NYU’s Daily Student Newspaper
washington square news FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2011
nyunews.com
Students get chance in media with Tisch grant By Julie DeVito
Congressman Jerrold Nadler and author Jeff Madrick spoke on the economy last night and urged the nation to take action. The difference between today and the Great Depression, Nadler said, is that “we know what to do this time, and we’re not doing it.”
Courtesy of a new fellowship, four graduates of the Tisch Interactive Telecommunications Program will have the opportunity to participate in a paid research program with some of the top Internet businesses in the country. While completing the research fellowship, the students will also receive a salary for a year, and their basic needs like food and rent will also be covered. With a $250,000 donation, IAC, a company that operates more than 50 Internet businesses, including the video sharing website Vimeo, created the new fellowship program designed to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in the field of interactive media. Fellows were chosen by ITP chair Dan O’Sullivan and Tisch Dean Mary Schmidt Campbell based on academic and entrepreneurial abilities,
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A new Great Depression
Fencing teams control Hot dogs get an uspcale twist in Wall Street first home matches By Rachel Sanderson
By Mary Jane Dumankaya The NYU women’s fencing team beat Fairleigh Dickinson University in two matches (19-8, 16-11) and Drew University in one match, (25-2), Thursday night at Coles Sports Center. The men’s team also won its match against Drew University (18-9). FDU was shorthanded, bringing one foil fencer and two epee fencers to the event. Juniors Christiana Lai and Meg Dadourian had the most wins in epee with two each. NYU won five matches in epee in the first round and four matches in the second. The Knights had four wins in the first round and five in the second. Junior Jackie Leval went 4-0 in sabre. “We have some good additions, and it’s going to be a good season,” Leval said. “We did very well as a whole.” Senior captain Lisa Verzino won three matches in sabre.
The Violets won five matches in the first round and three matches in the second. The women thought their night was over after facing FDU, but Drew University, whose men’s squad was scheduled to face the NYU men, brought its women’s team too. The NYU women decided to accommodate the Drew women, fencing another round. “Fairleigh didn’t have a full squad so we [had] a lot of energy,” assistant coach Lauren Willock said. “The girls were happy about the touches that they scored, so they were excited to fence again and try to do as well. Drew was a good surprise.” The women ended with 25 victories and allowed only two for Drew. Freshman Audra Fox had three wins in foil, and freshman Ericka Persson had two in sabre. NYU’s men’s team also had a strong night in foil. Freshman
If you find yourself occupying Wall Street and in need of something to eat, walk the short distance from Zucotti Park to The Growler Bites and Brews on Stone Street. The Growler is a dog-themed restaurant that serves up delicious hot dogs, sausages, sandwiches and other small plates. Though dogs are not allowed to dine inside the restaurant, they are allowed on the outside patio and are provided with their own dog bowls. When asked about the restaurant’s theme, co-owner Anthony Malone simply said, “People love their dogs.” The atmosphere at The Growler mimicks that of a vintage pub. The wood floors are worn, and the walls are lined with antique-looking frames filled with unique portraits of dogs. Order off the restaurant’s menu or try their create-your-own hot dog station. Whether you prefer traditional relish or are more adventurous and would like to try the pineapple variety, The Growler has an assortment of toppings to appeal to any palette. The hot dogs are of higher quality than the average dog. It was perfectly cooked, the pineapple relish was refreshing and the fruity flavor offset
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rachel sanderson for wsn
This new hot dog joint is a welcome addition to lower Manhatan.
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Washington Square news | friday, november 11, 2011 | nyunews.com
Congressman Nadler talks economics with Villagers By Tony Chau In a cramped room in the Greenwich House on 27 Barrow St., the Village Independent Democrats held a forum last night to discuss the current U.S. economic crisis. Congressman Jerrold Nadler of the Eighth Congressional District and author Jeff Madrick spoke to a predominantly senior audience about the effects of high unemployment and the skyrocketing deficit on future opportunities to focus on the future of the economy. Madrick, author of thecritically-acclaimed “Age of Greed: The Triumph of Finance and the Decline of Amercia,” primarily focused on the weakening grip of the government on the economy. “It didn’t start in 2001 or 2002,” Madrick told the audience. “In my view and in my book it started back in the 1970s.” Madrick argued that the popular Reagan administration ideology, that a free market would be the solution to an oversized government, was a major contribution to the state of the current economy. “The truth is, at best, it should be a mixed picture, and free markets run amok are ba-
sically what gave us the crisis in America,” Madrick said. Nadler explained how the economy could be improved. He said the country needs to invest in infrastructure projects and reduce the unemployment rate. “The best means of reducing the deficit is to put Americans back to work and get money flowing again throughout the economy,” Nadler said. The congressman compared the current economic crisis to the Great Depression — but with just one major discrepancy. “The difference is we know what to do this time, and we’re not doing it,” he said. According to Madrick, the event was not to champion of democratic ideals, but to better to inform the public of the facts. “I think it is very important to make clear how this crisis occurred to as many people as possible,” he said. “These people are still confused, still haven’t analyzed the issues fully. They want to figure out what’s really going on because it’s a very confusing situation and people are angry.” Tony Chau is a staff writer. Email him at cstate@nyunews.com.
Students get chance in media with Tisch grant innovative research proposals and goals of impacting the future of interactive media. Once chosen for the fellowship, students participate in a matchmaking process where they meet with IAC executives who match them with the appropriate company. “The truth is that the students are sacrificing financially compared to what they could earn outside this research environment so I suspect they will use the money for the bare necessities,” O’Sullivan said. Barry Diller, chairman and senior executive of IAC, expressed his excitement for the fellowship. “It’s great we can further the
learning and experience of [NYU] students,” Diller said. Mike Kneupfel, a postdoctorate research assistant with ITP, is one of the four fellows who began his research last month. Kneupfel, who worked as an engineer before coming to New York City to focus on 3D printing and digital fabrication, is now working at Hatch Labs. He said he hopes to learn how to turn ideas and prototypes into feasible businesses. “My goal is to gain the experience to be able to launch my own projects into viable businesses,” he said. Calli Higgins, a postdoctorate re-
search assistant, worked in interactive video, digital imaging, animation and touchscreen technology and was matched with Vimeo. “I am being mentored by top executives at Vimeo, focusing on the development and production of interactive video and touchscreen technology for large scale installations,” Higgins said. “My goal is to utilize the technical skills I learned at ITP to design successful interactive experiences for the Vimeo community.” Julie DeVito is a deputy university editor. Email her at jdevito@nyunews.com.
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Hot dogs get an upscale twist in Wall Street the salty hot dog. Meals range from $6 to $15, making this new dog-friendly spot affordable — even for college students on a tight budget. If you decide to pass the street vendor selling hot dogs and venture down to the Financial District, a stop at 55 Stone St., for the Growler’s upscale hot dogs certainly won’t leave you longing for $2 street hot dogs. Rachel Sanderson is a contributing writer. Email her at dining@nyunews.com.
rachel sanderson for wsn
The pineapple relish at The Growler is a must-try.
SPORTS
Oregon looks to shake up BCS rankings with weekend clash in Palo Alto By Cole Riley With only four weeks left of regular season play, college football teams across the country have entered do-or-die mode. Conference title games, BCS positioning and the chance to play for a National Championship all hang in the balance this weekend.
No. 7 Oregon at No. 4 Stanford The Pac-12 North crown is on the line as the high-powered Ducks travel to Palo Alto to take on Heisman frontrunner Andrew Luck and his Stanford Cardinal. Since dropping its opening week matchup to LSU (40-27), Oregon has gone unbeaten. Despite dealing with many obstacles this season — most notably injueries to junior running back LaMichael James — the Ducks have rolled over their competition, including a 41-27 win over No. 18 Arizona State. James (1,061 yards and 9 TDs) and quarterback Darron Thomas (1,549 yards, 19 TDs and 5 INT) will try and match Stanford’s offensive attack, point-for-point. The one factor that separates the Cardinal from the Ducks is defense.
Stanford features the 11th-best defense in the country with 16.6 points per game allowed, and with the exception of its 56-48 triple overtime win over No. 20 USC, the kids from Palo Alto haven’t given up more than 21 points all season. Yet the team’s engines truly run on one individual: Luck. Breaking school records has become the norm for the senior play-caller who’s tallied 2,424 yards, 26 TDs and 5 INT, with a 71.3 percent passing accuracy. It’s been a sweet season for Luck and the Cardinals and Oregon’s defensive woes will turn this barnburner into a blowout. Prediction: Stanford over Oregon
TCU at No. 5 Boise State With No. 2 Oklahoma State and No. 3 Alabama on the road, and No. 4 Stanford facing a sturdy test at home, Boise State is in a position to move up in the rankings with a victory over TCU. Much has changed for the Horned Frogs since their last matchup with the Broncos in the 2010 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (17-10 loss). Their entire offense has been overhauled, their leading defensive playmakers left
for the NFL and they’ve been in and out of the Top 25. But TCU is still hanging in there with a 7-2 record and the 10th best offense in the country. Quarterback Casey Pachall (1,940 yards and 19 TDs) and tailback Waymon James (652 yards and 4 TDs) have given the Frogs hope for the future. Boise State has been awesome as usual this season. Seventh in offense (43.9 ppg) and 12th in defense (16.8 ppga), the Broncos are poised for a berth in the National Championship game. Although its 8-0 record features only one win over a ranked opponent, Boise State has beat down its competition. Heisman hopeful Kellen Moore has 2,229 yards and 29 touchdowns with 74.1 percent accuracy. His dominant season just might lead them to a matchup with No.1 LSU in the Superdome for the National Championship. Although TCU has played valiantly this year with an overhauled squad, Boise State’s offense will be too much to handle. Prediction: Boise State over TCU Cole Riley is a staff writer. Email him at sports@nyunews.com.
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Fencing teams control first home matches
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The women’s team is 3-0 on the young season. Andrew Ark won both of his matches while captain Phil Jamesson had three of the seven total victories in foil. Drew was able to win only two of the nine bouts. “We had a couple big victories against a couple of very good fencers,” said Jamesson, who went 3-0. In epee, junior Justin Powell and captain Ricky Woodward both had three victories each against Drew. NYU won eight of its nine epee matches.
Head coach Steve Mormando is optimistic about the rest of the season. “This meet is always a way to get a look at our young players,” Mormando said. “Andrew [Ark] got bronze at Temple. Audra Smith did well; Ericka Persson showed that she’s a top contender. Jackie Leval went 4-0, which we’re excited about.” Mary Jane Dumankaya is a staff writer. Email her at sports@nyunews.com.
nyunews.com | Friday, november 11, 2011 | Washington Square news
OPINION
edited by JOHN SURICO opinion@nyunews.com
international affairs
healthcare
Bloated defense budget does not ensure safety
State treament of mentaly disabled is deplorable
By Chris DiNardo While on the campaign trail, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has made it a point to criticize President Obama at every turn. As the presumptive Republican nominee, it’s all a part of jumping the gun on his general election campaign. One of the more important and constantly recurring attacks is about what he calls the unacceptable nature of Obama’s ongoing defense cuts. Let’s forget that the defense budget has risen during every one of Obama’s three years in office. Let’s also forget that spending allocated to the Department of Defense surpassed $700 billion for the first time ever this fiscal year. And why not disregard that defense makes up over half of our discretionary spending? These facts merely prove that Romney’s attacks are completely unfounded. But nowadays, if you believe that all of a political candidate’s attacks during a campaign are based in truth, you’re naïve. The more pressing issue is not the inaccuracy but rather the fact that, perceiving the statement as truth, his supporters are outraged that Obama would cut the defense budget. Critics label the president as soft on terror and call the defense cuts antithetical to American foreign interests. With that vitriol possibly affecting his
public image, the president and his party have decided that the proper response is to beef up on defense spending so as not to appear weak. Foreign policy debates turn into arguments about who can raise the budget more under the fear-based rhetoric of keeping us safe, conveniently forgetting our ever-increasing national deficit. Hence, economically untenable wars continue, and establishment Democrats and Republicans remain happy. We are not safer as a result. As Admiral Mike Mullen said, “The biggest threat to our national security is our debt.” Al Qaeda’s largest accomplishment in the past decade has been bankrupting us through military spending by systematically targeting our security fears. Combined, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq will cost over $4 trillion by the time they’ve run their course, accounting for veterans’ health care and administrative costs — not to mention the billions allotted for the drone campaigns in Pakistan and Yemen, as well as the recently ended NATO mission in Libya. What have our trillions gotten us? Thousands of American soldiers’ deaths, hundreds of thousands of civilian deaths and occupied regions in the Middle East where we are wildly unpopular? It’d be easier to defend our skyrocketing defense budget if we
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were safer as a result. This spending, however, has rendered us less secure because it is military spending, not defense spending. This is an important distinction to make. While we waste billions on domestic technology or secret prisons in Bagram , our Department of Defense is now a Department of War. To be fair, the White House has proposed cutting the projected defense budget by $400 billion through 2023, at former Defense Secretary Robert Gates’ bidding. Yet, the cuts are not so much cuts as they are a smaller percentage of growth. And $400 billion is a small fraction of the total planned spending cuts of nearly $4 trillion — mostly from federal social service programs. But defense cuts are nothing to be feared. We already spend 43 percent of the entire world’s total military expenditures, so cutting a sizable amount yearly will still allow us to be the international military superpower we strive to be. Budget cuts would force the Pentagon to prioritize and allocate the funding to the most necessary facets of security. Romney can propose increasing defense spending and troop levels all he wants, but it won’t make America any safer. Chris DiNardo is a contributing columnist. Email him at opinion@nyunews.com.
By Brittany Sherman New York State has recently reported 1,200 deaths in the past decade connected to state and privately-run homes that care for mentally disabled individuals. Equally devastating as the news of the deaths themselves is that the causes of many of the deaths have been declared unknown. Even worse, New York made very little effort to search for answers. The New York Times analyzed the death records, and what the reports found is utterly appalling. Some residents were repeatedly left alone with food and choked to death. Others were left in bathtubs and drowned to death. Some were left unsupervised, tripped down the stairs and died. The patterns found by The New York Times are simply frightening; to think that staterun programs take care of their residents so inadequately and do little to investigate the numerous deaths that result is simply astonishing. That The New York Times had to pick up this investigation is neglectful on the part of the state homes and certainly irresponsible to say the least. The only action that the homes have taken is to fire or discipline the responsible employees. While this is a step
We are currently accepting nominations for our 2011 issue which will be published in December. We would greatly appreciate it if you could nominate an exemplary student who has had a profound impact on the NYU community.
KELSEY DESIDERIO Deputy Managing Editor
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Brittany Sherman is a contributing columnist. Email her at opinion@nyunews.com.
To submit a nomination, please email the student’s name, year, school, contact information and a 150-word statement about why the student has been nominated to influential@nyunews.com by Nov. 11.
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in the right direction, it is certainly not enough. Simply firing staff is not going to fix the intrinsic problem, which clearly has to do with the quality of the state programs involved. Removing the workers responsible will not cure the deeply rooted problem. New York has no reason to have such inadequate state care programs, considering that the state spends $10 billion a year to care for the mentally disabled, according to The Times. This figure is more than what Illinois, Texas, Florida and California spend combined — all of which have substantially better programs for the mentally and developmentally disabled. How can there be such a disparity between the states? Clearly something is wrong, and the alarming number of deaths is bringing attention to the fact that changes need to be implemented. It is incredibly sad when families that trust state programs to care for their loved ones cannot rely on the state to provide adequate attention to mentally disabled individuals. The state’s negligence to the problem at hand must be addressed immediately.
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Each year, we profile 15 NYU students who have had a positive impact on NYU and the surrounding community for our Influential Students Issue.
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EDITOR-AT-LARGE
KATIE THOMPSON 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 Kelsey Desiderio at managing@nyunews.com or at 212.998.4302.