NYU’s Daily Student Newspaper
WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS Vol. 42, No. 43
TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014
nyunews.com
Advocates equate human, labor rights
INSIDE THIS
ISSUE
By ANJANA SREEDHAR
VIA FLICKR.COM
NYU reacts to ferry tragedy Out of 476 passengers, only 174 have been rescued. More than 300 were students and teachers. STORY on PG. 3
FELIPE DE LA HOZ/WSN AVITAL GLIBICKY/WSN
How to plan the perfect picnic To celebrate National Picnic Day, be sure to look at our list of picnic essentials. STORY on PG. 4
Human Rights Watch’s Jo Becker pushes for higher labor standards.
Chelsea Clinton’s new documentary focuses on the friendship between an NYU imam and rabbi. STORY on PG. 7
RIGHTS continued on PG. 3
Play uses musical lens to examine climate change
Neon Trees disappoint with lackluster album
Polar bears and howler monkeys and charismatic megafauna galore. If this sounds a little overwhelming to you — and you have no idea what charismatic megafauna means — you are not alone. “The Great Immensity,” a new musical created by theater company The Civilians that is currently playing at the Public, is filled with long words and complicated concepts that can easily leave an audience feeling swamped with information about climate change, activism and the future of the earth. “Immensity” tells the story of a nature videographer, Karl, who is forced to face the real-
Is there a distinction between pop and rock anymore? From a strictly stylistic perspective, rock is perhaps rawer, less glossy and more abrasive. There is a degree of accessibility to rock and roll because musicians do not need a studio to create it, and instead they rely on simply a guitar, a bass, a drum set and amplifiers. Often, rock proves more memorable than pop, even when it is bad. 1979’s “My Sharona” is almost universally recognized, yet many contemporary listeners do not know Robin Scott’s “Pop Muzik,” another No.1 hit from the same year. Something
By DYLAN JARRETT
Clinton merges religion, academia
To Jo Becker, labor rights should be considered human rights and fought for with equal zeal. Becker, advocacy director of the Children’s Rights Division of Human Rights Watch, was joined by Gallatin professor Vasuki Nesiah and English doctoral student Chinnie Ding at NYU to discuss the relationship between labor and human rights on April 21 as a part of “Labor Rights as Human Rights.” Becker spoke about her organization’s current efforts to work with tobacco companies to ensure that children are not working in dangerous conditions on tobacco plantations. “She is a leader in the field,” Nesiah said. “She has been influential in terms of actually shaping international human rights law, initially through the Child Soldiers Convention and now through the Domestic Workers
ity of the changing climate when confronted by Julie and her group of teenage UN ambassadors who want to save the world. When Karl disappears, his wife Phyllis chases him from Panama to Canada in an attempt to figure out where he is and what he is doing. Along the way, the audience is presented with some smart, socially conscious musical interludes on topics such as the history of the UN Climate Summit and the process by which animals go extinct. The production, written and directed by Steven Cosson, feels neither wholly complete
IMMENSITY continued on PG. 5
By CHRIS FELDSINE
about the “My Sharona” compels listeners to return to it, making it unforgettable. If memorability is a crucial characteristic of rock music, then Neon Trees is definitely not a rock band. The group’s latest record, “Pop Psychology,” is more or less a throwaway, consisting almost entirely of filler that strives to be substantial but is not. The stellar production on the album makes “Pop Psychology” seem more substantial than it actually is. Still, the instruments all blend with each other beautifully. It is therefore difficult
NEON continued on PG. 5
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WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014 | NYUNEWS.COM
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POP JUSTICE
Creative Director
For pop music fans, endless hours can be spent on Popjustice. If you love music blogs but don’t necessarily take websites like Pitchfork as gospel, you’ll likely find Popjustice a refreshing take on today’s music. The blog embraces an often-maligned genre and it does so with a genuine appreciation that is both nuanced and unironic. Beware though, with features like “Big Song,” popstar archives and a frequently updated RSS feed, Popjustice can be a bit of a timesuck. — JAKE FOLSOM
Mc SWEENEY’S
Timothy McSweeney’s Internet Tendency is a website that hosts stories shorter and wittier than the Onion, but more satirical than your favorite celebrities’ Twitter accounts. Anyone with time to spare can click around for hours and be thoroughly entertained with popular comic articles like “Kafka’s Joke Book” and “Excerpts from My 2012 Day-By-Day Mayan Calendar.” The ongoing column “Lists” is particularly hilarious — the “Important New Emoticons” will hopefully find their place in text-speak soon. — CLIO MCCONNELL
FODDY.NET
Want a single place to satisfy all your dumb game needs? Visit Foddy.net at 3 a.m. when you can’t help but procastinate. Foddy features classics such as the insanely difficult QWOP, in which players control the thighs and calves of a track and field runner, as well as originals, such as “Get On Top,” in which the goal is to tip over your opponent and get on top. With 12 games to choose from, Foddy is simply the best for boredom relief. — BOB TEOH
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THE FOX IS BLACK
Though New York City hosts plenty of fun things to do, check out what Los Angeles has to offer on the cool blog The Fox is Black. It’s an art, design and architecture blog that covers everything from music videos to German art installations to photography exhibits. Their Desktop Wallpaper Project curates downloadable designs for your desktop background from cool and upcoming artists. They also host Re-covered Books competitions where they challenge artists to reimagine book covers for classic novels. “The Outsiders,” “Fahrenheit 451” and “Harry Potter” have been tackled so far, among others. — IFE OLUJOBI
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TODAY ON CAMPUS Obamacare The LS Student Council will be holding a symposium on the Affordable Care Act. The symposium will feature NYU President John Sexton and American Civil Liberties Union President Susan Herman. The event will take place today in the Global Center for Academic and Spiritual Life at 6:30 p.m.
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NANCI HEALY EDITORIAL ADVISER
Climate Change NYU professor and author of “Reason in a Dark Time: Why the Struggle to Stop Climate Change Failed — and What It Means For Our Future,” Dale Jamieson, will give a lecture today on climate change. The lecture shares the same name as the book and will take place at 19 University Place in room 102 at 6:30 p.m.
Street Fair Canals run through the city of Amsterdam, Netherlands.
There will be a street fair celebrating the 45th annual Earth Day. There will be food and music and will take place from noon to 5 p.m. at LaGuardia Place between the Kimmel Center for University Life and Bobst Library.
PHOTO BY CICEK EREL
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 | TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
Alum alleviates labor conditions By ANN SCHMIDT
Steinhardt alumnus Drew Todrys recently made his way back into the nonprofit arena with the relaunch of Project Assembly Line, a nonprofit organization devoted to improving the lives of factory workers in developing countries and encouraging corporate social responsibility. While taking graduate classes at George Washington University, Todrys created a 40-page business plan, built a website and networked for PAL which restarted in February. Todson, Inc., a company that produces bikes in China, joined PAL as a full-time partner and will help the organization expand. Todrys explained that this partnership means the company supports PAL’s mission. “I am still reaching out now for more connections, support, outreach and a steady fundraising stream and team going forward,” Todrys said. PAL originated in 2012 when Todrys was studying in Shanghai and saw a documentary about the struggles of migrant factory workers. He decided to take action by meeting with managers from two factories in China and interviewing the workers to determine their needs. “Before in 2012 I had a vague idea what I wanted but had no idea how to implement it,” Todrys said. “I knew I wanted to do it but needed more knowledge. That’s where grad school helped me.” Stern alumna Ashley Zhang helped Todrys translate when he
COURTESY OF DREW TODYRS
Drew Todrys visited factory workers in China. went to the factories. “[The workers] asked us to please help them out whichever way we could,” Zhang said. “After interviewing the workers, we had discussions with the workers’ managers and the local labor union to see if there were other items that that they needed for the coming winter.” Now that PAL has been restarted, Todrys said the focus is on providing material assistance to workers. “In the long run, we are aiming to develop educational workshops, long-term partnerships and advocacy programs on corporate social responsibility,” Todrys said. “We never want to demonize the factories or corporations. We want to work alongside them.” SLAM member and Gallatin senior Caitlin MacLaren said students should pressure
RIGHTS continued from PG. 1
Human RightsWatch director discusses labor issues at Gallatin
Law, so that’s actually changing the legal landscape globally.” Becker explained the three main groups responsible for ensuring human rights: governments, companies and human rights organizations. She said labor groups and human rights organizations often share common goals but do not agree on how to reach them. “At the Human Rights Council, I’ll often see dozens of [nongovernmental organizations],” Becker said. “But when I and my colleagues go to the International Labor Organization, we’re often the only NGO there.” Becker said human rights organizations can do more to ensure that labor rights are human rights by prioritizing the agendas. She also celebrated some of Human Rights Watch’s successes, such as pressuring the Russian government to fairly pay migrant construction workers brought in for the Sochi Olympics. “The Human Rights Council at the [United Nations] covers so many issues, so whether you’re working on torture or incarceration or freedom of expres-
sion … there’s a place for you, whereas the ILO has a more narrow focus,” Becker said. At the event, CAS junior Leah Mlyn asked about the efforts being made to promote access to public services for migrant workers in the United States. Becker said child labor research done in the United States shows a diverse combination of migrants, children of migrants and U.S. citizens working in the fields. Mlyn, a recipient of the Gallatin Global Fellowship for Human Rights, said it was interesting to hear Becker speak. “I did get a good understanding of how Human Rights Watch conceptualizes their relationship between labor rights and human rights, and the overlaps and how those discourses work together,” Mlyn said. “I got a nice broad review of how those discourses can work in conversation and got to meet Jo Becker who I have heard a lot about, and it was interesting to hear her speak.” Anjana Sreedhar is a staff writer. Email her at news@nyunews.com.
brands to negotiate with workers, which is why SLAM has been pushing NYU to only do business with brands that have signed worker safety agreements such as the Accord on Fire and Building Safety. “While factory workers in places like Bangladesh undoubtedly have a hard time buying essential supplies, what workers need more than donations are unions,” MacLaren said. “Workers should be empowered to organize, speak up and improve their wages and working conditions so they can buy the things they need.” Since PAL’s restart, Todrys has been communicating with those who helped him in Shanghai, including Zhang. Although she has not been able to participate, she has stayed updated through Facebook. “PAL has made a tremendous difference in the lives of people that it has touched, and I am definitely excited to seeing it grow,” Zhang said. Todrys does not see success as earning money, but instead as improving the quality of life for factory workers. “Even if I fail, I will have no regrets because I gave it my all for them,” Todrys said. “Hopefully, I will inspire others along the way to make their passion a reality and to help those in need.” Ann Schmidt is a news editor. Email her at aschmidt@nyunews.com.
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Study relates violence to school performance By MARITA VLACHOU
When the homicide rate increases in a community, primary school children are more likely to fail a grade. A new study, co-authored by NYU sociology professor Florencia Torche and doctoral student Monica Caudillo, found these results. The study is based on the statistical analysis of a large data set that merged information about every school in Mexico across 21 years between 1990 and 2010. While it is difficult to measure the effects of violence on developing minds, Torche and Caudillo used various statistical techniques to understand the effects of local violence on children. “The statistical techniques we use allow us to capture a causal effect of violence on grade failure, and not simply a correlation,” Torche said. Torche said it is more common for poor children to live in violent communities, and the impact on their school performance is likely to contribute to the intergenerational reproduction of poverty. “Research in the [United States] usually focuses on the effect of local violence on adolescents,” Torche said. “Our study demonstrates that exposure to local violence affects children since they are very young.” Mark Alter, a professor of educational psychology, said students have always been affected academically, socially and psychologically
by out-of-school factors — the most powerful of which is community. “Students who experience poverty and all the problems that come with it have enough trouble just surviving, much less succeeding in school,” Alter said. To address these out-of-school factors that affect school performance, Alter said the focus should be on raising revenues to fund after-school programs, basic health programs, social work and other services at low-income schools. Torche said more research should be done on the negative psychological impacts of violence on children. “This negative effect emerges because violence induces fear, anxiety and stress among children, and that affects their school performance,” Torche said. “More research is necessary to fully understand these and other mechanisms.” Caudillo said in a press release to the American Sociological Association that the research could indicate a need for school programs to help children cope with violence. “Our research suggests that in violent environments it may be important to consider initiatives such as teacher training and school programs designed to help children manage and reduce the symptoms associated with exposure to violence in order to alleviate their negative impact,” Caudillo said. Marita Vlachou is a staff writer. Email her at news@nyunews.com.
NYU Reacts: Korean ferry tragedy
By VALENTINA DUQUE BOJANINI and ANN SCHMIDT
All over the world, people continue to mourn the sinking of the South Korean Sewol ferry on April 16. South Korean President Park Geun-hye said on Monday that the crew’s actions during the incident were unforgivable and murderous. Crew members are facing charges while the search for passengers continues.
“As for the the incident, I speak on behalf of all Koreans at NYU with certainty that our deepest regard goes to those who lost their lives, those who lost their beloved and just as much for those who survived to live with tragic memaories that cannot be [ forgotten].” — CAS senior Seok Whee Nam, president of NYU Korean International Students Organization
“Unfortunately, the information spread by independent people using these methods don’t correlate to what is shown through mainstream Korean media (most mainstream Korean TV news channels and newspapers are wholly or partially owned, funded and operated by the government), which just replays clips of rescue workers approaching the sunken ship to make it seem like rescue efforts are continuously occurring.” — CAS sophomore Tae Young Woo
“As I pray for the lost and missing ones to be found, I strongly hope the survivors don’t feel guilty, as they should not be and rather live more passionately for the lost ones.” — Steinhardt sophomore Kristi Yijae Lee
“The whole country is in a period of mourning. Almost all the concerts, festivals [and] entertaining TV programs are cancelled or postponed. It seems like everything stopped in the country right now.” — Steinhardt sophomore Eunsun Chang
“I agree with President Park Geun-Hye’s statement — what the crew and captain did was entirely unforgivable ... To me, it’s shameful that the crew believed that their wellbeing took precedent over the lives of hundreds who had no one to rely on but the crew while at sea.” — LS sophomore Gina Lee Valentina Duque Bojanini is a deputy news editor. Ann Schmidt is a news editor. Email them at news@nyunews.com.
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WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014 | NYUNEWS.COM
DINING
EDITED BY CHANDLER WEST DINING@NYUNEWS.COM
Simple steps to welcome spring with perfect picnic By BRYNA SHUMAN
should have a camera or phone on hand to document the Instagram-worthy memories.
New York City may be a concrete jungle, but there are still plenty of ways to enjoy nature. Tomorrow is National Picnic Day, and what better way to enjoy the newfound warmth and sunshine after a long winter than a picnic with friends? For a successful picnic, try these tips.
Location
Food The best foods for picnics are those that do not require extra dishes or utensils. Sandwiches are effortless to make and easy to handle, and they do not have to be as boring as a cheese sandwich on white bread. Try a fresh mozzarella, plum tomato and basil sandwich with a drizzle of olive oil on ciabatta bread, or ham and brie with apple slaw on a toasted baguette. Pair your sandwiches with pita chips and hummus, a few pieces of fresh and in-season fruit, and a take-out box of Hayden cookies. Pack cold bottles of lemonade and iced tea to drink. On particularly hot days, make sure to bring along some cash so you can grab soft serve ice cream from the closest Mister Softee truck. Pack it all up in a wicker basket from Chelsea Market Baskets that can double as dorm room storage when not in use.
AVITAL GLIBICKY/WSN
Sandwiches and fruits make for easy-to-pack picnic treats for a day in the park. Extras When packing your picnic basket, make sure you have all the right utensils. If you will be serving something that is not finger food, bring along paper plates, plastic forks and serving spoons.
Pack napkins and wet wipes to take care of any messes. If you do not have a picnic blanket or quilt, use an extra bed sheet or have everyone bring their own large beach towel. Don’t forget to pack the fun extras, too. If you
Ice cream shops serve up cool cones By REBECCA RIDDLE
As temperatures rise after a long, cold winter and signs of spring begin to appear throughout the city, it is a great time to check out some of the unique ice cream options New York City has to offer. From gelato to artisan ice cream sandwiches, there is no shortage of delicious frozen treats to help celebrate the arrival of spring.
Melt Bakery If you want to spend an afternoon at a beautiful location with a cool dessert, check out Melt Bakery, one of the High Line’s multiple food vendors. Melt Bakery has a permanent store on the Lower East Side, but also sets up shop on the High Line during spring and summer months. Melt Bakery sells specialty artisan ice cream sandwiches that are delicious and also sustainable and locally sourced. With combinations that include cream cheese-flavored ice cream with red velvet cookies and green tea-flavored ice cream with ginger cookies, Melt Bakery on the High Line provides great treats with a view. (132 Orchard St. and the High Line above 15th and 16th Streets)
Grom Hailing straight from Torino, Italy, Grom is the place to go
SHAWN PAIK/WSN
Flavored ice cream cones are back in season. for a taste of authentic Italian gelato. Grom uses the highest quality ingredients possible to create an exceptional product. It even has its own farm with almost 20 acres of land where it grows the fruit it uses in its sorbets and gelatos. Grom has three locations in New York City, including one in Greenwich Village. If choosing a flavor is difficult, go for a scoop of Bacio, which combines rich chocolate gelato with crunchy hazelnut chips — a favorite of Grom regulars. (233 Bleecker St.)
The shop started out as just two men with an ice cream truck and a dream, but quickly turned into a New York obsession. The store offers quirky soft serve ice cream creations with catchy names to match, ensuring that any trip to Big Gay Ice Cream will be a good time. Sample the Salty Pimp, which is a vanilla ice cream cone with dulce de leche, sea salt and a chocolate coating or the American Globs, which combines vanilla ice cream, pretzels, sea salt and chocolate. (125 E. Seventh St. and 61 Grove St.)
Emack & Bolio’s
Big Gay Ice Cream
If you are looking for a classic yet delicious ice cream experience, try Emack & Bolio’s on West Houston Street in SoHo. The store offers a variety of decadent flavors such as grasshopper pie and peanut butter oreo, but what really makes this ice cream shop stand out is its selection of specialty ice cream cones. At Emack & Bolio’s, you can eat your ice cream in a cone dipped in chocolate or marshmallow and rolled in a variety of interesting and unexpected toppings such as Rice Krispies, Fruity Pebbles, coconut and Oreos. (73 W. Houston St.)
Featured on TV shows, food blogs and in magazines, Big Gay Ice Cream is worth the hype.
Rebecca Riddle is a staff writer. Email her at dining@nyunews.com.
are going to be in a large area, bring along a Frisbee or soccer ball for a friendly pickup game. Create a playlist of your favorite songs beforehand and make sure your wireless speakers are charged. Of course, someone
There are plenty of picturesque picnic spots in the city. Perhaps the most classic of these is Sheep Meadow in Central Park. A large green lawn surrounded by trees, Sheep Meadow offers plenty of space, both in the sun and in the shade. If there were not views of skyscrapers peeking over the tree line, it would be easy to forget that the spot is still in the city at all. Running short on time? Find a spot to spread your blanket in Washington Square Park. The new playground in the southwest corner of the park makes for plenty of interesting people watching. For a change of pace, take a ferry out to Governor’s Island for the afternoon. Picnic Point, a spot on the southern tip of the island, offers hammocks, swings and unparalleled views of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. Governor’s Island reopens for the summer on May 24, and the Governor’s Island Ferry departs from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South St. Bryna Shuman is features editor. Email her at bshuman@nyunews.com.
Schnitz transfers from Brooklyn to Manhattan By NIKOLAS REDA-CASTELAO
A quaint shop at the intersection of 11th Street and First Avenue in the East Village is serving up schnitzel sandwiches. Schnitzel is a traditional German dish consisting of a thinly cut meat, such as pork, chicken or veal, that is breaded and lightly fried. Schnitz owners Allon Yosha and brother-sister duo Yonni and Dona Elrich introduced their fusion specialty at Smorgasborg, the foodie flea market in Brooklyn, three years ago. This winter, they brought the unique flavor to their first brickand-mortar location. The restaurant itself is cozy. It is small and crowded, and classic rock plays over the speakers. Unlike schnitzel, Schnitz is not traditional by any means. The menu offers three categories for the sandwiches: pork, chicken and vegetarian. There are no veal sandwiches, but they are hardly missed. With each sandwich comes a specially crafted combination of Mediterranean medleys — cucumbers, tzatziki sauce, ginger and other old-world flavors top the sandwiches. The Bamberg ($10), Schnitz’s
most popular sandwich, is loaded with piquant flavors that are complemented by the robustness of the crisp schnitzel amid the symphony of ginger, cucumbers and shallots. The combination is remarkable, even for those not attracted to the individual flavors. “The Bamberg had the most interesting combination of flavor,” Tisch sophomore Brit Bucklee said. “The pickled cucumbers were a really delicious and smart counter to the ginger and Dijon, making sure the spiciness was balanced out.” One of the chicken options, the Grumpy Russian ($9), uses pickled cherries to invigorate taste buds. The use of the cherries seemed unorthodox, but it works when coupled with the gorgonzola spread. The Yonz ($10), one of the restaurant’s vegetarian options, features a compressed patty of butternut squash and corn topped with a honey-flavored mayo. With a variety of interesting pairings and options, Schnitz is the ideal destination for those seeking something out of the ordinary. Nikolas Reda-Castelao is a contributing writer. Email him at dining@nyunews.com.
NYUNEWS.COM | TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
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ARTS
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TEEN delivers exciting ‘Bicycling’ friendship hits home follow-up album By DANIEL LIEBERSON
By KIM HART
Upon first glance, listeners may not notice that Brooklyn-based quartet TEEN is essentially a family affair. The group consists of three sisters — Teeny, Katherine and Lizzie Lieberson — and a fourth member, Boshra AlSaadi. Perhaps it is this sisterly bond that makes TEEN so different from other all-girl music groups of today, having the ability to mix several genres into a sound that is uniquely their own. For their second full-length record, “The Way and Color,” TEEN brings in more psychedelic and R&B influences, adding to the unrivaled noise/pop/electronic combination achieved on the previous LP, “In Limbo,” and last year’s “Carolina” EP. “The Way and Color” opens with the bright “Rose 4 U,” which features a buoyant bass line and sweet, repetitive lyrics throughout the track. However, at the song’s mid-point, the TEEN girls gather in an unexpected yet beautiful vocal harmony that completely changes tempo but still somehow fits. The opener paves the way for the rest of “The Way and Color,” promising even smoother vocal performances and unpredictable twists and turns. “Rose 4 U” is followed by “Not For Long.” This track effortlessly continues the motif of harmonious R&B influence and, by the song’s end, a loop of synthesizers pulls the sound together — something that only TEEN could craft. On “Sticky,” the record’s fourth track, a slow dub reverbs in the background while Teeny and company croon about a “sticky situa-
tion,” perhaps alluding to a failing relationship or something more gruesome. Despite the song’s gloomy subject, its rhythmic beat and flow give it a sensual feel. This quality carries on in “More Than I Ask For” and the nearly seven-minute-long “Breathe Low & Deep,” where the quartet employs layers of brass instruments to add another musical dimension without sounding overwhelming. The album’s sole instrumental track is titled “Voices.” Electronic pings and pangs take control of the track, alongside synthesizers and a deep, distorted vocal sample. Further on, the fuzzy guitar riff in “Reconsider” morphs into the song’s foreground, demanding the listener’s attention as it simultaneously contradicts and works with the recurring synths. “All the Same” successfully closes the album by bringing together the disparate elements of the album that make it so great — the harmonies, the bass, the computerized accents and the brass. It is difficult to pinpoint a single boring moment on “The Way and Color.” The record functions best as a focal piece of music, as opposed to something that would play at a dinner party. The album’s eccentric, ambitious quality places it above the group’s debut, which included a couple standout tracks in between layers of filler. Since then, TEEN has created a special sort of music that should garner attention for years to come. Kim Hart is a contributing writer. Email her at music@nyunews.com.
Philippe Le Guay’s “Bicycling with Molière,” or “Alceste à Bicyclette” in French, prominently features two friends who spend a great deal of time on bikes. However, the film is not a melodramatic portrayal of French friends who ride their bicycles together. In fact, it delivers a surprisingly sharp and poignant story that defies expectations. Set on the sequestered Île-de-Ré, “Bicycling” brings Gauthier (Lambert Wilson) to the doorstep of his old friend Serge (Fabrice Luchini), a retired actor and part-time painter. Gauthier, star of the French version of what “House” may have been had it been made by the creators of “Macgyver,” wishes to accomplish something of merit by starring in his own production of Molière’s “The Misanthrope.” He also seeks the cooperation of his long-retired friend to play alongside him. Serge, an avid admirer and bona fide expert of Molière, is initially loath to return to the stage. Through Gauthier’s persistent entreaties, he yields and promises to deliver his friend an answer after one week of rehearsals. Trouble arises, however, when the egos of the two actors clash over who deserves the role of Alceste and who should take on the part of Philinte. Interpretations of the characters’ psyches diverge, personal habits interfere with artistic merit and a local Italian divorcée and a young, aspiring porn actress are thrown into the fray. All the while, the men ride their bikes.
Although at a glance one might mistake “Bicycling” as a run-ofthe-mill dramedy in which two old friends reconcile their differences and address their own personal problems along the ride, it is in the writing and the culmination of the film that a truly powerful story is made. Written by Luchini, a real-life Molière expert and avid bike rider, and Le Guay, the script brings the world alive with wit, philosophy and plenty of room for laughs. The idea for the film was conceived when Le Guay travelled to seek out his friend Luchini, who was living on the Île-de-Ré. In biking to Luchini’s house, Le Guay found himself lost among the island’s marshes. There,
Luchini came to his aid atop his own bicycle, and as the two rode home and the topic of Molière arose, Luchini began reciting “The Misanthrope” line for line as both Alceste and Philinte. “Bicycling with Molière” showcases Le Guay’s second collaboration with Luchini — the first being “The Women on the 6th Floor” — and digs deep into the real nature of what it means to be a misanthrope. Heartfelt and smart, the film transcends any hackneyed expectations and catches viewers off guard as it so carefully hits home. It also leaves the audience with the desire to ride bicycles. Daniel Lieberson is a staff writer. Email him at film@nyunews.com.
NEON continued from PG. 1
IMMENSITY continued from PG. 1
Play heats up stage with global warming
nor wholly disjointed. Certain aspects, such as the video projections that play a central role in the story’s development, are skillfully woven into the narrative, creating a multimedia experience. The four ensemble members slip from one role to another seamlessly, creating a varied cast of characters surrounding Phyllis, Karl and Julie. However, parts of the musical are fragmented. The narrative is not chronological, which can make it hard to follow at times and has a tendency to muddle the play’s message, which is somewhat unclear to begin with. “Immensity” makes the point that people must act to prevent further damage to the climate, and it even shows characters who are doing just that by taking extreme measures to force the United Nations to move forward with environmental reform. But because the audience follows Phyllis throughout the
COURTESY OF LES FILMS DES TOURNELLES
Lambert Wilson and Fabrice Luchini play old friends in “Bicycling.”
COURTESY OF THE CIVILIANS
“The Great Immensity” asks audiences to consider climate change. musical, it is primarily focused on her search for Karl. As a result, the message of climate change gets lost among the more accessible relationship drama of the main characters. The exception to this is the musical interludes, which pepper the scenes of the main story. Performed out of character by the ensemble members, they
are witty and thought-provoking. The score, by Michael Friedman, is at its strongest during these moments. Ultimately, the musical does come together nicely. As Karl and his band of teenage UN ambassadors take a stand for climate change, the play’s message — that action is not only a necessity but also a responsibility, a promise we can make to the future — shines through. Without serious change, the polar bears and howler monkeys and other charismatic megafauna will die out, and so will humans. The world is a big place — great and immense, as the title suggests — and it is our job to keep it safe. “The Great Immensity” is playing at the Public Theater, 425 Lafayette St., through May 1. Dylan Jarrett is books/theater editor. Email her at djarrett@nyunews.com.
Neon Trees’ latest album ultimately forgettable
to distinguish one instrument from each other. Tyler Glenn’s voice has an endearing country twang that complements Christopher Allen’s bubblegum punk riffs. “Love in the 21st Century” would be much more enjoyable if it relied less on 21st century electronic gloss and put more substance into its lyrics, which easily could have been a poignant turn for the record. These lyrics lament the loss of romantic practices of the 20th century, because without said gloss the song would not exist. “American Zero,” evidently a satire on American identity, would have been decidedly more biting if the sliding crunch of the guitar was more reminiscent of the Clash than of OK Go. The lyrics read like the con-
fessions of an adolescent hipster with an obsessive passion for Beat poetry — shallow stuff. The offerings are all comprehensible with just a bit of surface-level analysis. Accessibility is always desirable to some degree, but it is worth little when the message is so trifling. Stated succinctly, “Pop Psychology” is flash-in-the-pan sort of pop music — it is an easily forgettable record. The lyrics are shallow and uninspiring, and ultimately the album is not rewarding. That, in fact, may be the difference between rock and pop. Pop’s M.O. is listenability, while rock tends to have more in mind. “Pop Psychology” seems an appropriate title after all. Chris Feldsine is a staff writer. Email him at music@nyunews.com.
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WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014 | NYUNEWS.COM
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THE NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD & DAILY SUDOKU Crossword ACROSS 1 Corrupt 4 Outfielder Ty 8 Brainy 13 Amman’s Queen ___ International Airport 15 Law office worker, for short 16 Talented newbie 17 Home-invading Gore? 19 Opera’s birthplace 20 Response to “Are not!” 21 Señor chaser? 23 Elevator pioneer Elisha 24 Area for aristocrats? 28 Mistake 30 Bush’s labor secretary 31 Eight fluid ounces 32 Retrovirus material 34 Obstructs, as a pipe
38 W.W. I novel … hinted at by 17-, 24-, 52- and 64-Across 43 Liszt’s “Consolation No. 3” is in it 44 Story of one’s life 45 Irritating cry 46 Leading inits. in frozen desserts 49 Visual gag character of British TV 52 Exchange of vows again for the Grim Reaper? 56 Railroad chartered in 1832 57 Old Testament prophecy book: Abbr. 58 “X-Men” character with blue fur 62 Remove gradually 64 Emmy, Oscar and Grammy-winning reptile? 67 Dwelling changes, in Realtor-speak
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54 Need for some fish dishes 55 Beatrice’s adorer 59 “Excuse me” 60 Lab fluids 61 Excursion 63 Finnish hockey star Tikkanen 65 “Try ___ might …” 66 ___-Tiki
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NYUNEWS.COM | TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
OPINION
EDITED BY PETER KEFFER OPINION@NYUNEWS.COM
SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY
Focus should be on HIV medicine not users By TESS WOOSLEY
In 2012, the Food and Drug Administration approved Truvada, a drug used to treat HIV by making it more difficult for the virus to multiply, as a preventative against infection. Since then, there has been a significant debate over who should be taking the drug, with the majority of the discussion centering around gay men. Unfortunately, there have been serious social stigmas against use of the drug — members of the gay community have said they felt ashamed for taking it. But this is not an issue solely for gay men. About 48 percent of those prescribed Truvada are women, as the drug is commonly given to HIV negative individuals in a relationship with someone who is HIV positive. In a surprising turn of events, the president of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Michael Weinstein, legitimized this stigma by calling Truvada a “party drug” because of its potential to discourage condom use. There are plenty of legitimate concerns with Truvada, but it is irresponsible for the president of the largest global non-profit fighting HIV/AIDS to only partially address them in such an in-
sensitive manner. Truvada has been shown to reduce the risk of acquiring the HIV-1 virus by 90 percent when used properly. Preventing infection requires a daily dose of the pill, and one study showed only 10 percent of users took as directed. Both of these factors necessitate the additional use of condoms and increase the risk of the emergence of drug resistant strains of HIV, but labeling the breakthrough medication a “party drug” will discourage potential users from educating themselves on proper usage. Truvada carries a warning against preventative prescription to those who are HIV positive because of concerns with drug resistance, issues with adherence and failure to wear condoms lead to a greater potential for drug resistant strains as the virus can mutate in the presence of the drug. Given how far we are from a
cure for HIV, the potential emergence and spread of drug-resistant strains must be a premier concern. Ideally, Truvada should be viewed as a safeguard when condoms fail. Weinstein should focus his critiques of Truvada on its scientific pitfalls instead of insulting those prescribed to it. In the past, Weinstein has been far more eloquent in his criticisms of Truvada. He addressed the concerns with adherence and its somewhat contentious success rate, saying “it’s just not ready for prime time as a public health strategy.” His recent statement may just express frustration with increasing acceptance of Truvada and reports of declining condom use, but it is still unacceptable for the head of the AHF to express such derisive opinions. There is currently a petition on change.org calling for Weinstein’s resignation. By likening Truvada users to illicit substance users, Weinstein is harming the progress his own organization has made in fighting the stigma associated with HIV. Tess Woosley is a staff columnist. Scientific Society is published every Tuesday. Email her at opinion@nyunews.com.
OMAR’S ORATION
Humanism, religion can coexist at NYU By OMAR ETMAN
Chelsea Clinton announced her pregnancy last week, but the real news was made days later, when “Of Many,” a short documentary she produced, debuted. It was the materialization of the work she and others have done at the newly founded Of Many Institute for Multifaith Leadership at NYU, a program devoted to exposing students to cross-cultural experiences. The film highlights the unlikely friendship between two prominent religious figures on campus, Imam Khalid Latif and Rabbi Yehuda Sarna, lending a new perspective to a relationship between two faiths not traditionally recognized for their warmth. Clinton can extend her capital in many directions, and the successful completion of “Of Many” is evidence of her ability to leverage her influence for the betterment of NYU. The relationship of the two friends is directed skillfully by Vice Chancellor for Global Programs Laura Mills. The director does not explicitly dissect the religious differences between the Muslim and Jewish characters in the movie, nor should she have. Instead, she captures moments of the groups interacting, unified in their
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catastrophe recovery efforts. For long moments during the film, it is easy to forget that the historical divide between the religions even plays a role in the movie’s development. Only when the camera passes a yarmulke is the viewer reminded that the now united group was originally formed from two. The film energizes NYU’s connection to religion. As an intellectual hub in New York City, NYU has a tendency to be an intensely secular university, our pious president notwithstanding. The underlying theme of courses taught here is rooted in humanism, which is good for the improvement of the human condition but perhaps detrimental to the state of the human relationship. “Of Many” exemplifies the intersection of humanism and piety. The effect is quite moving. Latif and Sarna co-teach a graduate
course titled Multifaith Leadership in the 21st Century. Their syllabus is guided by the hands-on research their life experiences have provided. Their consummate friendship and its effect on the students that adhere to their teachings is not an unattainable archetype. “Of Many” captures an ideal achieved — and within our own community, nonetheless. It is heartwarming, and a justification of our choice in university, that such camaraderie is being fostered in a famously unfeeling city. “Of Many” is a subtle reminder that NYU’s commitment to humanism does not have to come at the expense of religious thinking — the two systems of thought can and should coexist. In the effort to solidify NYU’s standing as a truly accepting, international university, the religious community must be further integrated with subgroups within itself and with the larger NYU population. NYU should capitalize on Clinton’s presence if it hopes to give weight to its message of global unity. Omar Etman is a deputy opinion editor. Omar’s Oration is published every Tuesday. Email him at oetman@nyunews.com.
STAFF EDITORIAL
Inmates deserve ethical treatment in execution
The Oklahoma Supreme Court stayed two executions on Monday in response to the growing controversy regarding various states’ intentional concealment of execution methods. Despite a ruling by an Oklahoma district court judge in March that found the secrecy laws unconstitutional and the citing of a death row inmate’s right to know how the state intends to execute him, states are still scrambling to replace old lethal injection drugs with new, arguably ineffective and cruel drug combinations. The harmful and potentially unconstitutional new “drugs cocktails” are the desperate result of a 2011 ban by the European Union on all exports of drugs that will eventually end up in the vein of an inmate in a U.S. execution chamber. The export ban has hampered the availability of drugs, specifically sodium thiopental, utilized in the preferred three-step process to legally execute a person. In addition to severely hampering the availability of the drugs required for the death chamber, the European Union has bolstered the funds of anti-death penalty organizations by over $4.8 million. The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals decided in an order last Friday that it does not have to stay the executions due to the Supreme Court’s decision. Now that the Oklahoma Supreme Court issued a stay, it remains unknown whether the Court of Criminal Appeals will abide by the decision. Carlton Lockett and Charles Warner likely did not not file their appeals in the latter court due to lack of evidence to prove cruel and unusual punishment unequivocally. Therefore, Lockett and Warner will remain in limbo until the appeals court makes a decision. After a “herculean” effort on Oklahoma’s part to locate the necessary drugs, the state has decided to use a combination of three drugs — one to sedate, one to paralyze the nerves and one to stop the heart — previously used in one Florida case. In this case, five times the amount of sedative expected was necessary, raising serious Eighth Amendment concerns in regard to cruel and unusual punishment. Michael Wilson, who was executed in Oklahoma last January, said “I feel my whole body burning” as he died. This pain is suspected to be caused by a contaminated compounded drug, similar to those used nationwide after supplies of the old lethal injection drugs ran out. The manufacturing centers, which are under the supervision of the Food and Drug Administration, are notorious for producing contaminated compounds. While Obama passed the Drug Quality and Security Act last year in an attempt to improve these facilities, the regulations are vague. Ultimately, executions must abide by the Eighth Amendment and avoid causing the inmate any sort of pain during their passing. While the actions of these inmates on death row are contemptible, they still deserve ethical treatment in both their imprisonment and their execution. It is the federal government’s responsibility to ensure that ethical treatment is carried out.
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 | TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
SPORTS
EDITED BY FRANCISCO NAVAS SPORTS@NYUNEWS.COM
Sports, school should be separated By FRANCISCO NAVAS
Since the end of the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Championship, the college sports landscape has been teeming with political buzz. NCAA Tournament MVP Shabazz Napier’s comments about not having enough to eat made headlines, drawing more attention to the financial struggles of student athletes. The NCAA responded by adding to its plethora of unfair doctrines — the most recent stating that all Division I college dining services must be free for their athletes. Napier’s situation is horrifying and alarming, and no one should go hungry. But the larger issue is that Napier and other athletes are making their universities tens of millions of dollars in revenue across their respective sports. This is a blatant show of favoritism where the money flows to the strongest programs, and a lack of consideration is given to the lower levels. Division II athletes are given much less money in scholarships, and Division III athletes, like those who go to NYU, are given none. NYU is one of the most expensive universities in the United States, and our athletes may need money to attend school as well. The amount of money that an athlete
FELIPE DE LA HOZ/WSN
Student athletes practice in the Coles Center. makes an organization should not be driving the NCAA’s decisions, especially when it comes to forcing schools to provide one of the most basic human needs. All athletes are human beings. In other words, if you feed DI athletes, you have to feed DII and DIII. This ruling forces universities to spend more per athlete, but the main issue is that it creates an inequitable environment at those universities. To use an example, what gives Scottie Wilbekein, Will Yeguete and Patric Young more of a right to preferential treatment than anyone else that attends the University of Florida? Primarily, they are all students. This argument can be extended to students in universities across the country. What gives
those three athletes more right to be fed for free than any of student in financial trouble? Nothing. To stop the furthering of the NCAA’s injustice toward university students, colleges and their sports should exist as separate entities. In my view, the solution that I will lay out is the only way out without digging a deeper ditch. The athletic departments should exist only as a brand of the university, but athletes should not be students and should not earn degrees unless they meet the necessary standards of the university. This solution would resolve the question of how athletes should be compensated, as they would be paid fairly based on their ability and subsequently be groomed for their transition to professional leagues. These athletes would be paid with the money that the sports establishment creates for itself, free from archaic NCAA regulations. Having said all of this, it seems unfeasible that DI schools would consider the solution because they would damage their money making machine. However, this sweeping approach is the best way to get out of the ideological hole in which they and the NCAA find themselves. Francisco Navas is sports editor. Email him at fnavas@nyunews.com.
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