WSN110414

NYU’s Daily Student Newspaper

WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS Vol. 42, No. 87

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014

nyunews.com POLITICS

Students gather to debate key issues

By MARITA VLACHOU Deputy News Editor

STAFF PHOTO BY CALVIN FALK

From left to right: Samuel Rascoff, Dorit Beinisch, Rajesh De and Jane Harman discuss intelligence oversight and Edward Snowden on Nov. 3 in Furman Hall.

DEBATE continued on PG. 3

STORY ON PAGE 3

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

WRESTLING continued on PG. 8

STAFF PHOTO BY HARK KANWAL

CAS sophomore John Messinger was one of the top performers for the NYU wrestling team on Nov. 1.

Messinger, a neural science major from Putnam Valley, New York, was in midseason form as the team started its 2014-15 campaign.

Over the past weekend at the Monarch Invitational in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Messinger compiled a 3-2 record in the 165-lb. weight class. He finished fourth in the contest, one of four NYU wrestlers to finish in the top six.

Off the mat, Messinger has focused on taking advantage

of going to school in New York and on his pre-med studies.

“I chose NYU because it allowed me to live in the city and be exposed to hundreds of internships and connections while competing in the sport of wrestling at a high level,” he said. “I’m a neural science major and I’m also doing my pre-med requirements, so the internship opportunities are extremely important on top of a great education.”

Messinger learned quickly when he came to NYU that he would have to work hard for everything he wanted to

Nuclear energy and security the topic of panel Experts discuss the ramifications and potential of nuclear energy.

STORY on PG. 3

Student life as: Plaza Hotel waiter

By LINGYI HOU Contributing Writer

Carlos Sinde is no stranger to celebrity encounters.

The SPS graduate student has been working for the Todd English Food Hall at The Plaza Hotel as a part-time waiter for four years.

“Montel Williams, the famous talk show host, is a regular for our sushi, and Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots, has invited our manager to a football game before,” Sinde said.

While these unique meetings are a regular and exciting part of Sinde’s job, they are just one aspect of working in the food industry.

Sinde, who is studying public relations and corporate communications, moved to New York

STAFF PHOTO BY LEO LIEN

Carlos Sinde works part-time at The Plaza Hotel. in 2010 from Memphis, where he had been devoting himself to sports marketing and sales.

Driven by the motivation of living

Australian cafes become popular The Australian drink flat white, creamier than a latte or cappuccino, is offered at many city coffee shops.

STORY on PG. 4

in the biggest city in the United States, Sinde chose to start a new life in New York.

Securing a job in New York was not an easy task. After six months of searching, Sinde’s close friend recommended he try The Plaza Hotel. Though The Plaza provides him with an income, he does not want to work in the food industry forever.

“The Plaza is a union hotel, so we get higher pay than average waiters with both wages and tips, but, it is still just for survival,“ Sinde said. “I miss working in an office, so I applied for this Master’s program to prepare myself, and use the money I earn at The Plaza Hotel to sponsor this.”

WAITER continued on PG. 4

COURTESY OF LANIE ZIPOY

Violet wrestler reflects on academic, athletic goals

DINING

STAFF PHOTO BY HANNAH LUU

WRESTLING

By BOBBY WAGNER Staff Writer

The Ebola epidemic, the threat of ISIS and income inequality were the main topics driving the debate between representatives from NYU’s College Libertarians, College Republicans, College Democrats and the International Socialist Organization at NYU on Nov. 3 at the Kimmel Center for University Life.

Audience members guided the discussion with questions directed at the student speakers. The debate was moderated by the NYU Politics Society.

John Martin, CAS junior and a speaker for the College Libertarians, answered a question asking how the United States should address the threat of ISIS. He argued that the United States should not be intervening in Iraq.

“I don’t think it’s our position to infringe upon any Iraqi policy,” Martin said. “It’s their country, not

A successful play about a play “Buzz,” playing in Gowanus, Brooklyn, revolves around playwright Tom. STORY on PG. 5

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WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014 | NYUNEWS.COM

ON THE SIDE

COMPILED BY THE

WSN STAFF

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

H O S E L CHAR

WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS Editor-in-Chief

NICOLE BROWN Managing Editors

CLASS OF 2016 CAS MAJOR IN ECONOMICS MINOR IN PHILOSOPHY AND BUSINESS STUDIES

EMILY BELL DANA RESZUTEK Assistant Managing Editors

CASEY DALRYMPLE BRYNA SHUMAN Web Managing Editors

CICEK EREL KAVISH HARJAI Creative Director, Special Editions

LYANNE NATIVIDAD Creative Directors

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SHAWN PAIK deputy HANNAH LUU video DANIEL COLE

SENIOR STAFF

news JOHN AMBROSIO, VALENTINA

DUQUE BOJANINI features HANNAH TREASURE arts ALEX GREENBERGER sports CHRIS MARCOTRIGIANO global JOEY BUI social media ARIANA DIVALENTINO senior editors KEVIN BURNS, SCOTT MULLEN, VALERIE NELSON, MARINA ZHENG

DEPUTY STAFF

news LARSON BINZER, RAHUL

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WHAT SURPRISED YOU MOST DURING YOUR YEAR ABROAD AT NYU LONDON

EVERYONE WAS NOVEL AND NEW. PEOPLE WERE LAID BACK AND DIDN’T JUST WORK FOR MONEY. THAT LETS YOU FIND YOURSELF. TRAVELING SHOWS YOU THAT THE AMERICAN WAY OF LIFE ISN’T THE ONLY WAY OF LIFE.

STAFF PHOTO BY LEO LIEN

KRISHNAMOORTHY, MARITA VLACHOU features BAILEY EVANS beauty & style DAVID BOLOGNA dining REBECCA RIDDLE film ISABEL JONES entertainment IFE OLUJOBI music ALEXA SPIELER theater/books NIKOLAS REDA-CASTELAO sports TONY CHAU

OPINION PAGE opinion editor

CHRISTINA COLEBURN deputy opinion editors

OMAR ETMAN, ADAM FAZLIBEGU, TESS WOOSLEY

BLOGS

under the arch JONATHAN KESHISHOGLOU violet vision GIANNA COLLIER-PITTS the highlighter MARISSA ELLIOT LITTLE

ADVERTISING BUSINESS MANAGER

ALISON LIZZIO UNIVERSITY AND ALUMNI COORDINATOR

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SNAPSHOT

TODAY ON CAMPUS Reel Queer Film Series: “Elliot Loves” and “Crush” Two films on being queer in communities of color, “Elliot Loves” and “Crush,” will be shown in room 802 of the Kimmel Center for University Life at 6 p.m.

ARIANA DIVALENTINO SALES REPRESENTATIVE

AMY LU, JILLIAN BRANCHAUD SALES ASSOCIATE

LUXI PENG, MIKE GROTT GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

KALEEL MUNROE CIRCULATION MANAGER

JESSICA TIEN

Reading and Signing with Timothy Kuhner Timothy Kuhner, author of “Capitalism v. Democracy: Money in Politics and the Free Market Constitution,” will host a reading and book signing in the NYU Bookstore at 6 p.m.

ADVISING DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

NANCI HEALY EDITORIAL ADVISER

JIM LUTTRELL EDITORS-AT-LARGE

Economics and Psychology/NeuroEconomics Seminar Jason Gordon of Alpha Epsilon Pi takes a shaving cream pie to the face for the funding of childhood cancer research.

PHOTO BY HARK KANWAL

Economics professor David Cesarini will present a lecture titled “Smoking, Genes and Health” in room 517 of 19 W. Fourth St. at 2:30 p.m.

TODAY’S EVENTS ARE FREE FOR NYU STUDENTS.

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

KRISTINA BOGOS, RACHEL KAPLAN, CLIO MCCONNELL, JORDAN MELENDREZ, JONATHAN TAN About WSN: Washington Square News (ISSN 15499389) is the student newspaper of New York University. WSN is published Monday through Thursday during NYU’s academic year, except for university holidays, vacations and exam periods.

Corrections: WSN is committed to accurate reporting. When we make errors, we do our best to correct them as quickly as possible.

If you believe we have erred, contact the managing editors at managing@nyunews. com or at 212.998.4302.

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DEBATE continued from PG. 1

Student leaders discuss foreign, domestic topics ours, we are the United States, not Iraq, so I can’t support any American taxpayer dollars going towards funding any Iraqi programs. I see no need for it.”

CAS senior Megan Powers, the speaker for the College Republicans, argued the opposite.

“If we allow ISIS to continue to take over areas that it is interested in, that is appeasement, that is what happened in World War II, and we can’t just allow them to take whatever they want,” Powers said. “We need to go in there, put boots on the ground and solve the conflict.”

Shifting to income inequality, doctoral student and representative for ISO Paul Heideman discussed metrics that indicated the median U.S. household income has dropped, while the top 1 percent of the population has increased its income.

“Economic inequality in the scale we have it in the United States is

actually corrosive of democracy itself,” Heideman said.

CAS senior Bennett Hampilos, who represented the College Republicans, compared income inequality to graded taxation.

“We’ve heard about the rich owning a disproportionate share of the wealth in this country, but why isn’t anyone talking about the disproportionate share of taxes they have contributed?”

Hampilos said.

College Democrat and CAS junior Jack Sterne said the United States should address the Ebola crisis by building health care infrastructure in West Africa, allowing healthcare workers to travel to West Africa and not placing restrictions on travelers from the affected region.

“In the end, there is one main thing the U.S. can do: keep calm,” Sterne said.

Stern freshman Abigail Lyall,

STAFF PHOTO BY SAM BEARZI

Students turn out to watch the debate among representatives from the four major party groups at NYU. who represented the College Libertarians, said while their organization usually protests infringement on individual liberties, they think some preventative action should be taken on the issue of Ebola.

“Normally, walking around with a deadly virus on one’s body that is threatening to the common epidemic is equivalent to biological

that it’s not a force for humanitarian intervention, it’s a way, a foot in the door to get the military into this country and spending money on that instead of where it has to be spent on: healthcare,” Bolsey said.

Email Marita Vlachou at mvlachou@nyunews.com.

Panelists explain US information secrecy

Pros, cons of nuclear energy weighed

By ALANNA BAYARIN Staff Writer

By RUBY SCHWARTZ Contributing Writer

Experts discussed the use of nuclear technology as alternative energy, along with questions of safety and cost at a panel on Nov. 3. The discussion, hosted by the Center for Global Affairs, addressed doubts about the proliferation of nuclear energy.

Chris Gadomski, SPS professor and lead nuclear analyst at Bloomberg New Energy Finance, moderated the panel, which examined these issues and discussed the changing landscape of global energy, focusing on three specific areas.

“The first is safety, the second is economics and the market and the third is spent fuel management,” Gadomski said. “These are three issues that surface all the time in this area.”

Gadomski introduced the issue of safety of nuclear energy, which he said is one of the greatest concerns with this form of power. He framed much of the panel around the events following the Fukushima Daiichi disaster of 2011.

Alan Hanson, executive director of the International Nuclear Leadership Education Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, explained that slow cleanup following the Fukushima disaster was caused by Japan’s homogenous and consensus-based society.

“I am absolutely sure that if this accident took place anywhere else in the world the progress of

terrorism,” Lyall said. “Those who show symptoms of Ebola should be quarantined either in a hospital or their own home until they no longer show signs of the disease.”

Nisha Bolsey, a CUNY senior and ISO member, criticized the government’s response to the Ebola crisis.

“I think we need to be clear

STAFF PHOTO BY HARK KANWAL

The three panelists talk about various aspects of nuclear energy. cleaning up the site would have moved a lot faster,” Hanson said.

Hanson added that his team at MIT is looking into the use of advanced fuel in the area of nuclear energy. These fuels — known as accident-tolerant fuels — can withstand accidents similar to Fukushima without many of the negative effects.

Godomski also questioned panelists on the ways in which nuclear energy fits into the climate change movement. William Horak, chair of the Department of Nuclear Science and Technology at Brookhaven National Laboratory, said the current climate change movement seems to be promoting the use of renewable energy technologies rather than nuclear energy, which may be a mistake.

“One of the things my laboratory does is energy analyses for all types of systems, called life cycle analysis,” Horak said. “When you do these analyses consistently, nuclear matches up essentially the same as renewable sources of energy, and actually better than some kinds of renewable energies.”

Another question addressed whether the proliferation of nuclear weapons is an overstated concern, and how to prevent the

spread of nuclear materials. While all panelists agreed that nuclear material proliferation is definitely a concern, Seth Grae, president and CEO of the Lightbridge Corporation, said this threat could be minimized through the involvement of a U.S. company.

“If you want to ensure there is never nuclear proliferation in a country, get a U.S. company embedded in their nuclear development,” Grae said. “In the countries that Lightbridge works, there will never be a nuclear weapons program due to our strict inspection regimes.”

Giovanni Dubon, an SPS graduate student, said he agreed with the panelists’ view that safer nuclear energy looks promising, adding that his studies in this area informed his belief.

“The more I learn about nuclear power, the more it does sound like it is safer than what the general public believes,” Dubon said.

“The panelists mentioned ideas more in line with what studies have shown, and it is information the general public doesn’t always read or get access to.”

Email Ruby Schwartz at news@nyunews.com.

The modern security state, Edward Snowden’s leaks and the National Security Agency have been in the public sphere for over a year, and the debate about secrecy continued with three members of the intelligence community on Nov. 3. The panelists discussed the need to withhold some information when dealing with the public at the event hosted by NYU School of Law’s Center on Law and Security.

Jane Harman, a former U.S. representative and former member of the House Intelligence Committee, said even though Snowden was a detriment to national security, he initiated a much-needed conversation about intelligence.

“If I had to say one nice thing about Edward Snowden, and this is the only nice thing I have to say, he has stimulated a debate that we should have had a long time ago,” Harman said.

General Counsel of the NSA Rajesh De said Snowden changed the public view of the NSA, but he thought the public would not be surprised if it were able to see what the NSA was doing.

“I would hope that generally the public would not be surprised by what we do, maybe the details and so forth,” De said. “I think there are a couple of changes post-Snowden that are important.

There is a sense that we need to provide more guidance to the public with more broad outlines of what we are doing.”

With the extreme confidentiality of the NSA, De said it is important to have an open dialogue with

the public.

“Public discussion is a good thing,” De said. “I believe in my core that what Snowden did was awful. It is possible to think both of those things at the same time.”

Dorit Beinisch, former Chief Justice of Israel, said in Israel, like in every country, officials dealing with confidential information have good intentions.

“We do our best,” Beinisch said. “We look into the confidential material and make the best decision that we can under all circumstances.”

Jeff Smith, a second-year student in NYU Law, said he felt the conversation demonstrated that the United States is trying to restore the integrity of the intelligence community after 9/11.

“I think that intelligence oversight is extremely important for the health of our democracy,” Smith said. “We went through a dark period after 9/11 in terms of intelligence oversight, and it’s good to see that the balance is shifting back toward where it was before 9/11 with a strong intelligence community that preserves civil liberties.”

Zachary Goldman, executive director of the Center on Law and Security, said the panel should serve as a foundation for more debate on intelligence oversight.

“It was a very important discussion about a very important set of issues,” Goldman said.

“Moreover I hope that it is only the beginning of the conversation and very much not the end.”

Email Alanna Bayarin at news@nyunews.com.

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WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014 | NYUNEWS.COM

DINING

EDITED BY REBECCA RIDDLE DINING@NYUNEWS.COM

Australian coffee popular in NYC

By ANNA FERKINGSTAD Staff Writer

Waverly Restaurant offers traditional 24-hour fare from eggs to burgers.

Classic types of local eateries explained

By OLIVA ROOS Contributing Writer

Everyone has a go-to place for a cheap bite to eat: a diner for pancakes, a luncheonette counter for a chocolate milkshake, a bistro for decadent boeuf bourguignon, a brasserie for steak-frites.

These classic haunts save us from cooking up another batch of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese or Hamburger Helper. But we may not know the history of these lovable eateries or the characterisitcs that make them different from each other.

The classic, 24-hour American diner was established in 1827 by a Rhode Island resident named Walter Scott. He wanted to open up a restaurant that would cater to late laborers, theatergoers and other night wanderers.

A diner is not a part of a large chain and is usually a “mom and pop” owned by a sole-proprietor, giving the restaurant a warm family feel. Classic diners serve a wide range of American food such as eggs sunny-side up, French toast and burgers. The menus vary throughout different parts of the country, with offerings such as seafood and chowder in New England and grits and biscuits in the South. Diners often sport neon lights, drive-thru signs and stainless steel exteriors. Popular diners in New York City include Odessa (119 Ave. A) and Waverly Restaurant (385 Sixth Ave.).

The luncheonette was a common establishment from the early 20th century to the end of the Civil Rights Movement, though a small number still exist. Often located inside a retail store, such as a five and dime, customers sat at the counter while employees cooked and served food in the tight space behind the counter.

These lunch counters reaped a

larger profit than merchandise sales alone. Similar to diners, luncheonettes served American food, though with a smaller variety of options. Today, one can still find vintage luncheonettes in New York that have survived since their heyday, such as Lexington Candy Shop (1226 Lexington Ave.) and George’s Luncheonette (2157 Utica Ave.).

The brasserie was first established in Alsace, France, as a property of brew houses. In fact, brasserie literally translates to brew house in French. Decorated in the art nouveau fashion of La Belle Époque, they are characterized by large mirrors, wood paneling and mosaics. Food options usually include escargot, frisée aux lardons and steak-frites. The buoyant, talkative atmosphere of these airy restaurants made it a popular hangout for intellectuals and artists such as Picasso, Sartre and Hemingway. Though New York may not be the creator of these traditional French establishments, it still boasts several popular French-style brasseries such as Balthazar (80 Spring St.) and Brasserie Les Halles (411 Park Ave. S.).

The bistro is another type of traditional French restaurant. Bistros have a smaller and more intimate atmosphere than the brasserie and, like diners, are often family owned. The menus are small and typically change depending on what the owner finds in the market that day. Food options, often displayed on a chalkboard menu, typically include French specialties like Pâtés, terrines and coq au vin. Some bistros worth trying in New York City include Bistros les Amis (180 Spring St.) and La Sirene (558 Broome St.).

Email Olivia Roos at dining@nyunews.com.

Two Hands Sydney natives Giles Russell and Henry Roberts founded this Little Italy coffee shop.

It offers a plethora of juices, smoothies and food options in addition to caffeinated bever-

STAFF PHOTO BY HANNAH LUU

Happy Bones is one NYC cafe that has Australian influences. ages. The texture of the flat white is rich, yet not too heavy for a sunny autumn day. The wooden tables and succulents create an inviting atmosphere, and customers are served by baristas with Australian accents. 164 Mott St.

Happy Bones NYC Smaller than its neighbor Two Hands, Happy Bones NYC is an ideal place to stop if you are willing to take your coffee to go. Opened in 2012 by New Zealander Luke Harwood and Miami-born Jason Woodside, the exposed brick and painted white and metallic details give this cafe a sleek, modern feel. Happy Bones offers notable coffee and delicious baked goods from Ovenly. The red-and-white striped straws they use for their iced drinks practically beg to be uploaded to Instagram. 394 Broome St.

Bluestone Lane Collective Cafe If you are looking for good food to go with your coffee, Bluestone Lane Collective Cafe

WAITER continued from PG. 1

Graduate student on working at The Plaza

This is the second semester of Sinde’s studies at NYU, and he currently works four days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Though his schedule is busy, he still appreciates that his job allows him both the flexibility and economic means to improve his life. Sinde said he enjoys the variety of people his job allows him to meet.

“You never know who you are going to meet,” Sinde said. ”I love to deal with tours and get to know the stories of people from different places like the Midwest and Brazil, as well as New Yorkers. Sometimes, you might also have a chance

to talk with elites, like the celebrities I mentioned before.”

Working at The Plaza has taught Sinde useful people skills, as he has to work with a variety of customers.

“The job also requires us to get a very good sense about different people,” Sinde said.

“They might be picky or nice, rushed or leisurely. You have to [be able to] tell that and serve them in the way they want.”

After graduation, Sinde hopes to work in the sports industry.

Email Lingyi Hou at dining@nyunews.com.

is the perfect spot. The menu, created by Melbourne-based restaurateur Sappho Hatzis, contains a variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner options, including the classic avocado smash. Hatzis’ avocado medley has fresh and light flavors accompanied by tahini, heirloom tomatoes, feta and a poached egg. 55 Greenwich Ave.

Bluebird Coffee Founders Alexander Hall and Sabrina Godfrey created a cozier, friendlier atmosphere than is usually found at other coffee shops of its kind. The counter is between the street and the interior, offering seating both inside and outside. Blue porcelain cups and plates provide a splash of color and work in conjunction with their namesake. If you decide to check out Bluebird Coffee, be aware that it attracts enough people to fill it to capacity at almost all hours. 72 E. First St. Email Anna Ferkingstad at dining@nyunews.com.

NYUNEWS.COM

STAFF PHOTO BY REECA SORIANO

Move over New Yorkers, specialties from Down Under are making their way into the New York coffee scene. Forget the Italians who invented espresso, or the Seattleites who created Starbucks — the next big thing comes from below the equator. An increasing number of cafes in the city opened by Australians or New Zealanders has led to a rise in popularity of specialties including the flat white.

Even if you are an avid caffeine drinker, you may still be unfamiliar with the flat white.

The term flat white was coined in the 1980s and refers to the combination of microfoam and shots of espresso. A flat white differs from its counterparts, the latte or cappuccino, primarily in how the milk is prepared.

When milk is frothed using a steam wand, three layers form, with the creamy microfoam layer used in a flat white settling in the middle. Baristas “stretch” the milk by injecting steam, which creates a maximum amount of microfoam.

Flat whites contain a smoother mix of this velvety microfoam and a coffee base, which creates a drink similar to a cappuccino, but with a smoother, thicker texture. If you want to try a flat white or authentic Australian and New Zealander fare for yourself, check out some of these popular spots.

NYUNEWS.COM | TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS

ARTS

EDITED BY ALEX GREENBERGER ARTS@NYUNEWS.COM REVIEW

REVIEW

Exhibit features personal sculptures

By TALIA MILAVETZ Contributing Writer

For “Christmas Creep” at the Lisa Cooley Gallery, Josh Faught exhibits textile sculptures that reveal a personal aspect of the artist. Each one is titled with the name of one of Faught’s ex-boyfriends or one-night stands. His works juxtapose skilled weaving and ancient Japanese dyeing techniques — all intentionally done with mistakes. His pieces are adorned with onion rings, spilled coffee, broken glass and buttons.

Faught aims to capture his past relationships with precise and unique objects. This is in part a response to the AIDS Memorial Quilt, a project started in the ’80s as a way to memorialize those who have passed away from AIDS, which includes names and objects stitched into squares. It was challenging for the quilt as a single object to capture the essence of everyone who has died from AIDS. Faught’s response to this was his textile sculptures, which are more of a personal reference or archive.

While his pieces pertain to his own life, they are also general enough that the viewers are able to relate. The name Scott appears three times in the exhibit. While the audience does not know Faught’s personal life, the simple recurrence of the name implies a complicated and possibly tumultuous relationship, something any viewer can relate to in some capacity.

The idea that the pieces are both about individuality and community is apparent throughout his work. It is clear in the objects of the sculptures,

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Play has audience heads buzzing

By CLIO MCCONNELL Editor-at-Large

PHOTO BY TALIA MILAVETZ

Josh Faught utilizes a variety of media in his latest exhibit. but, more uniquely, it is noticeable in the process of the pieces. Faught uses many different techniques to create his textiles and each one is used with purpose.

The woven works are more communal pieces, as weaving is a process of multiple strands coming together. The pieces that are knitted or crocheted are more individual, as the structure builds upon just one strand of yarn. Many of the pieces include loose strands hanging out, and pulling out one strand would lead to the destruction of an entire piece.

This relates to Faught’s interest in transitions. He uses materials that comment on the issues of continuity and permanence, such as tapestry and perishables. There are snack foods on many of the sculptures, and Faught uses snacks because they are not quite a meal, but something inbetween. Snacks are a transition of sorts — something one eats between meals for sustenance, and genrally not nutritional.

Throughout “Christmas Creep,” Faught expresses themes of time, transition, relationships, community and individuality. The way he expresses these themes, however, is specific and personal. His process of incorporating precise objects and the names of his relationships into textile sculptures make his work excitingly uncommon.

Email Talia Milavetz at arts@nyunews.com.

Audiences watching a play about a play always run the risk of being out of the loop, confused by theatrical jargon and inside jokes.

While Benjamin Kunkel’s “Buzz” is nothing if not metatheatrical, it engages viewers on levels most plays about plays never reach.

Performed in front of about 40 audience members, “Buzz” features five nearly naked actors in an intimate apartment that belongs to protagonists Tom and Sasha. Trevor Kluckman plays Tom, a semi-famous playwright working on his latest masterpiece and trying to please his pregnant girlfriend Sasha, played by Jeri Silverman.

While the small audience seats itself in the Brooklyn loft space, actors in white hazmat suits traipse around the informal stage, rearranging the white furniture and white books, digging into white boxes and checking behind the white telephone.

They seem to be looking for something and failing to find it.

If at first this play looks like it is going to be annoyingly experimental, it only takes a few minutes for the actors to win the viewers over.

The first words spoken seem to be a soliloquy by Sasha, but it quickly becomes clear that she is speaking to the audience directly. Right off the bat, it is obvious that “Buzz” is not a traditional play.

Soon after, Tom enters, beginning the witty banter that the couple keeps up whenever they are onstage together. Tom and Sasha’s relationship is an undercurrent throughout the show, and Kluckman and Silverman make a delightful pair. They talk about the play Tom is writing and “the service” — apparently an extermination company

COURTESY OF LANIE ZIPOY

Jeri Silverman plays Sasha in the Brooklyn play “Buzz.”

hired to come and rid the apartment of insects.

Little by little, it becomes clear that these bugs are not a personal problem, but a widespread, apocalyptic infestation. There are flies everywhere, and no one can seem to exterminate them.

Friends come over for dinner, and later a college reporter comes to interview Tom, but he and Sasha are so preoccupied with the pests that they cannot maintain the pretense of normalcy.

The play raises interesting questions about climate change, romantic relationships and even customer service, but perhaps the most thought-provoking aspect of “Buzz” is its commentary on the current state of theater in the United States.

While being interviewed for a radio segment, Tom is asked to spout some insightful knowledge about contemporary theater.

“I find the contemporary theater fascinating and robust, in much the best condition of all the arts,” he says impassively.

“Sorry, would you strike that?

Ugly sarcasm isn’t nice.”

Despite his bitter self-ridicule, Tom goes on to make some truly intriguing comments about the role that drama plays in American society. Kunkel gets to the heart of this issue while still appealing to an audience that might not all be well-versed in the art of theater. In fact, the playwright emphasizes the fact that drama, more than any other art form, can appeal to anyone and everyone.

As Tom explains to his interviewer, “The theater is a flesh and blood audience in the room with flesh and blood art.”

To be sure, any audience member at “Buzz” will understand the powerful experience that is getting up close and personal with flesh and blood art.

“Buzz” is playing at Tom and Sasha’s Loft in Gowanus, Brooklyn, through Nov. 22.

Email Clio McConnell at cmcconnell@nyunews.com.

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@nyunews THE NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD & DAILY SUDOKU Crossword ACROSS 1 Friend of Gandalf 6 Put ___ disadvantage 9 Microwaves, informally 14 Like a whole lot 15 ___ Chemical (Fortune 500 company) 16 NATO alphabet letter between Alfa and Charlie 17 Mars explorer 18 Modern host of 35-Across 20 Erupted 21 Aplomb 22 “Peter Pan” dog 23 Proctor’s command 25 Touches 27 King with a golden touch 28 Reliever’s stat 30 Air Force One occupant, acronymically 31 Shopping ___ 32 Ad Council output, for short

35 Long-running game show with a feature spelled out clockwise by this puzzle’s circled letters 38 Dummkopf 39 Its chips aren’t for eating 40 Device read with a laser 41 How some home videos are stored 42 Food that gets tossed?

43 ___ Madness (Snapple flavor) 45 Principle 46 Father-___ 47 Exudes 50 Crumble under pressure 53 Longtime host of 35-Across 55 Sal of “Exodus” 56 “O, I am ___!”

(Polonius’s last words) 57 ___ fly (R.B.I. producer)

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T U B A

H R H A L D E M A N

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58 ___ Marbles (British Museum display) 59 Unhealthily pale-skinned 60 Flamenco shout 61 “In my opinion …”

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41 At all 42 Parisian possessive 43 Dinero 44 Palestinian leader Mahmoud ___ 45 Canonical hour before sext 46 Recipe amt.

48 “Your point being …?”

49 Enthusiasm 51 Luke Skywalker’s twin 52 Broadway honor 54 “___ questions?”

55 “Don’t tell ___ can’t!”

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NYUNEWS.COM | TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2014 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS

OPINION

EDITED BY CHRISTINA COLEBURN OPINION@NYUNEWS.COM

CULTURE

STAFF EDITORIAL

Foodies idealize organic revolution

By RICHARD SHU Staff Columnist

The most prominent foodie voices have certain peculiarities that make them, in a word, distressing. Memoirs from chefs and prominent food aficionados bear titles like “Blood, Bones & Butter” and “Medium Raw: A Bloody Valentine.” Anecdotes in these books detail the simple joys of slitting the throats of pigs, tearing out the offal, then laughing while coated in blood. When coming from renowned chefs and writers like Gabrielle Hamilton, Michael Pollan and Anthony Bourdain, these grisly depictions feel like angry posturing. This is real cooking, they say. It is bloody, manly and gross. The aggressiveness is almost comical. But in an age where everyone watches what they eat and judges others for their food choices, these types of unruly personalities have more cultural holds than perhaps we would like to admit.

These foodies, many of them men who view individuals turning away meat as an insult, would not be so mean if they did not truly believe in their cause. Indeed, the prominent

foodie preaches just what is expected: reverence for the home-cooked meal and the organic ingredient. Their entire philosophy revolves around the idea that consumer choices, particularly about what we eat, represent some kind of revolutionary political outcry, the greatest way to change society for the better. The heirloom tomato becomes their lifestyle, their ideology. Consumption becomes the greatest signifier of the self.

This is not a new idea. Consumerism has defined the American lifestyle since the invention of the advertisement. Buyer-side environmentalism, characterized primarily by boycotts and conscientious purchases, has long trumpeted the belief that ethical consumption can change things for the better. It has also been discredited as ineffective. These foodies, posing themselves as challengers

of the status quo, are full of it.

Rather, foodie-ism is perhaps best understood as a reactionary movement. It carries a certain wistfulness of an imagined past, one of rolling verdant hills and fresh vegetables and the whole family gathered around the table. Like most retreats into the past, it comes as a backlash to a perceived artificiality of the world we live in now. Processed foods become a metaphor for this artificiality, and so, naturally, fine food and home cooking must be the antidote.

But, as with most reactionary movements, foodie-ism makes dangerous assumptions about the wider world as it hides inside a self-righteous bubble. It ignores the unsustainability of organic production as population growth accelerates.

It dismisses the continued environmental impact of producing red meat. It turns a blind eye to the rise of food deserts and the growing inaccessibility of their Eden. Foodies are not the heralds of a bold future.

If anything, they are best left alone in their cycle of gluttony.

Email Richard Shu at opinion@nyunews.com.

ENTERTAINMENT

Streaming content broadens TV audience

By ZAHRA HAQUE Staff Columnist

It is now cliché to list “watching Netflix” as a hobby. The vegetative act is ordinary. Almost everyone has, at some point, relished in the simple joy of staying home and binge-watching “Orange is the New Black.” Online consumption of television has become a unifying experience for our generation.

With HBO planning to release a new streaming service in 2015 and Showtime rumored to follow suit — and now that students living in NYU housing have HBO Go access — even more content will be readily available. More importantly, that content will be available to more people.

From “Breaking Bad” to “True Detective” to “Mad Men,” the number of high-quality dramas in recent years has skyrocketed. With HBO leading the cable television renaissance, we are enjoying a surge in smart content. Of course, television is no longer a medium limited to established network and cable players. Netflix has produced a range of original programming, includ-

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ing the brilliant “House of Cards.”

More recently, the onset of original YouTube shows points to even more avenues for TV consumption.

With the growth of quality content comes an increase in the conversation surrounding it. So many people are anxiously awaiting the next season of “Game of Thrones.”

Every reaction to what is happening onscreen is an experience shared with millions of other viewers. Until recently, however, highend programming has been exclusively consumed by viewers able to afford steep yearly rates. With HBO and Showtime leading the charge, the conversation surrounding these programs will extend to include a new segment of viewers.

In its early days, television was a swamp of mindless sitcoms and procedurals. It was considered low-

brow entertainment, not conducive to criticism and analysis. Today’s television, however, is rich in intellectual and emotional depth.

It tackles heavy social themes. It contains nuanced, morally ambiguous characters. Frank and Claire Underwood, of Netflix’s “House of Cards,” are fascinating, not because they are categorically good or bad people, but because they constantly straddle the line between. But the biggest advancement in television is not the improvement in quality of content — though that has been crucial — it is the democratization of the best content this medium has to offer.

Television has evolved to meet the needs of a society that craves complexity and intelligence in its media. Discussion and cultural analysis of shows with other fans is half the fun of watching television, and soon that enjoyment will be shared with more people.

The modern dilemma, then, is trying to decide which show to stream next.

Email Zahra Haque at opinion@nyunews.com.

NYU should promote higher voter turnout

Since 1990, the Rock the Vote campaign has led well-intentioned initiatives to bring young people to the polls, the #TurnOutForWhat video being its most recent effort. Rock the Vote has championed this cause for good reason — youth are underrepresented at the ballot box.

According to a 2014 census report, only 45 percent of citizens between the ages of 18 and 29 are registered to vote, the lowest of any demographic. While overall turnout is habitually meager in midterm elections, young Americans are especially likely to stay home. According to an April 2014 poll by the Institute of Politics at Harvard University, only 23 percent of American youth have committed to vote in today’s election, which can be attributed to youth cynicism toward elected officials, self-identification as independents and a tendency to be swayed by issueoriented appeals rather than partisanship. Despite this skepticism, universities — including and especially NYU — are in a unique position to encourage civic participation among collegeage voters by assuming a larger role in pre-election day efforts.

NYU has not made a significant push to encourage its students to be involved in regional and national politics. Beyond an October email and instructions for voter registration on the university website, NYU has not actively promoted voting this season. Considering the highly politicized nature of our campus, this oversight is a wasted opportunity to attract a vibrant population. In comparison, Columbia University organized a “Voting Week” in early October that brought well-known politicians to the campus, including former New York City Mayor David Dinkins, and helped students work through the voter registration process.

NYU’s two major political groups, the College Democrats and the College Republicans, each canvassed for local candidates, but neither targeted their efforts at students. They instead used phone banks and door-to-door campaigning to reach potential voters in certain districts, many of which were not in areas where students tend to reside. But it should not be the sole responsibility of student-led political organizations to raise awareness about voting. Because NYU has the capability to influence so many students, it too must take ownership.

Civic participation is a worthy endeavor that cannot be overemphasized. Despite the political polarization that currently plagues government efficiency, only a miniscule percentage of youth expressed interest in voting. NYU students manage academics, extracurriculars and jobs — a universitywide voting initiative could make the registration process easier. No matter how many views its videos attract or mentions #TurnOutForWhat draws, Rock the Vote may not be as effective as a localized recruiting attempt. A university-led initiative would be the most successful way for students to learn about voting and registration. Galvanizing this demographic could improve low voter turnout, particularly in the midterm elections.

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

EDITORIAL BOARD: Christina Coleburn (Chair), Omar Etman (Co-chair), Adam Fazlibegu (Co-chair), Tess Woosley (Co-chair) ILLUSTRATION BY JOURDAN ENRIQUEZ

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, NOVEMBER 4, 2014 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS

SPORTS

EDITED BY CHRIS MARCOTRIGIANO SPORTS@NYUNEWS.COM

COLUMN

WRESTLING continued from PG. 1

NFL season brings surprises

By CHARLES SURETTE Contributing Columnist

Rarely does the NFL regular season ever follow preseason predictions. At its midway point, this season is no different. Through its first nine weeks, the NFL has been full of surprises, both pleasant and unpleasant. Here is a rundown of some of the biggest storylines that almost no one saw coming in September.

Cardinals Taking Flight Despite making few moves in the offseason, the Arizona Cardinals sit at 7-1 in their best eight-game start to a season since 1974. In addition to journeyman Carson Palmer at quarterback, eight-time Pro Bowler Larry Fitzgerald and other wide receivers have powered the Cardinals offense. Led on the ground by second-year running back Andre Ellington, the Cardinals find themselves in sole possession of the best record in the NFC. Backed by a topfive scoring defense, the Cardinals have managed to stymie their competition on the way to potentially securing their first trip to the NFL playoffs since 2009.

Browns Bite Back Few ever thought they would see the day that the Cleveland Browns returned to relevance. That day, however, has finally arrived. At 5-3,

Wrestler balances athletics, classwork

STAFF GRAPHIC BY SHAWN PAIK

Many teams have defied expectations this season, for better or worse. the Browns are locked in a tight race for the AFC North title with Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Cincinnati. Quarterback Brian Hoyer has performed admirably in spite of the presence of heralded rookie Johnny Manziel. The team has remained competitive despite the absence of last year’s leading receiver Josh Gordon, who is currently serving a 10-game suspension for league drug policy violations. Powered by Ben Tate at running back and Andrew Hawkins at wide receiver, the return of Gordon to the Browns’ receiving corps could spell trouble for the rest of the division.

Seahawks Struggle Last February, the Seattle Seahawks bulldozed their way to the franchise’s first Super Bowl title with a 43-8 thrashing of the Denver Broncos. Seattle seemed poised to become the next NFL dynasty with its league-leading defense and exciting, young quarterback Russell Wilson. This season has been a different story. Seattle’s defense has proved inconsistent through eight games, with only the 10thbest defense in the league in terms of points per game. Meanwhile, the team’s offense has done it no favors thanks to a mysterious lack of car-

ries from four-time Pro Bowl running back Marshawn Lynch and the trading of the talented but ofteninjured wide receiver Percy Harvin, who also caused locker room strife. Although far from being disregarded, Seattle’s 5-3 record is underwhelming for the defending champions of football.

The Saints Aren’t Marching In With the level of talent on the New Orleans Saints’ roster, there is no reason for them to be 4-4 through their first eight games.

While injuries to running back Mark Ingram have proved detrimental, the passing attack of quarterback Drew Brees, tight end Jimmy Graham and wide receiver Marques Colston seems more than enough to overwhelm opposing defenses. The Saints have sported an unimpressive defense, however, and have only managed to climb back to .500 after beating the Green Bay Packers and the Carolina Panthers. Despite New Orleans’ struggles, no one has moved to secure control of the NFC South, with all but lowly Tampa Bay still in the hunt for the division title.

Email Charles Surette at sports@nyunews.com.

achieve, both in the gym and in the classroom.

“The biggest transition in both athletics and academics is that everybody around me is working at a higher level,” Messinger said. “In high school, I was able to separate myself academically and in the wrestling room, but here everybody is competitive and being the top 10 percent is not as easy.”

It is common for athletes to see a considerable uptick in the level of competition when transitioning to college. But Messinger said he has found a way to keep his work ethic at the level where it needs to be to succeed.

“The best thing I did last year was staying dedicated to the sport outside of practice on weekends and free time,” he said. “Instead of eating junk food and watching TV, I would make sure that my diet was good and that I used free time to improve in some way.”

This year Messinger is aiming to qualify for Nationals and receive All-American honors, which is a high bar for anyone, especially a sophomore. His work ethic and attitude will surely give him a leg up on the competition.

Teammate and sophomore Roman Accetta discussed what Messinger brings to the team with his particular leadership style.

“John is humble and he leads by action and example, which is why he is a leader on our

VIA GONYUATHLETICS.COM

John Messinger strives to excel as both a wrestler and a student. team,” Accetta said. “John never celebrates wins and he never moans or complains when he loses. He treats everything seriously, as if it were a job.”

Accetta also commented on Messinger’s mental toughness.

“If things don’t go his way, if he is phased, he doesn’t show it,” Accetta said. “He just gets right back on the horse and works harder.”

Messinger and his fellow teammates look to continue their success next weekend against Ithaca College, in a meet on Friday, Nov. 7 and Saturday, Nov. 8.

Email Bobby Wagner at sports@nyunews.com.

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