NYU’s Daily Student Newspaper
WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS Vol. 42, No. 21
THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014
nyunews.com
Fake slave auction performed in park
NYU to open innovator space
Freedom For All, a non-profit organization to fight human trafficking, hosted three anti-trafficking demonstrations on March 5 throughout New York City. In the third demonstration five actors, including four adults and a young girl, were led onto the steps of Washington Square Park’s outdoor stage and gathered in front of a crowd of about 20 people. A staged auctioneer then proceeded to auction them off to several people acting as bidders who were placed among the crowd. Kim Dempster, the demonstration’s director, said the auction was a creative way to explore the issue. “I thought it would be good to do these auctions and get attention for the problem rather to do just awareness campaigns,” Dempster said. New School sophomore Gabriel Franklin said the impact of
The development of a new 5,900 square foot entrepreneur’s lab was announced on Feb. 28 during NYU’s third annual Entrepreneur’s Festival. The lab is designed to foster cross-school instruction, networking and inspiration for NYU’s young entrepreneurs. Faculty will also be brought in to engage with and assist students. The lab’s construction is made possible due to a large donation from 1966 alumnus Mark Leslie and his wife, Debra. Leslie, the founding chairman and CEO of the VERITAS software company, said he hopes the lab will continue to increase the entrepreneurial culture at NYU. “I am a product of, and believe deeply, in the virtue of the entrepreneurial endeavor,” Leslie said. “And, because I am an alumnus and product of NYU, I want to help [NYU] in this area.”
By LARSON BINZER
AUCTION continued on PG. 3
By ANDREW SPOHN
SHAWN PAIK/WSN
Freedom For All, an anti-human trafficking organization, put on the demonstration.
Davis calls for abolition of imprisonment By BAILEY EVANS
Activist, author and professor Angela Davis spoke at NYU on March 4 as the Institute of African American Affairs’ scholar-in-residence. Her lecture, Feminism, Abolition and Radical Reconstruction in the 21st century, centered on the role of feminism in today’s society and the abolition of the incarceration system. “Abolition involves so much more than the abolition of slavery,” Davis said. “It involves more than the abolition of imprisonment as the dominate form of punishment. Feminism involves so much more than gender equality.” Davis spoke on the relationship between feminism and abolition, and she said the two are necessary to positively change society.
“Feminism needs abolition and abolition needs feminism if we’re going to bring about radical change,” Davis said. Davis is known for her activism for social justice, particularly racial and gender justice. Her activism dates back to the 1960s civil rights movement, when she was a leader of the American Communist Party and involved with the Black Panther Party. She is a self-described radical feminist and has been heavily involved with prisoners’ rights, founding her own organization dedicated to abolishing the industrial prison system. The crowd at her lecture, which exceeded the number of chairs in the auditorium, was vocal throughout the night, frequently breaking out into
DAVIS continued on PG. 4
LAB continued on PG. 3
‘Cleopatra’ production impresses By DYLAN JARRETT
Marc Antony and Cleopatra are placed among history’s greatest lovers. Their tragic story is as famous as Romeo and Juliet’s, Samson and Delilah’s or Lancelot and Guinevere’s. However, Shakespeare’s portrayal of the couple is heavy on politics as well as love, focusing largely on the conflict between Egypt and Rome. Tarell Alvin McCraney’s production of “Antony and Cleopatra,” which opened at the Public Theater on March 5, successfully accomplishes the difficult task of balancing this famous love story with the cultural and political gap between the title characters. McCraney’s play opens in
a palpably African Egypt. Rather than giving the audience the sleek robes and kohl eyeliner stereotypically associated with a semi-Caucasian Egypt, McCraney’s Egypt feels far more natural. Joaquina Kalukango, who plays a dominating yet petite Cleopatra, has dreadlocks rather than the black wig commonly associated with the character. In contrast, the Romans have been Anglicized. They wear military jackets rather than togas and would not appear out of place in a textbook about the American Revolution. Luckily, the play’s action occurs predominantly in Egypt, which is the far more interesting culture to observe, full of music and passion.
Chivas Michael, an actor who plays several Egyptian roles, exemplifies this passion. Although his three parts are not distinct enough to differentiate one character from another, he carries the Egyptian culture with him even when he leaves the country, accompanying Antony to Rome as the two nations fight. By making this cultural divide so jarring, McCraney is better able to illustrate Antony’s inner struggle. Antony is unsure whether his allegiances lie with Rome or with Cleopatra, the woman he loves and the face of Egypt. As played by Jonathan Cake, Antony is
ANTONY continued on PG. 5
2
WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | THURSDAY, ,MARCH 6, 2014 | NYUNEWS.COM
ON THE SIDE
COMPILED BY THE
WSN STAFF
WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Editor-in-Chief NICOLE BROWN Managing Editor
Claudia Mann
MICHAEL DOMANICO Deputy Managing Editor
CASEY DALRYMPLE
Claudia Mann, 20, is a freshman studying photography in the Tisch School of the Arts.
Assistant Managing Editors
TATIANA BAEZ JONATHAN KESHISHOGLOU Creative Director
CICEK EREL
Special Editions Director
LYANNE NATIVIDAD SENIOR STAFF
news KAVISH HARJAI, ANN SCHMIDT arts CLIO MCCONNELL features BRYNA SHUMAN sports FRANCISCO NAVAS multimedia FELIPE DE LA HOZ copy THOMAS DEVLIN, PAIGE MANKIN web KIMBERLY HART, BENSON TSAI,
LAVYA YALAMANCHI senior editors TONY CHAU, ARIANA DIVALENTINO, MICHELLE LIM, STEFAN MELNYK, NEELA QADIR, DANIEL YEOM
DEPUTY STAFF
news LARSON BINZER, SCOTT MULLEN books/theater DYLAN JARRETT film IFE OLUJOBI entertainment BOB TEOH music JAKE FOLSOM the highlighter blog VALERIE NELSON features HANNAH TREASURE beauty & style DANA RESZUTEK violet vision blog GIANNA COLLIER-PITTS dining CHANDLER WEST sports CHRIS MARCOTRIGIANO multimedia HANNAH LUU, LAWRENCE WU video ALEX LINZMEIER
EMILY BYRSKI/WSN
“
“
I had to quit gymnastics after 14 years because I hurt my foot in a freak accident. It took me awhile to realize, I thought I could do rehabilitation, they had to sit me down and tell me that I couldn’t do gymnastics anymore.
how did you end up in photography?
“
OPINION PAGE opinion editor
PETER KEFFER
One of my friends dragged me to see an exhibition, and he invited me to go to a photography course he was doing and I said OK. At the beginning it was kind of filling the void of no gymnastics, then at a certain point I wasn’t doing it to take the place of something else, I was doing it because I liked it.
“
what is a huge obstacle or hardship you had to overcome?
deputy opinion editors
CHRISTINA COLEBURN, OMAR ETMAN, NINA GOLSHAN
ADVERTISING BUSINESS MANAGER
ELLEN MCQUEEN
CIRCULATION MANAGER
CHLOE COFFMAN SALES MANAGER
ALISON LIZZIO UNIVERSITY AND ALUMNI COORDINATOR
CLAIRE MAHANY
SALES REPRESENTATIVES
SNAPSHOT
TODAY ON CAMPUS
ARIANA DIVALENTINO GRAPHIC DESIGNER
JILLIAN BRANCHAUD
Ultra Violet Live The Inter-Residence Hall Council presents the final round of the annual talent competition at 7 p.m. at the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts. All NYU students can pick up a free voucher at a residence hall resource center or the Kimmel Center for University Life student resource center.
SALES ASSOCIATES
EMMA HOWCROFT, AMY LU, ANA SCHULER, BENJAMIN SWINEHART, JESSICA TIEN
ADVISING DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
“The School for Scandal”
NANCI HEALY
Steinhardt Music and Performing Arts will showcase “The School for Scandal” by Richard Brinsley Sheridan and directed by professor Nan Smithner at the Provincetown Playhouse. This is the fourth showing of the comedic British play. NYU student tickets cost $5.
EDITORS-AT-LARGE
“The AIDS Generation” This week’s snapshot theme is pride. Here is today’s interpretation.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN LANIER
There will be a panel discussion with AIDS activist Eric Bartley, psychiatrist Jack Descher and public health professor Perry Halkitis. The discussion will center around Halkitis’ book “The AIDS Generation: Stories of Survival and Resilience.” The panel starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Kimball Hall.
GOT AN EVENT? EMAIL US AT AGENDA@NYUNEWS.COM OR TWEET US @NYUNEWS. GOT SOMETHING TO SHARE? EMAIL US AT TIPS@NYUNEWS.COM.
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.
NYUNEWS.COM
NYUNEWS.COM | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
AUCTION continued from PG. 1
Human trafficking demonstration auctions off actors as slaves
the visual aid was profound. “At first, I was thinking they were shooting a TV show, but things started getting really serious when they started selling the little girl,” Franklin said. One man from the crowd appeared to not realize it was a demonstration and tried to purchase the young girl being sold. One of the actresses, Deborah Twiss, was shocked by the man. “I wanted to jump off the stage at him,” Twiss said. The Washington Square Park demonstration was the last and least crowded demonstration of the day, following demonstrations in Times Square and Wall Street. “We did them all over the city and the temperature just dropped,” Dempster said. “So I think the one in Washington Square Park wasn’t very effective. I think it will be super effective online. But if we affect three people, we’ve done a great job” Despite the lack of onlookers at the park demonstration, Katie Ford, CEO of Freedom For All, is excited about the public’s growing awareness of human trafficking. “I think awareness of this problem has drastically increased since I started working for the cause seven years ago,” Ford said. “The number of people who have heard the term
‘human trafficking’ now is much larger than it ever has been.” After the demonstration, the actors stepped off the stage and handed out informational fliers, while a man holding a sign that said “Freedom For All #STOPTHENIGHTMARE” stood onstage. “It got me so bad, like really uncomfortable,” Franklin said. “Now that I have information about it I’ll check it out. It’s something we hear about every day, but we never get to see how it affects people, and that’s really important.” Larson Binzer is a deputy news editor. Email her at lbinzer@nyunews.com.
SHAWN PAIK/WSN
The demonstrators pose as slaves in Washington Square.
Professor, researchers discover plant without chloroplasts By CLAIRE SCIMECA
Biology professor Michael Purugganan and Long Island University professor Jeanmaire Molina found that Rafflesia, a parasitic genus of plants endemic to southeast Asia, has most likely lost its chloroplast genome. Researchers from NYU, NYU Abu Dhabi, LIU, the Philippine Genome Center, University of Canterbury, University of Arizona and Southern Illinois University sequenced the plant’s genome, attempting to find the chloroplast genome. Purugganan explained the difficulty the researchers faced. “In science, one of the hardest things to show is that something isn’t there,” Purugganan said. The plant is dominated by a large flower and roots that parasitize a specific vine. Purugganan said Rafflesia smells like rotting flesh in order to attract the flies that pollinate it. As a parasite, the plant diverges from typical plants, which are photosynthetic autotrophs. Biology professor Eric Brenner said the plant has evolved into a heterotroph. “It has lost its chloroplast DNA since it is no longer needed for survival,” Brenner said. “When things are not needed for survival, they are typically lost through natural selection.”
Renowned physicist discusses significance of Higgs boson By VALENTINA DUQUE BOJANINI
Fabiola Gianotti, one of the top physicists at CERN, the largest lab in the world for particle physics, gave a talk at NYU on March 5 about the impact of discovery of the Higgs boson on human lives. Gianotti was the former spokesperson for Atlas, one of the experiments associated with the Large Hadron Collider. The talk was given as a part of the NYU “Science on the Square” series meant to highlight science at the university. A team of 15 NYU professors, students and researchers, known as the NYU Experimental Particle Physics group, worked under Gianotti’s leadership to analyze data produced by the LHC. The existence of the Higgs boson was first theorized by Nobel Prizewinning physicist Peter Higgs. The
HANNAH LUU/WSN
Gianotti had a team of 15 at NYU to analyze LHC data.
Higgs boson is particularly important because interaction with the Higgs gives particles their mass. “We should care because if elemental particles [have] no mass, atoms would not exist,” Gianotti said. “This means that the universe would not exist, and we would not be here. We are what we are because elementary particles have a mass.” Kyle Cranmer, professor of physics, who was among the many scientists working on the project, said the technology developed in the search for the Higgs boson has since been applied in other fields. “Historically, these kinds of advances have had unintended consequences that have transformed our way of life,” Cranmer said. “Most famously, the Web was invented at CERN to help physicists communicate. All of those practical applications are great, but the significance of the Higgs is at the level of basic research. It’s the root of the tree.” Over 3,000 scientists from 38 different countries were a part of the Atlas project. Gianotti said the environment at CERN naturally brings people together and helps to overcome strained international political relationships. “I think it is because we are all
3
driven by passion. Passion for physics. Diversity is a strength to do better research, to have better ideas, to be in a more stimulating environment,” Gianotti said. Gianotti said student involvement in research at CERN is important. More than 50 percent of the researchers at CERN are under 35. “They have been very important on all levels, to do the analysis and eventually discover the Higgs boson,” Gianotti said. “They have very brilliant ideas. The leadership [at CERN] does not come from the hierarchy, the leadership comes from ideas. This is a research society, so if the younger student has the right idea, the collaboration follows.” Stern freshman Jessica Guo said she was inspired by Gianotti. “I thought she was incredible,” Guo said. “She was technical, but not to the point of being unintelligible, and yet funny and engaging and inspiring all at once. The fact that she is a woman and also a major leader in the field of particle physics is amazing.” Valentina Duque Bojanini is a contributing writer. Email her at news@nyunews.com.
The plant was known to lack chloroplasts because it obtains all of its sugars, or energy, from its host vine, which is in the same family as the grape vine. It was once thought that parts of the chloroplast genome were necessary for essential plant functions apart from photosynthesis, such as the code for heme, a contributing force in energy production. Despite the parasitic nature of the plant, heme is still crucial for the plant’s survival, the reseachers explained. Purugganan speculates the DNA that codes for essential molecules, like heme, were transferred to another part of the Rafflesia genome, in the nucleus or mitochondria. A study by David Smith from the University of Western Ontario and Robert Lee from Dalhousie University was conducted on a unicellular alga, and Purugganan said they reached similar conclusions. “The plants are very distantly related,” Purugganan said. “But it called into question this idea that you had to have the genome of the chloroplast hanging around. Now we have two examples and there might be more.” Parasitic plants produce many secondary chemistries, which Purugganan says are important in pharmaceuticals. However further study is needed to determine if
there are any uses and what kind exist for the plants in medicine. CAS sophomore Elise Traywick said biology curricula may change because of the new findings. “Students are taught that all plants are photosynthetic, and all have a separate plastid genome,” Traywick said. “Now, they will have to start teaching these exceptions, and possibly rearrange the order in which they teach certain sections in order for the students to understand why this has occurred.” Claire Scimeca is a contributing writer. Email her at news@nyunews.com.
TIFFANY LIU FOR WSN
Prof. Purugganan reviews material in the lab.
LAB continued from PG. 1
Lab to foster networking, cross-school instruction Leslie has been a long-time supporter of entrepreneurialism at NYU, sitting on the NYU Entrepreneurial Institute’s Executive Board of Directors since its formation. Frank Rimalovski, executive director of the Entrepreneurial Institute, said he has hoped to construct a collaborative student lab for the past four years. “I have regularly heard two questions from our students: ‘Where and how can I find potential collaborators and co-founders?’ and ‘Where can I go to get help with my startup and tap into the resources of the NYU entrepreneurial ecosystem?’” Rimalovski said. The Institute developed the lab’s design, intended programs and resources to tackle these issues. Meeting and conversational spaces are planned to help students interact with potential cofounders, build start-up teams and work with experienced mentors and coaches. “The Lab will also give the NYU community access to technology and tools to support product development, including 3D printers and other prototyping tools,” Rimalovski said. The team running these programs will comprise of resident
experts, including intellectual property lawyers, product-designers and fund-raisers, who will impart skills and knowledge to students. Adam Cragg, the lab’s manager, will head this team. “During my time at the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship, I saw a large number of student entrepreneurs go through the process of initial inspiration, skills building, iteration, and eventual launch,” Cragg said “I think there is a repeatable model that we can adapt and implement [at NYU].” Steinhardt freshman Hediya Sizar said the lab will help her as an entrepreneur herself. “I am enthusiastic that NYU has decided to open a lab like such since it gives me the opportunity to explore my own ideas that I am passionate about,” Sizar said. “As a budding entrepreneur, I think this new lab will open new doors to students since it will provide all of NYU’s resources in one physical location.” NYU’s Mark and Debra Leslie Entrepreneur’s Lab will open Fall 2014 at 16 Washington Place and the corner of Greene St. Andrew Spohn is a staff writer. Email him at news@nyunews.com.
4
WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014 | NYUNEWS.COM
FEATURES
EDITED BY BRYNA SHUMAN FEATURES@NYUNEWS.COM
UVL CONTESTANTS FOUNDERS: SYNCHRONIC DANCE TEAM Name: Synchronic Dance Team Dorm: Founders residence hall Act: Dance performance What is your biggest inspiration? Our team. No one can push us toward success as much as we do for the team. We are constantly looking out for each other and encouraging each other in the pursuit of improvement. We perpetually inspire and amaze each other with our passion. Without the dedication and the incredibly fostering environment produced by our members, our team would not be as successful and fun as it is. How long have you been performing, and what made you interested in performing in the first place?
Synchronic Dance Team has been at NYU for almost three years, as we just recently entered into Season 2.5. It initially began as a small group of friends who wanted to dance together and perform around NYU, but over the years, it has grown from an idea to a striving team with high goals and aspirations. What made you decide to participate in the UVL Prelims? Having competed last year at UVL X, we knew that we had to participate again and aim for first. We also enjoy entertaining our audiences and expressing our creative styles on stage. What was the first thing that went through your mind when you found out you were advanc-
ing to the finals at Skirball? So much joy. The team went absolutely crazy when we found out, and we channeled that energy into working even harder to produce a completely different, challenging and exciting set for UVL XI. What would winning UVL mean to you? Winning UVL would not just be an achievement for us. It would be the culmination of our year. With a variety of small performances here and there, Synchronic Dance Team mainly focuses on UVL with the goal of taking the gold. We trained all of fall semester and we are practicing hard during the spring to bring to Skirball Theater an unforgettable performance.
COURTESY OF SYNCHRONIC DANCE TEAM
RAs: THE CRASH NATIVE Name: The Crash Native Members: Noah Hyams, Austin Zudeck, Zane Decker and Tim Holmes Dorm: RAs Act: Band What is your biggest inspiration? The Crash Native draws its inspiration from U2, Incubus and 30 Seconds to Mars. Each one of us draws different musical inspirations. How long have you been performing, and what made you interested in performing in the first place? Each one of us has been performing for many years. Noah, for example, has been learning drums for nearly 14 years and has performed all types of music. The Crash Native has been
together for a couple of years and has undergone multiple member changes. Noah joined in the fall of 2013 when the band became “The Crash Native” from its former “Taylored.” We are very committed to helping others. Zane on bass and vocals, is an RA as well. “The Crash Native” loves playing for fundraisers and charity events. What made you decide to participate in the UVL Prelims? The opportunity to possibly perform at Skirball is a very exciting prospect. Noah had always wanted to participate, however his involvement in hall council freshman and sophomore year of college kept him from being able to participate. Now that there was an RA prelim, Noah
had a chance to compete with the rest of the band. What was the first thing that went through your mind when you found out you were advancing to the finals at Skirball? We were all very excited to hear that we had the opportunity to perform at the well-known Skirball Center. We have been looking for a chance to share our music with the NYU community. What would winning UVL mean to you? It would provide validation that our music is resonating with people and that it is catching on. It would also provide necessary funds to help us complete our album and shoot the first music video.
COURTESY OF THE CRASH NATIVE
DAVIS continued from PG. 1
Audience appreciates Davis’ lecture on race, prison
applause or yelling affirmations. Anna Lyons, a graduate student in the College of Arts and Science’s Draper Program, said the lecture was amazing. “I worship Angela Davis, so this was really exciting for me,” Lyons said. The audience cheered when novelist Walter Mosely, who introduced Davis, announced that Marshall “Eddie” Conway, a leader in the Black Panther Party, was recently released from prison after 44 years. However, Davis noted that there are many political prisoners behind bars, like former Black Panther Party member Mumia Abu-Jamal. “We have to work toward the day when we can say that Mumia is free,” Davis said. “And all of the other political prisoners, not only here but in places like Israel.” Davis also discussed racism’s effect on the incarceration system as well as structural racism and how it has affected society. “This structural racism enables periodic explosions of racist vio-
lence and the killings of young people like Trayvon Martin and Jonathan Davis,” Davis said. Part of the night’s lecture and the following question-and-answer session involved the current campaign to boycott Israel. CAS freshman Thandi Young asked Davis for advice on her upcoming trip to Israel. “[Davis] said she had faith that I would do well, so I loved her response,” Young said. “It was the best response I could have gotten to my question.” With Davis’ radical reputation, much of the audience seemed to come expecting a radical lecture. However, Young said she did not think the lecture was extreme. “What she was saying was truth,” Young said. “I don’t think what she said tonight was anything significantly more radical than what she’s done to add to the movement, the revolution.” Bailey Evans is a staff writer. Email her at features@nyunews.com.
NYUNEWS.COM | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
ARTS
EDITED BY CLIO MCCONNELL ARTS@NYUNEWS.COM
Punk-rock band Maine discusses independence By ALYSSA BUFFENSTEIN
If we live in a world where we can call Miley Cyrus punk rock, then The Maine might as well be The Ramones. Unlike the famously sedated band, though, thus far in their career The Maine has avoided boycotting, suing or writing angry songs about their record label. Instead, they stayed with Fearless Records for several years before deciding to take the do-it-yourself route, building their own studio to self-release their music — this move might be considered the punk rock high road. Before taking the stage at the Studio at Webster Hall on Feb. 27 for “An Acoustic Evening with The Maine,” a few of the band’s members — drummer Pat Kirch, guitarist Jared Monaco and bassist Garrett Nickelsen — sat down with WSN to talk about their new independence, and the fans that have stuck with them through the years. The band released their most recent album, “Forever Halloween,” via 8123 Management, a management company founded by their friend and tour manager Larry Schachner. “We want to make the music we want to make, and a lot of record labels want to control what you’re doing,” Kirch said. “We just didn’t find enjoyment in making a product just to sell or be on the radio as opposed to a record that we’re super proud of.” The Maine’s sound has changed sig-
nificantly from their beginnings as pop scenesters to their recent, paredback, indie rock inclinations. Five years ago, one might have grouped them with the likes of Boys Like Girls, All Time Low or Mayday Parade. But the band currently draws inspiration from the likes of Tom Petty and Jeff Tweedy, and their latest full-length was produced by Brendan Benson of the Raconteurs. Fans, however, have stuck with them as they have matured, Nickelsen said. “We see a lot of the same people on the same tours that go to a bunch of shows, and have been going since 2008,” Nickelsen said. “There’s a girl coming tonight that’s gone to 70 shows. They’re growing up with us.” The Maine’s die-hard fans support the band even as they change their sound. The band has not pigeonholed themselves into a specific, static genre, so their music appeals to new fans while retaining a core fan base. “That gives us so much more freedom, because we’re not afraid to take steps where we think something’s going to be a little bit outside of our fans’ comfort zones,” Monaco said. Punk is no longer about a specific look or sound — its meaning has been diluted. If The Maine’s strategy of doing whatever they want and embracing DIY is not totally punk rock, then what is? Alyssa Buffenstein is a contributing writer. Email her at music@nyunews.com.
‘Budapest’ delivers usual Wes Anderson quirks
By BENJAMIN MARQUES
Renowned director Wes Anderson has once again crafted a meticulously indelible thrill ride, oozing with style and outlandishly heartwarming characters. “The Grand Budapest Hotel” presents the action-packed tale of famed concierge M. Gustave H., played by Ralph Fiennes, and his trusted lobby boy Zero Mustafa played by Tony Revolori. After one of the rich, elderly ladies Gustave has a relationship with in his spare time passes away and leaves him a very important painting, the woman’s entire family becomes outraged and starts a war over her possessions, thrusting Gustave and Zero into increasingly perilous situations. This undeniably cute caper is brimming with wonderful acting — F. Murray Abraham, Mathieu Amalric, Adrien Brody, Jeff Goldblum, Jude Law, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Saoirse Ronan, Jason Schwartzman, Tilda Swinton, Tom Wilkinson, Owen Wilson, Harvey Keitel, Lea Seydoux and Bob Balaban all turn up in
Uncertainty surrounds ‘Heroes’ revival despite former renown By NIVEA SERRAO
NBC has announced that, four years after the cancellation of “Heroes,” it will be reviving the series for a limited 13-episode run called “Heroes: Reborn.” The network has not reported whether any of the original cast will be involved with this reboot, just that former showrunner Tim Kring will be directing the new series. In addition, there are plans to introduce new characters through a digital series that will be released before the show’s television premiere. However, there is considerably less enthusiasm for a “Heroes” reboot, especially since the final season ended with terrible ratings and a steep audience decline from its wildly popular first season. Many people blamed this on the show’s convoluted mythology and everexpanding ensemble cast, which often caused the series’ many storylines to suffer. However, the real problem is that Kring was unable to follow through with his original plan to have each season act as a self-contained story, with new characters and actors
5
each season — much like many anthology series today. Given the success of recent television anthologies, if “Heroes: Reborn” does well, perhaps Kring will tell the story as he had intended. Yet even if the series is able to put together a solid run of episodes, there is no guarantee that the show’s initial popularity will make it a hit — especially considering the almost overwhelming range of comic-inspired shows debuting this season. In most cases, these new shows are based on big name superhero franchises, like FOX’s “Gotham” and CW’s “Flash.” Without a more famous mythical figure attached to it, “Heroes: Reborn” might have a problem attracting an audience. However, what has always worked in “Heroes’” favor is its focus on a group of otherwise ordinary people, presenting a much more relatable origin story. Unfortunately, Marvel’s “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” has since infringed on this market, with none of its agents possessing superpowers – despite being set in the Marvel Comic Universe. “S.H.I.E.L.D.” has the added benefit of incorporating big name heroes like Captain Amer-
ica or “Thor’s” Lady Sif. While “Heroes: Reborn” may not attract a domestic audience in the United States, the series was extremely popular overseas, especially in the United Kingdom — this is part of the reason it was renewed for four seasons. The show was very effective in its international marketing, with NBC arranging for Kring and the cast to go on an international tour to promote the first season’s DVD. Another attraction is the show’s diverse geographical footage, incorporating storylines based in India and Japan just as easily as it presents New York-based stories. “Heroes” attempted to tell a global story, and in many ways was much more successful than “S.H.I.E.L.D.” is currently. This new digital format might help it do so again. NBC is slowly rebuilding its name this year, and if the network is able to harness the same kind of momentum it did when “Heroes” first premiered, it just might have another hit show on its hands. Nivea Serrao is a contributing writer. Email her at entertainment@nyunews.com.
extravagant costumes and makeup that will likely make viewers chuckle. Not to mention the hilariously demented turn by Willem Dafoe as Jopling, a brutal crony reminiscent of the mad criminal killer he channeled in “Wild at Heart.” Newcomer Revolori is a fresh, delightful discovery just like the two young leads of “Moonrise Kingdom,” Anderson’s previous film. After years of watching Ralph Fiennes cast in weighty Shakespearean adaptations and stark dramas, it is rather surreal to witness his transformation into the sad and slightly effeminate Gustave. Though his comedic range was tapped in films such as “In Bruges,” his performance under Anderson’s direction is uniquely satisfying. He anchors and colors “The Grand Budapest Hotel” with an impeccable sincerity at every turn. In his eighth feature film, Anderson again approaches weighty, adult issues in a concise pop-up book fashion. Cinematographer Robert Yeoman collaborates for the seventh time
with Anderson to fulfill every extreme zoom and horizontal tracking shot imaginable. These visuals are paired with Alexandre Desplat’s booming score to create a delightful treat. There are a few parts of the film viewers can gripe about. The audience can see an adorably simple love story between Saoirse Ronan and Tony Revolori’s characters that is given very little time, but this is for the sake of accommodating all of the other quirks and gags that populate Anderson’s world. Often, the stylistic choices resonate louder than the story itself, which occasionally distances the audience from the action. These moments, however, are few and far between. Though neither as emotionally engaging as “The Royal Tenenbaums” nor as brilliantly executed and realized as “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” “The Grand Budapest Hotel” is signature Anderson and a truly bizarre and enjoyable movie-going experience. Benjamin Marques is a contributing writer. Email him at film@nyunews.com.
ANTONY continued from PG. 1
Passion, politics intertwine in ‘Cleopatra’ production both wild and shrewd, giving in to passion when he is with Cleopatra but succumbing to political cunning when in Rome. Cake is excellent — his charisma is exactly what Antony needs. He is paired perfectly with Kalukango’s Cleopatra, who, despite being nearly a foot shorter than Cake, manages to match his incredible presence. For her, love and politics are intertwined. Her two goals — to empower Egypt and to love Antony — go together in her mind. Kalukango is appropriately fiery and commanding, as a queen should be. Together, these characters embody the archetypical power couple, equally obsessed with each other and their countries’ politics. Although we are left with Antony and Cleopatra’s dramatic love-induced suicides, the politics of the play linger over the characters. The pair was infamous for being lovers, but the drama of their affair was forced to compete with the critical conflict be-
tween their two nations. Happily, this production will not make audiences choose. Instead, it weaves the two narratives together in a beautifully crafted presentation of this famous tale. “Antony and Cleopatra” is playing at the Public Theater, 425 Lafayette St., through March 23. Dylan Jarret is books/theater editor. Email her at theater@nyunews.com.
COURTESY OF THE PUBLIC THEATER
“Cleopatra” presents a realistic Ancient Egypt.
6
WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014 | NYUNEWS.COM
INFORMING YOU FIRST
@nyunews
The New York Times Syndication Sales Corporation 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 For Release Thursday, March 6, 2014
THE NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD & DAILY SUDOKU Crossword ACROSS 1 ___ Beach, city near San Luis Obispo 6 Hide 10 “It follows that …” 14 Totally stoked 15 Metro ___ 16 Naughty look, maybe 17 With 27-Across, an old riddle 20 U.S. city known to some locals as Siqnazuaq 21 Girl’s name that sounds like French for “she has it” 22 Microscopic, informally 23 Starting words at many a sporting event? 25 Rich soil 27 See 17-Across 32 “To Kill a Mockingbird” author 33 One on probation, maybe
34 In this matter 37 Key of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7: Abbr. 39 Flop 41 What lemon adds to a dish, in food lingo 42 “I won’t miss it” 45 Take off 48 Kerfuffle 49 Answer to one spelling of the riddle 52 1998 Sarah McLachlan hit 53 Similar 54 Author of the quote “I am not what you call a civilized man!” 57 All the ___ 59 Capital in 2004-05’s Orange Revolution 63 Answer to another spelling of the riddle 66 Locks in the stable? 67 Dark genre
ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE S E R U M
A M O L E
P H A S E
R O D I N
L I B Y A
S H A D O W D E B E N O W A X
A F T I E V S S E T Y S N E E L O S M S A E A B I O O D I E L A Y S
E L I S A G I N T R A C K
D O T S
U S A G E
K I N D S
N A L A
O T T O
W E I R
P E E R A S Q U B A I E R L A V W I R I T
J O H N
P A Y T O N P Y L C A Y D E I L S M O A L R A
E G S T P O N I O B E
E N R O N
L O P E Z
S N E E R
68 Where Rosalind becomes Ganymede, in Shakespeare 69 Plunks (down) 70 Head-turning night fliers 71 Detroit’s county
Edited by Will Shortz 1
2
3
4
6
17
9
10
28
25
44
49
40 45
61
62
41 46
47
50
48 51
52 55
36
31 34
39 43
35
26
30
38
13
22
24
33
42
12
19
29
37
11
16
21
32
54
8
18
20
27
7
15
23
DOWN 1 Hostage 2 Modern “methinks” 3 Filter target 4 Luminary in a late-night show? 5 Has more than enough, briefly 6 Home is one corner in it 7 Russian river 8 Special election 9 Gab 10 Time-sensitive items 11 Santa’s deer leader? 12 Savvies 13 ___-dokey 18 Like a rat’s eyes 19 Drive drunkenly, say 24 Box ___ 26 “Wow!” 27 One of the men on “Two and a Half Men” 28 Fictional character who says “I am not what you call a civilized man!” 29 Handled, with “with” 30 No-goodnik 31 Sports segment that often includes highlights 35 ’Bama, with “the”
5
14
No. 0130
53
56
57
58
59
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
60
PUZZLE BY DAN SCHOENHOLZ
36 Cleaner’s target 38 Artist Vermeer 40 Violet Crawley of “Downton Abbey,” and others 43 Elvis’s “Viva Las Vegas,” recordwise 44 Fed. stipend 46 Established the price of
47 Sch. near Albany, N.Y. 50 Constrained 51 Site of the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations 54 Seductress 55 Genesis man 56 Little sucker? 58 Blue dye source
60 May race, informally 61 Genesis place 62 Weather indicator 64 Start for a Spanish count 65 Manhandle
For answers, call 1-900-285-5656, $1.49 a minute; or, with a credit card, 1-800-814-5554. Annual subscriptions are available for the best of Sunday crosswords from the last 50 years: 1-888-7-ACROSS. AT&T users: Text NYTX to 386 to download puzzles, or visit nytimes.com/mobilexword for more information. Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 2,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year). Share tips: nytimes.com/wordplay. Crosswords for young solvers: nytimes.com/learning/xwords.
NYUNEWS.COM | THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2014 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
OPINION
EDITED BY PETER KEFFER OPINION@NYUNEWS.COM
ADAM’S ANGLE
Comcast-Netflix deal threatens competition By ADAM FAZLIBEGU
Last week, Comcast and Netflix announced an agreement granting Netflix increased access to Comcast’s subscribers, hopefully speeding up the website’s service. Content providers like Netflix have traditionally not paid Internet service providers for access to their users. Instead, all data on the Internet, regardless of its source, was treated equally by all service providers, the underlying principle of net neutrality. However, a federal appeals court ruled in January that the Federal Communications Commission did not have the authority to establish net neutrality rules, meaning the Comcast-Netflix contract is completely legal. The problem is that the deal between Comcast and Netflix could set a dangerous precedent whereby service providers are gaining control over content providers, potentially leaving smaller companies that do not have the capital to reach similar agreements behind. The Comcast-Netflix deal came soon after Comcast purchased Time Warner Cable for $45 billion. After the acquisition is complete, Comcast will supply service for nearly a third
of all broadband Internet subscribers and be operating in most major urban markets. The buyout has come under scrutiny because it increases Comcast’s bargaining power with media companies and Internet content providers. As the Netflix deal proves, concern over Comcast’s endless expansion was warranted. Netflix wants to make a deal with Comcast because its content accounts for roughly 30 percent of all Internet data usage at peak hours. Over the past several months, Netflix has been experiencing slow loading times, but now, with direct access to Comcast’s powerful broadband network, the website has an opportunity to improve its performance. If other content providers begin to experience slowdowns of their own, they could follow in Netflix’s footsteps and reach
an agreement with a service provider. But this would leave the startups and less established content providers at a disadvantage because they could never afford such a deal. The net neutrality laws that were struck down in January could have helped put a stop to the ComcastNetflix deal. Even though the laws no longer apply, the Department of Justice always has the option to intervene. In addition, the FCC could establish new rules that the courts deem are within their power to establish. While Comcast’s deal is legal, there are checks that must be made to ensure that the increasingly powerful conglomerate does not abuse the power it has over content providers in the long run. The Department of Justice should keep a close watch on Comcast’s next moves, ensuring that its lucrative deal with Netflix does not put less established content providers at a disadvantage. If they fail to do so, the fairness and equality of the Internet could be jeopardized. Adam is a staff columnist. Adam’s Angle is published every Thursday. Email him at opinion@nyunews.com.
VITTORIO’S RAZOR
U.S. must encourage NATO-Ukraine alliance By VITTORIO BISIN
The initial rise in social unrest in Kiev and the rest of Ukraine was caused by ex-President Viktor Yanukovych rejecting European Union integration and the European Neighborhood Policy. More accurately, he buckled to pressure from the Kremlin and sought to return to a Russian-backed economic and political sphere. After the Sochi Winter Olympics, and with the realization that the opposition could take political power and push Ukraine toward the EU, Russian President Vladimir Putin decided to take a more aggressive stance. There seems to be nothing the American government can do to change this. Putin wants to prevent Ukraine from going the way of Poland. The Kremlin has had no political or economic control over Poland since it joined NATO in 1999 and the EU in 2004. Poland now has minimal economic relations with Russia. In fact, Poland’s biggest trading partner is Germany, to whom it exports 24 percent of its goods. During the ongoing protests in
SUBMITTING TO
7
Kiev, one of the first threats that Russia issued to Ukraine and its protestors was a drastic hike in gas prices. The threat was made as leverage. All of Europe depends on Russian gas. If gas prices are substantially increased for Ukraine, foreign humanitarian aid will be required — the economic burden would be too much for the ruined nation to bear otherwise. Yet, Russia’s threat would lose its power if Ukraine were to follow Poland’s example and join NATO. Putin also has particular interest in the Crimea region of Ukraine. Not only are the majority of people there ethnically Russian, but the Kremlin has a large naval base in Sevastopol, a major Crimean city. The loss of Crimea would mean loss of access to the
Black Sea, and with it, a significant loss of global power. During the Russo-Georgian war of 2008, Putin used similar reasoning for his invasion of Georgia as he now has with Ukraine: to protect the ethnic Russians in South Ossetia. So when Putin invaded Abkhazia instead of South Ossetia in 2008, American officials were caught off guard. Abkhazia is an important region alongside the Black Sea but lies far from South Ossetia. If his 2008 actions are any indication, the United States is underestimating Putin’s desire to maintain control over the Black Sea, which will prove troublesome for Ukraine. It is difficult to imagine this crisis ending without Russia maintaining some control over Crimea in order to preserve its Naval base. American influence can do nothing to change Putin’s clear interests, but it can and should help Ukraine join NATO. Only then will Putin face reality. Vittorio Bisin is a staff columnist. Vittorio’s Razor is published every Thursday. Email him at opinion@nyunews.com.
STAFF EDITORIAL
De Blasio should avoid charter school battle
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced last Thursday that he is seeking to prevent three charter schools from moving into public places free of charge, acting swiftly on the animosity he expressed for charter schooling during his campaign. Charter schools, which are publically funded but independently operated, have been gaining traction in New York City in the past decade, and for good reason: they consistently produce better performing students than their traditional, public school counterparts. So why de Blasio’s unnecessary attack? The fact that all three schools are operated by the same person, Eva Moskowitz, is telling. The news behind de Blasio’s attacks on Moskowitz is not surprising for those who followed last year’s Mayoral race intently. They had both spent time in the City Council during the early 2000s and were surprisingly amicable given Moskowitz’s hostile persona. However, during de Blasio’s campaign, she became a focal point for his attacks as he sought to ingratiate himself with Moskowitz’s archenemy, the United Federation of Teachers. In a public forum last June, de Blasio spoke of her with pure vitriol and contempt, stating: “There’s no way in hell Eva Moskowitz should get free rent [for her schools], okay?” In 2006, Moskowitz began the Success Academy charter program as a single elementary school in Harlem. Today, it has grown to 22 elementary and middle schools, with nearly 7,000 students, 90 percent of whom are black or Hispanic, across multiple boroughs. The qualified candidates for enrollment are accepted via a random lottery system. Last year, roughly 12,000 students applied for only 2,500 seats. If anything, the Success Academy should be expanding to satisfy the growing demand for its schools. Even Democrats are reluctant to support de Blasio in his attack against charter schools. While some back Moskowitz, others back the mayor and teachers’ union. Gov. Andrew Cuomo stands decidedly on the side of charter schools, indicating the depth of the divide on the issue. Largely a supporter of Bloomberg’s school policies, Cuomo has taken a strong stance against de Blasio on this issue, vowing to “save charter schools.” The Governor’s opposition raises questions about the political shrewdness of de Blasio’s decision. It has only been 65 days since de Blasio’s inauguration. His actions last week demonstrate his inexperience. He must look to his predecessor for guidance, who rarely made hasty personal attacks which served no political goal. De Blasio is on the brink of making a powerful enemy out of Cuomo. The mayor should err on the side of caution when choosing his future political battles, especially when education is the issue at hand.
Email the WSN Editorial Board at editboard@nyunews.com. EDITORIAL BOARD: Peter Keffer (Chair), Christina Coleburn (Co-chair), Omar Etman (Co-chair), Nina Golshan (Co-chair)
Send mail to: 838 Broadway, Fifth Floor New York, N.Y. 10003 or email: opinion@nyunews.com WSN welcomes letters to the editor, opinion pieces and articles relevant to the NYU community, or in response to articles. Letters should be less than 450 words. All submissions must be typed or emailed and must include the author’s name, address and phone number. Members of the NYU community must include a year and school or job title.
WSN does not print unsigned letters or editorials. WSN reserves the right to reject any submission and edit accepted submissions in any and all ways. With the exception of the staff editorial, opinions expressed on the editorial pages are not necessarily those of WSN, and our publication of opinions is not an endorsement of them.
8
NYUNEWS.COM | THURSDAY, MARCH 6W, 2014 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
SPORTS
EDITED BY FRANCISCO NAVAS SPORTS@NYUNEWS.COM
Basketball teams earn postseason accolades By FRANCISCO NAVAS and MICHELLE TRAN
In just her second season as the women’s head coach, Lauren Hall-Gregory is leading the Violets to the NCAA tournament pool of 64. CAS freshman and guard Kaitlyn Read said the Violets received news of their tournament bid on March 3 and were thrilled. “A few of us got together and watched the live broadcast announcing the bracket and were so happy when we heard our name called,” Read said. The women ended their regular season with an outstanding record of 20 wins and five losses. In the UAA Conference, the Violets placed second, only falling short behind Washington University in St. Louis, with a conference record of 9-5. The women have not been to the NCAA tournament since the 2008-09 season, when they advanced to the Sweet 16 round. Read said the team’s re-entry into the tournament may be difficult. “The biggest challenge we face going into the tournament is maybe our inexperience,” Read said. “Most people on the team have not been to the tournament yet, so not all of us are sure of exactly what to expect.” The dynamic of the team and the athleticism they showed in both their offensive and defensive game have validated their NCAA bid. The women will be travelling to Medford, Mass., this Friday and facing off against the University of New England, champions of the Commonwealth Coast Conference. Tufts University will host the NCAA matchup. Read and CAS sophomore and forward Megan Dawe were named
with All-UAA honors. “It feels amazing to be recognized and honored for the hard work Kaitlyn and I have put in all season,” Dawe said. “I’m excited to see what the next few years will bring, but right now, we are just getting ready for the first round of the NCAA tournament this weekend.” Meanwhile, the NYU men’s team received a postseason Eastern College Athletic Conference Division III Metro Championship tournament bid on Monday for the second year in a row. The team traveled to Hoboken, N.J., Wednesday in the first round where they faced the Stevens Institute of Technology. However, the team lost 69-86. SCPS sophomore and center Costas Gontikas explained the team’s 17-point deficit loss. “Our transition defense wasn’t great, and we lost focus down the stretch,” Gontikas said. The men’s team finished out their regular season with an overall record of 16-9, placing fourth within the UAA conference with a record of 6-8. Along with the ECAC D-III tournament bid, three of the men’s team finest were honored with All-UAA Honors. LS sophomore and forward Evan Kupferberg, CAS senior and point guard Ryan Tana and Gontikas were all notified Monday of their UAA accolades. Coach Joseph Nesci applauded the players’ accomplishment. “The coaching staff and players are proud of the UAA honors Ryan, Evan and Costis received,” Nesci sad. “All three were well deserved.” Francisco Navas is sports editor. Michelle Tran is a staff writer. Email them at sports@nyunews.com.
VIA GONYUATHLETICS.COM
Kaitlyn Reade and Megan Dawe were named All-UAA honors.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE
NEWSLETTER
HAVE ALL OF OUR DAILY HEADLINES SENT DIRECTLY TO YOUR INBOX EMAIL NEWSLETTER@NYUNEWS.COM TO SUBSCRIBE