NYU’s Daily Student Newspaper
WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS Vol. 42, No. 47
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TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014
Professor’s study finds microbes on dollars By CAREN DOUEIRY
Campaign fosters discussion about NSA
A professor’s recent research project gives new meaning to the phrase dirty money. Biology professor Jane Carlton’s project, known as the Dirty Money Project, revealed the presence of about 3,000 microbes on dollar bills. The Dirty Money Project, funded by an NYU Grand Challenge grant, is part of a larger study called Mapping the NYC Metagenome. The aim of the project is to characterize all New York City microbes by relying on novel DNA sequencing techniques and methods of analysis. “We started the study by undertaking a pilot project looking at the microbes on $1 bills circulating in New York City so that we could develop the protocols and algorithms for analyzing the data,” Carlton said. Researchers hypothesised that skin microbes would be found on the bills due to the contact between people and money. In addition, traces of oral and vaginal microbes were also discovered.
Students and faculty are trying to raise awareness about surveillance in the United States. The Student Net Alliance, an organization started by Steinhardt senior Alec Foster, has drafted a letter from NYU Students and Faculty in protest of the National Security Agency’s surveillance policy. The letter, the first to be released in a nationwide effort, is part of the Students Against Surveillance campaign, which launches today. The letter expresses concerns toward individual surveillance, and also the larger impact of surveillance on a community, such as a university. “Even if we aren’t all being individually observed, we are compelled to act as if we are,” the letter says. “We have a right to free spaces such as universities where we can explore ideas and experiment without fear of retribution. We have a right to
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By VALENTINA DUQUE BOJANINI
FELIPE DE LA HOZ/WSN
Doctoral student Julia Maritz examines the bacteria found on dollar bills.
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Alumni discuss new Musical moments elevate ‘Violet’ film, industry struggles By DYLAN JARRETT
By IFE OLUJOBI
Antonio Campos and Sean Durkin met at NYU and are now making it big in the film industry. They spoke with WSN to discuss their production company Borderline Films, their new film “James White” and the struggles of film financing. Campos and Durkin are twothirds of the head trio that makes up Borderline Films, a production company that, along with third member and fellow NYU alumnus Josh Mond, was conceived and started while the three were film students. “We happened to meet at the exact right time for all three of us,” Campos said. “We all were itching to make a movie and we
really wanted to take advantage of everything we had in film school. And at the same time we were all developing our tastes together.” The three friends were new to the industry and optimistic about working together in order to make it as far as possible. “We didn’t know exactly what the company was going to be,” Durkin said. “We just knew that we all wanted to be directors and that we would help each other do that.” Campos has already directed two films — his debut “Afterschool” starring Ezra Miller and followup “Simon Killer” with Brady Corbet — while Durkin directed 2011’s “Martha Marcy May Marlene.” The
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Over the past decade, Sutton Foster has tap danced her way into audiences’ hearts. Often sporting sequin-encrusted costumes that cannot match the glitter of her smile, her charm has proven irresistible in plays such as “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and “Anything Goes,” both of which won her Tonys. But in the Broadway revival of “Violet,” Foster plays a young woman for whom both sparkles and tap dancing would be distinctly out of place. “Violet,” with music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by Brian Crawley, is the story of a young woman who suffered a tragic accident as a child. As a result, she bears a disfiguring scar across her face that is
COURTESY OF JOAN MARCUS VIA ROUNDABOUT THEATER
Colin Donnell plays a soldier alongside Sutton Foster. so disturbing to look at that it causes bystanders to flinch away in fear. Set in 1964, the musical tells the story of her
journey to visit a faith healer in an attempt to fix her face and finally become beautiful. Foster’s Violet is in many ways an antithesis to most of the roles she has played before. She is neither beautiful nor popular, but she does have the steely determination that Foster is so excellent at portraying. Foster plays the role wonderfully, showing the audience Violet’s insecurities and doubts while maintaining a tough and likeable exterior. Foster is also surrounded by an excellent supporting cast. Alex Gemignani plays Violet’s father, present only in flashbacks but providing context for how Violet became such a strong young woman.
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A cool summer festival that’s starting soon and lasts the entire month of May is the Red Bull Music Academy. Tons of great artists come to various locations in New York City to talk shop with music makers and music lovers, and there are a bunch of fun concerts, too. This year’s lineup features the likes of David Byrne, Devonte Hynes, Tanlines, Panda Bear, Tim Hecker and many more upcoming DJs and producers. It is too late to apply to be a part of the learning academy, but you can still check out all the cool concerts and events. — IFE OLUJOBI
Some summer days, it feels like the Central Park reservoir is the center of New York City. This place is a great example of the park’s unique ability to have a natural pocket in a city of tall buildings and steaming manhole covers. By spending time around the reservoir, you will see that this body of water is much like any of the popular places in Central Park — packed with joggers and walkers rapt in conversation. Whether you are with friends or on your way across town, it is always great to spend a moment of your summer afternoon admiring the city’s sparkle reflected off the surface of the water. — JAKE FOLSOM
What’s better than free theater? Free theater in the beautiful outdoor Delacorte Theater in Central Park during the summer. This summer, be sure to check out the Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park, a New York tradition that dates back over 50 years. This year, the two productions will be “Much Ado About Nothing,” starring “American Horror Story” star and Shakespeare pro Lily Rabe and “King Lear,” starring John Lithgow. Tickets to both shows are free as long as you are willing to wait in line for them, so be sure to check them out if you have the time. — DYLAN JARRETT
Did you know that New York City has five zoos? The Wildlife Conservation Society has four boroughs covered — the wildly popular Bronx Zoo, the underrated Queens Zoo and the serene Prospect Park Zoo, which both feature petting zoos, and the New York Aquarium, which is still recovering from Hurricane Sandy. Or, if you’d rather stay in Manhattan, pack a picnic and head to the Central Park Zoo, which features an indoor rainforest. While zoos can be controversial, all of the New York zoos are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The WCS works tirelessly to conserve and protect wildlife. And remember, everyone is a tourist at the zoo, so Instagram away. — MARISSA ELLIOT LITTLE
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TODAY ON CAMPUS Ulrich Baer Ulrich Baer, vice provost for faculty, arts, humanities and diversity and professor of German and comparative literature, will be discussing his book “The Rike Alphabet” today. The event will take place at 20 Cooper Square at 6 p.m.
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Chris Poole Chris Poole, founder of 4chan and former CEO of Canvas Networks, will be speaking today about his experiences in the entrepreneurial world. The event will take place at 721 Broadway in the Riese Student Lounge at 6 p.m.
Commuter Appreciation
A bathroom at the London restaurant Sketch has individual pod-shaped stalls.
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As part of Commuter Appreciation Week, there will be a movie screening and ice cream sundae event today. The event will take place in room 910 of the Kimmel Center for University Life at 5 p.m. TODAY’S EVENTS ARE FREE FOR NYU STUDENTS.
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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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Advising, course issues arise during registration By MARILYN LA JEUNESSE and MARITA VLACHOU
With course registration comes stress about advising, major requirements and credits. Some students have expressed frustration with the ratio of advisers to students, as well as the complications of needing a certain number of core classes.
Advising While students in the Tisch School of the Arts, the second-largest undergraduate school at NYU, receive more specific departmental advising, students in the other three largest schools and programs have general academic advisers available to them until they declare a major. At the College of Arts and Science, there are 17 academic advisers for over 1,000 students per class; in the Liberal Studies Program, there are eight academic advisers for over 1,000 students per class; and at the
Stern School of Business, there are nine academic advisers for approximately 600 students per class. With the high volume of students and low number of advisers, some students have said the advising process is detached and impersonal. CAS sophomore Kevin Zhang said advising is necessary but the university does not have enough resources. “My adviser knows what she’s talking about, but advisers are constantly being shuffled around, fired and replaced,” Zhang said. However, Lisa Lau, associate director of communications for Stern advising, said there are additional resources for students who need advice from a professional adviser. “[An adviser’s] aim is to build relationships with students and provide a personalized advising experience to all of them,” Lau said. CAS sophomore Raven Smith said she has found the college’s
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Project uses bills to study disease
Marc Axelrod, professor of environmental health sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles, said although bacteria are on everyday objects, the research was still surprising. “Since the microbiological world is invisible and not a main area of interest for many of us, we forget how populated and important it is,” Axelrod said. Some of Carlton’s research found that bacteria with antibiotic resistant genes were on the bills and could potentially transfer their antibiotic resistance to people. However, not all the bacteria discovered were pathogenic — some were common microbes found on skin. CAS freshman and pre-med student Peter Kyriakides said not all microbes should be feared. “There is an overreaction [to] and emphasis on microbes and germs on everyday things we use,” Kyriakides said. “Germs are important to build our immune systems.” Further research needs to be conducted to understand the role of money in the transmission of diseases, Axelrod said. Therefore, the results of the research are not yet cause for alarm. “Bacteria [being] present is not the same as causing harm [and disease],” Axelrod said. “That would be a different experiment.” Carlton said the Dirty Money Project would help study the patterns of diseases in New York City as researchers detect which microbes are on dollar bills at certain times. “It might be feasible to use surveillance of circulating paper currency in New York City to track public health trends,” Carlton said. CAS sophomore Aleah Halverson, a global public health major, said the study does not reveal anything new. “It’s just confirming other studies and common intuition,” Halverson said. “Obviously money is going to be dirty and people shouldn’t be any more concerned than they were before.” Caren Doueiry is a staff writer. Email her at news@nyunews.com.
academic advising useful. “My adviser has been very helpful with [the registration] process,” Smith said. “She has helped keep me on track and make a plan to help me fulfill all the requirements.”
Requirements Students are also experiencing difficulties fulfilling requirements while pursuing their desired academic path. Because of AP credits, some students can bypass requirements. However, students with limited credits to spare have less room in their schedules to explore other interests as they have to fulfill their majors and other schoolspecific requirements. LS sophomore Hannah Kabir said while the College Core Curriculum helps students become well-rounded, it can also hinder their studies.
“Some of these classes are superfluous for students who major in things where they will never need to deal with [certain disciplines],” Kabir said. LS sophomore Jack Zabelny was planning to double major in economics and Spanish, but was unable to do so because of AP credit restrictions. He was several classes short because not all of his AP credits fulfilled CAS requirements. However, he said the CORE courses are beneficial for students who are undecided about the majors they want to pursue. “It allows them to finish up most, if not all, general education requirements before going on to major requirements,” Zabelny said. The College Core Curriculum has not yet responded to inquiries. Marilyn La Jeunesse is a contributing writer. Marita Vlachou is a staff writer. Email them at news@nyunews.com.
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Historians started searching on April 28 for the bones of Miguel de Cervantes, author of “Don Quixote de la Mancha.” — FOX NEWS LATINO PRAGUE
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Nationwide alliance examines surveillance
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The Student Net Alliance raises awareness about NSA policy. live in a society free of the need to self-censor.” In its letter, the SNA calls for university members to unify and protest against NSA policies. “We protest the U.S. surveillance state and the chilling effects it has on our campus life,” the letter says. “We call on the U.S. government to bring the NSA back within the bounds of the Constitution.” Gallatin junior Ethan Resnick said he believes NSA surveillance hinders meaningful political debate and suppresses controversial viewpoints. “I signed the letter because I believe that political debate is crippled when individuals can’t communicate anonymously,” Resnick said. “Pervasive, warrantless surveillance robs us of that ability.” CAS freshman Justine Morris said she signed the letter because she sees its potential to provoke discussion about surveillance.
“Before coming to NYU, I was not aware that mass surveillance was affecting me. I thought it was something that happened only to terrorists [and] enemies of the state,” Morris said. “The letter cuts through a lot of the misdirection of the mainstream media regarding surveillance.” Contrarily, CAS freshman Scooter Blume does not see NSA spying as a pressing issue. “I personally don’t really care if the government is spying on me because I know I’m not doing anything they would care about, but it is concerning that they decided to spy on their citizens illegally,” Blume said. Originally launched to create a unified student voice against NSA surveillance, the SNA has now expanded to about 30 universities nationwide. “I had the idea to create the
Student Net Alliance after observing that there was no cohesive student voice in the mass surveillance or net neutrality debates, and that any attempts to develop such a network were limited by the reliance on traditional chapter-based organizational models,” Foster said. “However, we strive to represent the interests of our educators, alumni and supporters, as well as students.” The SNA also plans to reach more interested students by holding an international conference in the summer of 2014. “Hundreds of young people will converge in San Francisco for a weekend of training, expert presentations, workshops and networking with students from around the world,” Foster said. “Our keynote speakers and panels will include experts in cyber security, Internet policy reform, activism and programming.” In addition to listening to speakers and attending panels, participants will be able to meet with students from their university and discuss goals for the year. Foster said he hopes the conference will empower students to take action and give them the necessary leadership skills to be effective activists. “I hope that students leave the conference with a plan to directly impact Internet and technology policy in their universities and governments, a set of skills to amplify and accelerate their actions, a professional network of likeminded student leaders and a greater appreciation for the Internet as a democratizing force,” Foster said. Valentina Duque Bojanini is a deputy news editor. Email her at vbojanini@nyunews.com.
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A Czech crime detection unit raided the Islamic Foundation center and detained 10 to 20 individuals due to allegations that the center was publishing a book that spreads racism. — PRAGUE POST SHANGHAI
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Disney will give $800 million more than originally planned to the Disney theme park in Shanghai for attractions and other offerings at the park, which is due to open at the end of 2015. — ABC NEWS TEL AVIV
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Over 500 people joined the annual “March for the Living” on April 27, an event to bring awareness to the conditions of Holocaust survivors. — THE JERUSALEM POST Visit nyunews.com for full articles.
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DINING
EDITED BY CHANDLER WEST DINING@NYUNEWS.COM
Brooklyn transfer brings pigs-in-blankets to East Village By CHANDLER WEST
Brooklyn Piggies, an artisanal pigs-in-blankets shop, recently opened its first brick-and-mortar location at Avenue A and 12th Street. Owners Missy Koo and Stacy Cole first started their business back in 2012 at Smorgasburg in Brooklyn. “Smorg is like the Flashdance of food,” Koo said. “You have to audition to get in, so just being accepted was incredibly exciting for us. Then, our second week on the market, we had no idea but we served Oprah’s staff. We ended up making the Oprah list [Oprah’s Favorite Things] just a couple of week into business.”
The Oprah shout-out caused orders to spike, so Koo and Cole decided to delay their plans for opening a storefront while they managed the high demand. “We decided to wait and circle back to the store once we got a handle on the business, which is where we are now,” Koo said. The small store is elegantly decorated and filled with the mingling smells of mustard, sizzling sausage and buttery bread. The walls are charcoal gray and accented with black and burgundy. It is both homey and sophisticated, with an endearing old-timey vibe. “I’m all about nostalgia,” Koo said. “You know, back in the day you’d go up to the butcher and then to the fishmonger. It’s only
very recently that we have these one-stop shops for everything. It’s really convenient, but at the same time there’s a loss of character. Here, we pull from a bygone era.” Growing up in Brooklyn, Koo’s family had a longstanding tradition of “walking picnics,” where they would pick a neighborhood and stop in different shops for different specialties. “We’d stop somewhere for Chinese lemon tarts, then we’d go a few blocks away for this one type of lollipop,” she said. “I thought it was fun targeting places for very precise items.” That tradition is why the recent trend of single menu-item restaurants caught Koo’s attention. “There’s something I find so ap-
Edible flowers help dishes blossom By CHANDLER WEST
Nothing makes a dish look fancier or more appropriate for springtime than an edible flower garnish. If you are planning to throw a dinner party to celebrate the end of the school year, garnishing with edible flowers is a great way to bring the appearance of your dinner plate to the next level. It is an easy and simple touch that adds a lot of refinement. Here are our tips for choosing and using the perfect blossom.
Wash Like any produce, it is important to wash flowers be-
pealing about getting behind one thing and doing it really, really well,” Koo said. Brooklyn Piggies definitely does
The Taco Truck
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The calendula is one of many types of edible flowers. fore you plate them. Washing them removes dirt or other harmful residue, ensuring that you are not serving something gross or harmful.
Pick for color Most edible flowers do not taste good and, while it is safe to eat them, they are mostly intended for decoration. For this
reason, the main factor in your selection should be color. Try to get something that will contrast nicely with the plate of food you are garnishing. Yellow looks pretty with red-based tomato and basil pasta, while purple complements creamier dishes. Chandler West is dining editor. Email her at cwest@nyunews.com.
Chandler West is dining editor. Email her at cwest@nyunews.com.
High Line spices up spring with food carts The High Line is a great place to spend spring afternoons and offers an excellent selection of food carts coupled with an awesome view. While the winds are liable to rip the guacamole off your taco, a warm, sunny day provides an optimal eating experience.
Be safe
Fresh is best
Brooklyn Piggies is located on Avenue A and 12th Street.
By KARI SONDE
Edible flowers should be purchased at the grocery store. You can find them in the produce section, usually near the fresh herbs. Do not use flowers from the florist or those picked from nature. This way, you will avoid the risk of selecting something poisonous or ingesting chemical pesticides that florists spray on their flowers.
Although edible flowers can last over a week if kept refrigerated and moistened, it is best to use them the day of purchase. The colors will be more vibrant, and the petals will not be wilted or floppy.
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pigs-in-a-blanket well. The pigs-inblankets are available in original (lightly smoked beef and pork), spicy (100 percent pork seasoned with garlic, paprika and peppers) and chicken (seasoned with oregano, basil, fennel seeds and parmesan cheese). The meats are specially developed for the shop by a sausage purveyor. The franks are wrapped in buttery puff pastry, which is perfectly flaky and light. Served with catsup, mustard or barbecue sauce, these little piggies make a satisfying spot. At $24.95 for a 14-count tray, they would also make a great contribution to a party or potluck dinner with friends.
If you are in the mood for authentic Mexican food, the Taco Truck at the High Line is a great choice. The menu offers traditional Mexican fare ranging from Pollo Asado tacos with grilled chicken, lime-pickled onion and roasted red salsa ($5.50) to Barbacoa de Costilla tortas with braised beef, chipotle salsa, white onion, pickled jalapeño, avocado and black beans ($8). With friendly employees and great food, the Taco Truck is a must-have on the High Line. “We have four core values: authenticity, sustainability, hospitality and community,” General Manager Trevor St. Pierre said. “We want you to feel like you’re in our home, in our kitchen.”
Delaney Barbecue Smokeline Delaney Barbecue has a stall at the High Line and sells smoked meat sandwiches with a range of toppings, from pickled okra to chili sauce. A sandwich with one side may be pricey ($9), but the fantastic pulled pork is
worth it, especially when you can add so many toppings. “We do Texas-style barbecue, so there’s no sauce,” employee Julian Fontanes said. “All of the meats are smoked for 15 hours, and it’s all dry rub.”
Blue Bottle Coffee Originating in California, Blue Bottle is known for its phenomenal coffee. With cheap drinks ($2 to $5.50), you can continue your coffee addiction with quality drinks and no guilt. Blue Bottle also sells baked goods from its Brooklyn kitchen. “I’m really glad my favorite coffee roaster is here,” Gallatin freshman Luke Lindenbusch said.
Melt Bakery Melt Bakery boasts awesome ice cream cookie sandwiches with fun twists. The Classic has crunchy chocolate chip walnut cookies with vanilla ice cream filling. The Cinnamax has cinnamon ice cream wedged between snickerdoodle cookies ($4).
People’s Pops Originating at Smorgasburg, People’s Pops sells ice pops made from fresh fruits in exciting flavors like Strawberry Rhubarb Rain ($3.50). The popular popsicles are another great treat for a warm day. Kari Sonde is a staff writer. Email her at dining@nyunews.com.
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Gorillaz collaborator Pixies release first LP since early ’90s triumphs on solo album By BLAIR CANNON
By SAL MAICKI
Miles Davis once said, “Man, sometimes it takes a long time to sound like yourself.” Over the jazz musician’s lengthy career, the biggest challenge to advancing his craft was the development of a distinguished style. Damon Albarn has played a prominent role in the realm of British alternative music since 1988, fronting acclaimed bands Blur and Gorillaz as well as contributing to multiple African music collaborations and composing two full-length operas. Each project has subtly helped him express different facets of himself. On this year’s “Everyday Robots,” Albarn’s first solo LP, he sheds all stage names in an effort to “sound like himself.” The result is a hauntingly beautiful album that, while revealing much about Albarn and his artistry, still feels opaque and concealing to a degree. The title track, which opens the album, sets a paranoid tone that lasts for most of the album. The song meshes dizzy pulsating string samples with weary lyrics that show fear in the modern reliance on technology, a sentiment that carries over on the second single, “Lonely Press Play.” Later on the album, “Mr. Tembo” is a colorful break from the hazy gloom that occupies the majority of the album. Written about Albarn’s experience with a baby elephant in Tanzania, the track bounces with a sing-along chorus and sunny ukulele parts. It feels a bit out of charac-
ter for “Robots,” but is a welcomed addition nonetheless. “Everyday Robots” features guest vocals from Bats for Lashes songstress Natasha Khan on the vulnerable “The Selfish Giant,” which is a lament about the difficulties of love “when the TV’s on/And nothing is in your eyes.” Brian Eno pops up for the refreshingly optimistic closing track “Heavy Seas of Love,” singing alongside Albarn and the Leytonstone City Mission Choir. This track and “The Selfish Giant” are standouts on “Robots,” illuminating Albarn’s gifted ability to collaborate while not detracting from the solo nature of the LP. Unfortunately, the album suffers from its reliance on the slow-burning meditative tracks that fill many of the slots. Tracks like “Hollow Ponds,” while lyrically stimulating, leave much to be desired musically. In “You & Me,” Albarn refers to his use of heroin to incite creativity and, much like the aforementioned drug, the track feels sedative. Although the story behind the song is intriguing, the descending and melancholy atmosphere grows tiresome over seven minutes. Although “Everyday Robots” experiences a few missteps, when the album hits its stride on tracks such as “Photographs” and “Heavy Seas of Love,” it is a gorgeous retrospective on an artist that has given so much to music. Salvatore Maicki is a contributing writer. Email him at music@nyunews.com.
Mainstream music culture has only recently begun to grasp that there was no better time for rock music than the 1990s, and the Pixies were at the forefront of that decade’s music. While the alternative/indie pop-rock bands of today — the type that play at outdoor music festivals and cite Radiohead as an influence — are imitating the bleary angst that ’90s rock bands seemed to harness so well, some of the original noisemakers are getting back on the horse and taking the reins. Last year, My Bloody Valentine released their first album since 1991 and this year, Slowdive surprisingly reunited just in time for 2014’s festival season. The Pixies, a psychedelic rock band that had its heyday over 20 years ago, are no different in this respect. Although their album “Indie Cindy” released on April 29, it has been widely available through the EPs the band has been bestowing on fans throughout the past year. The album, recorded in 2012, has consumed the band, which now consists of all the founding members minus iconic bassist Kim Deal. “Indie Cindy” is the group’s first complete musical product since 1991, when “Trompe le Monde” was released. The album title is quintessential of the Pixies and their artistically nonsensical diction and ironic lyrics. The Pixies pulled out all of the classic stops in “Indie Cindy,” from intermittent Spanish phrases to their angsty screaming that falls
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back into soft and repetitive melodies. The band has even stayed true to its image, trying desperately to keep a woman on bass and backup vocals — the band has included three female bassists over the past year. However classic the Pixies wanted to make their album feel, it is still tinged with something a bit harsher than nostalgia. In staying true to the band’s iconic sound, the songs seem forced. The album, from the maniacal anger of “Bagboy” to the quirky despondence of “Another Toe in the Ocean,” feels as though the band knew exactly what audiences expected, and it tried hard to walk within those lines — or perhaps it just naturally fell into them. The Pixies once offered what felt like a musical representation of meaningful chaos, and some ver-
sion of this sound is still heard on the new album. Yet the passion, rawness and confusion of 1988’s “Surfer Rosa” and 1989’s “Doolittle” — for which the band is most recognized — seem to be lacking. The album still screams the Pixies, but maybe it screams it in too orderly a fashion. Fans of the band will be halfsatisfied with the consistency of the album and half-disappointed by that very consistency. People listen to the Pixies to be shocked, appalled, cured of loneliness and to discover that there is a voice that understands listeners’ most strange and terrifying pains. “Indie Cindy” seems more like an echo of that voice, still powerful and real, but simply not loud enough. Blair Cannon is a staff writer. Email her at music@nyunews.com.
VIOLET continued from PG. 1
Alumni trio seeks Kickstarter funding for film latter starred Elizabeth Olsen, John Hawkes, Sarah Paulson and “Girls’” Christopher Abbott, who will also take the leading role in “James White,” Mond’s directorial debut. “The original goal of the company was that we would all be directors, and we would do whatever we could to make each others’ first features,” Durkin said. “So ‘James White’ is Josh’s first feature. It’s a completion of the original goal of the company, which is really exciting.” “James White” developed from a short film Mond made last year. With the help of Borderline, it has become a feature starring Abbott, Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi, Cynthia Nixon and Ron Livingston. The film is finished shooting, but the production team has mounted a Kickstarter campaign to aid with additional costs. “To get this film done the right way, to get it through post production and for all the final elements that come together, we felt like Kickstarter was a good way to do that,” Campos said. “And for us, too, we had never done it and it fits
COURTESY OF PIXIES MUSIC
The latest Pixies album is consistent with the band’s old sound.
COURTESY OF JOSH MOND
“James White” is alumnus James Mond’s directorial debut. with the way that we want to make things. We maintain control.” Campos and Durkin said funding can often be the most difficult part of making an independent film, but so far they have managed to hire great casts and crews to work on their films, which have played at major festivals to acclaim. “A lot of [our connections are]
people that we went to school with at NYU, people that we crewed for and people that we were in classes with,” Campos said. “Then over the years you continue to make movies, you continue to meet people and that family of collaborators grows.” Ife Olujobi is film editor. Email her at iolujobi@nyunews.com.
Sutton Foster appears on Off Broadway in heartfelt musical Joshua Henry and Colin Donnell play two army boys vying for Violet’s attention. Donnell is equally charming and sleazy — a boy in a man’s skin, as Violet says at one point. People shy away from Henry’s Flick as much as they do from Violet — while she has a scar marring her face, Flick is black, which makes him an outsider to most of the world in this era. Flick’s mid-show number “Let It Sing” is a showstopper. However, the songs provide the only real character development throughout the show. Crawley’s book feels more like a rickety framework from which the score — which is truly fantastic — hangs, rather than a foundation that helps to build the story. It is hard to not wish for more dialogue between Violet and the two young men to supplement what is revealed through lyrics. Yet “Violet,” exceptionally
directed by Leigh Silverman, largely overcomes this flaw. It is short, condensed into one act from an original two, and music makes up the majority of the production. Crawley and Tesori’s score is a mixture of country, gospel and blues, matching the era while somehow still feeling modern and relevant. As long as the cast is singing, it is hard to complain about the difficulties of character development. “Violet” is not a big musical with flash or glitz, but it is sincere and heartfelt, giving viewers a set of characters who want desperately to fit in. Watching as they take this journey of selfdiscovery — both literally and metaphorically — makes for a wonderful night of theater. The show runs through Aug. 10. Dylan Jarrett is books/theater editor. Email her at djarrett@nyunews.com.
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WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014 | NYUNEWS.COM
NYUNEWS.COM
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THE NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD & DAILY SUDOKU Crossword ACROSS 1 Rainbow
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NYUNEWS.COM | TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
OPINION
EDITED BY PETER KEFFER OPINION@NYUNEWS.COM
STAFF EDITORIAL OMAR’S ORATION
Sense of community can help heal wounds
By OMAR ETMAN My friend’s mom committed suicide on the first weekend after winter break. Upon hearing the news, I ran back to Rubin Hall, hoping my presence would somehow console her. My fingers and toes went numb as I sprinted home. Before I entered Rubin to hold the girl whose mom had become a memory, I stopped to sit atop the grates that line the brick exterior on the building’s 10th Street side that were warmed from below by gusts of laundry room air. I wiped a few tears from my face, recognizing that I was supposed to be a member of the strong, comforting party that night. The next day, I rode the 4 train in a direct trip from Union Square to Fordham Road. I was headed to Fordham University to visit a friend, hoping to escape the omnipresent sadness. The car I entered made the still air of the station platform seem cool. It smelled like a bathroom without ventilation. A man, sweaty and visibly uneasy, stood alongside me, panting as if attempting to expel bad news. I wondered what had upset him, but was too concerned with my own unhappiness to dwell on his. The subway car had mostly emptied by 125th Street. Only nine, including me, remained. From my vantage point, I was able to examine my surroundings. I inspected one face for a few seconds before moving on to the next, assigning a probably untrue story to each mug.
SUBMITTING TO
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As I moved down the line, false narrative after false narrative, I detected a theme. When I reached the last face — it belonged to a small boy, maybe four years old, with round, defeated eyes — my observation was cemented. Sadness everywhere. I started crying on the 4 headed to the Bronx, overcome by struggle that was shared but unexpressed. When the train neared the Fordham Road station, a young, fit woman in neon running shoes — the sixth in line — dropped a piece of paper she was holding. A younger man, probably in his early high school years, reactively pulled out his earbud and bent over to grab the paper. The woman, who kneeled in a way that suggested she was not going to be helped without first helping herself, nearly banged her forehead against the man’s chest. But he beat her to the paper. She smiled when he handed it back, and her hazel eyes lit up with rejuvenated excitement. She was relieved, as if she had, until the connection of that moment, given up on humanity. I absorbed the scene once more, straightened my back, cleared my face and exited the train. During the 10-minute walk from the station to Fordham University, wobbling with emotional unpredictability, I recognized the absurdity of my inaction. Why did I say nothing to the faces that I shared a space with for what felt like so long? I should have explained the cause of my sadness, giv-
ing them reason to do the same. My honesty could have liberated theirs. A half-hour later, after returning to a state of stability, I recognized the absurdity of my self-perceived absurdity. In what world do strangers express their problems to other strangers? I was drowning in La La Land. And while I still do not know if the emotion I detected in others was a reflection of the heaviness I was experiencing myself, I knew that the compounded sadness only served to amplify my own. I returned to NYU later that day, trying to remember why La La Land is considered such a bad place. When individuals become strong enough to accept and express the often depressing realities of their own lives, we grow better suited to help others confront their own. At a university that is derided for its disjointedness, the unity that can come from the communication of shared struggle might be enough to reconnect an isolated student body. My friend who lost her mother gained a strong support system this semester, and though the warmth her friends provide may never equal that which her mother afforded, she has found solace in the recognition of our attempt, a reminder that healing happens more quickly and more effectively when it happens together. Omar Etman is a deputy opinion editor. Omar’s Oration is published every Tuesday. Email him at oetman@nyunews.com.
Bratton right choice for improving NYPD’s image
The New York City Police Department debuted the hashtag #myNYPD on Twitter last week as the start of a public relations campaign meant to develop a sense of community and confidence in the city’s law enforcement. Almost immediately, thousands of Twitter users took the opportunity to post pictures of police brutality, and backlash against the hashtag has called into question the NYPD’s recent efforts to mend the strained relationship between officers and the public. However unsuccessful the #myNYPD campaign has been, efforts to foster communication between law enforcement and the public should be encouraged, and the new policies being implemented by Police Commissioner Bill Bratton are a step in the right direction. Bratton has duly recognized that social media represent another avenue for dialogue between the NYPD and the public, and it is also a viable tool in detecting future crime hotspots. A recent study has confirmed this view, demonstrating that Twitter can be remarkably accurate in predicting future crime areas when incorporated into crime hotspot studies. This use of social media should come as no surprise given Bratton’s history of using statistical analysis to reduce crime. During his first tenure as police commissioner, Bratton introduced the Compstat system, a database designed to track patterns in crime and increase officer accountability, which has been lauded as a significant reason of New York’s diminishing levels of crime throughout the last decade. The new policies are representative of an increased social media presence by police depart-
ments around the country. In Seattle and Philadelphia, officers organize “tweet-alongs” to show the public what they do during an average work day. The few New York City precinct pages already tweeting provide routine information like missing-persons reports and traffic advisories, but one in Queens took a unique role in organizing an Easter egg hunt with officers. As more precincts begin to get their Twitter and Facebook pages up and running, the city can look forward to more creative community outreach events from the NYPD. The NYPD’s Facebook presence is actually quite impressive. The page is regularly updated with news regarding NYPD events, charities and officers. In addition, each precinct has its own Facebook page, allowing people to receive and “like” updates from their local stations. One of the greatest features of the NYPD page is the spotlight on individual officers, who are frequently shown doing day-to-day work in the community. Bratton has not only increased the NYPD’s transparency, but also some of its more controversial policies. Earlier this month, the NYPD shut down the surveillance program targeting the Muslim community in the city, a major step in remedying the relationship between the police force and minority groups. Moreover, Bratton has helped reduce the stop-andfrisk rates in New York — a contentious issue that made fostered mistrust of the NYPD among the public. Bratton has so far proven that he is committed to improving the image of the NYPD, whether through reforming officer conduct or improving communications.
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.
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NYUNEWS.COM | TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
SPORTS
EDITED BY FRANCISCO NAVAS SPORTS@NYUNEWS.COM
Seniors say goodbye to baseball, remark on Division III status By SYDNEY PEREIRA
As the school year comes to a close, spring sports are also concluding. Although this end means a relaxing time without classes for most, it is bittersweet for seniors finishing their final sports games. On April 27, Tisch senior Jackson Krule and Stern senior Josh Coonin played their last game on the NYU club baseball team. The score was close until the second-to-last inning, when Monmouth hit a three-run homer. “We had solid starting and relief pitching from two younger pitchers on the team, but the offense was brought fittingly by the seniors,” Coonin said. “Unfortunately, we fell short ... in the end of the game, but it was a strong effort against the number one seeded team in the league.” The final score was 7-3, but the team did not focus on scoring big as much as enjoying the opportunity to play. For Krule, who joined the team his sophomore year, the team allowed him to play the sport he loved while forming great friendships. “I was very appreciative that we had baseball at all,” Krule
said. “It was such an honor to be able to play and wear a jersey that said NYU.” In Krule’s final speech to the team, he spoke about the “ineffability of baseball,” a concept he learned in NYU President John Sexton’s class about his book, “Baseball as a Road to God.” “Certain aspects about baseball transcend this universe, it’s hard to put into words,” Krule said. “Even if we would lose, which we did often this year, you got to find the parts of the game that are the real reasons you play. You can still have a lot of fun, and I think that’s something we did a lot of this year.” Krule’s sentiment resonated with Stern freshman David Sohn. Sohn began practicing with the team when he arrived at NYU in the fall, and he said the team helped him find spirit in a school often criticized as lacking heart, particularly in athletics. “I have felt a strong sense of school spirit and pride while representing NYU against other schools, [even] at the club level,” Sohn said. Despite enjoying the game, Sohn said there were downsides to playing for a club team. “Being a club sport at NYU,
COURTESY OF JACKSON KRULE
Baseball will become a varsity sport at NYU for the first time since 1974 next semester. we are limited in the amount that we can actually practice,” Sohn said. “Although we have free access to the batting cages on the roof of Coles whenever we want, during the season the only significant time we have on an actual baseball diamond is, for the most part, at the games themselves.” The last time baseball was a varsity sport at NYU was in 1974. It has been a club sport for years, but in the fall of 2014, the team will be officially
recognized as a Division III varsity team again. Since Poly officially became the Polytechnic School of Engineering on Jan. 1, 2014, the two baseball teams plan to merge this fall as well. Doug Kimbler, head coach of NYU-Poly’s baseball team, will become head coach for the all-university varsity baseball team. The many changes facing NYU baseball will give future students more opportunities to continue their love of the
sport in college. But, like most changes, there are advantages and disadvantages. “I have mixed feelings about baseball becoming an official varsity sport next year,” Sohn said. “While the program would receive ample funds and access to fields, the team would also rely heavily on recruits, leaving little room for club players like me.” Sydney Pereira is a contributing writer. Email her at sports@nyunews.com.