Synthetic marijuana may be more harmful than the real thing

Marijuana alternative now sold in stores and is not detectable in drug tests

Across the country the demand for a synthetic form of marijuana is increasing. The much wanted fake drug — called K2, Spice, Spice Gold or Skunk — has finally hit stores. Only sold for $10-$20, the synthetic drug can be found online, in convenient stores, in smoke shops and stores where incense is sold.  

Facebook privacy settings are not as private as one would think

Protect your privacy on Facebook by not posting what you don’t want others to see

You may or may not remember the days when "friend" was not a verb and "unfriend" was not a word at all. While it seems like Facebook has been around for ages, it was only launched in Feb. 2004.

President Obama’s approval rating among college students is on the decline

President Barack Obama's approval rating in college students has declined according to the Associated Press-mtvU poll. The poll showed just a 44 percent approval rating of the job Pres. Obama is doing, while 27 percent of the students are unsatisfied with his performance. 

Animal abandonment hurts, “no kill” shelters can help

Owning a pet can have a positive influence on a person's life. Pets provide love, companionship, keep you active and unlike people, a pet will never judge you. Some people, however, take the privilege and responsibility of owning a pet for granted however. When owning a pet gets to be too much for them to handle, people often abandon their animal on the street. 

“You Are Here” exhibit at Pratt Institute maps the psychology of NYC

The Pratt Institute is showcasing a new exhibition in their Manhattan Gallery entitled "You Are Here: Mapping the Psychogeography of New York City." The exhibition combines psychology and topography — two seemingly different disciplines — to give attendees bold new ways of looking at the city.

Walmart to become more ecofriendly with smaller stores

For those that like to save money and live better, now they can do it eco-style. Walmart is going beyond its reusable shopping bags and starting a revolution among big-name retailers by launching a global commitment to agriculture.

Celebrity-owned restaurants actually gain a good reputation

In today's society it seems that almost everyone can be a celebrity, but for those who already are, the next step is to become an entrepreneur, which is why a lot of celebrities invest in or endorse restaurants. There are new restaurants popping up all the time, especially in NYC. 

Pumpkin lattes and new fashion trends arrive with fall

Fall brings new trends including shearling for coats and sheer fabric overlays for dresses

The weather is changing and Starbucks has officially added Pumpkin Spice Lattes to its menus. Yes, it is officially fall so put those flip-flops away because it is time to focus on the greatest trends we saw on the runway last February. 

Show support this month for Breast Cancer Awareness

Fundraising walks and “pink parties” held in October to promote awareness

The National Breast Care Prevention month is an annual October international health campaign supported by major breast cancer charities. 

Unfair advantages come with college legacy admissions

Children of alumni get special treatment when applying to college, others suffer

The single most nerve-wrecking and daunting time in a high school student's life is often the college admissions process. While every student is aware of the importance of their SAT or ACT score, only a small percentage have a secret weapon — legacy status. 

Downtown area bars offer drink specials within students’ budgets for those over 21

The Financial District provides many venues, bars and restaurants that bring the nightlife to the downtown area for students over 21.  

Many events available for students under and over 21

Some clubs have under 21 nights for underage students to dance or hang out with friends

For undergraduate students under the age of 21, there are events happening daily throughout NYC. It is just a matter of singling out your interests and knowing where to go. Here are some ideas on where to spend your next Friday night. 

Meat paste is what we taste as we enjoy Chicken McNuggets

Mechanically separated meat paste made from various animals make up this chicken treat

McDonald's Chicken McNuggets contain the same ingredient used to make Silly Putty. Other fast food products including, but not limited to, hot dogs, patties and nuggets contain a pink like product known as Mechanically Separated Meat (MSM). 

Spitzer and Parker join forces for CNN night time talk show

Former New York State (NYS) Governor Eliot Spitzer is co-hosting a new show, "Parker Spitzer" airing weeknights on CNN at 8 p.m.

Literature classics, new fiction banned by American Library Association

Classic “Fahrenheit 451” as well as the “Twilight” series have been banned from some schools and lib

Banned Books Week was held across the U.S. from Sept. 29 to Oct. 2 to allow people to read books that have been banned.

Oprah’s final season marks the end of an era

The Mayans predicted the end of the world would come in 2012, but to many middle-aged housewives the apocalypse will come on September 9, 2011, when host Oprah Winfrey will end her talk show after 25 years of being on television. 

Autumn and German fun at Governor’s Island Oktoberfest

MeanRed Productions held their second annual Oktoberfest on Governor's Island Oct. 9 to welcome the fall season with a slew of ambrosial craft beers and perfectly paired German fare.

Top five NYC Haunted Houses that will send shivers down your spine

Walking around New York City may be scary enough, but get yourself into the Halloween spirit by visiting one of the top five Haunted Houses in New York. Beware however —these might bring out your worst fears. 

Student consumers said to resist corporate slogans

New studies reveal what causes students to spend more money

Slogans that market budgeting and saving money lead students to spend more by purchasing more expensive products, according the Journal of Consumer Research.

NYC buildings burn harmful oils and increase air pollution

Something is rotten in New York City and it is not the usual lingering trash. In a recent study presented to the New York City Council, a non-profit Environmental awareness group called the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) found that 130 buildings below Houston Street still use "dirty" oil to heat themselves.

The NHL may not be the cool kids, but they have some loyal fans

The New York Rangers, Devils and Islanders are starting to break the ice

For most New York sports fans, the month of October means waiting to see if the New York Yankees or New York Mets will make it to the World Series. For other sports fans, it means the start of one of the most fast paced and thrilling sports. 

Celebrity books are sure to make you appear pop cultured

Whether you are looking at People magazine at the register while you stand in line at Rite Aid or tuning into E! Entertainment Television every night to find out what your favorite celebrities are up to, no one seems to be able to get enough of celebrity news and gossip.

Author Koren Zailckas releases her latest memoir “Fury”

On the very first page of her memoir, "Fury", Koren Zailckas classifies her disorder­—Cholerophobia. She fears showing her anger, and this forces her to live with excessive empathy, guilt and the immediate need to please. We begin with her heartbreak as she escapes Britain to get away from the current ex-boyfriend that brought her there. 

Nightmare Haunted House announces Superstitions

Approaching the unassuming building on Mercer Street, you are greeted by a ghoulish figure that begins questioning its sanity. You have just arrived at Nightmare Haunted House and you are in for the scare of your life. 

The Pace Press’ Fall 2010 T.V. lineup

The start of each semester doesn't just involve academics, friends and the long hours of studying. Everyone enjoys taking an hour or two out of studying to catch their favorite television show.

Blockbuster’s movie rental store franchise goes bankrupt

On demand technology, like the new University DVD kiosk and Netflix, have lead to this company’s dow

Blockbuster, a staple in the movie rental business filed for bankruptcy last week. The company has been growing in debt and falling short compared to competitors that have changed America's media consumption habits. 

Zuckerberg ranks 35 on the Forbes 400 list

Mark Zuckerberg, creator of Facebook recently became much higher on Forbes list of the United States' richest. 

Food advertisements differ from actual meals

Fast food advertisements always seem so delectable — showing only the best ingredients and components of a meal, the food usually advertised looks nothing short of gourmet. 

Stieglitz show gives visitors peak into the past

The Seaport Museum recently unveiled a new exhibit featuring photographs of New York City taken by photographer Alfred Stieglitz. The exhibit opened on Sept. 14 and will run through Jan. 10 of next year.

Brooklyn Museum holds Rock and Roll exhibit

Most musicians depend on photography to get their image across multiple publications in hopes to garnering of more fans. They rely on a talented photographer to make sure their photograph is able to grab as much attention as possible.

Polaroids come back to stores as limited edition

A look back at the cameras that caught our most precious moments

Polaroid cameras, a staple to pop culture, have been capturing moments for us since 1948. The cameras were created by the Polaroid Corporation, which was founded in 1937 by Edwin H. Land.

Bees disappear as essential to our ecosystem

Millions of bees are dying across the globe and scientists don't know why.
The phenomenon has been named "Colony Collapse Disorder" (CCD).

According to Sciencemag.org, "CCD has resulted in a loss of 50 to 90 percent of colonies in beekeeping operations across the United States." It began in the U.S. in October 2006. Since then, bee colonies in Europe, especially in Spain and Poland, have seen significant depletion as well.

McMahon overcomes cancer

Jack’s Mannequin singer beats Leukemia

Many people know of Andrew McMahon, lead singer/pianist of bands Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin, but what they may not know is of the personal health issues he battled over the past few years.

Pennies for Peace

For those who don't seem to find any tactful use for their pennies, be sure to keep an eye out for Pennies for Peace. Pennies for Peace is a program formed by the Central Asia Institute whose mission is to gather pennies and put them to use by building schools for children who live in third world countries. The program spread all over the nation and now reaches New York City and takes residence at the University's downtown campus.

Jaywalking in New York City is actually illegal

New Yorkers consider dodging cars in the street a part of everyday life

Jaywalking is an intricate part of the New York City lifestyle. According to Gothamist.com, a former cop has even called it "an urban cultural issue." It is such a daily and well-known custom to New Yorkers, some may wonder when its stop becoming a habit and start to get dangerous.

Jude Law shines as Hamlet

Movie stars occasionally make the leap from film to stage and Jude Law is no exception making his Broadway debut as Shakespeare's "Hamlet."

When the public heard that Jude Law was going to play Hamlet on Broadway, there were many angry and excited reactions. Then there was the realization that Law is no stranger to the Stage and that he was nominated in 1995 for a Tony Award in Jean Cocteu's "Indiscretions"(LesParents Terribles).

Spring into Paris Fashion for 2010

The feeling of toughness meeting soft is a popular feel for Spring 2010 Fashion Week in Paris. A large number of Fashion houses and designers introduced softer looks as opposed to their very stern looks. A color palette of khaki, tan, white and black prevailed with a vast majority of designers.

Krasinski adapts novel in directoral debut

In Brief Interviews with Hideous Men, the film marks John Krasinski's directorial and screenwriting debut. Krasinski, is known as the lovable, nice guy Jim on The Office and as Burt Farlander, awkward but endearing father-to-be in Away We Go.

He was in other films such as Leatherheads, Kinsey and License to Wed, but has yet to take on a behind-the -camera role.

Best restuarants around lower Manhattan

Top ten student friendly eateries to wet your appetite and ease your wallet

The Financial District is known for what it sounds like: Wall Street brokers and other busy professionals working and living in a money-centric environment. This does not bode well for University students facing the challenge of finding a place to eat at an affordable price.

Improv Everywhere pulls a prank on the City

Helps to let people stop and notice the world around them with a smile

Since 2001, Improv Everywhere has been taking over the streets of New York with comedy.  Their new book "Causing a Scene, Extraordinary Pranks in Ordinary Places with Improv Everywhere", written by founder Charlie Todd and senior agent Alex Scordelis, gives a behind-the-scenes look at the group's missions over the past eight years. It also includes photographs of the many missions by Chad Nicholson.

Chumley’s reopens

Chumley's always stood as a piece of history for New York City's West Village. The speakeasy has been in operation since 1922 with a secret back entrance that was only known by word of mouth during prohibition times.

Try and catch him if you can

Try to Beat The Mob in New York City

Beat The Mob, a scavenger hunt game, is a free way to test your street savvy.  The idea was concocted by Dov Friedman and a couple of his colleagues.

Park Slope protest

Kansas church against Jews

Attacks on the Jewish religion have once again become a modern day issue after numerous decades of a horrid outright hate against Jewish people.

Letterman sex scandal leaks out

It seems that every dog has his day whether he likes it or not and Letterman has finally been given his. We all know that David Letterman has made his career off of poking fun of other's blunders.

Best restuarants around lower Manhattan

Top ten student friendly eateries to wet your appetite and ease your wallet

The Financial District is known for what it sounds like: Wall Street brokers and other busy professionals working and living in a money-centric environment.

Roaches are new riders on MTA buses

New York City bus riders are reportedly finding more and more roaches on their commute. With the recent fair hike, it is surprising that less of the Metropolitan Transit Authority's (MTA's) budget is going toward cleaning.

Pit bulls banned

Dogs are staple animals in New York City.  They roam the streets and are often the essential piece to a perfect Saturday afternoon in the park. Although for some residents, dogs are the cause of a huge problem, including large dogs such as pit bulls and Doberman pinschers. Since May 1, any dogs weighing 25 to 40 pounds and dogs of purebred or mixed-bred pit-bull, Doberman and Rottweiler breeds are banned from public housing.

Drew Barrymore makes the final cut

Chronicling the journey from actress to director

It has been known for actors to transition from in front of the camera, to behind the scenes. Some actors choose the role of producer, such as Clint Eastwood and some transition to the role of the Director such as Ron Howard.

Atlantic Avenue Tunnel reopens for exploration

Archaeological dig could result in unearthing historic mysteries

Underneath New York City there are tunnels and passageways, including a huge vault of books and even a secret exit into the middle of Bryant Park  beneath the New York Public Library.

Mister Softee Ice Cream not as soft as you think

Mister Softee, the ice cream truck company that began over 50 years ago in Philadelphia, is reportedly threatening other companies for encroaching on their turf. Even worse, this is not the first time.