NYU’s Daily Student Newspaper
WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS Vol. 41, No. 64
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013
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Reza Aslan discusses ‘Zealot,’ theology By NEELA QADIR and KAVISH HARJAI
JAKE GIANARIS FOR WSN
Reza Aslan, the author of “Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth” lectures about religion.
ASLAN continued on PG. 1
‘Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ proves super without superheroes
INSIDE THIS ISSUE PICNIC BRINGS ON MIDWEST MENU:
Picnic brings Middle America’s versatile, savory cuisine to Greenwich Village residents with all dishes made with sustainable ingredients at its new Seventh Street location. PICNIC on PG. 4
The New York Times bestselling author Reza Aslan visited NYU on Sept. 23 to give a public lecture to students about the spread of Islam in the Middle East. Author of “Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth” met with Professor Zvi Ben-Dor Beite’s Cultures and Context: Islam and Judaism, Intertwined Histories class. According to the professor of the class and chair of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies Zvi Ben-Dor Benite, Aslan was picked to speak in the class before “Zealot” was published. Benite chose him as a class speaker because of Aslan’s book “No God but God.” “I was supposed to suggest speakers and wanted someone that could speak about early Islam and the biography of the Prophet in an interesting, in-
novative and accessible way,” Benite said. The class lecture, which explained the history surrounding the environment of the Arabian Peninsula during Muhammad’s time and the spread of Islam, was 20 minutes and was an open conversation that allowed students to ask questions about Muhammad and prophecy. He also expanded on the idea of religion and the circumstances surrounding it. “We think that religion is a personal thing between your relationship with God, your spirituality which is a very new idea,” Aslan said. “Religion for most of the hundred thousands of years is something that has nothing to do with the individual, it has to do with the collective. It is your root that follows a particular god, your tribe or nation.” Aslan’s evening lecture at the
By OLIVIA ELLIS
CHUCK KUAN FOR WSN
COUNTERTERRORISM INEFFECTIVE IN KENYA
The tragic Kenyan Mall terrorist attacks this past weekend proved that U.S. aid to the Kenyan government has been unable to fight extremists.
From its first scene, the pilot episode of “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” doesn’t let the audience forget its affiliation with the wildly successful “The Avengers” film. The first faces glimpsed are those of that movie’s superheroes — recycled snippets from
the film show Iron Man and Thor zipping around Manhattan in pursuit of Loki’s alien army. Yet despite this opening, creators Joss Whedon, Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen stay true to the show’s premise of focusing on the agents behind the heroes. For those unfamiliar with the Marvel Universe, the show’s
HOUSE on PG. 7
UNDER THE ARCH: LEADERSHIP
This week on WSN’s new blog, we examine the leaders of our university and the city. We take a look at some who lead behindthe-scenes, nameless and unrecognized. Visit wsnunderthearch. com to read this week’s stories.
VIA ABC.GO.COM GRAPHIC BY MERYLL PREPOSI
Chloe Bennet and Clark Gregg deliver in the ‘S.H.I.E.L.D.’ pilot.
structure is laid out well enough for the average viewer to follow. The opening action kicks off the show and sets the tone for a dynamic and exciting season, setting it apart from many primetime contenders that rely on tried-and-true formulaic stories. Characters like Agent Fitz (Iain De Caestecker) and Agent Simmons (Elizabeth Henstridge) provide witty charm offset by Agent Ward’s (Brett Dalton) brooding beauty, and generate an appealing sense of humor and conflict within the group. Rather than stand-alone episodes, the series focuses on a more serialized plot, as the agents unravel the origins of the mysterious gamma radiation and alien hardware they discover. “S.H.I.E.L.D.” also, at times, borrows from the show’s blockbuster cousins — fans of “Iron Man 3” will recognize the man-as-tickingtime-bomb conundrum that the
S.H.I.E.L.D. continued on PG. 5
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CLUB GEMS, DIVA ANTHEMS AND TORCH SONGS By JAKE FOLSOM This week, fans of LOGO’s “RuPaul’s Drag Race” can look forward to the reairing of the show’s first season. For a while reruns of season one could not be aired due to copyright issues with the show’s “Lipsync For Your Life” segment. While a full rewatch may be the best way to relive the show, those looking for the CliffsNotes on “Drag Race” should search no further than this playlist. Diva anthems, club gems, torch songs, they’re here — the good, the great and the gay.
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RT @natyarenasg: Just when I thought my mom couldn’t get any cooler Drake poured her champagne #CRWN @ElliottWilson
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Marry me. Dude in NYU cardigan > bro in USC tank any day. RT “@ThoJSch: Just saw a dude in an NYU cardigan and purple bowtie #calmdown”
“Stronger” — Britney Spears “Call You Girlfriend” — Robyn “Cold Hearted (7” edit)” — Paula Abdul “Carry On” — Martha Wash “MacArthur Park” — Donna Summer “The Right Stuff” — Vanessa Williams “Knock on Wood” — Amii Stewart “Believe” — Cher “Don’t Leave Me This Way” — Thelma Houston “Vogue” — Madonna “I Hear You Knocking” — Wynonna Judd “He’s the Greatest Dancer” — Sister Sledge “Mi Vida Loca (My Crazy Life)” — Pam Tillis “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)” — En Vogue “Malambo No. 1” — Yma Sumac
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Why is there not unlimited coffee in every NYU classroom??? Does anyone care about me staying awake in class?
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OH near NYU: “What’s the point of looking at something if you’re not going to Instagram it?” #MillennialPhilosophers
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The Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges connect passengers between the two boroughs.
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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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NYUNEWS.COM | TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
ASLAN continued from PG. 1
Religious author speaks about religious history
NYU Abu Dhabi office was about the historical actuality of Jesus, which is also the subject of his book. He introduced his presentation with the question of how one differentiates between Jesus the Christ versus Jesus the man. “The difference between Christ and history is the two different ways of knowing,” Aslan said during his evening lecture. “People of faith are interested in what is possible whereas people of history are interested in what was likely.” Aslan focused the lecture on the gospel of Matthew and the history of Jesus until his crucifixion. “What I find most interesting is how Aslan supports himself with historical facts and is not bias to the religious scriptures,” CAS freshman Arif Khalil said. “Religion can be made by anyone so it is important to make the historical connections that Aslan made.” After the lecture, Aslan
signed copies of his book and was answered the audience’s questions. “Primarily, what I would hope for NYU students, regardless of the academic discipline that they are engaged in, to understand is the importance of critical reading, particularly when it comes to history,” Aslan said. “These kinds of stories, ideas, myths and legends have to be understood as theological reflections of a historical event. Part of the process of learning how to think critically as a student, is figuring out how to discern the myth from the reality [and] the legend from the fact, whether it’s about Jesus, or Mohammed or Napoleon or George Washington. Whoever it’s about, it doesn’t matter.” Neela Qadir is a deputy news editor. Email her at nqadir@nyunews. com. Kavish Harjai is a contributing writer. Email him at news@nyunews.com.
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Village residents raise concerns at Working Group Town Hall By BAILEY EVANS
Tension between Greenwich Village residents and NYU students over proposed expansion continued to brew at the second Space Priorities Working Group Town Hall meeting held yesterday afternoon in the Kimmel Center for University Life Rosenthal Pavilion. Village residents voiced their concerns about the number of NYU students in the neighborhood and the resulting culture shift. “[The plan] is very self-centered,” McGhee SCPS professor and lifelong Village resident Kathleen Hulley said. “Instead of seeing itself as part of a city, it’s saying ‘These are our needs and we’re going to fulfill them no matter what it costs the rest of the neighborhood.’” Other neighbors who attended the meeting took issue with the potential increase in students in the Core block around Washington Square Park due to proposed construction of freshmen housing on the Core. CAS senior and vice chair of the University Committee on Student Life Harris Inskeep-Rosenfeld defended the proposal, citing the need for freshmen to be close to the core to create a sense of NYU community. “NYU is already a tough place to
LAUREN KIM FOR WSN
Group leaders field questions as a panel at their second town hall. be,” Inskeep-Rosenfeld said. “It’s not your typical college experience, but there are certain things we need to provide. One of those things is freshmen dorms near campus.” One Village resident suggested that student housing be built in Queens, and students could commute to the core. When students objected, the neighbor clarified, explaining that she did not want to exclude NYU students entirely from Greenwich Village, she
just wanted fewer of them there. Vice president of the Advocacy for the Commuter Student Council and CAS junior Nischala Meni commented on the challenges commuter students currently face at NYU. “Over the years, the commuter student population has grown dramatically,” Meni said. “Right now we only have one space, the second floor of Kimmel, and it isn’t solely our space. Anyone with an NYU ID can go there.” However, it’s not just freshmen and commuter students who would benefit from the construction. The board pointed out, as they have many times before, that there are only 9,000 spaces to study for a university with 50,917 students. “I don’t even go to the library because I can never find space to study,” CAS senior Mason Dettloff said. Stern graduate student and student member of the Working Group Corey Blay noticed that there has been more objection from residents recently. “In the past it’s been faculty,” Blay said. “Now it seems that neighbors are dissatisfied with our presence.” Bailey Evans is a contributing writer. Email her at news@nyunews.com.
Dentistry prof. leads HIV-1 ITS system crash coincides research team discovery with iOS 7 download release By SU SIE PARK
College of Dentistry professor David Levy led a team of researchers who discovered a way HIV-1 reproduces itself, which may eventually lead to possibilities to kill off the virus before it develops into AIDS. The researchers published their study, “An HIV-1 replication pathway utilizing reverse transcript products that fail to integrate,” on Sept. 18 in the “Journal of Virology.” Levy has been involved in HIV research for over 20 years, and the team has researched together for the past couple of years. Levy explained that HIV is known as a retrovirus, which means it must insert its genome into the DNA of the host cell in order replicate itself, but this process often fails and leaves viral DNA outside of the cell’s DNA. “I have been interested in trying to find out if these stranded viral DNA molecules, which are called unintegrated HIV-1 DNA, might contribute to the survival of the virus,” Levy said. Levy reached out to postdoctoral student at the dental school and lead author of the study Benjamin Trinité, and with help from the rest of the team, they discovered that HIV-1 can reproduce itself using these unintegrated DNA molecules. “We also have found that the unintegrated viral DNA can survive in cells for many weeks,” Levy said. “If the unintegrated DNA can survive in people, and this is a controversial topic among researchers, then it could be part of the virus’ long-term survival strategy.” Levy said more research will need to be conducted to see if this replication process is contributing to HIV-1 presence and if the unintegrated viruses can become antiviral drugs.
George Mason University professor of microbiology and infectious diseases Yuntao Wu said Levy and his team’s findings still need to be confirmed and that the process the research team discovered happens in the body of infected patients. “New drugs may be developed to stimulate nonintegrated viral DNA to express more viral proteins so that infected cells can be killed,” Wu said. Trinité said this work has helped him and his co-researchers learn about one of the most deadly viruses but also said there is still work to be done. “Many researchers and doctors in the world are involved in the fight against HIV, and progress is happening at [an] amazing speed,” Trinité said. “I hope that our work can bring a significant contribution to controlling or even preventing infection.” Su Sie Park is a staff writer. Email her at news@nyunews.com.
VIA NYU.EDU
David Levy and Benjamin Trinité study HIV and AIDS in their laboratory.
By PATRICK ANKER
On Sept. 18, NYU ITS sent out an email blast telling the university community that there were intermittent wireless authentication problems that IT was working to resolve. Apple’s iOS 7 software update to its mobile devices was released worldwide on Sept. 18. As of press time, ITS has posted six status updates stating that NYURoam Wireless Service is still having interruptions to the network in addition to continued slowness. Shortly before the email was sent, at 1 p.m. the same day, Apple released its iOS 7 software update to its mobile device line Deputy Chief Information Technology Officer of NYU ITS Kitty Bridges said in an email that the problems with the network began before the release of iOS 7 and the volume of download activity was not a factor. The ITS help center was unable to confirm the cause of the network problems but said that the problems had been lasting for about a week. “The NYU-NET wireless network is still having intermittent login issues,” Bridges wrote. “They appear to be isolated to particular buildings at particular times. The vendor of the wireless equipment and NYU staff are investigating this as a high priority.” However, a Sept. 18 Business Insider article reported that NYU, Ohio University and Western Connecticut State University all had students tweeting about connectivity issues. According to the article, Ohio University was the only school of the three to directly address the network problems by sending a campus-wide email asking students to wait to download iOS 7. Ohio University did not explicitly say whether the school’s connection issues were related to the software update. “The iOS 7 upgrade is around 752 megabytes,” former member of Tech@NYU’s executive board and 2013 graduate Steve Kaliski said. “There are a variety of reasons a
VIA FLICKR.COM
Connectivity issues arose before students rushed to download the new iOS. network can ‘go down,’ most typically due to overload from a large number of active clients. A university network would likely keep this in mind as they design their network infrastructure. However, a large number of clients all downloading a large file at the same time is out of the norm and likely not supported by that network.” Social media exploded with reactions to the release. Topsy, a social media analytics service, calculated that Twitter amassed over 3.3 million tweets concerning the operating system over a 24-hour period from 9 a.m. EDT, Sept. 18, to 9 a.m., Sept. 19. “People downloaded [iOS 7] right away so that they could be the first people to tweet about it and be able to talk about it to everyone in class or at work the next day,” LSP sophomore Ava Baksh said. “People like to be able to give the impression that they are on the cutting edge or that they are on top of what everyone’s talking about, especially at NYU.” Patrick Anker is a contributing writer. Email him at news@nyunews.com.
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WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013 | NYUNEWS.COM
DINING
EDITED BY DANIEL YEOM FEATURES@NYUNEWS.COM
Picnic brings Midwest tastes to NYC By NIKITA ROACH
Vintage meets contemporary at Picnic. Located on the corner of Seventh Street and Second Avenue, the new East Village restaurant offers a fresh take on American comfort food with French twists. “Picnic offers customers a comfortable atmosphere with modern comfort food,” executive chef Nicholas Nostadt said. With Midwestern roots in Ohio, Nostadt hopes to bring a sense of “togetherness” to New York City. At Picnic, he offers sides like sweet potato casserole, macaroni and cheese and scratch baked beans. Most dishes are traditional American, but Nostadt incorporates his training in classic French cuisine. Picnic’s menu offers something for a variety of palates. However, first-time diners must try the turkey leg confit ($18), which is Nostadt’s favorite item on the menu. Cured with salt, pepper and fresh herbs overnight and later cooked for twelve hours in bacon fat, the turkey leg is accompanied by Picnic’s signature cranberry barbecue sauce. Another hallmark is the salad selection. Nostadt uses the freshest ingredients like celery, New York apples, golden raisins and
capers to create refreshing dishes. A popular option is mache salad ($11), which comprises frisee, mint, fennel, Bosc pear, dried cherries, pecans, roquefort and sherry vinaigrette. “I really love the Picnic salad,” CAS freshman Jackie Malabanan said. “It’s got a lot of healthy and interesting elements to it.” Picnic also puts a spin on burgers with the Between the Bun options. You can order a side of slaw, shoestring fries, sweet potato casserole,
braised collard greens, broccoli salad, scratch baked beans or cornbread for each item in this section of the menu. Nostadt’s signature hamburger ($14) with spicy bread, butter, homemade Thousand Island dressing, lettuce, tomato, cheddar and bacon and the pulled pork sandwich ($13) with root beer barbecue, roasted corn and cabbage slaw are both mouthwatering. Chef Nostadt even improvises on puppy chow, the clas-
sic Midwestern dessert. Using grass-fed meat and sustainable food items produced by local purveyors, Picnic’s small plate items and salads range from $10 to $14 and entrees span from $17 to $21. Between the Bun options are between $12 and $14. Picnic is located on 117 Second Ave. Nikita Roach is a contributing writer. Email her at dining@nyunews.com.
CHUCK KUAN FOR WSN
Executive chef Nicholas Nostadt’s signature hamburger is one of many appealing dishes.
Taste the West Village 2013 took place on Saturday, Sept. 21. The event featured dozens of the neighborhood’s favorite restaurants, including household names like Takashi, the Marrow and the Meatball Shop. Chef Maurizio Crescenzo of Grano Trattoria loved being at the event. “The weather is great, and everyone is filling up with food,” Crescenzo said. “It was great to be here today.” Here are a few snapshots from the event. For the full gallery, go to nyunews.com.
Qi reopens with refined Thai menu By UTPALA MENON
Less than two weeks back into business, Qi Esarn Thai Kitchen is buzzing again. Located on 14th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, the restaurant is one of three branches owned by the Qi group. The restaurant was previously called Qi Asian Eatery, but it reopened on Sept. 12 as Qi Esarn Thai Grill to celebrate the spicy flavors of Esarn, a region in northern Thailand. The owners decided to bring the region’s unconventional Thai cuisine to the culturally diverse Union Square area, and the results look promising. “It’s a challenge to get customers to try new dishes ... they order the usual pad thai curry,” Ahm Bopit, a partner at Qi, said. “We try to present them with menus that include items they are not so familiar with, which might get them to learn more about Thailand through authentic Thai food.” The masterminds behind the culinary concepts at Qi Esarn are Pichet Ong and Claire Handleman. While his dishes often showcase a mélange of flavors, Ong attributes his roots to Thai cuisine. The former pastry chef never fails to add spicy Esarn flavors to Western dishes. His signature dish is Ovaltine mousse cake ($7.90), which marries layered cake and roasted caramel nuts, salted caramel and chocolate-based Thai chili sauce. Handleman, who has appeared on ABC’s “The Chef,” spends a larger portion of the year in Thailand, so her dishes are authentically Thai. Try her neua namtok ($11.90), a hangar-grilled steak salad marinated in tamarind sauce, or mor gaeng ($5.90), a cashew and mung bean cake. The spices used at Esarn may scare away nonnative customers. Nevertheless, the chefs offer distinctive ways of balancing the heat-chilled vegetables and ice cubes. This is an Esarn custom, making the experience all the more authentic. Such a unique culinary experience that still caters to a diverse audience sounds expensive. Yet this is not the case, as Qi Ersan is very affordable, with a majority of the dishes under $10, just like other restaurants under the Qi group. “The pad thai was gorgeously decorated and wrapped in egg whites, something truly unique,” CAS sophomore Swati Malik said. “As a college student, the prices are reasonable and so are the quantities of food served. I’d definitely recommend the place, especially for Thai lovers around Union Square.” With a deep-rooted cultural streak in Qi’s roots, the reopened restaurant not only brings authenticity in its food but also atmosphere. The owners, along with designer Thida Thongthai, efficaciously showcase cultural authenticity of northern Thailand in crowded Manhattan. While its wooden tabletops and glass bar elegantly justify the restaurant’s profile as a modern Lower Manhattan restaurant, its decorations give Qi a sense of mystique. It manages to be both traditional Thai and modern Manhattan at the same time. “Open yourself up to new experiences and unique flavors when you dine at Qi,” Bopit said. Qi Ersan Thai Grill is located on 31 14th St.
DANIEL YEOM FOR WSN
Utpala Menon is a staff writer. Email her at dining@nyunews.com.
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‘Blacklist’ producer, star discuss Drake experiments on James Spader, central mystery impressive album ‘Same’ By NIVEA SERRAO
The FBI’s Most Wanted criminal walks into the bureau’s headquarters, surrenders and offers to help them fight crime. The catch? There’s only one agent he’ll speak to. So begins NBC’s anticipated new fall drama, “The Blacklist,” which premiered last night. The pilot sees James Spader following his recent stint on “The Office” with a return to his dramatic roots as he takes on the role of Raymond “Red” Reddington. Red formerly worked as a government agent who turned career criminal, and is now offering his skills to help hunt down a “blacklist” of mobsters, spies and international terrorists. Playing opposite Spader is Megan Boone, whose character Elizabeth “Liz” Keen is that one agent and is about to begin the first day of her new job as an FBI profiler. Making Red’s request for her even more puzzling is that Liz has never met the man. As expected, the mystery surrounding this relationship forms one of the cornerstones of the series. However, in a conference call with WSN, co-executive producer John Eisendrath promised that viewers won’t have to wait long for answers.
VIA NBC.COM
Megan Boone stars as new FBI agent Liz Keen. “I think like any great series question, the audience deserves periodic answers along the way,” Eisendrath said. “We have no interest in just letting that question go unanswered. It’s foremost in obviously Liz’s mind. We’re going to give answers early on and throughout the first season.” For Boone, the mystery helps her in her portrayal of Liz. “I’ve kind of stayed in the dark about what it is he wants from me and I discover it through the scene work with James Spader,” Boone said. “I’m always trying to read him through his performance, and my response to him has
always grown out of that ultimate overriding question of what it is he wants form me.” Some viewers may find this relationship similar to that of super-spy Sydney Bristow and her morally challenged boss Arvin Sloane on “Alias,” one of Eisendrath’s previous series. While he acknowledged the similarities, he stated that the characters in “The Blacklist” exist in a much more grounded reality. One way this realism comes through is in the show’s procedural nature. Each new episode will feature Red and Liz tracking down another member of this “blacklist.” Boone said she sees this format as a way to keep the show fresh and interesting. “One of the really interesting things about the villains is they sort of dictate the genre and tone of each episode,” Boone explained. With Spader at its center and a procedural element driving it — with a few twists along the way — “The Blacklist” seems poised to become one of the more intriguing shows of the season. Nivea Serrao is a contributing writer. Email her at entertainment@nyunews.com.
By JAKE FOLSOM
Hype for Drake’s new album “Nothing Was the Same” remained high throughout the summer, but with that hype came singles that implied the rapper was moving in a different musical direction. On his previous album “Take Care,” the listener felt as though Drake was using the album as a confession — even the rapper’s bragging often seemed like an intimate revelation. After all, the line between self-promotion and self-doubt can be a thin one. But the release of early single “Started from the Bottom” marked a transition for the rapper. In the song, the same gauzy atmosphere of “Take Care” could be heard, and Drake’s heart remained firmly on his sleeve. But his braggadocio was less ambivalent than early “Take Care” releases such as “Marvin’s Room.” Then, when he collaborated with Migos on “Versace,” it seemed that maybe Drake was, in fact, trying something new — the song was about money, not emotions. Now upon its release, “Nothing Was The Same” feels like a misnomer — the album is actually quite similar to “Take Care.” “Nothing Was the Same” also balances bragging with selfcriticism and emotional confession with seduction. Drake emphasizes hip-hop’s central place in his music — most explicitly with “Wu-Tang Forever” — but he refuses to shy away from the confessions that some say emasculate him as a rapper.
‘Trophy Wife’ debuts with colorful cast, strong family dynamic By KEITH ALLISON
Launching a successful comedy in today’s television landscape can be difficult these days, particularly on the broadcast networks. The tone of a show can feel unrefined, characters are still in need of full development, and some writers just may need a while to find their footing. However, ABC’s new sitcom “Trophy Wife” shows plenty of promise from the start. “Wife” stars Malin Åkerman as Kate, a free-spirited party girl who finds herself smitten with Pete (Bradley Whitford), a man she accidentally injures at a karaoke bar. Although they initially form a bond, their relationship becomes a bit convoluted when Pete reveals that he’s a two-time divorcé with three kids. Despite this, the two maintain their connection and marry, thus setting Kate up for huge obstacles to overcome. Kate must now attempt to assimilate herself into the lives of her step-kids, while keeping things
VIA ABC.GO.COM
Bradley Whitford and Malin Akerman play a unique married couple in ABC’s new sitcom.
cordial with Pete’s ex-wives (Michaela Watkins and Marcia Gay Harden). The striking aspect about this show is that, even in its first episode, the dynamic between the characters is well established. Åkerman exudes a kind and infectious energy as Kate. Although it is clear the character is out of her element in dealing with kids as a maternal figure, she is so endearing in her interactions with them that one can’t resist hoping she finds a way to connect with them. Bradley Whitford is equally good as Pete. He still carries some of that charming, sardonic wit from his tenure on “The West Wing,” and there is a fair amount of chemistry between him and Åkerman, despite their age disparity. This is a genuine relationship between the two characters, and they fully see each other as partners, despite what the show’s title may imply. Outside of this central duo, the supporting cast complements the main players. Harden is properly stoic in her role as Pete’s second ex-wife, and the kids are refreshingly written — occasionally precocious and rebellious, but not so much that they delve into caricature. The family on “Wife” feels like an actual family, albeit one filled with eccentricities. Not everything about the show impresses, however. There is a cringe-worthy subplot in the pilot where Pete and his first ex-wife try to find a replacement hamster for their son. Thankfully, it is merely one aspect in a solid episode. Pay closer attention to the show’s solid cast and dependable writing, as “Trophy Wife” looks like it could be a welcome addition to the television season. Keith Allison is a contributing writer. Email him at entertainment@nyunews.com.
VIA WIKIPEDIA.ORG
The album also includes more pillow talk and intimate conversation. On “Furthest Thing,” Drake is painfully earnest — despite his newfound fame, he’s still “the furthest thing from perfect/Like everyone I know.” “Versace” certainly seem far off, as Drake relates the less glamorous, unnerving side of success. “Nothing Was the Same” pushes the envelope with instrumentation. These songs are more atmospheric and fuller than the thin background haze of “Take Care,” especially on soaring standout “Hold On We’re Going Home.” With this album, Drake continues to be seen as a complex figure, due to the way he rotates between the glamour of the rap lifestyle and his own humanity. By narrating this struggle for the listener, the rapper forces us to re-examine our ideas about hip-hop and masculinity. Jake Folsom is music editor. Email him at jfolsom@nyunews.com.
S.H.I.E.L.D. continued from PG. 1
Marvel brings big-screen action to television
agents struggle to solve. But again, the show maintains an identity of its own, deviating enough from the events of “Iron Man 3” to feel original. Despite its serialized format, the titular agents are reminiscent of a “CSI”-type crime-fighting team, with tropes like the Fearless Leader, Sassy Newcomer, Tech Expert — there are two of them — and Comic Relief, of which there are also two. Character development is understandably lacking at this early stage. Hopefully, the show will spend its next few episodes connecting audiences with these characters, who are not in any way irradiated, super-suited, divine or otherwise heroically endowed. It will be interesting to see how the creators develop distinct and rich characters who are fairly average when compared to the traditionally powerful superheroes we’ve become acquainted with in this universe. “S.H.I.E.L.D.” is worth the watch for its potential, particularly for those holding out for inclusion of their favorite Marvel Universe heroes and
villains not slated to appear in upcoming movies. Clark Gregg as Agent Coulson has a great sense of charisma and affability that offsets the show’s overly serious exchanges, and the action sequen-ces are well-made for a TV show. Whedon’s involvement in the show is promising, as other shows he’s helmed have met with either mainstream success or devoted cult followings. The show has a definite place in the Marvel Universe, but not so much that outsiders will be put off — there is a clear avoidance of too many over-the-head references, though the writers are fully aware of the events in Marvel films. “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” is a refreshing addition to a landscape of procedurals and sitcoms — if the writers can properly attend to plot and character development, the show could establish itself as an exciting escape for all viewers. Olivia Ellis is a contributing writer. Email her at entertainment@nyunews.com.
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WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013 | NYUNEWS.COM
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Crossword ACROSS 1 Digging … or word after “digging” 5 Santa ___, Calif. 9 Penne, e.g. 14 “Me neither” 15 Geishas’ wear 16 Synthetic fiber 17 Research that may be outdoors 19 “Lemon Tree” singer Lopez 20 Org. recommending regular checkups 21 Function 22 Camera adjustments 24 “I’m with you!” 26 Variable spring period 28 Some cheers 29 Something not to be spared, in a saying 31 A .08% reading may lead to it, for short
ANSWER Y A K S A D A M O M N I O G R S N A K F I R O S O S H O N O T R A C H E R O E C O N C A M E O N A W T S
32 Casey with a radio countdown 34 Not suitable 36 What employers tap to get employees 39 There are five on China’s flag 41 Alternatives to Slurpees 42 San Francisco’s ___ Hill 43 One of 154 for Shakespeare 46 Prisoner’s sentence 50 Fortunate sort 52 Late bloomer 53 Lit 54 Fink 56 “Yuck!” 57 Magician’s assistant in an audience, say 58 Supposed inventor of baseball … or a hint to 17-, 26-, 36- and 50-Across 61 Hollywood’s Davis
62 Wicked 63 Vulcan mind ___ 64 Source of Indian black tea 65 Ready to come off the stove 66 “Got it”
DOWN 1 Severe disrepute 2 “I haven’t the foggiest” 3 Bringer of peace 4 Medium for Van Dyck or van Gogh 5 Counterparts of columns 6 High wind? 7 Word said with a salute 8 Request 9 Helen Keller’s portrayer in “The Miracle Worker” 10 “This way” indicator 11 Attacked anonymously 12 Stiffen through TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE nervousness L E A P E R A M P 13 Ring king A L P I N E G E E 18 Couple P O P P Y S E E D S 23 ___ Poke (candy) E S L E A X O U T E E Y E S R I N S E 25 Holocaust hero Schindler O D E D O G E A R 26 Fixing, as the A E R A T E bottom of a O R S T U D E N T S skirt R A T O R T R I M 27 Press ___ (media packet) E D A S A A D A S W A L L P A P E R 29 General on Chinese menus B A G I P O D S R A F I L M R O L L 30 Part of H.M.S. O R E L S E T O I T 33 Auto safety feature, B E R E T S A R P S redundantly
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35 Flight destinations 36 Attire for scientists 37 Bandage brand 38 Like some mil. officers 39 NBC show since ’75 40 Messes up, as the hair 44 “___ to Joy”
45 Dozed (off) 47 27 Chopin works 48 Entertain lavishly 49 Half of Stevenson’s “strange case” 51 ___ Kinte of “Roots” 52 The Braves, on scoreboards
54 Many an archaeological site 55 Like Napoleon, before Elba? 57 Org. with balls and strikes 59 ___-lactovegetarian 60 Big inits. in music
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NYUNEWS.COM | TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
OPINION
EDITED BY RAQUEL WOODRUFF OPINION@NYUNEWS.COM
RELIGION
Pope Francis’ actions show signs of tolerance By RAQUEL WOODRUFF AND PETER KEFFER
Pope Francis’ recent criticisms of the Catholic Church for its incessant focus on gay marriage, abortion and contraception marks another defining moment in papal history. Even more significant is the largely positive Catholic response to his comments — evidence of a growing desire for change in the church’s rhetoric and teachings, as it has fallen out of line with a world concerned with individual liberties. Francis has expressed a desire to shift the Catholic Church away from a culture of prohibition and toward one of tolerance. Francis’ appeal to tolerance in matters of personal choice is a continuation of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s decision to resign. Benedict’s papacy was one of both strict theological doctrine and unpopular orthodoxy. The explicit representation of Roman Catholic Church teaching was not only a harsh contrast to the popular papacy of Pope John Paul II, but it was also a catalyst for mass
public criticism. Benedict’s resignation — largely criticized as going against church teachings and tradition — indicated the appearance of personal choice as a force within the church. Francis has extended the utility of personal choice from the pontificate himself to the people he guides. The underlying significance is that for the first time, the pontiff is beginning to establish a balance between faith and autonomy. However, this by no means is a radical change for the tenets of the Catholic Church. Francis is asking to shift focus, but is not calling for a revision in church doctrine. Just last week he denounced abortion among Catholic doctors. We must make a distinction between Francis promoting universal acceptance into the Catholic Church
and promoting acceptance of egalitarian social positions. As Cardinal Francis George, who praised Francis’ statements, said, “Everybody is welcome [in the Catholic Church], but not everything we do can be acceptable.” Francis’ message is more deeply one of compassion — an age-old Catholic principle — than a change in church policy. This is not to discount Francis’ sweeping displays of reform as pope. He opts for a Ford Focus over a chariot and sports more modest footwear than handmade red shoes. Francis has certainly emphasized humility as a central obligation of the Catholic Church. This approach should not only be exemplified in the actions within the hierarchy of the Catholic Church, but also in the teachings they profess. But this is merely a first step in the church’s new trajectory towards encompassing the personal choices of all people. Raquel Woodruff is opinion editor. Peter Keffer is a deputy opinion editor. Email them at opinion@nyunews.com.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Response to ‘Sexton, Lipton stray from NYU vision’
To the Editor:
Raquel Woodruff and Edward Radzivilovskiy’s recent article “Sexton, Lipton stray from NYU vision” is shockingly one-sided and laden with errors or half-truths, just the type of journalism to make any reasonable person look elsewhere for news about NYU. As Chair of the Faculty Senators Council for the past two years, and as Chair of the Space Priorities Working Group, I was contacted by Radzivilovskiy last week. Nothing I said appears in the article. Presumably, the authors had already made up their minds. The authors fail to point out, for example, that roughly half of the department resolutions on [NYU] 2031 expressed concern rather than opposition about the original 2031 plan. Any reasonable person would understand the qualitative difference between concern and opposition, and would want to know that those resolutions took place before the city’s approvals, which reduced
SUBMITTING TO
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the density, eliminated the hotel and prohibited construction on the Washington Square Village block before 2022. The FSC’s own survey in 2012 showed that a majority of respondents might feel differently about 2031 if the scale was reduced, and that the hotel and construction on the North Block were the primary points of concern. Even worse, the authors say nothing about the recent Interim Report of the Space Priorities Working Group, which can hardly be said to have recommended that the university “execute” the original plan. Too much detail and too much background reading for WSN, apparently. The authors seem equally naïve about governance. The shared governance principles they refer to articulate a new vision for governance at NYU. They were negotiated between the FSC and administration over a two-month period in fall 2012 and passed by the Board of Trustees. Those principles now inform all the interactions between the FSC and the
administration, and also inform the recent memo from the Board of Trustees that sets NYU on a path to improve its mechanisms of governance. I would have expected WSN to welcome this moment and undertake some serious journalism on the topic of best practices in governance; instead, we get something between a cop out and the fallacious argument that because all isn’t right in the world now or in the past, nothing will ever change. I can only hope that somewhere down the road WSN will exhibit the ability to tackle these issues responsibly, by acknowledging their complexity, doing a bit of homework, broadening its range of sources and making a good faith effort to serve the university community. — TED MAGDER, Chair, University Space Priorities Working Group Past Chair, Faculty Senators Council, 2011-2013 Media, Culture and Communication, Steinhardt
STAFF EDITORIAL
Kenya can prevent future terrorist attacks
The attack perpetrated by al-Shabab militants on the Westgate shopping center, which is situated in an affluent suburb in Nairobi, Kenya, has so far claimed the lives of over 60 people. In recent months, many international affairs experts have signaled that Shabab’s influence was waning in Somalia and North Africa. They were mistaken. Shabab, a Somali-based terrorist group, immediately claimed responsibility for the attack on Twitter, declaring it was retaliation for the inclusion of Kenyan troops in the African Union Mission in Somalia. This is the deadliest attack to occur in Kenya since the 1998 U.S. Embassy bombing in Nairobi. The AMISOM in Somalia has been reliant on a strong Kenyan contingent since 2007. They have been effective in supporting the Somali government and expelling Shabab from the region. Kenya, a country with a majority Christian and minority Muslim population, is historically known for its religious tolerance. However, ethnic tensions have been escalating in recent months, primarily because of an increase in radical Islamist activity in the region and multiple attacks on churches. The shocking attack at Westgate is evidence of this escalation. According to reporters who were giving firsthand accounts, it was multipronged in its approach, with several waves of militant fighters besieging the shopping mall. Indeed, there are still hostages trapped inside the center. At one point, Shabab controlled large areas of Somalia, but recently, African Union forces have pushed them out of many of their strongholds. This is the militia’s most audacious attack to date, preceded by two bombings in Somalia at the United Nations and Turkish mission offices. It has caused the international community to re-evaluate claims about the militia’s prominence. For a region torn by years of conflict, this tragedy is a sign of resurgence of sub-Saharan terrorism. The money the United States pumps into Kenya’s counterterrorism efforts has proven ineffective, as Shabab’s attack on innocent shoppers runs counter to the Obama administration’s claims that alQaeda and its affiliates — of which Shabab is a party — are weakening. While more Kenyan aid may benefit the cause, falsely suggesting that terrorism is on the decline will not. The ramifications from this attack will be significant. Shabab’s goal is to create an Islamic state in Somalia. The Kenyan government must consider the lessons learned from other countries in Africa and the Middle East. There are sobering examples of governments unable to stop terrorist organizations from operating in their region and the consequences have been devastating. Underestimating the prominence of extremist groups only cripples attempts to defeat them. Kenya needs to extract all of its resources — including U.S. aid — to effectively fight terrorism and jihadi insurgency in the region.
Email the WSN Editorial Board at editboard@nyunews.com. EDITORIAL BOARD: Raquel Woodruff (Chair), Edward Radzivilovskiy (Co-chair), Peter Keffer (Co-chair).
Send mail to: 838 Broadway, Fifth Floor New York, N.Y. 10003 or email: opinion@nyunews.com WSN welcomes letters to the editor, opinion pieces and articles relevant to the NYU community, or in response to articles. Letters should be less than 450 words. All submissions must be typed or emailed and must include the author’s name, address and phone number. Members of the NYU community must include a year and school or job title.
WSN does not print unsigned letters or editorials. WSN reserves the right to reject any submission and edit accepted submissions in any and all ways. With the exception of the staff editorial, opinions expressed on the editorial pages are not necessarily those of WSN, and our publication of opinions is not an endorsement of them.
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NYUNEWS.COM | TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
SPORTS Sports management program gives fans, students insider perspective on industry
EDITED BY FRANCISCO NAVAS SPORTS@NYUNEWS.COM
By SEAN BILLINGS AND ALEX DIAKS
NYU is home to talented students throughout all of its schools. The university is well known for the acting program in the Tisch School of the Arts and the finance program in the Stern School of Business — just to name a few — but one major that is often left out of the equation is the sports management program in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies. New York City houses 15 professional sports teams, which may contribute to the allure of the sports management program. What better way to pursue a career in sports than immersing oneself in a city that is filled with sports teams? Since the inception of the Preston Robert Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism and Sports Management in 1995, enrollment has skyrocketed. There are roughly 500 students in the Tisch Center — 200 of those students are enrolled in the sports management program. Within the sports management undergraduate program there are four concentrations students may choose from, including event management, organizational management, sports law and sports media. “I wanted to do something I love as a career,” said Richy Cruz, a sophomore in the sports management program who is concentrating in sports law. “And I love sports and wanted to be a lawyer, so it was the perfect way to get
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The School of Continuing and Professional Studies Tisch Center offers a sports management program. involved with both.” Cruz, a second-year wrestler, came from a competitive academic background like most of his peers. But his passion for sports is unique to the rest of the students majoring in sports management. After sitting down with Robert Boland, NYU’s academic chair of Sports Management and co-professor of sports law at the NYU School of Law, it is clear that an intense dedication to sports is something common among students and faculty alike. Boland is also a sports lawyer as well as being the co-founder of Global Athletic Management Enterprises, and has worked at major sporting events. He wanted to share his passion with students and began teaching at NYU, where he has been pleased with the programs the university offers. “The best part of the Tisch Center program is that there aren’t trade-offs,” Boland said.
Sam Friedfield, a junior in the sports management program who is concentrating in sports law, aspires to work at a sports agency after college or attend law school. “I feel like I’m preparing myself for what I want to do,” Friedfield said. “I’m currently reading an old NFL case, and I’m reading it as if it were my own case.” “What NYU does best is that we’re the academic institution that brings the real world to the academy,” Boland explained. What makes this program one of a kind is how students have countless opportunities for success. With varied and numerous internship opportunities and a career-based curriculum founded by experienced faculty, students will be well prepared to join the world of sports. Sean Billings and Alex Diaks are contributing writers. Email them at sports@nyunews.com.
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