NYU’s Daily Student Newspaper
WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS Vol. 41, No. 59
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013
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Rent hikes hinder small businesses in village
Poly students start petition for better transportation
101 University Pl., once occupied by University Restaurant diner, has been replaced by Austrian candy and snack shop chain Gunz Fine European Food. Gunz has been operating a New York-based food importing company, Gunz America Corporation, for three years, but the Greenwich Village location, which opened last week, is Gunz’s first store in the New York market. “The high foot traffic and the proximity to Union Square make it a great location,” said Gunz America spokesperson Nicole Hummer. “Currently, this is our only store planned. However, a few more stores in the city area would not be unrealistic.” University Restaurant was located on University Place for nearly 60 years, but was forced to close after a rent increase. CAS junior Ayden Rosenberg said she associated the restaurant with her freshman year, when she lived in nearby Weinstein residence hall.
Students from the Polytechnic Institute of NYU are petitioning for subsidized transportation between NYU-Poly’s campus in Brooklyn and Washington Square. As of press time, the petition had 498 signatures, with a goal of 600. NYU-Poly students currently pay a mandatory university fee of over $600 per semester, which is meant to cover costs for access to all NYU facilities, including Bobst Library, dining halls, Coles Sports Center and Palladium Athletic Facilities. It does not cover transportation for NYUPoly students in Brooklyn to reach these Manhattan locations. The petition was started by NYU-Poly freshman Jeffrey Nichtberger and is hosted on the website change.org. The title of the petition is “Set up a free or cheap transportation system between NYU-Poly and NYU’s campuses.” “The overbearing price of over $600 per semester seemed self-defeating if accessing NYU’s facilities was impractical,” Nichtberger said. On NYU-Poly’s frequently asked questions page about the merger with NYU, it states that there are no current plans
By ILANA LADIS
BUSINESS on PG. 3
By JEFF KOPP
HANNAH COHEN/WSN
LGBTQ Center holds third annual NY(Drag)U competition Students competed in a drag race hosted by “RuPaul’s Drag Race” winner BeBe Zahara Benet. DRAG on PG.3
PETITION on PG. 3
Despite issues, ‘Sleepy Hollow’ keeps audiences wide awake By SHAWN FLANAGAN
The dark and refreshingly comedic “Sleepy Hollow” is FOX’s latest attempt to jump aboard the bandwagon of the fantasy television fad (“Once Upon a Time” on ABC, “Grimm” on NBC). Most people are familiar with the tale of the headless horseman — however, this adaptation brings a host of fresh elements to the table. 18th century schoolteacher Ichabod Crane (Tom Mison) awakens in a dark cave, and stumbles into a 2013 suburban Sleepy Hollow. His appearance coincides with the alleged sighting of a headless horseman, clad in a British r edcoat uniform and wielding a broad axe. Local cop Abbie Mills (Nicole Beharie), as the partner of one of the horseman’s victims and also the only one to see this horseman, wants to question Crane, who believes he is still in the 18th century. The rest of the pilot follows Mills
and Crane as they attempt to solve the mystery of where Crane and the horseman have both come from, and what they can do to prevent another attack. The show makes effective use of Crane’s unfamiliarity with the modern world. Mison’s performance entertains throughout — he hilariously marvels at not only the existence of cars but their automatic windows too. Crane is heroic and confident here, rather than shy and frantic as we’ve come to expect in previous renditions. These alterations make Crane’s vulnerability in this unknown environment all the more enjoyable to watch. The character of Mills unfortunately fails to impress. We know she is insecure, but the reason for this insecurity is left vague, which makes it difficult for the audience to become attached. Beharie misses the mark and plays Mills somewhat big-headed rather than timidly confident like the role seems to require.
While the show’s mythology has been built up and many new elements have been included, the pilot addresses nearly every mystery this first hour introduces. Now the audience is left with few questions going into the second episode and beyond. The attempts to justify this story as a television series seem incredibly forced, as the pilot introduces some intriguing plot elements only to leave the viewer confused about what comes next. “Sleepy Hollow” proves enjoyable — at least at this early stage — and could garner a dedicated fan base over its first season. However, the show’s longevity will be dependent on whether the writers can justify the material for this story to last an entire series. After the pilot, it’s clear that they have some work to do.
VIA FOX.COM
Shawn Flanagan is a contributing writer. Email him at entertainment@nyunews.com.
The cast of FOX’s new drama is a mixed bag of good and bad performances.
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CLASSIC “DOCTOR WHO”
“WELCOME TO NIGHT VALE”
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As fans of the long running show know very well, the 50th anniversary episode of “Doctor Who” is quickly approaching. With two months left until it airs on Nov. 23, now is the perfect time to try out the period of the show dubbed Classic Who — the first 26 seasons before its revival in 2005. Despite being 50-years-old, the show’s early episodes have held up incredibly well — they’re fun, campy and great TV. Any new Whovians will be sure to enjoy this earlier version of the show.
“Welcome to Night Vale” is creepy, funny, romantic and the most entertaining podcast you’ll ever hear. Set in a small desert town of the same name, “Welcome to Night Vale” is a series of daily news radio shows. The host, Cecil Baldwin, is the only glimpse listeners get into the absurd town, where no dogs are allowed in the dog park, helicopters routinely steal children and mysterious lights hover over the Arby’s sign. The series is as if H.P. Lovecraft wrote a romantic comedy.
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“A WOMAN IS A WOMAN” Alex Greenberger
Jean-Luc Godard’s “Contempt” may be finishing its two-week run at Film Forum, but his light, whimsical comedy “A Woman Is a Woman,” which is about a striptease artist who suddenly wants a child, is a good reason to stay in and watch Netflix. This minor yet beautiful satire of American musicals is Godard’s most fun film — and one of his most touching, too. If nothing else, “Woman” is worth viewing because it features an irresistible performance from Anna Karina, who sings and dances with the energy one expects from a French film.
“KABOOM” Jeremy Grossman
Cult filmmaker Gregg Araki will have a career retrospective at the Museum of Arts and Design beginning this Thursday. For those unfamiliar with Araki’s work, check out “Kaboom.” Released in 2010, “Kaboom” stars Thomas Dekker as a college freshman who struggles with bisexuality, as well as witches, evil cults and the impending apocalypse. Araki’s films are strange and out of this world, and not everyone loves them. Fortunately for new audiences, “Kaboom” is one of his most inviting.
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“ORCHIDELIRIUM” Isabel Jones
A powerful thunderstorm struck New York City last Thursday evening.
After 10 years, Deborah Landau’s book of poetry still feels current. Documenting her life in Manhattan and Los Angeles, Landau’s flowing figurative language is fresh and relatable. The meaning is easy to grasp and, unlike many of her predecessors, Landau doesn’t speak down to her audience. A quick and enlightening read, “Orchidelirium” is not to be missed.
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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 Jordan Melendrez at managing@nyunews.com or at 212.998.4302.
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business continued from PG. 1
University Restaurant closes, chain businesses move into local spaces
“I was there all the time,” Rosenberg said. “Their breakfast deals were unbeatable. I was pretty bummed when it closed because it represented a lot of good times.” University Restaurant is not the only business to deal with high rent prices, and its replacement might signal a larger pattern of local business turnover in the Village. Ron D’Allegro, a co-owner of Knickerbocker Bar & Grill at 33 University Pl., said rent increases have made it difficult for local businesses to compete against large businesses, which can afford to pay higher rent. “I think the rent issue in the area is what has led to the breakdown of the Village,” D’Allegro said. “This breaks down the flavor of the neighborhood and it cycles down. Though many people try to open restaurants, very few survive. We are hanging in there, but I don’t know [for] how much longer.” In an April 2013 interview with WSN, Mandy Calara, CEO of Chicago-based Forever Yogurt, said he was against the loss of culturally significant businesses, but that the economics of the city can make that loss unavoidable. Forever Yogurt opened a store in the Village, replacing the independently owned record store Bleecker Bob’s. “I appreciate the efforts of neighborhoods to preserve landmarks,” Calara said. “But sometimes landlords want to maximize rents.” D’Allegro said up-and-coming neighborhoods are also a challenge to restaurants in the Village. “With areas in Brooklyn, Queens and Harlem now elevating their restaurants, people are staying in their own neighborhoods,” D’Allegro said. Rosenberg said she is careful not to become too attached to any particular restaurant. “It’s hard to watch the places that characterize your college experience just up and leave, but it’s part of the deal of going to school in New York,” Rosenberg said. Ilana Ladis is a contributing writer. Email her at news@nyunews.com.
Professors discuss 2031, debt among other topics at teach-in By Nicole Brown
A group of NYU professors held a teach-in for the NYU community called The Crisis at NYU on Sept. 13. Sociology professor Jeff Goodwin said he organized this discussion because many undergraduates wanted a better understanding of why five schools voted no confidence in NYU President John Sexton last semester. At the teach-in, social and cultural analysis professor Andrew Ross said that students underestimate the impact they have and the need to voice their opinions. “This year, it’s the students’ turn to step to the plate,” Ross said. “And if you do choose to step to the plate, we will stand with you all of the way.” Each professor presented their views of one relevant topic to provide more information. Professor of Media, Culture and Communication Mark Crispin Miller spoke about some of the faculty’s concern that the NYU 2031 Plan does not have enough academic rationale. Miller said when the plan is completed, only 40 percent of the expansion will be used for labs and classrooms. East Asian studies and history professor Rebecca Karl discussed the lack of information the faculty has about the Global Network University and the concern about the quality of education at the global sites. Psychology professor Jim Uleman
petition continued from PG. 1
NYU-Poly students call for buses, subway subsidies to Manhattan campus
to create a free transportation system between the campuses. “Going forward, a dedicated transportation system may be considered if demand warrants it,” the page says. On the petition website, Nichtberger addressed the issue of transportation costs, proposing issuing student-subsidized Metrocards to pay for the subway rides using the $600 university fee, or creating swipe systems to record and refund students for their Metro cards within a certain period of time after they arrive on campus.
via wikipedia.org
NYU-Poly students in Brooklyn do not have subsidized transportation.
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Mushen Yu, an NYU-Poly sophomore, supports the petition and commented on the petition website with his reason for signing it. “I have courses at [NYU’s] Washington Square campus from Monday to Thursday,” Yu wrote. “It costs me $20 a week to go there.” Other students are satisfied with alternative modes of transportation. “The alternatives aren’t too expensive,” said Greg Zucaro, an NYU-Poly senior. “A subway ride gets you between the two campuses in 15-20 minutes, and if you’re willing to exert yourself a little, and if you have a Citibike membership, that’s even cheaper,” he said. The petition is to be delivered to NYU-Poly vice president of strategic initiatives Elizabeth Lusskin and dean of student affairs Anita Farrington. “We have reviewed the petition and continue to believe that New York’s subways best meet student transportation needs, both for sustainability reasons and for their significant time-saving advantage,” said Kathleen Hamilton, marketing and communications director at NYU-Poly who spoke on the behalf of Lusskin and Farrington. “[NYU-Poly] students are eligible to take the NYU Safe Ride on-demand vans after midnight,” Hamilton said. “The MTA does not have a program to subsidize the public transportation costs of college students.” She did not comment as to whether NYU or NYU-Poly were planning to subsidize travel between the two campuses. Jeff Kopp is a contributing writer. Email him at news@nyunews.com.
and politics professor Christine Harrington said that shared governance is an ongoing struggle, as decisions about 2031 and the GNU have already been made without faculty involvement. LSP professor Michael Rectenwald discussed the lack of representation of contract faculty. They compose 70 percent of NYU’s faculty, and none are tenure or tenure-track faculty. Ross discussed student debt and said he believes students and their families have a right to know exactly where their tuition money is being spent. Representatives from NYU’s Student Labor Action Movement spoke about their campaigns, and the NYU Graduate Student Organizing Committee discussed their efforts to gain unionization rights. Gallatin sophomore Benjamin Talarico, who attended the teach-in, said
he did not realize the degree of dissatisfaction with the administration and recommends students involvement. “Educate yourself on the structure of the administration and the people who are on the administration,” Talarico said. “This is not a spectator’s sport.” NYU spokesman John Beckman said NYU’s achievements since 2002, including increased applications for admission, award-winning faculty and improved financial aid and rankings show that there is not a crisis at NYU. “No doubt there is room for improvement, and disagreement and debate are valued traditions here,” Beckman said. “But this emerging tendency to employ extreme rhetoric to trash the university in contravention of the facts is really regrettable.” Nicole Brown is a news editor. Email her at nbrown@nyunews.com.
via nyufasp.org
At The Crisis at NYU, professor Andrew Ross called for students to voice their opinions and talked about student debt.
LGBTQ Student Center hosts third NY(Drag)U By Steven Dzhuryan Drabeck
On Friday, Sept. 13, NYU’s LGBTQ Student Center hosted a drag race competition NY(Drag)U at the Kimmel Center for University Life. This year’s competition was marked by the return of previous host BeBe Zahara Benet, the first-season winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and mistress of ceremonies. The LGBTQ Center’s director, Celiany Rivera-Velázquez, said the annual event has been going on for three years. “The program is basically an opportunity for NYU students to experiment with gender and how it’s performed on stage,” Rivera-Velázquez said. “[The Center] is trying to address both drag queen and drag king culture.” The drag show featured students in their homemade costumes, including one contestant who went for a futuristic theme, complete with neon pink hair and a painted blue face. Social and cultural analysis professor María Josefina Saldaña-Portillo said that having a universitywide drag competition open to all undergraduate and graduate students helps create a welcoming environment for students. “Having these kinds of events brings visibility to LGBTQ students, demonstrating the more fluid aspects of gender performance,” Saldaña-Portillo said. Rivera-Velázquez agreed that NYU’s sponsorship of the program shows the university’s commitment to fostering a positive environment for students.
“[The competition] is an opportunity for students who are interested in experimenting with gender performance to have a platform to do so, in a way that feels affirming here at NYU,” Rivera-Velázquez said. Typically, there are 10 to 12 submissions, which are then narrowed down to six contestants. A video application and a playlist for the performance must be submitted with each application. Ultimately, the application process gauges the preparedness of the applicants and allows the Center to support applicants in facilitating the process in any way possible, if needed. The show was open to the public, and the 100 seats in Kimmel 802 were not enough to accommodate all of the guests who showed up. Spectators were treated to a walk-off competition, in which the drag kings and queens danced and lipsynced their routines, which were then judged by a panel. But CAS freshman Arianna Chang left the show early because she was disappointed by the performances she saw. “I thought the drag queens didn’t have nearly [enough] flair,” Chang said. Axel Keating, a Steinhardt sophomore, was the drag king finalist. Keating said he was surprised by his showing in the final and that he enjoyed participating in the event. “Gender can be a really fluid thing, and it’s fun to mess with,” Keating said. Stephan Drabeck is a contributing writer. Email him at news@nyunews.com.
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Graduate collaborates on urban novel ‘Pure Bronx’ By AVERY CHANG
Ever since hip-hop’s rapid rise to mainstream popularity in the ’90s, the genre’s artists have consistently brought listeners the underexposed stories of the urban underbelly. The evolution of hip-hop has also inspired a literature movement that drew on these themes. Consider subjects commonly represented in hiphop music, such as urban life, and place them into a genre of literature. Melissa Castillo-Garsow, NYU alumna and current graduate student at Yale University, and Mark Naison, a professor of African and African-American Studies at Fordham University, did so with their new novel, “Pure Bronx.” The novel gives insight into the Bronx and certain aspects of life that its residents encounter. It manifests itself in the common themes of street literature — drugs, violence, class differences, sex — and exposes the realities of urban life to its readers. “Pure Bronx” falls under hip-hop literature, also known as urban fiction and street literature, which is the younger,
VIA AMAZON.COM
yet equally entertaining little brother of musical hip-hop. “Hip-hop literature was a new form of writing that emerged largely from prisons in the late ’90s after the rise of hip-hop in the early ’90s,” Naison said. “And [street literature] quickly marginalized large cities.” Throughout their writing process Castillo-Garsow and Naison familiarized themselves with the area so as to properly define the borough. “I didn’t want to come up with something fake,” Castillo-Garsow said. “Not a lot of novels speak about the Bronx’s vast multiculturalism and its rich complexity.” While it provides social and political commentary, “Pure Bronx” also provides intimate perspectives on life in the Bronx. The novel contains a complex plot and three-dimensional characters including a “drug dealer with a heart of gold,” as described by Naison, and an ambitious woman forced to strip for financial support. “I think [‘Pure Bronx’] will make people look more closely at poorer or working class areas,” Naison said. “It shows some of the difficulties that young people from such areas may have to face in order to survive. Sometimes the bad choices they make are the necessary choices.” According to Castillo-Garsow, urban youths may already be reading these novels, but those unfamiliar with the lifestyle of the Bronx are not. It is this group that the authors want to reach. “Even though I went to high school in the Bronx, it’s hard for me to identify with some of the struggles that people face there,” Steinhardt freshmen Marcia Hu said. “I would read it for some more insight.” “Pure Bronx” will be available on the Kindle this month, and in print in October. Avery Chang is a contributing writer. Email her at features@nyunews.com.
Steinhardt sophomore brings nonprofit aid abroad By DEBORAH LUBANGA
Karahola is a 400-person village in southern Nicaragua, reachable by car or horse. It may not seem noteworthy, but for Steinhardt sophomore Sophie Hollingsworth, it is a place with great potential for growth and improvement. In 2012, Hollingsworth founded AquaAid International, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide clean water to rural Nicaragua, a region where water quality is poor. The NYU sophomore chose to start her clean water mission after spending the summer of 2010 working as a deckhand on a boat. While working, Hollingsworth met Simon Espinoza, a native of Nicaragua. His stories about growing up in a country with a shortage of clean water inspired Hollingsworth to take action. When she could not find an existing organization that tackled the issue, she created her own. “I knew clean water was an issue, but it was never really on my radar,” Hollingsworth said. “But once I started developing this organization I just started reading everything I could on it.” Over the years, Hollingsworth has stayed in touch with Espinoza, who has been working with his family to lay the groundwork for AquaAid efforts in Karahola. For its first mission, the organization will send a team of humanitarian-minded individuals to Karahola in January 2014, to distribute water filters to every family there. These filters will give the people of Karahola access to 150 to 360 gallons of clean water a day and reduce waterborne illnesses by 99.9 percent. In addition to filter distribution, AquaAid International plans to implement a primary school curriculum to teach children basic concepts of sanitation, such as the importance of hand-washing and clean water. Hollingsworth has designed a Spanish coloring book and created several songs and games to engage children. “The adult population, they are not going to change their ways,” Hollingsworth
RACHEL LIQUINDOLI FOR WSN
Sophie Hollingsworth founded AquaAid to bring clean water to rural Nicaragua. said. “But if you can get the children to get involved in this, they become agents of change for their community.” Philanthropist Doug Baker, from Sarasota, Florida, was so inspired by Hollingsworth’s dedication to sustainability and education that he not only supported AquaAid International financially, but also joined the board of directors. “When you have young people like Sophie that get so passionate about something that’s going to make an improvement, it’s contagious,” Baker said. “It gives us all the hope that there is the possibility to change things and make things better.” To Hollingsworth, her deeds are not out of the ordinary. “Everyone can help volunteering in the world,” Hollingsworth said. “You don’t have to have a huge amount of time or a huge amount of money. Little things make huge differences.” Deborah Lubanga is a staff writer. Email her at features@nyunews.com.
Tale of two cities: London vs. New York
By SEWON PARK
The Big Apple, the City That Never Sleeps, the Center of the Universe. New York City is touted as one of the greatest cities in the world. But other big cities around the globe also have idiosyncrasies that make them unique. New York City and London are two of the most prominent cities on their respective continents. Both cities are considered fashion and art capitals of the world, yet they still have their differences — besides how people drive on different sides of the road. In regard to fashion, lifestyle and the overall atmosphere, the two cultures seem to be alike, but they are distinctive. While it is true that the fashion scenes in both cities are vibrant and colorful, Londoners tend to embrace a more daring look, dressing from head to toe in brighter, bolder colors. In New York City, people use statement jewelry or solid-clothing pieces for
visual appeal. London also seems to have a more formal standard for clothing, while New Yorkers sport a more comfortable, chic wardrobe. Fashion lovers in London tend to support another extreme fashion sense — grunge, a style inspired by alt rock and lower-class clothing. Styles appears to be more daring and extreme whereas New Yorkers tend to play it safe while sustaining a sense of individuality. This was apparent in the recent New York Fashion Week and is supported by London Fashion Week, which is currently taking place. Two more major differences that stand out are the transportation and architecture of each city. Both cities offer a stellar public transportation system, however the Underground rapid transit system (nicknamed the Tube) and the Overground railway system in London are significantly cleaner than New York City’s subway system. The Tube in London is also more expensive. However, the subways here in New York are cheap and easy
to use. Even though New York City’s public transportation system is dirty, traveling from point A to point B is simple and more cost-effective than taking a taxi. In terms of architecture, both cities exude a modern vibe. But London’s historical buildings are still omnipresent amid its modern architecture. The Knightsbridge and Kensington neighborhoods in London have a Victorian feel, and their ornate structures are a sight to see. By contrast, New York City, which is known as a concrete jungle, boasts skyscrapers and brownstones throughout most of the city — with the exception of a few churches and buildings in the financial district. Even with these comparisons, both New York City and London offer an amount of vibrancy and uniqueness that is unparalleled, which draws tourists and residents alike. Sewon Park is a contributing writer. Email her at features@nyunews.com.
COURTESY OF ZARA SHANNON
London’s older architecture stands as a reminder of the city’s rich history.
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Mens, Womens tennis teams score at invitational By KENNETH LIM
The NYU men’s and women’s tennis teams had an impressive showing over the weekend at the College of New Jersey Invitational in Ewing, N.J. The men’s team emerged victorious in seven of 10 doubles matches played, continuing their dominance from the previous day. The Violets ended Saturday with a 16-5 record in singles. Highlights include junior William Smithline and sophomore Sidd Thangirala winning both Flight B doubles matches. Junior Nicholas Tan and freshman Han Ren Lim also went 2-0. Lim, originally from Singapore, was quick to laud the fighting spirit of his teammates, saying everyone fought hard to win. “The team played good, solid tennis this weekend,” Lim said. “TCNJ is one of the better schools in Division III, and us having won the bulk of the matches definitely puts us in good shape leading up to the [Intercollegiate Tennis Association Championships].” Head coach Horace Choy agreed with Lim, adding that most of the players are beginning to hit their stride. “I thought that we continued our strong play,” Choy said. “I am happy with how both teams played. It was a good way to start the season.
Most players are in form, and the rest are close.” Lim was also cautious about a potential flu bug that might pose a challenge to the team’s performance at the upcoming ITAs. “An obstacle leading up to this season would probably be staying healthy,” he said. “I’ve been down with the flu for almost a week now.” The NYU women’s tennis team, led by sophomores Ashley Masanto and Alison Wang, also displayed their dominance. The Violets went 5-3 in doubles on Sunday, and won 10 of 16 singles matches the day before. Choy was also optimistic at the women’s team’s prospects, especially after an excellent 2012-2013 season where they finished 13th in the ITA Northeast Region rankings. “I’m expecting a good year,” Choy said. “The freshmen we brought in last year have had a year of experience, and that will mix well with the newcomers we’ve brought in this season.” The men’s and women’s tennis team return to the courts at the ITA Northeast Regional Championships at Ithaca College and at the Vassar College Invitational during the weekend of Sept. 20, respectively. Kenneth Lim is a contributing writer. Email him at sports@nyunews.com.
COURTESY OF NYU ATHLETICS
The men’s tennis team won seven of their 10 doubles matches this weekend and improved their singles record as well.
Violets impress in weekend games By CHRIS MARCOTRIGIANO
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This weekend was chock-full of NYU sports. Both the men’s and women’s soccer teams took to the pitch on Saturday against Stevens Institute of Technology and Vassar College, respectively. The men’s team struggled in its on-the-road matchup against No. 2 Stevens in Hoboken, N.J. The Stevens Ducks outshot the Violets by a 16-4 margin, scoring three goals in the second half en route to a 4-1 victory. The Violets’ only goal came from junior midfielder Justin Suter in the 79th minute of play, which was his first career goal. This was NYU’s first loss of the season (5-1). Women’s soccer was more fortunate, as they registered a 3-2 road victory against Vassar in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. The Violets scored in the fourth, seventh and 17th minutes to take a 3-0 advantage, which they never relinquished. NYU goal scorers were senior midfielder Erin Ahmed and junior forwards Amelia Hammerl and Cami Crawford. Goalkeepers Arianna Strome and Cassie Steinberg each played a half in net and surrendered one goal apiece. The Violets improved to 3-1-1 on the season and will return home to face Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute on Thursday, Sept. 19. Women’s golf hosted 10 other schools in the NYU Invitational this weekend at Spook Rock Golf Course in Suffern, N.Y. The Violets were in second place after play concluded for the first round on Saturday. Williams College led the tournament with a score of 311 while the Violets were 10 strokes behind with a score of 321. Both senior captain Kristina Shalhoup and sophomore Elaine Tse shot an impressive 76 in the first round of play on Saturday to lead the team. The second round began on Sunday and ended with the Violets in third place behind second place Middlebury by only one stroke, and an overall score of 674. Williams won the tournament convincingly, shooting about 50 strokes less than the Violets or Middlebury, shooting 625. “While Sunday’s round wasn’t quite what we hoped for, we played well on Saturday,” Shalloup said. “We’ve definitely got a lot of talent on this team, and judging from our past two weeks of practice and tournaments, I think we’ll see it show in upcoming events.” Chris Marcotrigiano is deputy sports editor. Email him at cmarcotrigiano@nyunews.com.
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WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013 | NYUNEWS.COM
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THE NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD & DAILY SUDOKU Crossword ACROSS 1 With 69-Across, childish taunt … and a homophonic hint to the answers to the asterisked clues 5 Monastery head 10 Angry, resentful state 14 First James Bond movie 15 Italian scientist after whom an electrical unit is named 16 Carbon compound 17 Turkish honorific 18 Kind of personality, in broadcasting 19 Hairstyle that’s rarely seen on blonds and redheads 20 *Elated 23 Egyptian boy king 25 Masthead figures, for short
26 References in a footnote 27 “I give!” 29 One who goes a-courting 32 *Believing in nothing 35 With 40-Across, tip off 39 Major Fla.-toCalif. route 40 See 35-Across 41 Spanish years 42 Relinquish 43 *Inflammation of gum tissue 45 Spying aircraft 47 Journalist ___ Rogers St. Johns 48 Houston baseballer 51 Item of sports equipment sometimes seen on top of a car 53 Yea’s opposite 54 *Eensy-weensy beach garments 59 Chicken ___ (dish) 60 Man of steel?
ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE G O D E P R I V S U M A D P A N E O R O S T A K S P O K D A M A A H I N M O S S A O N E S P U T S S T A T
L A N E S Z E S T T E T E
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61 Told a whopper 64 Olympic sword 65 France’s Val d’___ 66 “In that case …” 67 Joins in holy matrimony 68 “lol, u r so funny” and others 69 See 1-Across DOWN 1 Pharmaceuticalapproving grp. 2 Grp. 3 Separated, as a horse from its carriage 4 Horse with more than one color 5 Steer clear of 6 Water pipes 7 Unexciting 8 “Miss ___ Regrets” 9 Covering pulled out during a rain delay 10 Stick it in your ear 11 Not suitable 12 Talent 13 Dental thread 21 Part of a shoe with a tap 22 Here, to Henri 23 Old Greek garment 24 Join 28 Low, hard hits 29 Children’s author R. L. ___ 30 Pegasus appendage 31 Play’s opening 33 “O, beware, my lord, of jealousy” speaker
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PUZZLE BY DANIEL RAYMON
34 Lower part of the leg 36 Make stronger and deeper 37 “And there you have it!” 38 Alternative to true-false or multiple-choice 44 Self-absorbed 46 Politico Paul
48 Off-kilter 49 Michael of R.E.M. 50 Cornered, as a raccoon 51 Women’s hybrid tennis garment 52 Toys with tails 55 Bits of sand 56 Audio equipment giant
57 Alpine goat
58 Tennis’s Nastase
62 WNW’s opposite
63 Mexican couple
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NYUNEWS.COM | MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
OPINION
EDITED BY RAQUEL WOODRUFF OPINION@NYUNEWS.COM
TRANSPORTATION
STAFF EDITORIAL
Disabled access problem remains in subways By HARRY BROWN
Traveling around New York City by subway can be stressful for anyone, even at the best of times. Now just imagine using the subway in a wheelchair. I was at a subway station in Manhattan last week when I saw a depressing sight — a man with an amputated leg, using his hands to prop himself down the stairs, as there was no other means to reach the platform. Over 1.1 million New Yorkers have a form of ambulatory disability, but the majority of this city’s subway stations remain inaccessible to them. This is a blight that must be addressed urgently. Disabled access on the subway has always been an issue for New York City. The system has never been truly updated since it was designed in the late 1800s, and it never factored in disabled access requirements. When refurbishments have taken place during times fraught by budgetary concerns, the first item to be cut is usually disabled access. Last month, case in point, a $32 million renovation of Brooklyn’s Smith and Ninth Street station was com-
pleted. For a station, which has the honor of being the highest station in the world at 88 feet above street level, it would have made sense to make this station accessible to disabled users. However, because of budgetary constraints, Smith and Ninth Street remains inaccessible to people with disabilities. Other cities around the world — ranging from London to Seattle — have upgraded their facilities to make traversing the subway far easier for disabled riders. New York has lagged behind and, at other times, simply neglected to factor disabled access into the equation. A wheelchair user, Andrew Feinberg recognizing the need for a centralized system for navigating the city by wheelchair, began to develop the app
“Wheel New York”, using the popular crowdfunding site Kickstarter to finance the app’s coding. The goal of the app was simple — to create a “mobile app that will allow the disabled and elderly to safely navigate and enjoy New York City.” Unfortunately, it never achieved the funding goal, stymying its development. But the Metropolitan Transit Authority should sponsor its creation. When we’re judged as a society by future generations, one of the key aspects I believe we will be assessed on is our treatment of people with disabilities. In New York, we are failing. Martin Luther King Jr. once said that the moral arc of the universe is long, but it bends towards humanity and justice. Let us honor that creed. There have been minor improvements to the subway system over the years, but they are few and far between. It requires the political impetus and clamor of New Yorkers to achieve it. We owe it to our coworkers, family and friends who are mobility impaired to hasten their access to the subway. Harry Brown is a contributing columnist. Email him at opinion@nyunews.com.
UNIVERSITY AFFAIRS
Student debt improves university prestige By SIBORA LALAJ
As NYU students, we’ve had to face the increasing role that debt plays in our education. Whether it’s our own student loans or the large sums of low-interest loans made available to famous faculty, students have to grapple with the reality of financing a huge global university in the heart of New York City. Media coverage, ranging from our own student newspaper to The New York Times, has mainly commented on how it is unjust of NYU to graduate some of the nation’s most indebted students, but still provide generous perks to famous in-demand faculty. However, the conversation has often been contaminated by an eagerness to turn the facts into something they’re not. As NYU moves forward and decides how much money to budget for financial aid, school programs and faculty compensations, we would be deluded to think that the debate is not first and foremost one of practicality. Under the leadership of NYU President John Sexton, NYU has grown from a mainly local school to an international dream school. Of course,
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NYU incurred high tuition rates and debt to fund our period of growth. Did you think that some of the world’s best faculty decides to teach at NYU because of its proximity to Artichoke Pizza? Or that NYU’s investments in strong academic programs and its celebrity faculty had no bearing in students’ decisions to come here in the first place? NYU is stuck between a rock and a hard place, as is any institution with a limited budget. But tuition money is what allows a huge university like NYU to function. NYU is not Harvard, Princeton or Yale. The university doesn’t have the same large endowments that would compete with the Ivy League’s generous aid policies. So next time a journalist cites NYU’s student debt as the fourth highest in the country, please
graciously remind them that comparing NYU to other schools is like comparing apples to oranges. Not to mention we are in New York City, not in the middle of nowhere. Until NYU is in a position to meet the financial needs of all of its accepted students, it’s up to students and their families to think hard before committing to it. We must ask ourselves if the debt is worth the careers we hope to obtain in the future, and the experience of attending NYU. Debt has become a poisonous word. But debt, when used wisely, also allows us to invest in our ideas, passions and dreams. Some dreams belong to individuals. Some dreams belong to universities. NYU has come so far from where it was two decades ago, and we’d be foolish to believe that money didn’t play a large role in it. We can and should, however, always have an open debate about where our university chooses to allocate its resources and utilize the money accumulated from both tuition and debt repayments to further NYU’s educational mission. Sibora Lalaj is a contributing columnist. Email her at opinion@nyunews.com.
De Blasio proves best candidate for NYC mayor
In a sweeping upset in the democratic primary, Bill de Blasio, a former activist and New York public advocate, had a decisive victory over the previous mayoral front-runner Christine Quinn and may avoid a runoff vote for William Thompson. De Blasio’s strong progressive message has resonated with Bloomberg-weary voters, and rightly so. While Thompson, a former president of the Board of Education, has made fixing city schools a central campaign promise, his close affiliation with the United Federation of Teachers gives de Blasio an edge as a more effective implementer of significant educational reform. And despite his achievement as comptroller — uncovering an agency backed by the Department of Homeless Services that was failing to provide millions of dollars worth of services — Thompson’s housing policies are far less developed than de Blasio’s competitive plan to provide affordable housing and food security for all New Yorkers. New York City’s ever-increasing homeless population is becoming difficult to manage. Bloomberg’s sudden termination of shortterm rent subsidy in 2011 is directly to blame. Although Thompson has promised reinstatement of the rent subsidy vouchers, de Blasio has proposed a more extensive solution. If elected, he intends to fund the creation of 100,000 low-income housing units with preferential assignment status given to the homeless. De Blasio’s strategy for reducing inequality is largely through substantive reforms in education and the criminal justice system. De Blasio hopes to implement universal prekindergarten programs and after-school initiatives for middle school students. Instead of continuing the incessant growth rate of charter schools, he will divert funding to traditional public schools — a sector which has received little attention under Bloomberg. De Blasio also hopes to strengthen the base of New York City’s public education system, while pruning funding and attention from charter schools. He plans to halt the practice of shutting down low-performing high schools. Instead, he plans to focus on improving these high schools by increasing funding to afterschool programs and early education and decreasing an emphasis on grades and standardized test scores. The plan, he says, will ultimately level the playing field for entry into New York City’s elite high schools. If de Blasio proceeds to the election in November, he will face Joe Lhota, the star candidate Republicans are counting on to continue Bloomberg’s business-friendly economic policies. Those policies could put corporate interests above the public’s interest, intensifying the wealth and power gap between the rich and poor. Lhota’s policies will be an extension of the Bloomberg years — ineffectual social policies and a neglect for the tens of thousands of New Yorkers falling below the poverty line. De Blasio will take New York in a new direction to champion social and economic reform.
Email the WSN Editorial Board at editboard@nyunews.com. EDITORIAL BOARD: Raquel Woodruff (Chair), Edward Radzivilovskiy (Co-chair), Peter Keffer (Co-Chair).
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