NYU’s Daily Student Newspaper
WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS Vol. 42, No. 92
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2014
nyunews.com STUDENT AFFAIRS
Reports of sexual assault questioned By ALANNA BAYARIN Staff Writer
STAFF PHOTOS BY SANG BAE
Thousands of people gathered on Fifth Avenue for the Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 11. Se-Joo Son, the Korean Consulate General speaks on behalf of Korean veterans (left). Army cadets present ceremony wreaths (top right). WWII veteran Frank Milano poses with Miss Veteran American (bottom right). BEAUTY & STYLE
Pop-ups rise, provide unique shopping By NINA JANG Contributing Writer
With brands and retailers constantly seeking creative ways to expand their reach, the concept of pop-up shops has become a strategic phenomenon that has been gaining popularity. Pop-up shops are temporary, experimental stores used by companies to either raise brand awareness or launch a new collection. These shops are more popular during the holidays, placed in locations with heavy foot traffic. The advent of pop-up shops can be traced back to September 2012. Here, the New York City Economic Development Corporation
and Chelsea-based retailer STORY launched Project Pop-Up NYC with the promise of a temporary pop-up store space and PR support for a selected few. Ever since, pop-up stores have garnered interest from retailers and consumers alike as a new experience for both parties. As the holidays approach, sticking to a budget may be in the back of people’s minds. At British brand Boohoo’s pop-up shop at 462 West Broadway, however, there are reasonable prices for the clothes similar to Forever 21. But shoppers must act fast, because this e-commerce brand will close its first ever pop-up location on Nov. 15.
POP UP continued on PG. 4
Sexual assault became a topic of contention during a town hall with NYU President John Sexton that was held on Nov. 11 in the Kimmel Center for University Life. Two graduate students from the Arthur L. Carter School of Journalism asked Sexton about the small number of reports of sexual assault on the NYU campus. Sexton said the sensationalism in journalism causes unnecessary controversy and NYU deals with sexual assault reports appropriately. “You’re falling into one of the unfortunate foils of modern journalism where it becomes a ‘Gotcha’ or ‘How can I create controversy?’” Sexton said. “We try to get the most accurate data we can, so I think that we have clean data.” CAS junior Kenzi Abou-Sabe asked Sexton about student safety and sexual assault on the Abu Dhabi
TOWN HALL continued on PG. 3
REVIEW
Romance features stunning visuals By JAKE NEVINS Contributing Writer
Often, the very essence of a filmmaker is apparent in his or her movies. A work can reveal a director in the throes of creative development, at a professional zenith or even at an artistic standstill. Sometimes, viewers see the filmmaker at a sophomoric stage of a directorial rise, with the film hinting at a virtuosity that perhaps remains untapped. This phase can be enjoyable for viewers, as is the case with Josephine Decker’s latest, “Thou Wast Mild and Lovely.” The film assumes a contemporary Faulknerian atmosphere, taking place in Kentucky with characters that exhibit the kind of primal
sexuality so frequently found in the novelist’s Southern gothic stories. There is something indelibly poetic about the film, too, particularly Decker’s use of voice-over, which has all the whimsy of a fairy tale without the cutesy youthfulness. Akin (Joe Swanberg) has just begun summer work on a farm owned by Jeremiah (Robert Longstreet), a phlegmatic patriarch. Jeremiah lives there with his daughter Sarah (Sophie Traub), a vision in rustic ruin. Their odd dynamic may invite speculation about incest, but it more aptly lends itself to archetypal fatherdaughter subordination, which is still just as creepy. Akin has conveniently left his wedding ring in the car, clearly too distracted by his daydreams about Sarah to notice the tan-
line his marriage vow has left on his finger. What follows is a film purposefully short on dialogue, but redeemed by constant glances between Akin and Sarah that transmit, quite viscerally, their most libidinous desires. It seems to be Decker’s point that these stares are more a testament to human nature than an indicator of any intimate connection between the two. Several scenes are interspersed with shots of the farm animals that seem to suggest a parallel between them and the characters, at times animalistic and hyper-erotic. There is a spirit evoked by their body language that itself feels like dialogue.
LOVELY continued on PG. 5
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“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” Like the Mark Haddon novel on which it is based, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” is a dazzling achievement, at times quite literally. This new Broadway play, about an autistic boy who is determined to discover the killer of his neighbor’s dog, is a formidable combination of visual pyrotechnics, brilliant performances — most notably from newcomer Alex Sharp — and raw emotion. It is nothing short of brilliant. — ALEX GREENBERGER, ARTS EDITOR
“This is Our Youth”
“King Lear”
“This is Our Youth” will hit home for anyone trying to figure out how to be an adult in New York City. Michael Cera, awkwardness and all, is stellar alongside Tavi Gevinson and Kieran Culkin as the three try to figure out how to grow up while avoiding falling into the same patterns they have seen every other adult fall into. The play revolves around the way people seem to lose, search for and then rediscover their identity as they become adults. Go see Michael Cera perform live, and stay because the Kenneth Lonergandirected play is so engaging that you will wish it were an hour longer.
Skirball Center for the Performing Arts plays host to a motley crew of performers in the course of any given semester, but this fall marked the first visit of Shakespeare’s Globe. The troupe of actors performed “King Lear” in a truly Shakespearean manner — with a set sparse enough to give the immensely talented performers free reign. Even Joseph Marcell’s superb turn as the tragic monarch could not detract much from the first-rate performances by minor characters. One can only hope that the Globe’s actors will not stay away from NYU for too long. — CLIO MCCONELL, EDITOR-AT-LARGE
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Social Criticism and Cannibalism in Jorge Michel Grau’s “Somos Lo Que Hay” There will be a screening of “Somos Lo Que Hay,” the awardwinning film about a family of cannibals in modern-day Mexico City on the sixth floor of 721 Broadway at 6:15 p.m. Following the screening, a panel discussion featuring experts in Latin American studies as well as cinema studies will examine poverty, corruption and violence in the film.
Innovating Women Farai Chideya, co-author of “Innovating Women” and NYU journalism professor, will lead a discussion with three New York women in tech on the seventh floor of 20 Cooper Square from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The panel will discuss the developing role of women in STEM. Amazon sells devices from a mobile shop during a street market in Union Square on Saturday.
STAFF PHOTO BY DANA BROWN
Men’s soccer vs. William Paterson University The Violets will play William Paterson University at their home field, Gaelic Park, in Riverdale, New York, at 7 p.m. TODAY’S EVENTS ARE FREE FOR NYU STUDENTS.
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KRISTINA BOGOS, RACHEL KAPLAN, CLIO MCCONNELL, JORDAN MELENDREZ, KALEEL MUNROE, JONATHAN TAN About WSN: Washington Square News (ISSN 15499389) is the student newspaper of New York University. WSN is published Monday through Thursday during NYU’s academic year, except for university holidays, vacations and exam periods. Corrections: WSN is committed to accurate reporting. When we make errors, we do our best to correct them as quickly as possible. If you believe we have erred, contact the managing editors at managing@nyunews. com or at 212.998.4302.
NYUNEWS.COM | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2014 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
Graduate students, NYU still at standstill By ALEX BAZELEY Deputy News Editor
The battle over working conditions for graduate student workers continued on Nov. 11, as the Graduate Student Organizing Committee, the union for graduate employees at NYU, continued its bargaining with the university’s administration. GSOC is negotiating for better wages, health care and working conditions at both the Washington Square campus and the Polytechnic School of Engineering in Brooklyn. Over 50 GSOC members and supporters, including undergraduate students and faculty members, gathered in support of the movement at the bargaining session. No significant progress was made, however, and the university continues to request that a mediator be brought in for the negotiations. The university is also calling for more of GSOC’s plan to be modified. Natasha Raheja, a GSAS doctoral
student and lead member of the bargaining committee, said GSOC will not fold in the face of the university’s intimidation techniques. She explained that GSOC is adamant with its demands and will not relent until they are met. “They have consistently told us that we have to drop part of our proposal, but these are all things that graduate students need,” Raheja said. “We’re not going to drop health care, and we’re not going to drop wage increases.” GSOC and the university have been in bargaining since February, but NYU has not presented proposal changes since May. GSOC made modifications to their demands in September and said it is the administration’s turn to take the next step. NYU spokesman John Beckman said the university wishes to make progress at the bargaining table and hopes that GSOC will work to meet the university halfway. “Both sides expressed a desire to make progress on the
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COURTESY OF MICHAEL A. GOULD-WARTOFSKY
The NYU administration wishes to bring in a third-party mediator to help both sides come to an agreement. contract, which NYU very much wants,” Beckman said. “However, we remain puzzled why the union is unwilling to say ‘yes’ to having a non-binding, impartial mediator come in and help both sides come together.” Lily Defriend, a GSAS student and member of the bargaining committee, said she was frustrated by the university’s lack of ability to understand their side and make progress toward an agreement.
“It seemed like last semester the administration was moving at least in the direction that we wanted to go in, even though the proposal last semester was woefully inadequate,” Defriend said. “We feel that nothing we’re doing now is moving them forward.” Shelly Ronen, a GSAS student and member of the bargaining committee, said she is disappointed that the university has not budged since May. She added that GSOC will continue
to escalate its actions and display the broad support of the community to put pressure on NYU and show that the world is watching. “If necessary, we may have to halt the operations of the university to the extent that we can,” Ronen said. “We will do anything that’s necessary to win a strong contract.” Email Alex Bazeley at abazeley@nyunews.com.
TEDxNYU talks approval voting
TOWN HALL continued from PG. 1
By REBECCA SPALDING Contributing Writer
STAFF PHOTO BY SANG BAE
John Sexton blames journalism for exaggerating sexual assault at NYU.
NYU’s investments addressed by Sexton
campus. Sexton said many people in the United States do not understand the United Arab Emirates. “There is an astonishing amount of misinformation about that region in general,” Sexton said. “We chose the Emirates for a reason, because they have a remarkable leadership. The kind of picture that is painted is with a very broad brush.” Abou-Sabe said, despite the vagueness, she was satisfied with Sexton’s response. “I don’t know how specific of an answer I expected,” Abou-Sabe said. “But I think he’s limited in what he can and can’t say.” When asked about the university’s alleged investments in companies that support Israeli settlements in Gaza, Sexton said NYU does not invest money in Israeli companies. “The university does not invest in corporations at all,” Sexton said. “We don’t own any stock in any companies or corporations, we invest in funds or in government bonds.”
Information on the university’s investments are not made public. Sexton also said NYU encourages open dialogue about issues among students and faculty, but the university, as a whole, does not take a political stance. “This university does not make political statements as a university,” Sexton said. “I have not, since 1988, taken a public political position on anything except for matters that relate directly to the portfolio of the university.” In response to a question about the controversy surrounding NYU 2031, Sexton said the magnitude of protest, specifically from faculty members, surprised him. “I knew that I would be the poster child for vilification that would come from a very activist community,” Sexton said. “I did not expect as much opposition to come from the faculty who came to oppose it.” Email Alanna Bayarin at news@nyunews.com.
CAS politics professor Steven Brams advocates for an innovative voting process, which, if implemented, could lead to a better political system. He discussed this in his talk, titled “Is There a Better Way to Vote?,” which was cosponsored by TEDxNYU and the Student Political Action Club and held in the Kimmel Center for University Life on Nov. 11. During the event, Brams described approval voting, a topic he has written and lectured about extensively. Rather than voting for only one candidate, under approval voting, citizens could cast their ballots for multiple candidates in the same election. “If there are five candidates on the ballot, if you have a clear favorite, you can vote for your favorite,” Brams said. “If you don’t have a clear favorite, if you’re relatively indifferent, among two or more, then you can say those two or more are acceptable. You could even vote for all five candidates.” Brams said centrist candidates would most likely benefit from approval voting, as their policies will have the widest support among the electorate. He also predicts approval voting would lead to campaigns that are less negative and the emergence of third-party candidates. “I think it would bring new candidates into the system who don’t want to face strident objections from the left or right,” Brams said. “Knowing that centrists are favored by approval voting, they would more likely enter. I think that would be good for the system and that might mean the entry of third parties.”
STAFF PHOTO BY JAMES PARK
Politics professor Steven Brams was the featured speaker at TEDxNYU. The talk followed last week’s midterm elections, which saw Republicans regain the Senate majority. Kavya Beharaj, a CAS junior and the co-director of community events at TEDxNYU, said the talk should inspire NYU students who may have become jaded by the current political process. “Don’t let cynicism lead to inaction,” Beharaj said. “This is realizing the process can be changed.” Other NYU students said they are under too busy to engage in politics. Tisch senior Andrew Quirk said he did not vote in the midterm elections because he was not wellinformed on the issues. “I don’t know if I care enough about it,” Quirk said. “I’ve got other things on my plate to worry about, like school, jobs and graduation.”
CAS junior Ashby Martin said academics got in the way of voting on Tuesday, when her school schedule made it impossible for her to travel to Carnarsie, Brooklyn — where she is registered to vote — in time to cast a ballot. “I had an exam that day,” Martin said. “I couldn’t go to Brooklyn and come back in time.” Still, John Kurtz, president of the Student Political Action Club, said he was hopeful about NYU students’ involvement in politics. “As far as the millennial generation goes, NYU students are more involved than the generation as a whole, but students could always be more involved,” Kurtz said. Email Rebecca Spalding at news@nyunews.com.
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WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2014 | NYUNEWS.COM
BEAUTY & STYLE
EDITED BY DAVID BOLOGNA BSTYLE@NYUNEWS.COM
Cold weather brings chic accessories By SOPHIE LEWIS Staff Writer
It is time to face the inevitable — cold weather has returned to New York City and very few people are ready for it. Each year we try to hold onto the last moments of summer and fall, but now we have to trade in those short shorts and crop tops for jeans and a big coat. A perfect way to transition into colder weather is by wearing accessories. Here are some of the most stylish winter accents that will keep you warm this season.
Wide-brimmed hats Wide-brimmed hats are perfect for keeping hair in check while fighting against those cold winter winds. This style can be found in a variety of brim sizes, making them perfect for all face shapes. They are typically made in neutral colors like black, brown, beige and navy, so they are versatile enough to wear with most outfits. This hat was prominent at the Saint Laurent Fashion Week Fall/ Winter ’14 runway show, and more
affordable versions can be found at H&M, Forever 21 and Zara.
Beanies Beanies are great for covering up day-old hair and for keeping ears warm in the frigid winter air. The go-to hat of supermodel Cara Delevingne, the beanie’s popularity has skyrocketed over the last few seasons, especially with Delevingne’s beanie in her DKNY collaboration. They come in the largest variety of colors, fabrics and patterns. From edgier versions with studs and crystals, to cuter ones with pom-poms, there is a beanie out there for everyone. They are sold almost everywhere, but inexpensive beanies can be found at Urban Outfitters, Target and American Apparel.
Fingerless gloves With the constant need to be on our phones, the average gloves without touchscreen sensitivity have become an issue. Fingerless gloves solve that problem. They do a great job of keeping hands warm and leaving fingers free to text your friend back or change the song on your iPod. These gloves are also quite di-
PHOTOS BY HANNAH SHULMAN
Popular accessories for winter include wide-brimmed hats, over-the-knee socks and beanies. verse in style — they can be found in many fabrics, including knit wool, leather and cotton. Extreme versions in embellished wool, metal and patent leather were found on the Chanel, Dolce and Gabbana and Kenneth Cole Fall/Winter ’14 runways, respectively, but cozy cotton gloves for everyday wear can be found at stores like Free People, Urban Outfitters and Cotton On.
Over-the-knee socks No longer exclusively for school girl uniforms, over-the-knee socks have become very popular the last few seasons. While it is easy to layer sweaters, jackets and scarves, it is usually difficult to have more than one layer of warmth on your legs. These socks make it possible. They are great for providing that extra bit
of warmth, but they also make an outfit look put-together and cozy. Over-the-knee socks were seen on the Tory Burch runway this season, are a staple for It girl Alexa Chung and can be found at affordable prices at Target, Steve Madden and Asos. Email Sophie Lewis at bstyle@nyunews.com.
Winter whites make statement
POP-UP continued from PG. 1
By SAM DEL ROWE Staff Writer
STAFF PHOTO BY MATHILDE VAN TULDER
The Nomad Truck makes regular stops by NYU buildings.
Popularity found in pop-ups, mobile shops
For those who do not mind shelling out more money, stop by 188 Broadway for .Bk clothing. Originally only an online store, the Brooklyn-based men’s brand will open its pop-up shop from Nov. 15 to 22 as an alternative way to purchase its limited edition buttondown shirts. Besides the typical, temporary storefronts pop-ups occupy, some retailers have opted to take their clothes on the road. Mobile shops, like The Nomad Truck, bring boho-style clothing and accessories for women that make boutique shopping easier and more personal by creating a lighthearted shopping space right out-
side your door. Luckily for NYU, students can easily check out this mobile shop, as it is frequently spotted around campus. The rise of pop-up stores attests to this marketing ploy as a creative new approach to the fashion industry. By introducing a limited edition collection or temporary store availability, buyers will be more inclined to buy these products. Retailers seem to aim for this emerging trend to offer a fresh experience for both buyers and retailers while keeping the fashion industry’s relevance on the edge of new approaches. Email Nina Jang at bstyle@nyunews.com.
While some staunchly adhere to the “no white after Labor Day” rule, others have been pioneering the opposite approach — donning white from head to toe for the winter months. With celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Kanye West leading the way, it may be time to buck the stereotype of black-clad New Yorkers. Check out these five ways to incorporate white into your winter wardrobe.
All Black with White Footwear A common approach for all genders, this look is perhaps the least flashy way to whiten your outfit. Top off the typical monochrome black look with a pair of surprisingly white shoes for formal occasions, or with a pair of white high-tops for a pop of casual flair. Throw on a pair of charcoal jeans or a heather gray sweater for an en pointe blackto-white gradient effect.
White Jeans Keep the top half simple and create contrast by donning a pair of white jeans. You can easily transition from formal to casual by switching from a blouse or button-down to a Tshirt. Pair the white jeans with a thick-knit jumper for a play on textures, and top it off with gold jewelry for some flash.
STAFF PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN FORTE
Try sporting white shoes with an all-black ensemble for winter. Keep it classy with a heavy wool overcoat when the temperature dips.
Black-and-White Patterns Spice up any ensemble with a black-and-white patterned piece as either a full outfit with a dress or as an accent piece with a scarf. Avoid overpowering patterns and opt for something subtle to add just a hint of variation to your outfit. Accessories rule here, with black-and-white flecked scarves and gloves adding just enough pop to take your look to the next level. Slightly more daring, houndstooth coats are a classic way of incorporating pattern and keeping to the color scheme.
The White T-Shirt Little more can be said about the most basic yet essential article of clothing. Yes, it is iconic,
and yes, it can be dressed up or dressed down, but many forget that the white T-shirt can also be used as a simple layering piece under crewnecks, cardigans, coats and nearly any other winter piece. If you want to keep the white Tshirt stupid simple, don’t forget your white tee in winter.
White Out Hollywood has made the headto-toe white out trend popular. Mix it up by incorporating different shades of white and lighter grays into your outfit. A heavy cream-colored jumper paired with a crisp white button-up will ensure chic style without looking like Frosty the Snowman. Top it off with a long gray coat to both keep warm and pull everything together. Email Sam Del Rowe at bstyle@nyunews.com.
NYUNEWS.COM | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2014 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
ARTS
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Ruzumna explains college, life on tour
LOVELY continued from PG. 1
Carnal desire explored in film
Decker excels most when toying with the film’s aesthetic. The handheld camera works in her favor with its jittery transitions from pasture to animals. There is a perpetual blur to the visuals, which can be frustrating for those looking for refinement, but beautiful if one is willing to embrace the film’s hallucinatory mood. At times, the film’s commitment to that mood gets distracting — perhaps it would benefit more from the minimalism that it strays from in order to indulge in bouts of artiness. The voice-over, done in breathy prose by Sarah, brings
By EMILIO MADRID-KUSER Contributing Writer
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“Thou Wast Mild & Lovely” hits theaters Nov. 14. the film back to earth. Her peculiarities are both weird and delightful, and her voice is an extension of that. At a basic level, “Thou Wast Mild and Lovely” is very much like a dream — it is short at just over 90 minutes, but feels much longer. A feeling of lengthiness is frequently a pejorative in cinema, but here it is not. Perhaps
the reason for this is that Decker’s film is operating on so many opposites — earthly and dreamy, human and animalistic, restrained and omnivorously sexual. It seems to hint at a director filled with ideas and talent, still establishing a hold over her own ambition. Email Jake Nevins at film@nyunews.com.
REVIEW
Film depicts raw family dynamics By ANUBHUTI KUMAR Contributing Writer
“Brahmin Bulls” offers a refreshing and honest peek into the relationship of a father and son. The film, directed by NYU alumnus Mahesh Pailoor, manages to balance poignant, raw and realistic moments in the lives of two men with both levity and sincerity. This story follows Alok Sharma (Roshan Seth), who visits his son Sid (Sendhil Ramamurthy) on the other side of the country. Alok has not spoken to Sid in a long time, though this visit is not just a gesture of reconciliation. Alok also has plans to reconnect with an old flame. Sid, an idealistic architect who is facing a divorce and a conflict at work, is shocked to find his father on his front porch one evening. Sid is hesitant at first to let his father into his life, but as time passes, emotional walls break down. As this visit is chronicled throughout the movie, one of the most appealing aspects is the raw honesty of the relationship and the interactions between father
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and son. The conflict and resentment between them is addressed quietly and realistically. Rather than with harsh aggression, these negative feelings are made obvious through the awkwardness in their interactions and avoidance in communication and contact. This provides a realistic view of how a parent and child would respond to each other, and it makes the film all the more touching and resonant. Acts of caring, thoughtfulness and love break up the tensionfilled moments. These moments help create a full picture of the nuances in the relationship. The perfect example of one of these endearing moments was when Alok, in an effort to take Sid’s mind off of his divorce, takes him out and serves as his wingman. Toward the middle of the film, Alok innocently buys drinks for and talks up his son to two girls Sid’s age, much to the embarrassment of Sid. This scene stands out and demonstrates how, through all the superficial conflict and major mistakes, these characters truly care about each other’s well-being. It serves as a testament to Pailoor to de-
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Mahesh Pailoor shares a poignant father-son relationship in this film.
pict the raw realism of this delicate relationship, as well as the actors’ talent and chemistry. The poignant universality of the main relationship lingers long after the credits have rolled. Heartfelt and thought-provoking, it would truly be a tragedy to miss “Brahmin Bulls.” Email Anubhuti Kumar at film@nyunews.com.
For Fitz and The Tantrums, standing still is not an option. Whether it is the ambitious tour schedule, dropping a new album or providing the music for last year’s Academy Awards trailer, the six-person band is never stagnant, and it is clear the members want to stay that way. Fitz and The Tantrums’ first album “Pickin’ Up The Pieces,” was praised for its rich Motown feel. Now, on their second album, “More Than Just a Dream,” Fitz and The Tantrums have broken from the Motown mold that made them famous and ventured into the evolving and competitive field of indie-pop. In a phone interview, keyboardist Jeremy Ruzumna told WSN about the band’s evolution, life on tour and his own college experience. Much like the band itself, Ruzumna has always been moving, particularly during the beginning of his music career in college. “I actually college-hopped,” Ruzumna said. “I went to Portland State, University of Oregon and Cal State Northridge, which was awesome because I was there for the earthquakes.” But, as Ruzumna soon realized, a college music education may not have been worth it for him at all. “I took one music course in college — I got a D and never learned how to read music,” Ruzumna said. “I’m glad I went, though. I still encourage people to go to college.” Today, it is not enough to just produce catchy singles and solid albums — it is all about live performance, and Fitz and The Tantrums certainly do not disappoint in that respect. Front man and woman duo Michael Fitzpatrick and Noelle Scaggs create an energy that audiences can dance to, partly due to Fitzpatrick’s carefree dance style that invites the audience to loosen up. The frenetic excitement the band creates is not a recent phenomenon. “The first gigs were these little spots in LA that weren’t even music venues,” Ruzumna said. “They were bars, but from the very first time we played together, the reaction from the audience was unde-
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Jeremy Ruzumna plays the keyboard for Fitz and The Tantrums. niable, I’ve never truly seen anything like that.” Ruzumna said he and Macy Gray — the R&B singer-songwriter who he has written songs for — witnessed the crowd’s enthusiasm at the first concerts they performed. “I saw it with Macy in the early days, but it was one of the only times I saw that kind of ultra-loving reaction from the crowd,” Ruzumna said. “I was thinking there’s something magic here. You could feel it, and it seemed as if it was the right choice.” When talking about what made the partnership stick compared to other artists he has collaborated with in the past, Ruzumna summed it up succinctly. “Fitz is a very smart guy — and also not crazy,” he said jokingly. With such a packed tour schedule, Ruzumna said the most important thing was to find a “kernel of normality” in every new city. The only daily consistency in the group’s hectic schedule is hitting the bunks on the tour bus at the end of the day. Ruzumna said he decked his out with an array of essential oils. “I’ve got the band hooked,” he said. “I’ve got a couple of scents I keep by my bed and every night before I go to bed everyone reaches their wrists out and I put a little dab on there.” Ruzumna’s unique personality, as well as the band’s talents, can be seen on stage at Terminal 5 on Nov. 12. Email Emilio Madrid-Kuser at music@nyunews.com.
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Crossword ACROSS 1 Try to sink, maybe 4 “Rhyme Pays” rapper 8 Fantasy league figures 13 TBS competitor 14 Knock silly 15 “Ah, I didn’t know what you were referring to” 17 Put on a blacklist 18 The Auld Sod 19 Honest with 20 “Hot to trot” or “cold feet” 22 Many a PX shopper 24 The Dow, for one 25 “Amerika” novelist 26 Many, many moons 27 Jeans brand 28 Shoreline raptor 30 “The Rachael Ray Show” creation
32 ___ Lanka 35 Father-and-son rulers of Syria 37 Homer Simpson’s mother 38 One with a checkered existence? 39 Quickly write 40 “Foolish” singer, 2002 42 Time to revel 43 First-goal link 44 Jockey’s control 45 Privy to a practical joke, say 47 Pastrami go-with 48 Cornerstone abbr. 49 Porn 50 Onetime tribe of the Upper Midwest 52 Official with a whisk broom, for short 54 Positrons’ places 57 All, in Alba
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59 “___ your request …” 60 Commerce pact signed by Clinton 61 Incite, as trouble 63 Dr Pepper Snapple Group brand 65 Be sociable 66 Italian sandwich 67 Slave away 68 Gator’s tail? 69 Marriott competitor 70 Humane org. 71 “N.Y. State of Mind” rapper DOWN 1 Inventor of a six-color puzzle 2 Carne ___ (Mexican dish) 3 Expansionist doctrine 4 Election loser’s cry 5 Vacation rental, maybe 6 Slate or Salon 7 Text on tablets 8 Elbow-bender 9 Big 1975 boxing showdown 10 Carry ___ (sing on key) 11 Darwin work … with a hint to three consecutive letters in 3-, 4-, 7-, 9- and 11-Down 12 Fill beyond full 16 Poison sci. 21 Gumbo need
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23 Result of a leadoff single
36 Maker of Aibo robotic pets
57 Rx amt.
29 Handy Scrabble tiles 31 Nay sayers
41 Ask, as for a loan 58 One of its symbols is the 46 Eke ___ living sego lily 51 Skylit rooms
33 Beatle George’s sitar teacher
53 Before surgery, informally
34 “Fat chance!”
55 Crete’s highest peak
35 Cracked a bit
56 Big band section
62 Indy service area 64 Sound from an 8-Down
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NYUNEWS.COM | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2014 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS
OPINION
EDITED BY CHRISTINA COLEBURN OPINION@NYUNEWS.COM
SCIENCE
Coming to terms with a privatized universe By RICHARD SHU Staff Columnist
Virgin Galactic, a division of Virgin Group aimed at providing commercial flights to space, recently saw its test craft catastrophically fail when the craft broke up and crashed mid-flight, killing one of the test pilots. Dubbed “SpaceShip Two,” the craft was Virgin’s latest attempt at a commercially viable spacecraft that would eventually carry tourists, scientists and cargo outside Earth’s atmosphere. The crash presented a significant obstacle for Virgin Galactic’s development. So far, there are only speculations of what caused the crash. Over 20 prospective customers canceled their reservations out of fear for their safety. Media coverage has placed a great deal of skepticism on the burgeoning space tourism program. The crash, it must be said, is not out of the ordinary. Experimental spacecrafts have always been fraught with problems. But the growing distrust in Virgin Galactic could easily spiral into a wider vindication of private space tourism.
It feels strange to put the future of space exploration in the hands of a private corporation — particularly one that specializes in travel services and telecommunications — and a crash from a promising prototype could easily serve as a rallying point. For a long time, to go into space was a high achievement that anyone could strive for. Any child could become an astronaut if he or she worked hard enough, did well in school and remained disciplined and inquisitive. Space was the domain of the triumphant, the skilled and the hard-working. With this new frontier of extraterrestrial tourism, we can write a check and go to space. It is slowly becoming just another luxury vacation destination. But this is the fate of any technology. What was once looked at in awe
becomes mundane and accessible. The commodification of space, however perturbing, is a natural consequence of the technological cycle within capitalism. We have already been to the moon. That powerful image of an astronaut silhouetted by earthrise has already been taken. We have planted the flags and the reflectors. The glamorous moments have already happened. All that is left is for space to become exploited and sold. Virgin Galactic’s corporate status means they are incentivized to make profit, possibly at the expense of safety. There will need to be regulation in order to assure that the business of spaceflight remains proper. As the level of scrutiny heightens in the wake of the crash, these regulations become increasingly likely. But as we watch the magnates and tycoons take off in their rockets, we will never regain the sense of optimism and wonder that accompanied space travel. It is not the domain of the astronaut anymore. This is the future, and nothing is sacred. Email Richard Shu at opinion@nyunews.com.
CITY POLICY
De Blasio education reform beneficial By ZAHRA HAQUE Staff Columnist
Last week, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced his plan to fix New York City’s struggling public schools. He intends to spend $150 million on improvements for low-performing schools, including mental health services, additional staffing and an extended school day. With a commitment to amending schools rather than eliminating them, de Blasio’s school policy is much more beneficial to students than that of his predecessor, Michael Bloomberg. Bloomberg is remembered for the deep impression he left on the city’s education system. After acquiring mayoral control of public schools in 2002, he instituted a series of aggressive education reforms. Rigorous teacher evaluations and high-stakes standardized testing became the norm, as well as a habit of closing large, failing schools and replacing them with smaller ones. Over the course of three terms, Bloomberg closed almost 200 schools. This period also saw the rise of charter schools, such as the Success Academy chain headed by Eva Moscowitz. These schools have shown promising results and lack many of the behavioral prob-
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lems common in larger schools. Under Bloomberg, high school graduation rates reached an all-time high. But for all his successes, several counterpoints must be considered. Higher graduation rates are undermined by the fact that nearly 80 percent of the city’s public high school students who enroll in community college need remedial classes in math and English. And while new, smaller schools often perform better than the ones they replaced, they tend to have fewer low-income and special needs students. These students usually end up in other large public schools, similar to the ones they were forced to leave. Having attended New York City public schools all my life, I have witnessed the outrageous increase in standardized tests over the years, and the strain the tests place on schools. Students and teachers alike complain about the one-dimensionality
of testing data. Test scores are used to gauge students’ academic ability and teachers’ instructional ability without accounting for differences in student backgrounds. De Blasio’s plan implies an understanding that students from disadvantaged backgrounds may need more support than others. Installing mental health counseling services in struggling schools sees to that need and can help minimize disparities in academic success. Increased staffing is crucial, particularly in inner-city schools where teacher retention rates are low. An extended school day has proven in the past to boost students’ academic achievement, as having more instructional time keeps them engaged in the learning environment. After more than a decade of marketbased reforms and data-driven assessments of school quality, de Blasio promises to look at schools holistically. In terms of allocating resources, these initiatives are incredibly daunting. Securing time and space for additional services will certainly not be easy. Ultimately, however, the efforts will be worthwhile. Email Zahra Haque at opinion@nyunews.com
STAFF EDITORIAL
De Blasio response to domestic abuse positive
Domestic violence is increasing in New York’s public housing, and it is putting people out on the streets. Over a quarter of the families who are in homeless shelters have cited domestic abuse as a cause, showing that many victims would rather be homeless than suffer the torment of their abusers. While it would be optimal for alternate housing to be available to those who have been domestically abused, this is not possible given current resource constraints. In response to this issue, Mayor Bill de Blasio has started a subsidy program to move victims out of shelters and to improve counseling at public housing. Without the sufficient housing to completely eliminate the problem, de Blasio is taking the best steps possible to address the situation. From 2009 to 2013, domestic violence-related crimes increased by 25 percent in New York City, doubling domestic violence incidents in public housing. While domestic violence victims are placed on a priority waiting list for public housing, people on waiting lists can far outnumber available housing. Even when housing is available, domestic violence victims can find it more difficult to secure. According to a 2011 report, 27.5 percent of New York City housing providers either outright refused or failed to follow up with survivors of domestic violence. Many landlords use one-strike policies, in which tenants can be evicted for any violent incident occurring in their apartment, whether or not they are the perpetrator. One study found that 11.1 percent of all evictions were based solely on a woman’s status as a survivor of domestic violence. The immediate reaction to claims of homelessness springing from domestic violence is to evict the abusers instead, which ignores the fact that domestic violence often goes unreported, with 45 percent of incidents never reaching the police. Tackling domestic abuse is difficult because many of the methods used to fight homelessness are not applicable. If individuals cannot afford their rent, a subsidy can keep them in their home. The same cannot be said of domestic abuse victims. In addition, many victims cannot live in the same area as their abusers, which can severely restrict the viable apartment options. The new rent subsidy program should provide permanent housing for 1,900 abused and homeless families. In addition, the requirements for documented proof of abuse will be more lenient, making it easier for families to qualify for expedited housing. Furthermore, public housing employees are being trained to detect domestic abuse. While it may take a while for the city to see the effects of this training, it starts to tackle the problem at its source. Even though the city’s response does not provide for every family suffering from domestic abuse, these are positive steps attained with limited resources.
Email the WSN Editorial Board at editboard@nyunews.com. EDITORIAL BOARD: Christina Coleburn (Chair), Omar Etman (Co-chair), Adam Fazlibegu (Co-chair), Tess Woosley (Co-chair) ILLUSTRATION BY JOURDAN ENRIQUEZ
Send mail to: 838 Broadway, Fifth Floor New York, N.Y. 10003 or email: opinion@nyunews.com WSN welcomes letters to the editor, opinion pieces and articles relevant to the NYU community, or in response to articles. Letters should be less than 450 words. All submissions must be typed or emailed and must include the author’s name, address and phone number. Members of the NYU community must include a year and school or job title.
WSN does not print unsigned letters or editorials. WSN reserves the right to reject any submission and edit accepted submissions in any and all ways. With the exception of the staff editorial, opinions expressed on the editorial pages are not necessarily those of WSN, and our publication of opinions is not an endorsement of them.
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