The California Tech [email protected] Volume CXVII Number 11 Pasadena, California tech.caltech.edu January 21, 2014 TERRAscope program continues earthquake research
CYNTHIA ELLER detailed maps of ground shaking GPS devices. That all changed in of geophysics Mark Simons using of seconds of warning to people Caltech Today so that they could respond to those December 2004 with the magnitude data from GPS systems installed in areas about to experience in need immediately after a quake,” 9.3 earthquake and resulting by the Japanese had produced ground shaking, and minutes of Since the magnitude 6.7 adds Egill Hauksson, senior tsunami that struck the Indian extensive measurements of ground warning to people potentially Northridge earthquake 20 years research associate at Caltech. Ocean off the west coast of Sumatra, motion, as well as earthquake in the path of a tsunami. Japan ago (January 17, 1994), researchers To give us this new view of Indonesia. Quite abruptly, Caltech models constrained by this data, invested heavily in an earthquake at the California Institute of earthquakes, Caltech collaborated scientists had an enormous amount that provided new insight into the early-warning system after the Technology (Caltech) have with the U.S. Geological Survey of information coming in from mechanics of plate tectonics and magnitude 6.9 Kobe earthquake learned much more about where (USGS) and the fault ruptures. that occurred January 17, 1995, earthquakes are likely to happen, California Geological The Tohoku- on the one-year anniversary of the and how danger to human life Survey to form TriNet, Oki earthquake Northridge earthquake, and the and damage to property might be through which a vastly was unprecedented: system performed well during the mitigated when they do occur. expanded network of scientists estimate that Tohoku-Oki earthquake. “It was a “The Northridge quake really instrumentation was over 50 meters of slip major scientific and technological heralded the beginning of a new put in place across on the subsurface fault accomplishment,” says Gurnis. era in earthquake research, not southern California. occurred during the “High-speed rail trains slowed only in southern California, but Concurrently, a new devastating earthquake. and stopped as earthquake worldwide,” says Michael Gurnis, network of continuously Currently, scientists warnings came in, and there were John E. and Hazel S. Smits Professor operated GPS stations at Caltech and the Jet no derailments as a result of the of Geophysics, and director of was permanently Propulsion Laboratory qu a ke .” the Seismological Laboratory at deployed by a group of are prototyping new Closer to home, Caltech Caltech. geophysicists under the automated systems for professor of geophysics Robert In the years just prior to the auspices of the Southern exploiting the wealth of Clayton has aided local earthquake Northridge earthquake, Caltech California Earthquake GPS and satellite imaging detection by distributing wallet- launched a program called Center, funded by the data to rapidly provide sized seismometers to residents of TERRAscope supported by the USGS, NASA, NSF, and disaster assessment and the greater Pasadena area to keep Whittier foundations, which the Keck Foundation. situational awareness in their homes. The seismometers placed high-quality seismic sensors GPS data are used to as events occur around are attached to a USB drive on near where earthquakes occur. The measure displacements the globe. “We are now each resident’s computer, which is Northridge earthquake was, in as small as 1 millimeter at a juncture in time to remain on at all times. effect, the first test of TERRAscope per year between stations where new observational The data from these in which Caltech scientists at any two locations, capabilities and available seismometers serve two functions: could infer the distribution of an making it possible to computational power they record seismic activity on a earthquake rupture on subsurface track motions during, will allow us to provide detailed block-by-block scale, and, faults and directly measure the between, and after critical information with in the event of a large earthquake, associated motion of the ground earthquakes. Similar and unprecedented speed they can help identify areas that are with greater accuracy. “With a even larger networks of -http://www.fema.gov and resolution,” says hardest hit. One lesson learned in modern digital seismic network, seismometers and GPS sensors the instrumentation in Indonesia Simons. the Northridge earthquake was that the potential of measuring ground have now been deployed across previously deployed by the Earthquakes are notable— serious damage can occur far from shaking in real time presented the United States, especially Caltech Techtonics Observatory and, for many, particularly the epicenter of an earthquake. itself,” says Gurnis. “The real time EarthScope, supported by the with support from the Gordon upsetting—because they have The presence of many view also gave first responders NSF, and in countries around the and Betty Moore Foundation. always come without warning. seismometers could help first world by various respective By the time the magnitude 9.0 Earthquakes do in fact happen responders to find the worst- national agencies like the Tohoku-Oki earthquake hit quickly and unpredictably, affected areas more quickly after networks deployed by the northern Japan in 2011, the but not so much so that early- an earthquake strikes. Japanese government. Seismologocial Laboratory at warning systems are impossible. Caltech scientists have also been In this issue Initially, says Gurnis, Caltech had developed greatly In a Moore Foundation-supported playing a leading role in the large there were not many expanded computing power collaboration with UC Berkeley, multi-institutional Salton Seismic large earthquakes to capable of ingesting massive the University of Washington, and Imaging Project. track with the new dense amounts of seismic and geodetic the USGS, Caltech is developing network of broadband data. Within weeks of the disaster, a prototype early-warning system NEWS seismic instruments and a team led by Caltech professor that may provide seconds to tens Continued on page 3 New events from the Caltech Y3 News briefs from around the globe Helping readers burst out of the Caltech bubble FEATURE Style tips for the Need to know < 100 words about the world this week – topics sorted from good to bad career fair 4 by The Tech Eds
FEATURE Iran agrees to new deal 5% purity, not 20%, for Uranium enrichment agreed to be new limit [CNN] Nailen reviews The Crystal Method5 US reduces caloric intake 118-calorie average decrease in consumption reported by USDA [TIME] Colby arsonists caught 3 individuals arrested for starting fire that has burned 1900+ acres [LAT]
inflation leads president to plan decrease in govt. subsidies [NYT] SPORTS Venezuela to raise prices 56% Caltech gets new Famous conductor dies 80-year-old Cladio Abbado (La Scala, Vienna Philharmonic, etc.) died [NYT] volleyball coach 7 Taliban attacks again 22 killed, civilians & military, in attack on Pakistani army checkpoint [CNN]
Sochi Games threatened 22-year-old suspected suicide bomber may have slipped by security [ABC] ews 2 January 21, 2014 N THE CALIFORNIA TECH
ASCIT Minutes* Food with Mannion! *(Still no new minutes) ASCIT Board of Directors Meeting Do you like eating food? Minutes for November 19, 2013. Taken by Catherine Jamshidi How about free food at nice restaurants? Officers Present: Zach Rivkin, Connor Coley, Malvika Verma, Connie Hsueh, Ever want to tell the world exactly what you think of Michelle Tang, Catherine Jamshidi Guests: Connor Rosen, Margaret Lee said food? Call to Order: 9:05pm The Tech will be beginning a new column to chroni- President’s Report (Zach): • In my candidacy statement from April, I advocated for student leadership cle the foodie experiences of new writers every other to take a level headed approach with the administration and focus on week...The Catch: They’ll be going head-to-head with increasing student mental health resources. The process has usually been successful, and the most recent and largest accomplishment is an evening Tom Mannion who will be reviewing the same restau- hours pilot program. After half a year of civil discussions with Kevin rant. If you have ever thought you were more of a gour- Austin, Leslie Nye, Tom Mannion, Anneila Sargent, John Dabiri, plus many other invaluable participants, along with a recent hardline mand than our resident master chef, now’s your chance passionate Faculty Board presentation, a limited evening hours trial will go into effect until the end of this academic year. This is an incredible to prove it! step forward for the Caltech safety net and auspiciously points towards a Email us for a spot on the list at [email protected] positive shift in relations between students and student affairs. I hope to see further improvements during the next half of ASCIT’s term and in the years ahead. Significant thanks goes to those mentioned above along with the student leadership, the Head UCCs, and especially to the IHC Chair Connor Coley for spending an innumerable number of hours and The California Tech offering constant support through the entire process. • Club funding has been completed. • The ASCIT retreat and midyear reviews occurred. Survey responses were Caltech 40-58, Pasadena, CA 91125 advertising e-mail: [email protected] Write very helpful for framing discussions and supplying appropriate feedback. editorial e-mail: [email protected] Officer’s Reports: • V.P. of Academic Affairs (ARC Chair: Malvika): Editors-in-Chief Jonathan Schor articles for o Meeting with Provost Online Education Committee Stanford Schor . Flipped classroom vs. online courses . News Editors Faculty don’t want to dumb down standards Neera Shah . Concrete proposal: CS0 Nehaly Shah the Tech o The second Student-Faculty Lunch was this past Thursday. We have Photography Editor continued to see a large amount of interest in this program from Alex Hsu both students and faculty. o The ARC is interested in adding a compliments section to the ARC Concern Box on Donut. • V.P. of Non-Academic Affairs (IHC Chair: Connor): o The IHC is working with Jon Webster and Dining to enter nutrition information of food options. If you’re interested in helping us with data entry (for some money), send me an email. We’ll likely begin
Staff around winter break. Brad Chattergoon o Invite your professors to your house dinner! It’s a great way to get to Nailen Matschke Shannon Wang know them in a non-academic context. • Director of Operations (Connie): o Remember that you can still register a new club anytime! Apply at clubs.caltech.edu • Treasurer (Monica): o We finished Club Funding and I will be publishing the breakdown of the 2013-2014 budget on Donut. • Social Director (Michelle): o The Ice House comedy show event will likely be made a termly event. o Page Interhouse: Daft Punk was this past weekend. o The Wallpaper. concert will be Friday, December 6th, at 9PM on Bechtel Mall (just west of Millikan). . There will probably be an after-party (details to follow) with a Circulation Manager Snap Yourself! Photo booth. Michael Paluchniak • Secretary (Cat): Advisor Richard Kipling o Connor Rosen and I have created a follow-up survey to gauge trends in feedback on the student experience. It should take no more than 5
The Tech is published weekly except dur- minutes to complete and there will be several Amazon Gift Cards ing vacation and examination periods by the Associated Students of the California awarded to randomly selected people who responded to the survey. Institute of Technology, Inc. The opinions expressed herein are strictly those of the Go fill it out!! authors and advertisers. Letters and submissions are welcome; e- o I sent out all of the club funding decision emails and tried to provide mail submissions to [email protected] as plain-text attachments, including the au- reasoning for our decisions. If any clubs have any questions, please thor’s name, by Friday of the week before do not hesitate to ask! publication. The Tech does accept anony- mous contributions under special circum- I’m working to schedule ASCIT meetings for 2nd term. stances. The editors reserve the right to o edit and abridge all submissions for any I’ve posted all of the recent minutes on the Donut Website and have reason. All written work remains property o of its author. compiled a list of action items to follow-up on for each BoD The advertising deadline is 5 PM Friday; all advertising should be submitted elec- member. tronically or as camera-ready art, but The Tech can also do simple typesetting and If anyone has any questions or concerns about a section of the minutes please arrangement. All advertising inquiries get paid up to $30 should be directed to the business man- ager at [email protected]. For subscrip- email the appropriate officer. We are happy to answer any questions. tion information, please send mail to “Subscriptions.” Meeting Adjourned: 10:53 pm THE CALIFORNIA TECH ews N January 21, 2014 3 Caltech Y Column: Look out for new events PHOEBE ANN your interest, feel free to attend any debate of whether the right to ham found their way through will give a talk about how he got to LAURA SANTOSO of the below programs, or contact patient autonomy has become your digestive system into your be so cool and how his book came Contributing Writers us to organize your own! illogically extreme, leading quadriceps, and now is your chance about. He will also chat with one of Here’s a sampling of past to demands by patients and to relieve them! January 25th the our very own alums. There will be Hi everyone! This is the Caltech programs held by the Y: families which result in medically Caltech Y-Outdoors is leading a limited space so come early! Bring Y Column, designed to inform you • Alternative Spring Breaks: ineffective treatment. Dr. Kohlhase basic day hike to Mt. Waterman. your Caltech ID to show at the door about the Y and the opportunities Costa Rica, New York, Yosemite, will discuss dynamic case examples This will be a ~5 mile hike up to as well. The book can be purchased we provide for you to inspire your San Diego, San Francisco of when physicians, patients, and down from the peak. Cost and Alexis will stay until all books passions, whether by participating • Make-A-Difference Day: and families are in conflict with is limited to some gas money for have been signed and chat with as in our programs or leading your Hillsides Home for Children, LA medical decision-making issues your driver. You will need to bring many people as he can in the Cahill own! County Arboretum and Botanic and discuss ideas for improving lunch and some basic equipment Foyer. RSVP on the FB event page Founded by students in 1916, Garden, Children’s Hospital communication between the (WATER (2+liters), layers, sturdy if possible to give us a feel for how the Y was organized to provide Los Angeles (Coachart), Eaton stakeholders. shoes, sun protection). Meeting many people will be attending the extracurricular activities planned Canyon, Lifeline for Pets time is 9:00 am at the Caltech Y talk. and implemented by students as • Explore LA: Cirque Du The talk and discussion will be (Just south of San Pasqual and an opportunity to gain leadership Soleil TOTEM, Next to Normal in 125 Steele from 12:00-1:30pm. Wilson, south of the Catalinas). skills and discover their passions musical, Norton Simon Museum Lunch will be provided, space We will only take as many people If you have any questions at and themselves. The mission of trip limited to 25. Contact santoso. as we have drivers, up to 20. Email all, feel free to contact the Caltech today’s Y remains the same— [email protected] for more me [email protected] if you Y at (626) 395-6163 or caltechy@ to provide opportunities that Upcoming events: information or if you are interested have any other questions. caltech.edu. Feel free to drop by at will prepare students to become 1. The Caltech Y Science Policy in organizing similar events. The one of our weekly meetings at the engaged, responsible citizens of Series and Caltech Pre-Med Science Policy Series was made 3. Talk and Book Signing: Alexis Caltech Y at the Caltech Y (505 the world. The Y seeks to broaden Association present: a Bioethics possible with generous support Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit S. Wilson, next to CEFCU), time students’ worldviews, and raise discussion with Dr. Kohlhase from the George Housner fund. Thursday | January 23rd | 7:00 TBA. social, ethical, and cultural Friday | January 24th | 12:00 RSVP is required to guarantee a – 8:30pm (talk) | 8:30 – 10:00 pm Go to http://caltechy.org/lists/ awareness through teamwork, noon to 1:30 pm | RSVP is required spot! (book signing and reception) | to self-subscribe to announcement community engagement, activism, - lunch is provided, space is limited Hameetman Auditorium in Cahill lists for upcoming events and sign- and leadership. (priority given to students) 2. Mt. Waterman Day Hike Alexis Ohanian (http:// up information. The Caltech Y’s mission and The Caltech Y Social Activism Saturday | January 25th | 9:00 alexisohanian.com/), co-founder For a student’s perspective, core values stand on five key pillars: Series and Caltech Premed am of Reddit which you’re probably feel free to contact Phoebe Ann at leadership, civic engagement, Association present Dr. Kohlhase, I know your legs have been on right now, and author of [email protected] or Laura service, adventure, and perspective. a bioethicist from Huntington itching since all the calories Without Their Permission (http:// Santoso at santoso.laura@gmail. Regardless of which pillars capture Hospital, who will explore the from Grammy’s fifth winter roast withouttheirpermission.com/), com. Research continues 20 years after Northridge quake Continued from page 1 earthquakes recently allowed earthquakes to determine what at Caltech via collaborative direction), and that in addition to Caltech professors Thomasrole “creeping” fault slip might efforts between the Divisions of sliding along a fault, ruptures may The project is mapping the San Heaton, professor of engineering play in earthquake events. It has Geological and Planetary Sciences occur in a “self-healing” pulselike Andreas fault and discovering seismology, and John Hall, professor been known for some time that, in and of Engineering and Applied manner in which a seismic wave additional faults by setting off of civil engineering, to estimate the addition to the rapid displacements Science. A series of experiments “crawls” down a fault line. A third underground explosions and decrease in building safety caused that trigger earthquakes, land also conducted by Ares Rosakis, the study drew conclusions about how underwater bursts of compressed by the existence of defective welds slips very slowly along fault lines, Theodore von Kármán Professor faults will behave—in either a air and then measuring the in steel-frame structures, a problem a process that was thought to stop of Aeronautics and Mechanical classic cracklike sliding rupture or transmission of the resulting sound identified after the Northridge incoming earthquake rupture. Engineering, and collaborators in a pulselike rupture—depending waves and vibrations through earthquake. Researchers simulated Instead, Lapusta’s models show including Lapusta and Hiroo on the angle at which compression sediment. According to Joann the behavior of different 6- and that these “stable segments” may Kanamori, the John E. and Hazel forces strike the fault. Stock, professor of geology and 20-story building models in a become seismically active in an S. Smits Professor of Geophysics, “Northridge was a devastating geophysics at Caltech, knowing variety of potential earthquake earthquake, accelerating and even Emeritus, used polymer plates earthquake for Los Angeles, and the geometry of faults and the scenarios created by the Southern strengthening its motions. Lapusta to simulate land masses. Stresses there was a massive amount of composition of nearby sediments California Earthquake Center for hypothesizes that this was one were then created at various angles damage,” Gurnis says, “But in some informs our understanding of the the Los Angeles and San Francisco factor behind the severity of the to the fault lines between the plates sense, we stepped up to the plate types of earthquakes that will occur areas. The study showed that 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake. to set off earthquake-like activity. after Northridge to determine what in the future, and the reaction of the defective welds make a building Taking advantage of advances The motion in the polymer plates we could do better. And as a result local sediment to ground shaking. significantly more susceptible to in computer modeling, Lapusta was measured by laser vibrometers we have ushered in an era of dense, In addition, Caltech collapse and irreparable damage, and her colleague Jean-Philippe while a high-speed camera high-fidelity geophysical networks scientists learned much through and also found that stiffer, higher- Avouac, Earle C. Anthony recorded the movements in detail, on top of hazardous faults. We’ve simulating—via both computer strength buildings perform better Professor of Geology at Caltech, yielding unprecedented data on exploited these networks to better modeling and physical modeling than more flexible, lower-strength have created a comprehensive the propagation of seismic waves. understand how earthquakes techniques—how earthquakes designs. model of a fault zone, including Researchers learned that strike-slip occur, and we’ve pushed the limits occur and what they leave in their Caltech professor of mechanical both its earthquake activity and its faults like the San Andreas may such that we are now at the dawn aftermath. engineering and geophysics Nadia behavior in seismically quiet times. rupture in more than one direction of a new era of earthquake early Computer simulations of Lapusta recently used computer Physical modeling of (it was previously believed that warning in the United States. That’s how buildings respond during simulations of numerous earthquakes is carried out these faults had a preferred because of Northridge.” Students discuss recommendations from Hunt Report CONCERNED STUDENTS In answering these questions, the well-being of students within administration in his or her efforts. In 2011, Associate Dean Contributing Writers the committee members put forth Institute housing. In consultation The residential life Dean should Lesley Nye joined the Dean’s a series of recommendations. and collaboration with the Dean have an advanced degree in Student Office to help Dean Kiewiet and In March 2007, President Jean- “The Committee stronglyof Students, undergraduate House Affairs or a related field, have a Dean Green “in supporting the Lou Chameau and Acting Vice- endorses the creation of a position leadership, graduate student solid background in residential life academic success and well-being President John Hall appointed a for an Assistant or Associate leadership, and the Housing Office, programs, be knowledgeable about of Caltech students.” In the spirit of committee composed of students, Dean of Residential Life reporting the new Dean would develop current laws that regulate student continuous improvement, we must staff and faculty, to be chaired through the Dean of Students. policies and an approach that housing and activities, and be able ask ourselves if the establishment of by Vice Provost Melany Hunt. By centralizing the oversight ensures the welfare of students to take a collaborative approach in this position has accomplished its The committee’s discussionsof students’ nonacademic and while respecting and strengthening the development of policies that mission. Ensuring well-being and culminated in what is known as the academic lives within the Dean of the balance between the Institute’s govern student life in the Houses. welfare? Collaborative approach? Hunt Report. Students Office these two areas of responsibilities for their welfare “He/she must demonstrate Respect? The charge included the timeless responsibility will be integrated to and the unique role of student self- respect for student house leadership The answer to this question is question: “Is Student Affairs allow for better support of students’ governance within the Houses. and the principle of student self left as an exercise for the reader. successful in its roles of supporting lives both inside and outside of the “To be successful, the new Dean governance at the same time as he/ students? Is the current office and classroom. should possess certain critical she will be guided by the Institute’s The author(s) wish to remain management structure of Student “The Assistant/Associate Dean experiences and qualities and responsibility for student welfare anonymous to avoid a potential Affairs appropriate and effective?” would be responsible for ensuring receive sufficient support from the in the Houses.” conflict of interest. eature THE CALIFORNIA TECH 4 January 21, 2014 F Brad/Chad: The Interview Series Part 1, Career Fair BRAD CHATTERGOON you were instead of I said before, it is hot. Thinner ties are, in general, better, Contributing Writer just noticing that you Do you know what suit but also try to pair the size of your happened to drop off a jackets are good at? If tie with the width of your body. Hey ladies and gents. Hope resume. That said, no it’s well tailored, then it’s Wider individuals can benefit from everyone had a good MLK impression is better good at making you look a wider tie whereas thin individuals weekend. than a bad impression, awesome but regardless should avoid them like the plague. It’s week 3 and that means career and that includes your of that, it is good at Learn to tie a tie. fair will soon going to be upon us clothing choice. Opt keeping you warm. You Just google it if you don’t (as will midterms). for a pair of your better can probably do the know how and for a career fair I As a frequent visitor to the looking jeans or a nice math here, but for you bio recommend a pratt knot for just the career fair, I can tell you that it pair of khakis or chinos, majors out there (I jest), right bit of formality paired with a is hot and not particularly well all of which are expected Hot Day + Attire to keep hint of youthfulness. ventilated. Bear this in mind when to be devoid of rips and warm = Perspiration. deciding on your “Give me a job” discolorations despite Next, why are you Ladies: outfit. how cool you think they wearing a full suit to the 1.) See number one above. Here are some recommended are. Also, you probably career fair? I understand guidelines to follow. won’t look any more like that you want to make 2.) Business Casual is the a CS major just because a good impression, but buzzword here. According to my Gents: you decided to show up these people haven’t even sources your goal should be either 1.) Deodorant. And not just in your PJs, so avoid offered you an interview a pair of slacks in a neutral color, that body spray stuff either. I mean those as well. yet. Why are you investing a trim skirt in a likewise neutral real antiperspirant deodorant. As I so much in trying to color, or a pencil skirt in black. mentioned before it is hot and not 3.) Do not wear impress them when they well ventilated, which leads to all a full suit. I repeat NO haven’t invested back in 3.) As for your top, a nice sorts of olfactory wonders. SUITS. Every career you? solid color blouse in a non-neutral fair I see the few guys color will work well. 2.) Do dress well. A career that show up in a suit. 4.) I recommend a fair is all about making some sort I’m being very adamant tie, but this is personal 4.) Shoes are flexible but do of impression on the recruiters about this so I’ll defend Sophomore Dryden Bouamalay preps to get a job. preference. Here are avoid trainers or sneakers. so that they will remember who my position. Firstly, like -Jonathan Schor some guidelines for a tie. Best of luck at the career fair!
THE CALTECH COUNSELING CENTER IS LAUNCHING A NEW PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS:
There will now be evening drop-in hours for consultation on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7-10pm. The slots will be divided in 30 minute segments and can either be signed up for in advance, or students can come and block off the time that they want by marking an “X” on the white board next to the time that works for them. They will be held on the 2nd floor of the CSS building in the health educator’s office. Access will be through the stairwell on the south side of the building.
Contact the Counseling Center if you have any questions. (626) 395-8331 THE CALIFORNIA TECH eature F January 21, 2014 5 The Crystal Method releases modern pop EDM album NAILEN MATSCHKE this style, while the popular eye same beat for a couple minutes at the peak of its annoyance about more mellow than its predecessors, Contributing Writer had moved on, making it a weak max volume; the bass in this song midway through the track when with some emotional vocals and entry into a dying scene. is almost painful to listen to. we are treated to almost 25 nonstop cathartic clean synth chords The genre of electronic dance Then 2009 saw the release Luckily the next song, “Over It,” seconds of parts of it being repeated thrown in for good measure. music (EDM) is by all means an of Divided by Night, where the is a great improvement, with some over and over. I could see it getting some radio ever-changing one, with different group made some effort to update of the coolest synth riffs and licks As a sort of throwback to The play, though there’s nothing really points in its history decidedly themselves but ended up sounding I’ve ever heard and an impossibly Crystal Method’s roots, “110 to catchy about it to point to. “Difference,” on the other hand, was another favorite, with a perfect balance and interplay between the instruments and the vocals and masterful transitions from each section to the next, across the spectrum of volume and aggression. It also has a disgustingly sick beat that pulses and pushes the song forward with pure power. “ M e t r o ” follows as a strange, ethereal break in the album filled with airy synths and a long sample taken from inside a subway car. In a way, it sets up the more low-key “After Hours,” though it turns out to be a bit disappointing since it’s mostly another exercise in popular modern EDM production. In the end, The Crystal Method is still recognizable (as one should hope) as a Crystal Method album, with relentlessly synth-laden textures and not a single sonic imperfection. It certainly is -http://thecrystalmethod.com/ darker and more aggressive than linked to specific sounds. For many like they weren’t quite sure how to catchy hook delivered. Thethe 101” follows, with a big-beat their previous work, unashamed people, the mid- and late ‘90s were do so. structure of this song is also nice, if structure and composition, with to draw inspiration from popular marked by the big beat style, full This year, they tried to change simple, with a constant buildup for the only key difference being dubstep acts and adopt modern of repeated breakbeats and low, this with their self-titled LP, which the first half followed by a bright, updated instrumentation. percussion conventions over the powerful synth lines. released on January 14. string-driven bridge. There’s even a cheesy, high- breakbeats of the ‘90s. The Crystal Method was the One thing is indisputable: Track three, “Sling the Decks,” pitched synth solo that, every time There are still moments where American answer to the British they definitely figured out how to is acceptable, as it spends a couple you think it’s done, just keeps on the group slips back into their past dominance of the scene, producing produce a more modern sound. minutes building up to a well- going. (such as the second half of “110 to tracks that were almost impressive While this may sound like a executed half-time section, but “Jupiter Shift,” the album’s the 101”), but it’s more a tasteful in the sheer amount of electronic good thing, it is instead one of then seems unsure where to go and sixth track, is then an exercise in addition of variety now than the precision and gloss that they the album’s greatest weaknesses retreats into repetition. throwing generic beats onto the dependence it has been in prior possessed. as it quickly becomes a 50-minute “Storm the Castle” starts off tried-and-tested build-up and work. After meeting in Las Vegas showcase of modern pop EDM loud and basically just alternates release formula, and there’s really It crosses over many modern and then moving to Los Angeles, more than anything else. between cliché, half-minute breaks not much to be said for it. sub-genres excellently, but it the duo released their first album, The album’s opening track, and in-your face beats, synths, and Track seven, “Dosimeter,” is one doesn’t excel in much else. Vegas, in 1997. “Emulator,” was unfortunately vocals. I didn’t initially like, but has grown Anyone who’s followed other This made them relative released as the lead single to the The repeated vocal clip in this on me over a few listens. aging EDM acts like The Prodigy, newcomers to their genre, but album, as it is one of the album’s song is one of the most egregious There aren’t really any moments Fatboy Slim, or the Chemical both Vegas and its 2001 follow-up, weaker songs. examples of pointless sampling that blow me away, but its use of Brothers will probably appreciate Tweekend, are regarded as some of The best comparison for it that I’ve ever heard. more unconventional rhythms this album, but in reality it doesn’t the best work of the time period. would be an attempt to make It’s not just irrelevant and and experimental sounds make it add anything to the already well- However, 2004’s Legion of Boom an angrier Daft Punk that got grating, but needlessly loud and an interesting listen nonetheless. populated EDM genre and can be didn’t mark any deviation from wrapped up into looping over the overpowering as well. It reaches “Grace” is then a bit slower and safely overlooked. eature THE CALIFORNIA TECH 6 January 21, 2014 F Today’s Puzzle: Crossword
Across 50. Witness 21. Forepart of a hoof 1. Large brass instrument 53. Pertinent 23. Apiece 5. Type of file 54. Roman cloak 24. Pare down 9. Astern 56. Mettle 25. Marry 12. Relating to audible 58. Part of a Morse code 27. Track sound signal 28. Notion 13. Malevolence 59. Hirer and firer 29. At any time 14. Average 63. Impulse 32. Cultivate by growing 16. Aplomb 64. Object of worship 34. Detail 17. Urban area 66. Automaton 35. Products of human 18. Group of three 67. Roofing material creativity 19. Singing voice 68. Misplace 37. The fourth 20. Young goat 69. Tusk dimension 21. Colossus 70. Snakelike fish 38. Comply 22. Orderly 71. Sharp 39. Small pond of 24. Number of items in a 72. Encounter standing water brace 41. Female relative 26. Moose Down 42. Tart spicy quality 27. Pastry item 1. Implement 44. Short sleep 30. Beer 2. A single undivided 47. Consume 31. Submerged ridge of whole 48. Purloined coral 3. Large shaggy bovid 50. Closed 33. Recommendation 4. Hotshot 51. Spooky 35. Assistance 5. Narrate 52. Bird of prey 36. Particle 6. Zealous 55. Higher up 40. Gear projections 7. Be seated 57. Bobbin 41. Limb 8. Travel a route regularly 58. Measured portion 42. Clan 9. Not in favor of medicine 43. Leporid mammal 10. Part of a sword blade 60. Woodwind 44. Hard-shelled seed 11. Test 61. Classify 45. Part of the ear 12. Health spring 62. Pig pen 46. Miserly 15. Member of a religious 64. Kind of person 48. Offspring order 65. Female deer 49. Oculus 20. Type of cabbage 66. Flange [www.puzzlechoice.com]
Answers to last week’s Caltech Public Events is now hiring student ushers. crossword puzzle from $15 per hour to work concerts, performances, lectures, films puzzlechoice.com and parties.
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For info on Caltech Public Events visit: www.caltech.edu/content/ public-events THE CALIFORNIA TECH ports S January 21, 2014 7 Swim team grabs victories over Mills and Chapman GoCaltech effort came up just short of first- time of 1:49.28. In the 200-yard Gao claimed an individual C.J. Culpepper posted a start- place by under three seconds as she individual race, Bradley touched event win as well by winning the to-finish win during the 500-yard The Caltech swimming and clocked a time of 1:21.29. the wall in 1:55.96 to outdistance 100-yard breastroke in 1:12.78. freestyle race. The junior posted a diving team welcomed Chapman The competition got off on the himself from his nearest Yu won a pair of events to help time of 5:19.51 which was nearly and Mills for a tri-meet on Sunday 20 seconds fasters afternoon at the Braun Pool. than his closest The men’s team posted a win competitor in the over Chapman while the ladies race. grabbed victory over Mills. In the men’s During the men’s dual meet 100-yard race, between Chapman and Caltech, sophomore Patric the Beavers came away with wins Eck posted a time of in 10 of the 13 events. In the head- 49.75 to top Taylor to-head competition between the Ford to exact a Beavers and Mills, Caltech won 11 measure of revenge of the 13 events. after Ford won by In the tri-meet on the women’s .08 seconds over Eck side Chapman and Caltech in the 50-yard race. claimed all the first place finishes. On the diving Leading the way of the Beavers was board Ben Jacqueline Masehi-Lano. Grabowski posted She started her day with a win a pair of personal in the 200-yard IM by touching best scores en the wall in 2:23.84. Three races route to two first later the junior won the 100-yard place finishes. The butterfly in 1:01.24. junior started the Kalyn Chang claimed first place day with a score of during the 100-yard freestyle race 210.95 on the three- as the first-year was just over a meter board, and second faster than the runner-up Caltech divers and swimmers compete at home against Chapman and Mills. then tallied 203.10 with a time of 1:01.07. Chang had a -gocaltech.com points when he great swim in the 50-yard freestyle won the one-meter as she placed second with a time of right foot for the men’s team. The competitor by over nine seconds. boosts the men’s team victory. He competition. 27.76 which was just .07 seconds Caltech 200-yard freestyle relay Ding also won an individual event won the 200-yard IM with a time This meet against Chapman slower than the top finisher. team of Leon Ding, Galen Gao, as he claimed the top spot during of 2:08.52 then proceeded to claim and Mills marks the first collegiate Iris Liu battled well in the 100- Kevin Yu and Chris Bradley posted the 100-yard butterfly race with a victory in the 100-yard backstroke head coaching wins for Caltech’s yard breastroke event. The senior’s a 10-second win with a finishing finishing time of 56.98. (57.50). first-year coach Jack Leavitt. Caltech welcomes Gardner as head volleyball coach GoCaltech to his arrival to continue the positive record of 45-1 in the Desert Sky the school’s momentum of Coach Region leading the squad to the The Caltech Athletics, Physical first conference Lindsay provided. In conference’s championship four Education and Recreation tournament addition he has the times. Moreover, his teams placed department is pleased to announce appearance in a motivational skill, second in the state twice and the hiring of Tom Gardner as the decade. communication style earned a third and fifth place finish head women’s volleyball coach. “Tom was a and understanding of during his tenure. He is the 12th head coach in the joy to discover the learning process While serving at Cactus program’s 38-year history. Gardner in our search required to work with Shadows, Gardner also held the will begin his appointment in process. He is students that have position as recruiter and scout for February. a thoughtful a range of abilities. Trevecca Nazarene University in “I am excited for the opportunity educator of young Tom is also a physical Nashville, TN (2008-2001) and was to coach at one of the top schools people, someone educator who looks the Club Director for Club Summit in the country with dedicated and committed to forward to the Volleyball in Scottsdale, AZ (2005- driven student-athletes,” Gardner development and dual aspects of this 2011). said. “I will build the same level of support every position and teaching The native of Manhattan Beach, confidence in my athletes that they bit as much as the general student California earned his Master’s have in the classroom to bring great to driving skill body in our physical of Education in Educational success to Caltech Volleyball.” acquisition and education program as Leadership from Northern Gardner spent the past three competitiveness,” w e l l .” Arizona University in 2007 and his seasons as the head coach of said athletic Prior to his stint bachelor’s degree in Advertising Southern Maine. During the 2013 director Betsy with the Huskies he in 1993. Gardner also earned season he guided the Huskies to Mitchell. “He served as the varsity a Teaching Certification from the best record in school history has the volleyball coach at Cactus Northern Arizona in 1997. (22-11) en route to being named knowledge Shadows High School He takes over the helm of the the Little East Conference’s coach and coaching (2007-2011) in Cave program from Jodi Lindsay who of the year. He took a program experience Creek, AZ. Gardner resigned after four seasons to pursue that had six wins the season prior that we need to -gocaltech.com tallied an outstanding club coaching opportunities. Weekly Scoreboard
Women’s Basketball Men’s Basketball Women’s Basketball @ Claremont-M-S @ Claremont-M-S vs. Whittier L, 88-39 Final L, 75-50 Final L, 100-73 Final THE CALIFORNIA TECH umor H January 21, 2014 8
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