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WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS Vol. 42, No. 2

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2014

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Bronfman legacy honored at memorial

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Shapewear puts wearers in bad shape High heels bend your feet out of shape. Spanx can crush your organs. To what end? Is the perfect look for your exterior worth the pain of a damaged interior? PG. 4 FELIPE DE LA HOZ/WSN

Kenyatta delays justice in international court

By: LARSON BINZER

Our opinion editor argues that two key witnesses have dropped out of the trial of the Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta in the ICC due to intimidation from the president. In response, the court has put the trial on hold on his behalf. PG. 7 ON NYUNEWS.COM

Seahawks and Broncos face off in Super Bowl

VIA FLICR.COM

Two great teams of different skillsets are set against each other in this year’s big game. Can Seattle’s Richard Sherman hold off the Bronco’s offense? Denver’s Peyton Manning crack the Hawk’s defensive line?

“Gimme Shelter” falters as a star vehicle Vanessa Hudgens of “High School Musical” fame is hoping to get her post-teen diva career started. Unfortunately, it’s not starting any time soon with the bland and forgettable “Gimme Shelter.”

FELIPE DE LA HOZ/WSN

Bloomberg’s e-cigarette ban gets mixed reviews from NYU community Michael Bloomberg signed a law that bans e-cigarettes in various places throughout the city, citing longterm health implications. But students and professors have differing opinions on the ban.

A memorial service to honor Edgar M. Bronfman was held on Jan. 28 in Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center. Bronfman was president of the Samuel Bronfman Foundation and a supporter of many Jewish foundations including Hillel, Bronfman Youth Fellowships and MyJewishLearning, Inc. He also expanded the Seagram Company, of which he was chairman, into the World Jewish Congress. He hoped to foster Jewish educational and social programs to promote a “Jewish Renaissance,” according to the New York Times obituary. The memorial service included musical performances, an invocation, a closing by several Rabbis and a celebration speech by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Clinton had worked with Bronfman over the last several decades and was present

MEMORIAL continued on PG. 3

STORY ON PAGE 3

Dum Dum Girls showcase sleeker sound on latest album By MATTHEW MAHONEY

Dum Dum Girls are Dee Dee Penny’s band. Though there are several members of the group — Jules, Sandy and Malia are the three backing members — it is essentially Penny’s solo project. She writes the material and is the only band member on the cover of their latest album, “Too True.” Produced by Richard Gottehrer and the Raveonette’s Sune Rose Wagner, the album plucks sonic elements from the ’60s and ’80s. Compared to previous releases, “Too True” is cooler and sleeker. Upon first listening to the album, many of the tracks may seem quite similar due to the unchanging and ever-present drumming. But a second listen reveals the subtleties of the lyrics and melodies. Penny’s voice is more polished than on previous releases, and the hooks on “Too True” are just as catchy. “Rimbaud Eyes” and “Lost Boys and Girls Club,” the two songs that were released in advance of “Too True’s” Jan. 28 release on Sub

Pop Records, are infectious. “Too True” starts with the confidently smooth trio “Cult of Love,” “Evil Blooms” and “Rimbaud Eyes.” Then the album calms a bit for three plaintive, slower tracks. The Girls later regain their strength and speed through “Lost Boys and Girls Club.” The album closes on a high note with “Trouble Is My Name,” which seems much lighter than the rest of the album because the percussion only comes in part way through the song. The standout songs from this latest album are darker than in the band’s previous work, such as 2011’s warmer “Only In Dreams.” Anyone who has been following the band’s releases should not be surprised by this evolution — the first Dum Dum Girls release, a self-titled EP put out in 2008 by Zoo Records, featured gritty guitars and hazy vocals. In the song “Longhair” (from the debut EP), it is quite difficult to even discern what words Penny is singing. Six years later, the sound is much more refined, but there is still some of that hazy grit Dum Dum Girls debuted with.

Essentially, as the band matured, they gained access to better recording equipment, which is partly the cause of their sound’s evolution. The sound has evolved thanks to the band’s maturity. In 2008, Dum Dum Girls were Penny’s bedroom project, and she managed most of the work on her

own. Now there are several members of the band, which also has caused the shift. Dum Dum Girls are playing three dates in New York over the next few months, including a sold-out show at Mercury Lounge on Jan. 30. They return in late March to play the Bowery Ballroom (March 25) and Music

Hall of Williamsburg (March 26). Matthew Mahoney is a contributing writer. Email him at music@nyunews.com.

VIA FACEBOOK.COM COURTESY OF SUBPOP RECORDS

Dum Dum Girls show off more mature vocals in new album.

Penny belts out songs known for their hazy vibe.

WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2014 | NYUNEWS.COM

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Editor-in-Chief NICOLE BROWN Managing Editor

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CASEY DALRYMPLE Assistant Managing Editors

TATIANA BAEZ JONATHAN KESHISHOGLOU Creative Director

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news KAVISH HARJAI, ANN SCHMIDT arts CLIO MCCONNELL features BRYNA SHUMAN sports FRANCISCO NAVAS multimedia FELIPE DE LA HOZ copy THOMAS DEVLIN, PAIGE MANKIN web KIMBERLY HART senior editors TONY CHAU, ARIANA

DIVALENTINO, MICHELLE LIM, STEFAN MELNYK, NEELA QADIR, DANIEL YEOM

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news LARSON BINZER, SCOTT MULLEN,

1. VIA NETFLIX.COM 2. VIA CHANNEL4.COM 3. VIA BBC.CO.UK 4. VIA BBC.CO.UK 5. VIA CHANNEL4.COM

4 1. Netflix’s American remake of “House of Cards” may dominate, but the original 1990 British adaptation of Michael Dobbs’ novels is also streaming on Netflix. Where the American version is depressing and intense, the British version is downright gleeful in its depravity, mining the contrast between the grand pomp of British politics and its seedy reality for dark comedy gold.

2. Charlie Brooker’s “Black Mirror” is a cynical, hideously depressing and thoroughly brilliant spiritual successor to “The Twilight Zone.” Featuring two seasons of three episodes each, every installment weaves a different metaphor for modern life through darkly futuristic scenarios. True to its title, “Black Mirror” shows society its dark side in the reflection of a smartphone screen.

3. While most Americans will know actor Idris Elba from “The Wire” and “Pacific Rim,” his meatiest part to date has been his title role in “Luther,” a detective drama that revitalizes the tired cliché of the troubled cop with strong characters, superb acting and genuinely compelling central antihero brought to life with immense power and subtlety by Elba.

4. The King Arthur legend has been told and retold in all sorts of media, but never quite like BBC’s “Merlin.” Colin Morgan plays the title character with a fun twist — the world’s most famous warlock is a teenager, and just so happens to be a servant to Arthur Pendragon, the prince of Camelot played by Bradley James. Magic and hilarity ensue with the added bonus of a prominently featured dragon voiced by John Hurt.

5. “The IT Crowd” is so much more than its clever title, though the pun gives viewers an accurate impression of the show’s sense of humor. Starring the adorable Chris O’Dowd before we saw him in “Bridesmaids,” this series is a sort of British “Big Bang Theory,” focusing on the nerdy information technology employees of a London corporation.

AFEEFA TARIQ books/theater DYLAN JARRETT film IFE OLUJOBI entertainment BOB TEOH music JAKE FOLSOM the highlighter blog VALERIE NELSON features HANNAH TREASURE beauty & style DANA RESZUTEK violet vision blog GIANNA COLLIER-PITTS dining CHANDLER WEST sports CHRIS MARCOTRIGIANO multimedia HANNAH LUU, LAWRENCE WU video ALEX LINZMEIER

OPINION PAGE opinion editor

PETER KEFFER deputy opinion editors

CHRISTINA COLEBURN, OMAR ETMAN, NINA GOLSHAN

ADVERTISING BUSINESS MANAGER

ELLEN MCQUEEN

CIRCULATION MANAGER

CHLOE COFFMAN SALES MANAGER

ALISON LIZZIO UNIVERSITY AND ALUMNI COORDINATOR

CLAIRE MAHANY

SNAPSHOT

TODAY ON CAMPUS

SALES REPRESENTATIVES

ARIANA DIVALENTINO

Spring Club Fest Club Fest will be held today at the Kimmel Center for University Life from 1 to 7 p.m. Students will be able to sign up for clubs and learn more about ways to get involved on campus.

ADVISING DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

NANCI HEALY EDITORS-AT-LARGE

Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks The former Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom will be delivering the Inaugural Fritzi Weitzmann Owens lecture today. The introduction will be given by NYU President John Sexton and a Q&A with former White House Policy Director Melody Barnes will be held after.

Screening and Round Table Discussion This shot was taken in Westwood, N.J. Westwood in blue — a throwback to summer.

PHOTO BY ERIN KIM

The Iranian film “First Case, Second Case” (Kiarostami, 1979, 47’-53’) will be shown today at 6:15 p.m. in 721 Broadway on the sixth floor. The panelists for the discussion after the screening are Agnès Devictor, Jean-Michel Frodon, Alisa Lebow and Mohammad Salemy.

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

HANQING CHEN, JONATHON DORNBUSH, JAEWON KANG, RACHEL KAPLAN, 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 managing editor Michael Domanico at managing@ nyunews.com or at 212.998.4302.

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NYUNEWS.COM | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2014 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS

NYU students, professors split on Bloomberg’s e-cigarette ban By: AFEEFA TARIQ

As one of his last acts as mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg signed a law placing a ban on smoking electronic cigarettes at all locations where regular cigarettes are banned. Yet e-cigarette shops have still been opening up around the city. One, The Henley Vaporium, recently set up shop in Nolita. According to the text of Bloomberg’s legislation, the Food and Drug Administration has found that some e-cigarettes contain toxins and carcinogens and the long-term effects of e-cigarettes require further study. Carol Reiss, co-director of NYU Science Training Enhancement Program and professor of biology, supports Bloomberg’s law banning e-cigarettes, as well as his other healthrelated initiatives. “He is a leader in public health legislation and executive orders,” Reiss said. CAS sophomore Mike Saint-Antoine said e-cigarettes have positive effects. “[E-cigarettes] shouldn’t be banned because they help people quit smok-

ing real cigarettes,” SaintAntoine said. “One of my friends was able to quit smoking actual cigarettes because of e-cigarettes.” Saint-Antoine said Bloomberg’s ban infringes on basic rights. “I think you should be able to do whatever you want with your health,” Saint-Antoine said. “If you get sick, then that’s your own fault. Freedom and personal responsibility are a great combination.” Steinhardt junior Cayden Betzig said a benefit of e-cigarettes is that there is no risk of secondhand smoke. “My understanding is that e-cigarettes create water vapor, not smoke, and therefore do not bother anyone around the smoker and therefore should not be banned,” Betzig said. Efrain Azmitia, professor of biology at NYU, said e-cigarettes are a safe way to inhale nicotine. “E-cigarettes are an effective and clean, safe [way] to deliver the drug nicotine by inhalation,” Azmitia said. “The e-cigarettes avoid the tar and many of the carcinogenic compounds found in smoke.” Scott Sherman, professor

of population health, medicine and psychiatry at the NYU School of Medicine, noted that there is a lot of debate over the health impact of e-cigarettes. “There are different risks,” Sherman said. “You’re vaporizing nicotine which is not a terrible thing but you’re also vaporizing other chemicals to help get it into your lungs, such as propylene glycol, [which] is one chemical in the air that you’re vaporizing and nobody really knows what the effects of those other chemicals are.” Sherman said that for now there should be restrictions on the use of e-cigarettes. “I would be in favor of treating them for now the same way we treat cigs, that if you can’t smoke in a restaurant I believe that right now it would make sense to not be allowed to vape in the restaurant either,” Sherman said. “And then if the science changes over the course of a few years, then we can always change the policies.” Afeefa Tariq is a deputy news editor. Email her at atariq@nyunews.com.

MEMORIAL continued from PG. 1

Bronfman Center namesake remembered for contributions to Jewish community when President Bill Clinton awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1999. “Bill and I both believed in Edgar and in [his] cause,” Clinton said. “He was never shy about pressing forward an issue, especially in the face of injustice.” Bronfman was also celebrated by many attendees who had worked with him in his philanthropic endeavors, including Jeremy Fingerman, CEO of the Foundation for Jewish Camp of which Bronfman was on the board of trustees. “I remember his absolute compassion and his belief [in] people who had ideas — he was ready to invest in those ideas and help innovation happen in the Jewish world in particular,” Fingerman said after the service. Bronfman extended his goal to expand Jewish education and society to the NYU community when, in 1996, he founded NYU’s Edgar M. Bronfman Center for Jewish Student Life. Dana Raucher, executive director of the Samuel Bronfman Foundation, met Bronfman when she was 16. She said Bronfman was passionate about his students. “[Bronfman] had a very close relationship to NYU,” Raucher said. “He spent a lot of time there, as a student, too. He used to take classes at the Bronfman Center. He loved the students there.” The Bronfman Center is home to dozens of student groups and hundreds of programs for Jewish student life. “We are immensely grateful to Edgar M. Bronfman for creating a center in which Jewish life and leadership can both thrive and develop at NYU,” said Zachary Schwarzbaum, president of Hillel NYU. “Mr. Bronfman was a pioneering philanthropist, champion of justice and exemplary visionary.

We will continue to be inspired by his unwavering dedication and commitment to the Jewish people and the betterment of the world.” Larson Binzer is a deputy news editor. Email her at lbinzer@nyunews.com.

VIA WIKIPEDIA.ORG

Edgar Bronfman passed away in December of natural causes.

Bronx locals angered over sale of historic postal building By MIMI MCCANN

Bronx residents, along with social and political activists including Gallatin literature professor Steve Hutkins, are rallying in an appeal to the US Postal Service to stop the sale of the historic Bronx General Post Office. This post office serves New York’s 16th congressional district, the poorest congressional district in the United States. Hutkins created a blog called Save the Post Office in 2011 to raise awareness of the thousands of post offices being shut down across the country. He updates this blog regularly with posts about office closings and efforts made by citizens to prevent closings, the latest about the Bronx post office. Hutkins said post offices are under attack, and he wants to preserve them as public services. “All across the country they’ve identified post offices they wanted to sell and the Bronx is just one of them,” Hutkins said. “They claim that these facilities are too big and people aren’t using them anymore.” USPS spokeswoman Connie Chirichello said the Bronx GPO is too large and is costing the USPS money.

“We are looking to relocate our retail and post office box services into smaller commercial space in the same ZIP code vicinity as the present location,” Chirichello said. Chirichello said relocating will lower costs and make more money than consolidating the current facility would. “Eighty percent of the public polled say they would rather shorter hours at the post office if it will help keep the office, however, relocating post offices with as much excess space as the Bronx GPO benefits the efficiency and viability of the postal service in the community,” Chirichello said. Hutkins said there are more important issues at hand, including the possible inconveniences for residents if the office is relocated. It is not certain whether the new facility will employ letter carriers and parcels to operate directly out of it. Additionally, the building is a registered historic landmark, as are the murals on the building’s interior. Hutkins expressed fear that the public will no longer have access to this art if the building is sold. “The Bronx post office has some of the most famous mu-

rals painted in New Deal post offices in the whole country,” Hutkins said. The USPS is currently under investigation for their procedures in selling historic buildings. Last March, Rep. José Serrano of the 15th District of New York requested an investigation by the inspector general into the sale of the Bronx GPO to determine whether the USPS followed the correct historic preservation laws. The appropriations bill, which is passed annually and determines how much government money can be spent each year, was unveiled on Jan. 13 and called for the USPS to suspend sales of historic buildings. “I understand the USPS has a serious revenue problem and is trying desperately to bring costs in line with outlays, but selling off historic properties to the highest bidder without following the appropriate procedures is completely unacceptable,” Serrano said in a press release posted on Jan. 14. The report from the inspector general is still pending, but Chirichello said the postal service will continue with its plans to sell the building and is considering offers from possible buyers.

FELIPE DE LA HOZ/WSN

A man stands outside of the post office slated for closure. Hutkins said there is little information released on why certain post offices are being closed over others. “It’s just one of dozens and dozens that they’ve looked to sell

over the past couple years and there are many more to come,” Hutkins said. Mimi McCann is a contributing writer. Email her at news@nyunews.com.

WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2014 | NYUNEWS.COM

BEAUTY AND STYLE

EDITED BY DANA RESZUTEK BSTYLE@NYUNEWS.COM

Bloomingdale’s teams up with NFL for stylish Super Bowl By DAVID BOLOGNA

Ready to hit the field, tackle that linebacker and score a touchdown, all in a jewel-encrusted helmet? Peyton Manning might not be, but Bloomingdale’s and the NFL most certainly are. This January, the luxury department store released a collection of 48 football helmets designed exclusively by new and veteran fashion designers. The helmets, now on display at Bloomingdale’s 59th Street windows, exhibit a range of creativity from participants such as Donna Karan, Clover Canyon and Rachel Zoe. The helmets, definitely considered decorative rather than functional, are currently being auctioned online. The minimum

starting bid is $248 with prices on such helmets from John Varvatos and Alice + Olivia close to $2000. The bidding began Jan. 15 and ends this coming Tuesday, two days after Super Bowl XLVIII airs. Interestingly, not only will Bloomingdale’s give 100 percent of the proceeds away, but they will give them to a sports charity — the NFL Foundation. This nonprofit organization aims to improve the health and safety of professional athletes and young players. With grant programs for events such as their Youth Football Camp, the foundation provides funding for football programs all around the country. It helps teams find and teach certified coaches, purchase new safety gear and even rebuild fields in need.

Overall, the program takes great initiative in promoting an active lifestyle for today’s youth, but why did a fashion company become affiliated with the seemingly foreign social culture of sports? Steven Kolb, CEO of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, said the idea came partly from the Super Bowl’s location. “This is the first time that the Super Bowl will be held in the New York region, and we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate [than] by joining Bloomingdale’s and the NFL in merging fashion and sports with the creation of these unique helmets,” Kolb said. Frank Berman, executive vice president of marketing for Bloomingdale’s, added that the occasion allowed for a unique mix.

“Bloomingdales’ New York Heritage combined with the fact that Super Bowl XLVIII is taking place in our backyard gives us an opportunity to merge fashion and sports in a modern way,” Berman said in a press release. The inaugural year of the New York Super Bowl is a rather big deal for the world of sports, but the social impact reaches beyond that and touches all aspecrs of a city’s culture. For New York City, that includes fashion. While this is a blatant move to expand the brand of the NFL and the Super Bowl, it is nonetheless a move to join worlds and spread the festivities of two American traditions. David Bologna is a staff writer. Email him at bstyle@nyunews.com.

FELIPE DE LA HOZ/WSN

The Bloomingdale’s window on 59th Street showcases the helmets.

Fashion choices prove dangerous for health By HANNAH TREASURE

“Beauty is pain” is not a new concept. Suffocating corsets of the Victorian Era, precarious walks in high heels, eyebrow waxes that leave our faces red and risky plastic surgeries are proof that we tend to treat our bodies like clay that can be molded into any form we want. But with new studies revealing that shapewear, like Spanx, can actually cause internal damage to the wearer’s organs, it may be time to recognize that we’re literally shaping ourselves away from reality. The purpose of shapewear is to squeeze oneself into an outfit, but recent research has shown it is doing much more than just smoothing out the wearer’s body. “Wearing constricting clothing can exacerbate acid reflux, causing symptoms like heartburn, upper abdominal pain and regurgitation,” said Rebekah Gross, a gastroenterologist at NYU Langone Medical Center. “Severe gut injury from occasional shapewear use is likely uncommon,” Gross said. “That being said, any garment that brings out symptoms when worn is probably best left on the shelf.” Similarly, the currently trending Corset Diet requires participants to wear a corset at all times which inhibits stomach expansion and interferes with normal digestion, all in an effort to decrease appetite. Although the Corset Diet plan’s website refers to the constriction as “a pleasant hugging sensation,” there certainly is no comfort in cramping the stomach so tightly that it cannot fit normal amounts of food inside. Even the quintessential high heels are known to disfigure our

bodies. According to the American Osteopathic Association, high heels bend toes into unnatural positions, causing weight to shift forward which places more pressure on leg tendons and knees. It also affects muscles from the feet up to the lower back. CAS sophomore Jillian Branchaud said she usually avoids painful fashion decisions. “I’m willing to do things like not wearing a hat when it’s cold outside to preserve my hair or walking long distances in high heels, but for the most part I’m a stickler for comfort when it comes to fashion,” Branchaud said. Research, including these discoveries, never cease to shock us. however, that doesn’t mean people are immediately willing to modify their habits. Although painful practices like wearing shapewear and corsets are unsustainable for everyday wear, when used on occasion, the negative effects are not permanent. But of course, neither are the intended positive effects, even if the items are worn long term. Ultimately, the risks of keeping up with our society’s beauty standards are determined by the individual. “Is it worth it?” is not a question that can be answered by any amount of research, facts or figures. The real question should be who or what are we going through this pain for — ourselves, or to obtain an unrealistic ideal? It is time to start changing our own expectations because being more comfortable with who we are can transform our physical comfort as well. Hannah Treasure is deputy features editor. Email her at htreasure@nyunews.com.

OPEN HOUSE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 1 (1 to 4 p.m.) and Saturday, Feb. 8 (1 to 4 p.m.) WHERE: 838 Broadway, fifth floor Stop by to learn more about writing, blogging, copy editing, designing, taking photos and filming for WSN. Regular pitch meetings will resume on Sunday, Feb. 2, for all desks. All are welcome!

NYUNEWS.COM | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2014 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS

ARTS

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Broadway to get chilly with ‘Frozen’ stage adaptation By DYLAN JARRETT

The lights come up on a snowy stage. Icicles hang from the rafters and snow is piled artfully upstage, creating the backdrop for a chilly winter day as a young woman belts out a power ballad celebrating the cold. These are the images conjured by the news of Disney’s next theatrical venture, an adaptation of the animated-hit “Frozen.” The newest Disney movie, which opened in December, is the company’s most successful movie since “The Lion King,” which premiered 20 years ago. Disney has made a profitable business of Broadway by adapting half a dozen movies for shows, including “The Lion King,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Little Mermaid.” It only makes sense that “Frozen,” peopled with Broadway actors and a score from Broadway composer Bobby Lopez, of “Avenue Q” fame, and his wife, is the next addition. Following the company’s Jan. 13 announcement, fans of the movie immediately began sug-

gesting potential stars for the stage. Broadway veteran Idina Menzel, who voiced Elsa in the film, could make the cut, though she does not seem to be a popular pick among fans. A 42-yearold Menzel indeed might not be the best choice to play a woman who is barely out of her teens. Instead, fans are suggesting younger actresses such as Krysta Rodriguez (“First Date”). Kristen Bell, who voices Elsa’s sister Anna in the movie, is similarly not a fan favorite for the Broadway version. Unlike Menzel and the movie’s two leading men, Jonathan Groff and Santino Fontana, Bell does not have the theater credits. Yet Disney’s other adaptations have proven that Hollywood names are not necessary in a live musical. The shows are popular enough to draw audiences without a movie star’s name on the marquee. As a result, Broadway favorites such as Laura Osnes are being suggested for Anna over Kristen Bell. Regardless of the casting, “Frozen” would undoubtedly be spectacular on stage. The

snowy animation of the movie was unlike anything Disney has produced before, and watching it come to life would be thrilling. Additionally, several songs were cut from the final version of “Frozen.” Disney movies rarely have enough music to fill an entire Broadway score, requiring new music for the stage adaptations. Fortunately, “Frozen” already has additional music written. Most importantly, when “Mary Poppins” closed last year, Disney lost its last Broadway leading lady. Its three current musicals, “The Lion King,” “Newsies” and “Aladdin,” are all fronted by male characters. The princesses in “Frozen” would be welcome additions, giving young Broadway audiences two strong female characters to look up to. Elsa and Anna are brave, determined and fiercely independent young women — who better to take the New York City stage? Dylan Jarrett is books/theater editor. Email her at djarrett@nyunews.com.

American audiences fancy U.K. television By DAITA GOSWAMY

Television is a valued part of popular culture in both England and the United States — a diverse range of shows cross the Atlantic every day. Considering Hollywood’s large output of film and TV productions, Americans are surprisingly dedicated to British shows such as “Sherlock.” U.S. viewers’ obsession with their counterparts across the pond can be explained by a variety of reasons. We have a natural curiosity about a culture whose language we share but whose lifestyle is foreign. The lack of a language barrier provides an opportunity to understand cultural differences through the arts. Series such as “Downton Abbey” showcase eras unseen in the United States. Television allows us to take part in experiences we have never had, satisfying our sense of historical intrigue. This fascination with all things British is a colonial holdover felt in countries previously occupied by the empire upon which the sun never set. The phenomenon may be rooted in a desire to better understand a part of our own history that is often discussed separately. Perhaps the interest lies in a false nos-

talgia for the grandiose ways of old British life. The viewer may wish to be the stereotypically stuffy, well-mannered, tea-drinking, strongly accented lord or lady of wheresoever they please. Who wouldn’t want to live in a stately manor house outside of London and go to garden parties with the Queen? The BBC’s popular “Sherlock” attracts a wide viewership (nearly 4 million people tuned in for the third season premiere) thanks to its dark humor and quick pace, which can be hard to find in an American series. This is not to say that our VH1 and MTV shows are unsuccessful — they have charming oneliners of their own, though not the kind of quips that Sherlock Holmes would deliver. And there is no way to avoid the most obvious attraction of British TV: those terribly attractive accents. The jury is still out on whether Brits consider American accents as sexy as we find theirs, but almost everyone can agree that Benedict Cumberbatch’s voice is a gift to us all. Daita Goswamy is a contributing writer. Email her at entertainment@nyunews.com.

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THE NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD & DAILY SUDOKU Crossword ACROSS 1 Punched-out parts of paper ballots 6 It’s difficult to see through 10 Writes as a postscript, say 14 Monsieur ___ (Jacques Tati role) 15 It’s east of Europe 16 Quite an achievement 17 Cara of “Fame” 18 Senseless 19 Prefix with present 20 Stronger and harder 22 Hullabaloo 24 Common desk shape 25 Tea type 27 Barn ___ 30 Locale for an ibex 32 Error

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PUZZLE BY JACOB STULBERG

33 North African capital

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58 Florence’s river 60 Humorist Rooney 61 Downturns 62 Typesetting direction 63 Sushi fish 66 Tour grp.

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NYUNEWS.COM | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2014 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS

OPINION

EDITED BY PETER KEFFER OPINION@NYUNEWS.COM

WORLD POLITICS

Egpytian constitution means stability By OMAR ETMAN

Egyptians, in desperation, cling to whichever leader makes the loudest promises, swinging like a broken pendulum that gets stuck at opposing extremes. Hosni Mubarak’s reign was marked by inaction, so the Egyptians fled to Mohamed Morsi and his claims of peaceful theocracy for comfort. Now, in response to Morsi’s shortcomings, the Egyptian people are swinging again, this time toward General Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. To better understand the devastation a country faces in times of transition, imagine Egypt’s reality. Not long ago, the only criterion to becoming a successful presidential candidate was to not be associated with Mubarak. After the coup that overthrew Morsi, the conditions necessary for becoming a plausible candidate for president doubled. It’s not surprising, then, that the Egyptian people have sided with the military and, more recently, voted to approve the military-backed constitution. There are no other viable leadership alternatives, and the constitution is benefitical. The reformed law is a marker of forthcoming stability, one

free of religious affiliation and blatant oppression. This is not to say that the constitution is perfect — it grants too much power to the military — but most political leaders are declaring the new law a commendable step forward from the one that preceded it. The law includes clearer proclamations of equality for Christians and women and establishes that democratic elections are to be held on the local level within five years. That a staggering 98.1 percent of the population voted in favor of it is a sign that the Egyptian people have chosen a clear direction. The military, in spite of its apparent flaws, provides hope for stability. At this junction, that’s what Egypt most needs. In one scene in Jehane Noujaim’s excellent documentary “The Square,” which poignantly captured the resiliency of the human spirit during the Egyptian revolution

and the underlying tension inherent to all government upheavals, a youthful protester named Ahmed is shown sitting in the tent city that surfaced in Tahrir Square in the days following the toppling of Mubarak’s regime. Beside Ahmed, his fellow protester holds a yellow pepper to the camera and jokes, “Look how big the pepper is now that the age of Mubarak is over. During his rule, the peppers were tiny. Look how big they are now.” Stability, which the military’s constitution is going to establish in Egypt, will help the nation’s leadership meet its citizens’ basic demands. Calls for sufficient nourishment, an organized educational system and personal liberties are calls for the fulfillment of rudimentary human needs — not appeals for democracy. The Egyptian people are requesting something simpler. Ahmed’s fellow protester, smiling as he finishes his pepper, concludes, “There is hope for the future.” The newly minted constitution substantiates his optimism. Omar Etman is a deputy opinion editor. Email him at oetman@nyunews.com.

INTERNATIONAL LAW

ICC scared beyond action by Kenyatta By PETER KEFFER

In March 2011, President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta was indicted by the International Criminal Court in The Hague on five counts of crimes against humanity. He is accused of being criminally responsible as an indirect co-perpetrator for murder, forcible transfer, rape, persecution and other inhumane acts allegedly committed in 2007. Yet last week Kenyatta’s trial was once again delayed in response to the withdrawal of two witnesses. ICC Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda has stated that “currently the case against Mr. Kenyatta does not satisfy the high evidentiary standards required at trial.” These events pose a serious threat to the credibility of the ICC. The prospect that these witnesses withdrew because of intimidation demonstrates the uneasy relationship between the court and the Kenyan government. If Bensouda is unable to rebuild her case against Kenyatta, the future of the court will plunge into further uncertainty. The pre-trial proceedings against Kenyatta have been marred by Kenya’s refusal to cooperate with the court. Last September, Kenya’s

SUBMITTING TO

members of parliament approved a motion to withdraw from the ICC. As I have argued in a previous piece, this is merely a symbolic political action that would have no effect on the trial and only remove the ICC as a court of last resort. As the Rome Statute clearly states, “withdrawal shall not affect any cooperation with the Court in connection with criminal investigations.” A month later, Kenyatta himself escalated tensions when he erroneously accused the court of “racehunting” in an address at an African Union summit. It is true that cases brought to the ICC have disproportionately involved Africans, but the fact that the vast majority of defendants brought to The Hague have been delivered by their own people immediately faults any accusations of racism. In addition to these very public

events, there have been consistent reports of witness intimidation. Perhaps most striking is Kenyatta’s desire to prosecute witnesses on the grounds of self-incriminating evidence. In November, Kenyatta identified 15 witnesses whom his lawyers deemed to be “self-confessed criminals.” Such an act not only intimidates valuable witnesses but also flagrantly ignores the unlimited right against self-incrimination during pre-trial investigations. Bensouda was right to insist on necessary protective measures needed to mask the identity of witnesses testifying before a camera. Any less protection may prompt further witnesses to abandon the crippled case. Given the accused’s behavior, it is not unreasonable to assume the witnesses who withdrew were intimidated. The act of bringing a standing head of state to the docket of an international court was clearly going to have its complications. Yet, the actions of Kenya’s parliament and those of Kenyatta have intimidated the court itself. Peter Keffer is opinion editor. Email him at pkeffer@nyunews.com.

STAFF EDITORIAL

Court ruling provides opportunity for NYU

A Manhattan judge ruled on Jan. 7 that the Bloomberg administration improperly relinquished three implied public parks for NYU construction without approval from New York State, causing a setback to the university’s controversial expansion plan. State Supreme Court Justice Donna Mills’ ruling against the proposed development is expected to impede the construction plan. The expansion proposal, NYU 2031, has been a source of contention among opponents of NYU President John Sexton. Several faculties have passed votes of no confidence against Sexton, citing the expansion plan as one of their grievances. Still, in spite of past friction, the Sexton administration should view the setback as an opportunity to regain the trust of some members of the NYU community and incorporate more faculty and students — other than those already in the Space Priorities Working Group — into future endeavors instead of chugging forth. The university responded shortly after the ruling, declaring the judgment a “very positive one for NYU,” even though Mills’ ruling did show faults in the plan. The cut-and-dry verdict upheld one of six claims made, explicitly limiting NYU’s ability to proceed with construction. But the university managed a rhetorical workaround. Since all claims were not dismissed, NYU should halt all future construction. Yet the university has insisted that it will continue with plans for its largest proposed project, the Zipper building, despite the court’s reservations about other components of the plan. A piecemeal construction does not make sense in light of these recent rulings. Randy Mastro, a partner at the firm who filed the lawsuit on behalf of the opposition, seems skeptical of any construction in the near future. Mastro believes that a “piecemeal approach would constitute a new project materially different from that previously approved by the city and requiring its own separate environmental review and approval process.” Such a process would take longer than 18 months, which is when NYU officials said construction could begin. The administration should make use of this time to take further steps in negotiating with members of the university community who still have concerns about the plan. These one-sided responses from the administration have garnered criticism among some of NYU’s professors and members of its student body. The fact that the administration is appealing the court’s ruling lends reason to believe that all is not “very positive” for NYU 2031. Rather than attempting to misrepresent the implications of Mills’ decision, the university should acknowledge its very real drawbacks. In doing so, they may find room for reconciliation within a defeat before the court.

Email the WSN Editorial Board at editboard@nyunews.com. EDITORIAL BOARD: Peter Keffer (Chair), Christina Coleburn (Co-chair), Omar Etman (Co-chair), Nina Golshan (Co-chair)

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