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Home , Gillian Flynn, Mark Ruffalo, Moses Kunitz, Tim Roth

Issue 115 February 2015

A NEWSLETTER OF THE COMMUNITY

2015: Chinese New Year of the Sheep

Q i o n g Wa n g

If I have to name one day of an en- sight of a piece of bright red paper on the poems on a background of red paper. Ex- tire year that I wish dearly to be with my door. Suddenly, firecrackers began to ex- pressing sentiments about life’s renewal, family-on-the-other-side-of-the-planet, plode. Terrified, Nian ran away from the the arrival of spring, and wishes for a it’s the Chinese New Year. Also called village. prosperous year ahead, they’re pasted on Spring Festival, it is the most cherished When the villagers returned the fol- both sides of the main door. These Spring and celebrated holiday in China, as fami- lowing day, they were surprised to find Festival couplets originate from ancient lies reunite to ring out the old year and that everything was safe and sound. The “peach wood charms,” which are carved celebrate the coming new year. According old woman told the story of the beggar. or painted charms depicting protective to the Chinese Animal Zodiac, every year Noticing the red paper on the door and door gods. During the Five Dynasty Pe- is associated with one of twelve animals: the remnants of candles, lanterns, and riod (897-979 AD), Emperor Meng Chang Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, firecrackers, the villagers suddenly real- ordered his counselor to engrave an in- Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and ized that Nian feared the color red, bright spirational couplet on a pair of peach Pig. On February 19, 2015 we say farewell light, and loud noises. Rejoicing in relief wood slats to hang on the door of his liv- to a previous year of the Horse, and wel- and excitement, they celebrated. Wearing ing room, starting a custom that gradu- come the beginning of a year of the Sheep. new hats and clothes, they visited family ally evolved into today’s Spring Festival and friends, and congratulated each other couplets. The myth of Chinese New Year on the prospect of a peaceful year ahead. Besides Spring Festival couplets, it is The Chinese New Year celebration Since then, every year on the day that also common for people to make red pa- has a long history, dating back over 4,000 Nian would appear, families adorn their per cutouts and paste them on windows. years. According to ancient legends, it doors with red paper, set off firecrackers, It’s popular to display calligraphic writ- began with a mythical beast called Nian. and light candles and lanterns in their ings of Chinese characters for “spring” Nian was a ferocious monster with a gi- homes. The next morning, which marks or “blessing.” These are sometimes hung gantic horn and sharp teeth. It lived in the start of a new year, people visit their upside down, since in Chinese, the word the deep sea all year long, but once ev- relatives and friends, with festivities last- “invert” is a homonym for “arrive,” thus ery year it would crawl out of the water ing for 15 days. This tradition of gratitude signifying the arrival of spring or bless- to wreak havoc on villages. Every year on and hope has continued till today. ing to the household. this day, villagers, young and old, would flee deep into the mountains to hide from Traditional Chinese New Year decora- Traditional Chinese New Year cuisine Nian’s attack. tions The most important meal during the One year, while the villagers had To celebrate the Chinese New Year, celebration is the New Year’s Eve dinner, started their rush to the mountains, an families decorate their homes with a va- when families get together for a sumptu- old beggar came through the neighbor- riety of red items, as red signifies luck ous banquet. The cuisine varies in differ- hood. An elderly grandmother gave him and good fortune in Chinese culture. ent parts of China. In the north, it is cus- food, and warned him to hide so as not to The most popular ones include lanterns, tomary to eat dumplings (jiao zi), which be harmed by Nian. The beggar laughed Spring Festival couplets and paper cut- bear the shape of ancient Chinese cur- and said that he could chase Nian away. outs. rency gold ingots (yuan bao), thus signi- Surprised and hesitant, the old woman Red lanterns are usually hung around fying fortune. In southern China, people left on her own. the house, especially at the front door, usually eat New Year’s cake made of glu- At midnight, Nian arrived in the where families often put up a pair of large tinous rice flour (nian gao), since it is a village. It was pitch black everywhere, ones. These lanterns burn throughout the homophone for “higher and higher every except for the old woman’s house, which night, protecting the family from the evil year” in Chinese. shone brightly with candle and lantern monster Nian. light. The monster bounded towards the Spring Festival couplets are pairs of Traditional activities of a Chinese house, but stopped short, trembling at the calligraphic writings of ancient Chinese New Year 1 After New Year’s Eve dinner, family nese folk tales, the story of the Sheep is members typically stay up late together similar to that of Prometheus in Greek Editorial Board and chat happily until midnight (shou mythology. Prometheus brought fire to EDITORIAL BOARD sui), waiting for the first bell ring of the mankind, while the sacred Sheep brought New Year. There are also many New seeds of corn and rice and taught man- Jim Keller Year’s Eve TV programs featuring sing- kind the basics of farming. Beloved by Aileen Marshall ing and dancing, entertaining millions of the people, the Sheep made its way into Nicolas Renier families in China and around the world. the Chinese Animal Zodiac, symbolizing Susan Russo On the first day of the New Year, it beauty, calm, sensitivity and creativity. Qiong Wang is customary for younger generations to It is believed that people born in a par- Peng Kate Gao visit the elders, wishing them health and ticular year possess characteristics of the Jason Rothauser longevity. Children and teenagers are giv- animal zodiac associated with that year. en “lucky money” (ya sui qian) packed in Michelangelo, Mark Twain, and Thomas selections.rockefeller.edu red envelops by their parents and grand- Edison were all born in year of the Sheep. [email protected] parents. These are believed to bring good luck and to ward off evil spirits. People Chinese New Year greetings Gong xi fa cai: Wish you to make great also visit relatives and friends during the If you want to wish colleagues or fortune. New Year celebration period. For these friends a happy Chinese New Year during He jia huan le: Wish happiness for visits snacks are often served; the most the New Year period (Feb 19-Mar 6, 2015), your whole family. popular ones include sunflower seeds, try greeting them in authentic Chinese, The year of the Sheep is right around peanuts, tangerines and candy. and you will likely spark a big smile on the corner, so wan shi ru yi everyone!◉ their faces: Year of the Sheep Guo nian hao: Happy New Year. According to the Chinese Animal Zo- Wan shi ru yi: Wish you every happi- diac, 2015 is a year of the Sheep. In Chi- ness and prosperity.

For Your Consideration – And They’re Off! Edition

Ji m K e l l e r

I maintain that the Oscar race can be dio: Sony Pictures Classics): FYC: In this tale of redemption and self- likened to a horserace where each studio FYC: Carell’s campaign can best be reinvention, Keaton plays an also-ran who bets on its thoroughbreds and hopes that described as “steady as she goes.” Follow- once portrayed an iconic superhero, and they can at least place at the end. The studio ing rave reviews for his portrayal of para- battles his ego as he mounts a Broadway is the owner, the public relations depart- noid schizophrenic murderer and heir to play and works to recover his family and ment is the jockey, and the horse is the the du Pont chemical fortune, John Eleu- career. Not only is the irony that Keaton or film in the analogy. Here we thrust those thère du Pont at the Cannes Film Festival played Batman twice not lost, but one could roles I’ve discussed in the three-part Ones last May, it was soon announced that he argue his performance is a prime example to Watch edition under a microscope to would campaign as lead actor. This raised of imitation of life. separate the nominees from the contenders some eyebrows given that Channing Ta- While the race is decidedly between and to identify the power players for each tum and Mark Ruffalo who play Olympic Keaton and Eddie Redmayne for the win, studio. I’ve also included my rankings as wrestling brothers and victims Mark and it’s Keaton who won the Golden Globe, the they stood on Oscar nominations eve—the David Schultz in the drama based on Mark National Board of Review (NBR), and two number in parentheses indicates my place- Schultz’s autobiography are co-leads while awards from the Broadcast Film Critics As- ment following nominations. I chose the Carell’s is a supporting role. But Oscar vot- sociation (BFCA): Best Actor and Best Ac- maximum ten nominees for Best Picture ers went along and placed him in the lead tor in a Comedy Movie. More on those last and all categories reflect five nominees. The category as predicted. Don’t look for Carell two awards in a minute, but one has to won- top five in the table were my nominee picks, to pull out a win though, despite Screen der if it’s Keaton’s imitation of life that has those that fall outside of that were outside Guild (SAG), Golden Globe, and given him the edge thus far? And why did chances that I had listed. BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Tele- the BFCA give him two separate awards for In the September issue, I examined the vision Arts) nominations. The nomination the same performance, especially when the Best Actor race. Here are the roles I dis- is his award. film is not a comedy? These questions may cussed and where the candidates ended up never be answered but they’re important to five months later: THE HAS-BEEN: Michael Keaton – ask when considering all of the angles. Ke- Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of aton also has the requisite SAG and BAFTA THE CHANGELING: – Ignorance) (director: Alejandro González nominations. He is likely your winner. (director: , stu- Iñárritu, studio: Fox Searchlight Pictures): 2 THE DRUGGIE: – In- this season was a BFCA nomination for porting Actress campaign. There she sits herent Vice (director: Paul Thomas Ander- Best Actor in an Action Movie. His hopes (see below). son, studio: Warner Bros. Pictures): were dashed earlier on in a competitive FYC: On paper Phoenix’s role as “Doc” year. THE BRIDESMAID: in this adaptation, based on Thomas Pyn- – Still Alice (director: Richard Glatzer and chon’s novel, which follows a drug-fueled THE ARTIST: Timothy Spall – Mr. Wash Westmoreland, studio: Sony Pictures detective (Phoenix) through 1970s Los An- Turner (director: , studio: En- Classics): geles as he investigates the disappearance of tertainment One): FYC: Yes, folks, it appears our brides- an ex-girlfriend seemed like primetime for FYC: While Spall made headlines last maid is about to become our bride! After Oscar. But the result was more of a comedic May when he won the Best Actor award at 16 years and five nominations, Moore looks role (Phoenix’s only nomination this sea- Cannes and won the European Film Award to be the one who will take home the top son was a Golden Globe, Best Performance (Europe’s answer to the Oscars), he failed prize on Oscar night. The film follows Alice by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical to register with any of the other larger film Howland, a well-respected linguistics pro- or Comedy) and did not catch on further, award bodies and subsequently missed an fessor who begins to forget words, receives effectively leaving him out of the hunt for Oscar nomination for his portrayal of ec- a devastating diagnosis, and is severely test- gold. centric British painter J.M.W. Turner. ed along with her family. Like her counter- part in the Actor category, Moore won the THE SELF-STARTER: Eddie Red- MR. DYNAMITE: Golden Globe, the NBR, and the BFCA, and mayne – The Theory of Everything (direc- – Get on Up (director: Tate Taylor, studio: has the requisite SAG and BAFTA nomina- tor: James Marsh, studios: Focus Features, Universal Pictures): tions. Her performance is devastatingly Universal Pictures): FYC: In September Boseman was earn- real—a word of caution for anyone with a FYC: Despite having no major precur- ing positive reviews for playing the Ameri- relative who has faced dementia. sor wins, Redmayne remains steadfast can icon James Brown in this film that just as his biopic subject physicist, Stephen chronicles his rise from poverty to become THE COMEBACK KID: Reese Wither- Hawking did when faced with ALS. At the one of the most influential musicians in his- spoon – Wild (director: Jean-Marc Vallée, end of the day it’s the Academy that decides tory. At that time I posited whether Bose- studio: Fox Searchlight Pictures): who will win, not the precursors. Regard- man could remain in the awards discussion FYC: Following the film’s premiere at less, Redmayne delivers the goods and has for the remainder of the season. He did not. this summer’s Telluride film festival, With- the appropriate honors to assist him in erspoon became the early frontrunner, but snatching the Oscar from the clutches of THE NEWCOMER: Jack O’Connell – as indicated above, this is no longer the Keaton: Golden Globe, BAFTA, BFCA, and Unbroken (director: , studio: case. No matter, she still finds herself in the SAG. Can he do it? Universal Pictures): thick of the race with an Oscar nomination FYC: As it turns out, O’Connell’s em- alongside Golden Globe, BFCA, SAG and THE STRAIGHT GAY MAN: Benedict bodiment of Olympic runner and former BAFTA nominations for her raw perfor- Cumberbatch – The Imitation Game (di- WWII POW Louis Zamperini also missed mance. Witherspoon plays Cheryl Strayed, rector: Morton Tyldem, studio: The Wein- Oscar’s mark. To be fair, the film, much like the author of the best-selling memoir Wild: stein Company): its central character, faced insurmount- From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest FYC: Outside of Keaton and Redmayne, able odds ever since a trailer was released Trail, which chronicles her 1,100-mile hike Cumberbatch remains one to watch for the to dovetail with the XXII Winter Olympics undertaken in an attempt to heal from ca- win. A great deal has been made in the me- last February. The move prompted many tastrophe. dia about Redmayne and Cumberbatch’s Oscar pundits to place the film at the top films canceling one another out because of of their prediction lists and to keep it there THE ARTIST: – Big Eyes their British ties. This argument makes little throughout most of the season, placing lofty (director: Tim Burton, studio: The Wein- sense, but sadly is a way to split the differ- and unfair expectations on the film. There stein Company): ence and hand the statue to Keaton. Cum- was only one place for it to go, down, and berbatch plays Alan Turing—the English it took O’Connell with it—despite an NBR FYC: While Adams won the Golden mathematician/logician who helped crack Breakthrough Performer win he shared Globe for Best Actress – Comedy or Musi- the Nazi’s Enigma code during WWII and with his Starred Up performance. cal and earned a BAFTA nomination for her who invented the modern computer before portrayal of painter Margaret Keane, the being prosecuted for homosexuality by the Not to be outdone, the leading ladies perennial favorite has been left in the dust British government. Like Keaton, Cumber- were covered in the October issue. Let’s see following the film’s lukewarm reception at batch has SAG, BAFTA, and BFCA nomi- where they stand: New York’s Museum of Modern Art in De- nations. Unlike Keaton, he has yet to win cember. What’s interesting is that Adams any major awards. THE QUEEN BEE: – Into was unseated by Marion Cotillard, who was the Woods (director: Rob Marshall, studio: snubbed by the Academy two years ago for THE MONEYMAKER: – Walt Disney Pictures): her searing performance in Rust and Bone. Fury (director: David Ayer, studio: Colum- FYC: As indicated in last month’s col- bia Pictures): umn, shortly after the October issue it was THE PIONEER: Hillary Swank – The FYC: The extent of Pitt’s awards glory announced that Streep would run a Sup- Homesman (director: , 3 studio: Saban Films, Roadside Attractions): Golden Globe nominations for his role as a FYC: Early on in the race Swank was relentless instructor who knows no bounds THE QUEEN BEE: Meryl Streep – Into thought to be destined for the fifth slot for when it comes to realizing his student’s po- the Woods (director: Rob Marshall, studio: her performance as pioneer woman Mary tential. Walt Disney Pictures): Bee Cuddy, who teamed up with a claim FYC: Unlike last year, Streep’s 19th jumper (Tommy Lee Jones) to escort three THE ACTOR: — Bird- nomination was a cinch. Her performance insane women across the plains. That was man or (The Unexpected Virtue of Igno- as the witch in this adaptation of the Tony not to be, as the film failed to impress sev- rance) (director: Alejandro Iñárritu, studio: award-winning Broadway musical car- eral critics, and Swank earned her only Fox Searchlight Pictures): ries the film. Her character presides over honors this season from a few smaller crit- FYC: It seems that Norton has been fol- various Grimms’ Fairy Tales characters in- ics groups. lowing just a half step behind Simmons all cluding Cinderella, and the Baker and his season. It remains to be seen if his portrayal Wife, as they learn life lessons. It’s clear that THE BUSINESS WOMAN: Jessica of the caustic actor who joins the Broadway Streep relished every minute of it and she Chastain – A Most Violent Year (director: play put on by Riggan, can topple Simmons. has secured SAG, Golden Globe, and BFCA J.C. Chandor, studio: A24): Where Simmons took the BFCA, Norton nominations. At this late hour in the race, FYC: Like Streep, and as indicated in won the NBR, earned a BFCA nomination the only one standing in her way of a fourth last month’s column, shortly after the Oc- and matched Simmons SAG, Golden Globe, Oscar is Patricia Arquette, who is picking tober issue it was confirmed that Chastain and BAFTA nominations. Could it be an- up awards on the circuit like eggs in a bas- would run a Supporting Actress campaign other year where Best Actor and Best Sup- ket. (see below). porting Actor come from the same movie? THE BRIT: – THE MOTHER: Patricia Arquette – (director: , studio: 20th Cen- THE GOOD GUY: Mark Ruffalo — Boyhood (director: , stu- tury Fox): Foxcatcher (director: Bennett Miller, stu- dio: IFC Films): FYC: Without giving anything away, dios: Sony Pictures Classics): FYC: Of all of Boyhood’s nomina- Pike plays three different versions of the FYC: It’s no surprise that Ruffalo man- tions, this is one of the most deserving. same person with deft care in this mystery- aged a nomination while the film itself fell Arquette seamlessly inhabits her role as based on Gillian Flynn’s 2012 novel short. For one, his ill-fated David is the “Mom” through twelve years of film snip- of the same name. In another world where only 100% likeable character. But Ruffalo pets pieced together to create Linklater’s a woman can truly lead a film and whether gives a well-wrought performance imbued crowning achievement. The awards chanc- or not they portray a likeable character is with warmth and tenderness that cannot be es of such a unique vision could’ve gone ei- inconsequential, Pike would be the front- ignored alongside his more rugged, lived- ther way—fortunately the critics tipped the runner. Sadly, our world (and especially in contemporaries. He also earned SAG, scale in its favor. Arquette’s awards season the Hollywood world) is run largely by Golden Globe, BFCA, and BAFTA nomina- haul matches Simmons’ to a T. She won the men who decide what is in, what is out, and tions. BFCA and has earned SAG, BAFTA, and therefore who is in and who is out. Make Golden Globe nominations. Look for this no mistake, Pike is in, but there’s no ques- THE FATHER: — Boy- trend to continue and for Arquette to take tion that the film got a raw deal. Pike stands hood (director: Richard Linklater, studio: home the Oscar. alongside her peers with Golden Globe, IFC Films): BAFTA, BFCA and SAG nominations. FYC: There isn’t much to say. Hawke THE BRAIN: – The landed a nomination due to the unyield- Imitation Game (director: Morten Tyldum, The Ones to Watch series concluded in ing momentum of Boyhood. The force was studio: The Weinstein Company): the December/January issue with a look unstoppable, and while Hawke too earned FYC: In this come-from-behind WWII at the Best Supporting Actor and Actress SAG, Golden Globe, BFCA, and BAFTA drama concerning Alan Turing’s (Cumber- races. Let’s see how their contenders have nominations, the nominations are his re- batch) plight to crack the Nazi’s Enigma stacked up following January 15th’s Oscar ward. I would be shocked if he took any code Knightley plays Turing’s friend, col- nominations: hardware home. league, and one-time fiancée Joan Clarke. Much like others in this category Knight- ~THE GENTS~ THE COMEDIAN: — In- ley has received the requisite SAG, Golden herent Vice (director: Paul Thomas Ander- Globe, BFCA, and BAFTA nominations THE NEWBIE: J.K. Simmons — Whip- son, studio: Warner Bros. Pictures): for her performance. With Arquette as un- lash (director: , studio: FYC: Despite a BFCA nomination, Bro- stoppable as a speeding locomotive, a win Sony Pictures Classics): lin’s hilarious turn as Detective Christian would be astonishing. FYC: It would be a big surprise if Sim- “Bigfoot” Bjornsen in this murky, stoner mons didn’t take home the gold on Oscar mystery has largely gone unnoticed. In- THE TART: Emma Stone – Birdman or night. He, like his contemporary Keaton stead, took the fifth slot for (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (di- in the lead race, is the de facto frontrunner another murky film, The Judge. rector: Alejandro González Iñárritu, stu- and has been for some time. He won the dio: Fox Searchlight Pictures): BFCA and has earned SAG, BAFTA, and ~THE LADIES~ FYC: Stone plays Riggan’s (Keaton) 4 New York State of Mind This Month, in closing out our Ten Years of Natural Selections celebration Natural Selections reprints an interview with Frank Schaefer, Assistant Director, Laboratory Safety and Environmental Health. Country of origin: USA. The original interview was published in the December 2004 issue.

How long have you been living in New York City? 35 years (all my from the streets by enforcing laws that prohibit littering. It’s irritat- life). ing to see people throw trash from New York State of Mind their Where do you live? Richmond Hill, Queens. cars onto the street. It’s not only an aesthetic issue, but a problem Which is your favorite neighborhood? Bayside, Queens because of for the city’s wastewater treatment plants as well. the quiet surroundings and its proximity to the Long Island Sound. Describe a perfect weekend in NYC. Sunny in the upper 80’s. I’d What do you think is the most overrated thing in the city? And start the day early with a long run and then spend the afternoon underrated? The most overrated thing about the city is Times with my wife and children watching the horses run at Belmont Square. It is just too crowded and if you ask me...a waste of elec- Park, and win of course. In the evening we would barbeque in our tricity. The most underrated thing about NYC is its people. I think backyard with family and friends. New Yorkers are very willing to help one another and don’t get What is the most memorable experience you have had in NYC? enough credit for the good they do. Watching the Mets make it to the World Series in 2000 by beating What do you miss most when you are out of town? When I’m out the St Louis Cardinals at Shea. of town, I generally miss running through the trails in Forest Park If you could live anywhere else, where would that be? I would like and a slice of pizza from Alfies. to live in South Florida. If you could change one thing about NYC, what would that be? If Do you think of yourself as a New Yorker? Why? Absolutely, I’ve I had the power to change anything, it would be eliminating trash lived and worked here all my life.◉

fresh-from-rehab daughter who flirts with noting that Winfrey had those coveted be as sewn-up—remember Chastain, like disaster, literally and figuratively. Like and soothsaying SAG, BAFTA, and BFCA Moore, is overdue for a win and people want many others discussed here she has been nominations. Chastain won the NBR and to award her. So much so that the Critic’s nominated for SAG, Golden Globe, BFCA, earned BFCA and Golden Globe nomi- Choice Awards gave her its first MVP and BAFTA awards. nations, but came up short with SAG and Award this year. BAFTA. It has been widely publicized that With that, I give you my predictions as THE BUSINESS WOMAN: Jessica Chastain’s Interstellar contract prevented they currently stand: (INSERT CHART)◉ Chastain – A Most Violent Year (director: her from campaigning for A Most Violent J.C. Chandor, studio: A24): Year until the latter half of December. But FYC: Without a doubt, Chastain’s is the by that time Chastain would be on a film biggest snub among the acting categories shoot. This is likely your culprit, though this year. She has the misfortune of being we’ll never know. How different would the the next to earn that honor after Oprah race have been if she had campaigned from Winfrey last year for The Butler. It’s worth the get-go? Arquette’s win would likely not

Rank Best Picture Best Director Best Actor Best Actress Best Supporting Actor Best Supporting Actress

1 Boyhood (1) Richard Linklater - Boyhood (1) Michael Keaton - Birdman (1) Julianne Moore - Still Alice (1) J.K. Simmons - Whiplash (1) Patricia Arquette - Boyhood (1)

Alejandro González Iñárritu - Eddie Redmayne - Theory Of 2 Birdman (2) Jennifer Aniston - Cake Edward Norton - Birdman (2) Meryl Streep - Into the Woods (2) Birdman (2) Everything (2) Wes Anderon - The Grand - The 3 The Imitation Game (3) - Wild (2) Ethan Hawke - Boyhood (4) Jessica Chastain - A Most Violent Year Budapest Hotel (3) Imitation Game (3) Morton Tyldem - The Imitation 4 The Grand Budapest Hotel (4) - Selma Rosamund Pike - Gone Girl (3) Mark Ruffalo - Foxcatcher (3) Keira Knightley - The Imitation Game (4) Game (4) - American 5 Selma (5) Steve Carell - Foxcatcher (4) - Theory Of Everything (5) Robert Duvall - The Judge (5) Emma Stone - Birdman (3) Sniper

6 Theory of Everything (8) David Fincher - Gone Girl Bradley Cooper - American Sniper (5) Amy Adams - Big Eyes Kristen Stewart - Still Alice

7 Theory of Everything (8) Ava DuVernay - Selma Marion Cotillard - Two Days, One Night (4) Anna Kendrick - Into the Woods 8 Whiplash (7) Bennet Miller - Foxcatcher (5) Jessica Chastain - Interstellar 9 American Sniper (6) Carmen Ejogo - Selma 10 Unbroken Carrie Coon - Gone Girl Laura Dern - Wild (5) 5 Twenty-four visits to Stockholm: a concise history of the Rockefeller Nobel Prizes Part V: Wendell M. Stanley, 1946 Prize in Chemistry

Jo s e p h L u n a In 1898, a Dutch botanist named Marti- was among leaves, Stanley succeeded in producing a nus Beijerinck faced a naming conundrum. them. Trained as a chemist, Stanley ini- few grams of needle-like crystals that be- He reproduced an experiment first per- tially came to the Rockefeller Institute in haved just like TMV when dissolved. He formed six years earlier by Russian botanist 1931 as a post-doc to work with physiologist also found that these crystals were over- Dmitri Ivanovsky, who found that a disease Winthrop J. V. Osterhout, but was quickly whelmingly composed of , a sur- of tobacco plants causing a mosaic discol- lured in 1932 by Louis O. Kunkel to be a prising result, as it mirrored Northrop’s oration of their precious nicotine laced part of the new division of plant pathology. conclusions with much smaller . leaves could be transmitted to a healthy Housed at the Institute’s outpost in Princ- The scientific world was rightfully as- plant in an infectious manner. Moreover, eton N.J., the plant pathology group settled tonished. Crystals were well known to be like his predecessor, Beijerinck found that in next to the division of animal pathol- ordered, chemical entities that were clearly after passing through a filter too small for ogy in its picturesque country setting, and not living, and yet Stanley’s virus crystals any known bacteria to pass, the juice of it was here that Stanley probably first met undeniably behaved as if they were alive! infected plants could still be used to infect John Northrop, with whom he would later The core of biology was broached upon by healthy tobacco leaves. This was a puzzling share the Nobel Prize. this discovery, as it prompted scientists to observation, since any attempt to see the No doubt inspired by Northrop’s ac- reconsider the very definition of life. For infectious agent under a microscope turned complishment of crystallizing in his part, Wendell Stanley remained ever up nothing. Ivanovsky concluded that there 1929, Stanley’s task of trying to crystal- the rigorous chemist, and largely opted not must be a tiny living bacterium, smaller lize a whole virus seemed just possible, if to partake in philosophical discussions, than any known, which was responsible for a bit crazy. But he was in the right place: insofar as he interpreted the data point- the disease. Beijerinck on the other hand in addition to famed protein crystallizers ing beyond a dualist view of life and non- wasn’t convinced and wanted to call this Northrop and Moses Kunitz next door, life. Perhaps a virus was both? Perhaps the infectious agent something else to reflect Kunkel’s plant group had geneticists to boundary is arbitrary? its non-bacterial nature. After what must study plant virus adaptability and the ef- While Stanley’s work raised an almost have been some hand wringing, he settled fects of mutations, entomologists to study existential question in biology, it turns out on an old Latin word for “slimy liquid” and the lifecycles of insect-borne plant diseases, that his results were incomplete. TMV is named the new agent a virus. and a healthy group aimed at working out composed of about 95% protein but it also For the next three decades, exactly what conditions for plant cell culture in the petri possesses about 5% RNA by weight, a find- a virus was presented a tantalizing mystery. dish, from roots to leaves. Microbiologists, ing overlooked by Stanley, and now rec- Viruses behaved as if they were alive, they soil chemists, animal virologists, plant ognized as the key ingredient for a virus’s grew and could adapt, and yet some were physiologists… the variety of disciplines in living nature. What constitutes life at its so small that they approached the sizes of the new department was as fertile as their boundary with non-life makes the virus , or other macromolecules that verdant greenhouse. a unique arbiter in biology in that viruses clearly weren’t alive. So which was it? Alive Uniting the group was a long-stand- satisfy both definitions while satisfying or dead? Beijerinck, for his part, didn’t have ing interest in the Tobacco Mosaic Virus none. Or as Stanley’s contemporary and a definitive answer, but set a vital tone by (TMV), the same virus studied by Beijer- fellow Nobelist Andre Lwoff wrote on the referring to viruses as contagious living flu- inck, and upon which virology was found- subject, in the end “a virus is a virus!” ids (“contagium vivum fluidum”). Until the ed. Much was known by Stanley’s day about ◉ 1930s, as the roster of plant and animal dis- TMV, its infectious properties and such, eases caused by viruses expanded, attempts and even a few groups had attempted to to categorize them on the basis of size were get pure preparations of TMV by crystal- used to justify the living (i.e. large) from the lization. All, however, failed to show that non-living (i.e. small). Still, others thought the crystallized virus, when dissolved, re- this essentialist idea might be missing mained infectious. Working apocryphally something entirely. from nearly one ton of infected tobacco

6 Selma – The Movie S u s a n R u s s o

Ava DuVernay has made a movie, scene in the movie, Annie Cooper, a non- It is a movie filled with moving scenes based on the true events depicting the 1965 violent activist (played by Oprah Winfrey), of real people in moments of confusion, marches from Selma to Montgomery, Ala- when demanded to by the registrar, recited fear, tension, wrangling, human frailty, bama, that still resonates today. With a cast the entire Preamble to the U.S. Constitu- humor, hope, and triumph. The determi- led by David Oyelowo, a young British ac- tion, gave the correct number of circuit nation of all the marchers is ennobling. tor, playing the role of Dr. Martin Luther court justices in the county (67), but was The long marches, with men, women, stu- King, Jr., this movie is a testament not only rejected because she could not give all their dents, and children dressed for church (as to King’s determination, but his brilliance names (!) This movie highlights many of the in the 1950’s), but carrying suitcases, bed- as a leader, his people who planned the marches with King rolls, and food packages, is a testament to sacrifices, his family, his disparate but – Ralph Abernathy, leader of the Southern courage, resilience and determination. The loyal followers, and his belief that non- Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), images of armed police and state troopers violence was the only way to accomplish leaders of the Congress on Racial Equal- with gas masks and night sticks, horses and the major goal of voting rights for African- ity (CORE), and Andrew Young, Jr., who, whips are frightening, and the assaults on Americans throughout America. King still living at 82, helped to draft the Voting the unarmed people are almost unwatch- met with leaders of many factions, such as Rights Act, was a leading activist, and later able, as are the depictions of people on the Malcolm X, a radical leader, whom he con- became an American ambassador. Another sidelines cheering the fray. The director vinced (in the movie) not to appear at the march planner was John Lewis, who today also utilized actual newsreel footage of the march, and members of the Student Non- is a Congressman (prominently seen in at- attacks, which is devastating. The violence violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), tendance at President Obama’s State of the of the first march was shown on black-and- persevering in his belief that only non-vi- Union address on Tuesday, January 20, this white TV, and the outrage felt by many olence would prove to be the most effective year.) Other notables depicted in the movie Americans led to white people joining the way to make his and his followers’ dreams were President Lyndon Johnson (played second and third marches. The U.S. Con- a reality. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 had by British actor ), whom gress passed the Voting Rights Act in 1965. recently passed, outlawing segregation, a Dr. King met, spoke, and negotiated with The original script of the movie was great victory for human rights, but King a number of times about the marches and written by English writer Paul Webb in believed that true equality for all Ameri- voting rights. Other major characters in 2007, with additional revisions of the fi- cans would never be achieved without the the movie were Coretta Scott King, his wife nal script by the director, Ava DuVernay. right to vote. Selma was chosen as a rallying and mother of his four children (played by Among the producers of the film were place to begin the marches to Montgomery, a British actress, Carmen Ejogo) and Ala- Pathe U.K., Brad Pitt, and Harpo Films the capital of Alabama. (Selma was a town bama Governor (played (founded by Oprah Winfrey). The produc- in which more than 50% of the population by another Brit, Tim Roth.) Some notable tion cost $20 million, which, in Hollywood, was African-American, but fewer than 1% American actors in smaller parts were is considered a modest amount for a major of that population had been allowed to reg- Cuba Gooding, Jr., playing a lawyer, Mar- movie. ister to vote, due to the all-white registrars’ tin Sheen, playing a judge, and Giovanni arbitrary requirements). In one memorable Ribisi, playing a presidential advisor.

Roses are Red, Violets are Blue A i l e e n M a r s h a l l

Valentine’s Day, also known as Saint not much is definitely known about any of sent her a letter, signed “Your Valentine.” Valentine’s Day, is celebrated on February them. The two legends seem to have melded This is how the association of Saint Valen- 14. It is the day that couples customarily to make up the origin of the holiday tradi- tine and romantic love began. Interestingly, show their love for one another. People give tion. One was the Bishop of Terni, in Italy, some Saint Valentines are also considered their loved ones cards, flowers (usually ros- who died around the year 270. The other the patron saints of beekeepers and epi- es), candy (usually chocolate), or a romantic was also a Roman priest, who was executed lepsy. dinner. If you are well off, you may get or in 496. The legend says that Roman Emper- Some sources say that the church nam- receive jewelry as your Valentine’s Day gift. or Claudius II felt that married men were ing Saint Valentine’s Day was an attempt to It is a traditional holiday, but not a govern- too distracted to make good soldiers, so Christianize the pagan festival of Luper- ment holiday, so businesses are still open. he outlawed marriage for them. Valentine calia, an ancient Roman festival of fertil- Valentine’s Day was originally known performed marriages for them in secret. He ity, celebrated around February 15. Besides as Saint Valentine’s Day. It was a feast day was jailed and sentenced to death for this slapping the hide of a freshly slaughtered in several Christian churches. Yet, the crime. While he was incarcerated, he sup- goat on young women of the city to ensure origin of the saint is murky. There were at posedly healed the blind daughter of his fertility, the single women would put their least three different Saint Valentines, and jailer. On the night before his execution, he names in an urn, and the single men would 7 pick a name to be paired off with for that And Fortune said it shou’d be you.” enth month of the lunar calendar. It is the year. Mass-produced greeting cards for Val- day when a legendary cow herder and maid The first written reference to a celebra- entine’s Day started in England in the late were allowed to be together. Japanese and tion of Valentine’s Day comes from the old 1700s, which was also a time when post- Korean women are expected to give choco- English poet Chaucer. This poem, “Par- age became more affordable there. Valen- lates to their co-workers. Then on March lement of Foules,” was written in 1382 to tine’s Day cards were first made in the U.S. 14, men are expected to reciprocate with commemorate the engagement of King by Esther Howland in 1847. She imported white chocolate or marshmallows, known Richard II to Anne of Bohemia. There is a paper lace and ribbons from Europe to in- as White Day. line that translates to “For this was on St. corporate in her cards. She is known as the In India, public displays of affection Valentine’s Day, when every bird cometh “Mother of the Valentine.” were socially taboo. This began to change in there to choose his mate.” Mid to late Feb- Valentine’s Day is celebrated in various the 1990s when Valentine’s Day and Ameri- ruary was also known in Europe as the time countries throughout the world in differ- can media became more popular. There are when birds would start to mate. ent forms. In most European nations, the still some that criticize those who celebrate One of the earliest written valentines practice is similar to here. In Finland and the holiday as being contaminated by capi- was by Charles, Duke of Orleans, in 1415. Estonia, February 14 is known as Friends talism and culture. It is also often He was captured during the battle of Ag- Day. The practice there is to remember all disapproved and banned in many Muslim incourt and imprisoned in the Tower of your friends, not just romantic partners. In majority countries. It is seen as a holiday of for twenty five years. While there, Wales, people celebrate St. Dwynwen’s Day, Christian origin and thus against Islamic he wrote many poems to his wife. One of the patron saint of Welsh lovers, on Janu- culture. In Iran, they banned the produc- which contains the line “I am already sick ary 25. tion and sale of any item emblazoned with of love, My very gentle Valentine.” In many Latin American countries, hearts or red roses in 2011. In Malaysia, they The iconic line “roses are red, violets are Valentine’s Day is known as the Day of Love raid hotels and arrest any couple suspected blue” appeared in 1590 in Edmund Spenser’s and Friendship. People will carry out some of having sex and hand out flyers in colleges “The Faerie Queen:” “She bath’d with roses show of gratitude for their friends. Valen- warning students against Valentine’s Day. red, and violets blew, And all the sweetest tine’s Day is not celebrated in , since it In Saudi Arabia, the sale of Valentine’s Day flowres, that in the forrest grew.” In 1784, a often falls during Carnival. There they cel- items have been banned since 2002. Police collection of nursery rhymes was published ebrate Saint Anthony’s Day on June 12 as a have removed red items from stores and red in England, “Gammer Gurton’s Garland,” romantic holiday. flowers from flower shops. with the poem: In some Asian countries, Valentine’s This Valentine’s Day, enjoy taking the “The rose is red, the violet’s blue, Day has been taken up due to the exposure opportunity to show your gratitude for The honey’s sweet, and so are you. to Western culture through the media. In your loved ones, significant or otherwise. Thou art my love and I am thine; China, Valentine’s Day is often not celebrat- I drew thee to my Valentine: ed, since it falls close to Asian New Year, but The lot was cast and then I drew, they celebrate on the seventh day of the sev-

8 Life on a Roll E l o d i e Pau w e l s http://elodiepphoto.wordpress.com

Lisbon is such a charming city! At first sight you wouldn’t guess you’re in a European capital: some parts of the city recall small villages, and no one seems stressed. In addition, colors are everywhere. This is one of these paradise cities for photographers, where they can daydream as much as they wish.

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