NYU’s Daily Student Newspaper
washington square news Vol. 40, No. 21
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2012
nyunews.com
Jewish community acquires new site
NYU celebrates first spirit week
By Julie DeVito
By Nicole Gartside
Students will be able to participate in 100 hours of NYU-themed fun this year. The Student Senators Council, the 1831 Fund and the Inter-Resience Hall Council are partnering for NYU’s first-ever spirit week, the Violet 100. “We wanted to create the Violet 100 in an effort to respond to student call for programming similar to that which exists on more traditional campuses,” IRHC president Olivia Baackes said. Violet 100 kicks off with Ultra Violet Live, the annual university-wide talent competition that is sponsored by IRHC. It will take place tonight at 6:30 p.m. in the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts. Friday at 4 p.m. is the All-University Games, in which undergraduate and graduate schools within NYU compete against one another. “We always have the All-University Games around this time of year,” said Mariam Ehari, external
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Rachel Kaplan/WSN
Men’s volleyball team remains undefeated in the UVC after their victory last night.
Alum’s serendipitous film receives Oscar nomination
By Nicola Pring
When Andrew Bowler began writing the script for a short film, he never imagined it would land him on
the red carpet. Bowler, a graduate of the Maurice Kanbar Institute of Film and Television at the Tisch School of the Arts, worked as a television pro-
courtesy of Sebastian Piras
A lucky idea turns “Time Freak” into Oscar nomination.
ducer on reality and cooking shows for several years before beginning his film, “Time Freak.” Working on set for an NBC reality show called “Home Delivery,” Bowler met his wife Gigi Causey, who would later produce “Time Freak.” Bowler and his wife liked working in television but always knew they wanted to transition to film. “[Television] was fine, but it wasn’t where our hearts were,” Bowler said. The idea for “Time Freak,” a comedy about time travel gone wrong, came from a joke Bowler had shared with
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Every Friday night, several hundred students flock to Chabad at NYU, a Jewish organization. Up until now, it has occupied only a small room on the corner of Washington Square North. Within the next few weeks, the NYU Jewish community will have a new space to call home: a newly constructed 8,000-square-foot building on the Bowery. “Chabad on campus is a massive, growing institution,” said Rabbi Don Yavah Korn, director of Chabad at NYU. “We were creating Jewish life in the area, and we realized that at NYU there is just so much more to be done. I want to create a Jewish future that’s exciting and vibrant and not typical. Something that has spice and flavor to it.” Korn said it will take Chabad to a whole new level. It will enable the organization to have a kitchen, offices and a library for learning, lecture and
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Apatow’s ‘Wanderlust’ traveling to success By Cole Riley
There’s something about Judd Apatow’s unmistakable touch that turns most of his projects into gold. His latest film “Wanderlust,” which he produced, is a prime example. A plotless, joke-driven comedy starring Apatow’s go-to likable male lead Paul Rudd — along with Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux — “Wanderlust” remains consistently hilarious and endearing. Writer-director David Wain (“Role Models”) centers his plot on New York City couple George and Linda (Rudd and Aniston) after George loses his job. The two are forced to move out of the city and down to Atlanta to live with George’s over-the-top, wildly successful brother Rick (Ken Marino). On their travels south, they make a pit stop at Elysium, a hippie commune that is
part nudist colony — as evidenced by resident Wayne’s (Joe Lo Tuglio) ever present genitalia — and part joyful bohemia where free love, hallucinogens and sharing rule. Displaced from their high tech New York lifestyles, George and Linda fall in love with Elysium’s laid-back community and move in permanently, joining other residents including Seth (Theroux), who is the apparent leader and chief free spirit of the settlement. With this stale premise, audiences may expect an overdrawn and dull film similar to Apatow’s past flops like “Funny People,” but “Wanderlust” takes a unique path. Rudd, Aniston and Theroux take an improvisational approach, crafting natural dialogue and countless hilarious scenes.
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Washington Square news | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2012 | nyunews.com
on the side
Compiled by the
WSN staff
weekend agenda 1 Washington Square News
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Editor-in-Chief amanda randone Managing Editor
jaewon kang Deputy Managing Editor
Amy zhang Assistant Managing Editor
james lanning Creative Director
selena chen senior staff
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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BRIDGETTE DORAN
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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 all photos via flickr
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Thursday | 7 p.m. | 92Y TriBeCa 200 Hudson St.
Friday | 1 p.m. | Dash Gallery 172 Duane St.
Saturday | 8 p.m. | Tribeca Performing Arts Center | 199 Chambers St.
Sunday | 3 p.m. | Dance New Amsterdam | 280 Broadway
Watch food-themed movie clips and talk about food in film and the upcoming 84th Annual Academy Awards at the 92Y TriBeCa.
Free Yoga
Dash Gallery offers a free yoga class every Friday afternoon. The studio suggests a $10 donation.
riley special issues kristina bogos multimedia james kelleher copy jordan melendrez social media agent nicole gartside
THIS WEEKEND
Francine Segan’s World of Tasting: Food in Film
sports John axelrod, cole
Randy Weston African Rhythms Orchestra This musical event will celebrate Black History Month with a special rhythm performance.
opinion page
opinion editor olivia gonzalez deputy opinion editor ATTICUS
BRIGHAM, SANCHAY JAIN
Visa Voices
International students and alumni of the dance studio will showcase their routines.
advertising business manager
REBECCA RIBEIRO circulation manager
chloe coffman
university sales coordinator
Emilia Mironovici
SNAPSHOT
CORRECTION In the article “Protesters object debt and expansion” from the Feb. 22 issue, WSN inaccurately reported that Steinhardt professor Mark Crispin Miller said there are hundreds of people who have threatened resignation. In fact, he said there are several hundred members of NYU Faculty Against the Sexton Plan, and many faculty will leave NYU if the plan proceeds. WSN regrets the error.
University of Kansas
PHOTO BY JAMES KELLEHER
Kaitlyn O’Brien, MICHAEL RYAN, Melissa Ynegas
advising editorial adviser
keith leighty EDITORS-AT-LARGE
jaywon choe kelsey desiderio russell steinberg KIRSTEN CHANG francis poon terka cicelOVa
Car rental service has a promising start
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.
Amherst College
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 University Daily Kansan
Morning sunlight reflects off the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir and the East River.
sales representatives
Gender-inclusive housing approved — The Amherst Student
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nyunews.com | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2012 | Washington Square news
Occupy the SEC attacks Obama bailout legislation
SYNAGOGUE continued from PG. 1
NYU Chabad gets new building ne
Julie DeVito/WSN
Rabbi Don Yavah Korn is director of NYU Chabad. study of the Jewish religion. He said he expects he building to advance their programs to help the Jewish community feel connected. Chabad at NYU also focuses on attracting a larger post-graduate Jewish community and will dedicate a whole floor to young, professional NYU alumni and friends on Friday nights. The project, which began last summer, is estimated to cost just over $8 million. It is being funded by philanthropists, students, families and alumni according to Korn. “It’s great to be able to take part in fostering the growth of an amazing community for students and alumni that I love being a part of,” said CAS 2004 alumna Maytal Ross, who donated to the new center. College of Nursing junior Jessica Jaffe has been involved with the
By Kristine Itliong
Chabad board for almost 2 years, where she ensures the weekly Shabbat meals run smoothly. “The Korns have dedicated their lives to this cause and have been able to establish more than just a community but a family,” Jaffe said. “This new building will not only give us the physical space to continue to expand and enhance our programming but will also foster the growth of this family.” Though NYU was not involved in the process of creating the new space, the Bronfman Center for Jewish Student Life has been working with the Chabad group. David Rittberg, Skirball executive director of the Bronfman Center, said he is thrilled to have Chabad serving the NYU community. He said the work of the Bronfman Center complements that of Chabad. “The combination of the Bronfman Center at NYU and Chabad, which are both models of excellence for organizations of their kind around the country, set up NYU to host the most dynamic and active Jewish community at any university in America,” Rittberg said. Julie DeVito is university editor. Email her at jdevito@nyunews.com.
Students with bank accounts should take note of the recent Occupy action. Occupy the SEC — a working group of the New York General Assembly made up of former operatives in the financial industry — submitted a 325-page letter to the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency last week. The letter commented on the proposed implementation and provision of the Volcker Rule on the DoddFrank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The 2010 Dodd-Frank legislation, the Obama administration’s response to the financial crisis and bailouts of the late 2000s, enacts financial regulatory reform. The Volcker Rule is a proposed section of this law that restricts U.S. banks and financial firms from making very risky investments. It is designed to protect the bank customers’ deposits. Through the letter, Occupy the SEC aims to make sure this protection is safeguarded by addressing loopholes in the Volcker rule.
Fusion band hopes to rock UVL
“If the regulators write a final rule that is faithful to the statutes of intent and congressional intent, it’s going to be a big step in the right direction,” Eric Taylor, an author of the letter, said. Akshat Tewary, another author, said the letter is changing the dynamics of the Occupy Movement. “It’s a small step forward in the entire projectory of Occupy,” Tewary said. “It debunks the theory that Occupy is ineffectual or has no specific goals. We have concrete proposals and recommendations.” Tewary added that this is a unique opportunity to initiate and address the issues that Occupiers are concerned about. “The purpose is to capture the energy we saw among the protesters at Occupy,” Tewary said. Occupy the SEC began working on the letter in late October, according to Aaron Bornstein, a GSAS student and Occupy activist. “They decided to sit down with an enormous piece of legislation that had been intentionally obfuscated and weakened so as to ensure business as usual, and methodically design a better way of doing business … against an army of thousands of $1,000-an-hour
courtesy of the Pine Hollows
The Pine Hollows will represent Lafayette Street residence hall tonight at UVL.
New York-based band The Pine Hollows will set the Ultra Violet Live competition ablaze tonight with a fusion of rock and roll, contemporary beats and pop. The band will represent Lafayette Street residence hall at UVL. The band consists of CAS sophomore vocalist and guitarist Gianni Napolitano and his twin sister, Steinhardt sophomore and vocalist Mariela Napolitano as well as LSP sophomore and drummer Ray Belli and Manhattan-resident and bassist Will Salwen. After meeting through the School of Rock after-school music program during high school, the members of The Pine Hollows formed their group in late 2010. As part of the school’s All-Star Tour, which selects the most talented students from the institution, the group had prestigious touring opportunities before coming to NYU. “We are greatly anticipating UVL because it’s our biggest venue
so far,” Gianni said. “It would help us greatly with name recognition, funding and touring. We are excited to have moved on in the competition.” The group released its first record in November of last year and band members describe their original sound as eclectic, with a variety of influences. “Our music really has a grab bag style at times,” Gianni said. “You can describe us as power pop, rock and roll and retro. Along with influences by ’60s and ’70s pop, we are impacted by contemporary music as well.” The Pine Hollows usually meets for at least three hours per week and perform twice a month. Belli said frequent meetings are important for success in UVL. “We practice regularly to help the band strive,” Belli said. “We are definitely hoping to win Thursday’s competition to boost our recognition, touring and album opportunities.” Gianni also said NYU has played a major role in the
group’s development. “Gallatone Records (of NYU Gallatin), the Steinhardt recording studio and the music technology program have made a big difference in our work,” he said. “NYU has also helped us establish a central location and network as well.” Steinhardt senior Peter MacDuffie said he believes The Pine Hollows are the right balance of serious and fun. “This attitude carries through to their music,” MacDuffie said. “There is a positivity about it that underlies even the ballads. It’s feel-good music, but it still has depth. I think they have the right combination of qualities to lead to a fruitful and sustainable career.” The Pine Hollows is set to play its next single, “Go and Tell Him,” and a surprise cover song this evening. The band said it hopes to release a new album in June. Eric Benson is a deputy university editor. Email him at ebenson@nyunews.com.
lawyers,” Bornstein said. “You have to be a little crazy to do that, and a lot inspired.” Richard Epstein, an NYU law professor with a focus in business and public policy, said the letter will be a significant contribution to the debate on financial reform. “I think that it is a turn for the better that OWS chose to submit [the letter],” Epstein said. “The central question is the level of leverage and separation for risky financial assets. Everyone thinks that some middle solution is appropriate but there is less agreement on how much.” But the real stakeholders in this legislation may be members of the public, whose bank accounts may be jeopardized if the Volcker Rule is not properly scrutinized these next few months. Stern freshman Kimberly Chan said she is glad community members are looking at the law and not just legislatures. “You can never be too careful when it comes to handling others’ money,” she said. “The risk isn’t worth it.” Kristine Itliong is a deputy city/state editor. Email her at kitliong@nyunews.com.
Study points to New York solar energy investments By Meredith Carbonell
By Eric Benson
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Sunny days are ahead for New York as future plans hint toward heavier investments in solar energy within the next decade. As part of the Power New York Act of 2011, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority conducted a study to analyze the state’s increased use of solar energy. After creating and analyzing economic and environmental models, the organization reported that fossil fuel consumption could drop by 4 percent and carbon dioxide emission by 3 percent if the state were to increase its solar power to 5,000 megawatts by the year 2025. Currently, New York generates 19 megawatts, according to the report. Additionally, 2,300 jobs would be created in the solar industry. However, if the state were to invest in generating more solar energy, it is possible that ratepayers would see a yearly increase from 0.1 percent to 5 percent. This would cost these utility payers in the state anywhere from $300 million to $9 billion by the year 2025, the study said. Dayle Zatlin, assistant director of communications for the organization, said the benefits outweigh the financial cost and added that New York would not pursue this research if it were not beneficial. She said if the New York Legislature invested in these findings, it would improve the state’s environment, and the depen-
dency on foreign oil would subside. However, Darren Suarez, director of government affairs for the Business Council, is lobbying against increasing solar energy because of concerns also mentioned in the report. “Ultimately, the added cost is borne by ratepayers,” Suarez said. “For ratepayers, when the rates go up it reduces their ability to consume New York state goods, and it could reduce some of their discretionary income, and it hinders their ability to stay in the state.” Tria Case, university director of sustainability for the City University of New York system, said solar energy is a valuable endeavor. “The investment in tackling the process is incredibly worthwhile as it builds a new infrastructure for implementing other clean and renewable technology as well,” Case said. Stern professor Roy Radar said one of the greatest benefits of switching to solar energy is the deduction of gas and other toxic chemicals in the atmosphere, but the benefits would be offset by the enormity of the city. “The environmental, climate and energy challenges of New York City are staggering, complex and interwoven with the aging infrastructure of America’s largest city,” Case said. “The widespread adoption of renewable energy and efficiency habits can help address these concerns.” Meredith Carbonell is a contributing writer. Email her at cstate@nyunews.com.
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Washington Square news | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2012 | nyunews.com
ARTS
edited by JONATHON DORNBUSH ARTS@nyunews.com
WANDERLUST continued from PG. 1
Apatow continues to please For example, midway through the film, George stumbles into a secluded bathroom to prepare himself for the culture at Elysium. In a five minute, uncut and off-the-cuff sequence, he stares at himself in the mirror to pump himself up. Aniston and Theroux complement each other as well. Linda is enamored with Seth’s natural lifestyle, from his skillful mastery of the acoustic guitar to his pseudo-psycho analysis of George and Linda’s relationship. Trouble lies on the horizon as George and Linda become more entrenched in Elysium’s philosophy and as Seth continually shows interest in Linda’s “spirit.”
The film also benefits from Wain’s ability to set a quick pace, which keeps the story moving in the right direction. “Wanderlust” had the potential to fail as the couple is introduced, but Wain leaves New York and enters Elysium quickly, allowing Rudd and Aniston to benefit from the outdoor setting. Following Rudd’s intrinsic comedic lead, “Wanderlust” remains hysterical for its modest 90 minutes. The film’s fast stride along with an entertaining supporting cast makes it another Apatow classic. Cole Riley is a contributing writer. Email him at film@nyunews.com.
Predicting the 2012 Oscars
By Stefan Melnyk
This Academy Awards season bears every indication of being one of the dullest in recent memory. Even the two-horse races of the last few seasons or so could not hope to match this one in terms of sheer predictability. Short of a chandelier falling “Phantom of the Opera”style on the audience at the Kodak Theatre, it seems as if Sunday’s ceremony can hold no surprises. With that in mind, here are predictions for the likely winners: BEST PICTURE: For a brief time it appeared that “Hugo” or “The Descendants” might pose a serious threat. But “The Artist” has remained at the head of the pack for the entire awards season. The ease with which it brushed off the inevitable frontrunner backlash is testament to its endurance and prestige. This one is set in stone. BEST DIRECTOR: Even if “The Artist” were not a lock for best picture, Michael Hazanavicius’ affectionate emulation of the silent film style would have earned him a statuette anyway. As it is, his win is certain. BEST ACTOR: Until recently, George Clooney’s performance in “The Descendants” seemed like the winner. However, “The Artist” leading man Jean Dujardin won Best Actor at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts awards — the British Oscars — and the Screen Actors Guild awards, which gives him a distinct edge over Clooney. Though it may be close, bet on Dujardin.
BEST ACTRESS: Out of the acting categories, this is the one most likely to surprise. Viola Davis’ performance in “The Help” is where the smart man’s bet will go, but if Academy sentiment swings elsewhere, Meryl Streep might still take the prize for “The Iron Lady.” BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Christopher Plummer seems set to finally receive his due at this year’s Oscars. The old boy has been turning in consistently stellar supporting turns for years and has been racking up trophies for his role in the charming “Beginners.” No one appears poised to steal this win away from him. BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: It is a marker of how settled this Oscar season is that Best Supporting Actress — a category in which blind guesswork often proves more accurate than any reasoned prediction — is a virtual lock for Octavia Spencer in “The Help.” She has won the category at every major awards ceremony thus far, and there is no indication that the Academy Awards will fail to cap off her run with an Oscar trophy. BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: Woody Allen’s whimsical return to form, “Midnight in Paris,” seems like the inevitable winner here. BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: While “Moneyball” is seen by many as the worthier candidate, this is almost certainly the category in which the Academy will give “The Descendants” a consolation prize when it loses Best Picture and Best Actor. Stefan Melnyk is film editor. Email him at smelnyk@ nyunews.com.
nyunews.com | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2012 | Washington Square news
features
edited by jessIca littman features@nyunews.com BOWLER continued from PG. 1
SPIRIT continued from PG. 1
NYU alum’s short film nominated for Oscar friends for many years. “We would say, ‘What’s the worst thing you could do with a time machine?’ ” he said. “Thinking about it would always make us laugh.” The idea for Bowler’s short film was born, and Bowler wrote the script in just one night. “I sat in front of the computer and finished it in a couple of hours,” he said. “That’s the version we shot.” The couple delayed buying a new apartment to finance the project. “We decided to take a gamble on ourselves and not have any regrets about trying our hardest to make the film,” Causey said. Production for “Time Freak” began in Febuary 2010. Bowler directed the film, which was shot on a very low budget near the couple’s home in Brooklyn. “The dry cleaner [in the film] is actually our dry cleaner in Williamsburg,” Bowler said. “The park is a park in Brook-
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lyn right behind our apartment. Two of the main locations were out our front door and out our back door.” Bowler enlisted the help of several former classmates for the project. Mike McDermott, Bowler’s NYU roommate, served as production designer on the project and designed the time machine prop. Despite the small budget, McDermott said using the set as his studio allowed him “to experiment with various materials and cobble together a machine that appeared both capable of time travel and plausible as something one guy might build alone in a dusty basement.” When “Time Freak” was complete, Bowler and Causey spent a year moving their work around the film festival circuit. “We got rejected from a couple of the big ones like Sundance and South by Southwest, but then things really picked up,” Bowler said.
“Time Freak” took first place at the Seattle International Film Festival in 2011. The win qualified the film for submission to the Academy Awards. Bowler and Causey were excited and surprised when they discovered the short film had been nominated for an Oscar. “I kept having to check back and make sure that we were actually nominated,” Bowler said. Bowler is currently working on expanding “Time Freak” into a feature-length film. For now, he and Causey are enjoying the buzz from their nomination. “Finding out you’re nominated for an Academy Award is a surreal experience,” he said. “[The nomination] was something we had always hoped for, but was certainly not anything we really expected in any real way.” Nicola Pring is a staff writer. Email her at features@nyunews.com.
NYU gears up for Violet 100
File Photo By Sam Magida for WSN
UVL competition tonight will open the first-ever Violet 100. affairs committee chair for SSC. “We just thought, why don’t we try to play with it and make a weekend of some sort?” The third event is Saturday’s Violet Ball, which will allow students to enjoy a huge party in the normally subdued space of Bobst library. The Ball is at 8:30
p.m., but those still looking for a chance to attend are out of luck. “This is the fastest the Violet Ball has ever sold out,” Ehari said. The spirit week will conclude with the 1831 Fund’s brunch with NYU President John Sexton on Sunday at 11 a.m. It will take place at the NYU School of Law building. “What the 1831 Fund stands for — students helping their fellow students by creating need-based scholarships — embodies the spirit of NYU,” said Laura McGinley, 1831 Fund’s associate director. “So Spirit Week is a perfect fit.” The brunch will be open for all student donors as a way to celebrate their efforts to give back. Donations can be made online at nyu. edu/1831-fund. Nicole Gartside is a staff writer. Email her at features@nyunews.com.
Book studies the trends of living solo By Brittany VanBibber
Eric Klinenberg, the head of the sociology department at NYU, discussed the growing trend of people living alone — the subject of his new book “Going Solo” — with WSN. Question: How much research did you do for this book? Can you describe the process? Answer: I would say from start to finish we spent more than seven years doing research. We did more than 300 interviews. It was an obsessive project. When you really want to get deep into something, you have to get obsessive about it. Q: What would you like readers to take away from “Going Solo”? A: Literally, for all of 200,000 years of human history, there was no society that sustained large numbers of people living alone for long periods of time, anywhere, until the 1950s and ’60s. Today, it’s completely common in almost every developed economy and society. Another big part of the story is that the rise of living alone doesn’t usually mean what we think it means. One of the very surprising things I learned was how socially active singletons are. Q: Would you then say this phenomenon you have been researching has pros and cons? A: I would say that. My book isn’t trying to argue against marriage or persuade people to live alone. It’s trying to explain how this incredible social change happens and to explore its consequences. Some of its consequences are cheerier than others. Q: How did New York City inspire this book? A: So many young people in cities like New York are delaying marriage. For young New Yorkers, I discovered that living alone was aspirational. It’s how you can express your success to the world and to yourself. The streets of Manhattan are supercharged with all of these single people who are interested in being together. So Manhattan is a place where people come to live alone together. Q: How can this book be applied to NYU students? A: There are many people who are on the cusp of graduation from NYU, but they feel like it’s an impossible fantasy in the type of job market that we are in. It’s true that more young adults are moving back in with their families because of the recession. The point is not that people are choosing to live alone forever. Most people don’t. Most people will live with others. There can be very tough times right now, but there are tough times whether you are married or going solo. Brittany VanBibber is a staff writer. Email her at features@nyunews.com.
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500 Seventh Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 The times crossword & daily sudoku Fornew Information york Call: 1-800-972-3550 For Release Thursday, February 23, 2012
Edited by Will Shortz Across 1 *Rumpus 9 Spanning 15 Some 16 *Excitement 17 Like the maximum-height New York City apartment building that’s not required to have a fire evacuation plan 18 Suave 19 Santa ___ 20 Encyclopedia units: Abbr. 21 World financial grp. 22 Footnote abbr. 23 Stallone and Stone 24 Bridge seats 28 Inits. on many uniforms since 2002 29 “Pfui!”
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For answers, call 1-900-285-5656, $1.49 a minute; or, with a credit card, 1-800-814-5554. Annual subscriptions are available for the best of Sunday crosswords from the last 50 years: 1-888-7-ACROSS. AT&T users: Text NYTX to 386 to download puzzles, or visit nytimes.com/mobilexword for more information. Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 2,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year). Share tips: nytimes.com/wordplay. Crosswords for young solvers: nytimes.com/learning/xwords.
nyunews.com | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2012 | Washington Square news
OPINION
edited by olivia gonzalez opinion@nyunews.com
Narcotics
War on drugs causes unintended injury By Louis Loftus In a debate over the legalization of marijuana, it is common that the side speaking against the motion will often ask as a last resort, “Why should such a thing be made legal?” Well, to begin with, our society is such that the burden of proof concerning the legality of an act or substance is not on those who wish it to be legal but rather those who wish it to be illegal. That is, there is no need to justify why one should be allowed to do something; there is only a need to justify why one should not be allowed to do it. That is why state legal codes and the Bill of Rights are not infinitely long lists of things that people can do, but rather relatively short lists of things people cannot do. However, putting that argument to the side, I would like to consider the question, “Why should marijuana be legalized?” Or rather, “Why should it not be illegal?” Has its illicit status ever done any real harm outside inconveniencing people looking to get high? Well, yes. On last week’s “This American Life,” New York Times writer Robbie Brown reported that Justin Laboy, a high school student in Palm Beach
County, Fla., fell in love with a girl at his school who turned out to be a 25-year-old undercover cop — just like “Never Been Kissed,” except with a police officer and a sadder ending. See, Justin had really fallen for the officer’s alias Naomi, so when she came to school one day asking if he could help find her some weed, he was more than willing to try. Now, understand that Justin was by no means a drug dealer. He did not even smoke pot and was an honor roll student interested in joining the Air Force. But then I suppose Adam only bit that apple after Eve talked him into it, and Naomi was Justin’s Eve. He was powerless to resist. After a week of prodding, Justin finally came to school one day with a small bag of marijuana for Naomi. He showed her, and she asked to pay for it. Justin refused, but Naomi insisted and eventually $25 was exchanged. The police had their man. It is a particularly egregious felony in the state of Florida to sell marijuana on school grounds. Being 18, Justin was tried as an adult and convicted of that felony. He took a plea bargain and was sentenced to three years probation. In
one moment all his hopes of going to a good college or joining the Air Force were lost. Another upstanding, young, nonwhite man now had a record and fewer career options — that is to say another victory for the war on drugs. Want a reason why marijuana should not be illegal? Here it is. It ruins the lives of people like Justin and makes the police waste their time and our money hunting young adults committing victimless crimes. And you don’t need to be a pothead to see it. This is what anti-marijuana people never seem to understand — that being in favor of the legalization of marijuana does not mean being in favor of smoking it. There are many things — like folk-dancing — which I disprove of but still think should be legal because prohibition is not a neutral act. It can make criminals of the innocent and bullies of the well-intentioned police. My heart goes out to Justin Laboy — the helpless sinner, banished from his garden. Perhaps he will still find success east of Eden. Louis Loftus is a staff columnist. Email him at opinion@nyunews.com.
Election 2012
Obama should be wary despite rising approval By Monica Xie A supposedly wise man once said, “Yes we can to justice and equality. Yes we can to opportunity and prosperity. Yes we can heal this nation. Yes we can repair this world. Yes we can.” But can we? Or even better, have we? Recent surveys and polls appear to suggest that the public thinks President Barack Obama might be able to do so — or has done so. In consequence of rising optimism in reaction to the improving economy, Obama’s approval ratings have risen since his lowest approval rating at 38 percent in August and October of 2011 to 45 percent according to Gallup’s recent poll. Other polls have presented even higher turnarounds, with the Rasmussen Reports and The New York Times/ CBS all polling a 50 percent approval rating for Obama. Many attribute this to an improvement in the economic outlook with consecutive months of bullish stock markets, increasing consumer demand and accelerating job growth. However, the central question that persists is whether Obama will be able to sustain this momentum until November. Since World War II, no U.S. president has managed to win a re-election with a national unemployment above 7.2 percent — the level of unemployment at which Ronald Reagan managed to
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secure his second term in office. So will Obama be the exception? Or perhaps even manage to lower unemployment below 7.2 percent? The prospects of a second term for Obama will be heavily determined by the next eight crucial months. His ability to convince the country that the economy is on the mend, especially under his watch, will likely play a decisive role. And indeed, Obama has recently endeavored to take a proactive approach to demonstrate his worth. His administration’s budget proposal for the 2013 fiscal year — viewed mostly as a campaign document, with few elements expected to win approval because of a divided congress — highlights Obama’s bold intent for fiscal rectitude and populist taxes. Similarly, the recent payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits extension has both Republicans and Democrats celebrating it as a win for all. Not only does it exhibit a rare moment of bipartisanship in Washington, it will help struggling Americans and the struggling economy. But is this enough to make voters trust in Obama’s many past, often futile, promises? Looking at the bigger picture, it most likely isn’t. In many ways, Obama’s fate is not in his own hands at all. Obama is a fish caught in a strong current, his fate contingent on the minute-to-minute changes
in the domestic economy and the European crisis. Any sudden downturn in this country or Europe can drastically change the economy and put Obama back in a similar position as the one he was in the latter half of 2011, likely lowering his already teetering-on-the-edge approval numbers. At a time where 66 percent of voters find economic issues as the fundamental influential factor in their support of a candidate versus 22 percent of voters who find social issues more significant, Obama cannot afford any sort of economic regression. Yet at the same time, Obama can do little in the short run to mitigate the current economic situation. In other words, for Democrats, it’s not the time to celebrate Obama’s improving approval numbers and re-election chances. There is still a long way to go. Whomever the Republican primaries churn out as their candidate to run against Obama — whether it be Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum or Newt Gingrich — will naturally have the upper hand if economic numbers deteriorate. So for now, the verdict is out on Obama. Can he turn “Yes we can” into “Yes we did” in these final hours of his presidential term? Monica Xie is a contributing columnist. Email her opinion@nyunews.com.
staff editorial
N.Y. push for solar energy is economical A study conducted by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, as part of the Power New York Act of 2011, encourages the New York Legislature to invest in solar energy. The report finds that fossil fuel consumption would drop by 4 percent and carbon dioxide emissions would decline by 3 percent by the year 2025 if New York were to increase its usage of solar power to 5,000 megawatts. The report, however, also warns that investing in solar energy could cost ratepayers anywhere from $300 million to $9 billion by 2025 because of the yearly increase that would range from 0.1 to 5 percent. Despite such a large range, advocates of the measure say the positives outweigh the negatives. Not only would the model that the study promotes create an additional 2,300 jobs for New Yorkers, it would be a long term solution for the growing problems of foreign energy dependence and local environmental hazards. The economy is currently improving, but unemployment numbers remain a concern for the New York workforce. Increasing job opportunities for workers should be the number one goal of the state legislature. Investing in solar energy will produce tangible results in addressing this goal. Right now, the country’s dependence on oil overseas is an issue on several fronts. Besides the economic debt that has accumulated over the years, America has also entered several conflicts in the Middle East, which were either directly or indirectly connected to this resource. Making ourselves energy independent is a crucial step in allowing the United States to put its interests first. The aforementioned reliance on fossil fuels has had a major impact on the environment that has only worsened over time. While only 44 percent of Americans believe in the concept of anthropogenic, or man-made, global warming, according to a recent Harper’s Weekly Magazine poll, the evidence suggests otherwise. Scientific studies have shown the negative effect of human-generated greenhouse gases on urban climate, producing what are known as heat islands. Because of New York’s status as an economic hub, endorsing the study would allow the state to emerge as a pioneer in the movement toward alternative energy and environmental protection. The cost of pursuing this potential solution would require ratepayers to bite the bullet in the short term; however, as infrastructure is put in place, this would dramatically subside. Email the WSN Editorial Board at editboard@nyunews.com.
Editorial Board: Olivia Gonzalez (Chair), Atticus Brigham (Co-Chair), Sanchay Jain (Co-Chair), Chris DiNardo, Emily Franklin, Matt Kao, Ben Miller and Peter Murphy.
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Washington Square news | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2012 | nyunews.com
SPORTs
edited by daniel hinton sports@nyunews.com
Knicks ride wave to South Beach in Weekend Watch By Sebastien Van Heyningen
via Flickr
New York Knicks’ point guard and basketball star Jeremy Lin has become a global legend.
From the Midwest to Italy, sports fans have plenty to watch in the next few days. WSN takes a look at the top events of this weekend. New York Knicks vs. Miami Heat (Thursday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m. EST, TNT) International sensation Jeremy Lin and the Knicks will take their talents to South Beach to face the Heat, who have the highest win percentage in the league. For the first time, LeBron James will not be the most talked about athlete in Miami, as Lin will try to grab his ninth win as a starter. The Knicks have reenergized their fan base since head coach Mike D’Antoni decided to take Lin off of the bench and put him on the court against the New Jersey Nets over two weeks ago. Meanwhile, Miami is after its first number one seed since 2005 and has defeated their past seven opponents by at least twelve points. The Heat’s young backcourt, including point guard Mario Chalmers and rookie point guard Norris Cole, will try to put an end to the Linsanity phenomenon that has swept the NBA. After losing 100-92 to the Nets on Monday night, questions still surround the chemistry of New York’s newest starters. The Knicks have added three players — Lin, fellow point guard Baron Davis and shoot-
Violets win sixth consecutive UVC match By Sara Levy
The NYU men’s volleyball team avenged their last loss by defeating Vassar College in five sets last night. In their sixth straight victory in the United Volleyball Conference, the Violets dropped the first and third sets to the Brewers while winning the other three 25-19, 2514 and 15-5. In their first season as a member, NYU remains undefeated in the UVC. The Violets struggled to find their rhythm in the first set. Once they established themselves by winning the second set, NYU rode their momentum through the final four sets. “We gel for a number of points, then go down for a little bit,” head coach Jose Pina said. “We have the talent and physicality to dominate teams, but we have to do it on a more consistent basis.” Overall Vassar outblocked NYU 20-14 and were up two sets to one after the third. “[Vassar’s] defense is great, and they have a very disciplined block,” Pina said.
But the Brewers dropped the final two sets and missed a chance to sweep the regular season series against the Violets. The Violets’ attack featured impressive depth. Three players — senior co-captain Pat Dodd, senior outside hitter Taylor Fauntelory and freshman opposite Matthew MacDonald — reached double digits in kills while two players — senior cocaptain Jay Hayes and sophomore setter Connor Mortland — reached double digits in digs. Dodd, who plays outside hitter, and Mortland recorded matchhighs with 19 kills and 48 assists, respectively. “We were not 100 percent at practice, and [Vassar] is a unique team,” Fauntleroy, who had nine digs, said. “We made a bunch of errors on our own.” NYU is now 10-2 overall. The Violets will visit SUNY New Paltz, another UVC opponent, on Wednesday, Feb. 29. The match will begin at 7:00 p.m. Sara Levy is a staff writer. Email her at sports@nyunews.com.
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ing guard JR Smith — to their line up in the last two weeks while small forward Carmelo Anthony and power forward Amar’e Stoudemire finally returned from injury this past week. With a healthy roster, Thursday is the perfect chance for them to prove their strength in the Eastern Conference. Società Sportiva Calcio Napoli vs. Football Club Internazionale Milano (Sunday, Feb. 26, 2:45 p.m. EST, ESPN3.com) In Italy’s Serie A, Internazionale will travel to Stadio San Paolo to take on Napoli, who just came off a thrilling victory over Chelsea F.C. in the Champions League. Napoli will attempt to maintain momentum against their domestic competition. Internazionale has not won a game since they beat Lazio 2-1 on Jan. 22, including a 1-0 loss to Marseilles on Wednesday night. They were also shutout by Napoli on Oct. 1. Uruguayan forward Edinson Cavani leads Napoli with 15 goals through 20 matches. After recording one goal and two assists against Chelsea, Cavani continued his dominance at the front of a formidable forward line featuring himself, Ezequiel Ivan Lavezzi and Goran Pandev. To defend against Napoli’s attack, Internazionale will send out forward Diego Milito and a strong back line featuring Walter Samuel and Brazilian star Maicon Sisonando. Since achieving the Continental
Treble in 2010, Internazionale has taken a dive and currently sits in seventh place behind Napoli in Serie A. Still, this is a chance to shut down a hot team and establish some momentum going into their next Champions League match. University of Missouri Tigers vs. Kansas University Jayhawks (Saturday, Feb. 25, 4 p.m. EST, CBS) The latest rematch between Missouri and Kansas will be the 267th edition of the Border War. Sadly, it will be their last division matchup, as Missouri plans to leave the Big 12 for the Southeastern Conference next season. Kansas holds a commanding lead in the series, including three national titles to Mizzou’s zero. However, the No. 3 Tigers are playing inspired ball thus far and are currently ranked third in The Associated Press Top 25. No. 4 Kansas has already tasted defeat at the hands of their division rivals this year. When the Jayhawks visited Missouri on Feb. 4, Tigers senior guard Marcus Denmon led his team to victory with a game-high 29 points, including nine in the final two minutes. Although the location of the game will change, the result will not. Mizzou will stay above Kansas in the national rankings. Sebastien Van Heyningen is a contributing writer. Email