomnia Cookies seems to deliver to universities with college dorm rooms. She felt that they should expand because there are many people our age who would love to buy this product.

I let her know the price of the cookies and then asked her what the maximum amount of money she would be willing to pay for these cookies. She said that for four cookies and a glass of milk her maximum was 15 dollars.

I asked her about what other food she, and college people in general would like to see delivered to the students. She told me that ice cream  would be a brilliant choice.

I ended my interview with this question. What was the first cookie you ever had as a child? She thought about for some time and then said it was an Oreo.

At the beginning of my research for this article I felt stuck between a rock and a hard place, but now I am satisfied with the work I did for this article.

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Foods That Feel Good

St. Raphael's Church, Long  Island City

St. Raphael's Church, Long Island City

When the low rumbling of prayers end, and the choir’s angelic hallelujahs have filled the church, the crowd slowly empties out on to the wide street in front of the church.

As the streets begins to crowd, a frail nun in a Christmas sweater carrying a heavy bag full of cans is helped by one parishioner, and then another.  Soon after rectory is abuzz with volunteers preparing canned foods, juices and other foods for distribution.

Thursday mornings and  Saturday and Sunday afternoons, volunteers from the Saint Raphael’s congregation set up several tables, and work with the community to distribute food to the less fortunate.

“We do it because we want to. It makes me feel like I’m doing God’s work,” said Norma Zamora as she smiled to a woman receiving a can of peach halves.

This holiday season the volunteers hope to be as successful as they were during Thanksgiving.

“We were able to donate 29 turkeys to less fortunate families and 26 to numerous kitchens in New York, four of which we served out of our own kitchen,” said father Tom Petty, who was visiting the church, and was previously affilated with St. Raphael’s church.

The food, which is in part donated by parishioners also is donated by The Food Bank of New York, feeds over 100 families and individuals throughout the neighborhood, and has been an integral part in bringing the community together, according to Father Petty.

“We only ask for canned foods, but out of the goodness of their hearts’ parishioners have donated all sorts of foods,mary catherine st raph even fresh produce that we can use for the soup kitchen,” Sister Mary Catherine said.“It’s miraculous.”

Students, from the associated school St. Raphael’s Catholic School, are encouraged to participate to gain extra community service hours.

“I like to help anyway,” said eighth grader Adrian Mitre. “I’m already done with my community service time, doing this helps me realize that there are bigger problems than homework or girls.”

St. Raphael’s pantry hopes to double it’s donations from last year, which fed over 300 people according to Norma Zamora.

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Santa brings the Holiday Tales

Santa is visiting the children early. He’s not bringing  presents and toys just yet, but he is bringing his story-telling magic to the South Street Seaport.  This holiday season,  he’s inviting children of all ages and nationalities to come see him.

If the children and their parents visit Santa, they’ll be invited to make themselves comfortable around Santa’s chair as he recites many holiday tales, including the classic ‘T’was the Night Before Christmas,’ a tale that even some adults may remember. Children are also treated to candy canes courtesy of Santa’s helpers, and they get to tell him the things they’ve asked for this Christmas.

Santa has been visiting the Seaport for 21 seasons to tell his story, and the best thing about this is that it’s something to keep the children busy, and it’s something they can enjoy. Santa doesn’t ask for money; paying him a visit and listening to his stories are absolutely free (so are pictures, just bring your own camera!).

Families can see Santa tell his tales on Pier 17’s third floor every Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. until December 24. For a complete list of events at the Seaport, you can visit the South Street Seaport website.

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Hot Date on a Icy Rink

A Birds Eye View

Ice Rink for Two, Please.

The weather and economy may have cast a cold spell over New York City but that doesn’t mean dating life should burn a hole in your wallet. Now a days with the economy, dating is getting more and more expensive but there are many activities that cost little to nothing at all.

Free admission to ice skating is presently being offered in Bryant Park through to Jan. 24. This event, known as The Pond, lets New Yorkers ice skate outdoors in the middle of Manhattan. But if you don’t bring your own ice skates, Bryant Park rents them at $12 per person.

A Christmas tree, lights, and holiday decor fill the park’s interior as if it was New York’s own little winter wonderland. It is a great place to take that special someone and spend an afternoon together.

“It’s awesome, I bring my own skates with my girlfriend and we just skate for an hour, enjoy some hot chocolate and skate again later on. All under $20. Sweet deal,” said Lucas Lay, an avid skater and student at Baruch College.

Not A Good Day

Not A Good Day

If ice skating isn’t for you and your date, there are around 125 holiday shops in Bryant Park to explore. These artisans and merchants come from around the world, selling discounted and unique items not found anywhere else around New York City.

Just don’t go on a rainy day.

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Bargains abound at Union Square Market

GetAttachment-2.aspxDuring this economic hard time, holiday shoppers flock to Union Square Park in hopes of finding good gifts at low prices. From Nov. 27 to Dec.24, a variety of vendors will have tents lined up along the circular park ready to sell one-of-a- kind items, anything from jewelry to clothing can be found and even some home decor pieces. Some feel that many retail stores should worry.

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“These vendors may be making just as much money as the stores this holiday,” Julia Gumbey said excitedly with mounds of bags in hand.

In addition to the unique items and discount prices, customer service is also a reason for the large number of con

sumers that shop at the holiday market. Vendors cater to what they assume to be the customer’s needs and taste.

GetAttachment-1.aspxPersuading me to buy, one vendor announced, “You look like a girl who likes to write yet still fashionable and trendy,” said Ishala Mohammad, a stationary vendor with all types of unique writing notebooks and note cards. My only thought was that she gave a good sales pitch.

” Take it from me, these vendors need to teach some customer service workshops for some retail stores. I never expected to shop in a market and find presentable gifts but my Christmas list is almost done,” said Shari Ackon, first time market shopper.

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Whole Foods For the Needy

A 22-year-old Manhattan resident is changing the lives of those in need one weekend at a time by supplying homeless shelters with donated food through a local charity.

East Village resident Ezra Firestone wakes up at the crack of dawn every Saturday and Sunday morning to pick up loads of donated food from Whole Foods in Chelsea which he then distributes throughout the City.

“The charity is based around the surplus goods that most businesses usually just dispose of,” said Firestone. “What happens is a store like Whole Foods has extremely high stands for there food or over-orders to ensure they have enough stock. So when it comes to a day or two before the sell-by date of the food, they throw it away. What I do is come and collect this food and bring it to those in need.”

“We deliver to The Bowery Mission, the Henry Street Settlement, Helen’s House, and to a few others shelters in and around the city.”

The donated food will generally vary, but an average load will generally consist of mixed berries, pineapple and other fruit, sandwiches, sushi, bread, muffins and pastries.

Firestone operates as a volunteer of We Are Family, Inc.,a local, all-volunteer nonprofit charity who collect surplus food and goods and distribute them to the to the less fortunate in Yonkers and the greater New York area.

“We’re very happy that Ezra is taking advantage of his relationship with the charity to take care of so many people in Manhattan each week,” said We Are Family Administrator Gerry Goodman. “As doing this kind of work makes our lives so much more fun, we’re figuring it’s probably having the same impact on him.”

While Firestone works under the name of We Are Family, his operation is all his own.

From his apartment on East 12 Street, he will take a cab to the Whole Foods on 24 Street and Seventh Avenue where sometimes he is assisted by a friend and sometimes not. After receiving the food, he will hail a cab on the street, which he will use to distribute the food and then, later, as a ride home.

Recently, a New York City cab drive volunteered his time to help the cause.

“The guy was actually giving us a hard time at first, he was afraid we were going to spill juice in his cab,” said Firestone. “When I told him what we were doing he couldn’t believe it. The rest of the cab ride he was praising us and telling about how in his country there were hungry people and how he’d like to set up something like this there. The last couple of weeks he’s been driving is for free!”

“There is real joy in anonymous giving, it’s hard to articulate the feeling,” said Firestone. “Its nice to do something with no agenda, where I’m not looking to gain something by doing it except to spread love.”

“There’s no shortage of food, clothing, or anything really. Just a shortage of distribution.”

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Race: The Unspoken Word

President Obama was a hot topic on Thursday night during a book reading at Bluestockings bookstore in the Lower East Side.

The book, “The First Black President: Barack Obama, Race Politics, and the American Dream,” was written by Dr. Johnny Bernard Hill, who is an ordained pastor. The book reading, which was more of an intense discussion, covered several topics but most importantly, Obama’s dealings with the issue of race.

Dr. Hill jumped right into discussion about Obama’s election. Since his election, Obama has not intentionally mentioned the issue of race. Hill refers to this as “a betrayal of the platform he ran on.” Throughout his presidential speeches, Obama has neglected to mention specific figures, such as Dr. Martin Luther King, who were important to the civil rights movement and, essentially, helped Obama get to where he is, according to the author. Hill repeatedly used the term “problematic” when discussing Obama’s failure to recognize this.

“The Obama presidency is as much about race as it is about policy and economics,” he said.

While Obama constantly addresses issues such as Iraq, the problem is he does not acknowledge that race is an important issue as well, Hill said, pointing out that the number of people in hate groups has doubled since Obama took presidency.

Part of the problem is that people deal with race by either not talking about it, or even ignoring the fact that it is an issue, he said. When people don’t talk about an issue, they cannot understand it and this is why many misconceptions have been raised, Hill argued.

One of the most common misconceptions is that people assume race only effects the poor, the author said. They don’t realize that race effects a much wider range of people. There are several “grey” areas within the issue of race, which Hill discussed including racial differences between individual races or religions that people fail to recognize.

“It’s like a wound that continues to get worse because we don’t talk about it,” said Hill.

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Can’t Dampen NY Christmas Spirit

77th Annual Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting

77th Annual Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting

Nothing could  stop New Yorkers from showing their Christmas spirit at the 77th annual tree lighting ceremony in Rockefeller Center Plaza on Wed., Dec 2.

A steady, pesky rain did little to prevent New Yorkers donning Santa Claus hats and reindeer antlers as they made their way to the famed Rockefeller Center ceremony.

Streets and sidewalks were barricaded off between Fifth and Sixth Aves and between 48th and 51st streets and were flooded with frantic shoppers and damp tree watchers.

Over 100,000 were expected to trek, in the rain, to witness the  the 76-foot tall Norway Spruce from Connecticut shine with 30,000 lights.

“I come every year, no matter what the weather is like, its a family tradition,” said Christina Mederos, 19, of Whitestone.

The Mederos family, like many, found it extremely difficult to get close enough to the tree to see the initial lighting. Fifth Avenue foot traffic was moving at a snail’s pace and looked like a sea of multi-colored umbrellas vigorously bumping into one another.

“Hopefully I’ll at least get close enough to see [the ceremony] on the big TV,” said Krista Vita, 19, a student at St. John’s University. Vita, like the majority of this year’s tree-goers, was caught up in the middle of the slow-moving crowd en route to see the tree.

“People flock here to be a part of something big, a national event.” said Officer Brown, one of the many NYPD officers stationed along Fifth Ave during the ceremony.

Brown, who had been stationed at the tree lighting last year as well, didn’t think the inclimate  weather would have a significant effect on the turnout.

“Nothing could stop me from seeing Micheal Buble,” said Viera Scaglione, of New Jersey, who made her way to the ceremony with two friends.

Also performing at the ceremony were  the Radio City Rockettes, and the familiar faces of singer Aretha Franklin, actress Jane Krakowski, actor Zach Levi, and of course New York’s Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

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Children awed by holiday trains

The New York Transit Museum launched its 8th annual Holiday Train Show in the Museum Gallery Annex and Store at Grand Central Terminal, which proved to be a popular destination for children this weekend.  The show, which is scheduled to run daily until Jan. 18,  features a 34-foot long, two-level toy railroad with trains running from New York City to the North Pole, leaving many children in awe.

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This charming scene is embellished with models of New York City attractions such as the Empire State Building with Godzilla at the top, little towns and villages with people, and finally a mountain at the end of a journey which signifies the North Pole. Children, from infants to 10-year-olds, were busily running around the railroad display, occasionally stopping to glance at the picturesque scenes of toy trains running through the North Pole. The show, which can be viewed at no cost, left a mesmerizing expression on faces of children who came accompanied by their parents.

The show is sponsored by Lionel LLC, New York State Council on the Arts, and the New York Department of Cultural Affairs, according to a sign posted in the gallery.In addition, there is a donation box located at the entrance in order to gain support from visitors.

The Transit Museum Gallery, where the show is held, sells a collection of toy trains made by Lionel LLC. Among the most popular models, is the Long Island Railroad M7 Commuter train marking 175th anniversary this year. Many parents resorted to buying train sets for their children.

The show is recommended for families, and children. The arrangements, displays, and scenic recreations are a sight to see for anyone who is in a holiday spirit!

IMG02777-20091208-1512

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In Queens, a Bear of a Christmas

Tired of Santa Claus and Christmas trees during the Christmas season? In Glendale, Queens, The Shops at Atlas Park provide a unique and creative alternative, Mr. Bemberlinx. He is a 20-foot tall topiary bear that has been at the shopping center for the past four years.

Mr. Bemberlinx dressed for the winter

Mr. Bemberlinx dressed for the winter

Located in the shopping center’s fountain area and surrounded by plastic gift boxes wrapped with gold bows, Mr. Bemberlinx  is a great backdrop for holiday pictures. Elizabeth Kirpsza took a break from shopping and  brought her 2-year old daughter over to the display to take pictures.  “It was better when the fence wasn’t here,” Kirpsza said. The area was more than likely fenced off to avoid damage to the bear and the many lights that adorn him.

On a Sunday afternoon when the shopping center was full of people and their children, Mr. Bemberlinx was strangely left alone. Sounds of children exclaiming “Hey, a bear,” and their parents saying, “Come on let’s go,” or “Forget it, let’s just go home,”  punctuated the peaceful afternoon.  Maybe if it was Santa Claus in the fountain area, parents would have stopped.

But this is what makes Mr. Bemberlinx special, he’s a delightful undiscovered secret of Queens. Residents should take advantage of this unique backdrop for free pictures, take pictures and send it out as holiday greeting cards. Why pay to sit on Santa’s lap and have your child’s picture taken when you can have this unique bear?

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Times Square: Jam Packed and in a Hurry

During the holiday season when people go to the city to purchase presents, watch Broadway shows and eat in Times Square,  they also are sure to find large crowds and traffic.

In Times Square on a recent evening, floods of people and cars moved constantly in every direction. People were bustling around, heading from one place to another. Cold weather pushed  people to move along faster to avoid the chills.

47th Street Times Square

47th Street Times Square

“Traffic is better than last year,” said Vincent Lefebvre, who was visiting from France.  Even with the crowds of  people, Lefebvre said he had been “walking around to not get stuck in traffic.

There wasn’t a lot of time for people to stop and talk for an interview, especially  at the TKTS, the place in Times Square to purchase discount Broadway show tickets.

With the show times listed on an electronic board, buyers looked over the information and waited on a long line to pay.

One woman pulled out her cellphone as soon as I walked up to her to ask for an interview, leaving me to talk to myself.

Some people huddled in groups and stood around to take pictures. Others were well on their way toward their next destinations. Freeing their hands from shopping bags, shoppers rested on the sidewalks to look for resting spots.

The crowds were most congested at the Broadway intersections where the streets were closed off and pedestrians were able to sit and move freely.

“I would never drive around here, just walk or take the subway,” said Jennifer Fibiano, who was with her husband and three kids from Australia. “It is quite good, [traffic] doesn’t flow as easy, but it is easy to get a taxi.”

Crowds lined up to purchase show tickets

Crowds lined up to purchase show tickets

When standing above on the stands by the TKTS booth, there were a lot of fast-paced movements in the Times Square area. There were crowds in the stores like the recently opened American Eagle, Hershey’s, M&M’s World, and Toys R’ Us. Through all the clusters, visitors still managed to get around.


Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

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Blind date with the Internet

Although I am an avid internet user, I have to admit that I had never attended events solely based on information from the internet. Now, I was ready to explore this new way of networking. I found an interesting event on yelp.com and decided to go for it.

Free Yoga class at Sankalpa Yoga

Enjoying free yoga class at Sankalpa Yoga which was sponsered by luxuryspot.com

It was a free yoga event organized by TheLuxurySpot.com, a lifestyle site founded by New York socialite Bryce Gruber. Sankalpah yoga, a posh yoga center in midtown Manhattan, provided space for the event.

Emily Sloane, who had also come for the event, said she uses yelp all the time and always had a good experience. “I use Yelp and other sites like Menupages.com all the time,” she said. “Since this is a free event, I wanted to check it out.”

The exercise room was spacious with big windows. The walls were colored deep red and orange, the colors of the yogis. Sanskrit slokas (poems) were written all over the wall. The room evoked peaceful energy.

Celebrity NYC/ Hamptons instructor Dia Hollenbeck-Minkow put some melodious music we started our class. As per her instructions, we changed our posture from one asana to another. By the end of the hour, I was exhausted.

Yoga is definitely the hip way to be in shape these days. “There are a lot of people training to be yoga instructor,” said Maria Pena, the friendly receptionist at Sankalpah yoga.

However, being a yoga instructor is a lot of hard work. Erik Kragh who is learning to be a yoga instructor at Sankalpah yoga said, “I used to teach martial arts before and I thought it would be a walk in the park. But it’s been fun. It takes you somewhere you don’t expect to go.”

All the participants for the event also got a free Shobha® Ingrown Hair Relief Lotion from LS and a coupon for a week of free yoga class from Sankalpah yoga.

I got freebies, terrific exercise for the body and mind and made new friends. My first experience going out on a blind internet event was definitely a success.

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Snowflakes Suspended in the Air at Gravesend

Does it begin here?
At Avenue U
There are snowflakes in the air
Illuminating

Six pointed centerpieces
are attached between the streetlights
tied to power poles.

The strands light up U
better than the lamps at night
rivaling the stores.

At West 8th

From West Fourth to Ninth
It’s an annual practice
for Christmas seasons

The neighborhood had
Gravesend Chamber of Commerce
to handle the lights

At Sports Fever

Today, Sports Fever
coordinates the lighting
said employee Dan.

Fifty years it’s been.
the program has been endowed
by small businesses.

Sal Mar Studios
believes in this tradition
‘spite this economy

The cost? Six hundred
or seven hundred dollars
per snowflake lighting.

See this Brooklyn sight
For the month of December
Enjoy, why don’t you.

West 6

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Seasonal foods abound at Union Square market

The Union Square Holiday Market is one of the best places to find unique gifts during the shopping season. Besides the gifts, the festive food is something else to look forward to.
“The holiday food always cheers me up and gets me in the holiday mood,” said Sarah White, who was shopping at the market for the second year.
A stand selling hot fudge brownies and hot chocolate is a big hit at the market. Hot chocolate is $3 and any topping is $1 at the stand. There are a variety to choose from including chocolate pretzels and gummy bears. It’s the stand’s first year. “I never worked in the holiday market before, but it’s amazing because you feel the spirit of the holidays while working,” said the operator, Paul Bishop.

The most popular thing is the chocolate fudge brownie to which Bishop adds chocolate, then whipped cream and then more hot chocolate. “The more toppings the better, but also heavier,” he said.

Looking for chocolates? Try Nunu Chocolates, handmade from Brooklyn. Even though the stand doesn’t do anything special for the holidays, the hand-dipped salt caramels are a big hit.

For hot cider and gingerbread cookies, Breezy Hill Orchard & Mill is the place to stop. It’s the stand’s fourth holiday season. During the off-season they participate in the Union Square Green Market.

Other stands to look for:

— Sugar Sweet Sunshine Bakery, which owns a store in the Lower East Side on Rivington Street. They  sells ‘to die for’ cupcakes including chocolate peppermint cake with cream cheese frosting.

–German Delights, which sells German sweets including traditional gingerbread.

The market runs from Nov. 24 to Dec. 24. It features over 100 booths with gifts such as holiday ornaments, fine art, toys and candles.

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Christmas House lights up the Bronx

Despite the downturn in the economy, the Pelham Parkway home which has become famous for its extravagant Christmas display is still attracting thousands of visitors and outdoing itself each year.

Often referred to as “The Christmas House,” the two-story home, owned by the Garabedian family, has been the site of massive displays every Christmas for over 30 years. And in spite of rising electricity rates, the scale of the spectacular light show has been growing each year, residents say.

Visitors look at the Garabedian's extravagant Christmas display.

On-lookers marvel at the Garabedians' extravagant Christmas set-up.

“We just come here to see what they have, because every year it expands,” said Pelham Bay resident Miguel Gonzales, who came to see the lights with his son and girlfriend. “First it was only at the front and side, now they have it around here [the back of the house], too.”

The detailed show features life-sized mannequins in ballroom attire that move or dance to music that can be heard from a block away. Santa Claus and his reindeer sit atop one side of the roof and the six Rockettes stand on another. Angels and other biblical figures are also interspersed between fairy tale characters, like Cinderella in a carriage with footmen.

“The whole scenario is really wonderful,” said Brunilda Rodriguez, who lives 10 minutes away from the Garabedian’s house and was visiting for her third consecutive year. “It’s really amazing, I don’t know how they do it (referring to the electricity bills).”

Visitors who are impressed with the Garabedian’s work often throw money through the chain link fence that borders off the display, but a sign at the front of the house said that the donations would go to Immaculate Conception Church.

“I think they used to have a sign up that said that part of the donations would go to the Con Ed bill, but now everything goes to the church,” said Erika Burgos, who accompanied Gonzales.

The Garabedians say they give all the visitor's donations to a church.

The Garabedians they give all the visitor's donations to a church, according to this sign.

The Garabedians make everything themselves. Gary Garabedian allegedly creates all the designs, and dresses the dolls, and his sisters Linda and Elise help to dismantle and reassemble parts of the display each evening, according

to newyorkchristmashouse.com, a website which gives a brief history of the popular production.

Five years ago, the New York Post reported that 50,000 miniature light bulbs and 40 500-watt halogen lamps lit up the yard, emitting enough electricity to power 25 hair dryers.

None of the neighbors who braved the 30-degree wind on Sunday night could say where the money was coming from, a question which is just another subject on which the Garabedians are remaining tight-lipped.

The reason behind this long-standing family tradition is a secret no one outside the family has been able to uncover to this day.

Mr. Garabedian told the New York Times that the Christmas show was the family’s way of showing thanks for a miracle they received in 1973. “The family wants to keep it special for ourselves.”

See more Christmas House photos.

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Polar Bears Come to Play at Coney Island

by Viktoriya Syrov

Last Sunday, the desolate beach of Coney Island came back to life with the waves and splashes of the Polar Bears.

Over 40 men and women dove in the water in the second organized swim of the season. Participants of all ages and statures took a dip in the 51 degree water. Some jumped up and down from the cold, while others played catch with beach balls and frisbees while chanting their club name in spirit.

“People find it invigorating, they say they feel alive,” said Gordon Gattsek, paramedic and secretary of the Polar Bear Club USA Inc.. Although the risky winter-time activity has no proven health benefits, many people feel it may help with their arthritis and inflammation problems, said Gattsek.

Coney Island Polar Bears

Lifeguards and paramedics were standing by on the shore with emergency supplies ready, along with an audience of supporters and curious bystanders. The club takes the safety of its members seriously.

“We’ve never had any problems with hyperthermia or anything like that,” said Gattsek. “Nine years ago, the water temperature was 24 degrees, it would average from 21 to 24 degrees. Now it doesn’t get below 47.”

Although it was a clear and sunny day, the wind was strong and those exiting the water faced a sharp breeze fighting their way to shore.

To become part of the Polar Bear Club, a participant must enroll as a cub and complete 12 swims before he or she is voted in. People stay in for as long as they can handle it, most stay in the water for about ten minutes according to Gattsek. “We don’t want no heroes.”

Kaisa, a young Bear Cub, said she didn’t know why she did it, but that this was her third swim. Most do not practice for this event, “You just go right in,” said Kaisa.

Kim, another novice, climbed out of the water shivering. “Can I borrow your jacket?” she asked. “Do you want to feel my hands?”

Others exited the water saying that “It was great!” and encouraging the spectators to try it. After they dried off, the bears headed to Coney Island USA for brunch.

The Polar Bears swim every week from November to April but their most popular event is the New Year’s Day swim. Usually 2,000 to 5,000 swimmers come out to start the year, said Gattsek. Many of whom are first time swimmers. During the annual swim, the club raises donations for Camp Sunshine, a charitable organization for terminally ill children. Last year they raised approximately $30,000 through donations and entrance fees, said Gattsek.

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Rockefeller tree is the new mistletoe

The tree lighting in Rockefeller Center is not just a tourist attraction or a television special on NBC, but an event that brings back classic romance.

On December 2,  at 8:55 p.m. the lighting of the 76-foot tree brought tens of thousands people to the Big Apple.

“The tree lighting is similar to the ball dropping on New Year’s,” said New Yorker Maya Frid, 20. “There’s just something about all the lights and the cheesy music that makes me feel mushy.”

Wet and overcrowded streets blocked off by an excessive amount of barricades did not stop couples from interlocking hands and making their way through the madness.

The holiday spirit was apparent through kisses and tight embracing of couples of all ages.

“Once they counted down and lit the tree, my natural reaction was to kiss my girl,” said Angelo Gonzalez, 40.  “It’s been embedded in me, I hear a countdown and I get ready to give her a smooch.”

To some, the tree lighting ceremony represents a significant step closer into the new year but to the romantics, it’s a a perfect scenery for a date that comes once a year.

“My boyfriend and I have been together for 4 years now,”said college student Angelica Kalliangas,22.  “We went to the tree lighting every year so far.  It’s the perfect combination of lights, live music and food.  Oh..and him.”

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Baruch Students Share Knowledge With Bronx 6th Graders

Fourteen students from Baruch College volunteered on Friday to teach 6th grade students in the Bronx about entrepreneurship.

The volunteers, most of whom were members of Baruch’s Sigma Alpha Delta Honor Society, took the train early that morning excited and nervous about the experience ahead of them.

“I had initially feared that my young age would discourage the 6th graders from staying attentive, which proved not to be the case,” said Jahn Golden, Web/IT Chairperson for Sigma Alpha Delta.

While clutching Dunkin Donuts coffee and taking in the scenery, the volunteers made their way into Kingsbridge Heights’ P.S. 86. Their goal was to administer Junior Achievement‘s JA It’s My Business program, teaching 6th grade students about entrepreneurship through various interactive activities and games provided by the non-profit organization.

The 6th graders were enthusiastic as they warmed up by playing for points in an entrepreneurial quiz game. The game was set up in a similar fashion to Jeopardy. Volunteers read clues off of colorful paper squares placed on a blackboard. The 6th graders were tasked with guessing which entrepreneur or business was being hinted at by the volunteer. eBay and Thomas Edison came easy to the 6th graders, while Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream and Paul Newman failed to spring to their minds.

In order to learn how to recognize and fill the needs of a target market, the 6th graders sketched ideas for a teen club room.  According to some the 6th graders,  giant robot toys,  couches, pets, bathrooms, and trips to Hawaii rank amongst the most important items for a club room aimed at teens.

The 6th graders’ remaining group activities included: designing commercials to demonstrate knowledge of a product and one’s target consumers, bidding on good business ideas in order to test the recognition of creativity and innovation, and examining the profiles of entrepreneurs in an effort to recognize the characteristics of successful individuals within themselves.

“The most remarkable thing about the students I taught was their willingness to learn. They all wanted to see what their next activity would be. The students really saw us as role models and listened to what we had to say,” said Baishaki Naha, Human Resources Manager for Sigma Alpha Delta.

The volunteers too, came away enriched by the experience.

“Through Junior Achievement, I was able to see the class from a different perspective by taking the role of the teacher. I learned that to encourage students to learn, I must always empathize with them. I would reply in such a way as to encourage them to keep trying until they understood the material and got the answer right,” said Jahn Golden.

The members of Sigma Alpha Delta look to continue their participation in Junior Achievement in the future.

“Sigma’s relationship with Junior Achievement is very close. We’ve been partnering with them for a couple of semesters now and our members enjoy it each time. They enjoy interacting with, and teaching the young adults, becoming their mentor for a day,” said Jenny Tan, Volunteering Chairperson for Sigma Alpha Delta.

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An illusory increase in population affects local schools

Fresh Meadows has had a population increase that won’t show up in the 2010 Census. Despite the financial downturn, this town in eastern Queens has seen a growing underground real estate market, in the basements of the mostly one-family homes.

There have been no new housing developments in the area to bring in these new residents. The evidence can only be found in the classifieds section of the World Journal, a Chinese language publication. Within the section is a division that advertises housing units for rent in the Fresh Meadows area. Often, these units are actually garages that have been illegally converted into living quarters, usually complete with a bathroom and a gas stove.

Many of these advertisements stress the prestige of the schools in the district before they mention living conditions. Fresh Meadows’ schools belong to District 26, one of the best school districts in New York City.

Enrollment in the neighborhood schools has seen an increase in the past ten years. The nearby Francis Lewis High School has an enrollment of nearly 4,600 students, roughly twice the intended capacity of 2,400. “You have people who deliberately choose that school and live in the neighborhood” because of the school’s high reputation, said Elizabeth Sciabarra, director of the Department of Education’s office of enrollment.

According to the School Demographics and Accountability Snapshot for 2008-2009, 48.3% of the student population at Francis Lewis High School is of Asian descent. The number of transitional bilingual classes increased from 135 in the 2006/2007 school year to 166 in the current school year.

“Zoned schools must accept all students who live in the district,” said Will Havemann, an Education Department spokesman. But the residents who want their children to attend these reputable schools do so illegally. The area’s zoning laws do not allow for more than one family per house.

“I don’t like that there are so many different people entering and leaving from the back door [of the house next door],” said Angela Mehmud, an unhappy resident. She and other neighbors often complain directly to the NYC Department of Buildings. The Department of Building’s website allows users to browse the violation and complaint history of any building in the New York City area. It also allows users to view the occupation records of all the buildings on any block.

Councilman Tony Avella in the 19th District Northeastern Queens, receives frequent complaints about illegal residences in his district. Avella is the Chair of Zoning and Franchises for the City Council. The problem of illegal basement renting has been persistent since Avella first took office in January of 2002. Most of the complaints come from angry neighbors. “People who follow the law are upset at those who don’t,” said Avella in a phone conversation.

Yet the landlords have a strong incentive to rent out basement units. These rentals can often bring in an extra 800 dollars a month. The money helps landlords pay off mortgages. Many unscrupulous landlords rent to illegal aliens, who will not report violations to authorities for fear of being deported.

The neighbors who call Councilman Avella’s office believe that the illegal residences create a fire hazard. Many times, basements are located next to the gas boiler. When Councilman Avella’s office receives a complaint, they forward the address of the residence to the NYC Department of Buildings. Avella’s office does not close the case until authorities vacate the area.

Avella used to hold town hall meetings on the issue of basement renting at the start of his term as a Councilman. But the phenomenon has been all but unstoppable, and has not ceased in the financial downturn.

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Brussels Sprouts Journalism

Reading about the Texas Tribune case, one learns about “Brussels Sprouts in journalism.” In this case, the newspaper had a choice to cover an important story, but they choose not to. There can be a good and bad side to the issue. Looking at the background information, “The Tribune is a nonprofit attempt to use a mix of donations, sponsorships, premium content and revenue from conferences to come up with a sustainable model for journalism that neither depends on nor requires a print product.” Since the story was a big deal and the paper was based on donations, the head leader should be able to decide what is important for the people, as well as the paper.

“We’re about public policy and politics,” Mr. Smith said. “What I wasn’t going to do was send someone racing up the interstate to cover something, however important, that wasn’t ours.” In this case, it’s fine that the story wasn’t covered. The story wasn’t appropriate for the Texas Tribune. For example, if something major happened in politics, a publication such as Vogue is not going to cover it. There is common sense in Brussels Sprout journalism.

As the paper is made up of many successful writers, it has a long way to go. But not covering a big story shouldn’t be a big deal. It’s the papers decision on what stories they decide to run, and this one wasn’t appropriate. There is a right and wrong to the issue. On the other hand, since the paper is based on donations, it should publish what the people want. All in all, the paper did a good job.

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