NYU’s Daily Student Newspaper
washington square news Vol. 40, No. 9
tuesday, february 7, 2012
nyunews.com
Broome resident faces bedbugs
NYU, NYPD confirm tragedy By Amanda Randone
By Julie DeVito University exterminators have confirmed the presence of bedbugs in Broome Street Residential College, according to associate vice president for student affairs Tom Ellett. He said though the university sent exterminators after the first complaint from students in Broome, they were not able to find the bedbugs until the most recent attempt. However, he said he could not provide any more information about specific cases. Ellett said the university is embarrassed that it did not find the insects sooner. It is further investigating whether the extermination company is still reputable after this error, he added. A sophomore resident in Broome, who wished to remain anonymous because of the health concerns associated with
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SARAH KAMENETZ/WSN
NYU starts mandatory travel system
The university has implemented a pilot program called NYU Traveler to ensure security of faculty and students traveling abroad. Soon, students in Florence and other sites will be required to use Traveler.
NYU has confirmed the death of a student who was struck by a subway car shortly before 11 p.m. on Saturday night. The NYPD Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Public Information reported that a black 21year-old male was hit by a southbound N train at W. 49th Street and Seventh Avenue. Authorities are still investigating the details surrounding the tragedy. “I am sure I speak for the entire NYU community when I say that our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family, friends and loved ones of this young man,” NYU spokesman John Beckman said. “It is tragic whenever someone so young dies.” The university has involved counselors in individually notifying the victim’s classmates and friends.
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Old is new again on experimental Of Montreal record By Daniel Fuchs
Of Montreal has always had a penchant for the eclectic, from its bubbly brand of dance-pop to its verbose titles and lyrics. At their best, the band produces timeless classics such as 2007’s “Hissing Fauna, are you the Destroyer?” Still, after releasing music for over a decade, listeners have to wonder whether the Of Montreal formula has grown thin. However, its newest effort, “Paralytic Stalks,” is an energetic, expansive experience that reminds fans why they loved Of Montreal in the first place. On “Paralytic Stalks,” Kevin Barnes and company borrow from numerous genres while still expanding on the dance-pop that has become so associated with Of Montreal. “Gelid Ascent” opens the LP on a decidedly experimental note, with a frantic ca-
cophony of echoed voices, distorted guitars and tough percussion. “Malefic Dowery” is a cool, calm slice of jazz-pop, with flutes whistling behind an infectiously relaxed upright bass groove. During “Ye, Renew the Plaintiff,” flaring guitars mesh with vocal samples and pulsating pianos, while “Exorcismic Breeding Knife” is as experimental as the opening track. Chaos ensues as blips and bloops eventually devolve into a totally unrecognizable but still compelling sound. “We Will Commit Wolf Murder,” an oddly bubbly track about homicide, contrasts an energetic, lighthearted arrangement with lyrics like “We will commit acts of misery/ We will weaponize silence in a sense.” In the same vain, “Malefic Dowry” counters its smooth, Vince Guaraldi-esque jazz orchestration
with twisted, trippy lyrics like “I will turn to my crotch for counsel/ And it won’t disappoint me.” Barnes’ willingness to experiment makes for a gripping listen. He expands the Of Montreal sound while still injecting it with the band’s signature style. Even the most familiar, formulaic tracks like “Spiteful Intervention” are still decadent slices of orchestrated electro-pop. An Of Montreal record is not complete without long-winded, wonderfully ridiculous song titles and lyrics, and they are in full supply on “Paralytic Stalks.” With titles including “Authentic Pyrrhic Remission,” this record is not for those seeking streamlined, tightly packed songwriting. Yet Barnes’ gaudy writing enhances the sounds and styles of the tracks. Thematically, “Paralytic Stalks” has no central connection, but
Barnes’s lyrics ooze prolixity, whether he’s waxing poetic on loneliness in “Dour Percentage” or on an insane vision of cruel love in “Malefic Dowry.” On every track, Barnes’ vocals, whether whispered or gruffly shouted, help to exemplify the eccentricity in his writing. “Paralytic Stalks” proves that at this stage in Of Montreal’s career, the band can find new avenues to explore and gain influence from new styles. Still, as fresh and grandiose as “Stalks” is, one has to wonder just how much longer Of Montreal can produce quality records. Hopefully, “Paralytic Stalks” becomes the rule rather than the exception, serving as a sign of things to come from this delightful band. Daniel Fuchs is a staff writer. Email him at music@nyunews.com.
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Washington Square news | tuesday, february 7, 2012 | nyunews.com
on the side
Compiled by the
WSN staff
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS The “Shrek” soundtrack Leslie Carter, the sister of pop singers Nick and Aaron Carter, died tragically this past week. Her passing ruminates nostalgia for the “Shrek” soundtrack, which contained her energetic pop single “Like Wow.” The soundtrack VIA WIKIPEDIA features notable musicians from the early 2000s, including Smash Mouth and the Baha Men. Even as the “Shrek” franchise fizzled out, this soundtrack remains lovable. — Jeremy Grossman
Rayman Origins Ubisoft’s revival of their limbless mascot Rayman takes on the 2D style of classic “Super Mario” platformers to deliver one of last year’s most enjoyable yet underrated games. Dozens of levels with VIA WIKIPEDIA a beautiful storybook aesthetic will test your skills, but the game’s unrelentingly joyful atmosphere will have you forgiving its most trying challenges. — Jonathon Dornbush
Washington Square News Editor-in-Chief amanda randone Managing Editor
jaewon kang Deputy Managing Editor
Amy zhang Assistant Managing Editor
james lanning Chronicle “Chronicle” is a rare, intelligent and thoughtprovoking February film release that centers around teenagers. Following three friends who are struck with super powers, “Chronicle” has nothing to do with superheroes, but is rather a poignant coming-of-age story. The film’s lead, Dane DeHaan (best known for “In Treatment”), works as a particularly profound tragic hero. — Jeremy Grossman
Creative Director
selena chen senior staff
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,
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Tiny Tower Tiny Tower is an award-winning iPhone game, and it’s easy to see why. The game puts you in command of a commercial and residential building occupied by people called “bitizens.” Reminiscent of The Sims, Tiny Tower is an undeniably addictive game with a simple but endearing art style. Download it for free and be prepared to check your phone another dozen times a day. — Chris Saccaro
TODAY
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3:30 to 4:30 p.m. | NYU Health Center | 726 Broadway, Third Floor
6:30 p.m. | NYU Bookstore 726 Broadway
Free Snacks on Tasty Tuesdays
Stop by the NYU Health Center to stock up on some free snacks and learn how to eat well on a budget.
NBC’s musical Super Bowl ad NBC’s musical ad during the Super Bowl may be the wittiest thing the network has aired all season. Find all your favorite NBC personalities, including newcomers from “Smash” in addition to the casts of “30 Rock,” “Community” and more, singing along to “Brotherhood of Man” from the Broadway musical “How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” If this is the kind of material NBC has planned for spring, the network might be saved from its fourth-place ratings. — Bethany McHugh
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Poetry Reading
7:00 p.m. | La Maison Francaise 16 Washington Mews
There will be a literature reading at the NYU Bookstore featuring poems by Martha Rhodes, James Tolan, Stephanie Brown and Marcia Pelletiere.
French Lecture
NYU Global Distinguished Professor Philippe Roger will give a lecture in French entitled “Populisme et roman: une histoire francaise?” at La Maison Francaise. The lecture will focus on populism in French literature and politics.
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 sports John axelrod, cole
riley special issues kristina bogos multimedia james kelleher copy jordan melendrez social media agent nicole gartside
opinion page
opinion editor olivia gonzalez deputy opinion editor ATTICUS
BRIGHAM
advertising business manager
REBECCA RIBEIRO circulation manager
chloe coffman
university sales coordinator
Emilia Mironovici
SNAPSHOT
ON THE WIRE
Little Man Pee no more
Last week, the Manneken-Pis, a bronze statue of a young boy urinating and well-renowned tourist attraction in Brussels, was forced to cease peeing due to sub-zero temperatures. According to Belgium’s tourist office, officials cut off the statue’s water flow as temperatures were expected to drop to minus 10 C. They wanted to avoid the possibility that the cold weather might damage the statue’s inner mechanics. The statue, which is placed on a 15th-century drinking fountain, has been on the same corner since the 1600s. “Little Man Pee” has over 800 specially made outfits that city officials use to dress him up throughout the year. — Reuters
University of Michigan
PHOTO BY OMAR KHAN
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keith leighty EDITORS-AT-LARGE
jaywon choe kelsey desiderio russell steinberg KIRSTEN CHANG francis poon terka cicelOVa
Classes, programs inspired by environmentally friendly efforts
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.
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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.
— The Michigan Daily
Washington Square Park is seen from a window of the Center for Spiritual Life.
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Project aims to increase graduation rate of deaf students — The Cornell Daily Sun
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NYU confirms student death For those seeking grief support, Beckman pointed out the 24/7 counseling and help available through the Wellness Exchange. He urged anyone who needs help to contact the Wellness Exchange by calling 212.443.9999 or by dialing 999 from any campus phone. Stu-
dents can also email the Wellness Exchange at wellness.exchange@nyu.edu. Amanda Randone is editor-in-chief. Email her at arandone@nyunews.com.
NYU implements mandatory travel system By Julie DeVito
The university has implemented a new travel system to protect the safety of students and faculty. In light of recent events in Egypt and Haiti, NYU spokesperson John Beckman said the university realized the importance of being able to get in touch with students and faculty during an emergency. “The architecture of NYU has changed and as that participation in a global university expands, we need to think about all the kinds of supports that are necessary to make sure that people can pursue their studies and can do their research and be safe,” Beckman said. Jules Martin, NYU vice president for public safety, also stressed the importance of getting students out of emergency sites. “The quicker that we are able to get out of the gate, the quicker we can access equipment because there’s going to be competition for it,” Martin said. “We are not the only ones there.” NYU is partnering with World
Cue, a company that will monitor the safety status of sites across the globe. The pilot program, NYU Traveler, requires that student and faculty members traveling by plane or train or those staying in a hotel overnight register their travel arrangements or book them through NYU’s website. Traveler immediately notifies NYU Public Safety and alerts users to take appropriate action, Beckman said. The university has already implemented Traveler last fall with faculty in NYU Shanghai, the College of Dentistry, the Center for Neural Science and Stern School of Business. Christian Grewell, the project manager of NYU Shanghai who started to use Traveler in the fall, said he likes the userfriendliness of the interface and iPhone application. “Having all of our traveler trip information in one place allows us to better manage our travelers, our budget and ensure that we have everything they need before they go,” he said. “It’s really made a difference in terms of how our office operates.”
Students and faculty will be required to use Traveler for academic purposes, such as trips for research, classes and seminars. They will also have access to it for personal travel. NYU Public Safety has access to information provided by students and faculty only in the times of emergency, Beckman said. Liberal Studies sophomore Rubi Mora, who is currently studying abroad in London, believes Traveler is a good idea in theory. But she said a degree of their independence may be lost in the process of reporting their locations to the university. “I also don’t like the vagueness in their saying that ‘appropriate mechanisms will be put in place to help ensure compliance,’” Mora said. “It’s a bit Big Brother-y.” NYU Traveler is expected to be fully implemented within the next few months. Users will have a grace period during which they will not face consequences for non-participation. Julie DeVito is university editor. Email her at jdevito@nyunews.com.
MTA announces winner for app competition By Jordan Melendrez New Yorkers finally have the support for their speedy lifestyles. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority App Quest competition, which was administrated and co-sponsored by ChallengePost, Inc. for the MTA, offered the public an opportunity to create software that would use MTA data to improve the riders’ experience. Winners were announced on Feb. 2 at a press conference held in Grand Central Station. Of the 42 apps submitted, Embark NYC won the $5000 grand prize. The app’s creators had two main goals: to use the iconic New York subways map and provide offline services when commuters are underground. The app is compatible with both iPhones and Androids. It can plan trips and view service advisories, interactive maps, train and bus schedules. Tom Hauburger, a member of the software team that developed the app, said the team entered the contest after spending the summer doing similar technological tricks with San Fran-
ciso’s public transit. “The MTA has been making a big push lately to make the data available to third party developers,” Hauburger said. “If people like the independent products, it sets the precedent to make the data available. We want to put this into big public transit systems around the world.” Steinhardt freshman Emma Strebel believes the Embark NYC app is useful and simpler. “[Embark NYC] may make more sense to me because it is all right on the same page,” she said. “That’s really nice that it doesn’t just have the subway map.” MTA media liaison Aaron Donovan said the nine judges of the competition based their decisions on quality of the idea, implementation of the idea and potential impact on MTA riders. The public was also allowed a 42-day voting period to select their nominee for the two popular choice awards. The grand prize in this category went to CityMaps, and the second prize was awarded to Right Track: Metro North. Sarah Kaufman, a research associate at the Rudin Center for
Transportation Policy and Management at NYU Wagner, said the apps have already proven to be helpful. Kaufman, who studies the benefits of the social media and open data for transportation agencies, added that the contest was great “for the riders who get the information they need in the format they prefer, and the transportation providers, who can release information without having to worry about creating an app internally.” Brandon Kessler, founder of ChallengePost, also noted that the competition was beneficial for all parties involved. “This competition is a win for the MTA, who don’t have to conceive of and fund every single app idea,” Kessler said. “It’s a win for software developers who get tremendous exposure, prizes and downloads, and a win for those in the NY metropolitan region who have 42 apps at their disposal to improve their transit experience.” Jordan Melendrez is a contributing writer. Email her at cstate@nyunews.com.
Battling bed bugs in Broome bedbug infestation, said she informed the university of bedbugs in her room after her suitemate was bitten in September. In response, the university sent exterminators, who were unable to discover bedbugs. The anonymous student said it was not until after she brought a bedbug to the Resource Center last Friday that the university exterminators found the insects. She said she is moving to another residence hall, but her remaining suitemates have not been evacuated. She added that she was given $50 towards the dry cleaning of her clothes which have been affected by the bugs. “I hope that NYU will get a new [extermination] company, inform all residents and check the building for other bedbugs,” the resident said. “It should be an asset for the university to invest [in] and take care of their students.” But Ellett said the university does not plan on informing Broome residents of the bugs to prevent increased hysteria. “Industry standard leaders have
not suggested sending letters out,” he wrote in an email. He also added that it is not the university’s policy to comment on an individual student case. “Our practice is to work with students to assist them as best [we] can when it is determined by trained professionals in the field of pest control to make this process as easy ... as we can,” he said. Charlotte Tyran, a Gallatin senior and a Broome resident, said she was only slightly concerned to hear about the insects. “I dealt with [bedbugs] when I was traveling abroad in Europe,” Tyran said. “I think NYU should be responsible for paying for it if it does happen.” Lana Warner, a Steinhardt sophomore and another Broome resident, said she would like to learn more about the bugs. “I would really like to know more though so I can take precautions and gauge how worried I should be,” she said. “I’m hoping this is an isolated incident.” Julie DeVito is university editor. Email her at jdevito@nyunews.com.
NYU reports on student community By Feiye Wang NYU has a reputation for having little community among its student body. But 86 percent of students have either joined or created groups within the university, according to a new survey released by the Student Senators Council. “It is no secret that students are concerned with community at our university,” SCC chair Albert Cotungo said. According to the study, there is also a significant correlation between the respective residence halls students live in and the social groups that they formulate. The survey found that 62 percent of students at NYU have formed friendships in the classroom, and 50 percent have made friends in their residence halls. “We wanted take a step back and look at how community is perceived at NYU and how we can move forward,” vice president of student affairs Mark Wais said. “We also wanted to reflect back on what we have achieved in enhancing community at NYU within the last five to six years.” The question of community was brought to current students through focus groups, online surveys and town hall meetings, where undergraduate and graduate students, as well as alumni, expressed their opinions. Over 6,300 students replied to the online survey. The study also found that
the bubble created for the on-campus community left some transfer and commuter students feeling out-of-the-loop. “NYU wasn’t made for commuter students,” sophomore Pyria Shivraj said. A commuter, Shivraj said her closest friends are from high school and summer orientation. She also expressed her desire that the university would provide more assistance and opportunities to build close knit communities for commuters. But Drew Tadrys, a transfer student and Steinhardt senior, said community was easy for him to find. “NYU is great because you can be a chameleon and fit in anywhere, and meet new people like you almost anywhere,” he said. Tadrys believes that other students should strive for independence and utilize the resources that the university does provide. “Choice is one of the few freedoms we have. NYU offers that choice and provides an answer and solution to whatever you need or want,” he said. The university is moving forward with new solutions with the results of the study. “We feel students will be better prepared to take on the challenges and issues of day-to-day life as a result of their NYU experience,” Wais said. Feiye Wang is deputy investigative editor. Email her at fwang@nyunews.com.
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Washington Square news | tuesday, february 7, 2012 | nyunews.com
dining
edited by hannah Borenstein dining@nyunews.com
Restaurants for a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway
By Katya Barannik Valentine’s Day is coming up, and you don’t know where to take your lover — or potential lover — to dinner. With so many great restaurants in the city, it can be tough to find the right one. Here are a few cozy places that will leave you feeling satisfied, full and romantic.
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Crêpes du Nord
VIA ANGELICAKITCHEN.COM
Angelica Kitchen This easy-going, dimly lit restaurant is the perfect place to go if you’re into all things organic. With a menu of natural, plant-based cuisine, Angelica Kitchen is a strong believer in embracing sustainable agriculture and respecting the environment. Be sure to try the kale salad and a side of corn bread with onion spread. Cash only. 300 E. 12th St.
When the problem arises that one of you wants sweet and the other savory, Crêpes du Nord is the ultimate solution. But be aware that another problem will arise: having to choose what to eat. Boasting a menu of dinner crêpes (like vegetarian ratatouille and prosciutto di parma), salads and dessert crêpes, this restaurant guarantees something to satisfy every craving. The intimate FrenchScandinavian crêperie is decorated with antique lamps, wooden accents and high bar tables. If you come here just for dessert, be sure to try the Midnight Sun crêpe, a savory combination of white chocolate, whipped cream and raspberries. 17 S. William St.
Turkiss provides authentic dishes at a discount price By Kayla Keegan Having once experienced a fresh, authentic gyro in Kusadasi, Turkey, my standards for Turkish cuisine are almost unfairly high. So I was pleasantly surprised when I left a new spot on Macdougal with both my wallet and my stomach completely satisfied. Turkiss, located at 104 Macdougal St., opened on Jan. 27 when Cem Dumankaya and two partners decided to start a restaurant that required tracing their ancestral roots. Dumankaya grew up on Long Island but was always surrounded by his family members from Istanbul. Over the years his family has maintained two Turkish restaurants, one on Long Island and the other on the West Side. Their main goal is to share authentic Turkish experiences with New Yorkers. After becoming acquainted with the cordial staff, I was seated at a clean table with a variety of specialities prepared for me to sample. The kitchen and atmosphere were both clean and well maintained, which made this walk-in restaurant different from most. Though all dishes were exceptional, the lentil soup, chicken gyro, lamb gyro, falafel and pistachio baklava particularly stood out. The lentil soup was light,
balanced and perfectly seasoned, making it a great lunch or light dinner. The chicken gyro was tender, with bursts of juice and flavor, and the lamb was as savory as the dish I remember sampling in Turkey. Turkiss also offers additional authentic Turkish meals including manti, kebabs, borek, piyaz and kofte. The restaurant also provides vegetarian options. While New York falafel has become a staple in any downtown urbanite’s diet, Turkiss’ recipe goes beyond your standard blend of chickpeas and herbs. The texture is created so that the flavors blend harmoniously, providing an unbeatable smoothness. As for dessert, the baklava I had in Kusadasi couldn’t even compare with Turkiss’ pistacchio baklava. Turkiss is great for a quick lunch or dinner. Prices are suitable for a college student’s budget, and the quality of food is exceptionally high. Additionally, students who show their NYU IDs receive a 10 percent discount. Turkiss offers delivery service, a friendly staff and bold flavors of true Turkish cuisine. Kayla Keegan is a contributing writer. Email her at features@nyunews.com
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Water Street Restaurant and Lounge This restaurant on the cobblestone streets of Brooklyn’s historic waterfront offers the finest quality of seafood. Unique dishes such as farfalle pasta and vegetable jambalaya ensure that any range of tastes will be satisfied. After dinner, head over to the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory for a sweet treat while overlooking the beautiful Manhattan skyline. Restaurant: 66 Water St. Ice cream factory: Old Fulton and Water streets.
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La Lanterna Caffe via homerestaurantnyc.com
Home Restaurant Home Restaurant provides the exact kind of atmosphere you would expect from its name. Cozy and romantic, Home takes on a farm-to-table approach to Midwestern-style food. For a filling, home-cooked meal, order their famous onion rings and mac ‘n’ cheese topped with bread crumbs. To finish, their chocolate pudding is simple but unbeatable. 20 Cornelia St.
Boasting fireplaces and wood and brick walls, La Lanterna di Vittorio is the perfect place to warm up on a chilly night and get cozy with a significant other. With indoor seating as well as a heated outdoor patio, this Italian restaurant offers a wide variety of pizzas, pastas and paninis at extremely reasonable prices. 129 MacDougal St. Katya Barannik is a staff writer. Email her at features@nyunews.com.
nyunews.com | tuesday, february 7, 2012 | Washington Square news
ARTS
edited by JONATHON DORNBUSH ARTS@nyunews.com
‘Smash’ delivers triumph for NBC
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NBC creates authentic portrayal of Broadway By Bethany McHugh The first few moments of “Smash” bear a striking resemblance to an episode of “American Idol” — the lights, the fog machine, the appearance of Katharine McPhee. However, this is the only time that “Smash” shows any similarity to any other TV series. What unfolds throughout the show is a truly original concept with talent and creative integrity to boot. Debra Messing and Christian Borle star as Julia and Tom, writing partners who are developing a Broadway musical inspired by the life of Marilyn
Monroe. Aiding them is producer Eileen Rand (Anjelica Huston), director Derek Wills (Jack Davenport) and actress Ivy Lynn (Megan Hilty), who draws attention to the production after a video of her singing goes viral. Tensions rise on-set when Karen (McPhee) is found through an open audition, placing her and Ivy in stiff competition for the lead role of the show. The pilot of NBC’s new musical drama successfully forecasts the show’s plot as well as the technicalities of the world in which the characters exist. The audience is exposed to a realistic look at how a show of such caliber is produced. Unlike television’s other scripted musical series, “Glee,” “Smash” takes itself seriously. It doesn’t focus on the mundane drama of people’s personal lives but rather on the complex nature of theatrical professions. What’s particularly amazing is the show’s glamorous production value. “Smash” certainly looks expensive — but not merely for the sake of being flashy. It appears polished, clean and appealing, with music productions feeling
natural and not dubbed over. It sounds as if the actors are singing their hearts out live. Messing is perfectly cast and shines with the little material she is given — turning the show’s most undervalued character into a spectacle. McPhee is also surprisingly likable, and she gives Hilty a run for her money in the vocals department. The two young actresses, both known for their musicality rather than their acting, light up the screen and are perfectly capable of such challenging roles. Admittedly, some of the casting choices are jarring. It’s surreal to see movie star Anjelica Huston in a song-anddance TV show. The search to cast the perfect Marilyn Monroe makes for a surprisingly unique and colorful TV show, and while it’s unlikely that “Smash” will hold on to this storyline forever, it’s a great place to start. The pilot introduces enough characters and intriguing theater elements that a dull first season seems impossible. “Smash” is poised to be the success that NBC needs — and a creative and worthy one at that. Bethany McHugh is a staff writer. Email her at entertainment@nyunews.com.
Half-time show fails to impress By Josh Johnson Super Bowl halftime performances can be hit or miss. The best I can say about Madonna’s performance this year is that she was better than the Black Eyed Peas’ excruciating performance last year. The main problem is that for all the fuss that the NFL makes about the show, the only people who end up caring are degenerate gamblers betting on whether Madonna will start with a headset or a handheld microphone. Sure, MIA gave the world the finger and the show featured what looked like the cast of the “300” prequel. Sadly, we also had the oblivious LFMAO and a new Madonna song that sounded suspiciously like “Hey Mickey.” Even Cee Lo Green waddling out to sing “Like A Prayer,” while entertaining, couldn’t save Madonna’s performance from being placed in the uneventful column. With that in mind, here are some (realistic) suggestions to make next year’s show memorable: Foo Fighters: I’m shocked that the Foo Fighters haven’t played the halftime show before. After the wardrobe malfunction fiasco with Janet Jackson, the NFL has wanted to take the least offensive path possible. Who is less offensive than the Foo Fighters? The harshest criticism the rock band gets is that they’re better than most of the crap out there. Add that to the image Dave Grohl has as one of the most entertaining frontmen in rock today,
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The Fray’s ‘Scars & Stories’ lacks excitability By Rebecca Kovach
Seven years, a sophomore release and a Christmas EP after their successful debut, “How to Save a Life,” The Fray has returned with its third major album, “Scars & Stories.” Though musically and lyrically impressive, the album takes the phrase “better safe than sorry” to a new level, delivering the same sound that has defined the band in the past. Even for those unaware that the group still releases music, “Heartbeat,” the first single from “Scars & Stories,” feels current but is instantly recognizable as the band’s work. The song exudes warmth with every carefully placed chord and piano melody. Lead singer Isaac Slade’s throaty vocals are like a comforting old friend as he belts out, “You gotta love somebody/ Love them all the same/ I’m singing, oh/ I feel your heartbeat.” Beyond the first track, it is difficult to identify any truly mesmerizing songs. That is not to say that the rest of the album is by any means bad. In fact, the whole album is a collection of equally enjoyable anthems and ballads. But the songs transition so flawlessly into one another that it becomes hard to discern one from the next. After listening multiple times, a few tracks begin to edge their way
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and you have a Super Bowl act that is almost too perfect. Lady Gaga: If you’re going to get Madonna, you might as well get the newer, younger and more relevant version. Arcade Fire: I know Arcade Fire may seem like a stretch, especially since this year’s show seemed like the only shot the band had at performing due to its upset Grammy win last year. But let us not lose hope. The only thing holding it back is its relative obscurity, but who’s a better stadium band right now than the Arcade Fire? People are going to watch the halftime show regardless. Even the hipster kids who felt they were too cool to watch the game would cave if Arcade Fire was to perform. Josh Johnson is music editor. Email him at jjohnson@nyunews.com
Rebecca Kovach is a contributing writer. Email her at music@nyunews.com.
Speilberg’s ‘River’ has potential By Ana Luisa Crivorot
Madonna performed during halftime at Super Bowl XLVI.
ahead of the pack. “The Fighter,” a song about love and loneliness, features an infectious chorus that’s easily memorized. With a haunting bridge, “Fighter” builds from a solemn solitary piano line to a passionate conclusion. “Run For Your Life” is another strong effort. Its lyrics offer an inspirational message to listeners: “Run for your life, my love/ Run and you don’t give up/ All that you are, all that you want/ Run for your life.” The song ends on a delicate yet intricate melody that reflects its refreshingly positive outlook. Perhaps the most easily overlooked song on the album is the slow and sorrowful “I Can Barely Say.” The song’s long, echoing piano notes are bolstered by heartbreaking string arrangements and regretful lyrics such as “I wanted to run/ I wanted to love and be loved in return/ But will I ever get back?” “Scars & Stories” is solid from beginning to end but remains unfortunately stagnant throughout. The soft-rock persona ever-present on the album is what The Fray does best, and for better or worse, the band seems to have made the conscious decision not to change it.
Horror and sci-fi television shows rarely find more than cult followings. However, executive producers Steven Spielberg and “Paranormal Activity” director Oren Peli are determined to make sure “The River” does not suffer this fate by creating a show with enough frights to attract even the most jaded television viewer. Inspired by “The X-Files” and similar spinetingling programs of television’s past, “The River” promises a clever tale of science fiction and, more importantly, good horror. But while “The River” delivers the scares, the question remains whether the show’s plot will be comprehensive. “The River” tells the story of famed adventurer Dr. Emmet Cole (Bruce Greenwood), a Steve Irwin type who has disappeared during an expedition along with his crew. The show begins in slow fashion with the introduction of Cole’s dysfunctional family, including his wife Tess (Leslie Hope) and brooding son Lincoln (Joe Anderson). Add to the mix a few more disgruntled characters, and “The River” begins to feel like a soap opera. Fortunately, once the show picks up, it does so with unbridled energy and never looks back. Tess leads an expedition of her own to find her missing husband, taking a camera crew into the uncharted, dangerous depths of the Amazon River. From this point on, “The River” turns into an unapologetic showcase of terror. Demons run amok, possessing innocent bodies. Ghostly hands shoot up to pull their victims into the water. A group of spooky porcelain dolls are found hanging from a tree. The show will do anything to hold its audience’s interest, and it works. The horror is aided by its documentary-style
camerawork, a technique perfected in Peli’s “Paranormal” franchise. While comedies like “The Office” and “Modern Family” have been using the style for years, “The River” demonstrates that the technique supports the chaos and paranoia of the environment while also engaging viewers as part of the ride. Though the cast is composed of unique, complex characters, the true star is the scenery itself. The lush, colorful jungle and the magnificently designed creatures of the wild combine for a breathtaking setting. It’s beautiful and terrifying. One particularly striking shot of the river reveals in haunting style its humongous, snakelike stature. The river evokes the classic horror film “The Shining” — the maze-like structure akin to that film’s setting adds to the sense that the characters are doomed with no way out. At this early stage, “The River” succeeds by titillating audiences enough to keep them coming back for more. The character relationships and overall mystery are rich enough to remain interesting for the immediate future. But with the uncertain lifespan of horror-driven shows, it is unclear whether “The River” will garner enough momentum to survive multiple seasons. Ana Luisa Crivorot is a contributing writer. Email her at entertainment@nyunews.com.
VIA ABC.COM
“The River” provides a suspenseful pilot.
The New York Times Syndication Sales Corporation The new york crossword & daily sudoku 500 Seventh Avenue, New York,times N.Y. 10018 For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 For Release Tuesday, February 07, 2012
Edited by Will Shortz Across 1 Among the 1%, so to speak 5 Classic Pontiacs 9 Playful little one 14 Grant and Carter 15 “Dies ___” 16 Often-consulted church figure 17 It goes in the ground at a campground 19 Muhammad Ali’s boxing daughter 20 Pal, in Paris 21 Coal diggers’ org. 22 “… And God Created Woman” actress 23 Idiosyncrasy 24 Four-wheeled wear 27 Liqueur flavoring 29 They’re dug out of the ground 30 Part of P.S.T.: Abbr.
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31 Former “Entertainment Tonight” co-host 32 ___ artery
35 Tenderized cut of beef 38 Dress shop section
39 Catch some waves? 42 Online exchanges, briefly
55 Like Robin Williams, typically 56 “Ode on a Grecian Urn” poet 59 12-Down, for one 60 Big-eyed birds 61 Many a wearer of plaid 62 and 63 A-number-one 64 Coops
Down 46 ___ Chaiken, co- 1 Machine gun sound creator/writer of “The L Word” 2 George Harrison’s 47 “Huh … what?” autobiography reactions 3 Pessimistic 51 Beaut disposition 52 Baseball 4 Fair Deal pres. brothers Joe and 5 U.S. base in Frank Cuba, informally 53 ___ pro nobis 6 Large fishing net 54 Non-revenue7 State tree of generating ad, Illinois, Iowa and for short Maryland 8 Witness PREVIOUS PUZZLE 9 Ethiopia’s Haile ___ S N I D E S A L E N O R S E E M I T 10 Fictional reporter Kent E H I L L L A S H 11 New Balance R I S E F I L E competitor D T H E C O R N E R 12 Hitter of 511 career home L A N E runs S P L I T L A R A 13 Rambled on and T H E H O R I Z O N on R I T U E A T E N 18 “Positively!” O L M N 22 Baseball H E C O U N T E R brothers George D O U L A M E A and Ken I G H T U N S E E N 25 “Get back, ___ D E A R T O R S O … Go home” A R N E S T Y E S (Beatles lyric)
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26 Not even, as a leaf’s edge 28 Tanker or cutter 32 Adorable ones 33 Leaning 34 Author Roald 36 Doesn’t do 37 Not fall behind 40 Jennifer of “Friends”
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nyunews.com | tuesday, february 7, 2012 | Washington Square news
OPINION
edited by olivia gonzalez opinion@nyunews.com
THE OBSERVATIONALIST
STAFF EDITORIAL
Miller reconsiders on-campus Chick-fil-A By Ben Miller In the spirit of post-New-Years penitence and self-criticism, I want to return to the subject of a column I wrote last year and eat some crow. I am proud that I was one of many voices that played a part in sparking a debate about whether Chick-fil-A should be a dining option on NYU’s campus. The debate centers on their donations to groups that oppose same-sex marriage and their attempts to cure. homosexuality. Their various methods have been classified in some countries as torture and are heavily discredited by every reputable professional organization of psychiatrists and psychologists in this country as both ineffective and potentially harmful to its subjects. While I decried these donations last year, I fell short of calling for their removal from the campus dining options. In a misguided attempt at moderation on this crucial issue, I waffled, saying only that students needed to be more aware of their choices while eating there. I was wrong. An eatery that do-
nates significant percentages of its profits to the torture of young teens has no place in our community. NYU student Hillary Dworkoski has created a petition on change.org to remove Chick-fil-A from campus, and in doing so she has created a discussion about our university, its values and how it can and should be promoting those values through its selection of corporate partnerships. For me, that discussion leads to the following two questions: How can a university with one of the leading departments of psychology and a fantastic school of social work direct its dollars and its students’ dollars towards an organization that directly counters the aims of both of these departments? How can a university committed to tolerance and diversity direct its dollars and its students’ dollars towards an organization that directly counters that philosophy? For me at least, the answers to those questions point in only one direction. I’m aware of the counterargument: Every corporation has questionable
practices if you dig back far enough, and NYU should allow its students to make their own choices about where they want to spend their money. But giving tens of millions to organizations classified as hate groups seems not to require much digging back, and NYU’s subsidy of meal plans for students on financial aid means that it is not only our money that we choose to spend but also NYU’s money that then goes back to those groups. It makes me sick to think that a single dollar traced from my tuition payments was donated to a group that used it for torture. I challenge anyone who believes in LGBTQ equality to think through this carefully and honestly and not come to the same conclusion. For that reason, NYU should stop subsidizing hate and remove Chickfil-A from the dining hall at the end of their current contract. Ben Miller is a columnist. His column, “The Observationalist,” appears once a week. Email him at opinion@nyunews.com
PERSPECTIVE
NYC’s aloof attitudes create cold social culture By Marc Simon Disneyland brought out the wannabe bully in me. As a toddler in the park, my hypothetical targets weren’t the fat kids or the pansies who’d bolt on cold feet from the line for the Dumbo ride — they were the criers. Criers at Disneyland are disrespectful, and tons of people I pass every day around NYU and NYC are too. They are disrespectful of their surroundings by closing themselves off to what these places have to offer. Being closed-off, I submit, is not the optimal strategy for living in such a rich environment. The disrespect I’m talking about concerns the masses of New York City pedestrians, the overwhelming majority of whom sport an identical look, which I can only describe as a cool, urban semi-scowl. Eye contact is paltry and casual smiles are close to nonexistent. I don’t let this faze me. I get it; you run the risk of extreme exhaustion if you aren’t able to sometimes seal yourself off from the constant bombardment of stimuli on this island.
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My childhood targets at Disneyland were the little brats who bawled if their parents got them blue cotton candy when they clearly specified they wanted pink; the punky munchkins throwing tantrums because Goofy wasn’t around for an autograph and Mickey and Minnie’s weren’t going to cut it. I’d envision a more violent me smacking them silly. I can’t help but sense that the comparable temperament of New York City’s residents is a symptom of a bigger problem: a general disrespect for what this city is all about. The bigger problem is that people tend to be tremendously closed-off. New York City is a grimy place, yet the tacit contract seems to be that this is what you endure for being immersed in a place so rich with exceptional people of all ethnicities, passions and walks of life. That’s why I consciously push myself to start up conversations in Washington Square Park, introduce myself to strangers in dining hall lines and smile at passersby on the sidewalk. Too many people stare or absorb themselves in their technologies —
a missed opportunity. I don’t think the urban scowl is merely a way to ward off excess stimuli. It’s also an aesthetic. Yeah, it looks hip, and yeah, I’m sure I look radically un-hip deploying my dorky smile. But setting yourself up to build meaningful relationships with extraordinary people requires a warm attitude, which requires practice lest it eventually slide. It requires an effort. You can admire the cool facades around you and adopt a similar apathy, or you can make the more practical choice. At his funeral, you wouldn’t tell jokes about Grandpa’s funny jowls or his habit of forcing flatulence — wrong place, wrong time. Likewise, you should be happy while indulging in Disneyland, popularly deemed the happiest place on earth. You shouldn’t cry. And furthermore, being friendly in NYC is not just practical, intelligent and obvious, but also respectful of the raucous luxury that is this city. Marc Simon is a contributing columnist. Email him at opinion@nyunews.com.
Bedbug response worrisome
NYU is not sleeping tight tonight. Yet another outbreak of bedbugs has hit the NYU community, alarming inhabitants of the Broome Street residence hall. The story itself is enough to make your skin crawl, but the real source of the residents’ inquietude is the university’s unprofessional reaction to the incident. The bedbug infestation was met with an embarrassingly delayed response on behalf of the NYU administration, potentially posing sanitation concerns for those living in the residence hall. The flyers distributed by an anonymous student in Broome show NYU’s negligence in dealing with the problem. Even more worrisome is the administration’s choice to refrain from informing its residents of the alleged infestation. Any warning issued to the residents was done so informally, through student-distributed flyers and a Broome resident’s blog. NYU should show more alacrity in responding positively to situations that affect its residents. The calls for help on behalf of the residential community should have sufficed to inspire a more robust response. Until NYU quells the issue, this might mean a few uneasy nights for Broome residents. Email the WSN Editorial Board at editboard@nyunews.com. Editorial Board: Olivia Gonzalez (Chair), Atticus Brigham (Co-Chair), Emily Franklin, Nicolette Harris, Matt Kao, Ben Miller and Peter Murphy.
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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Washington Square news | tuesday, february 7, 2012 | nyunews.com
SPORTs By Sarah Levy Howard Webb is considered one of the greatest soccer referees of all time by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics. He is so esteemed that in 2010 he was chosen to referee both the Champions League final in Madrid and the World Cup final in South Africa. Nobody can deny the authority he holds in the world of professional football. While Webb may be one of the world’s most respected referees, there are suspicions that he supports Manchester United in the English Premier League. Supporters of other teams even sarcastically refer to Webb as United manager Sir Alex Ferguson’s star signing and as Manchester United’s 12th man. Manchester United’s most potent rivalry is with the Liverpool Football Club. There is already tremendous bad blood between the two clubs. When Webb is thrown into the mix, matches between the two usually result in outrage from one side and smug looks from the other.
edited by daniel hinton
sports@nyunew.com
Referee Howard Webb: A United bias
In January 2011, Liverpool supporters fumed after Webb awarded United a controversial penalty in the first minute of a match between the two teams. The game ended in a crucial 1-0 win for Manchester. After the match, former Liverpool player Ryan Babel tweeted a now infamous photoshopped picture of Webb wearing a Manchester United shirt along with some choice words for the referee. Babel was consequently forced to make a public apology to Webb. Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool’s current manager, has also spoken out against Webb’s decisions, as have many others before him. The English Football Association has a duty to both the teams and the fans to resolve this controversy. If you mention Webb’s name to a Chelsea supporter, you will likely receive a look of disgust. Why? In the last seven matches between Chelsea and United that have been refereed by Webb, Chelsea has won only two. In nearly all of those seven, Webb has made multiple decisive calls in United’s favor. On Feb. 5, Chelsea tied Manchester United in what is seen
as an unbelievable 3-3 draw. It did not feel like a tie for either side. Rather, it felt like a victory for United and a loss for Chelsea. Chelsea was winning 3-0 in the second half before Webb awarded United with two backto-back penalty shots, both of which they converted. Then Javier Hernandez put in another that tied the game and crushed Chelsea fans. Most agree that the first penalty shot was merited. The second, however, was beyond questionable. Webb did not award United a penalty in two controversial plays during the first half, prompting Chelsea Manager Andre Villas-Boas to say after the match, “I’m not sure if [Webb was] compensating from anything in the first half, but it was the wrong decision.” It is only natural that Webb has never admitted to being a United supporter; he only claims to be a fan of his hometown team, Rotherham United, in League Two. Surely he deserves to arbitrate the biggest games of the season, but he should clearly lay off United’s games for a while. Sarah Levy is a staff writer. Email her at sports@nyunews.com.
VIA FLICKR
Webb has refereed some of soccer’s greatest events, including the Champions League final and the World Cup final.
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