Again, we need to thank you for reading. If it wasn’t for the tips, links, photoshops, tweets, and comments, we’d be so lost. We at NYU Local appreciate everything you do, always and forever. Stay safe over summer—we’ll be back.

But hey, in the meantime: whether you’re coming back in the fall, transferring, or—eep—graduating, you might get a little bored. (“Call Me Maybe” won’t last you until September.) So to keep you occupied over summer, here are a few links to our favorite stories from this past semester. Starting with…

NYU Local’s Occupy Wall Street coverage started off with a bang this semester with a ridiculous story of intrigue, email threads, and a gradually-escalating sense of “Huh? Is this really happening?” Things got more prosaically real with police brutality, Trayvon Martin protests and our coverage of Cooper Union protests. The teensy trillion-dollar student debt issue elicited more protests.

We went a little nuts for Lil B, who inexplicably decided to speak at NYU. We wrote about it and got photos and video. EIC Myles Tanzer interviewed the student who booked him. (Vice President Joe Biden spoke at the law school too.)

Controversy sparked when it came out that the NYPD was spying on Muslims at NYU. The ‘Chick-Fil-Gay’ debate painfully asked us to decide whether waffle fries were worth bigotry. (Jury’s out. Kinda.)

Snackman lives. Lana Del Rey Gifs haunt us. A Tisch sophomore was in The Hunger Games. NYU College Republicans know how to linkbait. (Or maybe that’s us.)

The Republican primaries axed Santorum, Gingrich, Ron Paul (nope! still running!), and left Mitt Romney the presumptive candidate. For future generations: Gingrich was the guy who wanted to build a moon base (while in Florida), and Santorum was the guy who said a lot of dumb stuff. We’re pretty sure who’s going to win, though.

Staff lists: 100 Things We’d Rather Spend Our Money On, 50 Best Gallatin Interdisciplinary Seminars They Just Haven’t Thought Of Yet.

We know what we did last spring break. We’d rather not remember freshman year.

Senior Ian Hartz explored ancient NYU traditions, because we had those at some point. Aaron Marks profiled Korean Campus Crusaders for Christ. Rachel Kaplan checked out the Crazy Piano Guy in the park. We broke the news that Justice Sonia Sotomayor would be speaking at commencement.

The inevitable NYU expansion continued with the newly-announced Center for Urban Science & Progress (CUSP, get it?), while the superblocks continue to be an interminable warzone of neighborhood politics. Mayor Bloomberg and the New York Times endorsed the 2031 plan—the residents, uh, did not. Repeatedly. Students protested in Bobst and Stern, and professors wrote a heated letter. (EIC Zoe Schlanger was on it.)

(Oh and in case this post isn’t enough: here is the ULTIMATE DISTRACTION POST. Caps necessary. May Bobst have mercy on your souls.)

*

Be sure to browse the rest of the site for lots more. Also, make sure to follow our Twitter, Tumblr, and Facebook—we’re pretty much always on, so drop us a line.

And hey, if you’re interested in contributing next year, we’re always accepting applications to join our staff.

Enjoy the break!

Just like in 2008, all eyes will be on the pool as Michael Phelps once again returns, but after being caught taking hits from a bong and taking months off from training, most are doubtful that Phelps will come even close to repeating the successes he had in Beijing. Phelps’ main goal is to break the record for most Olympic medals ever by a single athlete, and with 16 already, he is just two behind Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina’s record of 18. Phelps shouldn’t have a problem accomplishing this, and once he’s done in London he can go retire and go back to smoking weed whenever he wants. 

Speaking of Phelps, Ryan Lochte, Phelps’ chief rival, looks to be the top swimmer this year and could even make a run at Phelps’ record eight gold medals that he won in 2008. The Florida resident, known for his questionable fashion choices and being an overall bro (just listen to him speak), was also the first man to set a world record since high-tech swimsuits were banned two years ago. He was named FINA Swimmer of the Year in 2011 after his performance at the 2011 World Championships, and could definitely steal the spotlight away from Phelps this summer.

But the most exciting person in the pool is someone most people haven’t even heard of; Missy Franklin. The Colorado native was named FINA Swimmer of the Year at the age of 17, and could compete in potentially seven or eight events, putting her in Phelps territory. She is already receiving comparisons to Phelps, due to both having success at young ages and both having perfect swimmer bodies (tall, with big feet and long arms). If you’re looking for the breakout star of the Olympics,  Franklin could be it.

Out of the pool, the fastest man on land, Usain Bolt, will once again aim for the record books in London, and the track world is wondering if he could become the first man ever to break the 9.5 barrier in the 100 meters, which for years seemed impossible. And after false starting at the 2011 World Championships, the pressure is going to be on him to live up to his own self-proclaimed hype. “A living legend walking around. Sounds good,” said Bolt to Yahoo Sports.

While there will be an endless number of sports stories, the biggest question for this Olympics is simple; can London live up to the standard of Beijing? After the epic scale of the 2008 Olympics, London will have to really amaze if they want to look good next to the Chinese. Will their be hundreds of Englishmen pounding on drums like in China? Probably not, but if London can’t find a way to tap into national pride while also providing the grandest stage possible then look for 2012 to be a downer from four years ago.

Here are some of the other headlines to keep an eye on this summer:

Can Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh continue to dominate beach volleyball in 2012 or is the dynasty over?

How will the comebacks of gymnasts Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin go?

Can the USA basketball team actually win with so many players deciding not to play?

[Image via]

“It was finals week, and then I had a thought:

You actually have time to read: “No, really, you do. For all of last year, I felt like I was too busy, stretched hour by hour, and I couldn’t do anything as time-consuming as going to the park and reading a book. But spend a few hours every week outside and stuck in a book. It sounds cheesy, but really improves perspective for the rest of the week. Especially if you used to read obsessively in high school like a lot of us.”

There’s no shame in being a tourist in NYC: “I used to snub certain NYC attractions because they felt cheesy. Studying around Europe has changed my feelings about this. There’s obviously a balance here — but there’s so much I haven’t seen in NYC, despite living there for a couple years. Started making a list about places to go, I’ve never been to the MET!”

It’s cool to do the dishes: “Rather than let all your room mates’ nasty dishes pile up to the ceiling or freak out at them about it, why not just wash them? It’s like a shower for your hands and your dishes at the same time, and I find it quite soothing. I used to think that my room mates would take it as a sign of weakness, and consequently never cease to take advantage of me. But to my surprise, we’re just better friends, and they do the dishes now, sometimes.”

No one wants to be Miranda: “I feel like at least one time every freshman year, you will be in a group of four and someone will say “Oh my god, this is just like Sex and the City!” And like every misguided and naive girl or gay will do, you will call out “I am Samantha!” , “You’re such a Carrie!” ,”Char!”, or the awful ”I’m a Carrie/Samantha”. The odd one out with sit awkwardly  before resigning, “I’m Miranda”. Because no one wants to be Miranda, ever.”

You can leave the city:  ”After studying abroad in Europe and going on weekend jaunts to Paris or Berlin, I realized that we can all actually do the same in New York. Despite our tendency to stay on campus or in our neighborhood, there’s lots to do which is only a short train or bus ride away. Weekend trips to Boston, Philly or DC are all doable for a $20 bus fare. Or you can go hiking at great parks only an hour out of the city on Metro North. Breathing in air fresher than that in Central Park feels great, and if you leave early enough, you’ll be back in the city for dinnertime.”

Savour the lil moments: ”Make time for friends, family, beers, shopping, eating, coffee, reading, or whatever it is that makes you happy, especially during the more stressful moments of college. Those are the things that will keep you sane when everything else is a little crazy.”

Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something: “NYU is huge. People confuse you with other people who’ve passed trough here and who may have not met their expectations. If your department chair tells you you can’t write a thesis as a junior, your roommate scoffs at your poetry, or your parents wonder if you’ll survive abroad, show how much you disagree with them and have a discussion about it! Keep your eye on the prize and when people try to step in the way of your achievement of your goals, politely and firmly and considerately push by them and get where you want to go.”

The hot weather’s coming, and if you live in a cramped, windowless walk-up cave in the East Village like many of the NYU Local staffers, you’ll be looking for a good way to cool down this summer. We’ve got the nearby beaches covered, but for a quick fix, stop by one of these ice cream, gelato, or frozen yogurt places and treat yourself.

Big Gay Ice Cream—If you haven’t already been here a million times, then your life is probably sad and empty. Luckily, you have the whole summer to frequent this wonderful place, or to stalk the truck on Twitter like we do. The flavors, besides being delicious, have some of the best names ever—our favorites are Salty Pimp, Bea Arthur, and Mexican Affo’gay’to. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a celeb sighting while you’re there. 

Location: 7^th Street, between 1^st Ave and Ave A

Grom—To all you former study-abroad Florentines out there, your in luck! Grom, Florence’s famed gelateria has a satellite in NYC. If you’re nostalgic about the Florence fifteen you gained, don’t worry, the NYC Grom is just as delicious and will definitely help you pack the pounds back on. Their monthly selection is always fresh, ridiculously delicious, and gives a little taste of the old country right here at home.

Location: 223 Bleecker Street, at Carmine Street

Coolhaus—This one’s less of a store, and more of a food truck. But it can’t be left out. Coolhaus specializes in ice cream sandwiches—that’s right, the ice cream is between two cookies like the ones the ice cream man hands out, but so, so much better. These giant beasts are nothing short of amazing, and even come gluten-free and vegan. Best of all, they have a flavor called ‘Brown Butter Candied Bacon.’

Here’s the truck’s schedule.

Van Leeuwen—This place is for when you’re feeling irresistibly fancy. Van Leeuwen takes the term ‘artisanal’ to the extreme: their gourmet flavors are made with the best ingredients, like locally sourced red currants, Tahitian vanilla aged in vodka, and organic peppermint from Oregon. The Earl Gray is a classic, but be sure to try their fun flavors like basil and black pepper. There’s a Van Leeuwen truck too, check out its schedule here.

Location: (There’s 3 of them!) E 7^th Street and 2^nd Ave, 632 Manhattan Ave in Greenpoint, and 81 Bergen Street in Brooklyn.

Momofuku Milk Bar—No list would be complete without the mention of Momofuku. Milk Bar is one of those quintessential NYC experiences, and for good reason. Grab an iced Stumptown coffee and indulge in Crack Pie, Birthday Cake Truffles and Cereal Milk. The cookies are Milk Bar’s real specialty—the compost cookie is a famed East Village favorite. As far as ice cream goes, Milk Bar has a rotating cast of soft serve flavors that range from untraditional to wacky. Right now they are serving the staple cereal milk flavor, as well as blueberry miso soft serve.

Location: E 13^th Street and 2^nd Avenue

Happy eating!

[Images via, via, via, via]

Chen, a blind human-rights activist, captured headlines recently after escaping house arrest and seeking asylum at the American Embassy in Beijing. Chen had been detained without charges since 2010, after spending the previous four years in jail.

Chen’s escape put the United States is a tricky diplomatic position. Sheltering Chen would strain an already tense relationship with the Chinese government, but releasing the blind activist back into custody was deemed unacceptable by American diplomats.

Last week, American and Chinese officials suggested that a solution has been identified. In a statement released by China’s foreign ministry, the government indicated that Chen could leave China to study abroad: “If he wishes to study overseas, as a Chinese citizen, he can, like any other Chinese citizens, process relevant procedures with relevant departments through normal channels in accordance to the law.”

To help make that happen, Professor Cohen has been speaking with Chen daily. Cohen also said that he has been working with officials at the State Department and within the Office of the Vice President in order to push the deal through.

At this time, Chen is waiting for China to grant him a passport. “When he gets those updates,” Cohen said, “he’ll be on a plane immediately.”

(Image via)

1. What There Won’t Be: CAS has cut its summer orientation program, so your orientation leaders will work just as cheerfully at the beginning of the year instead. Apparently, there were cost issues, but we can think of some unwise ways NYU is currently spending its money.

2. The NYU Creative Writing Program is scrambling to fill spaces, and there are spots left in New York and Florence. The latter is reportedly a “NEW!” program, and we’re sure NYU has dedicated a lot of resources to making this particular program worth your money. But, since spots are still open at this late date, financial aid might be more flexible about summer offers. Teachers this year include writer Francine Prose and poet Yusef Komunyakaa.

3. There are no updates on the Washington Square Park reconstruction in the southwest corner, but we’re hoping that the Parks & Rec group (the real kind; don’t get your hopes up) will catch up on the 17-month delay in refurbishing it. No hard feelings as long as the large dog run opens soon! ‘Til then, you can always play with puppies.

4. NYU will complete a trio with Stanford and Princeton this summer as it hosts a branch of the iD Visual Arts Academy, a camp for budding Wes Andersons. And maybe future Tischies.

5. But not to fear: Though there are events of all kind in New York City over the summer, you really won’t be missing too much by being away from campus. NYU is a college, after all, and the important events run a September-May schedule.

[image via]

However, when all is said and done it’s important to find ways to blow off steam that don’t involve stress eating and/or chain smoking outside of Bobst. So to help you out and to celebrate finals nearly coming to a close, this week NYU Local is bringing you all of the fiercest and realest drag-related films and shows that Netflix Instant Watch has to offer. So gentleman start your engines—take a breather and relax for a minute— and may the best woman win.

RuPaul’s Drag Race

With Tyra Banks’ looks and Tim Gunn’s personality, RuPaul hosts this hilarious reality TV show where 13 fierce drag queens from across the country compete to be America’s next drag superstar. While RuPaul’s Drag Race is comparable to shows like America’s Next Top Model, something it frequently parodies, the most unique thing about the former is the relationship between the contestants. There’s always an overwhelming amount of shade, reading, and kiki realness, but at the end of the day the girls recognize that they are a family. While the 4^th season of the show ended earlier this year, unfortunately only seasons 2 and 3 are available on Netflix Instant Watch.

Paris Is Burning

This 1990 documentary provides an in depth look at the ballroom culture that existed in New York during the mid-late 1980s. The title itself comes from a 1986 ball hosted by Paris DuPree, and the film consists of clips of Ball competitions interspersed with interviews from key queens such as Pepper LaBeija and Angie Xtravaganza. The film deals with the difficulties members of the ballroom scene face when it comes to racism, homophobia, and AIDS, while also having incredible moments of humor where drag-lingo and voguing are explained. The film tends to be more serious than some other drag-related flicks, but Paris is Burning is an extremely unique look into an extremely unique culture.

Ticked-Off Trannies with Knives

This movie is a hilarious 90-minute film that is exactly what it sounds like. When a throng of beautiful drag queens (one of which might actually be a woman) recovers from being beaten by a group of straight men, they rally together with the help of a mentor and set out to seek vengeance on their attackers — with knives. While the overall themes may seem dark, believe it or not the film is intentionally funny.

Mrs. Doubtfire

An old classic we all know and love! However, just because the themes of the film are family-oriented, lighthearted, and platonic does not change the fact that Robin Williams is in drag for ~90% of the film.

Already Registered (outside of New York)

For those of you who nonchalantly registered to vote when you went to the DMV to pick up your new 18+ drivers licenses outside of New York state, voting in the 2012 election will be a remote process.

Those who decide to simply invalidate any out-of New York voter registration can register to vote in New York. But if you live in what’s being called a “purple” state – like Pennsylvania – why on earth would you do that? Absentee voting is a great way to have your voice heard back home – especially in a tight election year. Whether Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, or independent, you should really think about where your vote and your voice will matter the most.

If you are voting for the first time via absentee ballot this fall, it’s best to be aware of the paperwork and the lag time for paperwork processing. It may take you weeks or even a month before you are granted absentee voting capabilities.

Here are some really helpful websites that make this process easier. Find your state, fill out the forms, buy stamps for the first time in ages and send off your application! The sooner you do it, the better.

-Rock the Vote’s FAQ page

Everyone knows about Rock the Vote. Rock the Vote knows what to do if you lose your voter registration card, have trouble with absentee ballots, or anything else. They’ve launched their nonpartisan voter registration drive this month; if you’re interested, become a volunteer.

- Long Distance Voter’s Absentee Ballot page

This is a great website and resource for absentee voters. They also have updates and information about early voting in-person in your home state.

- Federal Voting Assistance Program FAQ page

This is a really helpful part of the FVAP website. Did you know that some states allow you to email your absentee ballot forms? You can also get your postage fees waived. Check it out.

Always make sure that the rules and regulations you find on any website (including a .gov site) is updated for the 2012 elections.

Studying Abroad? The Overseas Absentee Ballot

Fall 2012 Study Abroaders! Please note that international absentee balloting is a whole other process.

The Federal Voting Assistance Guide is available in PDF form online, and from page 13 onwards lists state-specific instructions for overseas absentee ballot completion. On the Federal Students Abroad website, there are more instructions for troubleshooting if you do not receive your absentee ballot in London or Paris or Shanghai, and the election is 25 days away. Usually all it takes is a visit to the U.S. Consulate, and you’ll be able to vote.

It is more likely by completing the necessary paperwork before leaving the U.S., you will be able to vote by a regular mail-in absentee ballot; your ballot will be mailed to the international address that you provide on the form.  As per the most recent changes to overseas citizens voting procedures, all states are required to send out absentee ballots as early as 45 days before the election.

Remember: The early bird is the one who has a pain-free absentee ballot registration process. Be the early bird.

[Image via]

The prospect of writing a thesis is pretty daunting and many reject the option in favor of a more relaxing senior year. It is indeed true that a thesis will absorb the vast majority of your free time, particularly during second semester.

A thesis demands immense dedication, an enormous amount of independent research, late night writing when you’d rather be sleeping, and weekend work when you’d rather be drinking. There were many nights when I, and most of my fellow thesis writers, desperately regretted writing one. My thesis was, without a doubt, the most challenging assignment of my academic career. Regardless of school or major, a thesis requires a lot of independent decision-making without much guidance. Advisers offer some help, but the biggest decisions are up to you.

Ideally, you create your own question and argument, find your own primary and secondary sources, synthesize your own findings in a coherent way, and pull it all together to bring new research to the field. It seems that most thesis writers accomplish this much, which is an enormous achievement in itself.

However, what I find to be the greatest reward isn’t the finished project. It’s the aftermath of the final result.

On the day of the defense, you present your finished thesis in front of a handful of well-accomplished, fantastically brilliant professors who are decades ahead of you in both experience and knowledge. There is no greater sense of accomplishment than striding into that room, showing them that you know more about the subject than they do, and brushing the dirt off your shoulder like it ain’t no thang.

I’ve seen my fellow thesis writers grow into these powerhouses of information, ready to spew knowledge the moment someone brings up their topic. That kind of ability only comes with the persistence and passion of dedicating yourself entirely to a subject close to your heart, be it a sport, an instrument, or an academic focus.

Writing a thesis means caring about something so ferociously that you’re willing to dedicate your senior year to it, invariably sacrificing other things. You’re willing to spend a Saturday night absorbed in books instead of out with friends. You’re willing to discuss the subject at parties instead of regular bar talk. You’re willing to spend parts of your Thanksgiving/winter/spring breaks working instead of relaxing. And it’s all okay because you care so vehemently about the subject matter that it doesn’t matter what you give up–it’s all in exchange for something else you’re enthusiastic about.

And this is why we all attend college, right? We go to school to make friends, experience new places, and gain work experience. Yet, the primary reason for going to college will always be to pursue academic passions. A thesis is an opportunity to take everything you’ve learned over the course of your academic career and apply it to one grand project. The final result is the summation of four years of skills and knowledge acquired at NYU.

Writing a thesis isn’t for everyone. But for those willing to try, I hope that the final feeling of finishing will far outweigh all the difficulties of the process. You complete college, not only with a 70-page manuscript, but also with the sense that your college education was a bit more worth the $200,000 tab.

[Image via]

Fox Nation obviously responded in a hateful manner, but we would like to take this opportunity to remind you that linking to them still gives them traffic, money, and power. If you really don’t like what they’re saying, take a screen shot and share that.