WSN020414

NYU’s Daily Student Newspaper

WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS Vol. 42, No. 4

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2014

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MLK Week kicks off in Kimmel Center

By ANDREW SPOHN

BRYAN NELSON FOR WSN

Interactive crossing guard Pop Pop creates enjoyable environment for New York City pedestrians.

Three master’s students in Tisch created the guard, which has received generally favorable reviews from city residents and NYU students alike. In the future, the interactive guards may be able to conduct short games with pedestrians as they wait to cross the street.

STORY ON PAGE 3

MLK continued on PG. 3 INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Forward Kupferberg brings skills to basketball court, focuses on team unity

By ALYS MURRAY

FELIPE DE LA HOZ/WSN

Work, play come together at popular coffee joints

Student club pushes for financial aid for all students

Students share their favorite coffee shops near campus, which offer more than just a place to do homework. Some spots give student discounts as well.

The DREAM Team @ NYU argues for the importance of making higher education more accessible and supportive for undocumented students.

COFFEE on PG. 4

NYU’s celebration of African Heritage Month and Martin Luther King Jr. week began on Feb. 3 with an opening ceremony celebrating Ghanaian art. The festival, cosponsored by NYU’s African Heritage Month and Africa House, featured visual and performing arts by students and a catered dinner from Harlem’s Accra Restaurant.

A committee of undergraduate students planned the festival. Jessica Guerrero, associate director of the Center for Student Activities and the student’s faculty advisor, explained why the event focused on Ghanaian culture.

“The AHM Planning Committee members were inspired by their study abroad experience at NYU Accra,” Guerrero said. “The students felt that the NYU New York campus could greatly benefit from learning more about Ghanaian culture.”

The evening’s Ghanaian explorations commenced with visual art pieces recounting students’ visits

DREAM TEAM on PG. 7

A 6-foot-6, 220-pound forward with a strong inside game, Evan Kupferberg has become a rising star on the NYU basketball team. The team leader, whose entire life has been dominated by the love of a game, said his Marvel comic book-hero superpower would be the ability to attract fouls.

But, at the risk of sounding like the opening monologue of a “30 for 30” special, there is more to LS sophomore Kupferberg than basketball.

More than his dream to play one-on-one with Lebron James and his memories of crushing the number one-seeded

University of Rochester last season, Kupferberg is a young man dedicated to something greater than the game.

Kupferberg’s manner distinctly lacks ego — his reply to, “Why do you play basketball?” was, “I was always the tallest.” When asked why basketball has stood the test of time in American culture, he talked about the giants of the past with the enthusiasm of a child memorizing player stats off Upper Deck cards before reigning himself in with an embarrassed sigh and saying, “It’s just really special. These guys really play.”

But that humility has to come from somewhere. For

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Kupferberg has represented the Violets for two seasons.

Kupferberg, that somewhere is not so much a place, but an idea — the idea of home. His family, season ticket holders

KUPFERBERG continued on PG. 8

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WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2014 | NYUNEWS.COM

ON THE SIDE

COMPILED BY THE

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STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS

LATE GREATS

Editor-in-Chief NICOLE BROWN Managing Editor

MICHAEL DOMANICO Deputy Managing Editor

Philip Seymour Hoffman was a tremendous actor who often chose ambitious roles to play. Perhaps his best work can be seen in Bennett Miller’s “Capote.” Hoffman won an Academy Award for his portrayal of the film’s eponymous protagonist, and it is not hard to see why. Truman Capote’s journalistic work was marked by chilling beauty, and Hoffman tackled the character with a similar profound sense of awe-inspiring naturalism.

CASEY DALRYMPLE Assistant Managing Editors

TATIANA BAEZ JONATHAN KESHISHOGLOU Creative Director

CICEK EREL

Special Issues Director

LYANNE NATIVIDAD SENIOR STAFF In his nearly century-long life, Pete Seeger changed not only the genre of American folk music, but arguably made the world a better place. The singer-songwriter was known for such anthems as “We Shall Overcome” and “If I Had a Hammer (The Hammer Song),” but some of his earlier work is definitely worth a listen. Try out the 1956 album “Love Songs for Friends and Foes” for starters.

James Gandolfini is renowned for his six-season stint as mobster Tony Soprano in the HBO series “The Sopranos.” However, he had a few opportunities to play weaker characters, and he managed the roles with typical charm. As Big Dave in the Coen brothers’ “The Man Who Wasn’t There,” Gandolfini is the perfect loud-mouthed foil to Billy Bob Thornton’s softspoken Ed. It is a revelation to watch Gandolfini’s lighthearted

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Throughout the history of rock and roll, only a handful of musicians have reached such iconic status as Lou Reed.

Though well-known for his work with the Velvet Underground, Reed’s solo albums have also proved influential for many other artists. The marvelous fiction writer Neil Gaiman particularly recommends 1973’s “Berlin,” and his word is as good as any.

Quite possibly the most prolific film critic in history, Roger Ebert pioneered in the genre of writing such that he was the first ever to win a Pulitzer Prize for Criticism. We recommend reading 1997’s “Questions for the Movie Answer Man,” in which Ebert’s answers perfectly showcase the intelligent panache for which he was known and how he did his best work.

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news KAVISH HARJAI, ANN SCHMIDT arts CLIO MCCONNELL features BRYNA SHUMAN sports FRANCISCO NAVAS multimedia FELIPE DE LA HOZ copy THOMAS DEVLIN, PAIGE MANKIN web KIMBERLY HART senior editors TONY CHAU, ARIANA

DIVALENTINO, MICHELLE LIM, STEFAN MELNYK, NEELA QADIR, DANIEL YEOM

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news LARSON BINZER, SCOTT MULLEN,

AFEEFA TARIQ books/theater DYLAN JARRETT film IFE OLUJOBI entertainment BOB TEOH music JAKE FOLSOM the highlighter blog VALERIE NELSON features HANNAH TREASURE beauty & style DANA RESZUTEK violet vision blog GIANNA COLLIER-PITTS dining CHANDLER WEST sports CHRIS MARCOTRIGIANO multimedia HANNAH LUU, LAWRENCE WU video ALEX LINZMEIER

OPINION PAGE opinion editor

PETER KEFFER deputy opinion editors

CHRISTINA COLEBURN, OMAR ETMAN, NINA GOLSHAN

ADVERTISING BUSINESS MANAGER

ELLEN MCQUEEN

CIRCULATION MANAGER

CHLOE COFFMAN SALES MANAGER

ALISON LIZZIO UNIVERSITY AND ALUMNI COORDINATOR

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SNAPSHOT

TODAY ON CAMPUS

SALES REPRESENTATIVES

ARIANA DIVALENTINO

Flaubert in the ruins of Paris Yale comparative literature professor Peter Brooks will discuss French writer Gustave Flaubert’s connection to the Parisian ruins of the late 19th century in La Maison Française at 7 p.m.

Forum in counseling psychology Steinhardt psychology professor Rezarta Bilali will give a presentation on group reconciliation. Bilali’s discussion begins at 9 a.m. in Kimball Hall.

Craft Fair

An abandoned lookout tower now features graffiti at the Marin Headlands near San Francisco.

PHOTO BY WARD PETTIBONE

The Oxfam chapter of NYU will host a craft fair in the Kimmel Center for University Life. Items made by local artists will be on sale, and all profits will be donated to relief in the Philippines. The fair lasts from 5 to 8:30 p.m.

TODAY’S EVENTS ARE FREE FOR NYU STUDENTS.

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ADVISING DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

NANCI HEALY EDITORS-AT-LARGE

HANQING CHEN, JONATHON DORNBUSH, JAEWON KANG, RACHEL KAPLAN, JORDAN MELENDREZ, JONATHAN TAN

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 Michael Domanico at managing@ nyunews.com or at 212.998.4302.

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NYUNEWS.COM | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2014 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS

City fire raises questions about university’s evacuation policies

By MARIYA KARCELOVA

As NYU students know, at the sound of a fire alarm, evacuation begins immediately. However, with the use of fire-resistant construction in modern high rises, evacuation is not always the best option in the event of a fire.

According to the New York City Building Code, several provisions must be followed in order for a building to be deemed fire-resistant. These buildings are made from materials that prevent or delay the spread of hot gas, heat and flames throughout the floors. In buildings that are fire-resistant, residents may be safer by staying in their apartments or rooms instead of evacuating.

This past January, a fire in a fire-resistant high rise in Hell’s Kitchen brought evacuation into question. A resident who was attempting to evacuate died from smoke inhalation.

According to The New York Times, the resident would have survived if he had stayed in his home instead of leaving.

NYU has several modern high rises, such as Gramercy Green residence hall. However, the policy for students when a fire alarm goes off remains evacuation. Beth Morningstar, director of strategic assessment and communications in the office of the executive vice president at NYU, said the university’s policies on fire emergencies aligns with New York State education law, requiring college dorms to be evacuated when a fire alarm

HANNAH LUU/WSN

Covered windows show where fire occurred in Hell’s Kitchen high rise in January.

sounds. The practice of evacuating the building using the closest stairwell was developed with the NYU Environmental Health and Safety and the New York City Fire Department, explained Kate Baier, senior director of residential life.

“This policy covers all NYU residence halls, except for Brittany Hall,” Morningstar said. “The FDNY has approved a different fire alarm system for Brittany, which was recently renovated to include an installation of what is called a two-way voice fire alarm system.”

If the two-way system detects a fire, the alarms on the affected floor and those on the floors above and below go off. Only the residents on those floors are required to evacuate. Hayden residence hall will have a similar system installed while it is being renovated later this year.

CAS sophomore Ruby Zheng, who lived in the penthouse at Gramercy for her fall semester, described her experiences with building evacuations.

“The worst part was just that going down the stairs took a really long time, about 15 minutes,” Zheng said. “I’m not sure how that would play out in a real fire, but I don’t think it would be very safe.”

Stern sophomore and former Gramercy resident Jane Somuah expressed her view based on her experiences with building evacuations.

“I would say that I did feel safe living on the top floor,” Somuah said. “In the event that I would have been in the middle of an evacuation, I don’t think I would feel more or less safe than anyone else on any other floor.”

Mariya Karcelova is a contributing writer. Email her at new@nyunews.com.

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MLK continued from PG. 1

Students’ travel experiences in Africa influence featured art

NATHAN HO FOR WSN

Ghanaian artwork is on display for MLK week’s opening ceremony. to Accra and the singing of the National Black Anthem.

“We were looking for artists who studied abroad in Accra to create anything that came from that [experience],” Steinhardt senior and co-chair Aisha Abdelmula said. “I wouldn’t say it was more of a selective process, but it was more how we felt connected to those people.”

Following the art show, students prayed, demonstrating Ghana’s non-denominational spiritual history. Guests enjoyed an authentic Ghanaian dinner, which featured dishes such as wache, pepper sour chicken and plantains.

After dinner, a student recited a poem about African diaspora.

After the poem reading, students danced and performed music in traditional and modern Ghanaian styles. The event’s co-chairs said the main theme was solidarity among those of African descent.

“It’s always been this theme of transnational solidarity, which is our theme for the month,” Steinhardt senior and co-chair Deria Matthews said. “I feel like when you talk of any black national leader, they always embody that transnational solidarity.”

Abdemula said black Amerians should celebrate their individuality.

“Being a black person in the States sometimes means you’re a representation for [all blacks], and that shouldn’t be the case,” Abdemula said. “When we talk about leaders building that bridge, that is part of highlighting how diverse we are.”

Students who attended said the art successfully conveyed these messages.

Gallatin junior Giovanna Olmos said the art inspired her and encouraged her to explore African cultures. “[I] came here for the food, [but] left here with a lot more,” Olmos said.

Sydney-Paige Patterson, a student in the Graduate School of Arts and Science who studied in Accra as an undergraduate, was impressed by how accurately Ghana was portrayed.

“I loved hearing about everyone’s stories in Ghana,” Patterson said. “I also loved the art, music and spoken word.”

Both co-chairs said they were satisfied with the turnout and that they are looking forward to other MLK week and AHM events.

Andrew Spohn is a staff writer.

Email him at news@nyunews.com.

Interactive crossing guard connects walkers on Waverly

By CASSANDRA CASSILLAS

On the corner of Waverly Place and Broadway, there lives a sentient crossing sign. His name is Pop Pop. Three class of 2014 master’s students in technology and design at NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications Program — Alexandra Coym, Sam Slover and Steve Cordova — invented Pop Pop, who debuted in mid-December.

“We did this project because we think more and more street objects are going to become connected and data-aware,” Slover said. “Rather than focus on utilitarian purposes, we’re more interested in how these types of connected objects can

brighten life in a city and make people more connected to their city and each other.”

Pop Pop has web and physical computing aspects which allow him to experience a range of six emotions and react in real time to situations including rain, jaywalkers and traffic.

“We chose to focus on pedestrian signals due to their omnipresence and their traditional role of helping people navigate the hectic streets of New York,” Slover said.

On Pop Pop’s website, one can get a feel for the spirit of the project, including who Pop Pop is supposed to be to New York City residents. Pop Pop is designed to be a caring older

gentleman who makes sure pedestrians walking through his intersection are safe and happy, according to the website.

Pop Pop does not have official approval from the city, but he has received positive feedback from the students he helps on the way to class. Pop Pop has already made an impression on Steinhardt sophomore Fabian Luna.

“I really think he embodies what I expected when I moved to New York City,” Luna said.

“He’s cool, he’s unique, and you can’t find anything else like him anywhere. I love him, and I love that something like that exists.”

He’s also getting notice from non-NYU students, like 45-year-

old Michael Ford, a long-time Manhattan resident.

“I walk this way to work everyday and have for the last five years. One day I look up and instead of a little man, this machine is telling me to ‘have a fun day,’ and then a face appears,” Ford said. “It’s pleasant.

It breaks the routine. I wish more things in life were like Pop Pop.” The trio is pleased with their creation and the warm welcome he has received.

“We’re most proud about the positive reactions Pop Pop garnered when he was out on the corner of Broadway and Waverly Place,” Slover said. “There were crowds waiting to interact

and say hi.”

The team also has plans to expand the idea of a sentient crossing sign in others directions, such as explaining local history, leading short group games or interactive trivia while pedestrians wait to cross.

“We want to get people away from being so closed off toward each other, and we think that a fun shared experience around a personified street object can be a great way to do it,” Slover said. “Less looking down at your phone, more looking up and interacting with your city and fellow people.”

Cassandra Cassillas is a staff writer.

Email her at news@nyunews.com.

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WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2014 | NYUNEWS.COM

DINING

EDITED BY CHANDLER WEST DINING@NYUNEWS.COM

Neighborhood coffee shops offer discounts, board games

By KATE MARIN

Manhattan features a paradise of frothy, caffeinated concoctions. Coffee shops are not difficult to come by, but finding a go-to joint can be a daunting task. Location, quality, price and atmosphere all play a role in finding your specific cafe soulmate. This list of student-favorite cafes around campus may help guide you in the right direction.

Kopi Kopi NYC, 68 W. Third St., between Thompson Street and LaGuardia Place Just blocks away from Washington Square Park, Kopi Kopi NYC is a convenient and comfortable place for a quick study break. This cafe offers a selection of Indonesian coffee blends, all made with the highest quality of fair trade beans.

Kopi Kopi offers free Wi-Fi, and there are plenty of outlets

throughout the cafe to support your charging needs. The shop offers a 15 percent student discount with an NYU ID, plus if you check in on Yelp you will receive a buy one, get one free coupon on your first visit.

“If I have a break in between two classes, I love to walk down to Kopi Kopi to catch up on homework and have a cappuccino,” Tisch sophomore Maria Strycharz said. “Their espresso is amazing and gets me through a quick study break before heading back to campus.”

La Colombe Torrefaction, 400 Lafayette St. between Fourth Street and Astor Place La Colombe Torrefaction is a spacious shop that provides a perfect date atmosphere or a friendly meeting place. The cafe houses a small bar area and intimate seating arrangements. In addition to its backto-the-basics atmosphere, La

Colombe baristas excel in beautifully crafted latte art that can impress any coffee lover you decide to bring along.

“I like Colombe because it does exactly what it says it does — make coffee. No frills, no gimmicky stuff sold right next to the register,” CAS sophomore Kenzi Abou-Sabe said. “It’s small enough to feel homey, and I can have a conversation with friends in there for hours.”

The Uncommons, 230 Thompson St. between West Third and Bleecker streets If you are looking for something a little more out of the ordinary, The Uncommons is the first and only play cafe in the city. This cafe offers customers a library of games to enjoy while sipping on a hot drink.

Customers have access to any and all of the games for a rental fee of $5 per person per day. For the more dedicated customer,

‘Little Paris Kitchen’ brings French homecooking to dorms

By CHANDLER WEST

Many students who are interested in improving their cooking skills this semester may struggle with the confines of small dorm kitchens and a lack of specialized cooking equipment. These students can find a fun solution in Rachel Khoo’s “The Little Paris Kitchen,” published by Chronicle Books in 2012.

Khoo, a food creative from the United Kingdom who studied patisserie at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and later hosted her own cooking series on BBC, developed the “120 simple but classic French recipes” from her small Parisian kitchen with only a miniature oven and two gas rings.

The book’s recipes range from “French Basics” and “Everyday Cooking” to “Snack Time” and “Aperitif.” All the recipes can be prepared with minimal space and equipment.

The section titled “Sweet Treats” is

VIA RACHELKHOO.COM

“Little Paris Kitchen” is fit for your dorm.

particularly enticing, mostly due to the author’s training in patisserie.

Khoo includes simplified adaptations of classic French desserts including crème caramel, crème brûlée and apple millefeuille.

The savory recipes such as the spring lamb stew, the ratatouille and the creamy potato bake allow even inexperienced cooks with limited resources to prepare impressive meals. They lend themselves to both dinner parties for large groups of friends and single-serving suppers for busy weeknights.

The author also utilizes her British background with recipes for British classics such as bangers ‘n’ mash, but brings these full circle with a touch of French style or influence.

The book also provides a helpful guide to French basics in the back, explaining the rudimentary elements of the cuisine to cooks who may be unfamiliar with them. The explanations are accessible and direct, with entertaining personal anecdotes from the author sprinkled throughout.

The book itself is enjoyable to flip through. With thick pages and stunning photography by David Loftus, the steep $35 price tag is not regrettable, especially if roommates share one copy.

Some readers may find the abundance of photos of the author herself in cute Parisian cafe scenes a little superfluous, but others will appreciate these photos and the picture of Parisian lifestyle that they create.

A well-written cookbook, “The Little Paris Kitchen” will likely play a part in transforming dorm cooking from a nuisance to a joy.

Chandler West is dining editor.

Email her at cwest@nyunews.com.

you can purchase a $150 six month membership for unlimited game rentals, table reservations and a 10 percent discount on purchases. The Uncommons opens at 8 a.m. and closes at midnight on most days, so students can stop by to grab a coffee before class or make a night of food, drinks and plenty of board games.

“The Uncommons definitely holds up to its name,” LS sophomore Natalie Hoffman said. “I love board games and I love coffee so this cafe is one of my favorites.”

Fair Folks & a Goat, 96 W. Houston St. between Thompson and LaGuardia The owner’s love for both coffee and art comes to life at Fair Folks & a Goat. Half of this cafe is reminiscent of your typical coffee shop, and the other half features an assortment of items from local artists. However, the most unique aspect of Fair

Folks & a Goat is their monthly membership. For $25 a month, subscribers receive unlimited drinks and discounts on items in the shop. Fair Folks & a Goat is also conveniently located only a few blocks from the Kimmel Center for University Life.

A membership at Fair Folks & a Goat will not only fuel your caffeine addiction, but support a local organization and the work of regional artists.

“What really got me on board was their unique membership,” LS freshman Tiffany Liu said. “It’s a really good deal. Plus, when you sign up, you can choose between two organizations where some of the money will go toward. Like I said, it’s a good deal especially for coffee junkies and college students.”

Kate Marin is a staff writer. Email her at features@nyunews.com.

Four easy ways to spice up stir fry options

by ILONA TUOMINEN

Stir-fry, a quick and easy meal, provides delicious options for all types of diets.

Here are a few dorm kitchen friendly recipes for the student who has only 10 minutes to spare. All of the following dishes are paired well with a serving of white rice or noodles and can serve two people.

Chicken Stir-Fry 1. The night before, prepare by mixing 1 1/2 pound of 1-inch thick uncooked chicken pieces, 1/4 cup of honey, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil and a pinch of salt and pepper into a plastic container. Leave in the refrigerator.

2. Throw about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil into a wok over high heat.

3. Add the peppers and onion for initial flavoring while stirring constantly.

Then add the rest of the vegetables. Stir constantly for another two minutes and finally add the Chinese cabbage as well as any salt and pepper. Stir for another minute or two and then serve immediately.

Cashew and Pea Stir-Fry

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1. Cut and prepare 2 cups of snow peas and ½ cup cashews.

A good wok is essential for good stir-fry.

2. Throw about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil into a wok over high heat.

3. Throw about two tablespoons of vegetable oil into a wok over high heat.

2. Take out a wok, the best pan for stir-frying, and turn stove to high heat. Throw in about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in the wok and add the chicken with the sauce. Stir constantly for about eight minutes or until all of the chicken is cooked.

3. Add snow peas, 1/2 cup of radishes and a 4-5 chopped scallions. Stir continuously until the peas are tender-crisp, or around three minutes. Add the sauce and stir to coat well.

Remove from the heat and stir in cashews.

4. Add the tofu, gently stir for two minutes and let sit for another minute. Then stir again for another three minutes or until slightly golden.

3. Reduce heat to low and add 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce.

Stir again to coat the chicken evenly, and serve immediately.

4. Add the mixture of 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar and 1 teaspoon of chili-garlic sauce.

Serve immediately.

Vegetable Stir-Fry 1. Chop an assortment of vegetables of your choosing. Try a cup of broccoli, green pepper, onion, mushrooms, peas and 2 cups of Chinese cabbage, but feel free to experiment.

Tofu and Green Bean Stir-Fry 1. Mix a tablespoon of soy sauce, vinegar and sugar and set aside in a small container.

2. Cut 2 cups of tofu into small chunks.

5. Pour the tofu from the wok into a bowl and return to the stove with the heat reduced to medium.

6. Throw in a teaspoon of vegetable oil and add a cup of green beans and a cup of garlic. Stir and cook for about one minute. Now add the soy sauce mixture. Stir for another minute. Add the tofu and stir.

Serve immediately.

Ilona Tuominen is a staff writer. Email her at dining@nyunews.com.

NYUNEWS.COM | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2014 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS

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ARTS

EDITED BY CLIO MCCONNELL ARTS@NYUNEWS.COM

Anthology format allows Nathan’s ‘12 O’Clock Boys’ for creativity, flexibility proves too broad in focus

By NIVEA SERRAO

By J.R. HAMMERER

Television miniseries have long been a part of the entertainment world.

From the slavery saga in ABC’s “Roots” to NBC’s adaptation of “Jesus of Nazareth,” the genre turns serialized storytelling into a must-watch event with cultural relevance. Recent additions include FX’s “American Horror Story” and HBO’s “True Detective,” with both series drawing large live viewing numbers — a blessing in a time with low broadcast numbers.

Historically, when a miniseries came to a close, the show would end as well, but this is no longer the case. With the introduction of the anthology series — a type of show that follows different characters in different episodes or seasons — showrunners like Ryan Murphy (“American Horror Story”) and Nic Pizzolatto (“True Detective”) freely stick to their original premises and retain the flexibility of new storylines and characters.

Having recently wrapped up its third season and already renewed for a fourth, “American Horror Story’s” popularity proves that anthology dramas can be successful. The format allows showrunners to not only explore different time periods and historical contexts, but also play with the style of how to tell the story. Similarly, the critically acclaimed series “True Detective” makes use of both the past and the present to create crisscrossing timelines.

Moreover, anthologies offer a range of possibilities of potential plots and character arcs. Because they don’t have to commit to characters or settings beyond a season, showrunners may eliminate characters without worrying about the effects on future seasons.

The ability to change casts has led to some interesting twists and bold character turns that traditional television

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Lizzie Brocheré stars in FX’s “American Horror Story.” rarely attempts.

The lack of long-time commitment also serves as a perfect draw for big name actors looking for a stint in television. “True Detective”’ boasts an all-star cast with Woody Harrelson, Michelle Monaghan and Matthew McConaughey. FX’s “Fargo” adaptation has drawn the likes of Martin Freeman and Billy Bob Thornton. The production schedule of a miniseries may be appealing as actors have the freedom to work on other projects.

While miniseries are not always successful, the anthology series approach can prove quite lucrative for a network by allowing the writers to revamp everything for the second season.

Most of the successful anthologies include some aspect of horror or the paranormal and an exploration of the darker side of society. Something about the disturbing themes of these series is easier to swallow in short bursts. After all, whether it is the violent teenage witches of “American Horror Story: Coven” or the occult-themed murder at the heart of “True Detective,” viewers can only gaze into an eerie looking glass for so long.

Nivea Serrao is a staff writer. Email her at entertainment@nyunews.com.

Every day they ride. They speed through city streets, disorienting cars and pedestrians as they weave in and out of traffic. The 12 O’Clock Boys, the titular community of Lotfy Nathan’s debut documentary, are a different kind of gang. They don’t steal, they don’t fight, they don’t vandalize — they ride their dirt bikes through the impoverished streets of inner-city Baltimore like self-described “gangsta Evil Knievels,” pulling wheelies at high speeds.

They create chaos for the traffic cops who do not chase them for fear of endangering motorists. Riding dirt bikes is more than a hobby for these boys. It is a way to transcend their surroundings, to rise above the lower-class dredges they are submerged in.

They are a fascinating bunch, but Nathan fails to give them meaning.

As a documentarian, Nathan pulls himself in two different directions. On one hand, he wants to capture the appeal of being in the gang and what endows the members’ riding with glory through the lens of the camera. On the other, he attempts to use them as a gateway into gang culture at large, to find what motivates people to join and what that lifestyle involves.

The two approaches are not exactly contradictory but, combined, they are less than illuminating.

To show the romance of the gang, the film features a lot of slow-motion shots of the bikers pulling tricks — a higher quality version of the videos they post on YouTube. Nathan’s entryway into gang life is Pug, a young boy entering adolescence who stands at the center of “12 O’Clock Boys.” He all but worships the riders and is continually trying to integrate himself into their circle.

Nathan wisely juxtaposes Pug with his mother, a single parent raising five children who desperately tries to keep them safe. Out there, they “learn all the right ways to do all the wrong shit,” she says in the film.

Both Pug and his mother are engaging, affecting presences, and the meaning of the film can be found within these two.

Nathan , however, does not look deep enough into the hopes and fears that motivate them.

Furthermore, Nathan casts his net too far. The gang members, cops, other bikers, former bikers, motorists and pedestrians all express their anger over the commotion.

This community-wide debate actually muddles the film’s points because Nathan takes everyone at face value.

This approach does not

VIA FACEBOOK.COM

Nathan’s subject, Pug, sits atop his dirt bike. make much sense if the film’s purpose lies mainly in deconstructing the gang’s appeal and how these thrill seekers find solace in risky behavior.

“12 O’Clock Boys” is short, barely reaching 75 minutes, but by encompassing too many viewpoints, the film lacks an analysis of how they weave together. Nathan’s heart is in the right place, but the film could benefit from a more focused and disciplined vision.

J.R. Hammerer is a staff writer. Email him at film@nyunews.com.

Movie, book adaptations reach Broadway stage

By CLIO MCCONNELL

In the age of prolific publication, creating original products can be a challenge. This year, the Broadway community is lifting ideas from other media and retrofitting them for the stage.

Theatergoers can look forward to adaptations from film and litera-

ture — including “Rocky,” “Bullets Over Broadway” and “Of Mice and Men” — coming to the Great White Way in 2014.

With the recent news that a Broadway version of “Frozen” has been greenlit, it is not surprising that other films are migrating to the stage this season.

In fact, “Frozen” is not Disney’s

VIA FACEBOOK.COM

The cast of “Bullets Over Broadway” poses for the camera.

only new animated addition to live theater — “Aladdin” is due to start previews on Feb. 26 at the New Amsterdam Theatre.

While several children’s books and movies have become big hits on Broadway — “The Lion King” has been filling seats since 1997 — there has recently been a move toward grownup filmfare taking the stage.

First of these will be “Rocky,” based on its Oscar-winning namesake from 1976. Sylvester Stallone, who starred in and directed the movie, co-wrote the libretto for this new Broadway musical, which begins previews next week. The talented creative team behind this effort includes director Alex Timbers, who agrees that the project involves a strange premise. Hopefully the gritty moodiness of the film will carry over without becoming a melodrama.

The next film-to-stage transfor-

mation is Woody Allen’s 1994 “Bullets Over Broadway.” This dramedy, set in the New York theater scene of the 1920s, may be just campy enough to work at the St. James Theatre. Starring “Scrubs” alumnus Zach Braff, the show will open in April after a month of previews, with Allen contributing a new script that is sure to add some metadramatic flare.

Broadway will not only rework films this spring — literature will receive a makeover as well. “The Bridges of Madison County,” a musical taken from the pages of Robert James Waller’s popular novel, will have music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown, an underdog favorite in the theater world. The book, written in 1992, tells the story of a love affair between a lonely housewife and a traveling photojournalist.

Around the same time as “Bridges,” one more work of lit-

erary fiction will grace the New York theater scene: John Steinbeck’s heartbreaking “Of Mice and Men,” a story that rivals “Death of A Salesman” in its disillusioning portrayal of the American Dream. The stage production stars Hollywood favorites James Franco as George and Chris O’Dowd as Lennie. Anna D. Shapiro directs this revival of an adaptation — “Of Mice and Men” debuted on Broadway in 1937 — and previews start on March 19.

Performing onstage brings characters to life, letting them fly off the page in a way that no other medium can. With any luck, this season’s adaptations will boost theater’s relevance, and perhaps even encourage composers and playwrights to offer up newer material for next year.

Clio McConnell is arts editor. Email her at cmcconnell@nyunews.com.

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WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2014 | NYUNEWS.COM

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39 Be concerned, slangily

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NYUNEWS.COM | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2014 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS

OPINION

EDITED BY PETER KEFFER OPINION@NYUNEWS.COM

MEDIA

Entrepreneurs kindle journalistic vigor

By OMAR ETMAN

Journalism, as an institution, suffers from booms and busts. The blogging generation, despite being overpopulated, is helping spur resurgence in the online field. More and more news appears online, however, it is easy to get lost in the overflow of content. The same article on Syria can be found authored by 17 different people, undermining the stability of established news sources that rely on original commentary to thrive. But from enormous quantity comes inevitable quality. As the success of blogs such as Ezra Klein’s demonstrates, readers and sharers are learning to better discern between the good and the bad.

Last week, Klein, creator of the Washington Post’s widely read Wonkblog, announced that he is leaving the established paper to pursue a new, more autonomous — and lucrative — venture. Vox Media, the up-and-coming media conglomerate funding Klein’s project, agreed to be a hands-off participant in the operation. Wonkblog, under a new name yet to be decided, will find itself free from the historic weight of the Post.

Around 2008, journalism lost its footing. Technology evolved rapidly as newspaper writing and distribution stagnated. Clunky iPad apps and bloated websites did little to benefit the cause. Now, as major industry players are finally realizing the necessity of a strong online presence, high-caliber journalists are leaving, having come to the same realization years earlier.

Klein’s move is not without precedent. Andrew Sullivan, founder of one of the first major political blogs, split from online news source The Daily Beast early last year. In his first six months as an independent blogger, his team raised almost 80 percent of their $900,000 goal from subscription fees, nearly matching the yearly funding they were receiving while working under Tina Brown at the Beast.

Shortly after, statistician Nate Silver left The New York Times because “he

went against the grain,” in spite of the fact that his blog, FiveThirtyEight, attracted 20 percent of the paper’s online traffic in the days surrounding the election. Around the same time, Glenn Greenwald left The Guardian, and Kara Swisher and Walt Mossberg of AllThingsD left the The Wall Street Journal. In each instance, personal brand trumped storied legacy.

Unfortunately most of the blogs on the web are not Wonkblog. Everyone is looking for an audience, and the Internet provides a good place to find one. But buried beneath the seemingly endless nonsense that infiltrates our Facebook news feeds is gold. Klein’s success proves the merits of entrepreneurial journalism. That he has found such favorable reception so quickly — he is only 29 — is further evidence, providing hope for young, amateur writers who want to achieve similar success. Klein’s transition will continue to make waves in the journalism community, all the while threatening the supremacy of established players. Major American newspapers should take notice. Journalism, at least when unencumbered, is alive and well.

Omar Etman is a deputy opinion editor.

Email him at oetman@nyunews.com.

IMMIGRATION

DREAM team seeks higher education for all

By MARIA-MONICA ANDIA and MARK PUTTERMAN

Millions of people who have come to the United States seeking safety and opportunity for themselves and their families are unable to obtain legal residential status because of our country’s broken immigration system. This undocumented community contributes to American society every day through its presence, work and tax money. Yet, due to their status, undocumented individuals are unable to fully participate in American society. They are ineligible to vote, undocumented families lack access to government support systems, and undocumented students are unable to receive federal loans and financial aid to attend institutions of higher education.

In light of the failure of federal and state politicians to deliver the reforms for which the undocumented community has been fighting, we as members of the DREAM Team @ NYU hope to build support in our university community in order to create equal access to NYU for undocumented students.

Each semester, the DREAM Team

SUBMITTING TO

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receives a handful of emails and messages from undocumented high school and college students looking to apply or transfer to our university. For those who have outstanding personal and academic records, acceptance to NYU is not the problem.

The issue is affordability, and current NYU financial aid policies, coupled with federal and state aid restrictions, make it essentially impossible for undocumented students — even those who have been accepted — to afford an NYU education.

The first step in increasing accessibility would be extending financial aid eligibility to undocumented applicants.

Such a change would be a necessary continuation of our university’s demonstrated commitment to diversity, and would enhance every student’s educational experiences by incorporating individuals with distinct perspec-

tives into our learning community.

Indeed, similar changes have already been made at a number of American universities in deference to the value of equal access to education.

The DREAM Team believes in the educational rights of undocumented students. Students who have grown up, attended school and made their lives in the United States deserve the same educational opportunities. It is unacceptable that higher education is all but inaccessible for undocumented students because of their ineligibility for government financial aid and the precarious economic situations of many undocumented families.

While the financial burden of higher education faces countless Americans, undocumented students face a series of unique structural barriers to higher education. In recognition of this fact, and inspired by the principle of equal opportunity, we urge the NYU community to take further steps in creating a more diverse and inclusive environment on campus.

Maria Monica-Andia and Mark Putterman are guest columnists. Email them at dream.team.club@nyu.edu.

STAFF EDITORIAL

Recent death emphasizes SIF importance in NYC

This past Sunday, Philip Seymour Hoffman was found dead in his West Village apartment with a hypodermic needle in his arm. We cannot hope to attribute the cause of Hoffman’s death to an avoidable event. What we can do is suggest policies that will protect others from the same fate. It is time for New York City to introduce safe-injection facilities. The increasing rate of heroin overdoses demands that necessary and meaningful action be taken.

New York City has always been at the forefront of public health initiatives. Officials have already implemented syringe exchange programs in each of the boroughs, which provide clean needles in exchange for used ones, but these efforts are not enough. More direct assistance, which SIFs provide, would serve to address the problem. SIF clinics assist drug users in the injection of drugs obtained by other means. The facility staff does not actually administer the drug, but rather gives advice on safer injection methods, provides first aid when required and monitors patients to prevent overdoses.

SIFs are not a new concept. Switzerland and the Netherlands were both early adopters of heroin-assisted treatment and included them as part of their national drug policies in the early 2000s. Both countries have seen their heroin usage steadily decrease, with new heroin users in the Netherlands nearly non-existent. SIFs have consistently reduced dangerous injection behaviors and lowered the number of overdoses among users of the clinics. Furthermore, SIFs have regularly acted as pathways for drug users to seek rehab facilities and drug treatment programs.

The federal law obstructing the construction of SIFs, the Controlled Substances Act, was designed to prevent the creation of crack houses, not hinder the creation of facilities that may lower future drug use. Given the proven effectiveness of SIFs, it would be unlikely that any responsible federal government would try to derail a program of this kind.

We will never know if Hoffman’s death could have been prevented. Somebody of his stature probably would have not set foot in a public SIF. Nevertheless, New Yorkers have never been given the option. SIFs have been proven to work. They lower the risk to the drug-user and provide a path to treatment. Safe injection facilities are by no means a panacea, but they do lower the risk substantially. The introduction of SIFs would be a bold but necessary announcement from the mayor’s office.

Email the WSN Editorial Board at editboard@nyunews.com.

EDITORIAL BOARD: Peter Keffer (Chair), Christina Coleburn (Co-chair), Omar Etman (Co-chair), Nina Golshan (Co-chair)

Send mail to: 838 Broadway, Fifth Floor New York, N.Y. 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 450 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.

8

NYUNEWS.COM | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2014 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS

SPORTS

EDITED BY FRANCISCO NAVAS SPORTS@NYUNEWS.COM

KUPFERBERG continued from PG. 1

Kupferberg, team prioritize collaboration for the Miami Heat, attended every single one of his high school games. That dedication planted the seeds of this idea in his head from the time he was a child. As he grew up, however, he took that mantle upon himself. The deep-rooted sense of belonging that home provides has pushed him toward his planned career in real estate — a career he will share with his father — and has bled into his work on the court with his teammates and coaches.

He never talks in terms of wins and losses and never mentions breaking records or winning championships. Instead, he spoke about the team. He talked about the place where he and his teammates have found a home in this city of millions of people — the NYU Basketball program.

“We play really well together, that’s our greatest strength,” Kupferberg said. “One of our team mottos is ‘Team First,’ and

we’re sticking to it ... My teammates make me a better person.”

The star athlete distinguished himself with this mentality.

When all is said and done, he recognizes that the sport he plays would lack meaning without the lives that are changed as a result, and that is what makes not only a great athlete, but also a great person.

Alys Murray is a contributing writer.

Email her at sports@nyunews.com.

Big wins, losses for FIFA soccer transfers

By MICHELLE TRAN

The deals are done. Contracts are signed. The money is paid.

The trades are finalized.

As the 2014 January transfer window for FIFA soccer players comes to a close, here is a look back at the most rewarding signs and the most shocking losses that general managers scrambled to make before the Feb. 1 deadline.

One of the biggest signs that made headline news in the English Premier League was Manchester United’s profitable gain of Chelsea’s attacking midfielder, Juan Mata. The departure of the 25-year-old Spaniard left Chelsea fans questioning current Chelsea and former Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho. Mourinho let go of the two-time EPL Player of the Year, trading him to their English rivals at a Manchester United record transfer sale of a whopping 37 million euros.

With new and younger Chelsea players like Oscar coming on to the pitch and making a greater impact than Mata did, the decision to sell the international star appeared evident in the stats. However, David Moyes, ManU’s general manager, and fans at Old Trafford seem happy with the new arrival and hope to incorporate Mata into the at-

VIA WIKIPEDIA.ORG

England winger Wilfried Zaha was transferred in January.

tack in order to create a more lethal offensive system.

A major signing came to the Italy Serie A from CSKA Moscow’s in the form of the free transfer of Japanese international Keisuke Honda to AC Milan.

Currently 10th in the Serie A, AC Milan has struggled to grab a successful foothold within the league. Major changes were apparently necessary both on and off the pitch. The club even decided to boot their current manager, Massimiliano Allegri, and replace him with recently retired star Dutchman and ex-AC Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf. Honda will hopefully help Seedorf rejuvenate the attacking line with players like Kaka.

The transfer of Newcastle’s star midfielder Yohan Cabaye to France’s Paris Saint Germain proved to be one of the most shocking losses, disappointing fans and teammates alike. A major scorer and playmaker for the BPL team, Cabaye’s departure from Newcastle will prove to be a fatal hit for Newcastle manager Alan Pardew. Pardew had issued statements early in the transfer window, promising fans that the Magpies will not sell their star player. However, the French international was lured back to his homeland at the going price of 23 million euros.

Another major misstep during the transfer window happened when EPL team Liverpool missed out on their chance to sign star Ukrainian winger, Yehven Konoplyanka. The inability to sign an explosive player like Konoplyanka caused another loss for the Liverpool chief managing director, Ian Ayre, who was not able to secure high-profile Egyptian winger, Muhammad Salah, weeks before. Reds fans are outraged that Liverpool’s deal with the 24-year-old Ukrainian failed to pull through before the deadline, leaving Liverpool without a strong presence on the flanking regions in their game. Currently standing in fourth place in the BPL, Liverpool needed these major signs in order to claw their way into the coveted top three.

Michelle Tran is a staff writer. Email her at sports@nyunews.com.