WSN022912

NYU’s Daily Student Newspaper

washington square news Vol. 40, No. 25

wednesday, february 29, 2012

nyunews.com

TEDx talk series to arrive at NYU

Students, alumni rally for education

Members of the NYU community will get the opportunity this spring to collaborate with TEDx, a branch of the TED Talks — a conference that brings together innovators in Technology, Entertainment and Design.

TEDx, which was created by the TED conference in 2009, has programs similar to the one beginning at NYU. It is currently affiliated with many research universities across the country including Yale University, Columbia University and the University of Minnesota. This is the first version of the program to exist at NYU. On the website, TEDx said universities are centers of knowledge and incubators for great ideas and thus a perfect match for TEDx events.

“Events held at universities, organized by both students and

Over 20 NYU students and alumni came together for NYU in Albany Day to lobby for the programs that have benefited students.

Prepared with statistical evidence and personal stories, students acted as special interest groups lobbying for an increase in financial aid programs like the Tuition Assistance Program, Higher Education Opportunity Programs and Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program.

“I’m part of the higher education opportunity program, that’s how I came to NYU,” CAS sophomore Giovanni Barcenes said. “It was a privilege and a blessing, and I just want to give back.”

Each year, the NYU Office of Government and Community Affairs pairs groups of students and alumni with relevant state legislators and aides at the capital.

“Anyone and everyone can

By Elizabeth Maguire

By Amy Zhang

James Kelleher/WSN

MIT professor Abhijit Banerjee discussed education reform in developing countries at Gallatin last night.

R TED continued on PG. 3

R SEE PAGE 3

New film goes backstage at Fashion Week

via style.com

Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough in 2009.

By Hilary Presley With Fashion Week happening in New York, London and Paris, the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology pulled back the curtain to take a candid peek at the behind-thescenes magic and madness.

French documentary filmmaker Loïc Prigent presented his film, “The Day Before: Proenza Schouler” at the Museum at FIT on Feb. 26 as part of a special series called REEL Fashion at French Institute Alliance Français. Prigent followed designers Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough for Proenza Schouler through the final 36 hours before their Fall 2009 runway show for an intimate look at the chaos, fun and passion that goes into the creation of fashion.

Hernandez and McCollough met in New York while studying at The New School’s Parsons School of Design. The duo went on to win the first Coucil

of Fashion Designers of America Vogue Fashion Fund award in 2004. The fund awards money and a mentorship to emerging American designers. Since winning the award, Proenza Schouler has grown immensely and continues to be a leading talent in the industry, gaining more attention with every collection.

Prigent captures the energetic, intensely meticulous and passionate pair right as they are on the cusp of making it to the top. In 2009, the duo had produced around 14 collections but were in danger of losing buyers and the ever-fleeting

R SCREENING continued on PG. 4

R ALBANY continued on PG. 3

‘Awake’ brings hope to NBC’s spring line-up

By Jonathon Dornbush

The loss of a close family member is a tragic event in anyone’s life. For police detective Michael Britten (Jason Isaacs), the death of his son during a car crash has proven traumatic for his wife Hannah (Laura Allen). Though he continues to lead his life, Hannah has taken to repainting the house in the hopes of a fresh start. At night the two fall asleep together, and when Michael wakes up, he is alone in his bed. He goes to eat breakfast with his son Rex, who has been distant ever since Hannah died in the car crash.

Michael continues to go through the motions of his detective job as he struggles to restore his bond with his son, only to fall asleep each night and wake up once again next to his wife.

This back and forth is not a typo; in NBC’s fantastic new pilot “Awake,” Michael lives in two worlds, one in which his son has died and the other in which he has lost his wife. Michael is unsure which is a dream and which is reality.

While this question will certainly keep viewers guessing, the high-concept plot is not what makes this pilot the best of the season. Rather it is Isaacs’ tremendous performance as a man living a fragmented life.

The success of “Awake” rests on Isaacs’ shoulders — if viewers cannot care about the struggles Michael faces, the larger mystery of why he is experiencing these realities is meaningless.

Thankfully, Isaacs nails every emotional and narrative beat. He brings

R AWAKE continued on PG. 8

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Washington Square news | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012 | nyunews.com

on the side

Compiled by the

WSN staff

wish wednesday Washington Square News

e uld se roadway h I co B “I wis show on aughters.” every my two d om with NYU m ayse, M y c — Nan

Editor-in-Chief amanda randone Managing Editor

jaewon kang

ren’t “I wish NYU we so expensive.” tano, — Randi Amalfie LSP sophomor

Deputy Managing Editor

Amy zhang Assistant Managing Editor

james lanning Creative Director “I wish NYU sports would get better.”

selena chen

— Luke Licata, Emerson junior

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,

“I wish to become a successful photo grapher.”

— Chelsea Trout, Ga llatin freshman

BRIDGETTE DORAN

deputy staff

university eric benson, eliza-

“I wish for the rec ognition of love and beauty of happ life. For the celebrat iness in everyday day on the NYU camion of life everypus.”

— Eva Kerner, Scien ces Po junior in Paris, France

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 VIA FLICKR

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

TODAY

1

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3:30 to 4:30 p.m. | Health Promotion Office | 726 Broadway, Third Floor

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. | NYU Bookstore

Free back rubs

The Stressbusters will help you relax with free fiveto seven-minute back rub sessions.

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“Addiction”

A panel of writers will discuss their past addictions.

7 to 8:30 p.m. | 16 Washington Mews

“Les jeunes et l’amour dans les cités” Author and visiting professor Isabelle Clair will discuss her book in French.

BRIGHAM, SANCHAY JAIN

advertising business manager

REBECCA RIBEIRO circulation manager

chloe coffman

university sales coordinator

Emilia Mironovici

SNAPSHOT

ON THE WIRE

Chuck Norris may stretch from Slovakia to Austria

Slovaks have been mulling over the decision to name a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge after ’80s film star Chuck Norris. The bridge would span the Morava River and connect Slovakia and Austria. Other options Slovaks are also considering for the bridge are Maria Theresa after the Austro-Hungarian empress and Devinska after the bridge’s nearest village. For citizens to vote on the names, the regional assembly has set up a poll that will run until April. At the moment Chuck Norris is in the lead with 74 percent of the total vote.

— Reuters

University of Michigan

Students install hot tub on North Campus — The Michigan Daily Tufts University

Vendors present their goods to be sold at the Union Square farmer’s market.

PHOTO BY Carina Wong

Tufts’ Boston campus to go tobacco free in April — The Tufts Daily

sales representatives

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 About WSN: Washington Square News (ISSN 15499389) is the student newspaper of New York University. WSN is published Monday through Thursday during NYU’s academic year, except for university holidays, vacations and exam periods.

Corrections: WSN is committed to accurate reporting. When we make errors, we do our best to correct them as quickly as possible. If you believe we have erred, contact managing editor Jaewon Kang at managing@nyunews.com or at 212.998.4302.

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nyunews.com | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012 | Washington Square news

TED continued from PG. 1

ALBANY continued from PG. 1

TEDxNYU to hold its first talk in April administration, have shown the benefit of a captivated audience and groups of engaged volunteers poised to make meaningful change,” it reads.

Vishrut Kanoria, CAS junior and director of marketing at TEDxNYU, said TEDxNYU selects speakers in two ways.

“One is through nominations on the website, where the general public can nominate the speakers,” he said. “The other way is by word of mouth — people who we know we can reach out to and who would be a good person to have as a speaker at the event.”

Kanoria, who began watching TED Talks online as a freshman, decided he wanted to work on these events at NYU. Last fall, he gathered a group of students together who were also interested in starting TEDxNYU that share the same values as the TED conference.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology economist Abhijit Banerjee said he believes the modern perspective on education is misguided. Last night at the Gallatin School of Individualized Study, he said a change in mindset — rather than spending more money and resources — is needed to improve education systems.

“The colonial view of education has convinced us that education is about learning stuff, but it is really about taking command of whatever educational resources are right in front of us,” Banerjee said.

“We need to teach children what they don’t know and not what they should know.”

Many developing nations in Southeast Asia and Africa suffer from low literacy levels and low school attendance. Banerjee said the highly competitive, jobs-driven mindset of education systems in the developing world is the root of these problems. He added that this standard has hindered children in developing nations from receiving good education.

“Children are constantly getting the message that they aren’t smart enough,” Banerjee said.

He recalled a study, in which he allowed teachers at a school in India to randomly select a group of students, who were separated by skill level, to teach. He said those who had weaker students acted as if they had lost the lottery. Banerjee said this mentality is what keeps developing nations from creating a more robust edu-

NYU alumni, students lobby to strengthen financial programs

Griffin Dooling, Stern sophomore and director of marketing at TEDxNYU, said TEDx can publish NYU talks on its website and YouTube channel in exchange for using the TED brand.

Though the group does not know how many events it will hold, Dooling said the masters of ceremonies and one of the speakers at its first talk on April 14 will be NYU students. Other speakers and organizers of the event will only be NYU students, faculty and alumni. He said he hopes this will create a presence of community on campus.

“I do like how informative it is on various topics,” said NYUPoly junior Greg Zacaro, who watches TED talks about new technology. “I’d be interested in that collaboration.”

Elizabeth Maguire is a deputy university editor. Email her at university@nyunews.com.

MIT prof. discusses education reform

By Hanqing Chen

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cation system for their children.

“There are students in fifth grade that can’t read,” he said.

“But no one wants to teach them how to because they figure it’s a lost cause anyway.”

He showcased several studies, which indicated that lack of money and resources is not necessarily the cause of the problem in the education system.

In his research, he conducted randomized control trials to test for the effectiveness of various methods, such as smaller classroom sizes and effects of computers on learning. Banerjee said high-tech devices affect students’ learning abilities. Rather, the more effective solutions were lowtech, low-cost ones like training local volunteers to be remedial class teachers and separating students according to their skill level.

Rachel Lares, a CAS senior and audience member, said she appreciated how realistic Banerjee was.

“Even if we can’t do this very grandiose thing, we can still move in increments,” he said.

However, some were concerned with the professor’s lack of idealism would set the bar too low for education reform in developing nations.

“I’m very concerned about his concept of settling for less,” Marlie Wilson, a Gallatin senior and audience member, said. “Should we really allow all developing nations to settle for calling center jobs?”

Hanqing Chen is investigative editor.

Email her at hchen@nyunews.com.

Amy Zhang/WSN

Over 20 members of NYU community came together for the 27th NYU in Albany Day yesterday. come,” Jennifer Pautz, senior analyst and NYU Albany Day organizer, said. “It’s not [a] question of telling something [officials] don’t know but advocating how successful [students] are and putting a face to names of success stories.”

With a 25-year history, NYU in Albany Day has acquainted hundreds of students with the legislative process.

Senator Kevin Parkersaid , support for increased funding for programs like HEOP are regularly ignored. The groups targeted are largely minority groups with low representation as well as students

whose support for the aid is transitory and ends upon graduation.

“As students come up, they may not get what they want, but if they don’t come up they are definitely not going to get it,” Parker said. “It’s important that [students] know who their representatives are and are engaged with them about the issues that are important to them.”

Programs like NYU in Albany Day and NYU in Washington, D.C. Day in March have encouraged alumni, like 2010 graduate Joan E. Hunt, to return. Hunt participated in NYU Albany Day throughout her undergraduate career and has since

returned each year to join the trek to Albany. For her, the opportunity programs were the sole reason an education at NYU was possible.

“My parents don’t earn an income so I had no ability to pay for college,” Hunt said. “I keep coming back because I know there are many students who are passionate, who have a dream school and dream program that they want to pursue and can’t because of finance.”

Amy Zhang is deputy managing editor.

Email her at azhang@nyunews.com.

MCAT to add new section covering psychology, social science in 2015

By Alex Silady

A new section of questions, dealing with psychology and social science, will be added to the Medical College Admission Test starting in 2015.

The American Association of Medical Colleges said in a press release it is altering the exam to ensure that it keeps pace with changes in the medical field, including “new and innovative treatments, health care system reforms and the challenges that come with serving an increasingly diverse population.”

Karen Mitchell, senior director of admissions testing at the AAMC, said this was not a sudden change.

“Since 2008, we’ve been considering changes that will make for better-prepared medical students, and therefore better-prepared doctors,” Mitchell said. “The academic credentials of all our many applicants are strong, and we need something to make our process more selective.”

The AAMC also plans to add higher-level biology questions to the general biology section and

increase the length of the exam by 90 minutes. In addition, the writing section will be removed from the test in January 2013.

The changes come with an increase in medical school applications, which increased 2.8 percent in 2011 from 2010.

The new section will require knowledge of introductory psychology and sociology, and premed students will need to take upper-level classes in these fields before taking the test. Brian Paquette, associate dean for Preprofessional Advising in the College of Arts and Science, said NYU’s pre-health department is gearing up for the pending change.

“We’re going to have to alter our curriculum in some way in order to keep up,” Paquette said.

“However, we’re not sure exactly what changes will be necessary, and we can’t know that until we have reviewed the proposed content of the new sections.”

Test preparation companies are also keeping up with the AAMC’s new requirements. Jeff Koetje, director of pre-health programs for

Kaplan Test Prep, said this is not the first time a graduate-level exam changed recently.

“The GREs also are about to undergo some sweeping changes, and it’s just part of our job to be prepared for that,” Koetje said. “We’re going to have our materials reflect the new changes starting next year, so students have some time to experience what the 2015 test is going to be like.”

CAS sophomore Mrinal Subbiah, who plans to take the MCAT after the changes go into effect, said he does not mind the changes.

“In practice, it doesn’t mean much to have a basic understanding of psychology,” Subbiah said. “What does maybe one additional class requirement mean in the scheme of things?

Besides, I’m already planning on taking biochemistry.”

However, CAS freshman Frederick Chen is opposed to the changes.

“Pre-med students are overworked as it is,” Chen said. “This is just an additional burden.”

Alex Silady is a contributing writer.

Email him at cstate@nyunews.com.

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Washington Square news | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012 | nyunews.com

BEAUTY AND STYLE

Street Be

SCREENING continued from PG. 1

New film looks beyond the runway interest of the fashion industry. Everything was riding on this fall collection, and Prigent was there to capture every heart-stopping moment in the 36 hours leading up to their show.

In those hours, belts were spray painted a different color, fur accessories were made from scratch, gloves were bedazzled — torn apart — and then redazzeled, dresses were altered more times than countable, models’ feet were crammed into shoes

D.I.Y.

two sizes too small and collars were stitched seconds before hitting the runway. The stress was palpable.

On a budget of just over $100,000, Hernandez and McCollough put all their focus on intricate, complicated, utterly cool designs. The film looks at their obsessive drive for perfection in materializing their vision. From finding the perfect model to getting the color of the belts just right, no detail is left unnoticed by this dynamic pair. When see-

ing the perfectly styled looks and stunning models grace the runway, it is hard to imagine all the chaos that ensued to make the line possible.

The unsung heroes — the interns, ateliers and seamstresses — also get a much-deserved spotlight in the film. Every single person involved worked tirelessly all 36 hours, making endless final alterations and even having a laugh or two. The film as well as the two designers is incredibly funny.

“They are personal favorites of mine and are people I wanted to film because their process is so interesting,” Prigent said after the film screening in a question-and-answer session.

“I only film [fashion] houses where they laugh.”

In an industry that can easily get uptight and serious, Hernandez and McCollough breathe fresh life and infectious energy into everything they do.

Hilary Presley is a staff writer.

Get on the bandeau wagon

By Sydney Wu

Question: What is your favorite beauty product?

Answer: I can’t live without Garnier Fructis Anti-Frizz tames my hair and protects it when I blow-dry it. It keep split ends. Normally, for people who have frizzy hair like helps to make hair more manageable and prettier. Wom frizzy hair, get this product. I also cannot go without Bur My lips get so chapped during the winter, and this is a pe feels so soothing on your lips. Burt’s Bees also offers tinte hydrate your lips and give them some color.

Q: Skin also tends to get dry during the winter. How are skin moisturized this season?

A: If you want to keep your skin nice and smooth, alw

What’s in for m

By Avianne Tan

Rachel Perlman/WSN

Transform a fall trend for the spring and bring sparkle to your bandeau.

By Rachel Perlman As seen in WSN’s Trending, sequins are a big look for the upcoming fall and winter seasons.

Lela Rose and Candela, among many others, dressed their models in sequined embellished dresses and sweaters. For those who do not want to wait until the fall to rock this trend, choose a more spring-friendly piece of clothing to design a unique shimmery creation. For an understated, versatile look, opt for a simple bandeau to throw on beneath a low-cut top or sheer shirt.

Materials: 1. A bandeau (available at American Apparel for $15) 2. Sequins 3. Tacky glue Directions: 1. Lay the bandeau out on a flat surface. Make sure that it is properly centered.

2. Squeeze a small amount of tacky glue onto the bandeau, and immediately place a sequin before the glue dries. Do not use a lot of glue because it is very strong, and a small amount will sufficiently hold the sequins.

3. Squeeze one bit of glue at a time and place the sequins around the bandeau. The more scattered and less organized, the better the overall look.

4. Continue placing sequins as in step 3 until the desired look is achieved. After all of the sequins have been glued on to the surface, let the bandeau dry for 20 minutes.

5. Carefully try on the bandeau and see if there are any more places to put sequins that you may have missed. If additional sequins are necessary, be sure to let the bandeau dry for the same amount of time as in step 3.

Tip: For a more dramatic look, use contrasting colors for the bandeau and sequins.

Rachel Perlman/WSN

Rachel Perlman is a contributing writer. Email her at bstyle@nyunews.com.

Brin

Depending on the guy, shopp any guy looking great for th

via pacsun.com

via vans.com

New Layers Since spring can be a confusing time in the city, layers are always a practical trend. Try pairing a button-down plaid or flannel shirt with a solid field jacket or a casual unlined blazer. Check out Pacsun’s Spiewak & Sons Mead Two Field Jacket (buy one, get one free online for $159) and the variety of shirts and flannels the company is offering with a buy two, get one free deal online.

Bold Colors Bright colors were a strong trend last year, but for 2012 think even bolder. You don’t need to dress like a highlighter, but accent your wardrobe with a pair of colored jeans, neon-colored shirts or pastel socks. Check out Vans’ Canvas Authentic shoes ($45) available in almost 30 colors to suit any taste.

via

Varsit Looks inspire tional jock and nitely in style t sporting a varsity penders and a bu a neat tie. It’s al to bring out th vests and cardiga ber to add a colo as bright-colored will surely compl academic look. the Fair Isle V-Ne Lauren ($165).

Jewelry tips for the confid

By Nicola

When it comes to wearing jewelry, many men shy away. Guys tend to think jewelry is exude a certain confidence about their personal style.

For guys who want to add a little extra flair to their look, basic but sturdy bracelets, ri Bracelets Leather bracelets are rugged, masculine pieces for men. Keep your look simple by choosing one or two interesting bracelets rather than overdoing it with a whole stack. Experiment with thick leather bracelets in dark colors, or try on a watch with a plain black or brown leather band. To add a few extra pieces to your wrists, consider thin, braided rope bracelets in neutral colors. For a bolder, flashier look, try a thick silver or bronze cuff bracelet.

Ri Plain, heavy rings are the best way to go for men. Unless it is a wedding band, avoid shiny metals — instead, opt for a ring in faded bronze or silver and skip gemstones altogether.

Simp meta

nyunews.com | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012 | Washington Square news

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edited by SHANNON LOUGHRAN BSTYLE@nyunews.com

eauty: Freshman reveals her hair, skin, makeup tips

nging you the best fashion tips, Street Beauty shares the beauty routines of students around campus. This week highlights LSP freshman Karen Quintana.

Serum because it ps me from getting e me, it really men, if you have rt’s Bees Chapstick. erfect solution. It ted lip balms that

re you keeping your

ways drink a lot of

water. It’s one of the best, natural methods that you can use. It purifies your body and makes your skin more radiant. I also use Bath & Body Works’ Aromatherapy Body Lotion in Sleep — Lavender Vanilla. It just works great for my skin. It makes it much softer, and if you put it on before going to sleep, the scent is very relaxing.

Q: What is your beauty routine?

A: I wake up two and a half hours before class, but one hour doesn’t count since that’s just for transportation. I use Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser Scrub. It’s amazing. It really works. I started using it maybe a year and a half ago, and since then, my face has gotten so much smoother. I recommend a foundation with SPF. Then, I use e.l.f. Eyeshadow Quad. Usually, I use earthy tones like browns and coppers and apply it all over my lids. I use Revlon Col-

men: seasonal fashion tips

ping may seem more like a chore than an enjoyable pasttime. Here are five ways to keep is upcoming spring.

a ralphlauren.com

ty Gear ed by the tradiprep are defithis season. Try y jacket with susutton-down with lso a great time hose schoolboy ans, but rememorful twist such d pants. Ray-Bans lement the cool, Take a look at eck Vest at Ralph

via jcrew.com

via myconverseallstar.com

Rusty Suede Earth tones and suede textures make for a smooth, classy and retro look — definitely a trademark for this spring season. You can capture the look with rustycolored or washed-out jeans and a pair of suede shoes, available in different styles such as boots or sneakers. Check out Suede MacAlister boots from J. Crew ($135) and 513 Slim Jeans from Levi’s ($68).

White Fashion Week has proven this color to be a new trend for the upcoming season. All-white is a sleek, clean look that any guy can easily pull off. Try Nautica Jeans’ Solid Pique Polo Shirt in white ($39.99) with Guess’ Native Solid Cargo Shorts in white ($79).

Don’t be afraid to accent the look with pops of bright color such as Converse’s Clocked or Scoreboard Watches available in colors such as red, blue, green, orange and grey ($75).

Avianne Tan is a contributing writer. Email her at bstyle@nyunews.com.

dent, contemporary man

a Pring

too feminine, so they simply stick to wearing watches. But men who pull off accessories

ings and necklaces are perfect.

ings

JAMES KELLEHER/WSN

Necklaces Simple silver or gold chains are great for guys who want to keep their accessories to a minimum. Again, keep your look clean by avoiding bright metals. If you want to add some extra flair to your look, choose a necklace with a simple pendant, like a key or a safety pin. Make sure your necklace is not too long or short — it shouldn’t be tight around your neck or hang down lower than the middle of your chest.

ple, heavy rings in faded als make a statement.

Nicola Pring is a staff writer. Email her at bstyle@nyunews.com.

orStay Eyeliner on the top and bottom of my lids. It’s long-lasting and easy to apply. I finish with Lancôme’s Hypnose Drama mascara. It’s perfect because it lengthens my lashes, makes them more bold and doesn’t clump at all.

Q: Do you have any beauty tips?

A: Get your beauty sleep. You don’t want dark circles, and it’s called beauty sleep for a reason. Even though it’s hard to do in college, make a conscious effort to sleep. Also, don’t sleep with your makeup on. It’s not healthy for your skin. If you want to remove makeup, make sure you invest in a high quality makeup remover. Think of your face in the long run. You don’t want wrinkles from rough removal. I personally love the one offered by Estee Lauder.

Sydney Wu is a contributing writer. Email her at bstyle@nyunews.com.

SYDNEY WU FOR WSN

LSP freshman Karen Quintana

Designers, buyers, consumers collaborate on new site

via melimoda.com

By Heather Mundinger Meli Moda, a new website described as a Facebook for fashion by its founder Sotiria Krikelis, is here to fulfill a fashionista’s need to voice reactions to brands’ latest collections.

Meli Moda — which takes its name from the Greek words meli, meaning sweet or honey, and moda, meaning fashion — is a new online network with a mission to connect designers, buyers and consumers in one place.

Like most new Internet ventures, Meli Moda stemmed from unlikely beginnings. Krikelis, who grew up with Greek immigrant parents, was raised to become a doctor or a lawyer someday. This landed her at Stony Brook University studying health science with a concentration in nuclear medicine.

Working with a private cardiologist, Krikelis was able to make enough money to delve independently into entrepreneurship. The idea for Meli Moda came from Krikelis’ experiences

in 2009 when she began her own line of foldable ballet flats called Relax Missy.

“I wanted to expand further,” Krikelis said. “I wanted to get the line into department stores, and it takes a lot of work, a lot of hunting down buyers. The process is usually just about the retailer when it should include the designers as well.”

After attending trade shows to promote her line, Krikelis realized how busy the buyers who attended those shows were and decided to create “a platform where they could find everything in one place.”

Thus, Meli Moda was born.

With interesting features for the site’s users, including an I’d Buy It button — similar to Facebook’s Like button — consumers can provide their favorite designers with feedback on what they like and dislike about the designers’ latest work. Consumer feedback can also help the buyers decide what to bring into their stores.

“We want the consumers to vote on what they like,” Kirkelis said. “This gives your fa-

vorite brands information on what pieces to produce more.

If it’s not popular, the brand won’t produce as many.”

Currently, the site is focusing on brands that lie within a contemporary price range of $100 to $600.

Though this may seem slightly unattainable for a typical college student, they are hoping to branch into both the lower and higher price points as well.

There are plenty of other functions Meli Moda can serve for college students as well.

“College is a discovery process,” Krikelis said.

“You go in wanting to do one thing and end up doing another. We focus on fashion as well as entrepreneurship. We hope that students will come on the site not only for shopping but for our other content as well.”

“It can really serve as an educational tool, especially for fashion students or people interested in fashion,” she added.

Heather Mundinger is a contributing writer. Email her at bstyle@nyunews.com.

Read us online nyunews.com

The New York Times Syndication Sales Corporation

Seventh Avenue, New York, times N.Y. 10018 The500new york crossword & daily sudoku For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 For Release Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Edited by Will Shortz Across 1 Gulp from a flask 5 Classic sci-fi terror, with “the” 9 Began a triathlon 13 College in New Rochelle, N.Y. 14 Running behind 15 Afghanistan’s Karzai 17 What the annual Dove Awards are awarded for 19 “The Hot Zone” virus 20 Source of Tbones 21 Like winter in Siberia 23 Game with Skip and Reverse cards 24 Baseball card fig.

26 Followers of lambdas 27 “The Crow” actress ___ Ling

28 Song title for both Fleetwood Mac and Starship 30 Kind of aerobics 32 Phyllis’s neverseen TV husband 33 Open to suggestion 36 Coming-clean words 38 Indicators of age … and a hint to this puzzle’s theme 40 Sweet filling, in commercial names 42 Inviting a blessing?

46 Sing a paean to 47 Pursuers of the Sopranos, for short 49 Drop ___ (start to disrobe) 50 “Newhart” setting 51 Tre + tre

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE I C E T

V I E W

C R A M

H O L E

R A T E R

E X I L E

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T A R V R C O O A E K I R E L O B R A U I T C A R R E B E A G O A P L S O C E S S A T S S A Y T R

E L M O S S O R E S E X Y

52 City of Kyrgyzstan 55 Tricky turn 56 One at a crime scene 59 Take illegally 61 Noir or comedy 62 Place for iodine 65 Perfumer’s compound 66 “Horrors!”

67 Accelerator particles 68 Drunken spree 69 Staph-caused irritation 70 Cherub at Notre Dame Down 1 Autograph: Abbr.

2 Ian who won the 1991 Masters 3 Yet to come 4 Act starstruck, say 5 Words on a jacket 6 Chorus syllables 7 Ear-related 8 Look good on 9 Gets rid of 10 Indiana river 11 Sights on slides 12 President Fillmore 16 “The Persistence of Memory” and others 18 Name for a bull 22 Wolfish 23 Team ___ 25 Trinidad or Tobago 29 Chipped in 31 Like telegrams, typically

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Puzzle by Gareth Bain

32 “Hungarian Rhapsodies” composer

34 Part of a slot machine

35 Any of the “Stayin’ Alive” singers

37 Apparel abbr.

39 ___ uncertain terms

40 “Gold Digger” rapper 41 Chance upon 43 “Suppose so” 44 Having chips, say 45 NASA’s Grissom 46 Feudal subject 48 Rifle problems 51 Dog in the funnies

53 Classic Bogart role 54 ___ polloi 57 Palm smartphone 58 Army NCO 60 1998 Sarah McLachlan hit 63 Scotland’s Firth of ___ 64 Mao ___-tung

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nyunews.com | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012 | Washington Square news

OPINION

edited by olivia gonzalez opinion@nyunews.com

religion

culture

America’s Christian beliefs compromise freedom

By Joe Ehrman-Dupre PRAGUE — In the 2010 census, 38 percent of Czechs were skeptical of, did not believe in or had no relationship with any God — an astounding amount compared to America’s 15 to 16 percent.

This fact is not without historical implications of religious war and communist oppression, but at least, the Czech people and their lawmakers seem to understand the way in which religion has affected their country in the past. I cannot say the same for many American politicians, who believe that our country was founded with God at its center.

“Religion for Czechs [is a] very private thing,” said Petr Mucha, professor of religion, politics and culture at NYU Prague. “[Religion] should not be included in election campaigns [here].”

This secular progression is inspiring. I wish — as an American — I could say the same for the United States, a country which supposedly adopted a doctrine of equal creation and democracy more than 200 years ago. As the LGBTQ peer ambassador for NYU Prague and a gay student, I feel ostracized by the United States’ refusal to live up to its Constitutional promises.

Gay rights are the clearest vehicle for examining how a country without political-religious fusion could

be the most desirable and enlightened of all.

Here’s a rundown of the facts. The Czech Republic has enforced legislation granting registered partnerships since 2006; the United States federally banned same-sex marriage with the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996. In the Czech Republic, there was complete same-sex, sexual act decriminalization in 1962; the U.S. decision to universally decriminalize sodomy did not come until 2003. Here in the Czech Republic, there is open gay and lesbian military service. Do I even need to mention Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell?

Both countries have much room to progress. Religion, however, is still the central question.

I could not definitively say that the lawmakers of the Czech Republic are non-religious. I could say, however, that the vast majority of lawmakers in the United States are Christian. President Barack Obama was recently attacked by Republican candidate Rick Santorum for practicing theology not “based on the Bible,” indicating that sometimes, Christian isn’t Christian enough.

The same Christian morality lies at the heart of gay rights opposition. What is unfathomable is the inability for these politicians, along with Obama, to recall the founding principles of the United States. Separation of church and state has flown out the window,

replaced by Christian teachings as the code by which a free country should make laws and elect its officials. I would argue that some Americans — how could we be American when our Constitutional rights are not upheld? — are not free and equal and will not be until politics, rather than religion, starts ruling the country.

Just look at the Czechs. Yes, the LGBTQ population here is separate from other groups in many social and romantic senses. Yes, adoption by gay couples is still not allowed, but the politics are just politics. For the most part, they are not tinged by attacks on specific groups of people.

When viewed through a bitter American lens, the Czech Republic is a far more democratic and politically free country than the one I left. It does not matter that the Czech Republic still has room to grow in social policy or that the United States has done much growing itself, making new laws everyday. When a religion so often used to attack millions of citizens is inherently embedded in politics and when it slows progressive legislation and decision making, I have little hope in our country. That is the honest truth.

Joe Ehrman-Dupre is a foreign correspondent at NYU Prague. Email him at opinion@nyunews.com

Activism

Protests a necessary active force in America

By Padmini Parasarathy After an exhilarating autumn filled with Occupy Wall Street protests, the winter has seemed relatively bleak in the way of activism.

Regardless of individuals’ opinions, OWS has forced a national dialogue. It has engaged some and enraged others. However, it doubtlessly equipped citizens with a platform to express their views, if only for a short time. In the wake of this tumult, it may seem that activism has all but died out, but I do not think this is the case.

OWS has sparked a new understanding that a large enough voice can penetrate bureaucracy and force the sweeping hand of government. The massive Internet backlash against Stop Online Piracy Act and Protect IP Act is partial evidence of this new social awareness.

Though the bill is likely to return after amendment and more deliberation, a resounding message was sent to Congress that Americans did not want this legislation to be passed. A small victory was won.

Surely, Internet protest is not live protest. But the voices of Americans are heard all the same. The fire that was sparked in September has

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dimmed to a small flame, but it is not out altogether. The winter has been a time to internalize this uproar.

If this bipartisan stalemate escalates further in Congress, Americans will act — both online and on the streets. Congressional approval ratings currently stand at approximately 10 percent, lower than Nixon’s approval rating during the Watergate scandal. Another ridiculous standoff like the debt ceiling debate of last summer will force civic engagement.

There are only two ways to affect necessary change in a society.

One way is to raze and rebuild the framework of government. Disregarding fringe anarchists, this is not the desirable choice. The only other way is to work within the system, with a loudspeaker. The failure of the OWS movement is largely because a choice between the two options was never made.

Destroying the government and starting afresh was clearly not the preferred option, but the momentum that citizens gained was never directed at the politics and mechanisms responsible for our economic woes.

This spring and summer will be the time to direct the citizens’ mi-

crophone to the politicians. A season of vigorous political discourse and debate is imminent in this country.

The looming presidential election is the natural way to shine a spotlight on the nation’s crippling issues.

Even if OWS itself is dead, other movements are surely coming.

The Internet will continue to be used as a tool to organize protests, and citizens will continue to exercise their influence over their representatives. The bloody resistances in Syria, Egypt and other Arab countries serve as poignant yet hopeful reminders to Americans that we are lucky to have the ability to express our dissent. We have the power to remind our government that it is of, by and for the people.

Democracy is about finding a solution that the majority supports and that all consent to. Protest and activism are means to express to our representatives what our general consensus is. The seed that was planted last fall germinates and continues to take root. Citizens stand shoulder to shoulder, ready to speak.

Padmini Parasarathy is a contributing columnist. Email her at opinion@nyunews.com.

McDonald’s: the French Way

By Sika Yeboah-Sampong PARIS — Wine, cheese and French fries. One of them is not like the other, and it happens to be the one that most people think is the crème de la crème of French cuisine.

We all know French fries are not French, so why is that they taste so much better in France? Whereas Magnolia’s red velvet cupcakes hands-down constitute a guilty pleasure for me back in New York, McDonald’s french fries — McDonald’s anything ­— in Paris has definitely become a weakness of mine. With boulangeries and weekly open air markets all around, what is it about McDonald’s that seems so appealing in Paris?

One does not usually think of buying pains au chocolat or even macaroons at McDonald’s, but these specialites are available here. McCafé has gone French. Even McDonald’s classics have undergone something of a makeover here in France. Instead of the 10-piece option, French McDonald’s offers a nine nugget option that can be maxied — not super-sized — to include a large fries and drink. Although ketchup is offered with an order of fries, pommes-frites sauce — as the name suggests — is made exclusively for McDonald’s french fries. Imagine a mayonnaise derivative with parsley flakes and other unidentifiable green herbs — that’s pommes-frites sauce — and it tastes as good as, if not better than, ketchup. And while you’re chowing down on your menu maxi, there is absolutely no reason to worry about passersby giving you the stink eye for your unhealthy dietary choices. Eating McDonald’s here doesn’t elicit half as many judgmental stares as it may in the United States.

Apart from the fact that McDonald’s in France is not what most would call cheap ­— the maxi menu costs about seven euros, the equivalent of $9 and some change. A one euro menu, however, does not exist.

French McDonald’s are often your best option when caught in a sticky situation. Just as in New York City, many McDonald’s in Paris are open late. Given that the Paris métro closes at 2 a.m. on the weekend and doesn’t reopen until 5:30 a.m., McDonald’s is the perfect place to kill time while waiting for the first train of the morning and has free Wi-Fi. Who wouldn’t want to check Twitter while taking in the scent of freshly made french fries at the same time?

All joking aside though, perhaps the real reason for this newfound obsession with McDonald’s in Paris has nothing to do with pommes-frites sauce or macaroons à la McCafé. Maybe it’s more to do with the universality of the golden arches, that there is no translation necessary for chicken nuggets and thus a French accent while saying chicken nuggets will suffice. Or perhaps it has something to do with being homesick, craving food that does not have butter as the first or only ingredient. To be honest, that is not a valid reason in my case. I have never eaten this much McDonald’s in my life, but to be fair, I have also never had seven flights of stairs to climb every day — the perfect way to justify my new and not-so-healthy guilty pleasure abroad.

Sika Yeboah-Sampong is contributing foreign correspondent. Email her at opinion@nyunews.com.

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Washington Square news | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012 | nyunews.com

SPORTs

edited by daniel hinton sports@nyunews.com

Manning may leave Colts, land with Jets

By Cole Riley

courtesy of Jeffrey Beall

Peyton Manning has won a record four NFL MVP awards in 13 seasons.

By March 8, the Indianapolis Colts must either pay fourtime NFL MVP quarterback Peyton Manning $28 million or release him to free agency as many analysts suspect.

Manning, who has undergone four surgeries on his neck in the past year and missed the entire 2011 season, is one of the greatest quarterbacks ever. Indianapolis won only twice during Manning’s absence from the field. As a result, they control the first pick in the upcoming NFL draft. Colts owner Jim Irsay will likely decide to select former Stanford quarterback and once-in-a-generation prospect Andrew Luck, casting doubt on Manning’s future in Indianapolis.

Several franchises — including those that are severely lacking at the most important position in football — and others that already have accomplished passers have expressed interest in acquiring the future Hall of Famer.

The New York Jets will certainly be among those teams putting in their bid for Manning’s legendary talent and leadership.

Since hiring head coach Rex Ryan and drafting former University of Southern California quarterback Mark Sanchez in 2009, the Jets have gone to the 2010 and 2011 AFC Championships. However, Sanchez has proven himself to neither fans nor teammates. The Jets’ franchise quarterback is inconsistent, turnover-prone (51 interceptions and 17 fumbles in three seasons) and mediocre at best.

Gang Green fans need to accept the reality that Sanchez is not the real deal — at least not yet.

New York needs to upgrade their passing game, and their best option would be Manning. Besides, the Jets have a lot to offer him. Playing in the world’s largest media market will enhance the Peyton Manning brand, and he will become an international sports icon, similar to Tom Brady. And we all know how much Manning loves making commercials.

The franchise’s personnel should appeal to Manning as well. Last July, the Jets hired former Colts offensive coordinator Tom Moore, who worked

with him throughout his professional career, and Ryan has repeatedly deemed Manning “the best quarterback in the National Football league.”

Also in New York, a balanced offensive attack is already in place. If Santonio Holmes returns in 2012 — despite recent trade talk — Manning will have a legitimate number-one threat to catch his deep passes. Tight end Dustin Keller and a formidable offensive line led by four-time Pro Bowler Nick Mangold at center would provide Manning an offense already positioned to make a championship run.

But Manning’s move to New York still faces certain obstacles.

For instance, Peyton’s younger brother and Giants quarterback Eli Manning would presumably affect his decision to take the starting job for the Jets. I doubt Peyton wants to challenge Eli for dominance in the Big Apple.

As for the Jets’ front office, they would have to commit to Peyton for several years. Peyton, who will be 36 next season, would demand at least

ARTS

four to five years in a contract. That seems like a higher risk than keeping Sanchez as the offensive leader. Competition with other possible destinations for Peyton, including the Washington Redskins, Miami Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers, will also drive up the final price for signing Peyton.

Regardless, Peyton is the missing piece that would propel the Jets from a defensefirst, Wild-Card contender to Super Bowl favorites. If owner Woody Johnson wants to steal the spotlight from Eli in New York and the New England Patriots in the AFC, the Jets have to go all-in on the Peyton sweepstakes. Johnson has been a big spender in recent years, and general manager Mike Tannenbaum is an aggressive deal-maker. Signing one of the game’s greatest players will be quite a feat for the Jets, but it’s definitely a plausible reality.

Cole Riley is a deputy sports editor. Email him at criley@nyunews.com.

edited by JONATHON DORNBUSH ARTS@nyunews.com

AWAKE continued from PG. 1

‘Awake’ spins tale of two realities into exciting new Spring drama such pathos to the role as he tries to reunite his family across two realities, despite how impossible this task proves to be.

As he works to reconnect with Rex, he is perfectly convincing as a father frustrated by his son’s distance, while simultaneously saddened that he cannot provide the support his son needs. With Hannah, he serves the thankless role of a husband trying to console a mother who has lost her son while working to keep their marriage together.

He bounces from role to role with such mastery that it is difficult not to be invested in his plight.

The pilot also gives us insight into Michael’s mind during his therapy sessions in each reality. As each of his therapists attempts to prove

his or her world is real, Michael expresses his resilience to their claims that he must give up one of the worlds. Though hampered by a little clunky exposition, these scenes allow viewers the chance to work through the ordeal with Michael.

They will have audiences flipping their decisions even more frequently as they attempt to uncover the show’s secrets. Add to this Michael’s police cases each week, which bleed into one another, and “Awake” may seem like it has almost too much going on.

Luckily, the plot is not as convoluted as it sounds, and is actually quite easy to follow. The beautiful direction and cinematography differentiates each world for the viewer, and the show becomes as

intriguing to watch for its visuals as it is for its characters.

I loved nearly everything about the show’s pilot. It’s smart, striking and packs an emotional punch. I have my concerns about where the story can go from here.

Toward the end of the episode, Michael describes why he refuses to pick one reality and let the other go, and his reasoning is absolutely heart-wrenching.

Moments like these make for incredible television and should have viewers refusing to abandon what is one of the season’s best new shows.

Jonathon Dornbush is arts editor. Email him at jdornbush@nyunews.com.

via nbc.com

Jason Isaacs experiences one reality with his son, and one solely with his wife in NBC’s “Awake.”

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