WSN091212

NYU’s Daily Student Newspaper

washington square news Vol. 40, No. 6

Manhattan ranked priciest in nation

By Emily Bell

In a recent report, the Council for Community and Economic Research rated Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens as three of the most expensive places to live in the United States.

According to the August 2012 report, Manhattan had a cost of living index of 233.5, Brooklyn was second with 183.4 and Queens was sixth 151.4. The national average is 100.

This quarterly index gathers data from six categories: groceries, housing, utilities, transportation, health care and miscellaneous, which includes clothing and entertainment. Each data group is weighted towards the total index number.

“We provide a very, very accurate cost of living based on the data that’s provided to us for a specific target demographic, which is professional managerial households,” C2ER project manager Dean Frutiger said. “The

EXPENSIVE continued on PG. 3

WEDNESday, SEPTEMBER 12, 2012

nyunews.com

Protesters rally against NYU law trustee

Luke Leifeste for WSN

Members of the NYU community joined labor advocacy groups on Tuesday to protest against Law School trustee Daniel Straus.

By Emily Bell and Daniel Huang About a hundred demonstrators gathered in front of Bobst Library yesterday morning wearing dirtied green shirts with money signs in a protest against Daniel Straus, a trustee member of NYU School of Law. The protest was led by the NYU Student Labor Action Movement, and the shirts alluded to

the dirty money NYU is receiving from Straus, who is currently in a contract battle with workers in his HealthBridge Management corporation.

According to the Service Employees International Union, the Straus Institute for the Advanced Study of Law and Justice receives an annual endowment of $1.25 million from Straus.

The SEIU first instigated the strike at Strauss’ HealthBridge in Connecticut and Care One

in New Jersey.

Gallatin junior Caitlin MacLaren was one of the main organizers of the NYU protest with Student Labor Action Movement. She hopes the demonstration will have an impact on Strauss’ alleged behavior. “[We hope that] Daniel Straus will clean up his act, start respecting workers and that his company will treat their workers fairly,” MacLaren said.

However, Joseph Weiler, director of the Straus Institute and longtime colleague of Straus, defended the trustee.

“I have known Daniel Straus for over 10 years and have found him to be an upright and honorable person,” Weiler said. “He has made an extraordinary contribution to an important program at NYU Law School for which the Law

PROTEST continued on PG. 3

NYU ranks among most Cross country captain sets goals for team welcoming for LGBTQ community

By Gentry Brown

By Sebastien van Heyningen

NYU is ranked as the number two Best College Campus for the LGBTQ Life, according to a college resource website called Unigo.

More than 30,000 Unigo-involved students voted on measurements for LGBTQ friendliness for their schools. The website ranked 10 different universities, and Bennington College in Vermont came in at the number one spot.

Unigo founder and CEO Jordan Goldman said the LGBTQ ranking criteria included general campus atmosphere for students and professors, the number of LGBT student groups and organizations, LGBT friend-

As a cross country co-captain and track and field runner, Gallatin senior Kevin Bonilla is used to running on pre-determined paths.

But he is also no stranger to making his own path. Concentrating on entrepreneurship in marketing through emerging media technologies, this Florida native initially chose NYU because he was looking to move to the northeast.

Although he considered schools in Boston, Philadelphia and New York, he eventually decided on the purple and white.

“You can’t beat New York,” Bonilla said.

courtesy of NYU LGBTQ Student Center via Facebook

Unigo’s ranking reflects NYU’s vibrant LGBTQ community. ly policies throughout the university and the environment of the surrounding area.

Gallatin junior Joe EhrmanDupre said he agreed with the ranking and added that NYU’s

location can be credited for its relationship with the LGBTQ community.

“There is a sort of mythical pull

LGBTQ continued on PG. 8

At NYU, he has developed a close relationship with his teammates and alumni from the cross country team. In addition to practicing and competing at meets, the members bond with team dinners at the beginning of the year and invite alumni to help mentor the younger athletes.

This year, Bonilla hopes to match his freshman year when the team won its division, the University Athletic Association.

He said the victory is his favorite moment as a runner since coming to NYU. “It was nice to, as a freshman, be a part of the experience ... to continue NYU’s legacy in the

BONILLA continued on PG. 8

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Washington Square news | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 | nyunews.com

on the side

Compiled by the

WSN staff

Washington Square News Editor-in-Chief AMANDA RANDONE Managing Editor

JAEWON KANG Web Managing Editor

Amy Zhang Deputy Managing Editor

Emily Yang Assistant Managing Editors

Hanqing Chen DANIEL HINTON Creative Director

MERYLL PREPOSI senior staff

university Gentry Brown city/state Tony Chau arts Stefan Melnyk features Nicola Pring multimedia James Kelleher special issues Kristina Bogos copy Jordan Melendrez senior editors Hannah Borenstein,

“i wish it were more socially acceptable to take a year off from school in between college and high school.” ­— Chelien Brown, CAS Junior

CARRIE COUROGEN Julie DeVito, Bridgette Doran, Jonathon Dornbush, CHARLES MAHONEY, Cole Riley

deputy staff

university Tatiana Baez city/state Kayana Jean-Philippe,

“I wish to make a difference in the lives of freshmEn.” — Alyssa La Spisa, Gallatin junior and resident assistant

“I wish summer wasn’t ending.”

— Kanu Bhargava, SCPS junior

“I wish to make a difference in a community by helping others realize their dreams.”

— William Diaz, CAS Junior

“I wish I could relive Meatopia all the time.”

— Dave Rabe, NYU Medical School Alumnus ‘83

Claire Zajdel books/theater Clio McConnell film Jeremy Grossman entertainment SamAntha Rullo music Joshua Johnson features Katya Barannik beauty & style Hilary Presley dining Lavya Yalamanchi special issues ESHA RAY sports Mary Jane Dumankaya, SarA LEVY, Sebastien Van Heyningen multimedia Gloria Lee, Jonathan Tan foreign correspondent

Richard Zhang social media agent

Nicole Gartside

TODAY

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Vanderbilt Hall, Greenberg Lounge | 40 Washington Square South

The Milbank Tweed Forum

The Milbank Tweed Forum at the NYU School of Law presents “Living La Vida Corrupcion: Wal-Mart, Mexico and Corporate Bribery,” a panel discussion on corporate cover-ups led by Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter David Barstow.

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6:15 p.m.

Department of Cinema Studies, Michelson Theater | 721 Broadway, 6th Floor

Ludovic Cortade: André Bazin and the French School of Geography NYU French professor Ludovic Cortade lectures about film theorist and co-founder of the cinema review magazine, Cahiers du Cinema, André Bazin.

7 p.m.

Le Poisson Rouge | 158 Bleecker St.

An Evening with Christopher Buckley

To celebrate their fifth birthday, Lit Crawl NYC presents “An Evening with Christopher Buckley.” The author of “Thank You for Smoking” and “They Eat Puppies, Don’t They?” will be talking with NY Times Magazine columnist Rosie Schaap.

opinion page opinion editors

Atticus Brigham, CHRIS DINARDO deputy opinion editor

JESSICA LITTMAN

advertising business manager

REBECCA RIBEIRO sales manager

Stefanie Yotka circulation manager

Chelsea Gold

SNAPSHOT

ON THE WIRE

Men prefer briefs to smuggle animals on plane

Three men were arrested in Delhi for trying to bring small primates known as slender lorises onto an airplane. Two of the three men were found with the lorises hidden in small pouches in their briefs during a pat down by a security guard. The lorises were in poor health, but according to an unnamed official the animals were going to recover. The lorises were taken in by People for Animals in Delhi, where they are be treated in an animal hospital.

— BBC News Asia

university sales coordinator

Kaitlyn O’Brien sales representatives

Ellen McQueen, Melissa Ynegas sales ASSOCIATE

Gloria Lee

circulation assistants

Omid Golmohammadi, Max Kane

advising DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

NANCI HEALY editorial adviser

Yale University

Ivy League LGBTQ conference to come to Yale — Yale Daily News

Columbia University

The All-American Rejects rocked the crowd at the MLB Fan Cave Concert Series.

PHOTO BY BIANCA MUKHI

Impostor posed as Columbia student for at least 9 months — Columbia Spectator

GOT AN EVENT? EMAIL US AT AGENDA@NYUNEWS.COM OR TWEET US @NYUNEWS. GOT SOMETHING TO SHARE? EMAIL US AT TIPS@NYUNEWS.COM.

keith leighty EDITOR-AT-LARGE

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

Corrections: WSN is committed to accurate reporting. When we make errors, we do our best to correct them as quickly as possible. If you believe we have erred, contact managing editor Jaewon Kang at managing@nyunews.com or at212.998.4302.

nyunews.com

nyunews.com | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 | Washington Square news

PROTEST continued from PG. 1

Students lend support to workers’ strike, oppose NYU law trustee School community is extremely grateful.”

However, protest organizer MacLaren felt that Straus’ generosity did not excuse the way he allegedly treated his workers.

“Daniel Straus is trying to use the name of NYU to appear to be a philanthropist, and we really don’t think he should be hiding behind the name of our university while at the same time breaking the law and treating workers unjustly,” she said.

United New York, a group that advocates unemployed workers, rallied with NYU protesters and members of SEIU. Another group, hailing from Washington D.C., United Students Against Sweatshops, also joined the gathering.

“SLAM is a fantastic group, and I wanted to be here to support it,” said United Students Against Sweatshops organizer, Jan Van Tol. “It’s all about making the connections between the university and students and workers who are affected by the institution.”

Straus is also the principal and CEO of several companies that invest in and operate health care service businesses. In response to the protest, he said the attack on NYU was unfair since the issues stem from a business dispute in Connecticut.

He added that the SEIU is trying to distract from other controversies in Connecticut.

“The SEIU has chosen to target my connection with NYU as part of its ongoing campaign of misinformation and ruthless tactics revolving around a business dispute in Connecticut,” Straus said.

While caregivers were concerned about the lack of unions, Dolores Casey and Eileen Underwood, nurses who were replaced by cheaper workers, were frustrated with contract disputes.

“How can somebody have an institute of justice when they’ve been found guilty of

Luke Leifeste for WSN

Protesters gathered in front of Bobst Library yesterday morning. breaking multiple labor laws?” Underwood said. “That’s a hypocrisy.”

The protesters also drew a sizeable opposition yesterday. The counter-protesters stood on the street side, while the protesters stood on the same side of the park. The counterprotesters held signs as well, many of which read: “SLAM don’t speak for us” and “Stop SEIU lies.” They declined to comment.

NYU police and the NYPD were present outside the Straus Institute and tried to keep protesters out of the street.

By Anders Melin After 13-year-old Ronald Wallace was shot and killed in Brooklyn at the end of August, Mayor Michael Bloomberg voiced his concern about the prevalence of illegal firearms and called for immediate action from the White House.

Shortly after Bloomberg’s speech, NYPD gunned down Jeffrey Johnson, 58, outside the Empire State Building after receiving notice that Johnson had fatally shot his former manager. These tragedies come after the mass shooting at a movie theater in Aurora, Colo. in July.

Marc La Vorgna, press secretary for the Bloomberg administration, said on average 34 Americans are killed with illegal firearms each day, which adds up to a total death toll of more than 49,000 over the last four years.

Bloomberg, an avid advocate of stricter gun-control laws, has repeatedly criticized the White House and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney for deliberately avoiding to raise attention to the issue of illegal firearms for years.

“Gun-control has been front and center across America this summer, but neither candidate has said what they are going to do,” La Vorgna said. “If they knew today that there was a disease or terrorist attack that would kill 49,000 people during the next presidential

EXPENSIVE continued from PG. 1

Manhattan ranked nation’s most expensive place to live index compares each individual community to the national average. We do not measure change over time.”

Rosemary Scanlon, divisional dean of NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate, said rent-stabilized apartments can hold down some of the market prices, along with New York City and New York state policies that try to provide zoning for affordable and public housing.

Scanlon said housing gradations exist, but the report focuses on residential households. She added that Brooklyn and Queens have more popular real estate now because of new construction, which contributes to high cost of living index numbers.

“Brooklyn is a favored place to live if you’re a young professional, if you have children,” Scanlon said. “Queens has a big immigrant community, and not all

term, they would probably do something about it.”

According to national statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, 70 percent of guns used in crimes are purchased in the same state. The corresponding number for New York state is 15 percent. La Vorgna credited this to the legislations implemented by Bloomberg and highlighted that initiatives to prevent future influx of out-of-state firearms have to come from the federal level.

But New Yorkers hold various views on the issue.

Sank Chen, a regular customer of John Jovino Gun Shop in Little Italy, said she doubts the potential outcome of more stringent gun control.

“You can’t control it,” Chen said. “Even if you stop selling guns, there are still lots of them out there.”

Kooran McDonald, who sells theater tickets at the corner of 34th Street and Fifth Avenue, the location of the Aug. 24 shooting, said she is not hoping for government actions anytime soon.

“Politics is all about money,” McDonald said. “The real effort has to come from within the communities, but it’s not going to be an overnight process.”

Anders Melin is a contributing writer.

Email him at cstate@nyunews.com.

the immigrants are poor by any means.”

Students understand the expense of living in Manhattan or the surrounding boroughs.

“I have a yearlong lease on this apartment, three of us in a two bedroom. So that’s kind of how we make it financially work,” Gallatin senior Allison Becker said. “A big thing of saving money is learning how to grocery shop efficiently.

Knowing what food has a long shelf life, learning how to make things last.”

Becker added that she hopes to move to a Brooklyn neighborhood after she graduates.

“I think many people still choose to live in New York because it’s New York,” CAS freshman Martin McNeish said. “And they’ll willingly deal with the extra cost.”

Emily Bell is a contributing writer.

Email her at cstate@nyunews.com.

Take a dip, leave a tip: DipJar opens wallet

Additional reporting by Gentry Brown. Emily Bell and Daniel Huang are contributing writers.

Email them at university@nyunews.com.

Recent gun violence spotlights regulation

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via dipjar.com

DipJar aims to make tipping by credit card as seamless as possible.

By Hanna Park Tipping is now possible with the swipe of a credit card, thanks to a new machine called DipJar, which resembles a traditional tip jar.

DipJar co-founder and CEO Ryder Kessler was inspired while observing the crew of his coffee shop on a busy day in 2008. According to Kessler, his employees told him the benefit of receiving tips at the end of the day was challenged by many customers who pay with a card and not cash.

“I wondered why there wasn’t a tip jar for credit and debit cards. A way for customers paying for their morning latte with a credit card to leave a $1 tip just as easily as someone paying with cash,” Kessler said. “That’s when the initial idea for DipJar was born.”

In summer 2012, Kessler and his brother, Judd, designed the product and introduced it to a few New York City coffee shops. Before releasing the pilot DipJars, Kessler said they spoke to retailers about their ideas.

“It hasn’t been a very hard sell,” he said. “Retailers like the idea that their employees can take home more money at no cost to them.”

The DipJar is free to all retailers because the company makes its profit by taking a small service fee from the tips received. There are currently two Oren’s Daily Roast locations in Manhattan using DipJars.

“So far, DipJar is going over pretty well,” said Gabe Smentek, director of operations at Oren’s Daily Roast. “The majority of our full-time baristas earn

an extra $10 every two weeks.”

Smentek said some customers are having trouble recognizing the DipJar amongst additional items on the counter. Others are unfamiliar with how it works.

“We are hopeful that with the press DipJar is getting, the customers will get over their fear of using it,” Smentek said.

Paul Higgins, an employee for the Think Coffee located on 14th Street, said DipJar is just adding an extra step to the process.

“Every time you do a transaction on a credit card, you have to pay,” Higgins said. “So if you’re going to pay for a tip and a transaction, they’re not going to want to do it. For that kind of thing you have to figure out a way to integrate it with a credit card company so it all comes in one transaction.”

For Gallatin sophomore Olivia Loving, using DipJar is too formal for tipping.

“Tipping is sort of like a thank you after the fact, but the machine makes it very deliberate,” Loving said.

“I think it’s a practical device since if you pay with cash, then you tip in cash. If you pay with card, then you tip with card,” LSP freshman Austin Redon said.

Kessler said he has received requests for the DipJar from retailers all across the country.

“The DipJar is our company’s first product, and it’s what we’re focused on.

We’re taking lessons from the pilot and applying them to developing the next generation DipJar,” Kessler said.

Hanna Park is a contributing writer.

Email her at cstat@nyunews.com

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Washington Square news | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 | nyunews.com

BEAUTY AND STYLE

LSP freshman flaunts transitional summer style

By Rachel Musco

Transitioning into fall means transitioning into a new school year, and with that comes new styles and trends.

LSP freshman Danielle Johnson flaunts her back-to-school fashion with Melrose Trading Post shorts, a denim shirt from a New York boutique, shoes by Palladium purchased in Madrid, a JanSport backpack, a cross-body purse

by Hoss Intropia from Spain and TopShop socks. She accessorized her look with vintage earrings, her class ring and an assortment of

Rachel Musco for WSN

Johnson’s trendy backpack is also waterproof.

other rings from a Hawaiian flea market.

When asked about her favorite trends for fall, Johnson said she was most excited to wear collared shirts, sweaters and boots.

“I love layering in the fall and winter,” Johnson said. “Since I’m originally from Los Angeles, I feel like with New York weather, I’ll have a real excuse to pile on the clothes and throw on my Doc Martens.”

In terms of her fall color palette, Johnson expressed her love for bright colors, as she prefers to separate herself from the uniform black-and-white New York look.

Johnson also plans to transition some of her summer pieces into the fall by pairing floral prints and casual dresses with tights and a jacket.

“I get my style inspiration from my sister.”

Johnson said. “She has nice clothes and is always up on the latest trends, so I just follow her. She’s only 15.”

As for her favorite accessory, Johnson loves her brown cross-body bag.

“Along with my neon-pink waterproof backpack, I also love this little bag from Barcelona,” Johnson said. “I saw it in the store and didn’t initially buy it, but found myself still thinking about it by the end of my trip to Spain, and that’s when I know I really want something. It’s perfect because it has structure but is still casual and actually fits a lot inside.”

Rachel Musco is a contributing writer.

Email her at bstyle@nyunews.com.

Quick tips for morning makeup

Nina Hwang for WSN

Use less products for more time before early classes start.

By Ariana DiValentino Readjusting to early mornings can be difficult. But with these easy tricks, you won’t need to choose between sleeping and applying makeup before your earliest classes. Limit your products, and you can make it to class on time and fresh-faced.

Forget about layering sunscreen, moisturizer, foundation and powder.

Start with a blemish balm cream: a product that combines coverage, SPF and a slew of other skin-saving services. American cosmetic companies are now offering their own varieties, but BB cream users recommend Korean brands like SKIN79 or Missha. These creams will cost you $20 to $30 each, which is a good value considering how many products they replace.

Next, color your cheeks and lips with a dual-purpose stain.

Use Benetint: Dab and blend a drop or two onto your cheeks and lips, and you’ll be perfectly rosy without picking up a brush or switching products. Sephora sells Benetint for $29.

Finally, keep eyes simple with an easily applicable crayon-style liner.

Try Almay Intense i-Color in 003 Black Pearl ($9.49) and black mascara, like Maybelline Volum’Express Classic ($8.99). These two products make your eyes pop with minimal time and effort. Now get to class, beautiful.

Ariana DiValentino is a contributing writer. Email her at bstyle@nyunews.com.

Pump up fall outfits with printed pants

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By Kendall Hill

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1. via zara.com 2. via forever21.com 3. via topshop.com 4. via aliceandolivia.com

Fall is here and printed pants are, too. Last spring, Jason Wu, Mary Katrantzou and Kenzo models strutted down the runway at Fashion Week, rocking this playful trend. Bold patterns exude high style, but at first glance, they can be intimidating and seemingly difficult to pull off.

The easiest way to balance the lively patterns is with a solidcolored shirt. To make the style a bit edgier, aim for big prints on the bottom and use one of the pattern’s accent colors to wear on top.

Make this look an outfit for school by adding layers and a neutral-colored bag.

To transition the look from day to night, pull on a dark velvet or cotton blazer and polish it off with a stylish but simple necklace. It is important to make the pants the focal point of your ensemble.

When styling, pay attention to this look’s proportions. If

you choose printed harem pants or loose fitting trousers, wear a form-fitting top and strappy sandals. Balance girly, tailored jeans or tights with a peplum or baggy top and leather boots.

Prints can be used to make larger parts of your body shrink down and smaller sections stand out. To do this, use the opposites rule — smaller prints make things look bigger while larger prints make things appear smaller. Printed pants can work on all body types as long as this rule is followed.

Some of the best printed pants this year are the Bright Floral Print Joggers from Topshop ($70.00), Printed Satin Trousers from Zara ($59.90), Abstract Print Leggings from Forever21 ($8.80) and, if you are looking to splurge, Super Flared Wide Leg Pant from Alice + Olivia ($297.00).

Kendall Hill is a contributing writer. Email her at bstyle@nyunews.com.

nyunews.com | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 | Washington Square news

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edited by HILARY PRESLEY BSTYLE@nyunews.com

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Best back-to-school bags

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via asos.com

via delias.com

1. The Bucket Bag Just pack, grab and go. The bucket bag is perfect for lugging around heavy-duty books in style. Its seemingly endless interior and reinforced bottom stores even the largest textbooks. The tassels, hardware and rich cobalt color on the ASOS Leather Quilted Bucket Bag make the bag stylish as well as practical.

ASOS Leather Quilted Bucket Bag, $77.61 2. The Rucksack A more modern, fashion-forward take on the reg ular backpack, the rucksack keeps things fresh with a slouchy silhouette and lots of buckles. And since it’s not quite as sporty as its backpack cousin, it can easily be worn with jeans as well as dresses. A cute, floral print softens an otherwise military-inspired shape.

Printed Canvas Backpack, Delia’s, $29.50

Today, fashion is all about accessibility. From start-up bloggers to editors of prominent magazines, the fashion industry is constantly searching for innovative ways to provide readers with the tools they need to be trendy.

Three second-year MBA students at the Stern School of Business created a new social media platform called ThreadMatcher.com. Kevin St. John, Amrish Singh and Alejandro Chahin created the site to change the way people shop online.

The primary function of ThreadMatcher is simple: Users add a thread-it feature to their bookmark bar, which allows them to thread desirable, online products and add them to virtual closets on ThreadMatcher. A user’s products that are threaded appear in their followers’ activity streams and can be rethreaded into the closets of other users. “[ThreadMatcher] allows users to curate the clothes that they love and get relevant recommendations by following other users who share a similar style,” St. John said.

The concept of ThreadMatcher came from the notion that finding the perfect clothing and accessories is often a frustrating and involved process. The idea of borrowing from the closet of someone more stylish seemed very convenient to the creators of ThreadMatcher.

A focus on each individual user is a key part of TheadMatcher’s mission. New users take brand and

As we settle into September, the annual search for the perfect school bag returns. Here are the top five back-to-school bags to carry you through the season.

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3 via neimanmarcus.com

via nordstrom.com

3. The Hobo A relaxed shape gives the hobo bag an overall casual feel, but when crafted in buttery yellow leather and stamped with the Cole Haan seal of approval, simplicity suddenly turns into understated glamour. If you are looking to splurge, look no further than the Medium Parker Hobo. Large enough to hold those bulky books but luxurious enough to make appearances beyond the classroom, this bag is an irresistible and worthwhile investment.

Cole Haan Medium Parker Hobo, On-sale online at Neiman Marcus, $200 4. The Discreet Laptop Case For those classes where you need to carry your laptop, a discreet laptop case is the perfect accessory. These cases look like purses, but have a structured shape and inte-

ThreadMatcher.com: Tailor your fashion sense

By Michael Joerres

By Andrea Cihlarova

style surveys, which allow the site to suggest people to follow others sharing similar tastes. Each time a user enters a product into his or her virtual closet, the site makes additional relevant suggestions.

When creating ThreadMatcher, Singh noticed a problem with many major fashion publications — while magazines are great for identifying trends, they do not cater to all styles.

“We also needed relevance because everyone has a certain, different idea of style,” Singh said.

A major feature that sets the site apart from others is the fact that a direct link to purchase the product is provided with every image. This option stands out for LSP freshman Kimberly Fuller.

“The ability to click through to a specific product means I’m more likely to get my hands on something I really want,” Fuller said.

ThreadMatcher is a simple way for the fashion-forward to gain a following and show their influence by threading popular items.

It also allows aspiring fashionistas to learn more about style. “[The site] is not only for people who are super fashionable,” St. John said. “We want our users to have a style expansion.”

Collaboration means inspiration, and ThreadMatcher represents the direction fashion is headed: toward providing style for all.

Michael Joerres is a contributing writer.

Email him at bstyle@nyunews.com.

5 via urbanoutfitters.com

rior padding that keep your computer safe. The Rebecca Minkoff ‘M.A.C.’ Metallic Snake Embossed Laptop Case has a thick strap that provides comfortable support, but the metallic snake-embossed exterior adds just enough highfashion chic.

Rebecca Minkoff ‘M.A.C.’ Metallic Snake Embossed Laptop Case, Nordstrom, $129 5. The Structured Tote A simple, structured tote bag is both useful and stylish.

The Deena & Ozzy Structured Tote Bag will hold all your books comfortably, while the classic, dark, faux leather will complement any outfit.

Deena & Ozzy Structured Tote Bag, Urban, Outfitters, $69 Andrea Cihlarova is a contributing writer.

Email her at bstyle@nyunews.com.

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Washington Square news | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 | nyunews.com

The New York Times Syndication Sales Corporation

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Puzzle by Peter A. Collins

29 Pig-roasting occasion 30 Honors with style 32 Creature prized for its claws 34 Too large 35 Hawaiian isle 36 Lanchester of film 39 Quitter’s cry 40 Athletes’ no-nos

43 46 48 49 50

___ card See 6-Down Alluring ladies Paid (up) Ebenezer’s partner in “A Christmas Carol” 51 Hersey bell town 52 Polio vaccine pioneer

53 When doubled, a spa city 57 Coors alcopop brand 58 “Don’t get so excited!”

60 Head of Parliament?

62 “I’ll take that as ___”

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nyunews.com | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 | Washington Square news

opinion

edited by ATTICUS BRIGHAM and CHRIS DINARDO opinion@nyunews.com

technology

staff editorial

iPhones: It’s tough not having one

By Matt Luo

The first few days of college are a wild hodgepodge of meeting people, making friends and exchanging contact information.

New students rush around, trying to put other people’s names and numbers into their phones — a process made much easier by the fact that an obscene number of them possess iPhones, thanks to the most recent wave of advances in cell phone technology. However, for the unfortunate few who don’t possess these wonderfully intelligent devices, life is much more difficult. They must face the ostracism that comes from not having constant access to the Internet.

The innumerable things Apple has done to improve the iPhone are absolutely insane: Google Maps, iMessage, group chats and a plethora of useful apps, just to name a few. I am an iPhone user myself, and I can’t help but feel guilty every time somebody makes a cultural reference and only one person does not have an iPhone to look it up. And of course, these non-iPhone users are accustomed to

being left out, so they just sit there and feel morose. In a new city, finding out where a certain restaurant or residence hall is located is easily accomplished with the Google Maps app. But once again, the iPhone-less are constantly left wondering where the group is going, and unfortunately are forced to follow behind; ignorant of the situation and chosen route. I’m not saying people should forgo iPhones; that would be anarchy. It’s just a tad ridiculous how, as a society, we are resolutely dependent on iPhones.

But what about Androids and Blackberries? While they may also be smartphones, the iPhone is designed to be extraordinarily userfriendly and the device’s popularity has allowed even the most inept cell phone users to understand the intricacies of its operation. The same cannot really be said for the strange BBM system that Blackberry employs. For iPhone aficionados, it’s practically common knowledge that adding a contact is as easy as pressing the plus button in the top right corner of the contacts list and then typing in the contact information in

the spaces shown. For lesser-known phones, it’s not quite as easy to figure out how to input new contacts.

While the complaints of those who don’t have iPhones might seem like “first-world problems,” that does not mean it is easy to be the only one in a group without access to the Internet for quick information or thousands of games for moments of boredom.

Feeling left out is a universal problem, and being left out because you can’t afford the same nice things as your friends is even worse. iPhoneusers: Take time out of your day to consider your slightly less fortunate friends because not everybody has the entire Internet available at the touch of his or her fingertips. And non-iPhone users: Remind your friends that the world does not revolve around their cellphones.

Meanwhile, there is even more for our iPhone-less friends to mope about. It is rumored that long-awaited iPhone 5 will be unveiled at an Apple event that is scheduled for today, Sept. 12.

Matt Luo is a contributing columnist.

Email him at opinion@nyunews.com.

politics

Strengths of DNC are RNC’s weaknesses

By Ally Girouard

If the conventions are any indication of election winners, the Democrats have it by a landslide.

While I contend that Obama is the one for the job, there are two key people around him who completely assure me that a vote for the Obama-Biden ticket is the right one. The DNC speeches by Michelle Obama and Bill Clinton prove not only that Obama is the stronger candidate, but also that the GOP is heavily lacking in support from two crucial people: the potential first lady and the party’s predecessor.

Many would agree that Michelle’s speech was an asset for the Democrats and key to her husband’s chances at victory, especially in an election where the female voice is important.

Unfortunately, I cannot give the same accolades to Ann Romney’s speech or her general role in the Romney campaign. Their roles are displayed in respective quotes from the convention.

“It’s true. It’s true that Mitt’s been successful at each new challenge

SUBMITTING TO

he has taken on. You know what, it actually amazes me to see his history of success being attacked,” Ann Romney said.

While First Lady Michelle Obama said, “For Barack, success isn’t about how much money you make; it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.”

This latter statement summarizes the core of Michelle’s speech: affecting, humble, and highly valuable to her husband’s campaign by inspiring voters and appealing to the middle class. On the other hand, Ann’s statement is an example of boasting embedded in an overly defensive speech. Whereas Michelle’s speech is classy and unassuming, Ann attempts to create a façade in order to mask her and her husband’s lack of care for certain groups.

In addition to an immensely better, not to mention more articulate, first lady speech, the Clinton factor is worth mentioning. President Bush, along with many members of his administration, were not present at the RNC. Neither was Sarah Palin, even when Romney desperately needs the female vote. While Clinton’s speech was professionally

7

fact-driven, it is the absence of these key Republicans that should say the most to an undecided voter. When it comes right down to it, Republicans are still trying to eradicate the past, while Democrats are facing forward, a word other republicans, such as Michelle Bachmann, have mocked.

So let me get this right: Republicans scoff at the campaign slogan “forward,” along with any policy having to do with progress, while simultaneously trying to conceal mistakes that happened in their own past. I am not blaming the GOP for asking Bush and Palin to remain at home; this was indeed a strategic move. I simply ask that any undecided voter listen to what the presence of Clinton at the DNC says about the Democratic Party as a whole: they’ve had success and are not ashamed of their past.

In placing our votes this November, let’s be the informed citizens that we are and remember the past policies that left us in a condition we are now climbing out of — slowly but surely.

Ally Girouard is a contributing columnist. Email her at opinion@nyunews.com.

I.R.S. whistle-blowing programs prompt financial responsibility

The Internal Revenue Service is most often associated with collecting taxpayer money, not doling it out.

But yesterday, the I.R.S. paid its largest award — a staggering $104 million — to Bradley Birkenfeld, a former banker-turned-white-collar-criminal-turned-whistleblower from UBS. Because of the crucial information Birkenfeld provided, the I.R.S. was able to recover billions in unpaid taxes.

The I.R.S. revamped its whistle-blower program in 2006 to reward individuals who report tax evaders.

However, due to delays in the system, fewer whistleblowers came forward and less money was collected by the program in 2011 compared to previous years.

Birkenfeld’s huge payoff is a promising step towards changing the amount of money the program acquires, as potential whistle-blowers see the concrete benefits of reporting the gross negligence of their companies or clients.

There has been a move by those in power to silence would-be whistle-blowers with financial penalties or even prosecution. The I.R.S.’s action in this case provides an optimistic glimpse for those who report evidence of grave abuse or misconduct. Furthermore, by shining a light into the crevices that banks like UBS use to secure financial windfalls, tax laws already flex their muscular one-size-fits-all policies in an attempt to leave no culprits unpunished.

The program sends a strong message to tax-dodgers: Tax evasion is intolerable and the I.R.S. will use all means necessary to catch those who try to cheat the system. Although awarding informants who sound the alarm on their own illegal activities may seem unjustified, these actions encourage informants to help uncover dirty deals and recollect stolen money. It incentivises truth over power.

The I.R.S.’s move resonates beyond the fight against tax evasion. The program fixes a spotlight on an entire global financial system forced into a paradigm shift towards responsibility and transparency. Concealed trades that over-leverage bank assets and scandals like the LIBOR manipulation are coming out of the woodwork, and this encouragement of whistle-blowing will accelerate the process. Better late than never.

Email the WSN Editorial Board at editboard@nyunews.com.

EDITORIAL BOARD: Atticus Brigham (Chair), Chris DiNardo (Chair), Jessica Littman (Co-Chair), Nathaniel Chumley, Christopher Drake, Sanchay Jain, Sasha Leshner, Peter Murphy, Raquel Woodruff and Richard Zhang.

Send mail to: 838 Broadway, Fifth Floor New York, NY 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 150 words. All submissions must be typed or emailed and must include the author’s name, address and phone number. Members of the NYU community must include a year and school or job title.

WSN does not print unsigned letters or editorials. WSN reserves the right to reject any submission and edit accepted submissions in any and all ways. With the exception of the staff editorial, opinions expressed on the editorial pages are not necessarily those of WSN, and our publication of opinions is not an endorsement of them.

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nyunews.com | WednesdaY, september 12, 2012 | Washington Square news

LGBTQ continued from PG. 1

Recent survey ranks NYU as second most LGBTQ-friendly campus

that New York has on bodies that feel outcast or downtrodden. An ‘If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere’ sort of appeal, and I think that in our time, the LGBTQ community constitutes a lot of that ‘other’ population that is ridiculed,” Ehrman-Dupre said.

Goldman also said passion for LGBTQ issues is what each top 10 school has in common. “[The schools] go out of their way to ensure equality in all aspects of university life and governance,” Goldman said. “There are typically various outlets where students who have come out can find support and friendship, from both university sponsored programs and student developed groups.”

Rachel Kunstadt, a Gallatin alumna and Tisch Master’s

Program student, was involved with Outspoken when she was an undergraduate student. Outspoken is a peer education group that conducts programs like safe zone training for faculty and students to promote LGBTQ inclusion on campus.

“NYU is definitely a very LGBTQ-friendly school and not a heteronormative school,” Kunstadt said. “Everyone is included in classes, and many professors are open to their LGBTQ identities if they have one.”

Though Lisa Duggan, professor of Social and Cultural Analysis, only knows her LGBTQ students in a classroom setting, she said she was not surprised to hear where NYU ranks.

“I can say that NYU has an exceptional group of

intellectually ambitious, creative and politically engaged LGBTQ students,” Duggan said. “I have been enormously impressed over the years.”

Ehrman-Dupre said rankings serve as inspiration to strengthen and reinvigorate the LGBTQ community at NYU. “Young LGBTQ students come to NYU with these rankings in mind,” she said. “They see NYU as their dream school, just like so many others do, and what they arrive and the environment is just as open-minded and accessible as they had heard. They are encouraged to open up and be who they are.”

Gentry Brown is university editor.

Email her at gbrown@nyunews.com.

SPORTS

Jets and Giants kick-off exciting season for football fans

By Chris Marcotrigiano Football is back. These three words are music to the ears of not only New York football fans but NFL fans everywhere. The Jets are coming off a season that proved to be a letdown after failing to make the playoffs with an 8-8 record. This season may prove to be different though, as Gang Green has added key players through free agency and the draft that will certainly play a role in their attempt at redemption.

The Giants are coming off their second Super Bowl win in five years, and expectations are high. For people who lived in the New York and New Jersey areas last year, it was hard not to get wrapped up in Big Blue’s enchanting postseason run. Fans everywhere expect the magic to continue — even after a loss the first week.

The New York Giants kicked off the NFL season against their division rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, this past Wednesday — the league’s first Wednesday game since 1948. The champs did not

fare well in the opening game of their title defense, losing to Dallas 24-17. New York quarterback Eli Manning was clearly outplayed by his Dallas counterpart, Tony Romo. Romo scored three touchdowns and threw for more than 300 yards. The Giants’ defense did not make the essential stops, and Giants receiver Victor Cruz had three drops that contributed to the loss. Now the Giants face an uphill climb right out of the gate as they start 0-1 this season. Big Blue will try to avenge its opening week loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next Sunday and must establish its running game early and often to take some of the pressure off of Manning.

It was especially intriguing to watch the Jets in their first game of the season against the Buffalo Bills. Gang Green indeed took care of business against a vastly inferior team, trouncing the Bills 48-28. Mark Sanchez silenced his myriad critics — for the moment — by throwing for 266 yards and three touchdowns.

Despite the win, Sanchez

stated after the game, “We’ve got plenty of work to do.” And Sanchez is absolutely right. The Jets face an extremely difficult test next week in their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and many around the league may be waiting to see how the offense and defense will respond to loftier competition.

Tim Tebow also made his debut by running the wildcat offense for the Jets under new coordinator Tony Sparano. Tebow racked up five carries, totaling a measly 11 yards, but he adds a new wrinkle to the Jets’ attack that should confuse opposing defenses at the outset. Though it is too early to judge the Jets based on this win, it is certainly a step forward for a team that had a disappointing 2011 campaign and a rough preseason.

New York football fans will certainly experience an entertaining season, as well as bragging rights and playoff positions.

Chris Marcotrigiano is a contributing writer. Email him at sports@nyunews.com.

BONILLA continued from PG. 1

Captain has high hopes for cross country team

courtesy of NYU athletics

Gallatin senior Kevin Bonilla hopes to achieve a strong finish this year.

conference,” Bonilla said.

To win the UAA this year, Bonilla and his teammates will first compete against conference rival Washington University.

As a captain, he hopes his team will place in the top two at the regional competition and compete for the top five at nationals. Individually, he aspires to finish in the top 10 at regionals and to ensure that everyone is running together and pursuing team goals. He added that he hopes to finish strong in what will most likely be his last year of competitive running.

When asked about some traits that describe good cross country runners, Bonilla used words like perseverance and discipline. He thinks these characteristics also apply to college students who choose not to pursue athletic careers.

Bonilla will be happy ending his cross country career at NYU, and he hopes to pursue a career in marketing when he graduates.

Sebastien van Heyningen Is a deputy sports editor. Email him at svanheyningen@nyunews.com.

Despite avid fans, Mets continue to disappoint this season

By Mike Mandlekern

“Bring your kiddies, bring your wife/ Guaranteed to have the time of your life/ Because the Mets are really sockin’ the ball/ Knockin’ those home runs over the wall.”

These lyrics come from the original New York Mets fight song, “Meet the Mets,” written by Ruth Roberts and Bill Katz. The song debuted in 1961, one year prior to the Mets’ Major League season debut. The team finished with a historically bad 40-120 record in 1962.

For the most part, families are not having the times of their lives, as the fight song suggests.

So far this season, the Mets lost 39 out of their 69 home games, with only 20 games to go. And the lineup is seldom “knockin’ those home runs

over the wall” compared to the rest of the National League. Their 118 home runs are 13th out of the NL 16 teams — below the Houston Astros, who are 44-97 in the season.

The Mets have 16 less homeruns than the average NL team and fall 26 short of the MLB average. On the other side of town, the New York Yankees are living up to their Bronx Bombers reputation with an MLB-leading 210 homers.

The Mets are 26th out of 30 Major League teams in home runs.

The Mets do not rank in the top five of the NL in any major offensive category, but they lead the MLB in pinch hits with 60.

Mike Mandlekern is a contributing writer.

Email him at sports@nyunews.com.

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