NYU’s Daily Student Newspaper
washington square news Vol. 40, No. 4
TUESDAY, january 31, 2012
nyunews.com
Green courses to grow at away sites
Protesters fight for union rights
By Elizabeth Maguire
By Tony Chau
Thanks to the NYU Environmental Studies program, Sydney and Washington, D.C., will get a bit greener next fall. Beginning in the fall of 2012, Environmental Studies students can take courses at NYU’s abroad sites in Australia and D.C. This comes after last year’s introduction of Environmental Studies courses in Berlin. “Environmental Studies is a growing area of study at NYU, and it recognizes that there is a particular value to studying in different parts of the world,” said Jim Buschman, senior director of NYU External Relations. “Sydney was chosen because Australia offers such unique environmental conditions, and D.C. because of the rich opportunities for learning about U.S. governmental policies on the environment as well as the role
R AWAY continued on PG. 3
ERIC HSIEH/WSN
Protesters gathered at NYU School of Law’s Vanderbilt Hall to demonstrate anger toward Straus.
NYU School of Law’s Vanderbilt Hall was filled with protesters who gathered to showcase their anger toward NYU Law trustee Daniel Straus yesterday afternoon. Straus, who annually endows the law school with a $1.25 million donation and after whom the Straus Institute for the Advanced Study of Law and Justice is named, runs the CareOne and HealthBridge nursing home companies with his brother. Protestors accused him of union-busting after HealthBridge in West River, Conn., locked out 100 workers last December when contract negotiations between the two sides fell through. The nurses, who have not had contracts since last year, blasted Straus and HealthBridge for proposing to cut their wages, pensions, health insurance and
R PROTEST continued on PG. 3
Critics torn over Lana Del Rey’s ‘Born to Die’
By Alexandra Ethridge
You’ve probably heard of Lana Del Rey. The recent Internet sensation has been lauded for her blend of hip-hop beats and glamorous vocals but has also been ripped to shreds for her questionable history as a musician. Her first album with a major label, “Born to Die,” should extinguish many of those flames of hatred with its sound, which shows that bubblegum pop and hip-hop are not mutually exclusive. Del Rey describes her style as “gangster Nancy Sinatra” and “Lolita from the hood.” These descriptions prove to be over-arching themes in her album. The track “Off to the Races” references Nabokov’s masterpiece with verses like “Light of my life/ Fire of my loins/ Be a good baby/ Do what I want.”
“Video Games,” the track that launched Del Rey into the spotlight, features a string orchestra backing her contralto voice as she croons, “I heard that you like the bad girls/ Honey, is that true?” The song’s clichéd verses and sleepy speed make it one of the less interesting songs on the album, but it does showcase Del Rey’s talent as a singer. Del Rey truly shines when she incorporates a heavier hiphop influence with a quicker beat on the tracks “National Anthem” and “Diet Mountain Dew.” The latter, which alludes to Kubrick’s film interpretation of Del Rey’s favorite fictional muse (“Baby put on heartshaped sunglasses/Cause we gonna take a ride”), combines a classic hip-hop beat with breathless vocals sung in the up-
per reaches of her vocal range. When one considers that indie music has been mainstream for quite some time now, the album becomes an interesting and fun addition to pop with quirky verses about love and nostalgia-evoking beats. While certainly a unique image to present to consumers, her gritty-yet-glamorous, seductiveyet-innocent concept is expressed to the point that it becomes tiresome. Del Rey’s popularity is derived from her individuality, so every song is crammed with vintage references to James Dean and Coney Island to remind everyone she’s not like the other stars. Her idea of gangster rap combines themes of alcohol, violence and wealth with ’90s hiphop beats reminiscent of N.W.A. and The Roots.
Without the history of hardship that most rappers inject into their music, Del Rey’s attempts at being tough are impossible to take seriously. There’s nothing wrong with a pop artist drawing influence from rap and hip-hop, but Del Rey’s use of the genres is like a privileged child playing dress up. The negative backlash that has plagued the star arises from her manipulation of experiences that don’t belong to her. She is neither the reluctant hooker in “Off to the Races” nor the overtly sexual teenager of “This Is What Makes Us Girls,” and one is left to won-
COURTESY OF INTERSCOPE RECORDS
der when this 25-year-old is going to grow up. Alexandra Ethridge is a staff writer. Email her at music@nyunews.com.
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Washington Square news | TUESDAY, january 31, 2012 | nyunews.com
on the side
Compiled by the
WSN staff
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS Revenge “Revenge” is the most addictive new drama of the season. Emily VanCamp and Madeleine Stowe are the perfect adversaries on ABC’s clever Wednesday night soap about a group of lying and scheming Hamptonites. The stakes raise with each episode as the well-paced mystery continues to reveal more ugly twists and revelations about the lives of the upper class. — Jeremy Grossman
A Separation Asghar Farhadi’s 2011 Iranian film was honored with two Oscar nominations for a reason. This unbearably tense and brilliant drama is a marvelous depiction of Iranian culture, complete with stunning performances and a tautly-written screenplay. “A Separation” is a masterpiece that immediately grabs you by the neck and never lets go. Catch it while it’s still at the Film Forum. — Alex Greenberger
The West Wing With NBC struggling in the ratings, it’s difficult to imagine that the network was once on top. To refresh, check out Aaron Sorkin’s political classic “The West Wing.” Famous for its use of fleeting camera shots, the show pushed the boundaries of modern quality television and forever defined Sorkin’s writing style by his use of fast-paced and witty dialogue. — Bethany McHugh
Washington Square News Editor-in-Chief amanda randone Managing Editor
jaewon kang Deputy Managing Editor
Amy zhang Assistant Managing Editor
james lanning Creative Director
selena chen senior staff Bridesmaids Kristen Wiig and her five funny female friends are perfect in this comedy about a woman struggling as the maid-of-honor for her best friend’s wedding. In her Oscar-nominated performance, Melissa McCarthy steals the show as the raunchiest bridesmaid. Together, these six actresses prove to audiences that comedy is not just a man’s medium. — Rachel Petzinger
Under the Dome Stephen King is known for causing nightmares among both readers and moviegoers. Now, one of his more recent books, “Under the Dome,” is on its way to becoming a TV series on Showtime. With “Under the Dome,” King shows that the only thing scarier than monsters are the monstrosities of human nature and isolation. — Chris Saccaro
Hugo in 3D Prepare to be blown away by the heartwarming story of Hugo Cabret, an orphan in 1930s Paris struggling to find meaning after his father’s death. Directed by Martin Scorcese, the film with a perfect cast and awe-inspiring visuals presents a rare opportunity to make the most out of 3-D technology. — Ana Luisa Crivorot
university Julie devito city/state emily yang investigative hanqing chen arts jonathon dornbush features jessica littman sports daniel hinton multimedia david lin copy maximilíano durón senior editor jack brooks,
BRIDGETTE DORAN
deputy staff
university eric benson, eliza-
beth maguire city/state tony chau, kristine
itliong, jessica schultz investigative feiye wang music josh johnson film stefan Melnyk entertainment jeremy grossman books/theater clio Mcconnell dining hannah borenstein beauty & style shannon
loughran special issues kristina bogos multimedia james kelleher copy jordan melendrez social media agent nicole gartside
TODAY
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11 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Grey Art Gallery 100 Washington Square East
12:15 to 1:15 p.m. | Kimmel Center Second Floor
3:30 to 4:30 p.m. | Student Health Center 726 Broadway Third Floor
Soto: Paris and Beyond, 1950 - 1970
Ask the Sexpert
FREE SNACKS on Tasty Tuesday
This exhibit shows the work of Venezuelan artist Jesus Soto from his time in Paris. It will be on display through March.
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opinion page
opinion editor olivia gonzalez deputy opinion editors ATTICUS
BRIGHAM, MARIA MICHALOS
advertising business manager
REBECCA RIBEIRO
Come to Kimmel to ask NYU’s resident sexpert any questions you have about sexuality and sexual health.
Enjoy free treats from the Health Promotion Office while learning how to snack healthily.
sales manager
Stefanie Yotka circulation manager
MEagan Driver
university sales coordinator
Emilia Mironovici
SNAPSHOT
CORRECTIONS In the article titled “Debates continue over wheelchair accessibility in cabs” from the Jan. 30 issue, WSN inaccurately reported that the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission purchased 30 new MV-1 vehicles. In fact, the New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority purchased them. In the article titled “Five ways to fight the frost” from the Jan. 30 issue, WSN inaccurately reported that Bikram Yoga Lower East Side offers a week of unlimited yoga for $20. In fact, Bikram Yoga offers it for $25. WSN regrets these errors.
Columbia University
CubMail to transition to Gmail — Columbia Daily Spectator
University of California, Berkeley
A peacock looked around for lunch at the Bronx Zoo over the weekend.
PHOTO BY Rachel Kaplan
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keith leighty EDITORS-AT-LARGE
jaywon choe kelsey desiderio russell steinberg KIRSTEN CHANG francis poon terka cicelOVa About WSN: Washington Square News (ISSN 15499389) is the student newspaper of New York University. WSN is published Monday through Thursday during NYU’s academic year, except for university holidays, vacations and exam periods. Corrections: WSN is committed to accurate reporting. When we make errors, we do our best to correct them as quickly as possible. If you believe we have erred, contact managing editor Jaewon Kang at managing@nyunews.com or at 212.998.4302.
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nyunews.com | TUESDAY, january 31, 2012 | Washington Square news
AWAY continued from PG. 1
Environmental studies program continues to expand played by nongovernmental organizations.” At the Sydney site, students will be able to take Australian Environmental Policy; Journalism & Society: Science, Environment and Politics; and Reading in Contemporary Literature Theory: Eco-Criticism. Environmental Studies classes offered in Fall 2012 in D.C. will include Environmental History of the U.S. and Journalism & Society: Science, Environment and Politics. Students can also apply for an internship within the government to learn about environmental policy. Christopher Schlottmann, associate director of the Environmental Studies program, said the academic
opportunities in Berlin, Sydney and D.C. have great potential and will likely continue to grow. CAS senior Steven Rasovsky, an Environmental Studies major, said studying abroad in Berlin shifted his perspective on sustainability. “Living in a whole new context helped me gain a new lens with which to view the world — one of a global student,” Rasovsky said. “I think this is the essence of environmentalism, and more broadly, sustainability.” In Berlin, Rasovsky was able to observe and interact real-life environmental problems like city planning, public transportation and food production. In 2010, Rasovsky and a friend cofounded the NYU Global
Greening Initiative, and he worked closely with students and staff to improve recycling at the academic center in Berlin, initiating a green moveout and increase student engagement. Rasovsky said he used what he learned abroad when he returned to New York. “Berlin sparked curiosities and really pushed me to break down assumptions I had about what makes a sustainable city,” Rasovsky said. “I could then take what I learned and bring it back to New York, where I can contribute a fresh set of thoughts and ideas.” Elizabeth Maguire is deputy university editor. Email her a emaguire@nyunews.com.
NY Tech Day to promote startup companies By Tony Chau
New York City will hold its first-ever Tech Day on April 19 in the Flatiron District for startup tech companies. Organizers behind the expo hope to feature 200 New York City-based companies and invite thousands of attendees to raise publicity for the startups. “There’s a lot of startups in NYC that are just really heads down at their computers in their offices working their hearts out on their startups and they don’t really get the exposure,” NY Tech Day co-founder John Petersen said. “We want to make sure that we’re giving them the platform to show off what they’re working on and we think that this was an opportunity to show off to their peers and other startups.” NY Tech Day will be modeled after a science fair — each participating company will have a booth to showcase what they have to offer, ranging from product demonstrations to open job positions. Following the expo, there will be an award ceremony where featured speakers will talk about the future of technology in-
NYU prof. to join Wake Forest as provost By Elizabeth Maguire Rogan Kersh, an NYU professor and Faculty Fellow in Residence at Goddard Residential College, is leaving NYU at the end of the academic year to work as a provost at Wake Forest University next fall. “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with such extraordinary faculty, administrators and staff at NYU,” Kersh said. “It’s hard to imagine leaving such an engaging and nurturing professional environment.” Wake Forest President Nathan Hatch said that Kersh is a dynamic leader who will be able
to bring relevant leadership experience and a commitment to preserving the core values of the university. “His connections to admissions, student life and international studies will all be a plus for us,” Hatch said. “His research interests in obesity will provide a good connection to our school of medicine as well.” As provost, Kersh will supervise professional schools and undergraduate departments, as well as athletics and student life. While at NYU, Kersh was heavily involved with the Residen-
COURTESY OF ROGAN KERSH
Kersh will leave NYU at the end of the academic year.
tial College — a service-based program of students in the Goddard and Broome residence halls. There, Kersh served as a Faculty Fellow in Residence, bringing eco-friendly sustainability initiatives and unique programming and encouraging students to become “citizens of the world.” CAS junior Laurea Yanushpolsky said that Kersh created a vibrant atmosphere in Goddard and even put together a service trip to New Orleans where students worked to rebuild houses in an environmentally conscious way to help improve neighborhoods that were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. “He pushed me to think bigger, to challenge myself to my limits and to always remember that I am an active citizen of society and that my actions, big or small, matter,” Yanushpolsky said. In his Wagner Public Policy and Politics classes, Kersh strove to engage students and spark their interest at the beginning of their academic careers. “Rogan Kersh, more than any other professor at NYU, was my mentor and my greatest guide in the search for a career and a passion,” said Meb Bryne, a recent NYU graduate and student in the original Goddard cohort. “He singled me out as a freshman in Goddard Hall to intern on Capitol Hill, introducing me to politics and paving the way to the best internship I have ever had.” Elizabeth Maguire is a deputy university editor. Email her at emaguire@nyunews.com
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novation in New York, and some companies will receive prizes. In order to participate, each company has to abide by three loosely held criteria: It must be a startup, pertain to technology and have its base in New York. Attending the event will be free to the public through registration, but there is a limit to the number of attendees. Funding for this free event is made possible by the $385 registration fee required from participating startups. Jon Chan, a senior at Gallatin School of Individualized Studies who has launched his own startups, said publicity is vital to the success of all companies. “The really big differentiating factor [among all the different startups] is marketing or publicity or getting awareness about how your product is,” he said. “If you want make it viral the only way you get people to do that is by having people to talk about it. Nobody will talk about your app if nobody knows about it.” Tony Chau is a city/state deputy editor. Email him at tchau@nyunews.com.
PROTEST continued from PG. 1
Demonstrators express anger toward Straus
SPYROS PAPAVASSILIOU FOR WSN
Protesters demonstrate in front of NYU School of Law. other benefits. Back in 2010, CareOne fired more than 10 of its workers for engaging in union activities. “They want to take back everything,” said Barbara McFadden, an uninsured nurse who was locked out. “I am diabetic and I have to pay $400 and something for my medication.” Though the National Labors Relation Board ruled that the firings were unjustified and mandated the workers to be rehired, Care One has not complied. Among the demonstrators were members of NYU4OWS and Student Labor Action Project groups. Their protest also featured a satirical theater performance, in which an actress played Straus. “This is a clear case of injustice by a member of the 1 percent who has major ties to NYU, so I think it’s important for the NYU community to show our outrage and declare our support with these nursing home workers,” said Dan DiMaggio, a first-year Ph.D student and NYU4OWS activist. “NYU should not be a place
where members of the 1 percent can sit on governing boards and hide their injustices via hefty donations which get their names slapped on buildings and institutes, as if they were paragons of virtue,” he said. Some law students exiting the courtyard stopped to hear the protesters. “It’s really bad when someone’s exploiting certain people and doing hypocritical actions with their money,” third-year NYU law student Charles Agoos said. McFadden added that her former patients are now under the care of those who “don’t know what they’re doing.” “You can’t buy an ethical reputation,” said Deborah Chernoff, the communications director for District 1199 New England, a group that represents the lockedout workers. Straus and NYU Law were unavailable for comment. Tony Chau is a deputy city/state editor. Email him at tchau@nyunews.com.
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Washington Square news | TUESDAY, january 31, 2012 | nyunews.com
dining
edited by hannah borenstein dining@nyunews.com
Fusion bakery brings France to SoHo
jonathan tan/wsn
Indulgent treats lie beyond the doors of Dominique Ansel Bakery. By Rachel Sanderson When you walk into Dominique Ansel Bakery, it doesn’t feel like you’ve left SoHo. But take one bite and you’re quickly transported to France. The combination of French pastries and whistling espresso machines makes this place an undeniable treat for lovers of both American and French bakeries. The shop opened in November to a crowd of supportive customers. In the past month alone, the menu has been expanded to include ten new items such as the Salted Pistachio Religeuse and tiny puff pastries called chouquettes.
The glass display case is filled with desserts like macarons, éclairs and tarts. The bakery also offers items like pain au chocolat and its most popular treat, Dominique’s Kouign Amann, a croissant with a hard caramelized crust and a soft, flaky interior. For fans of traditional American fare, Ansel offers items that represent a unique take on American food. They feature the untraditional Cotton-soft Cheesecake, which has an airy and soft texture credited to the blend of ricotta and cream cheese. For those in the mood for a full meal, the bakery also serves sandwiches, including the Roasted Pork Club. After grabbing your food, you can take a seat in the simple, clean environment inside the bakery, or you can wander to the back and bask in the sunlight that radiates through the glass-enclosed greenhouse seating area. Don’t let the luxuries of this bakery fool you — France may be acclaimed for its couture trends, but you don’t have to worry about paying a designer price at this bakery. Ranging from $2 to $12, the food at Ansel is affordable even for college students. To taste a little slice of France in SoHo, find Dominique Ansel Bakery on 189 Spring Street. Rahel Sanderson is a contributing writer. Email her at dining@nyunews.com.
Snacks not always sinful By Catherine Monigan We have all seen the sitcoms where families congregate around the dinner table to share daily meals. We also know that in our modern, fast-paced society, this tradition has become old-fashioned. Noticing this trend, the makers of LUNA bar — the nutrition bar for women — funded a study by the Institute for the Future titled “The Power of Snacking,” which discusses current and future trends in snacks and meals. On Wednesday, Jan. 25, LUNA sponsored a discussion about eating habits. The panel included NYU professor Amy Bentley of the Nutrition, Food Studies and Public Health department in Steinhardt. The most important trend noted by all of the panelists is that snacks used to be considered a bad thing because they showed weakness and were thought of as a sign of poor health. Now that people are so busy, however, snacks are becoming an important part of our day, and they are no longer something to be ashamed of. “Women in their twenties are not generally at home during mealtimes,” said Rachel Maguire, the research director of the study. “They either work all day and go to school at night, or go to school all day and work at night. Either way, they don’t have time for a normal dinner.” The panelists emphasized the significance of snacks as part of a healthy lifestyle.
“Women’s magazines try to help women have a positive attitude towards snacks and cravings,” said Amy Bright of Women’s Day magazine. “A snack in and of itself is not a bad thing. We try to publish articles about how to control cravings and encourage healthy snacking.” Although snacking is an important part of the modern diet, snacks should not completely replace classic meals. Bentley laid out the structure of a meal, in scientific terms, as a large portion of protein and two equal-sized portions of a vegetable and a starch. “It can be all mixed together, like in a stew, but all three elements need to be there to constitute a meal in people’s minds,” Bentley said. “A meal needs to be more balanced and healthy. It’s hard for me to imagine meals going away entirely.” The take-home message of the night came from the house dietician for LUNA and Clif bars, Tara Dellolacono. “We want to emphasize the power of positive snacking,” she said. “It helps you to maintain energy, curb hunger and distribute calories throughout the day.” For more information on “The Power of Snacking,” visit www.thepowerofsnacking.com. Catherine Monigan is a contributing writer. Email her at dining@nyunews.com.
Babeland indulges multiple senses By Hannah Borenstein Although Valentine’s Day can be cynically termed the most depressing holiday of the year, it still manages to get people thinking about two of our favorite pleasures: chocolate and sex. Babeland, a sex toy boutique, understands the allure of these pleasures and is having a free chocolate tasting event tonight at their SoHo store. “Food and sex can both be pleasurable, sensuous experiences,” said Pamela Doan, who works in public relations at Babeland. “Chocolate in particular is an indulgence and singular pleasure for some people. This may be because there’s a chemical in chocolate that is linked to pleasure and enjoyment.” While the event will be light-hearted and full of free candy, there will also be opportunities to learn precisely why sex and sweets are so appealing.
The chocolate collection is called “Aphrodisiacs,” after substances that increase sexual desire. “We’ve found that people come to Babeland looking for ideas and inspiration for creating memorable experiences,” Doan said. “The experience in the store of learning about and sampling the ‘Aphrodisiacs’ is sure to be memorable as well.” For the event, Babeland is partnering with Theo Chocolate, a fair-trade and organic chocolate company providing samples from their innovative assortment. “Babeland started selling Theo Chocolate and hosting events with them at our Seattle boutique in 2010,” Doan said. “The chocolates were so popular and their distribution had grown nationally, so we expanded in the following years and saw the chocolate fly off the shelves in New York City
stores, too.” This is the first time an event will be hosted with Theo at one of Babeland’s Manhattan locations. Theo’s chocolates are infused with herbs and spices that have aphrodisiac qualities. The exotic names of these flavorings range from “sensual rose” to “spicy Ceylon cinnamon.” “Mostly, we want customers to have fun at the event and discover these amazing chocolates that pair perfectly with a sexy, romantic evening and make a smashing Valentine’s Day gift,” Doan said. “For college students, the event makes a great date.” The event is at 7 p.m. at Babeland in SoHo at 43 Mercer St. (between Broome and Grand streets). Hannah Borenstein is dining editor. Email her at hborenstein@nyunews.com.
nyunews.com | TUESDAY, january 31, 2012 | Washington Square news
arts
edited by JONATHON DORNBUSH ARTS@nyunews.com
Chemical Brothers excite fans in concert film
VIA DONTTHINKMOVIE.COM
Flashing lights and images dazzle fans in concert movie. By Gloria Lee A live electronic concert can have its share of issues: the violent, substanceabusing mobs, aggressive security and a ridiculous price to see DJs turn buttons and knobs, to name a few. But fans will tell you it’s worth it, as the contorted mix of striking visuals and heart-thumping beats create an unforgettable high. “Don’t Think,” a Chemical Brothers concert film directed by Adam Smith, delivers on all the promises of a great electronic concert without the complications. Filmed at the 2011 Fuji Rock Festival in Japan, the visual and auditory components of the Chemical Brothers’ concert overtake their surroundings in unconventional ways. From exploding teapots to swimming silhouettes, the images flash on stage and eventually creep into the festival’s general
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‘Touch’ shows potential but lacks character connections
area — projections of clowns appear on food stands while white, buzzing cockroaches teem over the sidewalks. The most beautiful moment of their performance comes during the song “Star Guitar,” when the spastic lights calm for a brief moment and the light shines upon the expressive faces of the fans. The mood shift produces both a stimulating and emotionally calming sensation. It’s moments like these that will make you cheer or even dance wildly around the cinema. “Don’t Think” focuses intently on the crowd at the concert. According to Chemical Brothers member Ed Simons, the band has always had a special relationship with its Japanese audience. “They’re so passionate,” he told Rolling Stone. “And it was the perfect place to capture our live show at its best.” To capture the band’s best work, cameras were spread throughout the crowd to catch the emotions of the fans. Many laughed, gasped, screamed and cried without inhibition — everything felt raw and unspoiled, contributing to the roller-coaster ride created by the music. Although this concert film has no definitive narrative, the camera’s focus on a few individuals in the crowd defines the emotional component of the film. For 90 engaging minutes, “Don’t Think” ingeniously ties the sound and visuals of an electronic concert with superb editing to create this betterthan-front-row experience of a Chemical Brothers show. This film is best enjoyed as the group’s lyrics so succinctly explain: “Don’t think/ just let it flow.” Glorie Lee is a contributing writer. Email her at arts@nyunews.com.
By Chris Saccaro Fox’s “Touch” continues network television’s recent trend of high-concept dramas hoping to recapture cable audiences. Tim Kring, the creator of “Heroes,” developed the series that follows Martin Bohm (Kiefer Sutherland) and his son Jake (David Mazouz), an autistic mute who can predict the future. The pilot opens with Jake explaining his supernatural abilities to the viewer. He can see the connections people have with one another and believes it is his responsibility to ensure that strangers meet when destiny demands it. For example, a dropped cell phone in New York must make its way to the Middle East to prevent a suicide bombing. “Touch” experiments with the impact of cause and effect as well as how all lives and decisions are interconnected. “Touch” is a gamble for Kring. The multiple, interconnecting storylines that destroyed “Heroes” are front and center in “Touch.” As the pilot demonstrates, the strong writing effectively juggles the interweaving plot lines. The acting, however, is not as steady as the script. Because Jake remains mute throughout the epi-
sode, most of the dialogue between Martin and Jake’s social worker Clea (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) feels forced. It is necessary to suspend disbelief to enjoy the show, as it relies heavily on coincidences. The smallest decision makes the biggest impact. A stolen lottery ticket results in the rescue of several children from a bus crash. Is that realistic? No, but at least it’s entertaining. While “Touch” may not rely on reality, it speaks truth about the strength of human relationships and the impact individuals have on one another. Sutherland’s character is still suffering from the death of his wife, who died during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. This storyline adds a human element and emotional content to a show
heavily grounded in numbers and mathematics. Where the show is heading is still unclear at this point. Kring has stated that “Touch” will be an episodic series, but the idea of following a new set of characters each week seems burdensome and overly dependent on guest stars. The first episode did not deliver nearly enough pathos to connect audiences to characters who may only appear once. If “Touch” can connect all of its characters in intriguing ways it may fulfill the potential seen in the pilot to become one of the best new series of the season. Chris Saccaro is a contributing writer. Email him at entertainment@nyunews.com.
COURTESY OF FOX BROADCASTING CO.
In Touch’s pilot, Sutherland plays a serious role.
‘Face Thief ’ can’t steal audience attention By Jason Bowers
COURTESY OF HARPERCOLLINS PUBLISHERS
Eli Gottlieb’s “The Face Thief” seems designed to spark the casual pull of intrigue. It has three chronologies, multiple protagonists of unclear relationship, descriptions thick with facial tics and twists eventually leading to some frighteningly specific conclusion through the magic science of Chinese face reading. It’s a formula that has yielded many a successful thriller. Gottlieb’s first novel, “The Boy Who Went Away,” won the 1998 McKitterick Prize from the British Society of Authors and the Rome Prize. Ten years later, Gottlieb’s “Now You See Him” was declared the 2008 Book of the Year by both The Independent and Bookmarks Magazine. The titles alone exude suspense, and “The Face Thief” confidently reflects this pedigree in its ability to build anticipation. Unfortunately, “The Face Thief” does not deliver on its promises. The novel contains enough glitz to inspire faith that the tension will arrive and that a satisfying resolution
will follow. It never does. Perhaps this is because the conflict is driven largely by money. The novel’s two protagonists, Lawrence Billings and John Potash, are incredibly materialistic. It is difficult to be terribly concerned with the prospect of divorce with men whose highest goals amount to nothing more than sustaining their upper-middle-class existences. Nor do the characters express real despair that their wealth might all be lost, an unfortunate consequence of Gottlieb’s sedate style. The consistently composed rhythm of “The Face Thief” is endearing at times but restrains the emotional impact of events in the book. The novel is at its best when no visceral reaction is demanded — eerie childhood recollections or despondent nights at a crowded bar have the humanity to withstand the listless comfort forced on them by the prose. The novel’s genuinely tender moments are grounded in marital strife, but as soon as these moments blossom, the focus is pushed back towards how the
protagonists grapple with the fraudulent women threatening their domesticity. And tenderness becomes auxiliary to the so-called intrigue of revenge, which is not present from the onset. The women are all moral caricatures. The wives make no questionable choices and mothers turn into angels of salvation. Apparently, only the men in Gottlieb’s novel can make redeemable mistakes. Seeing as every significant relationship in the novel is between a man and a woman, this parody of the domestic scene cheapens such interactions. It seems that Gottlieb has concentrated all the mystery in the beginning quarter of his novel. While the characters are flat and their motives questionable, there is nothing obvious about the action. This keeps the pace of the novel moving. Despite its lack of intrigue, “The Face Thief” is at least a quick read. Jason Bowers is a contributing writer. Email him at books@nyunews.com.
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Washington Square news | TUESDAY, january 31, 2012 | nyunews.com
arts
edited by JONATHON DORNBUSH ARTS@nyunews.com
Theatergoers happy with rendition of an angry classic By Clio McConnell
Upon first glimpse of the stage at the Laura Pels Theatre, you know immediately that John Osborne’s play “Look Back in Anger” is anything but typical. The platform juts out no more than eight feet from the wall. The play’s four actors must scuttle and shimmy past each other to avoid falling into the audience, and they seem to execute the task almost effortlessly. And Andrew Lieberman’s set design is especially fitting. The narrow stage — dirty and cluttered with objects — is a perfect representation of the tight space these characters must navigate, physically and intellectually. “Anger” is the story of James “Jimmy” Porter, the epitome of a disenchanted youth. He maintains that his world is suffering from a dire lack of enthusiasm. He also insists that his wife and roommate are prime examples of a modern society that lacks firmness of mind.
When John Osborne wrote “Anger” in 1956, England was decidedly entrenched in an era of angry young men. Osborne was one such youth, and the action of the play is mostly autobiographical, which lends the dialogue a sharp and real quality. Unbearably witty at times, “Anger” is so chock-full of clever one-liners and references that it deserves to be read as well as seen. Despite its shrewdness, Osborne’s masterpiece could easily transfer to the stage as an anachronistic mess. With Sam Gold’s direction, it seems that the Roundabout Theatre Company has dodged that bullet. The titular anger is brought to life in such fashion that the disillusioned characters feel timeless. Matthew Rhys delivers his performance as Jimmy with such acidity that even when he calls his wife beautiful, it sounds more like a scathing insult than a compliment. His near-flawless acting is powerful from beginning to end, and his whispering to spouse Alison (Sarah Gold-
berg) in the final moments of the play commands absolute silence. The brilliant portrayal of Alison is nearly as embittered as that of her husband’s, requiring only a poisonous glance to convey her dissatisfaction. As Rhys sneers at one point, “That girl can twist your arm off with her silence.” And the other two roles — Jimmy’s oafish roommate Cliff and Alison’s meddling friend Helena — are also well cast. At the crux of this strange play is its ability to portray four people trapped within their own psyches and yet have them interact with such a range of emotion. Looking back on Gold’s production, I feel no anger — only a desire to see it a second time. “Look Back in Anger” opens on Feb. 2 and will run through April 8. Clio McConnell is theater editor. Email her at cmcconnell@nyunews.com.
VIA BROADWAY.COM
“Look Back in Anger” will hit the stage at the beginning of February.
nyunews.com | TUESDAY, january 31, 2012 | Washington Square news
OPINION
edited by olivia gonzalez opinion@nyunews.com
ABORTION
STAFF EDITORIAL
Abortion is not the only pro-life issue
By Chris DiNardo
able rights. Those on the left may label anti-abortion as antiwoman, but they are missing the point. I’m not anti-woman at all. This issue falls under the right to life for all. It is not an issue of liberty, which should be maximized, not reduced. So enough of the double standard. We can’t laud the sanctity of all human life but then place limits on it. Where’s the value then? To say death is OK for “bad guys” or “terrorists,” or any other class of people does not show moral superiority, it shows moral hypocrisy. What makes an American life so much more valuable that we deserve life and liberty, but a defenseless Arab child does not? And if the right to life is so inalienable, the decision to end one is not for any other individual to make. We need to rethink how we use the term “pro-life” in our political climate. Views must be rebranded or the word “life” itself loses meaning. If we only mean unborn babies, but not defenseless children in another country or convicted felons in our own, then how sacred is the right to life? By continuing the hypocrisy, we not only diminish the meaning of the word “life” today, we endanger the life-dependent policies of the future.
rum is staunchly anti-abortion, yet when asked about potential U.S. ties to the murders of several Iranian nuclear scientists, he said that their deaths were “a wonderful thing.” Does that sound prolife? How about former candidate Rick Perry’s death penalty record? He presided over the execution of 234 prisoners — more than any governor in modern history. GOP front-runner Mitt Romney wants to escalate President Barack Obama’s secret drone program in the Middle East, which is responsible for the death of hundreds of innocent civilians throughout Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia. His chief competition for the nomination is Newt Gingrich. While the former speaker falsely warns of the so-called death panels in Obama’s healthcare reform bill, he stands by the use of extrajudicial and unconstitutional executive panels to determine which suspected terrorists to assassinate, among them American citizens. And that’s not a death panel? These are the views of people we are labeling as pro-life. No pacifism. No call to end capital punishment. No desire to end a drug war that is killing thousands. And most of these positions have become a part of the mainstream ideology in both parties, particularly the one which has adopted pro-life as a part of its template. The Declaration of Independence lists “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” as inalien-
Lower taxes. Cut spending. Prolife. These have all become policy positions composing the litmus test that Republican politicians must pass to prove themselves as viable nominees for the party. Economic principles aside, pro-life is a moniker proudly touted by the GOP. Who wants to be thought of as representing the converse, either anti-life or pro-death? This makes pro-life a title to embrace. But in politics, it’s used as a lofty term that commands adherence to a set of guidelines beyond just opposition to abortion. Antiabortion and pro-life are not interchangeable. The former is merely a subset of the latter and pro-life politicians, both Democrats and Republicans, must either accept and embrace that or drop the title altogether. I, myself, am anti-abortion despite being liberal on most other things. I know, I know, blasphemous, right? But beyond abortion, I try to maintain values that inhabit the realm of the pro-life mantra as well. Right now, “prolife” is just a hollow phrase meant to woo a lot of Moral Majority, oneissue voters. But those voters, their candidates and the GOP pro-life platform are lacking something important: consistency. Taking a moment to examine the current field of Republican presidential nominees provides a glimpse at the inconsistencies. Rick Santo-
Chris DiNardo is a columnist. Email him at opinion@nyunews.com.
Apple must be held to ethical standards
Since Apple products have become so integrated into our every day lives, the friendly, quotidian feeling of plugging in an iMac or fiddling with an iPad makes it difficult to imagine the ethically gruesome past that brought them to our fingertips. A scorching article from The New York Times last Wednesday has exposed this past, rendering the public conscience of labor rights violations which surfaced after an explosion at the Apple construction plant in Chengdu, China. The gory mental picture of building A5’s explosion paired with the records of negligence on Apple’s part have cast a dark shadow on the international corporation. Yet the media’s delay in reacting to this Apple public relations nightmare further reminds us that Apple has likely reached a place on the corporate pedestal where it can emerge with its sales unfettered from these reputation-tarnishing events. It took a major, culminating event for the information on the labor law violations to garner enough media attention. But the sluggish media response harkens back to the ignored cries for help that shaped the American worker’s revolution after the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. It is unlikely that Apple sales will take a hit now that the information has surfaced. But the frightening historical parallels serve as a reminder that the ethical operations of the largest and most trusted American corporations still need to be kept under surveillance, particularly in their international outposts. According to the New York Times report, employees had been working excessive hours with sub-par, dangerous living and working conditions. Yet international law and the Alien Tort Statute still do not hold corporations liable for international crimes. Even if the media is comfortable pointing the finger at corporations, the concrete ramifications of situations like Apple’s are still limited.
Email the WSN Editorial Board at editboard@nyunews.com.
Editorial Board: Olivia Gonzalez (Chair), Atticus Brigham (Co-Chair), Maria Michalos (Co-Chair), Emily Franklin, Nicolette Harris and Katie Travers. Send mail to: 838 Broadway, fifth floor, New York, NY 10003 or email: opinion@nyunews.com WSN welcomes letters to the editor, opinion pieces and articles relevant to the NYU community, or in response to articles. Letters should be less than 150 words. All submissions must be typed or emailed and must include the author’s name, address and phone number. Members of the NYU community must include a year and school or job title. WSN does not print unsigned letters or editorials. WSN reserves the right to reject any submission and edit accepted submissions in any and all ways. With the exception of the staff editorial, opinions expressed on the editorial pages are not necessarily those of WSN, and our publication of opinions is not an endorsement of them.
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The new york times crossword & daily sudoku The New York Times Syndication Sales Corporation 500 Seventh Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 For Release Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Edited by Will Shortz Across 1 Head off 6 See 13-Across 10 Deviate from a course 13 Sprays, as a crowd in a 6Across 14 Petrol amount 15 A pitcher should have a low one, in brief 16 1954 monster film setting 18 Busiest airport on the West Coast, informally 19 Franc replacement 20 Immense, in poetry 21 Friend in war 22 1948 John Wayne western 24 Frozen waffle brand 26 Drinker’s road offense, for short
27 It may have an arch or a lintel 30 What buoys do 33 Battery terminal 36 Course that you waltz through 37 It gives a hoot 38 Formidable opponents 40 Nightfall, in poetry 41 ___ Ste. Marie 43 Baker who sang “Giving You the Best That I Got” 44 “___ not what your country …” 45 Brahma, in Hinduism 47 PC’s brain 49 The Bible, e.g. 50 City that’s home to the winner of the first two Super Bowls 55 Pod contents 57 Catcher’s position
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28 Affirmatives 29 Bronx Bomber 30 Pear variety 31 Man ___ (A.P.’s Horse of the Century) 32 Linda Ronstadt hit co-written by Roy Orbison 34 “ER” actor Epps 35 Room with few or no windows
39 “Blah, blah, blah …” 42 Neighbor of Thailand 46 ___ Baiul, 1994 Winter Olympics gold medalist 48 Fester and Remus 50 Take a stab 51 Hard to come by
52 Very thin soup 53 Eagle’s nest 54 Affirmatives 55 Radar sound 56 Deadlocked 58 Stick in a medicine cabinet 61 Joker 62 ___ pro nobis (pray for us: Lat.)
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Washington Square news | TUESDAY, january 31, 2012 | nyunews.com
SPORTs
edited by daniel hinton
sports@nyunew.com
Justice and sports in conflict By Laura Buccieri
sault of a 19-year-old female employee of a Colorado hotel. BrySan Francisco 49ers ant could have served linebacker Aldon anything from four Smith was charged years to life in prison with a DUI on Jan. 28 or 20 years to life on in Miami Beach. His arprobation. The charge rest earned him three also carried a fine of and a half hours in jail up to $750,000. The and a bond payment case never went to of $1,000. According trial as it was settled to Florida state law, out of court. A year drivers charged with a after he was charged DUI can receive up to with assault, Bryant six months in prison. signed a $136 million The news forces most contract and regained football fans, especialendorsements from ly fans of the 49ers, Nike and Coke. Lakto a conflict between ers fans have found it sports and justice. Uneasier to accept their fortunately, fans often franchise player since side with the former. winning consecutive After they get past championships in their initial anger, 2009 and 2010. fans will weigh the Fans are often too interests of the team. MIAMI-DADE COUNTY JAIL willing to let the acThe 49ers had the cused players slide bebest rushing defense Smith, a promising linebacker, cause they are good at this year, and their was charged with a DUI. their job. Professional star rookie was a huge part of the effort. A frontrun- lisberger was accused of as- sports bring communities ner for the NFL Defensive saulting a 20-year-old female together in a way that many Rookie of the Year award, college student in the rest- other parts of daily life canSmith led all rookies with 14 room of a Milledgeville, Ga., not. If a star player were arsacks in the regular season, bar. The disciplinary action rested and sentenced to serve forced two fumbles and re- taken was a four-game sus- jail time, the sports communipension. True, his reputation ty would protest because their corded a safety. Despite his performance on took a huge hit. But Roethlis- bonding mechanism would the field and the popularity berger eventually returned to have been broken. Sadly, this results in a diffuhe received from it, Smith the field, and Steelers nation deserves to pay the full price has been forgiving since he sion of criminal acts and repeat of the law. If he does not, his led the team to Super Bowl offenders in sports. While it is acquittal — by the courts of XLV. The focus shifted from easier and simpler to blame Miami and public opinion — what happened to the young athletes, we should blame ourwill only add to his ego, and woman to what happened on selves for propagating a culture in which entertainment and we will have failed to send a the gridiron. Possibly the biggest scan- sports outweigh justice. stern message to professiondal of all occurred back in al athletes. Take Pittsburgh Steelers 2003 when Los Angeles Lak- Laura Buccieri is a quarterback Ben Roethlis- ers shooting guard Kobe Bry- staff writer. Email her berger as an example. Roeth- ant was charged with the as- at sports@nyunews.com.
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Tennis reaches new heights down under By Daniel Hinton After watching the first four sets of the Australian Open men’s singles final a few hours after the match ended (it originally aired on the east coast at 3:30 a.m.), I decided to get ready to leave my dorm. The upperright corner of the screen read “Instant Classic,” but Novak Djokovic winning in four sets did not seem worthy of that title. I was dead wrong. In front of a crowd filled with Serbian and Spanish flags, Djokovich and Rafael Nadal traded 130 mph serves and sprinted across the court for another two hours. In fact, the total length of the match — five hours VIA WIKIPEDIA and 53 minutes — set Djokovic won four sets in the Australian the record for a Grand Open men’s singles final. Slam singles final. Nadal came back Nadal, Federer’s biggest rival to win the tiebreaker in the fourth set but squandered a and possibly the greatest to ever break advantage in the decisive set. play on clay, entered his prime as Djokovic finally won his third con- Federer entered his 30s — almost secutive Grand Slam and his fourth ancient in tennis years. At 25 years in twelve months after hitting a fore- old, Nadal has already earned ten Grand Slams, with one at each mahand unreachable even for Nadal. What the No. 1- and No. 2-ranked jor and a gold medal at the 2008 players in the world did on Sunday Beijing Olympics. He won four out morning — the speed of play, the of five Grand Slams between the athleticism and, of course, the du- 2010 and 2011 French Opens but ration of the match — all changed has lost to Djokovic in three conmy perception of tennis players and secutive finals. During the past 12 months, the sport. The match is even more impres- Djokovic has gone from an obstasive when placed in context. Less cle in the way of a Federer-Nadal than three days earlier, Djokovic final match to the greatest player defeated No. 4 Andy Murray in an- in the world. They say you have to other grueling match that lasted beat the best to be the best, and nearly five hours. On the same day, that is precisely what Djokovic Nadal put away the great Roger has done. Former professional tennis player Federer in four sets that included and current sportscaster Mary Cartwo tiebreakers. The level of play in men’s tennis has illo has described the competition reached a new height. I say new be- between the top three tennis playcause analysts and fans alike once des- ers as the “Trivalry.” My apologies ignated Federer as the greatest tennis to Andy Murray, but I don’t see any player ever. His stretch of dominance reason to change the name. Or am I from 2004 through 2007 started the speaking too soon again? discussion and his completion of the career Grand Slam at the 2009 French Daniel Hinton is sports editor. Email him at dhinton@nyunews.com. Open ended it. Or so we thought.