NYU’s Daily Student Newspaper
WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS Vol. 42, No. 20
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014
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Midterms got you down? Treat yourself to a spa day on a dime.
WSN talked to photographer Thomas Card about his book “Tokyo Adorned.”
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Report outlines space allocations The University Space Priorities Working Group detailed how new space could be used in the NYU 2031 plan.
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COURTESY OF THOMAS CARD
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Group finalizes NYU 2031 proposals By KAVISH HARJAI
The University Space Priorities Working Group issued their final report, which provides their recommendations for how NYU should use space in the NYU 2031 Expansion Plan, on March 4. The Working Group hosted a press conference regarding the report that morning. Some of the group’s main recommendations include redeveloping Coles Sports Center to provide 80 new classrooms; performance, student study and life space; a new athletic and recreation center; a freshman residence hall; and housing for 100 faculty members. Ted Magder, Steinhardt professor and chair of the Working Group, said after considering various
GRAPHIC BY LYANNE NATIVIDAD/WSN
WORKING GROUP cont’d. on PG. 3
NYC band sets example WSN interviews ‘Grand Piano’ team for independent artists By MOHAMED HASSAN
By ALEXA SPIELER
The Met brothers, otherwise known as AJR, claimed a homefield advantage in New York as they played before an audience at Gramercy Theater on Feb. 19. Adam, Jack and Ryan Met make up AJR, a band that has spent much of their career playing before strangers rather than fans. They began performing in Washington Square Park about eight years ago. Jack Met, the youngest brother, explained the band’s musical style. “[Our music combines] genres of old
’60s music and newer, contemporary hip-hop,” Jack Met said. AJR has produced songs that pay tribute to their childhood in New York City such as “Growing Old on Bleecker Street.” Jack Met said performances in Washington Square Park were extremely nerve-wracking. Now the Met brothers are rarely nervous, as they have faced the challenges of performing to no audience and, perhaps worse, performing to an audience of unimpressed New Yorkers. AJR’s independent mentality sets them apart from other pop groups and
AJR continued on PG. 8
Eugenio Mira may be a relatively new name in American cinema, but the Spanish director and composer has received international acclaim from “The Birthday,” “Agnosia” and his most recent work “Grand Piano.” This original thriller features Mira’s close friend Elijah Wood as the protagonist. In an exclusive interview with WSN, Mira and Wood spoke about their relationship and experiences filming “Grand Piano,” a suspense film about a brilliant composer (Elijah Wood) who is still recover-
ing from a breakdown during his last performance when a mysterious voice (John Cusack) orders him to play a flawless concert to keep himself and his wife alive. The duo first met at the film festival Fantastic Fest in 2011. “I met [Wood] in the most incredible environment and surrounded by the most excellent and exclusive film people in the world,” Mira said. “I was there with three Spanish directors. Nacho Vigalondo, one of the three, had been emailing Elijah and we all just had a secret meeting. We sung karaoke and drank together,
and I just formed this great impression of Elijah.” Mira ran into Wood again at 2013’s Fantastic Fest and they discussed “Grand Piano.” After reading the script, Mira felt strongly that Wood was meant for the lead role. His producers sent the script to Wood, who was enthusiastic about the project. “I read it immediately because I wanted to work with [Mira],” Wood said. “I was so excited at the prospect that this fun that we had shared at this festival could actually manifest, and being able to
ELIJAH continued on PG. 8
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WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 | NYUNEWS.COM
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Blood Drive As part of Violet 100, the Kimmel Center for University Life will host a blood drive in the Eisner and Lubin Auditorium from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Even if you are not donating blood, there will be free food from Artichoke Pizza, Press Tea and Pie Face from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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Discussion with NBA executive VP There will be a discussion today with Richard Buchanan, executive vice president and general counsel of the National Basketball Association; Thomas Ostertag, senior vice president and general counsel of Major League Baseball; and Jeffrey Pash, executive vice president and general counsel of the National Football League. The discussion will focus on sports organizations and how they operate today. The discussion will take place in Vanderbilt Hall from 12:25 p.m. to 1:50 p.m.
Fabiola Gianotti This week’s snapshot theme is pride. Here is today’s interpretation.
PHOTO BY HANNAH LUU
Fabiola Gianotti, the physicist who led one of two teams that detected the Higgs boson particle, will give a lecture in the Genomics and Systems Biology Auditorium. The event will start at 3:30 p.m. TODAY’S EVENTS ARE FREE FOR NYU STUDENTS.
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HANQING CHEN, JONATHON DORNBUSH, RACHEL KAPLAN, JORDAN MELENDREZ, JONATHAN TAN About WSN: Washington Square News (ISSN 15499389) is the student newspaper of New York University. WSN is published Monday through Thursday during NYU’s academic year, except for university holidays, vacations and exam periods. Corrections: WSN is committed to accurate reporting. When we make errors, we do our best to correct them as quickly as possible. If you believe we have erred, contact managing editor Michael Domanico at managing@nyunews.com or at 212.998.4302.
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NYUNEWS.COM | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
Fraternity encourages NYU to donate for Alzheimer’s research By CASSANDRA CASSILLAS
Tisch junior Cole Sosnoff is using his fraternity Phi Gamma Delta, also know as FIJI, to bring a worthy cause to NYU with the help of comedian Seth Rogen. Rogen spoke at Capitol Hill on Feb. 26 regarding the lack of Alzheimer’s research conducted by the government. Rogen has been a proponent of Alzheimer’s awareness since forming a fundraising organization, Hilarity for Charity, in 2011. “That’s right, the situation is so dire that it caused me — a lazy, self-involved, generally self-medicated man-child — to start an entire charity organization,” Rogen said in his speech. “It was through this that we felt we weren’t just complaining there was nothing to be done but actively taking steps to do something. Instead of being disappointed that young people were so misinformed about the
reality of the disease, we started to educate them.” Rogen’s testimony attracted attention not only to HFC, but also to the newly established Hilarity for Charity U, which encourages universities nationwide to host their own events to raise money for Alzheimer’s research. “It became a simple and obvious decision to begin a campaign for Hilarity for Charity when Seth Rogen delivered a heartfelt yet comedic speech to congress about Alzheimer’s disease,” Sosnoff said. HFC U is offering an incentive to the college group who earns the most money for the cause between Jan. 6 and April 11, including an early screening of the movie “Neighbors” and a meet-and-greet with Rogen himself. FIJI members raised $425 in five days and are in eighth place out of over 100 schools involved. Poly sophomore and member of FIJI Anaz Uddin said he
hopes the fraternity’s involvement will motivate other NYU students to help the charity. “It is only once we embrace the problem that we can find a cure for it,” Uddin said. “I believe, with everyone’s help, we can win the competition and simultaneously raise awareness and money to fight Alzheimer’s disease.” According to a website where FIJI tracks donations, only a few members of the NYU community have donated so far. LS freshman Alexander Iorio is one donor who has a personal connection to the cause. “I donated to Hilarity for Charity because my grandmother suffers from Alzheimer’s and, well, it’s a cause I care a lot about,” Iorio said. “Also one of FIJI’s founding principles is service and I thought the least I could do was donate a few dollars.” FIJI is trying to organize a comedy show for later in the semester to raise more money for Hilarity for Charity. Sosnoff said FIJI will ask Rogen to come to the show as a guest and will ask famous NYU alumni like James Franco, Andy Samberg and Aziz Ansari to attend as well. “Hopefully, a few will be able to attend the event, perhaps participate in the [show] or donate to our event, and we can raise money for a fantastic cause,” Sosnoff said. “Even if none are able to come, we plan to send a video recording to Mr. Rogen, which we hope he finds entertaining.”
COURTESY OF ANAZ UDDIN
Cassandra Cassillas is a staff writer. Email her at news@nyunews.com.
FIJI joins Seth Rogen to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s.
Attendees pass academic calendar, make proposals at senate meeting By ANN SCHMIDT
Student and faculty senators met to discuss the academic calendar, future senate size and the final report of the University Space Priorities Working Group on March 4 during a University Senate Meeting. SCPS senior and senator Brian Plaut represented the Academic Affairs Committee and presented the academic calendar proposal for the 2015-2018 years to the senate. The committee worked to maintain the current calendar parameters and even made consultations, but said the fall 2015 academic term would begin before Labor Day. Faculty Senator Arthur Tannenbaum expressed concern for faculty who have children, because New York Public Schools usually do not start school until after Labor Day. Plaut said families were taken into consideration, but if the semester
started after Labor Day there would not be enough time in the semester for full academic credit and vacations such as fall break, Thanksgiving break and reading days. Additionally, the proposal recommended that move-in day be on a Saturday as opposed to Sunday, with exceptions for Jewish students. The calendar also proposed taking off the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and having only one day of fall break. The calendar proposal passed the senate’s vote with only two abstentions and no nays from the senators present. Faculty Senator and Langone professor Warren Jelinek, representing the Senate Committee on Organization and Governance, gave a verbal presentation of SCOG’s proposal for a change in senate size. The committee will send the proposal to the university senators once it is written. The proposal involved adding faculty from NYU Abu Dhabi
and NYU Shanghai to the committees and changing each faculty council name. The SCOG proposal will be voted on during the next senate meeting on April 17. Tannenbaum reported to the senate on behalf of the Public Affairs Committee, which recently met and discussed labor rights of the workers who produce goods sold in NYU stores, such as the apparel in the bookstore. Tannenbaum said PAC would have recommendations concerning these issues by the next senate meeting. The meeting concluded with a presentation by the University Space Priorities Working Group about their final report which was published March 4. For a detailed account on the report, see: “Group finalizes NYU 2031 proposals.” Ann Schmidt is a news editor. Email her at aschmidt@nyunews.com.
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WORKING GROUP continued from PG. 1
Report recommends ways to utilize space in expansion
places to build in the city the group decided Coles would be ideal because of its proximity to the core campus. “Increasing the density of activities within [the core campus] improves the academic quality of the institution,” the report said. Additionally, Magder said rebuilding Coles would be a smarter financial decision. “It’s space that the university already owns,” Magder said. “In terms of our commitment to undergraduate education, especially, the Coles site is the only large site that is close to the core.” The Working Group said academic space is their utmost priority when allocating space. In the last 10 years there has been an increase of 7,000 students while the number of classrooms has remained stagnant. In the last Working Group report issued in July 2013, less space was allocated for academic space and more was used for freshman housing, compared to the final report. The current report includes a proposal to add a freshman dorm that could accommodate 500 students, which the Working Group said would be the appropriate balance between student housing and already-existing faculty housing in the area. Addressing the concern of a lack of performance space, the report dedicated 22 to 24 percent of the Coles site for such purposes. Allyson Green, associate dean of the Institute of Performing Arts and chair of the Space Subcommittee, said the group listened to student requests when determining space allocations. “[Student groups emphasized] student life space, student study space and commuter space,” Green said. Green said Coles was in discussion with neighboring gyms to create a contingency plan for students who wish to work out or use athletic facilities while Coles is being redone, although those plans have not yet been finalized. Chris Bledsoe, assistant vice president for student affairs and director of athletics, said he is glad to hear that redeveloping the athletics facility is a part of the project. “If the Coles Center is replaced I am very confident that the university will be fully committed to meeting the sports and recreation needs of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and community,” Bledsoe said. The new Coles site would also serve as an assembly space for students, faculty and community in case of an emergency according to the proposal. The Working Group said the Coles site is one of a number of capital projects that NYU is planning over the next 10 years. In the report, the Working Group recommended the university construct an 819,000 to
KAVISH HARJAI FOR WSN
Green and Magder discuss the Working Group’s final report. 899,000 square foot building, costing less than $900 million. This proposal is in response to the university’s original plan in December 2013 to build a 670,000 square foot building for $727 million, which the group said would not fulfill the recommended needs. Lawrence White, Stern professor and chair of the finance subcommittee, said with the Working Group’s recommendations, the capital budget, which includes the Coles building, would be around $3.2 billion. “The funding for this would come partly from budgetary surpluses, partly from borrowing and partly from fundraising,” White said. The report said the university will not adjust future tuition fees or faculty, administrative or staff salary assumptions to cover the cost of the capital project. NYU spokesman John Beckman said the addition of the proposed Stewardship Advisory Committee is a great way to maintain the quality of life for the surrounding neighborhood. “The report reminds the university that it has an important stewardship role to play going forward in how we maintain and improve the superblocks for our own benefit and that of the surrounding community,” Beckman said referring to the area bound by LaGuardia Place and Mercer Street between West Third and West Houston streets. Mariam Ehrari, CAS senior and undergraduate representative for the Working Group, said she is proud of the report. “It is clear that student concerns were heard, resulting in study space, student life faculties and residential housing all being addressed,” Ehrari said. Currently, there are no dates put in place for the execution of the plan. Magder said his guess is that it would not start until a year from now. The Student Labor Action Movement and Faculty Against the Sexton Plan, groups that have protested the expansion plan in the past, did not respond to inquiries. Kavish Harjai is a news editor. Email him at kharjai@nyunews.com.
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WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 | NYUNEWS.COM
BEAUTY & STYLE
EDITED BY DANA RESZUTEK BSTYLE@NYUNEWS.COM
New-wave models perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards By MAGGIE O’NEILL
The ever-changing nature of the modeling industry is made evident in the contrast between the earliest supermodels, who appeared in the mid- to late-20th century, and the models who now appear on runways and magazine covers. Comparing Twiggy to Tyra Banks brings about a host of differences between the status of the model then and now. In the past, models established their names and reputations through their physical image and the iconic collections they represented. As one of the first supermodels, Jean Shrimpton’s fame was primarily based on the London’s Swinging ’60s style and miniskirt fad she was known for wearing. During the ’30s and ’40s, Lisa Fonssagrives was the poster girl for French couture, known for her face, body and the designs she modeled. The way people think of models today, however, is quite different. Cara Delevingne’s Instagram page has 4.5 million followers and her Twitter account has 1.5 million followers. These numbers demonstrate that the public is now interested in not only what models look like, but also what they do and say when they are off the runway.
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The craze associated with the world’s most famous supermodels is nothing new — each generation has a few that are always in the spotlight. Yet the reason Delevingne’s social media accounts have become so popular is not because of a particular fashion phenomenon, but rather because of her personality. Delevingne’s tweets consist of bits of wisdom, such as her recent post that read, “To define is to limit.” When reflecting on Twiggy’s legacy, one is more likely to recall her signature eyeliner than her words. Karlie Kloss is another model that took the fashion industry by storm, beginning her career at only 13 years old. Kloss, now 21, has appeared on the cover of Vogue 12 times. She is another model known just as much for her voice as for her looks — she has already come out with her own Frame Denim Collection for Taller Girls and also has a large social media following with over 800,000 followers on Instagram. Unfortunately, this new generation of models who are communicating more than just their trademark physiques has left many skeptical about the merits of looking up to models. The age-old phenomenon of idolizing someone whose
profession is to pose for a camera, often in impractical outfits, is undeniably harmful for women who may be haunted by their inability to achieve the culturally worshipped size 0 figure and rich-girl aesthetic. The question is whether this trend of celebrity models will widen public interest in the industry’s consideration of personality, not just image, or if it will only serve to further cement the unrealistic standards of beauty. Maggie O’Neill is a contributing writer. Email her at bstyle@nyunews.com.
VIA WIKIPEDIA.ORG
Cara Delevingne is famous on and off the runway.
Stylish suggestions to strike balance between trendy, professional By BAILEY EVANS
During the summer internship season, it is often difficult to strike a balance between stylish and workappropriate clothes. Here are some outfit ideas that are not only budgetand office-friendly, but also trendy. The popularity of television shows like “Mad Men” have brought back ’60s-influenced looks such as the pencil skirt, which can easily become a staple in a professional closet. Pencil skirts flatter a wide variety of figures and can be paired with many top styles. One possible look is to pair the pencil skirt with a classic collared shirt. To liven up your outfit, sport a patterned top or a shirt with unique structure, such as a peplum. For versatility, go for neutral-tone skirts. Wearing a long pencil skirt ensures a clean, professional look. H&M offers a perfect-length pencil skirt for only $25. Remember that office skirts should be longer than those worn casually. For a younger twist on the collared shirt, try a sleeveless button down such as the Urban Renewal Prepster Button-Down shirt at Urban Outfitters ($49). This shirt is perfect for the long, hot days of a summer internship in New York City. If $50 is out of your price range, try pairing the pencil skirt with a sleeveless top that has delicate embroidered paneling such as the Ethereal Crochet Trimmed top from Forever 21 ($16).
Peplum tops also give a fresh silhouette. This sleek, bold cut pairs well with a fitted pencil skirt and is offered at many retailers including Zara ($60). If you are not a fan of the pencil skirt look, try a wrap skirt — it is not as high-waisted as the pencil skirt but will still flatter your legs. A good option is the Hyperfemme Wrap Skirt from Forever 21 ($18). Wearing skirts every day is not for everyone. If you would prefer an alternate look, consider a slim-fit dress pant, specifically one that is cropped at the ankle for a flattering summer look. Try Zara’s Superstretch Skinny Trousers, which feature edgy gold zippers on the front pocket ($60). For a cheaper option, consider H&M’s Slim-Fit Pants, which offer the perfect amount of stretch for a comfortable fit ($13). Dresses are also a classic go-to for any wardrobe, especially in the summer. Wearing a dress requires little to no extra styling and can have you quickly out the door on busy mornings. Simple dresses in classic cuts are ideal for an internship, as they can stand out while still looking sleek. Affordable dress options include H&M’s Fitted Dress and Forever 21’s Sleek Fit & Flare dress ($35, $12). Both garments come in neutral blacks and greys — perfect for the office. Bailey Evans is a staff writer. Email her at bstyle@nyunews.com.
Spas to escape to during midterm madness wraps, all at very reasonable prices. Yelp offers a $5 coupon and the spa gives customers a free session after 10 visits.
Spa Boutique 2 Go By REBECCA RIDDLE With midterm season underway, stress levels can soar. Spa treatments are a great way to destress and unwind when you are feeling under pressure. Check out these unique spots around the city that will help ease the stress of exams without ruining your budget.
Friday Spa Located in Midtown West, Friday Spa offers affordable massages. While the spa itself has a no-frills atmosphere, the prices and services more than make up for it. For $50 you can get your choice of an hour-long Swedish or deep tissue massage. Friday Spa also offers facials, body scrubs and seaweed
Offering a diverse selection of services, this day spa is worth the trek to East Harlem. Spa Boutique 2 Go offers several types of massages, facials and skin and waxing treatments. What makes this spa stand out is their au naturel package. For $160, customers receive their choice of facial, warm stone massage and rejuvenating eye and lip treatments. The cost of these services individually would total over $300, so purchasing the package is the best way to go if you are looking to splurge and pamper yourself.
Yours Spa Conveniently located in Chelsea, this spa is close to many NYU buildings and offers customers a wide range of practical spa ser-
vices. With manicures, pedicures, waxes and massages available, this is a relaxing spot for a break from studying. Regular manicures are $11 and pedicures cost $21. Ten-minute massages are offered for $11, which is great if you do not want to spend the money for a full-length treatment.
Body by Brooklyn If you want an entire day of relaxation, consider treating yourself to a day pass to this spa for an affordable $45. With the purchase of a day pass, patrons have access to a Russian sauna, a Swedish sauna, a Turkish aroma steam room, a hot tub and an Arctic pool. Reservations are not required and robes and towels are provided, so all you have to do is show up and unwind. If you visit Body by Brooklyn on a Saturday or Sunday, you can have brunch at their cafe, which includes starters and entrees such as challah French toast or coconut curry salmon.
Carsten Institute of Cosmetology
The cosmetology school near Union Square offers services from their students for incredibly low prices. Have your hair colored for $39, your nails done for $5 or an hour-long facial for $25. The students who per-
form the services are experienced and supervised by statelicensed instructors, so you can rest assured that you will have a professional and affordable relaxation experience. Rebecca Riddle is a contributing writer. Email her at bstyle@nyunews.com.
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Take a break from studying and relax with a spa day.
NYUNEWS.COM | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
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BEAUTY & STYLE
EDITED BY DANA RESZUTEK BSTYLE@NYUNEWS.COM
‘TOKYO ADORNED’ AUTHOR UNEARTHS STREET STYLE By CHRISTINA CACOURIS Since the late ’90s, Japanese street style has been noted for its whimsical and unique style. It has become a source of inspiration for new trends. In such a formal and reserved society, fashion was one of the few outlets through which people could let loose, go wild and wear crazy, funky styles. There are Lolita, Decora and Gyaru, each with their own subculture. All of these looks are explored and celebrated in “Tokyo Adorned,” a glossy, oversized 12.5 by 15-inch book by New York-based fashion photographer Thomas Card. The book presents 75 Japanese girls, handpicked by Card, showcasing their personal style. The book also includes an index in the back where each girl has included a statement summing up their fashion and how their identity is expressed through their style. WSN sat down with Card to discuss his inspiration and fascination with Japanese culture.
Q: Why the focus on Japan? A: The focus on Japan for me comes from the fact that this is a very uniquely Japanese tradition. In Western cultures, we have this more Walt Whitman approach to identity where you see yourself for who you are, stripped down. And we are our stripped down versions of ourselves. For these girls, they really embody the antithesis of that.
For them, you can’t see them for who they are. They’ve shown you who they are through this use of fashion. And I think that what really is fascinating about Japanese culture is that you have this strict formalism — and then within that framework of strict formalism you have what seems like such a bizarre outcropping of street fashion looks coming out. That duality, I find fascinating. Q: In the book, you mention that there has been an upsurge in national pride since the tsunami and that it has contributed to the number of participants in street fashion. How has that evidenced itself ? A: In the early ’90s, there was the economic depression, with people being disgruntled in being told what their identity was within traditional Japanese society. And they started to reject that, saying “this isn’t who I am, let me show you who I am.” From that point on, they really have come to realize that [street style] is a Japanese tradition. And they were proud of that, especially with the rise of nationalism postearthquake and tsunami. It is pro-Japanese people and pro-Jap-
anese tradition and culture, but not pro-Japanese government and not pro-Japanese business. They really felt that the bureaucracy and business in government structurally let them down in this time of crisis. Q: So it is a celebration of the people? A: Yes, and they see themselves as promoting Japanese tradition. When I started to explore this series, I very much viewed these fashion tribes and groups of girls that were following various rules defining how they were dressing — that’s what I was finding on the streets of Japan. One of the things that astonished me during this scouting run was that the girls don’t really see themselves that way. They see this as an expression of their own individual identity. They have friends and they meet together to exchange ideas, but they’re not defining themselves according to their group behavior — they’re defining their looks depending on their own sense of self and their own realizations of who they are at any given moment in time. I hadn’t actually been to Japan before this series and I was just blown away by the diversity, the
COURTESY OF THOMAS CARD
Thomas Card’s book hits stores on March 11. thoughtfulness and incredible amount of creativity that you find in Tokyo. It’s just amazing. “Tokyo Adorned” will be in stores next week. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Second Harvest Japan, the only nationwide food bank in Japan. Card will be present at Books Kinokuniya, on Sixth Avenue between 40th and 41st streets, on March 11 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for a question-and-answer session, as well as a book signing. Christina Cacouris is a contributing writer. Email her at bstyle@nyunews.com.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THOMAS CARD
Q: In creating a book about Japanese street style, why did you
make the choice to shoot in a studio instead of photographing on the streets of Tokyo? A: The thing about shooting on the street is there are two issues. One is the impact of the street on the person themselves, that you’re photographing. The second issue is the way we relate to an image with an environment around it. So for this work I wanted to remove them from the impact of the street in the highly formalistic Japanese society, and bring them into the studio where they were isolated and in position to really present themselves the way they see themselves. And my goal was to get beyond the facade of this — of purely the fashion — of the humanity of the person.
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THE NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD & DAILY SUDOKU Crossword ACROSS 1 Part of una casa 5 Totally disgusted 10 Compressed pic, of a sort 14 Let off 15 Brief concession 16 Brewery fixture 17 Spa wear 18 See 22-Down 19 Hospital sticker 20 A general and his country 23 Loaded with substance 24 Title for a J.D. holder 25 Impossible point total in American pro football 28 Clandestine sort 32 Remove, as a corsage 34 Trigram on rotary phones 37 A hoops great and his league 40 Cake similar to a Yodel
42 Battle zone of 1956 and 1967 43 Baja resort area 44 A comic and his former show 47 Kobe cash 48 Cassette half 49 Soup alternative 51 Brian who’s a self-professed “nonmusician” 52 Part of a bridle 55 Harem wear 59 A president and his conflict 64 Mazar of “Entourage” 66 What “-phage” means 67 Wear a long face 68 ___ ether 69 Final part of most Broadway musicals 70 Away from the wind 71 Like candy corn’s texture 72 Woman’s golf garment
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DOWN 1 Immunizing fluid 2 Whac-___ (carnival game) 3 Benghazi’s land 4 Bikini atoll trials, informally 5 Word after “take” or “give me” 6 New Haven collegians 7 Fruity candy since 1945 8 Grammarian’s concern 9 Exerters of pressure, maybe 10 W.C. 11 Ante up 12 Psychic’s “gift,” for short 13 Classic muscle car 21 1/1 title word 22 With 18-Across, an old term for brandy 26 Weeper of myth 27 Scandalous company with a tilted-E logo 29 Joy Adamson’s big cat 30 Opposed to, in dialect 31 Classifications 33 View from Ft. Lee, N.J. 34 Thumb-sucking, e.g. 35 “The Kiss” sculptor 36 Spar with nobody 38 Simba’s mate
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39 Jessica of “7th Heaven” 41 Kipling’s “Follow Me ___” 45 1988 N.L. Rookie of the Year Chris 46 Noted first name in raga 50 San Diego-area horse-racing venue
53 Bits of creativity 54 Follow, as a U.P.S. shipment
61 German Expressionist ___ Dix
56 Sicilia, per esempio
62 Small dam
57 “J to tha L-O!” artist
63 Order in the court
58 Smile like Snidely Whiplash
64 It might get your feet wet
60 In need of a shampoo, say
65 Bambi’s aunt
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NYUNEWS.COM | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
OPINION
EDITED BY PETER KEFFER OPINION@NYUNEWS.COM
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Youth should continue to volunteer abroad
By KENNY KYUNGHOON LEE
In a blog post that recently went viral, writer Pippa Biddle argues that international service trips carried out by young participants are detrimental to the host communities. Biddle said that these service trips were inadequate because youth volunteers usually lack the professional skills needed to devise concrete, long-term solutions to the problems their host countries face. While Biddle passionately articulates her argument, she fails to recognize the importance of having young people volunteer. The number of Americans going abroad for a short-term volunteer service has been steadily increasing. Research from Washington University in St. Louis’ Brown School of Social Work indicates that over 1 million Americans volunteered internationally in 2008. This figure is indicative of young Americans’ desire to be engaged with the global community. Rather than fostering a dialogue that demoralizes young people, a narrative encouraging concern for international issues should be adopted Therefore, efforts should be directed toward increasing the number of
American volunteers, not discouraging those with altruistic intentions. Programs with ill-prepared participants can indeed waste money and capital that could have been donated to well-established international aid organizations, which would use these resources more efficiently compared to organizations that work with unskilled youth volunteers. However, the effect of international volunteering cannot be solely measured by the material value of volunteers’ contributions to host communities. The value of service trips is found in the personal growth that participants experience during the trip, as well as the mutually beneficial interactions between volunteers and their host communities. A survey conducted by the Brown School proves this point. More than 95 percent of the interviewees said that international volunteering increased their appreciation of other
cultures, challenged their previous beliefs and exposed them to new ideas and ways of seeing the world. During this process, young volunteers empathize with their hosts’ grief and joy, and leave a small part of themselves when they leave the site. Youth volunteers grow personally, and they also become more committed to civic engagement and community activism upon return. International volunteering is not just about solving crises. It also focuses on nurturing the global commitments within the young minds of our generation and sharing resources with others, as well as catalyzing change at home and abroad in the face of social injustice. With adequate planning and training, it is possible to achieve all these goals on a service trip. In fact, many existing programs, including NYU Alternative Breaks, focus on achieving personal growth through service. Despite Biddle’s caveat, young individuals should not be discouraged from participating in such life-changing experiences. Kenny Kyunghoon Lee is a contributing writer. Email him at opinion@nyunews.com.
DRUG POLICY
Legalization could deter drug trade
By DAN MORITZ-RABSON
With the aid of American intelligence, Mexican marines arrested Joaquín Guzmán, allegedly the country’s most powerful drug lord, on Feb. 22. In late 2006, President Felipe Calderón began a military assault on criminal cartels. The struggle for power in the Mexican drug trade resulted in a reported 47,515 deaths between 2006 and 2012. Current figures estimate over 60,000 total deaths. While the recent capture of Guzmán, also known as El Chapo, indicates a significant breakthrough in the efforts to slow the drug trade between Mexico and the United States, the effects of a single arrest should not be overstated. Although the capture of El Chapo may lead to the temporary downfall of the Sinaloa Cartel if an internal power struggle arises, others can seize the opportunity to gain more control over the drug trade. Before El Chapo’s capture, the most prominent drug trafficking organizations in Mexico were Sinaloa, controlling Western Mexico, and Los Zetas, which held Eastern Mexico. Los Zetas will likely move to gain control of the west, causing a new wave of violence. Mexican drug
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trafficking organizations take in up to $29 billion each year from American drug sales. The transactions primarily involve cocaine and marijuana. To deter cartels and drug lords like El Chapo, the United States should legalize marijuana throughout the country for individuals who are at least 21 years old. With the national debt rising above $17 trillion, revenue from legal marijuana sales would provide a stimulus to the economy. By following the path established by Colorado and Washington, the United States could boost state and national economies. According to The New York Times, a budget proposal by Governor John Hickenlooper predicted that Colorado could collect about $134 million a year in taxes from medical and recreational marijuana in the first
fiscal year that it is legal in the state. The legalization of marijuana would also have a significant impact on prison overcrowding. With prisons reportedly operating at 99 percent occupancy, states continue to build new facilities in order to provide suitable conditions for prisoners. In a report released by Time magazine, over half of America’s prisoners are serving time for drug-related charges. The legalization of marijuana would ease the economic strain of creating more facilities to accommodate the large number of convicted criminals. Despite the financial benefits that arise from marijuana’s legalization, the humanitarian benefits that accompany its legalization should ultimately be the deciding factor. Presumably, the United States has been pursuing drug cartels predominantly to stop the violence that has led to tens of thousands of deaths. As current efforts have not successfully mitigated the violence, the country must consider other approaches. Dan Moritz-Rabson is a contributing columnist. Email him at opinion@nyunews.com.
STAFF EDITORIAL
NYU should refocus on current renovations
The University Space Priorities Working Group released its final report and an executive summary in an email to the NYU community yesterday. Created by NYU President John Sexton in October 2012, the Working Group comprises 26 faculty representatives who give guidance to the administration on the “existing, pressing space needs of academic units and programs” and listen to the “implications of the NYU Core Project for members of the University community.” After so much focus on the expansion plan, the administration should return attention to restoring the quality of current facilities on campus. In its final report, the Working Group recommended the construction of 80 new classrooms and 40,000 gross square feet of student study and meeting space, in addition to specialized performing arts spaces. The group also suggested that the Coles Sports Center site be remodeled to include student residence halls that could accommodate 500 freshmen and about 100 units of faculty housing. In the email, group members expressed confidence that their recommendations were consistent with the NYU academic mission. The Working Group discussed fiscal responsibility in the executive summary and advised that NYU should not adjust future tuition fees to cover capital costs. A more detailed section on financing recommended that NYU preserve current tuition assumptions and commit to an increase in fundraising, replacing the $136 million target with a substantially higher goal. Some say this target is not feasible. While the construction of new facilities may be necessary to support the students currently enrolled at NYU, the proposed expansion project overshadows other construction projects already in progress. According to the university’s website, a number of buildings are under renovation, including the Waverly Building and the Silver Center for Arts and Science. The administration could better serve the NYU community by focusing more on these renovations and restoring other antiquated facilities including the Tisch Dance Builing on Second Avenue and the Barney Building on Stuyvesant Street. The administration should update the NYU community on the progress of the current renovations and ensure that older buildings on campus are receiving the same attention as the expansion plan.
Email the WSN Editorial Board at editboard@nyunews.com. EDITORIAL BOARD: Peter Keffer (Chair), Christina Coleburn (Co-chair), Omar Etman (Co-chair), Nina Golshan (Co-chair)
Send mail to: 838 Broadway, Fifth Floor New York, N.Y. 10003 or email: opinion@nyunews.com WSN welcomes letters to the editor, opinion pieces and articles relevant to the NYU community, or in response to articles. Letters should be less than 450 words. All submissions must be typed or emailed and must include the author’s name, address and phone number. Members of the NYU community must include a year and school or job title.
WSN does not print unsigned letters or editorials. WSN reserves the right to reject any submission and edit accepted submissions in any and all ways. With the exception of the staff editorial, opinions expressed on the editorial pages are not necessarily those of WSN, and our publication of opinions is not an endorsement of them.
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NYUNEWS.COM | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
ARTS
EDITED BY CLIO MCCONNELL ARTS@NYUNEWS.COM
AJR continued from PG. 1
AJR finds pop-world success using hip-hop production model
they are refreshingly down-to-earth, not taking their success for granted. Recently, Macklemore set the precedent for independent artists by avoiding mainstream record labels, but middle brother Ryan Met said AJR had been self-producing well before Macklemore came into the limelight. Though Ryan Met said Macklemore has been a person to look up to, he acknowledged that many other artists have been successfully independent in hip-hop. Rap artists have the freedom to constantly release mixtapes but, from Ryan Met’s perspective, AJR could be considered the first pop group to do so. Without a label’s guidance, AJR’s career has been propelled by social media and their fans — as of now, they have nearly 52,000 Facebook likes. Last year, the Washington Post compared them to the Jonas Brothers, but the Met brothers said they are paving their own path. While Ryan Met said he and his brothers face financial challenges, he noted that the freedom they have as independent artists cannot be beat. “We’re our own bosses,” he said. “So, we don’t have to check with anyone. We can just put out any music that we want, and that’s a good feeling.” The brothers said that they are not
opposed to record labels and could see themselves signing a deal in the future. But, for now, Adam Met said they want to see how much momentum they are able to gain without a record label. AJR is slowly but surely moving up in the industry. They have performed alongside the likes of Hoodie Allen, Demi Lovato and the Wanted and their music video for “I’m Ready” has accumulated over 800,000 views on YouTube. Maintaining humility and taking pride in their dedication, AJR demonstrates that, with time, it has the potential to set a precedent of its own, blazing a trail for future independent artists. Alexa Spieler is a staff writer. Email her at music@nyunews.com.
VIA FACEBOOK.COM
Adam, Jack and Ryan Met are the namesakes of New York’s AJR.
Death on set sparks conversation about safety precautions in film By IFE OLUJOBI
Camera assistant Sarah Jones was struck and killed by a freight train on the set of the upcoming Gregg Allman biopic “Midnight Rider” on Feb. 20. Jones’ death, which could have been avoided with proper planning and safety precautions, has reopened a much-needed conversation about safety and workers’ rights on film sets. The incident happened while the crew was shooting a scene on the tracks, expecting two trains. However a third locomotive arrived with little notice. Several other crew members also sustained injuries. While production on “Midnight Rider” is halted, many film professionals are reflecting on what this situation means for the industry. Acclaimed cinematographer Haskell Wexler has championed film crew rights and has fought hard for reform that would limit the number of hours crew members can work in a day. He has pushed his 12 On 12 Off initiative since the 1997 death of Brent Hershman, a crew member on
Real Estate covers familiar territory on third album By PETER SLATTERY
Indie rock group Real Estate released its third studio album “Atlas” on March 4. Coming off the heels of its critically acclaimed second album “Days,” the New Jersey-based band sticks to its trademark gentle style on “Atlas,” but with a new, slightly more melancholy mood. The album does not digress too far from previous work, with Real Estate continuing to make beguiling, strangely evocative music. “Atlas” sounds much like the band’s sophomore album, with clean, bright, electric and acoustic guitars layered
COURTESY OF DOMINO RECORDS
The New Jersey group’s latest album affirms its success.
gently over controlled bass lines and steady, restrained drums. Lead singer Martin Courtney’s vocals float over the instruments lightly without being breathy — it is often hard to make out what he is saying, but the sound of his voice functions almost as an instrument itself. This formula essentially repeats itself track by track with minor variations on the album. Though Real Estate has a knack for finding new and intriguing guitar chords in every song, each instrument’s part is consistently simple. Their melodies are uncomplicated and the percussion section tends to focus on simple combinations of cymbals and light snare drums. The sonic power of “Atlas” comes from the way the simple parts effortlessly combine into a graceful, truly beautiful whole. But “Atlas” does have some unique qualities. Gone are the surfer vibes of their selftitled first album and the midday suburban slacker vibes of “Days.” This new album feels like the sunset after a long day. Lyrically, “Atlas” focuses on lost love, distance, losing control and discovering oneself.
This sounds like a recipe for pretentious rambling, but the lyrics are strikingly touching. “Toss and turn all night/Don’t know how to make it right/ Crippling anxiety,” sings Martin Courtney on “Crime.” These straightforward and eloquent words fit the melancholy vibe of the album quite well. Real Estate produces dreamy music, but “Atlas” is neither a fantasy nor a nightmare. A lonely daydream, the album seems to wander empty landscapes, gently looking inward and moving on. The album drifts without a clear narrative structure, without beginning or end. “I don’t need the horizon to tell me where the sky ends/It’s a subtle landscape, where I come from,” are the lyrics of “Had to Hear.” At 10 songs and just under 40 minutes long, “Atlas” is a short but stimulating listen. Though seemingly simple, the album feels lovingly crafted with each song providing a slightly different emotion and sound while combining to form an excellent, cohesive body of work. Peter Slattery is a staff writer. Email him at music@nyunews.com.
the set of “Pleasantville,” who fell asleep at the wheel after working a 19-hour day. The initiative calls for crew members to work a maximum of 12 hours with a minimum of 12 hours in between each shift. Wexler called Jones’ death “criminal negligence.” Though the incident was not clearly related to working long hours, Wexler echoes a sentiment held by many in the industry — safety regulations, which are often overlooked or bypassed for being tedious, are in place for a reason and must be followed. Jones’ death sparked a positive movement on various film and television sets with Slates for Sarah, a social media campaign created by her friends and family in remembrance. A web page features a gallery of photos of Jones, who did work on shows including “The Vampire Diaries” and “Glee,” as well as photos of slates from many other series such as “Nashville,” “The Americans” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.” Slates for Sarah is more than just a photo gallery. The movement represents an industry coming together to shed light on a worthy cause.
Efforts to remember Jones culminated in a written campaign to include her in the 86th annual Academy Awards’ In Memoriam tribute to fallen members of the film industry, which took place just 10 days after her death. The prospect seemed unlikely given the short time frame and the fact that Jones was not an Academy member. While Jones’ photo was ultimately not included in the video, she was mentioned in a card at the bottom of the screen after the tribute, which can be considered a victory. While making a film, it is tempting to push the boundaries and put common sense on the backburner simply to achieve the perfect shot. Jones’ death is a costly reminder of the high stakes that come with moviemaking, proving that great art does not happen without care. The rules for governing filmmaking are not meant to hinder creativity but to save lives, and they should be respected. Ife Olujobi is film editor. Email her at iolujobi@nyunews.com.
ELIJAH continued from PG. 1
Elijah Wood, Eugenio Mira share inspiration for ‘Grand Piano’ work together was a very exciting prospect.” Mira and Wood also spoke about the framework of producing “Grand Piano” overseas — mostly in Barcelona and Catalonia, Spain — and about Cusack’s involvement. “[Cusack] was incredibly devoted to the project,” Mira said. “We’d hang out with him and he’d have great admiration for Elijah.” Wood agreed that Cusack was indispensable for the film. “He had great ideas,” Wood said. “He was a great collaborator. It’s an incredible thing for us because we grew up watching him in movies and he’s part of the fabric of the cinema that we grew up in.” Cusack had limited time available to film “Grand Piano,” but
the time he spent on set in Spain proved to be a crucial factor in the final product of the movie, Wood said. “He recorded all his dialogue in a week, and we started to realize that based off of John’s dialogue we needed to change things around,” Wood said. “We were all physically there so we could change things around. What he ended up doing for the film was amazing.” Wood added a few words of admiration for Mira, confident that the director is a cinematic voice to keep an eye out for in future years. “There are so many great things in the works for this man,” Wood said. Mohamed Hassan is a staff writer. Email him at film@nyunews.com.
COURTESY OF MAGNOLIA PICTURES
Wood plays a composer haunted by a nervous breakdown.