The California Tech Volume CXIX Number 28 Pasadena, California [email protected] may 16, 2016 LIGO team awarded Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics CALTECH MEDIA authors of the paper from the LIGO Physics laureates, read “Glitz and RELATIONS and Virgo collaborations, while the Qubits” in the current issue of remaining seven are scientists who Caltech’s E&S magazine. This article was originally “made important contributions to The Breakthrough Prize published online at caltech.edu. the success of LIGO.” This group trophy was created by Olafur of seven includes Caltech’s Mark Eliasson. “The whole idea for The Selection Committee Scheel, senior research associate me started out with, ‘Where of the Breakthrough Prize in physics, and Rochus E. Vogt, the do these great ideas come in Fundamental Physics has R. Stanton Avery Distinguished from? What type of intuition announced a Special Breakthrough Service Professor and Professor of started the trajectory that Prize in Fundamental Physics Physics, Emeritus. eventually becomes what we recognizing the scientists and In announcing the special prize, celebrate today?’” Like much of engineers who contributed to the Yuri Milner, one of the founders of Eliasson’s work, the sculpture detection of gravitational waves the Breakthrough Prizes, said, “The explores the common ground by the Laser Interferometer creative powers of a unique genius, between art and science. It Gravitational-Wave Observatory many great scientists and the is molded into the shape of a (LIGO). universe itself have come together toroid, recalling natural forms The $3 million award is being to make a perfect science story.” found from black holes and shared between two groups of For more about Caltech’s galaxies to seashells and coils laureates. The three founders Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental of DNA. of LIGO — Caltech’s Ronald W. P. Drever, professor of physics, emeritus, and Kip S. Thorne, the Facilities holds campus-wide Richard P. Feynman Professor of Theoretical Physics, emeritus, and meeting for Bechtel Residence MIT’s Rainer Weiss, professor of NEERA SHAH story section for the dining hall, physics, emeritus — will share $1 Page Editor which will face Moore Walk. million equally. In addition, 1,012 Throughout the design process, contributors will equally share $2 On May 13, members of the the design team consulted several Photo Courtesy of the Breakthrough Prize million; of these, 1,005 are the Caltech community were able members of the Caltech community, to attend a presentation on the including students, IHC, ASCIT current plans for the new Bechtel and RAs. Inside the residence, the Residence. The presenters were current prototypes for suite options News briefs from around the globe Jim Cowell, assistant vice president are a four-, six- or eight-bedroom for facilities; Hall P. Daily, director suite and a select few one-bedroom A brief list of events from the past week, compiled by the editors of government relations; Don singles for students. The faculty- O’Neil, senior director for capital in-residence will have a two- projects, modernization, planning, bedroom apartment, while the RAs design and construction; and Brian and RLC will have one-bedroom HALO Trust to remove landmines around church near Jordan River Kenworthy, associate partner at apartments. Individual bedrooms ZGF Architects. will primarily be singles and have 5,000 landmines near land marked as Jesus’ baptism site to be cleared by world’s larg- Caltech’s master plan for how an area of about 96 square feet. it will use its land will be up for Graduate student housing est humanitarian landmine removal organization [CNN] review in 2019. The discretionary options may increase as a result of review and design approval undergrads moving into Bechtel for Bechtel began in 2007. The (e.g., apartments in the 150 South Colombian police seize record size domestic haul of illegal drugs institution is currently entitled to Chester Avenue complex may be build up to 600,000 square feet in converted into grad housing). 8 tons of cocaine hidden on a banana plantation found by authorities [BBC] the open area on the south side of Only about 450 grad students out Del Mar Boulevard. The plan is for of 1,200 are currently provided the Bechtel house to be 100,000 with Caltech housing each year. It square feet with 200–250 beds, a is also possible that some housing Ex-CIA agent Donald Rickard reveals tip-off led to Mandela arrest in servery and a dining hall. This new in Bechtel will be available to grad residence will allow all undergrads students, but these plans have not Durban, South Africa to live on campus for all four years. been finalized yet. It is likely that the board plan will In terms of sustainability, the 1962 arrest landed Mandela, who was wanted for alleged ties to a terrorist organization, be required, but this has not been goal is to be LEED Platinum. in jail for 27 years [BBC] confirmed yet. Opportunities to consider include In order to make space for the net zero energy, net zero water building itself, the child care center and installing photovoltaics on the was moved on campus last year. roof. Regarding the exterior, there Brazilian Senate votes to begin impeachment trial of President Dilma Bechtel Residence will be built will be a courtyard enclosed by between Avery and Lot 10. This the four sides of the building. It is Rousseff land was originally designated for designed such that there will be two academic or administrative space, distinct parts — one half will have 55 vote in favor of, 22 against impeachment; Rousseff formally accused of borrowing but this can be changed to allow softscape, including a lawn, while housing instead upon modification the other half will have hardscape. from state banks to conceal deficit [NYT] request. After the new house is The schematics were built, Lot 10 will only be accessible developed in late 2015, and design through Michigan Avenue, and it development completed in spring Andre Brahic, one of discoverers of Neptune’s rings, passes away will be closed during construction. of this year. Construction is set The building plan has three stories to begin in winter of 2017, so new 73-year-old was a key figure in increasing public awareness of research into space [BBC] along the two sides facing Del Mar residents should be able to move in and Avery and two stories along the to the house in the fall of 2018. other two sides, except for a one-

OPINION | page 3 OPINION | page 3 SPORTS | page 5 FEATURE | page 7 In this Andre discusses Tom interviews Bradley earns Nailen reviews leaves of absence Professor Adam academic all-dis- “bottomless pit” by issue Wierman trict honors News 2 may 16, 2016 THE CALIFORNIA TECH Caltech Y Column CALTECH Y 2. Education inequality and social justice: a conversation with Miles The Caltech Y Column serves to inform Corwin students of upcoming events and volunteer Monday, May 23rd | 12:00-1:00 p.m. | opportunities. The list is compiled by Neera Location TBD | To Sign Up Visit: http://goo. Shah from information given by the Caltech gl/forms/FSCgL51rtE Y and its student leaders. Miles Corwin spent a year with twelve gifted Founded by students in 1916, the Y was high school students from disadvantaged organized to provide extracurricular activities communities in LA. Corwin chronicled their planned and implemented by students as an journeys as they faced the greatest challenges opportunity to learn leadership skills and of their academic lives in his book, And Still discover themselves. The mission of today’s Y We Rise. The book won the PEN West award remains the same—to provide opportunities for nonfiction and was a Los Angeles Times that will prepare students to become Best Book of the Year. On May 23rd, Corwin engaged, responsible citizens of the world. will come to Caltech to discuss his unique The Y seeks to broaden students’ worldviews, perspective on the challenges facing students raise social, ethical, and cultural awareness in disadvantaged communities. through teamwork, community engagement, Praise for the book: activism, and leadership. More information “An exuberant tale of South-Central about the Caltech Y and its programs can be kids...On every page, their voice ring as clear found at https://caltechy.org. The office is as church bells and make even a jaded reader located at 505 S. Wilson Avenue. feel inspired.” USA Today “An impressive, important work of Upcoming Events narrative journalism...A more gifted reporter can barely be imagined.” It all began in 2004 when Louis-Georges Tin started a campaign in France to cre- 1. Science, Technology, and San Francisco Chronicle ate the International Day Against Homophobia. The idea took off: in less than one year Innovation for Achieving the United Corwin Bio: Miles Corwin is a former people from over 50 countries joined to celebrate. May 17 was chosen to commemorate Nations Sustainable Development crime reporter at the Los Angeles Times, World Health Organization’s decision made in 1990 that homosexuality was not a disor- Goals: A Conversation with Dr. where he wrote about the LAPD, homicide der. On May 16, 2009, France became the first country in the world to officially stop clas- William Colglazier in South-Central Los Angeles, prisons, and sifying transgender issues as disorders. The same year the word Transphobia was added Thursday | May 19th | 3:00 to 4:30 the criminal justice system. A native of Los to the title and since then the official acronym has remained IDAHOT despite Biphobia being appended in 2015. It is important to note that the IDAHOT committee acknowledg- p.m. | Sign Up at: http://goo.gl/forms/ Angeles, he graduated from University of es the shortcomings of the title and therefore encourages adaptations that make it more PqMMvhXKZV California, Santa Barbara and received an inclusive to all sexual and gender minorities. (priority will be given to students) M.A. at the University of Missouri School May 17 is now officially recognized by many countries, including but not limited to Dr. E. William Colglazier is s Editor-in- of Journalism. Corwin is the author of three Canada, Spain, and Brazil. Last year in the official statement from the White House Chief of Science & Diplomacy and Senior nonfiction books: The Killing Season, a Barack Obama summarized what this day is about: “We take this opportunity to reaffirm Scholar in the Center for Science Diplomacy national bestseller; And Still We Rise, the that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights are human rights, to celebrate at the American Association for Advancement winner of the PEN West award for nonfiction the dignity of every person, and to underscore that all people deserve to live free from of Science (AAAS). He is also co-chair of the and a Los Angeles Times Best Book of the fear, violence, and discrimination, regardless of who they are or whom they love.” committee appointed by the U.N. Secretary Year; and Homicide Special, a Los Angeles -Agne Skripkaite (Graduate Student) General for advising on the role of science, Times bestseller. Kind of Blue, his first technology, and innovation for achieving the novel, was named one of Booklist’s Top Ten United Nations Sustainable Development First Crime Novels of 2010. His next book Caltechlive! Goals (SDGs). in the Ash Levine series, Midnight Alley, He served as the fourth Science and was released in April 2012. Corwin teaches WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 2016 • 8 PM Technology Adviser to the Secretary of State literary journalism at the University of from 2011 to 2014, first under Secretary California, Irvine. Clinton and then under Secretary Kerry, EARNEST C. WATSON LECTURE SERIES providing scientific and technical expertise 3. Food and Shopping for a and advise in support of the development Sustainable World DNA ORIGAMI: FOLDED DNA AS A BUILDING and implementation of U.S. foreign policy. Friday | May 20th | 12:00-1:00 p.m. | MATERIAL FOR MOLECULAR DEVICES From 1994 to 2011, he was Executive officer Winnett Lounge of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences Sustainable Works, an educational (NAS) and the National Research Council organization that promotes sustainable (NRC) where he helped to oversee the studies actions to foster a safe, healthy and equitable that provide independent, objective scientific world, will lead a seminar about how you can advice on domestic and international public make your lifestyle more sustainable. This policy issues. workshop will give perspective on shopping, He received his Ph.D. in theoretical physics consumer goods, organic food and how they from Caltech in 1971, and prior to 1994 worked influence the environment. Come learn how Humans have invented a new use at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center, the your actions can make a difference. for DNA: as a building material for Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, the Students, staff, and faculty are all molecular devices. In this talk, Center for Science and International affairs welcome. Lunch provided on first come first Rothemund will describe how at Harvard s Kennedy School of Government, served basis. The Sustainable Living Series is and the University of Tennessee. While at coordinated by Amanda Shing - Grad Student complex DNA structures are de- Harvard, he also served as Associate Director and 2015-16 Caltech Y ACT Award Recipient signed via computer, synthesized of the Program in Science, Technology, and - and is made possible with generous support using "kitchen chemistry," and humanism of the Aspen Institute. He is past from The Caltech Employees Federal Credit studied with atomic force micro- chair of the Forum on Physics and Society of Union and the Caltech Y. the American Physical Society (APS) and a scopes. Fellow of the AAAS and APS. 4. Hathaway Sycamores The Caltech Y Science Policy Series Wednesdays | 5:30-8:00p.m. | Highland Paul Rothemund, Research Professor of Bioengineering, Computing provides an opportunity for students to Park and Mathematical Sciences, and Computation and Neural Systems explore the intersection of science and policy Volunteer at Hathaway-Sycamores, a to promote informed, engaged citizenship. group that supports local underprivileged The Science Policy Series is organized by students. There are a variety of ages and the Caltech Y Social Activism Speaker Series subjects being tutored. The service trip Free Admission (SASS) Committee - which is open to any includes about an hour of travel time and 1.5 students interested in organizing programs hours of tutoring. Transportation is included. Caltech’s Beckman Auditorium focused on science policy or other issuesFree For Parking more info and to RSVP email Sherwood of global significance. Contact caltechy@ Richers at [email protected]. www.events.caltech.edu caltech.edu for more information. The series was made possible with generous support from the George Housner Fund. Call campus x 4652 for information

The TECH opinion THE CALIFORNIA TECH may 16, 2016 3 Leave and MIT: Peering Collaboration in computing: Getting at another institution to know Professor Adam Wierman ANDRE COMELLA described the experiences of going TOM SHERIDAN consistency are key to him both in the grid to squint at data centers Contributing Writer on various types of leave. I heard Contributing Writer in his research and in his life. But and see a battery,” said Wierman. a tale of a student who was on to Wierman, these activities are “There are a lot of tasks that can There’s an old belief that of all leave for five years working to earn Personally and professionally, less about comparisons and more be scheduled for these servers, the combinations of words in the enough money to take the classes from cloud computing to social about connections. “If everyone and if you can use this flexibility English language, there is none necessary to be allowed to return. I media, the connections of the knows each other, then there are anywhere on the grid, you’re more beautiful than “cellar door.” heard from a young woman asking modern age are everywhere. Many, opportunities for collaborations effectively working as a battery.” Maybe that’s true for linguists, but why she was required to take classes particularly among the millennial that can surprise you and lead to In other words, if dry but to a Caltech administrator’s ears, while on medical leave and how generation, could not recognize big results,” he said. “This is part necessary tasks like search engine the most beautiful words are “peer she was supposed to fit them with a world where these networking of the Caltech way — people in optimization and e-mail sorting institutions.” Peer institutions four or five doctor visits a week. I tools do not exist. But for Adam different areas knowing each other can be shifted to times when are the universities we compare sat next to a friend as she spoke Wierman, professor of computing well enough to find connections temporary solar or wind power ourselves to when considering about going on leave for four years and mathematical sciences, who between unexpected areas.” can be utilized, and these changes rankings or making policy and the difficulties that came from grew up in tandem with their Although his early publications in availability of renewables can decisions and are defined as MIT, incompetence and misinformation expansion, what he saw profoundly were highly theoretical, his thesis be instantly identified by power Stanford, Harvard, and maybe from those in administration affected him. In his own words, was based on the necessity to apply companies, this could contribute one or two others. It’s unclear meant to support her. “The most exciting thing for my the principles of computer science to a revolution in the way green what makes a university worth Most uplifting was seeing how generation in computer science to real systems, both in modeling energy is handled in the grid and to comparing ourselves to, or when MIT made great efforts to address was the emergence of the internet. their behavior and improving their a quantum leap in the efficiency of such comparisons are deemed all the major issues presented by Bringing the world networks was efficiency. This modeling is critical server banks that might otherwise appropriate. There has been a trend the leave and return process. Most something that I lived through.” to any project interacting with stand idle for hours on end. to use our peers as justification of those heart-wrenching stories Living in this specific era and a complicated power grid. The The economic implications for unpopular dealt with gaining an inclusive mix of efficiency of power distribution are far from trivial. Even if data decisions but to “We can take up the issues that interdisciplinary knowledge have and production has been vastly centers are able to serve as timely cite “Caltech’s challenge set before had been uniquely equipped Wierman for increased due to the ability of power soaks, markets still need uniqueness” directly the task of fitting modern cloud companies to act on precise to be established, and a network when students us, to elevate the addressed. computing to the challenges of a models that can predict consumer between the data centers and the want to copy needs and well-being See, MIT’s greener power grid. demand. Statistics, economics and power grid that allows the flexibility policies of our students above policies At Carnegie Mellon University, engineering have all contributed of the center to be utilized without from other were already where he acquired his bachelor’s to this greater understanding, but presenting it with undue risk must institutions. all else.” impressive, and master’s degrees as well as networking has presented a new be formed. A few weeks but now the his Ph.D., Wierman bounced issue of efficiently powering the “You can do all the engineering ago, MIT released a 34-page report people there are putting substantial around, delving into statistics, workhorses of the information age: you want in terms of redesigning (available at http://web.mit.edu/ effort into making them even psychology, engineering and data centers. individual data centers,” said acadinfo/cap/about/report.pdf) better. Into letting students know math. Surprisingly, for a computer The primary issue of huge server Wierman, “but without the right on its policies governing leave and that they are always welcome and science professor, “I only came to banks needed for today’s vast cloud markets, you can’t accomplish what return for undergraduate students. always a part of their community. CS late in my junior year.” This computing network is that they you want in terms of integration of It is truly an incredible read, and Into supporting students even may help to explain both the style demand enormous amounts of clean energy into the grid.” This I recommend that everyone check when it means more costs, more and subject of his research, as his power, and recent advances have is where Wierman’s split interests it out. The report came at the work and more liability. Caltech focus on transitioning from first sent usage skyrocketing. Data shine through. The ability to request of the chancellor (roughly stands in juxtaposition with no principles of multiple subjects to centers now account for over 3 get algorithms to accommodate analogous to our vice president of support for students on leave, no practical applications in systems is percent of all power consumption the dynamics of a market full of student affairs), who organized a avenues of communication and plain to see in his research history. worldwide1, and while overall changing variables relies on a deep committee of students, staff and significant effort to push students “One aspect that he gets very power consumption is slowing in understanding of both fields. “Many faculty to investigate current leave on leave away from the Institute. excited about is that elegant or the United States2, the nation’s engineers don’t get economics, but policies and suggest improvements. It was an amazing experience simple mathematics can lead to data centers are expected to eat up Adam has the background and the The report makes a series of bold to see so much pain and struggle improvements in practice,” said 50 percent more energy by 2020. interest. It’s only natural to work recommendations and assertions. borne by some incredible people. Niangjun Chen, a graduate student Because most of these servers must with him,” said Ledyard. It calls for financial support for It would be a mistake to assume in Wierman’s research group. “You always be on, they are a constant However, RSRG is only part students dependent on financial that such stories are unique to can come from simple observations power sink for an already-strained of Wierman’s position at Caltech. aid going on leave — to a total of MIT; rather, other schools are to extract a model, and from this network. Wierman was made executive half a million dollars a year. It also often just as bad or even worse. model you can get some insight The unreliable nature of the officer for the computing and recommends offering MIT health We can sit around hypothesizing into how you can control the system most popular green energy sources mathematical sciences (CMS) insurance to all students on leave about what a set of policies will optimally.” complicates the problem, since it department in 2015 and now (currently only those on medical lead to or what an experience For his professional style, is incredibly difficult leave are allowed to continue would be like, but that is nothing Wierman prefers hands-off for a power grid to using MIT insurance). The report compared to the raw emotion of management, setting up research efficiently juggle the “Endurance, self-discipline continues with many more changes, meeting people so deeply affected. goals but allowing his graduate fluctuating demand but the most striking aspect was To understand, to truly know, we students to use their own of consumers with and consistency are key to the assertion, all throughout, that must learn from those who have knowledge as well as some trial and the varying supply him both in his research and “all undergraduate students, once gained understanding through error to reach them. of energy from admitted by MIT, remain members experience. These are human John Ledyard, Allen and renewable and non- in his life. But to Wierman, of the MIT community,” and problems and cannot be solved Lenabelle Davis Professor of renewable sources. whenever a student goes on leave, while neglecting human experience Economics and Social Sciences, If enough non- these activities are less “MIT still expects the student to and human input. has abundant experience in renewable power is about comparisons and return (if he or she wants) and finish And here we return to Caltech’s experimental economics and already in the grid the degree.” This is astounding — fondness for emulation. If there is modeling and is a longtime to satiate demand, more about connections.” MIT is voluntarily taking on more ever a time to follow the example collaborator of Wierman, then any incoming responsibility for students who of a peer, it is now. We have an characterized his approach as renewable power will go on leave. As an institute, MIT opportunity now to follow a path “If they flounder, they flounder, be wasted. On the other hand, presides over a rapidly expanding stands in sharp contrast to Caltech, already cut for us. MIT has already but they learn something by if there is too much reliance on major that has the potential to which is pushing students on leave done the hard work, the research, floundering.” renewables, the whole system reshape not just computer science away, hoping they transfer, or at the policy crafting. We can use that Wierman’s involvement with could risk a brownout or blackout at Caltech, but nearly every other the very least, never come back. and perhaps even build upon it. his students goes far beyond the on a cloudy day. field as well. For Wierman, “There’s After releasing the report, MIT We can take up the challenge set classroom or the computer lab. It However, with the help an increasing recognition [of] CS as held a town hall run by some of the before us, to elevate the needs and includes hikes, hangouts and even of collaborators in electrical being central to science these days, staff and faculty who crafted the well-being of our students above the occasional marathon. However, engineering, economics and and almost every research center report. At this town hall, students all else. We, as students, succeed an easygoing nature and a constant applied math, Wierman founded involves CS faculty in some way.” formerly or currently on leave by learning from our peers, from smile can hide his competitive RSRG (Rigorous Systems Research The challenges are numerous. came to ask questions and speak emulating what works best; is it side. Wierman has already Group), which focuses on utilizing In a recent data release, Wierman about their experiences. It was not time for our Institute to do completed numerous triathlons these servers as resources, rather presented a statistical analysis amazing to hear their stories, each likewise? with respectable placings. than drains, for the energy grid. varied and uniquely crushing. They Endurance, self-discipline and “We’re trying to convince people Continued on page 4 feature 4 may 16, 2016 THE CALIFORNIA TECH Professor Wierman Community enjoys dance, music uses split interests and food at OASIS Annual Show to inform research

Continued from page 3 Being a specialist in networking and interdisciplinary efforts, it is of the various flaws of the CMS not surprising that Wierman is an department as it was — with expert in the collaboration that the flood of new CS majors, the allows computer science to have number of faculty and the number influence in many different subjects. of possible specializations were This includes communication with simply not up to the task. Class undergraduates as the executive sizes have ballooned, and solutions officer of the CMS department, will have to be applied over years. prompt back-and-forths with As someone who has taught graduate students and showing numerous classes, including a the outside world the potential of mixed CS/economics class on his research. He is determined to algorithmic game theory, Wierman bring this powerful combination has a direct perspective on these of interdisciplinary knowledge issues. “There’s a tension in and smooth collaboration to a task designing an undergraduate CS that will test them to their limits — program,” he said. “You don’t want forging a network that will make to teach a watered-down version of data centers cleaner around the algorithms just because they’re not world. CS majors; you want to teach them 1 Preimesberger , Chris.“Intel’s algorithms!” Low-Power Atom Chip Making Five additional faculty members Way Into Data Centers”. Web. are already planned for the next http://www.eweek.com/storage/ five to seven years to alleviate the slideshows/intels-low-power- mounting enrollment pressure that atom-chip-making-way-into-data- high-level classes in CS are facing. centers.html?kc=EWKNLESB09 Wierman hopes to repeat a 082013STR1&dni=77668363&r statistical analysis of the CS major ni=24932747 using data from this year, and 2 Thibodeau, Patrick. “Data many of his thoughts on computer centers are the new polluters.” scienceCEFCU Colorand Ad:Layoutsustainability 1 11/20/15 are 1:03Web. PM http://www.computerworld.Page 1 readily available at his blog, Rigor com/article/2598562/data- + Relevance. center/data-centers-are-the-new- polluters.html Photos Courtesy of Anushka Rau You chose one of the Now choose one of the most trusted institutions most trusted institutions in SCIENCE. in FINANCE.

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Must qualify for CEFCU membership to join. Minimum $5 deposit and one-time $5 membership fee due upon opening any CEFCU account. Federally insured by NCUA. Sports THE CALIFORNIA TECH may 16, 2016 5 Women’s tennis finishes sixth Bradley earns second CoSIDA Academic All-District Honor at SCIACs, best since 2007 GOCALTECH.COM Bradley is one of only three Actual Sports Content Editor Division III water polo players in GOCALTECH.COM to injury, the Beavers were eager to the season finale. A 2-1 deficit after the country to have been recognized Actual Sports Content Editor reach this matchup. It showed from Reisler and Andrews picked up the GREENWOOD, In. (May 12, by the regional honor. Last year, the outset as Caltech took both #2 only win at #3 doubles left Caltech 2016) – Caltech men’s water polo he was also one of just three DIII CLAREMONT, Calif. (May 8, (8-6) and #3 (8-2) doubles, then needing four victories in singles junior Christopher Bradley has water polo players in the nation to 2016) – The Caltech women’s tennis claimed the first set in four singles play, but only Wang and Reisler been named to the Capital One be named Academic All-America, team recorded its best finish at the matches. Chapman claimed #1 to could oblige at #5 (6-1, 6-4) and #2 Academic All-District Men’s At- becoming the first Beaver in over SCIAC Championships since 2007, level the match, but sophomore (6-2, 5-7, 6-2) while Sophia Chen Large Team, which is selected by a decade to earn the prestigious placing sixth with a victory over Erin Wang and freshman Cecelia fell in three sets at #4 (1-6, 6-4, 6-1) the College Sports Information distinction. Chapman University sandwiched Andrews pulled the Beavers and Moriyama succumbed after an Directors of America. He is the first Student-athletes must maintain between defeats to epic tiebreak with member of the men’s water polo a cumulative, non-rounded 3.30 national No. 4 and the match already program to earn the honor. GPA, have completed at least one eventual champion on hand at #3 (6- Bradley followed up his calendar year at the nominating Claremont-Mudd- 3, 2-6, 15-13). 2014 program-record 134-goal institution and reached at least Scripps Colleges and Head Coach campaign with an impressive all- sophomore athletic standing to be the University of La Mandy Gamble’s around junior season in which he eligible for nomination. Verne. squad enjoyed scored another 89 goals, assisted As a First Team honoree, #7 seed Caltech a number of 25, made 30 steals, blocked 26 Bradley will advance to the Capital 0, #2 No. 4 CMS 5 impressive shots and drew 29 exclusions. He One Academic All-America Team With rain already individual already has totaled an eye-popping ballot once again, where first-, having shuffled performances in 285 goals in his three years as a second- and third-team All- start times across addition to the Beaver. America honorees will be selected the conference, team’s major later this month. the Beavers and step forward. Athenas elected to Reisler, Moriyama start singles first and and Wang each play to decision in an reached double attempt to beat the digits in singles weather. Although wins, marking a short delay mid- Such concentration. Much focus. Wow. the first time that Photo Courtesy of Michael L. Wong match proved has happened inevitable, CMS soon claimed the within a point of clinching with since 1998. Reisler also recorded victory with wins at all but #1, identical 6-0, 6-0 wins at #5 and the program’s first individual win where sophomore Vinci Chen had #6. Freshman Kana Moriyama over a regionally ranked opponent played West Region No. 6 Katie clinched the match soon after, 6-1, since 2014 NCAA participant Kuosman to a 6-3 first set and taken 6-1 at #3, with Reisler and Sophia Rebekah Kitto, while four Beavers another two games in the second. Chen making the final score even notched victories between the ITA Freshman Julia Reisler also won a more decisive at #2 (6-2, 7-5) and West Regional and Ojai Valley pair of games in each set at #2. #4 (6-3, 6-1). Tournament, including Reisler’s #7 Caltech 7, #6 Chapman 2 #7 Caltech 3, #5 La Verne 6 run to the semifinals of the first Having fallen to the Panthers Looking to avenge another consolation bracket in the fall. in the regular season during the narrow 5-4 regular season defeat, One of these articles is not like the other ... absence of junior Sophia Chen due the Beavers came up just short in -http://gocaltech.com Men’s tennis finishes sixth at SCIACs, best since 2005 GOCALTECH.COM penalty during the delay, Lebby and 22 Andrew You keyed the Whittier ended, the Beavers were tasked and were able to come up with just Actual Sports Content Editor Li were able to overcome Whittier rally with a win at #1, followed by with dispatching Oxy for the second four. Pathireddy, Nguyen, junior taking two of the time this season Ramsathwick Pathireddy and Li CLAREMONT, Calif. (May 8, first three points and were more each registered victories at #3 (6- 2016) – The Caltech men’s tennis and hold serve, than up to 3, 6-3), #4 (6-1, 6-4), #5 (3-6, 7-6 team recorded its best finish at the then break the the challenge. [3], 10-5) and #6 (6-2, 6-3). SCIAC Championships since 2005, Poets for crucial Despite the Head Coach Mandy Gamble’s placing sixth with a victory over 2-1 match lead. potential for squad finishes the season with an Occidental College sandwiched Singles play had both fatigue even 10-10 record, the program’s between defeats to Whittier College commenced as the and heartbreak most wins since 2000 and the and Chapman University. final doubles match after the epic first time Caltech has finished #5 Caltech 4, #4 Whittier 5 conclude in an opening-round at or above .500 since 1994. In The Beavers battled the Poets attempt to beat the match, Caltech addition to notching the program’s to open the tournament in an weather, but only swept doubles, first win over a nationally ranked instant classic that stretched Pathireddy and Li with only #2 opponent and earning their across two days due to multiple were able to finish particularly first-ever national ranking, the rain delays. Things began the same a first set before close as Beavers rewrote a good portion way they did in the regular season the rain returned, Pathireddy and of the record books. Li outpaced matchup just one week prior, with necessitating the Nguyen again the previous single-season record Whittier claiming #1 doubles but postponement of won 9-7. Senior for singles victories (14), besting junior Ruthwick Pathireddy and the match to the Rushikesh Lebby’s 12 set in 2014, while also freshman Derik Nguyen came up following morning. This photo has captured the essence of the infamous “tennis grunt.” Joshi and Li posting a team-record 8-2 mark in Photo Courtesy of Ellen Friedlander with a break in the final game to The tension quickly closed conference play between #4, 5 and 6 take #2, 9-7. was palpable in up shop at #1 singles. Ruthwick also tied Lebby’s Having given up a 4-1 lead in the Claremont on Saturday morning David Stanko and Tyler Linscott and #6 for the win and chance to previous record of 12 winsand previous matchup, junior Morgan with the guarantee of no worse winning at #4 and #5 to level the play for fifth place the following became the program’s career leader Lebby and freshman Zixiao Li had than fourth place in the balance. match, leaving just Liu and the day. in singles wins with 29, while the no intentions of doing the same this Things started off well for Caltech Poets’ #1 player last year, 6’5” #5 Caltech 4, #6 Chapman 5 Pathireddy twins maintained their time. Although the pair failed to as Pathireddy’s opponent at #3 Samuel Farmer. The rookie more Fortune was on the Panthers’ program record for doubles wins take advantage of multiple chances defaulted the match, giving the than held his own after taking the side on Sunday morning as as a pairing, recording their 21st to break Whittier’s serve, they held Beavers the 3-1 lead while Li led at veteran to a third set the week prior Chapman swept doubles, with this season. Ruthwick and Nguyen their own as well through to 7-7, #6 and freshman Andre Liu won but again went down in a third set, Pathireddy and Nguyen putting recorded an historic doubles win as when a brief delay was caused by a fifth straight game at #2 to take 7-5, 3-6, 3-6. up the closest fight but falling in a well, marking the program’s first some light rain. the first set, 7-5. The tide began to #5 Caltech 5, #8 Oxy 0 tiebreak, 9-8 (3). The Beavers took individual victory over a regionally With a point awarded to the turn, however, even as Li locked Just an hour after the final first sets at three courts in singles, ranked opponent in at least the last Beavers on a code of conduct up #6 (6-2, 6-4). West Region No. singles match versus Whittier had but needed five to rally for the win five years. Announcements 6 may 16, 2016 THE CALIFORNIA TECH

VICE PROVOST’S OFFICE HOURS ASCITMeetings are everyMinutes week in SAC 13 ASCIT Meeting 5.12.16 Vice Provost, Chief Diversity Officer and Professor of English, Cindy Weinstein, holds regular office hours. This is Officers: Serena Delgadillo, Sakthi Vetrivel, Robin Brown, an opportunity for undergraduate, graduate students and Tim Liu, Kalyn Chang Others: Chris Dosen, Vaishnavi Shrivastava, Olivia Hindera postdocs to meet and discuss what they’d like pertaining to the Council on Undergraduate Education, Caltech accreditation, Start: 12:12pm the Staff and Faculty Consultation Center, Student-Faculty I. President Updates: Serena Programs, the Center for Teaching, Learning and Outreach, the A. New board! Yay! Caltech Diversity Center and the libraries. B. Midnight donuts is the 18th There are four appointments per hour, 15 min. each. Sign C. Fire and Ice event went well D. Transition dinner is on the 30th (Memorial Day) up the morning of the office hour in 104 Parsons Gates, Vice E. Performing and Visual Arts is having a concert Provosts’ Offices (x6339). off campus on the 21st F. Appoint a secretary soon (sign-ups go up next Spring Term Office Hours Monday (5/16) and interviews are the following Sunday) 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. II. ARC Chair updates: Tim A. ASCIT teaching awards picked out last Sunday Wednesday, May 18 1. There will be an Ath dinner for the winners, their nominators, and a few ARC members Tuesday, May 24 B. Committee appointments this Sunday for Friday, June 3 academic faculty committees III. Director of Ops Updates: Sakthi A. Projector will be set up The California Tech B. Rethink how yearbook is done (electronic Editors-in-Chief yearbooks?) Jon Cotler 1. People didn’t pick up the yearbooks Katherine Guo 2. Come out after people have already left Page Editors campus Chloe Hsu IV. Treasurer Updates: Kalyn Ida Huang Hye Joon Lee A. Ordering senior boxes (tentatively to be delivered Ciara Ordner Caltech Neera Shah on the 23rd of May) V. Social Director Updates: Robin Copy Editor A. Movie on Friday went well Nehaly Shah B. Looking at possible events for the rest of term Public Events VI. Other Contributing Writers A. Passing resolution to make senior class co- Andre Comella Nailen Matschke president election during third term Tom Sheridan 1. Currently, they are elected after ditch day and Hiring Ushers Contributing Photographers this doesn’t give much time Anushka Rau B. Tim moves to amend the ASCIT Resolution I Michael L. Wong Section 1 to “Elections for Senior Class Co- Flexible hours. Presidents shall be held using the procedures Circulation Manager established in Article VII during third term of No experience needed. Kit Chinetti their junior year Outgoing Personality. Advisor 1. Serena seconds Pay Rate: Richard Kipling 2. Vote passes 5-0-0 $15 per hour Caltech 40-58, Pasadena, CA 91125 Contact [email protected] Ends: 12.28pm The Tech is published weekly except dur- ing vacation and examination periods by the Associated Students of the California Institute of Technology, Inc. The opinions Caltech Students expressed herein are strictly those of the authors and advertisers. REMINDER FROM Letters and submissions are welcome; e-

only!! mail submissions to [email protected] as plain-text attachments, including the au- thor’s name, by Friday of the week before COUNSELING CENTER: publication. The Tech does accept anony- mous contributions under special circum- Contact: Adam Jacobo stances. The editors reserve the right to edit and abridge all submissions for any reason. All written work remains property Meditation Mob 626.395.5907 of its author. The advertising deadline is 5 p.m. Fri- day; all advertising should be submitted (drop-in mindfulness meditation group) [email protected] electronically or as camera-ready art, but The Tech can also do simple typesetting and arrangement. All advertising inquiries Meets every Tuesday, 12:00-12:50 p.m. should be directed to the business manager at [email protected]. For subscription in- formation, please send mail to “Subscrip- Bottom floor of Winnett tions.”

feature THE CALIFORNIA TECH may 16, 2016 7 Bottomless Pit: Death Grips, the condensed version

NAILEN MATSCHKE Good Ideas” and “Bottomless difficult to pick favorites, but many out on aesthetic alone is “Eh” on another level as a result. Sure, Contributing Writer Pit,” are those which most closely are among the catchiest songs the and “Trash” with slick but low- The Money Store had strong hooks resemble the guitar-driven sound group has ever written. “Spikes” key instrumentals that allow MC and danceable beats, but instead of Just six years into its career, it that Death Grips had been working features a downright moshable Ride’s wit to shine through. The the production simply serving as a seems all but certain that Death with on Jenny former has him ranting beat to rein in MC Ride’s chaos, it Grips will be immortalized as Death. The about how trifling naive frequently works in concert with his one of the great subversive acts distortion is fans and his competition vocals to mimic a rock-esque style. in the canon of popular music. through the are, until it takes a dark The two halves of the music feel Despite the wealth of experimental roof, easily turn as the attitude of much more aware of each other, hip-hop released this decade, causing audio “Eh” swallows up all, and as evidenced by the quick one- no artist has come close to the clipping, while with MC Ride telling us, or two-measure transitions all over mixture of aggression, noise, plays “I’m way too loose, like / this , they were written to social commentary and catchy drums like a catch me hanging from fit together, improving the overall hooks that the group continues madman and my noose like eh,” the flow and listener appeal. As far as to refine with every record. This MC Ride yells last syllable chillingly heavy electronic instrumentation alone is remarkable, but when more or less drawn out with a digital is concerned, “Warping” and “BB one considers that the band has unintelligibly. effect. “Trash,” on the Poison” easily rival anything off already put out four critically On the surface, other hand, laments the No Love Deep Web. Furthermore, acclaimed studio in under this is what virtual garbage heaps of while the haphazard sampling of four years, not including any we’ve come to online content cluttering MC Ride on mixtapes or instrumental releases, expect from our daily lives, “be it was one of fans’ chief complaints the competition really starts to the band in Motel 6 to vogue vino upon its release, the time spent fade away. Of course, the group’s recent years, trash,” supported by a crafting beats out of Björk vocals members have done their share to but the focus two-note drone that I for the first half of The Powers stay in the public eye as well, from on the hook suspect is the repeatedly That B has completely eliminated announcing their breakup several in these two layered sound of a floppy the issue for the parts of “Spikes,” albums ago to missing tour dates tracks stands drive spinning up. “BB Poison” and other tracks that with no explanation, to various out, especially -https://commons.wikimedia.org/ Bottomless Pit displays rely on vocal samples. online antics utilizing social media, in the case of an impressive breadth Finally, while the album as a producing a rabid and decidedly the opener, featuring a descending chorus to complement high- of topics and aesthetics, and with whole doesn’t utilize guitar nearly masochistic fanbase. Having finally female vocal line repeating the tension verses about “skidding 13 tracks clocking in at just under as much as Jenny Death, it fits satiated cries for Jenny Death, the song title. This attention to pop out” of control, while “Houdini” 40 minutes, nothing overstays its in so well that the songs that do second half of double album The sensibility is a large part of what is a banger lampooning mindless welcome. could almost be off a punk record. Powers That B, the band was left made 2012’s The Money Store such music fans with a hilarious bridge Since the album doesn’t delve Bottomless Pit has by far the best with a cleaner slate than it had a successful debut, and though I can’t repeat in print. much into unexplored territory for production of any Death Grips had in years for Bottomless Pit, Death Grips has dialed it back ever “Three Bedrooms in a Good the band, I was a bit concerned at album, and MC Ride more than released on May 6. Accordingly, since, it is back in full force on Neighborhood” has a convoluted first that the material would rely on lives up to the standard he has the album doesn’t quite fit into the Bottomless Pit. three-part chorus, all of which will rehashing that of previous albums. set for himself. Though it may progression of its predecessors, Apart from the aforementioned manage to get stuck in your head. However, especially after going lack innovation, it is a perfect but rather it combines their most first and last tracks, the album is Oddly enough, “Hot Head,” the back and listening to Death Grips’ amalgamation of the Death Grips distinguishable elements into an heavily electronic, and just about lead single, is arguably the least other projects, it’s clear to me that catalog thus far, standing both intense collection of hits that you’ll every song has the well-defined like the others given its extreme Bottomless Pit applies all of the on its own and in context as a want to play again and again. sense of structure and melody that variation in dynamics and tone, techniques and skills the group testament to the talent and absurd The two tracks that bookend one expects from a single. Each one but it still holds its own in the track has acquired over the past few work ethic of one of this decade’s Bottomless Pit, “Giving Bad People brings something to love, making it listing. Another pair that sticks years, and the songwriting is truly most important acts. Crossword Across 54. In addition instrument 1. Development stage 55. Litter of pigs 22. Camarilla before metamorphosis 58. Ahead of time 24. Song for two 6. Steep rugged rock or 60. Anger 26. Consumed cliff 61. Indefinite but relatively 27. Develop by training 10. Travel through water small number and teaching 14. Egg-shaped 63. Indicating maiden name 29. Bind 15. Dwelling 64. Space between two 30. Incite or stimulate 16. Instinctive motive things 31. Facilitate 17. New 67. Wear away by rubbing 32. Musical notation 18. One of a pair used to 69. Salacious 37. Fumble control a horse 71. Curtain 39. Sudden numbing 19. Used in brewing and 73. Story dread distilling 74. To obscure or conceal 40. Parts of the Roman 20. Female animal 75. A simulated semblance calendar 21. Frozen 76. Song of praise 41. Extinct bird 23. Carried out an action 77. A slight competitive 44. At that place 25. Digit advantage 47. Make a mistake 26. Humiliate 78. Go in 48. Protective covering 28. Writer 50. Express in words 30. Faction Down 52. Square root of a gross 33. Very intense 1. Solitary 55. Fractional equivalent 34. Hawaiian garland 2. Declare solomnly of 20% 35. Wan 3. Wander 56. An impressive display 36. Used as an astringent 4. Compete 57. Domain 38. Lukewarm 5. Extemporize 59. Shelf 42. Employ 6. Pupa of a moth or 62. Unwanted garden plant 43. Lawful butterfly in a cocoon 64. A horse’s manner of 45. Fuss 7. Fish eggs moving 46. Send or direct for 8. In the middle of 65. Part of a church treatment 9. Affable 66. Look searchingly 49. Waistband 10. Total 68. Japanese currency -http://puzzlechoice.com 50. Sleigh 11. Ire 70. Hairpiece 51. State of decay 12. Ice hut 72. Operate 53. Definite article 13. Measuring 8 humor THE CALIFORNIA TECH may 16, 2016

Sanity Considered Harmful p-adic Larson

the trains chat definitely not jon cotler Answers to current crossword (p. 7)

-http://puzzlechoice.com

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