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WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS Vol. 41, No. 89
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2013
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Chief DE BLASIO WINS NYC MAYORAL ELECTION Rabbi joins NYU professors By ANN SCHMIDT
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, the former chief rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth, announced his dual professorship at NYU and Yeshiva University on Oct. 29 in a press release. At NYU, Sacks will be the Ingeborg and Ira Rennert Global Distinguished Professor of Judaic Thought, while at Yeshiva he will be the Kressel and Ephrat Family University Professor of Jewish Thought. The dual professorship will last for a total of three years. Sacks will spend six weeks at Yeshiva, six weeks at NYU, either in the city or at a global site, and six weeks of shared time between the universities in New York City. Each year, Sacks will spend a total of 18 weeks teaching. Sacks is known for his huge impact on the Jewish community and on the world during his time as chief rabbi. Now that he will be teaching at NYU and Yeshiva, he plans to continue being a presence in the media in order to motivate the Jewish people to be a part of the world. “As Chief Rabbi, I tried to show that Judaism has a message not just for Jews but for all of us, and that the stronger we are in our Judaism, the greater the blessings we bring to the common good,” Sacks said. NYU chaplain Rabbi Yehuda Sarna said Sacks is influential because his voice articulates Jewish morality in a way that is not absolutist. “Rabbi Sacks is developing a voice in the public sphere that few religious leaders in a public sphere could accomplish,” Sarna said. “He
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After months of campaigning, Bill de Blasio defeats Joseph Lhota to replace New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. By EMILY BELL and MICHAEL DOMANICO Public Advocate Bill de Blasio was elected the 109th mayor of New York City on Nov. 5, winning 73.3 percent of the vote with 99 percent of precincts reporting according to The New York Times. “Progressive changes won’t happen overnight, but they will happen,” de Blasio said in his victory speech. “I will never stop fighting for the city I love, the city we all love so much, and I will never forget that as mayor, I work for you.” De Blasio will be the first Democratic mayor of New York City in 20 years. De Blasio faced off against former MTA chair-
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
unreliable way,” politics professor Patrick Egan said. “No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, you’ve got to agree that this is something that needs to be changed.” From mid-September to the general election, de Blasio consistently led the polls about 40 points above Lhota. De Blasio’s $9.45 million campaign included advertisements with his wife and children, which were a driving force in his campaign. Meanwhile, Lhota raised $3.37 million, and focused his advertisements on his past experience. De Blasio’s platform focused largely on eco-
ELECTION continued on PG. 3
‘Betrayal’ engages audience in love, drama By BLAIR SIMMONS
Legal system unaided by corporal punishment The death penalty raises more questions than it answers.
STORY on PG. 7
RABBI continued on PG. 3
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man and Republican candidate Joseph Lhota, who earned 24.3 percent of the vote with 99 percent of precincts reporting. “We want our city to move forward and not backwards,” Lhota said in his concession speech. “And I hope our mayor-elect understands that before it’s too late.” Election officials said voter turnout was low, according to The New York Times. In addition, because of problems with voting machines, many voters had to complete paper ballots, which echoed problems with voting machines during the September primaries. “It’s an embarrassment to have the nation’s largest city run elections in such a primitive and
A lust-filled story of a dark love triangle, the revival of Harold Pinter’s 1978 play “Betrayal” is a timeless and engaging production starring real-life couple Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz and is currently playing at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. As unhappy couple Robert and Emma, Craig and Weisz portray a relationship that falls apart when Emma tells her husband of her affair with Jerry (Rafe Spall), Robert’s best friend. The play, based on Pinter’s real-life affair with journalist and broadcaster Joan Bakewell, is primarily concerned with the nature of lying and explores how deceit can be revealed through warped timelines. Pinter has the au-
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Daniel Craig impresses as a husband caught in a love triangle. dience obsessively counting backward as each scene delves deeper into the past. Further ironies are revealed as each
character is shocked at being lied to. This lack of chrono-
BETRAYAL continued on PG. 4
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‘THE BESTIES’ Each week, Chris Plante, Russ Frushtick, and brothers Justin and Griffin McElroy come together to discuss what’s happening in the world of video games. Whether it’s an art style, a story, a game mechanic or something else, each person offers their pick for best item in friendly competition. The group then talks about each item, along with an off-topic halftime discussion, and picks a winner at the end of each episode. The four are hilarious together thanks to running gags, chemistry and insightful commentary, and the cast comes together to make “The Besties” worthy of your weekly rotation. The conversations are sure to entertain whether you are familiar with the games or not.
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‘CHANNEL SURFING’ Looking for a recap of recent television news, as well as thoughts on some of the latest episodes of your favorite shows? Look no further than “Channel Surfing,” hosted by Eric Goldman and Roth Cornet. While Cornet is newer to the show, the pair have great chemistry, as they bounce references and their love of the medium off each other constantly. While the show’s schedule can be sporadic, the discussions are always entertaining, particularly around the beginning and end of each TV season. Listeners can also expect occasional interviews from stars of shows like “Community” and “Veep,” but beware — spoilers are rarely out of bounds.
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‘PARTIALLY EXAMINED LIFE’ Can’t stay awake through your Text and Ideas philosophy lectures? Find a more entertaining way to digest the big ideas of contemporary and classic philosophers alike with the “Partially Examined Life.” The podcast features a roundtable of four former philosophy graduate students who, in their words, set out to be philosophers but “thought better of it.” Their topics range from Platonic texts to Friedrich Nietzsche to Chuang Tzu. The quirky personalities of co-hosts Dylan Casey, Mark Linsenmayer, Seth Paskin and Wes Alwan provide a balance of friendly academic discussion and entertaining banter that will make philosophy palatable to even the most reluctant student.
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‘NERDIST WRITERS PANEL’ For anyone interested in being part of the creative process behind television dramas and comedies, “Nerdist Writers Panel” is a must. In each episode, Ben Blacker interviews a number of TV writers and producers about how they broke into the business, some of their best and worst memories, as well as advice they may have for aspiring writers. Whether it’s the mind behind “Breaking Bad” or the creator of “Awkward,” there’s something to be learned from almost every guest.
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On a cool afternoon in Chatanooga, Tenn., a young girl offers her cousin ice cream.
“WTF WITH MARC MARON” Most fans of stand-up comedy — and many comics in general — have a love or hate relationship with Marc Maron. For those who enjoy his curt and sometimes bitter attitude, or others who are skeptical, Maron’s interview podcast is worth a listen. Maron is a master of digging deep into his interview subjects, pulling out revealing and fascinating details about some of the biggest actors, directors and writers around. The most famous example is his interview with Louis C.K., in which the two put to rest a feud based on a misunderstanding. Each episode features a celebrity, so you can pick and choose. Whichever choice you make, you’re sure to hear an amazing story.
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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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ELECTION continued from PG. 1
Democrat Bill de Blasio defeats Republican Joseph Lhota in NYC mayoral race
"We must commit ourselves to progressive ideas that will lift us all up.” Democrat Public Advocate NYU alumnus Amount Raised in Campaign Money: 9.45 million
$$ VIA FACEBOOK.COM
RECENT MAYORAL ELECTIONS DAVID DINKINS (D)
MICHAEL BLOOMBERG (R)
MICHAEL BLOOMBERG (I)
BILL DE BLASIO (D)
1989 1993 1997 2001 2005 2009 2013
percentage of vote won
RABBI continued from PG. 1
Rabbi Sacks dual professorship includes Jewish leadership course
brings Jewish ethics into conversation with current events.” Sacks has been criticized in the United Kingdom for not supporting same-sex marriage. Stern sophomore Eric Miller said he did not think this would be an issue for the rabbi in New York. “[Jews] are supposed to follow the rules of where [they] live, Miller said. “I don’t know that I can say how Rabbi Sacks feels about it being the law but he ... would have to abide by it.” Zachary Schwarzbaum, a Gallatin sophomore and president of Hillel NYU, said Sacks is important because of his profound impact on the Jewish community and the world as a whole. “Rabbi Sacks has the ability to transcend cross-cultural boundaries,” Schwarzbaum said. “He has a remarkable capacity to relate to diverse audiences.” Sarna said Sacks’ transition to New York City is a natural transition from chief rabbi. “His dual professorships represent his duality of voice, which is rooted in the Jewish community, but carries beyond,” Sarna said.
RUDY GIULIANI (R)
DE BLASIO 73.3%
Additional reporting by Patrick Anker, Nicole Brown, Kevin Burns, Cassandra Cassillas, Billy Richling, Ann Schmidt and Afeefa Tariq. Emily Bell and Michael Domanico are news editors. Email them at news@nyunews.com.
BILL DE BLASIO LHOTA 24.3%
nomic inequality and supporting unions. The theme of rectifying New York City’s “a tale of two cities” was a major aspect of his campaign. “I think we’re going to have a real opportunity here to make sure that we solve or help create change for the income inequality ... and help make sure that New York works for all New Yorkers,” said Josh Gold, the political director for New York City union, the Hotel Trades Council. De Blasio graduated from NYU with a degree in Metropolitan Studies in 1983. Voters in the Washington Square Park area chose de Blasio. The president of NYU College Republicans and Stern junior John Catsimatidis Jr. said he was optimistic that students would become more involved in politics with a NYU alumnus as mayor. “Regardless of ideology or political party, [an NYU alumnus is] definitely nice to see and it’s definitely inspiring,” Catsimatidis Jr. said. “Hopefully it’ll generate a lot more curiosity within politics and our country in general.” The president of NYU College Democrats and Gallatin sophomore Chloe Chik said she anticipated de Blasio’s continuous lead in the polls. “It’s a good way to see that at NYU, our [alumni] are really active,” Chik said. “I think that what’s going to be a point of contention, though, is that although he’s an NYU [alumnus], as public advocate, he was against the zoning issues for NYU 2031.” But NYU politics professor Lawrence Mead said de Blasio’s victory could lead to higher crime rates, more powerful unions and problems with the budget. “[The administration will] relax the social standards in all three gears, which is crime, welfare and schools,” Mead said. “In all those areas, we will see … a return to greater disorder.” De Blasio will be inaugurated in January 2014.
Sacks is looking forward to being involved in academics in New York City. “The vibrancy of New York is something very exciting,” Sacks said. “The American Jewish community is tremendously creative and innovative in its work, and we are looking forward to seeing this firsthand over the coming months and years ahead.” Ann Schmidt is a staff writer. Email her at news@nyunews.com.
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Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks will teach at NYU in January.
Panelists discuss crisis pregnancy centers, Planned Parenthood By KAVISH HARJAI
For the NYU Law Students for Reproductive Justice’s first event of this school year, a panel of experts discussed crisis pregnancy centers and screened a new HBO documentary, “12th and Delaware.” The panel, which took place Nov. 5 at Vanderbilt Hall, featured law and social work specialists who are advocates for women’s reproductive rights. The three panelists were Sasha Ahuja, the current director of governmental relations at Planned Parenthood of New York City; Emily Kadar, the government affairs and advocacy manager at National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League Pro-Choice NY; and Stephanie Toti, a senior staff attorney at the Center for Reproductive Rights. LSRJ is a national organization with chapters across various law school campuses in the United States. Its goal is to help train and mobilize current law students to exercise their legal expertise and perform outreach. NYU’s chapter had been on hiatus for several months before being relaunched. “I was able to find a fantastic group of like-minded students committed to reproductive jus-
tice and restarting our chapter,” said Laura Ferro, a second-year law student and the chair of LSRJ. Ferro provided an explanation for what crisis pregnancy centers are and what they aim to do. “Crisis pregnancy centers provide counseling and sometimes services to pregnant women that do not include comprehensive birth control and abortion services,” Ferro said. “For the most part, CPCs are not medical facilities and workers/ volunteers at CPCs are usually not medical professionals. CPCs have been accused of deceptive practices and of pressuring women in order to prevent them from having an abortion.” Ahuja spoke about the differences between the services PPNYC offers and the services CPCs provide. She said PPNYC has licensed medical professionals to help women, whereas CPCs have reportedly told patients that abortions cause breast cancer and lead to depression or feelings of suicide. “When a woman comes into Planned Parenthood, she will sit down with a social worker and go through a comprehensive options counseling,” Ahuja said. Ahuja also spoke about the strategy of co-locating utilized by
CPCs, which she said could deceive women. For example, there is a CPC in the same building as the Planned Parenthood clinic in Brooklyn, and a CPC across the street from the Planned Parenthood clinic in the Bronx. Kadar said the number of abortion clinics in New York is not representative of the number nationwide. In total, there are 250 abortion clinics in New York state, but nationwide, CPCs outnumber abortion clinics two to one. Steinhardt sophomore Gabrielle Gunin said crisis pregnancy centers were better in theory than in practice. “Crisis pregnancy centers definitely have a place, because not everyone who is carrying an unwanted child is looking to get an abortion,” Gunin said. “Having read about the firsthand accounts of things that go on specifically in New York CPCs, I was blown away. Women are shamed for even considering abortions and pressured into pro-life options. Even though I’m sure we’re doing better than states who are dominated by Christian pro-life groups, there is obviously still room for improvement.” Kavish Harjai is a staff writer. Email him at news@nyunews.com.
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EDITED BY JEREMY GROSSMAN ARTS@NYUNEWS.COM
‘Fun’ depicts realistic, engaging portrayal of LGBTQ experience By BAILEY AYERS
The new musical “Fun Home” is a welcome addition to musical theater, a genre which has produced surprisingly few works about the LGBTQ community lately. However, “Fun,” an adaptation of the awardwinning graphic novel of the same name, details Alison Bechdel’s experiences with coming out to her family and the suicide of her father,
which happened four months later. The show recreates the world crafted by Bechdel’s graphic novel by following the story of Alison at three different stages of her life. We see Adult Alison (Beth Malone) for most of the show as she remembers the past while preparing to write her graphic novel. She revisits her childhood and young adult years through the likes of Small Alison
COURTESY OF PUBLIC THEATER
(Sydney Lucas) and Medium Alison (Alexandra Socha) as they write the journal entries adult Alison is now basing her graphic novel upon. This unique look into the life of Bechdel allows the audience to view her through different phases portrayed on a stage. Small Alison wasn’t aware she was gay, yet she sings about being a superhero and saving the damsel in distress. Meanwhile, Medium Alison has just arrived at college and is discovering her sexuality for the first time sings after her first sexual experience. But the story isn’t just about Alison. It is also about her coming to terms with her father and his mistakes. The title “Fun Home” comes from the abbreviation of a funeral home, her father’s business and the place where Alison and her three brothers grew up. Unbeknownst to the children, their father, portrayed by Michael Cerveris, was closeted himself and often had affairs with students from the high school English class he teaches. The interactions between Alison and her father are all part of the mystery that Alison is trying to solve — the question of who her father was. While the story is
BETRAYAL continued from PG. 1
completely riveting and captivating, there is something lacking throughout the performance. From the start, the story is outlined by an opening statement from Alison — “Dad and I both grew up in the same small Pennsylvania town. And he was gay, and I was gay, and he killed himself, and I became a lesbian cartoonist.” The sense of mystery that is often present in musical theater is gone and the path is set from the beginning. While the music is often a welcome break from the seriousness of the subject matter, such as the commercial jingle that Small Alison and her brothers write for the funeral home, there are a few songs that seem to have been thrown in simply for a melodic break. Despite the few moments that don’t entirely hit their beats, there is something heartfelt about a show that is as close to an accurate representation of coming out as a show can be. The Fun Home is playing now at the Public Theater, 425 Lafayette St. Bailey Ayers is a contributing writer. Email her at theater@nyunews.com.
Daniel Craig shines while Rachel Weisz disappoints in ‘Betrayal’ revival
logical order becomes the key to unlocking the mystery of the many betrayals between husband, wife and lover. “Betrayal” opens after Emma has walked out on both the affair and the marriage, and concludes with the first kiss of the affair. The masterfully built structure leaves people questioning whether human relationships can actually be honest. Craig, dressed in sweaters and khakis, feels at home on the stage. He is simultaneously terrifying and sexually enchanting to both the players and the audience. His facade of self-control, which breaks in silent, angry moments with Weisz, reveals the ever-present pressure to maintain social politeness. While Weisz fills her role nicely, she unfortunately does not probe the full complexity of the character in her first Broadway appearance. Her movements are small, coming off as meek. This becomes more apparent in her interactions with Spall and Craig, both of whom are captivating and dynamic in movement and speech. Emma, usually a powerful and enchanting character who walks out on both lover and husband, falls short next to the men in this rendition. There is no doubt that
this play is relevant and perfectly pointed for any generation. The additional homosexual overtones added by Craig and Spall in the form of a light touch or an overt line delivery makes the plot all the more enthralling. Their perceived relationship alienates Weisz further from any sort of control in the action, and leaves the stage oozing with lust. This well-executed revival is simplistically brilliant in its set design. Ian MacNeil’s flawless set glides on and off stage to the original orchestrations of James Murphy. The transitions manage to take place with both seamlessness and captivation. Within the proscenium, a deep white box is created. Within this white box, the contents of different rooms slide onstage while bedroom and living room walls descend from the ceiling, creating a diorama in which the domestic action takes place — thus intensifying the feeling that the audience is peeking into an obscured series of events. From the giant flashing date before each new scene to the sunflower tablecloth, the set is a wonderful supplement to Pinter’s play. Blair Simmons is a staff writer. Email her at theater@nyunews.com.
‘Snow’ gracefully tells story of family’s financial woes By SARAH NICHOLS
When you walk into the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre to see “The Snow Geese,” there are already actors on stage. Don’t wo-rry — you’re not late. The house lights seem oppressive before the show begins, acting as a barrier between the audience and the actors, but allowing the performers to be observed from the start. “The Snow Geese” is a graceful show without an easily foreseeable or predictable ending. Each character pursues his or her own goals in different ways and works through the various obstacles that block their path. With stunning direction by Daniel Sullivan, every character — whether fighting racism, grief, frustration or fear — is fully developed. John Lee Beatty’s sets also immensely aid the production’s aesthetic, giving it a portrait-like quality. Mary-Louise Parker sets a high
bar for the cast as Elizabeth Gaesling, a recently widowed mother of two. She is broken and lost, turning a blind eye to the financial problems in which her late husband has left the family. Her relationship with her sons showcases corrupt family habits such as parental favoritism, ignorance and neglect. But the admirable love that Elizabeth and her husband Teddy (Christopher Innvar) share in her dreams allows the audience to understand and appreciate the depth of Elizabeth’s sorrow. Duncan and Arnold, played by Evan Jonigkeit and Brian Cross respectively, are dynamic as they play off each other. As Elizabeth’s two sons, their personalities are completely different and yet inextricably linked. Their relationship is tragic, doomed from the start by parents who treated one, Duncan, far better than the other. Cross, in his Broadway debut, has several haunting moments in which he confronts Elizabeth about both
the financial problems of the family and the indifferent way in which he was treated throughout his childhood. Whenever Cross is onstage, it is impossible not to watch him — he has a magnetic and demanding presence.
Also involved in the family’s home life are Elizabeth’s sister Clarissa (the remarkable Victoria Clark) and her husband Max (Danny Burstein). Despite struggling with his German heritage and the loss of his daughter, Max remains dignified
and somewhat optimistic — his will to survive is strong despite the tragedies he has endured. Clarissa is charming and provides humor to the show through her steadfast religious beliefs and awful singing. Clarissa’s interactions with Viktorya, the Ukrainian maid played by Jessica Love, provide perspective by bringing an outsider’s view into deeprooted familial problems. Viktorya is an understated role, but with grace and charm, the character speaks of far greater tragedies happening outside of the Gaesling house — at one point she says, “There are many worse things than losing money.” Admittedly, whatever message is meant to underlie the show never quite makes it to the surface. Regardless, the fantastic cast and their acting carry “The Snow Geese” to great success.
COURTESY OF MANHATTAN THEATRE CLUB
Sarah Nichols is a staff writer. Email her at theater@nyunews.com.
Victoria Clark co-stars with Mary Louise-Parker in “The Snow Geese.”
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‘Goldfinch’ engages readers with dynamic protagonist, story By MARY HESS
It has been 11 years since Donna Tartt last graced the literary world with her dominant prose, and her return to the bestseller shelves and to the hearts of readers worldwide proves nothing less than spectacular. Her two previous novels, “The Secret History” and “The Little Friend,” established Tartt as a master of detail and storytelling, but her third book may be her best yet. At just over 770 pages, “The Goldfinch” begins in New York City and chronicles the life of Theodore Decker. The story opens on the most pivotal day of his early adolescence and ends as he reaches adulthood. Tartt’s conversational yet elegant prose prevents such a large book from feeling too dense. The piece is told from Theo’s poignant point of view, as if he is telling this story just for the reader or for anyone who is willing to hear it. He recounts the rainy afternoon he and his mother, through a series of fateful encounters, decided to go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As his mother shows him a painting she had always admired, titled “The Goldfinch,” the museum is bombed, and Theo’s mother becomes one of the many casualties. When he regains
consciousness among the rubble, Theo briefly chances upon a dying museum-goer, who gives him a ring and directions to deliver it. Hastily, Theo agrees to this request and grabs his mother’s favorite painting before escaping the debris. He is alone, without a parent and with little more than a strange ring and a stolen artwork. Theo’s gripping tragedy unfolds as this scene sets the precedent for the rest of his life. Devoted to her protagonist, Tartt guides the reader through Theo’s reactionary lifestyle, as he returns the ring and is subsequently introduced to new friends, a new home, his previously absent father and other twists of fate. The scenes and the characters change rapidly, but the two constants are Theo and the stolen memento of his mother. Various storylines and connections sprout from Theo’s life — some that thrive and some that fade. But the painting, his symbolic burden and reminder of his past, always remains. Most importantly, the reader always cares about Theo, a nihilistic and deeply flawed character who endures unrequited love, unbearable guilt and a drug addiction, all of which resonate with some of the hardest aspects of being human. He is a fully three-dimensional
COURTESY OF LITTLE, BROWN AND COMPANY
character, an appealing yet gritty individual struggling to find peace and truth in a life plagued by chance, both beneficial and detrimental. His universal struggles make him so sympathetic. “The Goldfinch” is a striking text. While it is by no means a quick read, it will certainly feel like one. Through intense and effective development, Tartt ensures her audience cannot forget the character she has created. Indeed, once the reader has endured Theo’s struggles alongside him, it is impossible to shake the experience in the wake of such a thrilling tale. Mary Hess is a contributing writer. Email her at books@nyunews.com.
‘Winslow Boy’ fails to capture intrigue of its plot, setting By SUZANNE EGAN
“Let right be done.” These are the words of a fiercely devoted father when his youngest son is accused of theft. The words are repeated by the boy’s headstrong sister when she is forced to choose between her fiance and her family. The motto also drives the family’s lawyer when he defends the boy in court — a case with unexpected consequences for his political career. The catalyst for all the trouble is 14-yearold Ronnie Winslow, who spends two hours tearfully protesting his innocence in Roundabout Theatre Company’s new production of “The Winslow Boy.” However, it wouldn’t be accurate to say the play is about Ronnie. The story also focuses on his family members and the tension the trial causes at home. The entire play takes place in the Winslow parlor, and the trial is deduced through expository dialogue. Containing what could have been a courtroom drama in the home of the defendant is clever, but unfortunately the staging is one of the weaker points of the play. The family makes several personal and monetary sacrifices as the trial drags on, but it’s hard to tell by looking at the home and its inhabitants. The parlor remains immaculate from beginning to end, showing no signs of want or
wear, and the family members remain welldressed and well-fed. The lack of change trivializes the family’s ordeal and even demeans their personal plights. The performances are commendable, but they awkwardly swing between high tension and uninspired chatter. The climaxes of each scene come off as rigorously rehearsed, while the build-up is left relatively untouched. However, the cast succeeds in capturing the warmth of a family — there’s a particularly sweet moment when Catherine (Charlotte Parry) and the elder brother, Dickie (Zachary Booth), tease each other as they dance in the parlor. Roger Rees, a Tony Award-winner for his role as the lead in “The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby,” is staunch and loving as the father, Arthur Winslow, but he is less convincing when wracked by guilt. Likewise, Parry exudes strength but stumbles when emotional stress comes into play. Alessandro Nivola achieves more success as the family’s lawyer, Sir Robert Morton. The role doesn’t demand much emotional range, leaving Morton remains one-note through most of the play. But there are moments at the end of each act where the character displays unexpected degrees of intensity, and Nivola delivers them effectively.
However, the most enjoyable performances come from Booth and a wonderful Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, who both transition from humor to drama more smoothly than their colleagues. Audiences may want to see “The Winslow Boy” for its intriguing story, Edwardian time period and “Downton Abbey”-esque
dialogue, but unfortunately this production doesn’t pack the punch it should. It will entertain viewers while they are watching the production, but they will likely forget the show soon after the curtain drops. Suzanne Egan is a staff writer. Email her at theater@nyunews.com.
COURTESY OF ROUNDABOUT THEATRE COMPANY
Ronnie, Arthur and Catherine Winslow discuss the court case in their home.
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Crossword ACROSS 1 Long part of a lance 6 Radar screen dot 10 ___-à-porter 14 Actor Quinn 15 Charlie Chaplin’s last wife 16 Singsong syllables 17 What Ali Baba found on the treasure in the cave? 20 In the mail 21 Heart of the matter 22 Simple 23 Not supportin’ 25 Down Under runners 27 Sign of a failed practice? 33 Baseball exec Bud 34 ___ trap 35 Honour bestowed by Queen Elizabeth: Abbr.
36 Sch. near Beverly Hills 37 Letter closing 39 Bar from Mars 40 Avril follower 41 Grammy-winning blues guitarist Jonny 42 In need of some manscaping, say 43 Puzzles as gifts? 47 Web site that users themselves may revise 48 Many a Rolling Stone cover subject 49 You’ll need to take steps to get to it 52 ___ sci 54 Lerner/Loewe musical set in Paris 58 Be startled by singing monks? 61 Suit to ___ 62 ___ dire (court examination) 63 Seat for a stand-up
ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE V A N E
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L I V I N G W I L L
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V E S T
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64 Coloratura’s practice 65 1990s compacts 66 What a verb ending may indicate
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DOWN 1 Suckers 2 Employ 3 Deuce follower 4 1940 Disney film 5 Big bang letters 6 Sound of disgust 7 Digs in an old warehouse, maybe 8 Prevalent, as a rumor 9 Sound of disgust 10 When repeated several times, child’s entreaty 11 Sitar master Shankar 12 Stat for 26-Down: Abbr. 13 Stun with a charge 18 Option on “Wheel of Fortune” 19 Arctic language 24 Booking 26 Cascades, e.g.: Abbr. 27 Old Renault 28 Stan’s film partner 29 Toupee alternative 30 Lose-lose 31 Car mentioned in the Beach Boys’ “Fun, Fun, Fun” 32 Hot, like a hunk
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PUZZLE BY PAULA GAMACHE
33 Cesspool 37 American, in England 38 Moving stealthily 39 Party in the parking lot 41 Classic shooter 42 Doc bloc 44 Acquires with sticky fingers 45 Crude fleet
46 Guarantor of financial accts. 49 Open a crack 50 Hippo’s wear in 4-Down 51 Eliot Ness and others 53 Home of Miami University 55 Wise to
56 Classic muscle cars 57 Archipelago part 59 “The whole family can watch” program rating 60 33rd president’s monogram
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NYUNEWS.COM | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2013 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
OPINION
EDITED BY RAQUEL WOODRUFF OPINION@NYUNEWS.COM
JUSTICE
Death sentence shows inhumanity in law By PETER KEFFER
Alireza M., a man condemned to death in Iran, recently survived his 12-minute hanging. The weeks that followed revolved around the absurd question of what to do with a man who survived his execution. The insanity of considering such a question exposes the madness and agonizing uncertainty of any capital punishment system. The country’s Islamic judiciary has been placed in the position of answering the banal question of whether Alireza’s sentence was carried out or if he should be reexecuted. The case for re-execution is simplistic. Nourollah Aziz-Mohammadi, a senior judge, asserted “when a convict is sentenced to death, he must die after the sentence is carried out.” Indeed, the man was sentenced to death, not hanging. But Alireza has also been severely punished in the same way he would have been had he died. His survival could therefore be seen as inconsequential, and another hanging could be considered an unjustified punishment.
Iran is one of 10 countries with a judicial system based in Shariah law. The complexities of Islam impede its application to legal institutions. The Quran teaches to “take not life, which God has made sacred, except by way of justice and law.” This is a clear sanction of capital punishment, but its application is, at times, inconsistent. Under Iranian law, a woman condemned to be stoned, who also manages to escape the ditch in which she was buried, can be freed. The man who has survived the hangman’s noose fits this model. A grand ayatollah has issued a fatwa, which orders the re-execution of those who do not die. It would appear that Iran’s judiciary
is now faced with answering another absurd question of whether Alireza actually died. Thanks to the ayatollah’s announcement that the fatwa should not apply, Alireza’s life has been spared. The confusing process by which this decision was reached mirrors the agonizing uncertainty of those condemned to death. The American execution of Troy Davis epitomizes this agony. Davis was executed in 2011, after three previous execution dates were all abandoned as a result of innumerable appeals. It is a hallmark of our legal system that Davis had the opportunity to challenge his sentence. But the sheer length of this process forces the condemned to continually re-evaluate whether or not he or she faces death. This is needlessly excruciating. The damage done by the executioner state is not limited to the execution. It is the inhumanity and the ambiguity of the legal procedure itself that incessantly tortures the convicted individual before he or she is killed. Peter Keffer is a deputy opinion editor. Email him at pkeffer@nyunews.com.
HEALTH
U.S. needs prescription drug monitoring By LENA RAWLEY
Prescription drug abuse is frighteningly commonplace in the United States, where approximately 80 percent of the world’s pain pills being consumed in the United States and death tolls from prescription drug overdose on the rise. The Food and Drug Administration’s recent move to implement restrictions on prescription painkillers is a necessity and could not come at a more crucial time — approximately 7 million Americans are addicted to prescription medication. From 1999 to 2010, deaths involving prescription medications have quadrupled in the United States, doubling in 29 states alone. The problem with painkillers is rooted in their accessibility and monitoring them is extremely ineffective. Over 100 million prescriptions for painkillers are given every year. A visit to the emergency room or doctor’s office with the right complaint — for example, a migraine — can result in a prescription for OxyContin. And Vicodin is given readily to patients who have just had their wisdom teeth
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extracted. While many argue that painkillers should be easily available to patients who need them, such availability can lead to abuse. Monitoring programs for prescription drugs do exist. They’ve been implemented in almost every state and are able to discover misuse by flagging whether or not a patient has visited multiple doctors for one prescription. However, these programs are rarely used. Out of the 49 states that have monitoring systems, only 16 require doctor’s offices, clinics and hospitals to participate. This is where FDA restrictions will be truly beneficial. The restrictions will re-categorize Vicodin and other powerful prescription painkillers that contain opioid hydrocodone as
Schedule II drugs instead of Schedule III. This allows for the painkillers to be prescribed much less readily, and monitoring them requires much more involvement. These new rules limit the amount a doctor can give a patient, in a 90-day supply. When refilling under the restrictions, the patient must visit both the doctor’s office and the pharmacy, so that doctor-patient prescription transactions can be recorded and abuse can be detected. The question no longer rests in the beneficial nature of the restrictions, but rather in why it took so long for the FDA to take serious action. There have been attempts at prescription drug reform since 1999. While such restrictions are long overdue, their importance hasn’t diminished. These measures will play a crucial role in calming the swell of addiction and overdoses. In the Untied States, one person dies of a prescription drug overdose every 19 minutes. Let’s not allow that number to rise. Lena Rawley is a contributing columnist. Email her at opinion@nyunews.com.
STAFF EDITORIAL
Bill de Blasio’s policies will only remain ideas
Bill de Blasio has won the New York City mayoral election. He will be the first Democrat to hold the office since 1989, and the most liberal mayor to be elected to the position in living memory. As The Wall Street Journal declared, “New York voters are about to elect the Occupy movement to run America’s largest city.” De Blasio campaigned on the theme of “a tale of two cities,” citing ever increasing income inequality among New Yorkers. His manifesto is aimed at addressing this disparity. However, after 11 years of Mayor Michael Bloomberg succumbing to Wall Street elites, de Blasio’s campaign promises are unlikely to ever translate into reality. De Blasio called inequality “the central issue of our times.” His positions on economic policy focus strongly on raising taxes on those making over $500,000, decreasing the burden on small businesses, expanding funding for the City University of New York and investing heavily in the technology industry to boost New York’s middle class. Based on de Blasio’s 40-point lead just hours before the polls closed on Tuesday, New Yorkers are confident he will be able to enact these promises. But amid the optimism, the threat of powerful Wall Street lobbyists remains. Their considerable influence on city government will likely present de Blasio with formidable obstacles in raising high-income taxes. The level of inequality demands de Blasio focus his policies around economic reform, yet the method by which he hopes to achieve this cannot be deemed effective. Expanding the waning middle class is the most practical method de Blasio can choose to address inequality among New Yorkers. But the strong financial sector that systematically depleted the middle class still has the capacity to block de Blasio’s reforms. While any attempt to address the city’s severe economic disparity is admirable, the question remains as to how de Blasio’s ideology will translate into practice. To raise taxes for high-earning New Yorkers, de Blasio will need legislative approval. This is a difficult feat given the toxic influence Wall Street lobbyists have on the process. The fundamental obstacle that threatens the change de Blasio envisions is the same force that drives New York City — its domineering financial industry. Wall Street’s legislative leverage would marginalize the influence of any mayor, but especially one who favors increased banking regulation. De Blasio’s proposals are warranted, but the overwhelming obstacle they face could mean de Blasio’s plans will remain on the drawing board.
Email the WSN Editorial Board at editboard@nyunews.com. EDITORIAL BOARD: Raquel Woodruff (Chair), Edward Radzivilovskiy (Co-chair), Peter Keffer (Co-chair), Harry Brown, Marcelo Cicconet, Christina Coleburn, Omar Etman, Nina Golshan, Nickhil Sethi
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 | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2013 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
BEAUTY AND STYLE
EDITED BY ARIANA DIVALENTINO BSTYLE@NYUNEWS.COM
Oversized sweaters offer cozy, comfortable option for cold By DEEKSHA MEHTA
When it’s cold and gray outside, there’s nothing better than lazing around in a soft, warm sweater. Thanks to some covetable pieces from the fall and winter 2013 ready-to-wear collections — like Saint Laurent’s popular, celebrity-approved oversized star sweater and Chanel’s colorful, woven separates — oversized knits are quickly becoming a wardrobe staple. Sweaters are one of the most comfortable and effortless garments, but the chunky, fluffy, textured sweaters that are so trendy at the moment can be hard to style. But with a few tips, you can incorporate daring knits into your wardrobe and compose fashionforward outfits just in time for the coldest weeks of the year. Finding the perfect sweater can be tough due to the sheer variety retailers offer, but deciding what look you’re going for first is key. For a more relaxed, grungeinspired look, go for oversized cable knits with dropped shoulders and longer sleeves, like a simple Urban Outfitters pullover ($59), or an oversized textured cardigan (Forever 21, $29.80). For a softer, lighter look, choose a fuzzy pastel-colored sweater in a cropped silhouette, like the Topshop Knitted fluffy crop jumper ($60). For a quirkier look, opt for
a multi-textured sweater, like the Anthropologie confetti striped pullover ($138), or if you’re really daring, an oversized sweater with a bold print like the Urban Outfitters “Crazy Kitty” sweater ($110). Finally, to maintain a classic look while still being comfortable, opt for a more structured knit with a dramatic turtleneck, like one sold at Zara ($80). Vintage and thrift stores also generally carry a good supply of chunky sweaters. For a great selection of vintage or gently worn sweaters, check out Stella Dallas Vintage or Beacon’s Closet. As for styling, the best way to create an outfit around an oversized sweater is to balance proportions. Pair an oversized cardigan with a tea-length slip dress and ankle boots, or during colder weather, skinny jeans, a long-sleeved tee, and tall leather boots. For pullovers, relaxed boyfriend jeans and ballet flats make a perfect casual outfit, while layering a textured pullover over a crisp, white, collared shirt gives an outfit a more proper, put-together feel. Pairing an edgy oversized sweater with dark skinny jeans, tailored trousers or a fun skirt and heels is also a great option for a dinner or a night out when it starts to get chilly. Be wary of layering too many accessories,
like necklaces, over a sweater that makes a statement on its own. Sometimes, however, adding volume with a colorful scarf gives an outfit an unexpected edge. When in doubt, let the sweater take the stage and keep hair, makeup, and accessories minimal. Don’t be afraid to break the rules of dressing, but make sure to balance both exaggerated and simple silhouettes to create an outfit that’s as comfy as it is chic. Deeksha Mehta is a contributing writer. Email her at bstyle@nyunews.com.
VIA ZARA.COM
Textured, thick sweaters keep you warm during the winter.
For skin, vitamins preferable to Accutane By HELEN OWOLABI
Whether in middle school, high school or college, having blemishes on your face is always distressing. A major factor as to why people struggle with persistent acne is because they have not found the right product for their skin type, given the vast amount of treatments on the market today. One particularly confusing product genre is vitamin skin care. There are numerous vitamins and supplements that experts claim diminish acne, improve complexion or reverse signs of aging. Then there are some vitamins that have sparked waves of criticism, such as the once popular Accutane, also known as isotretinoin. Discovered in 1979, Accutane was a vitamin A derivative pill that could significantly diminish acne
VIA FACEBOOK.COM
The FDA reports that Accutane has harmful side effects.
within three or four months of use. Accutane also had a dramatically high success rate — according to acne.org, almost 95 percent of people who completed a cycle of use with the product noticed complete or partial clearance of their acne. Such a successful treatment seemed almost too good to be true, and by the 1980s health professionals and studies warned against the use of Accutane. The drug was linked to serious side effects, such as an increased risk of depression or inflammatory bowel disease. The most detrimental and controversial was the increased risk of birth defects. By 1988, the Food and Drug Administration estimated about 1,300 babies to be born with birth defects because of Accutane. Accutane was taken off the market in 2009. There are, however, replacement versions available today, but doctors now have requirements before prescribing these products. Jessica Krant, founder of Art of Dermatology on Fifth Avenue and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, cautioned use of these Accutane-similar products. “It’s important to only take this medication under the guidance of a board-certified dermatologist who is using the iPledge program required by federal law to help regulate its use and protect patients
from problems,” Krant said. Some people, however, believe using the products are not worth the risk. Mika Caruncho, a junior in the College Arts and Science, was prescribed an isotretinoin treatment by her dermatologist, but after learning about the side effects, she immediately stopped treatment. The drug treated her acne effectively, so she said she considered continuing the regimen. But overall, she said she believed the potential side effects were too serious. The Huffington Post recommends vitamin E oil products to cure dry skin and reduce acne scarring. But it cautions use if you have acne-prone skin because the heavy product can cause additional breakouts. The body does not naturally produce a usable supply of vitamin A and E, so it’s possible to overdose when taking these vitamins orally. Topical vitamin creams are “potentially valuable,” but Krant always recommends consulting a dermatologist before using a product. “Vitamins can definitely help treat and prevent certain skin problems,” Krant said. “But in the wrong situation, vitamins can also cause a problem. It’s important to understand that too much of certain vitamins can be dangerous for your overall health.” Helen Owolabi is a staff writer. Email her at bstyle@nyunews.com.
Dry shampoo cleans hair quick, easy By ILONA TUOMINEN
When you’re running on a New York minute like most students, it’s not uncommon to wake up late and desperately need to fix your oily hair. There is no shame in using dry shampoo — washing your hair every day actually strips your hair of natural oils, which can cause it to become greasy more quickly as your scalp will try to regenerate the oils to keep your hair healthy. A mixture of aerosol propellants, absorbing agents, solvents and conditioning agents, dry shampoo is a powdery spray that absorbs oil. Here are some quick tips on which to buy and how to style.
4 Effective and Affordable Dry Shampoos 1. Dove Refresh + Care Invigorating Dry Shampoo, $3.56. An inexpensive choice, Dove is known to eliminate oil without weighing hair down further, helping hair feel lighter and more voluminous. 2. Batiste Dry Shampoo Original Scent, $8.29. Batiste offers various other scents, however you might want to stick to the neutral shampoo scent to avoid unwanted fragrances. This particular dry shampoo, a popular choice, is light, smells fresh and is on the cheaper end. 3. Psssst! Instant Dry Shampoo, $3.99. Known for its affordability, Psssst! is a solid option. The spray absorbs oil without the incor-
rigible residues some dry shampoos leave and without an obvious, overpowering scent. 4. Ojon Full Detox RubOut Dry Cleansing Powder, $24.00. While clearly on the higher end of the price spectrum, those who don’t mind paying a bit more on hair products will find this powdered variety a great greasy hair solution that absorbs oil effectively. How to Use: 1. Lift up hair in 2-inch layers and spray at the roots — or, if using powder, apply directly to scalp. Avoid spraying or sprinkling all over hair. 2. If the dry shampoo is in the form of a spray, hold it 6 inches away from your head when spraying. The goal is to disperse it evenly. If you hold it too close, the application will be too concentrated and leave your hair sticky. 3. Use the tips of your fingers to lightly tousle the roots and let it sit. Your hair should appear less oily. Dry shampoo won’t leave your hair perfectly clean and eventually washing will be a necessity, but it is a useful quick fix for bad hair days. However, you’ll want to be sure you don’t leave the house with white residue. Check that there is none left and then rush to that lecture. Ilona Tuominen is a staff writer. Email her at bstyle@nyunews.com.
VIA FLICKR.COM
Dry shampoo comes in a variety of fruity scents.