NYU’s Daily Student Newspaper
washington square news Vol. 42, No. 59
thursday, September 11, 2014
nyunews.com
new york fashion week spring/summer ’15
nyfw spread on PG. 6-7 photo by emily harris
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Washington Square news | thursday, september 11, 2014 | nyunews.com
on the side
Compiled by the
WSN staff
Never forget
Washington Square News Editor-in-Chief
nicole brown via blogspot.com
Managing Editors
emily bell dana reszutek Assistant Managing Editors
casey dalrymple bryna shuman Web Managing Editors
cicek erel kavish harjai Creative Director, Special Editions
lyanne natividad Creative Directors
Julie ciccone olivia martin
senior staff
news JOHN AMBROSIO, VALENTINA
DUQUE BOJANINI features HANNAH TREASURE arts ALEX GREENBERGER sports CHRIS MARCOTRIGIANO copy THOMAS DEVLIN multimedia SHAWN PAIK under the arch blog JONATHAN
KESHISHOGLOU social media ARIANA DIVALENTINO senior editors TESSA AYSON, SCOTT MULLEN, VALERIE NELSON, NEELA QADIR, DANIEL YEOM, MARINA ZHENG
deputy staff
news LARSON BINZER, RAHUL
KRISHNAMOORTHY, MARITA VLACHOU features BAILEY EVANS beauty & style DAVID BOLOGNA violet vision blog GIANNA COLLIER-PITTS dining REBECCA RIDDLE film ISABEL JONES entertainment IFE OLUJOBI music ALEXA SPIELER theater/books NIKOLAS REDA-CASTELAO the highlighter blog MARISSA ELLIOT LITTLE sports TONY CHAU multimedia hannah luu
above Photo by Christian Forte
Above photo by reeca soriano
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deputy opinion editors
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opinion editor
CHRISTINA COLEBURN
I was at the subway on Herald Square. I saw all these people running, but I thought it was just because it was the morning rush. If I had looked over to where the towers were, I would have seen it. But I didn’t realize what was happening until I got to my office. I was in school. All I remember is that all the kids were getting picked up by their parents. I guess everyone was scared and they didn’t want their kids out there.
opinion page
OMAR ETMAN, ADAM FAZLIBEGU, TESS WOOSLEY
advertising business manager
ALISON LIZZIO University and alumni coordinator
claire mahany
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sales manager
ARIANA DIVALENTINO sales representative
ETHAN JACOBS Sales associate
emma howcroft Graphic DesignerS
jillian branchaud KALEEL MUNROE circulation manager
JESSICA TIEN
advising
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I was a cop at the time. I was right here then. Lost 14 guys out of my unit.
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
NANCI HEALY EDITORIAL ADVISER
JIM LUTTRELL EDITORs-AT-LARGE
KRISTINA BOGOS, rachel kaplan, MICHELLE LIM, CLIO MCCONNELL, jordan melendrez, jonathan tan
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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 the managing editors at managing@nyunews.com or at 212.998.4302.
staff photos by felipe de la hoz
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nyunews.com | thursday, september 11, 2014 | Washington Square news
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Presidential search committee, listening times announced
staff graphic by kavish harjai
By Christine Park Staff Writer With John Sexton’s 14-year tenure as NYU President scheduled to end in May 2016, the Board of Trustees has initiated the search for a new president, establishing a Presidential Search Committee comprising trustees, faculty, deans, students and one administrator. William Berkley, the incoming chair of the Board of Trustees, was appointed leader of the committee and has since announced the first search committee meet-
ing to be held on Sept. 15. “We are committed to creating a search process that generates confidence as well as draws upon the insight and wisdom of the many facets of our community,” Berkley said in a statement on Sept. 4. The committee will hold listening sessions for faculty on Sept. 16 and Sept. 30, students on Sept. 19 and staff and administration on Sept. 30 to provide a forum for students and faculty to express their opinions on the next university president. Associate professor Dimitri Landa
said NYU should look to other universities as inspiration for the search. “[Ask] people at other universities that are NYU’s peer institutions,” Landa said. “When they’re doing presidential searches, do their search committees look roughly like our search committee?” Stern sophomore Alejandra Segovia said she would like a president who listens to what the students want and mentioned the increasing costs to attend the university as an ongoing concern. “Like many other students, [I wish the president would] give
more financial aid, maybe stop the expansion that is causing so much as increasing tuition and such,” Segovia said. Other concerns include how the committee will represent the whole NYU community as a unitary factor. The ratio of board members, students and faculty on the committee is meant to minimize disproportionate representation of ideas and preferences in selecting a new president. Professor and coordinator for the search committee and professor Ellen Schall said the committee
is excited to hear the opinions of members of the NYU community. “Any presidential transition is an important event in the life of an institution,” Schall said. “I know the members of the Committee are looking forward to hearing from members of the university community, and to finding a superb successor for John Sexton who will continue NYU’s extraordinary academic advancement.” Email Christine Park at news@nyunews.com.
Real-life Wolf of Wall Street speaks about redemption By Julian Espinoza Contributing Writer
The Forum on Law, Culture & Society at NYU School of Law and 92nd Street Y hosted a panel last night with real-life Wolf of Wall Street Jordan Belfort that covered financial fraud, public corruption and the nature of Wall Street and finance in the United States. The panel took place in the Kaufmann Concert Hall. Thane Rosenbaum, a senior fellow at the NYU School of Law, moderated the discussion. The panel, which also included Daniel Alonso, a former U.S. assistant district attorney who helped convict Belfort, and Kelly Evans, co-anchor of CNBC’s “Closing Bell,” discussed Belfort, a former Wall Street stockbroker convicted in 1999 of fraud and money laundering.
In his introduction, Belfort said events like this, which are part of his speaking tours, are part of his redemption. “I’m turning over all the profits to the people who have lost money,” Belfort said. Rosenbaum began by asking Belfort about the status of his conviction and the efforts he has made to redeem himself. Rosenbaum probed Belfort on the authenticity of his depictions in both his 1998 memoir, titled “The Wolf of Wall Street,” and the popular 2013 film of the same name by Martin Scorsese. Much of the panel’s discussion revolved around the film, specifically its message. In response, Belfort said the movie leaves the audience to draw their own conclusions. However, he added that he believes the movie could convince people that the lifestyle he
maintained was immoral. Evans, however, suggested that the film glorifies the debauchery portrayed and can serve as a poor source of inspiration for people going into the financial industry. “I’m not sure that it’s a problem specific to Wall Street,” Evans said. “I think, unfortunately, that what we see in movies gives us a sense of what it looks like when money is thrown around and the human mind has been devalued.” Matt McDonald, 28, used to work in finance and agreed that Belfort’s story influenced his decision to study business in college. “To Kelly [Evans’] point, I think a lot of kids these days go into finance thinking it’s some kind of glamorous occupation,” McDonald said. “I
guess it’s not really what it used to be.” Rosenbaum also discussed accountability in the financial world, asking the panel what they thought about the outcome of Belfort’s case. He went on to say Belfort was originally facing the maximum sentence for his crimes, even after cooperating with prosecutors. Rosenbaum also pointed out that some people might argue that Belfort’s sentence was actually too weak, given the severity of his crimes. “Prosecutors are supposed to do what they believe is right; that’s in the best interest of justice,” Alonso said. “And they’re supposed to do it without fear of favor.” Email Julian Espinoza at news@nyunews.com.
via facebook.com
Jordan Belfort sat on an NYU Law- and 92nd Street Y-hosted panel on Sept. 10.
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Washington Square news | thursday, september 11, 2014 | nyunews.com
Traffic cameras introduced to promote safer driving By Alanna Bayarin Contributing Writer
The city announced on Tuesday that it would be installing the first new traffic cameras near PS 95 in the Bronx as part of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s recently implemented campaign, Vision Zero. The cameras were paid for in part by a $25 million grant given to the Vision Zero project by the U.S. Department of Transportation, which was also announced the same day. De Blasio’s initiative aims to hold drivers accountable for vehicular accidents. In a letter from the mayor, de Blasio said greater accountability is needed when it comes to car accidents. “The fundamental message of Vision Zero is that death and injury on city streets is not acceptable, and that we will no longer regard serious crashes as inevitable,” de Blasio said. “Speeding is the leading cause of traffic fatalities in New York, so we have to go to the heart of the matter.” Jose Bayona, deputy press secretary for New York’s Department of Transportation, said de Blasio’s close work with the department is making the crosswalks safer. “The mayor has been working very closely with the Department of Transportation for Vision Zero,” Bayona said.
“Pedestrian and cycling fatalities have drastically decreased in New York City.” CAS sophomore Justine Kim said de Blasio’s initiative will help prevent dangerous situations in the future. “I’m glad that New York City is making an effort to make it safer for pedestrians and bikers, considering that is how most of New York City gets around,” Kim said. “I was walking to class once and almost got hit because a taxi driver refused to slow down until the very end.” Manhattan resident William Penney, 25, said new speed cameras will help reduce car accidents in New York, but not eliminate them. “It seems like almost every day that I come close to being hit by a car in the city, and it always seems to be a car or taxi speeding in order to make a red light,” Penney said. “I always think driving in the city will be crazy, but I think these cameras could definitely help improve pedestrian safety.” Stern freshman Carina Escobar questioned the potential effectiveness of the cameras, saying the manner in which people drive is the real problem. “I don’t think these speed cameras will make too much of a difference in the safety of
photo by christian forte
New cameras have been placed above traffic lights around the city. pedestrians and bikers,” Escobar said. “It’s not so much the speed at which they are going at that makes them dangerous. It’s the way they drive when they turn corners or try to turn into a street only to be blocked by crowds of pedestrians.”
Tisch freshman Alex Lu said pedestrians need to be more mindful of their surroundings when crossing the street. “I think speed cameras are a step in the right direction, teaching people what they can and can’t get away with,” Lu
said. “I think students, pedestrians and cyclists simply need to be more careful because in this city, everyone’s in a rush to get somewhere.” Email Alanna Bayarin at news@nyunews.com.
NYU ballet center takes main stage after receiving grant By Amanda Morris Contributing Writer
photo by aditi ramesh
The center will host classes and lectures once it opens on Sept. 22.
The Center for Ballet and the Arts will officially open at NYU on Sept. 22, following a $2 million grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The center aims to combine ballet and scholarly research in order to generate new ideas about the medium and expand the way in which ballet is thought about. Jennifer Homans, founder and director of the center, said she hopes the center will provide a place for artists and scholars to meet, work and produce. “The idea was really how to bring together the world of ballet as a performing art with the world of the university as a major research institution,” Homans said. “The point of the center is to create new ballet and new scholarships — better ballet and better books.” In her recent book “Apollo’s Angels,” Homans identifies the causes of ballet’s current state of drift. After the release of Homans’ book, Mellon Foundation vice president Philip Lewis said they wished to be a part of the solution to revive the art. “We think that ballet as an art form stands to benefit from the kind of study the center will promote,” Lewis said. “We hope the center will spark renewed interest in ballet and generate connections between the study of dance and
other programs for the study of the arts at the university.” The center seeks to create programs that will foster public conversations between artists and intellectuals, including open ballet classes taught by master choreographers, an annual public lecture on the subject of dance and the Resident Fellows program, which brings in artists and scholars to think, collaborate, learn and create together. One member of the program is filmmaker Frederick Wiseman, who will be collaborating with choreographer James Sewell to make a ballet out of Wiseman’s first film, “Titicut Follies.” In doing so, Wiseman hopes to make more modern ballets that could possibly attract new audiences. “So often ballet has to do with subjects that don’t have anything to do with what’s going on in the world, it’s not often contemporary,” Wiseman said. “It doesn’t deal with what’s in the real world.” The ballet is scheduled to be performed in spring of 2016 and Wiseman is hoping that it will tour around the country. Lewis said the grant given to the center may be renewed once or twice, should the foundation find the center’s results promising. But, over time, NYU will be expected to assume responsibility for the financial support of the center. In the long run, Homans hopes
Courtesy of Shonna R Keogan
Jennifer Homans, founder and director, has bright ballet ideas. that the center will be able to change the perceptions of ballet that currently exist. “Our goal at the Center for Ballet and the Arts is twofold,” Homans said. “To break open the increasingly narrow world of ballet as a performing art and bring to it new ideas and the full resources of a major resource university, and to bring ballet into the university as a serious subject of study and research, establishing it as a field within the arts and sciences.” Email Amanda Morris at news@nyunews.com.
nyunews.com | thursday, september 11, 2014 | Washington Square news
FEATURES
edited by hannah treasure features@nyunews.com
Danziger discusses meditative writing
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Quintessential people of Washington Square Park
By Hannah Treasure Features Editor NYU students spend many an afternoon in Washington Square Park. Whether just walking to their next class or grabbing lunch with a friend, frequenters of the park begin to recognize the same faces of the community under the arch. Here are some of the most influential people around the square.
1. Piano Man
photo by james park
Actress Maia Danziger addresses the crowd at Gallatin. By Zoe Thompson Contributing Writer Emmy Award-winning actress and NYU alumna Maia Danziger returned on Sept. 5 to the Gallatin School of Individualized Study to discuss her meditative writing program, Relax and Write. Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis in 1994 led Danziger to develop the program. “I was bald, exhausted and terrified,” Danziger said during the discussion. “It took me out of the flow of creativity. I needed to dig deep and see what could lead me forward.” Post-diagnosis, Danziger used writing as a form of processing and she eventually became open to life’s new possibilities. “I want my life to be a work of art,” she said. “I will care that I lived well, not about the art I leave behind.” Her new philosophy included the creation of Relax and Write, which is based in Los Angeles. Relax and Write combines the sense memory acting technique with the meditative processes Danziger acquired when practicing with monks in the Dalai Lama’s monastery. Screenwriters, awarded actors and members of the public have attended the program. Additionally, Danziger, who founded the Actor’s Company Theater in New York, incorporates pro-bono work, which uses creative writing to encourage the healing process in other breast cancer survivors. “I teach five days a week for a captive audience,” Danziger said. “I’m performing and hearing stories, and I’m always on the edge of my seat.” The methods used in the program aim to access the uncon-
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scious mind in order to enable the individual to enter a deep, relaxed state, which in turn provides an openness for creativity. “When you become practiced accessing the unconscious, all forms of writing are enhanced, not only creative writing,” said Gallatin professor Laurin Raiken, who organized the event. “When writing nonfiction, one is often inspired by the imagery that emerges from the unconscious, but then uses the filtering process of our conscious attention to make effective use of such imagery in such disciplines as journalism and critical essays.” Though artists are often critical of themselves, the program aims to help them open up to their creativity and embrace it. “[Writing from the unconscious] means attempting to write underneath and beyond the normal critic we each have in our heads in our everyday rational consciousness,” Raiken said. “It means allowing images, feelings and ideas to manifest themselves on behalf of one’s search to go beyond normal boundaries, despite whatever blockages, resistance or criticism one’s consciousness or superego critic might attempt to impose.” Through Relax and Write, Danziger’s work was positively affected, and it helped her find herself after dramatic life challenges. “Jumping down the rabbit hole of the unconscious is the single most life-changing thing I ever did,” Danziger said. Email Zoe Thompson at features@nyunews.com.
Weekends studying or having a picnic in Washington Square Park would not be complete without the harmonious sounds of a baby grand piano. Since the summer of 2007, self-proclaimed Crazy Piano Guy Colin Huggins has been setting up his instrument almost every Saturday and Sunday to play famous classical pieces. He has also released his own classical album, including improvised pieces from the park and subway stations, as well as etudes from Rachmaninoff and Chopin.
2. Tic and Tac
4. Saxophone Player
Kareem and Tyheem Barnes, also known as Tic and Tac, are known for their entertaining performances in Washington Square Park. Their style is a mix of flips, acrobatics, breakdancing and stand-up comedy. The twins have been working on their dance moves since they were just 6 years old. By age 10, they started performing on their own and even became third-quarter showmen for the Harlem Globetrotters. Most Saturdays you can catch Tic and Tac performing at one of their three to four shows.
Nothing makes you fall into an upbeat New York walk like the soulful tunes pouring out from one of Washington Square Park’s saxophone players, Dusty Rhodes. His beautiful tone has been formed from years of work — he began with flute at the age of 9 and then continued learning with clarinet, bass clarinet and saxophone. If you happen to be in the park in the morning, you may have the chance to listen to Rhodes perform by the Garibaldi statue.
3. Pigeon Men Larry and Paul, each independently dubbed a Pigeon Man, give a new face to this typically avoided bird. The pigeon men can be found on park benches, usually covered in pigeons. Onlookers will feel either a strange sense of calmness from seeing an unlikely bond with nature, or just feel extremely uncomfortable.
5. Doris the Activist Doris Diether, often found near the puppeteer Ricky Syers, has been a longtime friend and activist in the park. She speaks with a quiet, elderly voice but shows off a huge smile when she talks. When New York City was considering banning musicians and performers in the park, Doris was one of the main protesters and ultimately helped keep the ban from taking effect. Email Hannah Treasure at htreasure@nyunews.com.
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Washington Square news | thursday, september 11, 2014 | nyunews.com
best of New york fashion week ss ’15 A Moi
Harbison
friday, sept. 5
saturday, sept. 6
By Gabriella Bower and Molly Legrow Contributing Writers
By David Bologna Beauty & Style Editor Meet Charles Elliott Harbison, founder and creative director of rapidly rising label HARBISON. After launching the line in 2013, it is safe to say that Harbison is going places, and he certainly deserves every moment of his fame. Premiering at Milk Studios alongside other esteemed designers such as Jonathan Simkhai and Koonhor, HARBISON’s Spring/Summer 2015 collection encapsulated the meticulously polished modernity that one strives for in a complete outfit. Perfectly color-blocked palettes complemented each other, working in harmony to create sharp looks that demanded rather than begged for attention. In one memorable outfit, a sky blue wool-crepe sleeveless trench coat sat comfortably over a matching pair of double-faced cotton trousers and a white silk chiffon men’s shirt. Another standout look was a
Flooded with natural light, the Refectory inside the High Line Hotel served as a perfect backdrop for the A Moi Spring/Summer 2015 collection. White platforms stood in the center of the room, allowing one to clearly see the dark wood-paneled walls. The simplistic runway foreshadowed the minimalistic show from designer and founder Alejandra Alonso. As models began ambling down the runway with vintage badminton rackets, the audience felt as though they were people-watching somewhere in the French Riviera circa 1930. Continuing with Alonso’s nostalgic theme, one eyecatching dress seen on the runway was reminiscent of the looks of fashion icon and first lady Jackie Onassis. With its simple navy tone, the dress hugged the model’s body at the most flattering points. It was divided into two parts with a cinched belt to lengthen her frame. The look exuded continuity of both color and shape all the way down to the vivid pop of yellow in the shoes. The contrast of these warm and cool colors worked to reflect Alonso’s nostalgic vision of family summer getaways in the seaside town of Biarritz, France from her home in Madrid. When asked what the designer’s favorite look in the collection was, she said, “The one piece jumpsuit … [is] for sure my favorite piece. It is tailored and brings modernity to the versatile woman. You can wear it with flats or with heels to an event.” Overall, the collection embodied the designer’s Spanish heritage as well as the modernity of New York, where she currently resides. The A Moi Spring/Summer 2015 collection was appropriately named “Reflections” because of its explicit translation of Alonso’s life into each and every piece. They say home is where the heart is, but, with this collection, home is what you wear. Email Gabriella Bower and Molly Legrow at bstyle@nyunews.com.
wednesday, sept. 3 By Ariana DiValentino Social Media Editor
photo by ariana divalentino
The cool, posh spirit of a 1960s-era resort was eminent in David Hart’s Spring/Summer 2015 collection. Citing Palm Springs as inspiration,
Email David Bologna at dbologna@nyunews.com.
photo by Rachel Lipka
PHOTOs BY TESS FRIES
David Hart
simple mosaic wool coat finished in a tame shade of navy. A front panel blocked in sky blue added shapely form while a wool shoulder drape in red fastened with the double-breasted buttons for dimensional volume. Other notable pieces included a navy and black stretch bodysuit paired with a belted robe coat, along with two looks that included jewel-encrusted details flanked by three-dimensional floral embellishments. Pinstriped tunics hidden beneath matching pinstriped trench coats redefined spring with the elegance of fall but still seemed just right for the season of new beginnings. A silk twill jumpsuit of gold with a plunging neckline featured a bow-belted waistline and an on-trend flared hemline. As Harbison continues to mature and the sophistication of his label evolves, it will be riveting to watch the seasonal visions of this modernist up-and-comer take form.
preppy, fresh and well-tailored suits met floral-print short-sleeve buttondowns and straw fedoras, while unbuttoned bowling shirts stood alongside richly saturated purple and sky blue suits in shiny silk and mohair. Consistent with the line’s past collections, the precise fits and cheerful but tasteful color palette was consciously vintage-inspired. The use of whimsically outdated mod atomic prints came across as entirely creative and not at all campy, due to its pairing with classic, polished cuts and carefully chosen colors.
Hart’s collection eschewed gimmick for instead a unique spin on old styles. Clear-plastic, rounded sunglasses with blue lenses by Moscot added a modern touch and exemplified the line’s glamorous signature, while Teva sandals made the best use of the New York fashion scene’s unending fascination with normcore. Wearable may not be the first word that comes to mind, but it certainly is not the last for these colorful but cool looks. Email Ariana DiValentino at bstyle@nyunews.com.
Backstage pass: NYFW from behind the runway
nyunews.com | thursday, september 11, 2014 | Washington Square news
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By Jordyn Payne Contributing Writer Whether you are one of the lucky few who attended the shows or just spent hours scrolling through style.com, it was easy to become lost in the dizzying fantasy of New York Fashion Week. However, from a working girl’s perspective, the appeal lies not in what the show-goer sees as a model glides down the runway, but rather in the chaos that occurs backstage. I’ve had the opportunity to work backstage at shows since the age of 17 and, with each new season, I find
myself longing to be surrounded by a bevy of creative talent more than I desire to sit front row. Perhaps that simply comes with the gratification of seeing hard work pay off. After assisting designers and stylists for days, weeks or months in preparation for a show, those precious few minutes during which the collection makes its way down the catwalk are everything. That is not to say that working backstage is as glamorous as one might think. Days before the collection even hits the stage, time is spent casting the right models for the show; fitting garments that took months of inspiration, research,
Mara Hoffman designand production; styling every look to fit the story the designer wants to tell; and creating a seamless lineup of the right looks to send the most accurate representation of the designer’s vision to an audience that probably has about 10 more shows to attend that day. These are all of the meticulous decisions that must be made before the show rolls around, as there is absolutely no time to waste backstage before showtime. Email Jordyn Payne at bstyle@nyunews.com.
spotted: Street style
PHOTOs BY JORDYN PAYNE
staff photo by shawk paik
saturday, sept. 6 By Gianna Collier-Pitts Violet Vision Editor Accompanied by drum beats and hypnotic melodies, Mara Hoffman calmed and intrigued spectators at Lincoln Center with a lighter color palette and softer silhouettes in her Spring/ Summer 2015 collection. Called “The Sunrisers,” the collection drew influence from the West Coast with cotton shift maxi dresses and longbrimmed baseball caps with ribbons hanging from the back. Southwestern vibes made an appearance in the form of restructured cream-colored cowboy hats and a pastel terracotta-printed jumpsuit, as well as several potted cacti positioned at the start of the runway. There were even some Japanese-inspired prints featured in a sleeveless maxi dress with a red sun motif and circular blue wave print. Many pastel shades and an array of prints were present this season, while brighter shades were exhibited in the form of accents to a handful of cutout and sheath dresses with bull’s-eye designs. One standout look with bolder col-
oring included an ocean blue linen button-down with circular rainbow detailing on the back and front, with matching blue palazzo pants. Other notable looks included a harvest leaf-printed double-strap bandeau dress and a loose-fitted bird embroidered maxi dress. Odes to her previous collections and signature aesthetic could be seen in her faded rainbow bikini and one-piece, as well as a full-length printed maxi dress with contrasting halfmoon prints. Hair and makeup remained equally fresh and toned down, as models showed off messy braids and nearly nude faces accentuated with strong brows. Hoffman noted prior to the show that there would be a shift to “lighter and brighter” for this season’s looks, which proved successful overall. The collection concluded with a final walk to the tune of “Let The Sunshine In,” a welcome burst of energy to contrast the more laid-back cuts and ensembles of her newest collection. Email Gianna Collier-Pitts at gcollierpitts@nyunews.com.
Photos by Chris Klemens
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Washington Square news | thursday, september 11, 2014 | nyunews.com
arts
edited by alex greenberger arts@nyunews.com
On-screen chemistry Actors in ‘The Drop’ bring depth excels in ‘Disappearance’ By Jim Muntisov Contributing Writer
By Nomko Baatar Contributing Writer
First-time feature film director Ned Benson’s “The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Them” captures the delicate intricacies of a crumbling relationship. None of the romance is sugarcoated, and because of the intense performances, the pain of trying to fix a failing relationship is genuinely palpable. The film brings together two films, “Her” and “Him,” which take the viewers on an experience through the eyes of both halves of a couple — first through Eleanor Rigby’s (Jessica Chastain), and then through Conor Ludlow’s (James McAvoy). These two films, revealed at last year’s Toronto Film Festival, existed before the unification of the two as “Them.” “Him” and “Her” will be released on Oct. 10. “Them” has a seemingly simple plot — Eleanor and Conor, a married couple of seven years, are drifting apart, dealing with an unknown tragedy in different ways. The viewers do not know what the tragedy is at the start of the film, but they also do not need to understand it. “Them” is about Conor and Eleanor’s unique love for each other. Their relationship works in ways that only they can comprehend. Conor and Eleanor dance to a song only they can hear. Their actions, thoughts, interactions and observations of each other all symbolize a love only they can understand. And yet, the moments when they seem to understand each other are followed by the pain of a lost connection, one that they once felt and long to reestablish. Chastain and McAvoy have onscreen chemistry that feels real. Side-by-side, they deliver raw and powerful performances. Chastain remains convincing and lovable, whether portraying Eleanor in the
via twcpublicity.com
Jessica Chastain plays Eleanor Rigby in the film. present or the pre-tragedy past. The two riveting leads are supported by an amazing cast that includes Viola Davis, Nina Arianda, Bill Hader, William Hurt and Isabelle Huppert, all of whom put the final dramatic touches on the film. “Them” connects to its audience on a larger scale with examples of love, relationships and tragedy, as well as loneliness and the solitude found in regaining independence. It ultimately shows that while happy experiences are always shared with loved ones, a tragedy often isolates a person, and once that happens, it is irreversible. Viewers will have their own subjective experience of the film and see what they want to see because, in the end, the film is not only about Eleanor and Conor — it is a universal story about how every couple finds their own private language based on shared experiences. Hints and clues as to what has happened to Eleanor and Conor are peppered throughout the film, and it culminates in a devastating emotional blow that unveils the couple’s past. “The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Them” serves to remind the audience that emotions and experiences are always shared, and no one should have to go through a tragedy alone. Email Nomko Baatar at film@nyunews.com.
In Michaël Roskam’s second feature, “The Drop,” the central plot points involve an adorable puppy and brutal violence. It is a weird combination that allows the film to distinguish itself from the average crime film. Bob (Tom Hardy) is a Brooklyn bartender who finds an injured puppy in the trash and begins to care for it with the help of Nadia (Noomi Rapace). That sounds simple enough, but that is only half of the film. The other half is about the criminal activities linked to the bar where Bob works. With the help of former bar owner and Bob’s cousin Marv — played flawlessly by the late, great James Gandolfini — the two handle money drops for criminal organizations in Brooklyn. “The Drop” is based on a short story by best-selling mystery writer Dennis Lehane (“Mystic River,” “Gone Baby Gone”), and was adapted by Lehane himself. Unlike Lehane’s fiction writing, the film is smaller in scale and more intimately concerned with characterization. In a surprise performance, the film’s most valuable player is Hardy. He channels his inner Ryan Gosling to create the broodiness needed to play his lonely, sometimes-detached character. The demeanor he exudes in “The Drop” transforms Hardy’s commercial image into one of a seasoned actor. His mannerisms, which include an uncharacteristic softness, show that Hardy truly connects with his character. Boasting a performance almost as layered as Hardy’s, James Gandolfini does some of his best work in his final film role. The banter between Hardy and Gandolfini is such a joy to watch that it elevates any scene where the two are in conversation. Though it is a shame that it is Gandolfini’s last role, his dynamic with Hardy makes it memorable.
via wikipedia.org
The film’s plot revolves around criminal money drops. The supporting cast does not reach the heights of the two leads, but it is still formidable. Noomi Rapace plays her role to her best abilities, but her reformed drug addict yearning to leave her dark past behind is too familiar. It is irritating that the one major female role does not stand out, even with a great actress at the helm. Unlike the misused Rapace, John Ortiz, James Frecheville and Matthias Schoenaerts (the lead in Roskam’s first feature “Bullhead”) all stand out, even with little screentime. But “The Drop” is not just about its performances. The opening shot of the Brooklyn Bridge reflected in a puddle at night sets the scene for an impressively
photographed film. Some creative shots of the money drops make the repetitious, remedial task feel engaging. Occasionally, the film has its missteps — handheld shots meant to create paranoia are cliché — but, for the most part, “The Drop” is handsomely shot. Occasionally, “The Drop’s” story is not as compelling as it could have or should have been. Luckily, two outstanding performances by Hardy and Gandolfini make up for it. Although the film’s clichés may hinder it from being great, the performances and unique character work make “The Drop” worthwhile. Email Jim Muntisov at film@nyunews.com.
Motion City Soundtrack wows Williamsburg crowd By Allison M. Stubblebine Contributing Writer
photo by allison m stubblebine
An enthusiastic crowd welcomed the band onto the stage.
If one word could encapsulate Motion City Soundtrack’s show at the Music Hall of Williamsburg on Sept. 4, it would be energetic. The band, which has released five studio albums since 2002, showed off their combination of synth and pop rock in this free concert. The concert brought a huge crowd, packing the hall with college-aged fans not long after the doors opened. Before the show, a few members of Motion City Soundtrack mingled with fans, both new and old, on the VIP mezzanine. Ma Jolie, a post-punk band from Philadelphia, opened for Motion
City Soundtrack. Their sound — not nearly as refined as anything Motion City Soundtrack has made — was not well received by the crowd. Before the set was halfway through, the crowd was talking over the band, with the occasional heckler yelling in between songs. There was almost an entirely new crowd when Motion City Soundtrack took the stage, however. Before the opening notes of “My Favorite Accident” had even been played, the crowd had become energized by the arrival of the Minnesotan rock band. One after another, fans dove from the stage back into the crowd, which had turned into one large circle pit. Though they had not played a show since the end of May, Mo-
tion City Soundtrack did not miss a beat. The band played many of their fast-paced songs, without stopping for a break between them. The night’s set included 19 songs, each as spirited as the last. Fans were treated to tracks spanning the band’s entire career, with multiple songs from their debut album “I Am the Movie,” including “The Future Freaks Me Out.” The band’s passion created a sense of nostalgia — recreating pleasant memories of middle and high school days spent blasting music to forget about the day — and it left the crowd feeling on top of the world. Email Allison M. Stubblebine at music@nyunews.com.
nyunews.com | thursday, september 11, 2014 | Washington Square news
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Sports
edited by CHRIS MARCOTRIGIANO SPORTS@nyunews.com
Remembering 9/11 through the Piazza homerun By Bobby Wagner Contributing Columnist
In light of the 13th anniversary of the tragic attack on the World Trade Center in New York, I feel it appropriate to refresh the memory of one of the happier moments to come from the fallout of 9/11. In the spirit of what Instagrammers and Tweeters would call “Throwback Thursday” or “#tbt,” I want to rewind 12 years and 355 days to the night game of the New York Mets against the Atlanta Braves. It is the eighth inning with the Mets down 2-1 and the team’s beloved Mike Piazza at the plate. He has already doubled twice in the game. Fingers are crossed. The ballpark is on edge to a point usually only caused by a World Series Game 7. Sure enough, Piazza sees a pitch he likes and crushes it over the center-field fence to give New York a 3-2 lead. The crowd erupts, and at first it is almost the same as a normal
home run. The peanut guy yells “Aye, there’s Mikey.” The bench looks up hopefully at the crack of the bat, even though any longtime ballplayer knows by sound whether it is gone or not. But when watching the goosebump-inducing video, it takes only a few seconds for the crowd’s emotion to diffuse onto the field. One can see the embroidery on Piazza’s left arm: “9/11/01.” One begins to see the tears on troubled faces, the joy such a simple occurrence has brought them. People broke down. People hugged, people kissed, people fell to their knees in tears of joy over a single home run. In retrospect, Mike Piazza hit a homer that healed New York, even though it was only momentarily. Although it gave only an inning’s reprieve from one of the most tragic events in American history, that home run mattered, even outside the world of ESPN. As it cleared the fence over left-center, New York’s hope
rose along with the famous Shea apple that rises with every home run hit by the Mets in their park. It could not bring people back to life. It could not take away the pain of a city of 8 million people or crush the terror that is felt throughout the world because of acts similar to 9/11. But what it did do was unite New York and all of America. If ever there was a time for New York to rise and prove that its people could be the most resilient in the world, it was in the days after 9/11. Sports can be bigger than stats, contracts, egos and even money. Sports can be bigger than the wins, the losses, the draws and the heated debates with referees and umpires. Sports have the ability to unite a hopeless people and provide common ground for those who feel alienated or lost. Sports can prove to a grieving population that there are people to stand up with, there are people to yell like a little kid with and, most impor-
Women’s volleyball wins in shutout against Hunter College
via blogger.com
NY Mets’ Mike Piazza bats against the San Diego Padres. tantly, there are people to break down and cry with. All it took to prove that was a wood-barrel bat, a seasoned vet and 400 feet
By Kyle Luther Contributing Writer
The NYU Lady Violets volleyball team showed their dominance against fellow New York school Hunter College last night, winning by a score of 3 sets to 0 and pushing their record above .500 at 5-4. The Violets got out to a quick start thanks to multiple kills from junior Nicole Frias and freshman Zoe Prince. Hunter was forced to take two timeouts in the set to try to regroup, but failed both times, as NYU went on massive runs following both breaks in the action. They turned a 14-8 lead into a 22-13 lead seemingly in the blink of an eye, and went on to win the game 25-13 on a monstrous kill from sophomore outside hitter Gigi Morally. The second set went much like the first, as the Violets came roaring out of the gates to the tune of an 8-2 advantage. They struggled a bit in the middle of the set, allowing Hunter to close the gap before extending their lead back to 17-11 and forcing an opposing timeout. At the conclusion of the timeout, the Violets got a good run of serving from junior Ashley Toth that swelled the lead to 20-11. This was shortly followed by a well-struck kill from Frias, set by Toth, to make the lead 22-12, and force yet another Hunter timeout. At the onset of play, NYU made quick work of the second set thanks to two straight kills by sopho-
NYU’s men’s soccer team entered last night’s match against the City College of New York looking to remain undefeated after a 3-0 start to the season. With a 4-0 rout, the Violets continued their perfect start to the season and proved themselves a force to be contended with in the young season. The Violets had a favorable matchup against the struggling Beavers, who were just 1-2 on the season. They jumped out to an early lead in the second minute of the match. Freshman forward Nicolas Notero headed the ball in for a goal off a cross from sophomore midfielder Hector Rojas. That was just the start of Notero’s strong first half. In the 18th minute, he put the Violets up by two when he scored again off an assist by freshman defender Liam Stimpson. In terms of both possession and shots on goal, the Violets completely dominated the half. The team took seven shots on goal while the Beavers only managed one. The Violets would not let up in the second half and once again got off to a fast start, scoring within the first minute on a goal by Stimpson to extend the lead to three.
Josie Luck, sophomore OH, finished with a tally of 8. more Kacy Guajardo — assisted by Toth and freshman Brooke Tannahill — and Frias, who delivered the final kill. The third set, however, was much more of a challenge. Hunter came out of the between-set break much more spirited, and their bench players finally started to match NYU’s noise level. The Violets struggled to connect on a few sets. Tannahill, however, kept her team in the set with four service aces in a five-point span. The Violets had to deal with a strong last ditch effort from Hunter senior middle blocker Lucia Stosic, who had five big kills in the final set. But with yet another service ace from Tannahill, an opportune timeout by head coach Jolie Ward and some clutch hitting, the Violets were able to overcome their third-set lull and pull away by a score of 25-22.
Leading the team in points was Frias, who finished with a tally of 8.5. Just behind her was sophomore outside hitter Josie Luck with eight. The duo both had eight kills in the match. Luck also led the way in digs. Overall, it was a strong performance with a balanced attack and defense. “After a rough weekend in Massachusetts it was really nice to come back to our home court and win this match against Hunter,” Frias said, alluding to the disappointing 1-3 finish at the Endicott Invitational. Now, with a winning record, the Violets will look to build a winning streak when they compete at the New Paltz Invitational this weekend. Email Bobby Wagner at sports@nyunews.com.
Email Bobby Wagner at sports@nyunews.com.
Men’s soccer holds on to perfect streak
By Bobby Wagner Contributing Writer
photo by matt d goldman
over the left-center fence.
But, it did not stop there. They scored again in the 64th minute off a cross 30 yards out by sophomore midfielder Ryan Cerqueira that was headed in by freshman forward Malcolm Montilus. “We were able to push forward through our fullbacks and distribute the ball into the box and capitalize when the fullbacks joined the attack,” Cerqueira said. “The team played a great game altogether and we came away with a well-deserved win.” The Beavers did come close to scoring in the 65th minute when Felipe Maidana was awarded a penalty kick. Junior goalie Nico Cantor was able to save the goal, however, and preserve the shutout. While the offense shined for the Violets, the staunch defense was also instrumental in the victory, keeping the Beavers off the board and holding them to only four shots on goal during the entire match. Even when the Violets pulled ahead, their defense never let up. The Violets will look to build upon their stellar start this Saturday when they take on St. John Fisher College at home, with aspirations of winning their fifth-straight game. “The chemistry among the players grows more and more every day,” Cerqueira said. Email Kyle Luther at sports@nyunews.com.
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Washington Square news | thursday, september 11, 2014 | nyunews.com
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620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 The new times crossword & daily sudoku For Information york Call: 1-800-972-3550 For Release Thursday, September 11, 2014
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nyunews.com | thursday, september 11, 2014 | Washington Square news
11
opinion
edited by CHRISTINA COLEBURN opinion@nyunews.com
World politics
Clarity needed before Scottish referendum By Tess Woosley Deputy Opinion Editor
With exactly one week until the Scottish referendum, the latest poll has put those against independence six points ahead of those for. Yet just earlier this week, the Yes campaign was two points ahead of the Better Together movement — its first time leading the race. The edge in the polls prompted the leaders of the three main British political parties to head to Scotland to campaign for the integrity of the United Kingdom. In a speech yesterday, Prime Minister David Cameron implored Scots “fed up with the effing Tories” — his own political party — to remember that this referendum has further implications than a general election. Yet, in his emotional address, Cameron failed to reiterate the conservatives’ position on Scotland keeping the currency of the United Kingdom. In February, all parties said they would not allow an independent Scotland to keep the pound. Since then, the conservatives have not focused in on the very real possibility that Scotland will be without a currency, which is perhaps
the Better Together campaign’s strongest argument. The Scottish government believes it can both secure EU membership before becoming fully independent and retain the pound. This is in spite of a recent statement from Bank of England governor Mark Carney that “a currency union is incompatible with sovereignty,” and Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne declaring that “if Scotland walks away from the U.K., it walks away from the U.K. pound.” In addition, Scotland must reapply to the EU, and a representative has said it “would simply not be possible” for an independent Scotland to keep the pound and join the EU. There are certainly other important factors in Scotland’s vote on independence, such as its tendency to
lean further to the left on political and social issues, a dislike of nuclear weapons and a desire to keep oil funds within Scotland. The pound is in no way the deciding factor, but it is the unionists’ most important argument. By failing to stress its importance, Cameron has not only let his own side down, but also all voters in Scotland. Yesterday, Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond once again challenged Cameron to a debate, after his previous attempts months ago were rejected. It is high time the prime minister takes his position as the head of a union seriously and gets involved in the real debate, not the debate that exists within Westminster. If Cameron backs his party’s stance that Scotland cannot keep the pound, he needs to come out and say so instead of leaving voters wondering what will happen economically. Scotland needs a real mandate, not a vote based on economic hopefulness, and Westminster has a duty to clear up the confusion. Email Tess Woosley at twoosley@nyunews.com.
Health policy
U.S. organ donation policy requires reform By Zarif Adnan Contributing Columnist Chiquinho Scarpa made headlines last October when he announced he had decided to bury his $500,000 Bentley in the ground. Scarpa, a Brazilian entrepreneur, said he was inspired by the ancient Egyptian pharaohs who were often buried with their most valuable possessions. Scarpa attracted a tremendous amount of media attention, with many reacting negatively to the announcement. On the day of the announced burial last year, Scarpa revealed his true intentions: to create awareness for organ donation. “I didn’t bury my car, but everyone thought it absurd when I said I would,” he said. “What’s absurd is burying your organs, which can save you many lives. Nothing is more valuable. Be a donor and tell your family.” Organ donation policy is the insidious trauma of U.S. health care. As of 9:12 p.m. on Sept. 10, there were 123,243 men, women and children awaiting organ transplants. Every 10 minutes, another
SUBMITTING TO
person is added the national registry. Each day, 18 people die waiting for a transplant. With our present system, our country does not have enough donor organs. The United States currently operates under an opt-in program that requires potential donors to register either online or at their local directory of motor vehicles. According to Spain’s National Transplant Organization, this system yields approximately 26 donors per million people. Yet, a 2012 national survey conducted by the Department of Health found that over 59 percent of Americans who had not granted permission for organ donation were open to the idea. The altruism of the American people, frustratingly, is going untapped and lives are lost every day because
of it. Donor cards and licenses are easily lost and families of the deceased are often unaware of their loved ones’ true wishes, resulting in a needless waste of viable organs. As it stands, the burden of proof is being placed on potential donors when it should be placed on those who do not want to participate. The United States must change its stance from opt-in to opt-out, making it so those who do not want their organs to be donated must actively register themselves as non-donors. Presumed consent is the more ethical and logical solution when taken with the fact that a majority of Americans already support organ donation. There is a tremendous need for organs in our country, and there is also a tremendous amount of waste. Our organ donation policy must be modified until it is able to wholly capture the good will and altruism that exists in the nation. In the mean time, if you want to be an organ donor, make sure you have signed up with your home state. Email Zarif Adnan at opinion@nyunews.com.
staff editorial
Nation must know U.S. military actions
Last night, President Barack Obama addressed the nation in regard to his plan to “degrade, and ultimately destroy, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant through a comprehensive and sustained counter-terrorism strategy.” The president has chosen this date carefully — the eve of the 13th anniversary of 9/11. Subsequently, the timing of the speech conjures up memories of a different Islamic terrorist organization and past threats to homeland security. But the timing is aimed at uniting the country against a brutal terrorist group that has attempted to intimidate Americans through violence, and is destroying a region that America has vested interests. While Obama has not had the country’s full support when it comes to drone use, his choice to directly address the American people instead of Congress is indicative of his continued attempts to involve the public. Last August, the American public was opposed to military action in Syria by a margin of three to one and the government’s actions followed public sentiment. Although ISIL — a Sunni militant group attempting to establish an Islamic caliphate across Syria and Iraq — is undoubtedly a dangerous group, the issue at hand is whether it threatens U.S. interests. A recent poll indicated that 90 percent of the American people feel that it does. Correspondingly, American consensus is in favor of military action: Americans now support it by a margin of four to one. In his speech, Obama said we will “take out ISIL wherever they exist, using our air power and our support for partner forces on the ground.” The government has decided ISIL not only threatens U.S. interests, but also does so to an extent that warrants military action. Ryan Crocker, former U.S. ambassador to Syria, has referred to ISIL as “a mortal [and] an existential enemy.” The group has been enforcing Sunni extremism in their controlled regions, where anyone with a different ideology has been severely persecuted. It is indubious that America must take leadership in defeating the terrorist group. As Crocker suggests, ISIL is a bigger threat to the security of the West than al-Qaeda because ISIL not only is more numerous and better armed, but also recruits more Western fighters than any other terrorist organizations does. Defeating ISIL requires both military strikes against their strongholds and the cooperation of the Iraqi government, both of which cannot be achieved without American leadership. So far, Obama has been making a “steady, relentless effort” against the extremist group. However, as ISIL forces grow larger and pose a greater threat, Obama must remember to continue explaining his military choices to the American public in order to avoid mistrust.
Email the WSN Editorial Board at editboard@nyunews.com. EDITORIAL BOARD: Christina Coleburn (Chair), Omar Etman (Co-chair), Adam Fazlibegu (Co-chair), Tess Woosley (Co-chair)
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