Pugwash: Cyber anonymity Rowling’s text stands strong Jakeisrain and C Street a mixed blessing • A4 despite revisions • A6 Brass release debut EP • B8 SCITECH FORUM PILLBOX

thetartan.org @thetartan February 10, 2014 Volume 108, Issue 17 Carnegie Mellon’s student newspaper since 1906 CMU students place first in Disney Imaginations contest

Courtesy of Gary Krueger The Carnegie Mellon team’s winning project, “Antipode,” brought together the cultures of two disparate cities, Peru and Bangkok. Pictured, from left to right: Matthew Ho, Christina Brant, Angeline Chen, and John Brieger.

SNeha kannoth ize and create the Walt Dis- ist market in a chosen location, When asked what brought that we were proud of,” Chen preparing for the Disney Junior Staffwriter ney parks and resorts in a the ability to tell an engaging them together, Ho said, “It was said. Imaginations competition, combination of imagination story, and knowledge and pas- Orientation of fall 2012. We “Winning was definitely Chen replied, “It wasn’t much Noël Um and engineering. sion for the Disney brand and were all involved in Orienta- unexpected. Still feels unre- of a balance. There were lot News Co-Editor The first-place team won Walt Disney Imagineering. tion in some way — either be- al,” Brieger said. “Sometimes of late nights and a lot of a $3,000 monetary award, as “Disney loves it when you ing a HOC, OC, or RA — and I have to remind myself that preparation.” Four Carnegie Mellon well as $1,000 in grants. tell a story,” Chen said. we gravitated toward each this really happened. Last “As far as group dynamic students were crowned the The diverse group took The winning project pro- other.” week feels so long ago.” goes, we never really dis- champions of the Walt Disney home the championship posal, titled “Antipode,” con- Later that year, Ho pro- agreed,” Ho said. “We were re- Imagineering’s “Imaginations” by presenting a proposal in nected two cities that were di- posed that they form a group “Winning ceptive and open to ideas, but design competition last week. response to the following rectly opposite each other on to compete in the Disney we constantly assessed them.” After a week long, all- prompt: “There are many the globe in order to promote Imaginations competition. was definitely Brant found their creative expense-paid trip to Disney wonderful urban environ- a cultural exchange through a “I was always a huge fan of process closely related to the Imagineering headquarters ments around the world two-week festival. Disney, and I knew the people unexpected. concept of iterative design. in Glendale, Ca., the group, where millions of people live, The specific case the stu- who placed as a finalist last Still feels Iterative design is a way to whose members included work and play every day. Se- dents used in their proposal year, and I was like we should perfect a product through re- fifth-year architecture ma- lect a large and densely popu- was a cultural exchange be- go for this,” he said. unreal.” peated tests. jor Matthew Ho, fifth-year lated urban area and design tween the citizens of Lima, Brant added, “We had She said, “We were never architecture and human- an experience that temporar- Peru and Bangkok, Thailand, school to do, but literally any —John Brieger, se- fully sold on a particular idea, computer interaction double ily or permanently transforms which are antipodal cities. time our Google calendars and we always wanted to im- major Christina Brant, senior the city for the enjoyment of The proposed idea was matched up was Disney time.” nior computational prove or add more.” computer science major John its citizens and visitors. The inspired by the story of two “It’s been an emotional design and interac- Brieger admitted, “We were Brieger, and junior commu- experience must take advan- friends, one in Lima and one roller coaster over the past few definitely on a time crunch. nication design major Ange- tage of existing infrastructure, in Bangkok, who communi- months,” Ho said. tion major The first two weeks of the se- line Chen, took home the first and may be above, below or cated via trees in their native “We submitted our pro- mester, we were constantly place title in the competition. anywhere in between existing homelands, thereby transfer- posal in November. Then, a “Christina and I just practicing our presentation in The Disney Imaginations development.” ring cultural objects and ideas. little before winter break, we laughed when we found out lecture rooms with projectors competition is an opportunity According to the contest’s Brieger said, “Culture was were selected among six fi- we won,” Chen added. and performing it in front of for students to develop a con- press release, the contestants a big focus this year. You could nalists out of 231 entries to The group members did others to get input.” cept project similar to what were judged on criteria includ- really see what the current in- go present our work at Dis- not put school on pause in or- “We would practice them Disney Imagineers create. ing collaboration, mastery of terests of Disney Imagineers ney Imagineering.” der to work on their proposal, while we walked to class in Imagineers, according to individual skill, an engaging were in that two of the top “Being a finalist was however. the morning,” Ho said. “We Disney’s definition, are the guest experience, an under- three finalists were culturally enough of a victory. But we When asked how they bal- individuals who conceptual- standing of the local and tour- based project ideas.” wanted to present something anced their academics and See DISNEY, A3 Spring Carnival relocated to CFA lawn University increases Michelle Cho of Morewood Gardens to the the changes. ling Stadium, the East-West Junior Staffwriter parking lot of the College of In November, David Tepper Walkway, and the fourth tuition for next year Fine Arts (CFA). A town hall announced a generous dona- floor of the East Campus Ga- Starting in 2015, Carnegie meeting was held last Thurs- tion of $67 million to help fi- rage as possible locations for Brent Heard the increase also detailed Mellon’s beloved tradition day in the University Center’s nance the construction of the Spring Carnival. All of these Contributing Editor that the housing fee for a of Spring Carnival will be re- Danforth Lounge to inform new Tepper School of Busi- locations presented their own standard double room will located from the parking lot the student population about ness, which will be built in challenges — because of Ges- Carnegie Mellon an- be $7,280, and the standard the parking lot where Spring ling Stadium’s brand new turf, nounced that the average un- first-year meal plan will cost Carnival is currently held. Al- for example, the university dergraduate tuition rates for $5,120. though not yet officially decid- would be forced to cover the the 2014–15 academic year The email states that this ed and announced to the pub- whole stadium so that the turf will increase by 2.9 percent. new pricing results in a 3 per- lic, the relocation of Carnival wouldn’t be ruined, a proce- This increase places tu- cent increase in the total cost has been discussed since last dure that is both tedious and ition for incoming students of attending the university. June, according to Tim Leon- costly, according to Leonard. and current first-years at Some required payments by ard, coordinator of student ac- As a result, Leonard said, CFA $48,030. students, such as the activi- tivities, who led the town hall. parking lot and lawn appeared For sophomore students, ties fee and technology fee, Although it presents a ma- to be the least complicated the tuition will be $47,560, are also higher this year. jor change, some students rec- and most efficient choice. and for juniors and seniors, The activities fee is ris- ognize the benefits of moving As of now, booth will take the tuition will be $47,110. ing to $242 in the upcoming Carnival. place in the CFA parking lot. Tuition rates for graduate year from the previous value Junior communication de- The Main Tent, where the co- students are set at the pro- of $194, the technology fee sign major Sam Ahmed said, “I median will perform, will be gram or college level. is increasing from $360 to think it’s better that Carnival on CFA lawn, while the rides This 2.9 percent increase $380, and the transporta- will be in the middle of cam- will be on the CFA lawn and in tuition is similar to the tion fee is now $120 instead pus, rather than on a parking the Mall. percentage increases made in of $110. These various fees lot by the freshmen dorms. Last but not least, the past years, with tuition rising contribute in different ways It makes more sense than for concert will take place on by 3 percent last year, and 4 to the student experience at Carnival to be so far.” the Mall. Since Carnival will percent the year prior to that. Carnegie Mellon. Briana Wiliams/Junior Photographer The College of Fine Arts will be the future home of Booth during Spring The Office of Student Ac- The official communica- Carnival. The parking lot is large enough to hold all current Booths. tivities also considered Ges- See CARNIVAL, A3 tion sent by email detailing See TUITION, A3 A2 « thetartan.org/news The Tartan » February 10, 2014 feature photo news in brief CMU architecture alumnus Scarlett Joyful Noise spreads joy in Skibo Café Awarded Highlands Travel Fellowship

Matthew Scarlett (CFA chitecture at various loca- ’08) won the School of Ar- tions, including Los Ange- chitecture 2014 Delbert C. les, Copenhagen, Dublin, Highlands Travel Fellowship, and New York. He recently worth $12,000, last week. worked as a freelance de- Scarlett’s fellowship ap- signer for nARCHITECTS in plication, titled “Fulfilling Brooklyn, where he worked the Risorgimento: Modern- to introduce new models ist Colonial Architecture in for micro-unit apartments Asmara,” explored the rela- to be installed in Manhat- tionship between modern- tan under the Bloomberg ist colonial works in Eritrea, administration. located in the Horn of Africa, Scarlett has been a project and “well-known master- manager for Audi terminals pieces of Italian modernism in the eastern United States; in Rome, Milan, Como and he’s currently managing other important Italian cit- more than 30 projects. He’s ies,” according to a university also on a design team that press release. develops plans for numerous Through the fellowship, international competitions. Scarlett will be traveling to The Highlands Travel Fel- Asmara and other cities in lowship is in honor of Delbert Eritrea. Highlands, a professor of ar- After graduating from chitectural design, design Carnegie Mellon, Scarlett at- theory, and architectural his- tended Harvard’s Graduate tory at Carnegie Mellon from School of Design, where he the 1960s to early 2000s. All received a master’s degree in alumni of the School of Ar- architecture in May 2013. chitecture are able to apply He has worked in ar- for the fellowship.

Courtesy of Joyful Noise A cappella group Joyful Noise performed in Skibo Café Friday night at 7 p.m. as part of the continuing Skibo A Capella Series. Former Carnegie Mellon professor to present “Dark Reflections of Power”

African American history visit and lecture because her and culture is often seen as talk reinforces the month- FORGE hosts free dumpling night in UC being entrenched in themes long celebration of Black of oppression and suppres- History themes at CMU and sion. Associate professor of the larger Pittsburgh metro- English and black studies at politan region.” the University of California Batiste wants the current Santa Barbara Stephanie perception of African-Amer- L. Batiste, however, argues ican identity and culture to that African-American art- be reexamined, as she does ists, musicians, and writers not believe the population in the time period accepted was oppressed at the time. the segregated and impe- According to a press release, rialist system in the United “She contends that examin- States to make themselves ing complicity with power feel more included in the broadens the concept of culture. black humanity and compli- Batiste’s lecture “Dark cates the understanding of Reflections of Power: Black how the oppressed use and Performance Culture and manipulate the very tools the End of Subversion,” that have defined their social sponsored by Carnegie Mel- exclusion.” lon’s Center for Africana- CAUSE, in its 19th year merican Urban Studies and at the university, holds the Economy (CAUSE), events throughout the year. will take place at Carnegie “CAUSE builds upon this Mellon’s Steinberg Audito- legacy through its African- rium on Friday, Feb. 21 from American speakers series, 4:30–6:30 p.m. postdoctoral fellowship In a statement from a program and collaborative university press release, Joe projects with other institu- Trotter, Giant Eagle profes- tions like the Heinz History sor of history and social jus- Center, a Smithsonian Insti- tice and director of CAUSE, tution affiliate,” Trotter said said in the press release, in the press release.

Courtesy of Jarilyn James “CAUSE and the Department FORGE, a student organization devoted to aiding refugees around the world, hosted a free dumpling night on Saturday. The event featured perfor- of History are especially Compiled by mances by Dancer’s Symposium and the Treblemakers, as well as henna tattoos and fleece scarf-making from the local refugee community. pleased with Stephanie’s Alvin Mathew Campus Crime & Incident Reports Weather Underage Drinking vestigation revealed that the Trespassing/Criminal that he found the contents in Jan. 31, 2014 student was not struck, but Activity a classroom. The wallet and rather was intoxicated and Feb. 2, 2014 cash money were not turned University Police and fell into the street. City med- in by the unknown male. CMU EMS responded to Don- ics transported the male, who Three students received ner House in response to an was cited for public drunken- Carnegie Mellon internal dis- anonymous call regarding in- Tuesday Wednesday Thursday ness, to the hospital. cipline citations for trespass- Motor Vehicle Accident High / Low High / Low High / Low dividuals who reportedly had ing after University Police re- Feb. 6, 2014 too much to drink. University sponded to the roof of Wean 20 / 5 31 / 19 33 / 25 University Police respond- Police arrived on scene and Underage Drinking Hall for a suspicious activity ed to the East Campus Garage ensured that all overly in- Feb. 2, 2014 call. The three students had in response to a car accident. toxicated individuals received gained access to the roof University Police assisted Upon arrival, officers deter- medical attention. City medics through the penthouse level the Pittsburgh Police at a mined that a moving vehicle were summoned for further of Wean Hall. assistance. University Police residence on the 5600 block struck a parked Carnegie Mel- issued underage drinking of Wilkins Avenue. While on lon Parking & Transportation citations. scene, police cited one Carn- Wallet Theft Services vehicle. The driver Friday Saturday Sunday egie Mellon student for under- Feb. 6, 2014 was cited for careless driv- High / Low High / Low High / Low age drinking. The student was ing after verifying the facts of 29 / 16 29 / 23 31 / 23 Public Drunkenness transported to the hospital by University Police are inves- the incident with several wit- Source: www.weather.com Feb. 2, 2014 city medics. University Police tigating a theft that took place nesses on scene. No one was also assisted the Pittsburgh in the College of Fine Arts on injured during this accident. A University Police officer Police on the 1700 block of Feb. 5, 2014, between 2:30– Both vehicles involved suf- Corrections & Clarifications responded to the intersec- Wightman Avenue. Another 4:30 p.m. The victim stated fered front end damage. If you would like to submit a correction or clarification, tion of Fifth Avenue and Ai- Carnegie Mellon student was that her wallet was removed please email The Tartan at [email protected] or ken Street after the Pittsburgh cited for underage drinking from her coat. Some of the [email protected] with your inquiry, as well as the Police reported that a Carn- and was eventually taken to contents of the wallet were date of the issue and the name of the article. We will egie Mellon student had been the hospital by city medics. later turned in to the Hub by print the correction or clarification in the next print struck by a vehicle. Further in- an unknown male, who stated issue and publish it online. student senate meeting minutes Special Allocation: Special Allocation: Student Government Executive Board Faculty Course Evaluation Presentation CMU Bhangra Lunar Gala

Senate voted to allocate Senate voted to allocate Student Body President updates to the rules surround- Academic Affairs Com- Course Evaluations with the $1,606.09 to CMU Bhangra. $1,675 to Lunar Gala, after and senior biology major Lind- ing painting the Fence de- mittee chair and sophomore goal of making them a more Bhangra requested the funds the Finance Committee re- say MacGillivray, along with signed to prevent the spread of electrical and computer en- effective tool for helping stu- for travel and lodging costs duced their recommendation Student Body Vice President paint on the steps of and inside gineering major Julia Eddy dents gauge the difficulty of a for Bhangra National Cham- from the amount that Lunar of Organizations and senior Doherty Hall, as well as chang- gave a presentation on the class and finalize their course pionships, which are in Jersey Gala originally requested. psychology and international ing the time frame and number upcoming town hall meeting, schedules. City, New Jersey. This time is The funding will go toward relations and politics double of members for the University hosted by Senate, meant to the first time that the CMU Lunar Gala’s after party, which major Corinne Rockoff gave a Center Allocations Board. reform faculty course evalu- Bhangra team has placed in will be held at Villa South presentation to Senate about ations. enough smaller competitions Side, and the production of changes to student governmen- The town hall will ask to make it to nationals. the Lunar Gala Magazine. tal policies. students about the effective- Compiled by The updated policy includes ness and purpose of Faculty Brian trimboli February 10, 2014 « The Tartan thetartan.org/news » A3 Tuition increases an average of 2.9% CMU team victors of Disney competition

From DISNEY, A1 Disney in the future, Chen smiled and said, “The future practiced them on a van to is the future. Right now, we L.A.,” Brant added. are just very thankful for this This year marks the sec- experience.” ond year in a row that a The Imaginations com- group from Carnegie Mellon petition is open to students has placed in the top three from colleges and universi- of the Disney Imaginations ties in the United States who competition. are juniors, seniors, full-time “A lot of people have been graduate students, or who coming to us because they have graduated less than a are interested in next year’s year ago, who are enrolled competition. It’s great, but if in a variety of programs in- you go for it, make sure you cluding architecture, arts, really put time and energy animation, computer sci- into it,” Ho said. ence, construction/project When asked if the group management, and graphic/ has any plans involving communications design. Carnival moved across campus

From CARNIVAL, A1 science major Colleen Ham- ilton said, “I think it will be predominantly surround the harder for those in the Greek CFA building, Student Ac- Quad to bring stuff over for tivities has recognized the booth to CFA. It also looks potential of noise complaints like there is less space for ev- from CFA professors and erything to fit, but other than students. that, I don’t have any major Freshmen fine arts ma- concerns.” Hamilton, who jor Bridget Quirk said, “I lives in Pittsburgh, has fre-

Anne-Sophie Kim/Assistant Layout Manager think CFA students are al- quently attended Spring Car- ready so used to things go- nival in the past, and predicts From TUITION, A1 priorities, including financial istration] to keep me more Subra Suresh’s inauguration. ing on around the building, that the event will remain aid support for eligible stu- informed,” said sophomore Sophomore biology and so I don’t think the students enjoyable and popular in its The official email sent by dents, and to work with you chemical engineering and bio- psychology double major Su will be really affected by the new location. Vice President for Campus to maintain and enhance our medical engineering double Baykal said that, for her, noth- noise.” Leonard and Student Ac- Affairs Michael Murphy ac- uniquely vibrant and engaged major Liz Starck. ing could excuse this year’s On average, about 25 stu- tivities have consulted and knowledged the financial undergraduate experience, Starck said that she wishes increase in tuition. “[The in- dent organizations partici- will continue to consult with burden that increased tuition just as you deserve.” the university would be more crease] is definitely not justi- pate in Booth for Carnival, Alumni Relations, AB Tech, places on families and stu- Students are frustrated transparent. “Did they say fied. Unless tuition is divided Leonard said. and many other committees dents, but stated that this in- with the continually rising tu- anywhere what the money is by five, it will not be justified The location will not be before the next academic crease is “relatively modest” ition, and many feel kept out going toward? Didn’t we get for me — even if they don’t completely finalized until the year. and “is consistent with our of the loop. some huge donations recent- raise it,” Baykal said via email. next academic year, when The next steps to finalize goal of containing costs and Although a campus-wide ly? What is the point of this The announcement also Student Activities will get the the relocation include con- managing our resources ap- email was sent out about the tuition raise?” stated that undergraduate final count of participating tinued collaboration with propriately.” raise in tuition, many students Starck was referring to the student fees include $120 for groups. faculty and figuring out the Murphy justified the in- still feel like it’s unclear where $67 million donation by David the Port Authority, $380 for As part of Carnegie Mel- specific placement of booths crease by saying, “we will their money is going. Tepper, announced in Novem- technology, a $246 activity lon’s Kappa Alpha Theta and rides, according to continue to invest in key “I would like [the admin- ber on the day of President fee, and a $10 media fee. sorority, first-year decision Leonard. A4 « thetartan.org/scitech The Tartan » February 10, 2014

Behrmann studies how brain works with one hemisphere

Claire Gianakas termed electroencephalog- Staffwriter raphy, or use magnetic reso- nance imaging (MRI) technol- Over the past several ogy. Through this technology years, popular interest in we can acquire data reliably neuroscience has dramati- and precisely, with finely cali- cally increased worldwide. brated experiments.” This public interest has led to Behrmann also noted the more funding, research, and use of technology in data sci- programs that promote the ence. field of neuroscience, such as “The advances that are be- the Brain Research through ing made in statistics and ma- Advancing Innovative Neuro- chine learning can be used on technologies (BRAIN) Initia- these data sets,” Behrmann tive — a research initiative to said. “The ability to handle map every neuron in the hu- and bring analytics to big data man brain announced by Pres- is pretty ubiquitous at Carn- ident Barack Obama last April. egie Mellon.” She explained Carnegie Mellon researchers that several students from are also taking part in this Carnegie Mellon’s master’s of new research with innova- Courtesy of Marlene Behrmann statistical practice program tive experimental techniques Professor of psychology Marlene Behrmann studies brain plasticity, the ability of the brain to change and adapt its structure and function. will be working with the data that could help explain how collected to bring advanced the brain functions the way ways to optimize brain func- about behavior,” Behrmann tail removing an entire hemi- ings of the brain. “There has statistics to the research. “We it does. Marlene Behrmann, tion, both in normal individu- said. “We know both sides of sphere of the brain. been very little work that has now have the technology and a professor of psychology at als and individuals with some the equation. We just don’t yet Plasticity becomes involved been done to date,” Behrmann we have the analytics to be Carnegie Mellon, is examining kind of abnormality.” know what the transformation during these children’s re- said. “If we can understand able to begin to scratch the brain plasticity in order to gain Behrmann’s research fo- is.” coveries. “Within a space of a this extreme form of plasticity, surface of this,” Behrmann insight into its inner workings. cuses on how functions of the Behrmann has received couple of years these kids have it may give us some insights said. Behrmann explained that brain, such as plasticity, oc- funding from the National regained most cognitive func- into how the system works.” Finally, Behrmann noted an understanding of brain cur. She explains that while Institute of Health for a high- tions,” Behrmann said. “How Behrmann also explained the ideal location of her re- plasticity — the ability of the scientists understand a lot risk project that examines the does this plasticity occur? the major impact that technol- search. “In order to do a proj- brain to change and adapt about how the brain physically brain organization of children They have got everything that ogy has had on the research. ect like this, you need the its structure and function — works, and understand what who have had an entire hemi- other people have got in two First, technology has allowed technology and you need the could have a substantial influ- the final behavioral products sphere of their brain removed. hemispheres in a single hemi- researchers to acquire large analytics, but you also need ence on the way the brain is of these actions are, they do Behrmann explains that these sphere.” Behrmann explained data sets. “In humans we the patient population,” Beh- viewed. “Contrary to received not know much about how children have such a high that the innovative nature of don’t have direct access to the rmann said. “Because Pitts- wisdom, the brain is really a the final products are gener- number of seizures per day this research gives it the po- brain,” Behrmann said. “The burgh has fantastic medical pretty flexible machine,” Beh- ated. “We know a lot about the that it is optimal to remove the tential to help researchers un- best we can do is record signals facilities and hospitals, it is a rmann said. “There may be brain, and we also know a lot damaged tissue, which can en- derstand the complex work- on the surface of the scalp, large catchment area.”

PugWash Column Anonymity on the Internet is both a blessing and a curse

along with an individual’s ac- However, detaching one’s quence. Anonymity is a key ment could be conducive to zation that meets on a weekly tions, such as stalking or bul- actions from identity can be characteristic for the group. the negative and rash behavior basis to discuss the implications lying. dangerous. Anonymous com- The actions of the group can- that can occur when people of science, technology, and med- Yelp, the popular business munication changes normal not be tied to any individual. detach their actions from their icine in society. This is a sum- Kathryn McKeough review site, is a good exam- social interaction. Because There is no way to persecute identity. mary of last week’s discussion Special to The Tartan ple of an online space where restraints on speech are loos- everyone, and there is no way on anonymity online, spurred anonymity allows for more ened, people are more willing to find an origin to the group’s Student Pugwash is a non- by a comment in Mark Zucker- On Feb. 4, Facebook cel- honesty when critiquing busi- to speak out. They do not have actions. Also, because there is advocacy, educational organi- berg’s interview. ebrated its 10th birthday. The nesses. Most people will not go to think about how they will no individuality, the group can beloved social networking site up to their local barber and tell present themselves because be omnipresent by not need- has allowed over one billion him that the haircuts he gives their actions are not associ- ing to rally around a leader. people to be a part of a giant are terrible, but they might ated with their identity. Usu- Although Anonymous believes web of communication. In a say something to the same ally, when we communicate, their causes are morally justi- recent interview with Bloom- effect if they are able to post we subconsciously monitor fied, their actions are often il- berg Businessweek, Mark Zuck- their thoughts online under a and adapt to behaviors of oth- legal. For example, in protest erberg suggested allowing us- pseudonym. Anonymity can ers around us. Anonymity in of PlayStation 3 hackers be- ers to log in anonymously. “It also remove unwanted conno- online interactions eliminates ing sued, Anonymous hacked is somewhat of a burden if you tations that come along with this tendency, making bad be- Sony’s servers in 2011. Ano- are always under pressure of a identity. For example, female havior more likely. nymity has given this activist real identity,” Zuckerberg said authors, such as the Brontë sis- Anonymous is an inter- group a lot of power; however, during the interview. ters of the 19th century, wrote national activist group in it is not clear whether they are Anonymity can release the under aliases so that people which unnamed members using it for good. burden of identity by not tying would take them more seri- unite under a common cause, What will happen if us- people to the things they do or ously. Anonymity is powerful usually against the govern- ers can create anonymous say online. In one sense, not in the sense that it decreases ment, religious groups, and Facebook accounts? These revealing one’s identity allows the consequences associated corporations. Under the veil accounts could create an en- more freedom of speech. Ano- with speaking out and allows of anonymity they can plot vironment where people are nymity is helpful in avoiding people more freedom to say international protests and free to share even the most consequences that may come what is on their minds. movements without conse- extreme ideas. Or the environ- Eunice Oh/Staff Artist

SCITECH BRiefs Scientists find early Sector of human Gene identified in European footprints brain contributes to women that causes on Norfolk coast advanced thought their slower growth

A team of scientists led by Researchers at the Uni- Research conducted on the Queen Mary University of Lon- versity of Oxford have deter- X chromosome is instrumental don, the British Museum, and mined that the ventrolateral to determining the factors that the Natural History Museum frontal cortex of human brains cause men and women to be have recently discovered foot- contains a region that gives different. The only genetic dif- prints on the coast of England humans the unique ability to ference between a man and a in northeast Norfolk that are process loads of information, woman is that the woman has over 800,000 years old. These make informed decisions, two X chromosomes, while ancient footprint findings are and create speech. During the man has one X chromo- extremely rare; the only two an experiment, researchers some and one Y chromosome. footprints that have ever been used MRI imaging and com- To this end, researchers from found earlier are both in Africa pared the brain activity of 25 the University of Helsinki, and are 1.5 million and 3.5 adults to the brain activity of Finland, have found a gene million years old. If geologists 25 macaque monkeys. The that can help to explain the had arrived at the scene of the monkeys and humans had 11 difference in height associ- footprints just two weeks later, regions that acted similarly ated with men and women. the footprints would have al- out of 12 tested regions in the The gene, ITM2A, causes the ready been eroded away by ventrolateral frontal cortex. body to grow at a slower rate. the tide. This fact illustrates However, the humans used a The gene is found on the X the extremely unlikely chance portion of their brain in the chromosome and is active on of the discovery and the dif- frontal cortex that the mon- both the X chromosomes in ficulty with which footprints keys didn’t have. Scientists are women. However, they are are found. These footprints hypothesizing that this por- only found active once in men provide interesting insight tion of the brain is correlated because they only have one into the movement patterns with advanced thinking like X chromosome. Thus, with of ancient humans and pro- multi-tasking and speech. This more ITM2A, women grow at vides evidence that they may region of the frontal cortex a slower rate. While this gene have been migrating toward could be what gives humans has only been shown to con- Great Britain when it was still unique intelligence, given tribute to about 1 to 2 percent connected to the main con- that a close relative of humans change, it still could provide tinent. The researchers used does not have this same re- further insight and reasoning. photogrammetry, a technique gion in their ventrolateral which pieces together pho- frontal cortex. The scientists Source: Science Daily tographs to create a 3-D im- have published their findings age, to study the footprints. in the science journal Neuron. Compiled By Source: Science Daily Source: Science Daily Rohan Varma February 10, 2014 « The Tartan thetartan.org/scitech » A5 Guest speaker discusses theory of neural dimensionality Brooke Kuei guli joked as he began his talk. as the dynamical portrait of by determining why dimen- SciTech Editor For those in the crowd who fell the entire brain of a zebrafish. sionality in neural recordings under neither of the two cat- He explained the qualitative can be so low. “In order to do The human brain contains egories, the talk was an ironic information that could be ob- that, we’d like to derive upper approximately 100 billion struggle to use every relevant tained by looking at each one. bounds on how high a dimen- neurons. With this number in brain neuron to understand While the fact that dimen- sionality could possibly be in mind — pun intended — you the vast amount of neurons in sionality reduction and dy- any dataset,” Ganguli said. An can imagine how difficult it is our brains. namical portraits can simplify idea that is currently out there to collect and understand da- Most people — especially neuronal datasets is a beau- is that dimensionality might tasets in the world of neurosci- people at Carnegie Mellon — tiful thing, it leads to many be low because of the simplici- ence. How, then, can neuro- are familiar with Moore’s Law, questions. In the abstract for ty of the task. “But nobody has scientists analyze these huge the doubling of the number Ganguli’s talk, he posits sever- really quantitatively proved datasets in an efficient yet bio- of transistors on integrated al key questions: “What is the it and come up with a defini- logically meaningful manner? circuits every two years. Gan- origin of this simplicity and its tion of, say, task complexity Last Thursday, Carnegie guli stated that neuroscience implications for the complex- that is somehow related to the Mellon’s Department of Elec- has been undergoing a revolu- ity of brain dynamics? Would dimensionality of neural dy- trical and Computer Engineer- tion and has its own version of neuronal datasets become namics,” Ganguli said. This ing hosted a seminar lecture Moore’s Law. By now, approxi- more complex if we record- final upper bound, which is in which this exact question mately 100 to 1,000 neurons ed more neurons? How and a quantitative measure of was explored. Surya Ganguli, can be recorded. However, the when can we trust dynamical task complexity, is what Gan- an assistant professor of ap- circuits in the brain which con- portraits obtained from only guli and his colleagues have plied physics and, by courtesy, trol our behavior consist of a hundreds of neurons in cir- derived. of neurobiology and electri- million to a billion neurons, so cuits containing millions of According to the abstract cal engineering at Stanford the sample that can currently neurons?” for the paper in which Gan- University, spoke in the Scaife be recorded is still only a small The task from which data guli and his colleagues discuss Hall Auditorium to discuss fraction of the total. Ganguli for Ganguli’s studies was re- their theory of neural dimen- how neuroscientists can use refers to this situation as an Courtesy of Surya Ganguli corded was the monkey-reach- sionality, “the dimensional- high-dimensional statistics “anti-Goldilocks moment” be- Assistant professor of applied physics Surya Ganguli spoke in Scaife Hall. ing task. A target was shown ity of motor cortical data is and computation to obtain cause we cannot seem to ob- to a monkey and then taken close to [the theoretical upper accurate models of neural sys- tain a neural sampling that is information could be immedi- ing rate space and projecting away, and the monkey had to bound], indicating neural ac- tems from large datasets. “just right.” ately gathered from it. Howev- neural activity onto these di- reach for it. The neurons in the tivity is as complex as possible, The topic of Ganguli’s talk “On the one hand, we do er, through a method known mensions, neural datasets can monkey’s dorsal premotor cor- given task constraints.” is a very unique niche field have a lot of neurons, so the as dimensionality reduction, be more readily analyzed. tex were recorded as the mon- The underlying conse- that straddles the interface data analysis is not easy,” Gan- the dataset could be more eas- These simplified represen- key reached in eight different quence of their theory is that between neuroscience and guli said. “On the other hand, ily interpreted. tations are known as dynami- directions. In fact, some of this it provides a framework for electrical and computer engi- we may not have enough neu- “A widespread practice is cal portraits. “What’s inter- data was taken by Byron Yu, whether neural dimensionali- neering. “I was told that there rons to really understand cir- to take a pattern of activity esting about these dynamical an assistant professor in elec- ty is limited by task complexity would be both neuroscientists cuit computation in any mean- across neurons at any instance portraits is that they reveal a trical and computer engineer- or by intrinsic brain dynamics. and electrical engineers here. ingful sense.” in time and express them as lot about the way that circuit ing and biomedical engineer- As the Moore’s Law of neuro- It’s always a bit tough to pitch He presented the audience time-dependent linear combi- computation works,” Ganguli ing at Carnegie Mellon. “He’s a science continues to increase a talk to an interdisciplinary with a graph which plotted the nations of a fixed set of basis said. He then went on to show man of many talents,” Ganguli the amount of neurons that crowd, so if anything doesn’t firing rates of individual neu- patterns of activity,” Ganguli the audience the dynamical said about Yu. “He even knows can be recorded, this break- make sense, I’m sure I’ll please rons against time of a monkey explained. In other words, by portraits obtained by observ- how to deal with monkeys!” through will help neuroscien- half of you, half the time … reaching for an object. The decomposing high-dimension- ing a monkey’s prefrontal cor- The key piece in solving tists better design experiments so I guess I’ll always piss off graph appeared very hetero- al firing space into a smaller tex while it was doing a tactile the puzzle of how well we can and interpret large datasets in somebody all the time,” Gan- geneous, and no qualitative number of dimensions of fir- discrimination task, as well trust dynamical portraits is the future. how things work Making alternatives to milk to sidestep lactose intolerance Michael Setzer milk a natural sweetness. Af- overnight and then go through regulatory elements. Scien- the digestive system and acts dairy products. Contributing Editor ter resting, one can pour the a process called wet grinding tists have found a nearby gene as a food source for bacteria Whether your milk aver- mixture over cheesecloth, to make a wet, pasty substance called MCM6 that controls the in the gut. The growth of bac- sion is due to a non-function- Ever since we were in kin- a gauze-like cloth used for with the rehydrated beans. expression of LCT and, there- teria is what causes the vari- ing MCM6, a vegan lifestyle, or dergarten, we were told to cheese-making and cooking. Boiling the purée enhances fore, controls the production ous gastrointestinal maladies taste preferences, milk substi- drink milk to soak up calcium Rice milk has less fat than its flavor and sterilizes, while of lactase. lactose-intolerant individuals tutes can be found in most gro- and keep our bones strong. regular milk, but more carbo- also improving the nutritional Some individuals have a experience after consuming cery stores or made at home. However, a significant portion hydrates. Furthermore, there value. The liquid milk is then variation of MCM6 that al- of the population can’t digest are few natural nutrients in separated from the solids by lows them to produce lactase lactose. We all know where the milk, although most com- filtering it through a cheese- all their lives, while others regular milk comes from mercially-made rice milk is cloth. Finally, the collected soy have variations that will stop (hopefully), but what about fortified with added calcium milk must be boiled again. working in childhood. Ances- the milk substitutes made for and vitamins. So why are people lactose try plays a great role in deter- our lactose-sensitive or vegan Almond milk is made intolerant in the first place? It mining whether someone will brethren? The processes be- through a similar process. At- usually comes down to genet- be lactose-intolerant or not. hind soy, almond, and rice milk home methods include soak- ics and your ancestors’ evolu- Populations that historically are intriguing, so let’s get to it. ing the almonds for an extend- tionary past. raised cows and lived off milk As its name implies, rice ed period of time, blending Lactose is a disaccharide for nutrition, such as north- milk is made by processing with water, and then strain- sugar made of galactose and ern Europeans, have about rice, usually brown rice. There ing through a cheesecloth. glucose, and is found in milk. 95 percent lactose tolerance, are multiple methods that can Almond milk doesn’t have Lactose is digested by an en- according to the National In- even be done at home to pro- any cholesterol or lactose and zyme known as lactase, which stitutes of Health. Many East cess the rice. First, the rice is has a lower fat content than is encoded by the gene LCT Asian populations, on the oth- cooked normally on a stove cow’s milk. It provides much in humans. Mutations in LCT er hand, have 90 percent or top or rice cooker. Then, it is less protein than milk as well, itself are very rare and cause greater lactose intolerance be- blended with water until it although it still provides nutri- lactose intolerance beginning cause there was no need for an becomes liquefied. During the ents including calcium. in infancy. Much more com- active MCM6. In fact, around cooking process, the rice un- Soy milk is perhaps the mon adult-onset lactose intol- 65 percent of the population dergoes a natural enzymatic most common milk substitute. erance is instead caused by a loses the ability to digest lac- process. The carbohydrates in Made from soybeans, soy milk lack of expression of LCT post- tose post-infancy. the rice are cleaved and be- has a long history with roots infancy, which is dependent When we are unable to come sugars, giving the rice in Asia. Soybeans are soaked on other regions of DNA called digest lactose, it builds up in Eunice Oh/Staff Artist A6 « thetartan.org/forum The Tartan » February 10, 2014

From the Editorial Board Obamacare hails disaster for our national economy

far cry from a $2,500 reduction. Additionally, government ac- tuaries in Obama’s own adminis- tration have found the act will in- crease healthcare spending in the kyle Henson country by $621 billion over the next 10 years, according to cms.gov. Again, these facts are a far cry from The Congressional Budget Office Obama’s claims that the ACA will (CBO) just released a fatal report bend the cost curve down and lower about the effects of the Affordable our country’s overall spending on Care Act (ACA) on the economy. Ac- healthcare. cording to this report, the compre- On to Obama’s most famous hensive healthcare reform bill will promise, that those who liked their result in a decline of working hours Eunice Oh/Staff Artist health insurance could keep it. It’s equating to the loss of 2.3 million been well chronicled that, because jobs by 2021. Additionally, the CBO of the ACA’s minimum standards for reports that by 2024, this country CMU Senate Coke ban request unreasonable coverage, people whose plans didn’t will still have 31 million nonelderly cover all 10 ludicrous areas of cover- Last week, sophomore directing This recommendation is an inef- stores from accepting Visa cards. uninsured. age saw their plans cancelled. major John Moriarity spoke to Stu- fective form of protest and violates The Olympics are often viewed This bill represents nearly every- We’re down to the final two dent Senate on behalf of the “Any- the consumer rights of Carnegie Mel- as an international competition thing that can go wrong in our re- points. Because the cost of covering thing But Coke” protest group. lon students. If students wish to boy- that raises national spirits and can public, and its passage, content, and all 10 areas of minimum coverage “Anything But Coke” encourages cott the products of the Coca-Cola bring representatives of the world implementation are not only making are so high, insurers have narrowed participants to boycott Coca-Cola company, they can do so voluntarily. together. The fact that they are the middle class incredibly worse the network of healthcare provid- products in opposition to the Coca- However, these actions make hosted in a nation that does not sup- off, but are also threatening the very ers that patients can see in order Cola company’s sponsorship of the those who are not in full support of port gay rights is troubling, and the fabric of the government that by and to reduce costs, which has caused 2014 Winter Olympic Games in So- the “Anything But Coke” protest par- Russian government should face im- large has worked for us throughout tons of people to lose access to the chi, Russia. ticipate without choice. If a campus mense international pressure to alter American history. doctors they liked and had relation- With Russia’s opposition to gay group opposed the use of contracep- this stance. Let’s start at the stage of passage. ships with. Even people with cancer rights and freedoms, this group tion and tried to ban Entropy+ from However, these games are not the This bill was jammed through Con- or other serious chronic medical views Coke-Cola’s sponsorship of the selling condoms, that would be un- first that have been hosted in a coun- gress on a completely party-line vote issues are losing access to special- events as taking a stance against gay acceptable. try that did not respect the rights of in just about a week. Several mem- ists who were familiar with their rights. Unless the store owner refuses all people, and Coca-Cola is just one bers of Congress hadn’t even read circumstances. Moriarity encouraged Student to carry an item in his or her shop, of many sponsors for the athletic the bill, and a few were bought out Finally, as far as adding to the Senate to vote to formally recom- another group should not have the competitions. by the administration, in particular deficit, the CBO’s recent report indi- mend to the university that campus power to ban others from purchas- This sponsorship does not neces- Louisiana and Nebraska senators, cates that the ACA will spur anemic stores cease the sale of Coca-Cola ing it. sarily indicate a support of Russian who saw their states receive extra economic growth, as we will have products for the duration of the 2014 Additionally, the selection of Co- political policies, and banning indi- federal money or other benefits in fewer people working than we do Winter Olympics. ca-Cola as the sole product to protest viduals from the ability to make their exchange for their votes for the bill. now. Because of this growth, deficits Senate approved the mo- makes little sense. Visa sponsors the own purchasing choices is an unac- Minority leader of the United are projected to rise at a rate faster tion and will be following the 2014 Winter Olympics, yet protest- ceptable option to protest gay perse- States House of Representatives than they have in recent years, and recommendation. ers are not trying to prevent campus cution in Russia. Nancy Pelosi famously said, “We will greatly exceed the deficits have to pass the bill to find out we have now or have had during what’s in it.” Aside from all of this Obama’s term by the end of the Sexual assault cases must be public domain shadiness, former senator Scott CBO’s projection period of 10 years. Brown (R–Mass.) won a Senate Last June, Carnegie Mellon’s the mishandling of sexual violence — information he gathered by “re- As much as I love being right, I election in deep blue Massachusetts chapter of Beta Theta Pi came under cases in the university setting in the maining connected with victims and really wish I wasn’t. Sure, you can campaigning as “Scott Brown 41,” to fire for several allegations of sexual 2013 fiscal year. This is a marked in- constantly bugging the Education tout benefits of the act like free birth represent that he’d be the 41st vote misconduct on campus. The frater- crease from 2012, when the depart- Department to stay on top of it.” control, but we all know that it isn’t to sustain a filibuster against the bill. nity was suspended in the midst of ment received only 17 complaints. However, there exists no official actually free. We’re just paying for However, the bill was passed — us- these allegations of filming and dis- On one hand, an increase in report of exactly which schools were it through the cost of higher premi- ing a technique called budget rec- tributing sexually explicit videos. sexual assault reports is upsetting accused; the only people who know ums. This bill takes away all con- onciliation that’s not meant for this The suspension was followed by because it proves the prevalence for certain are “a handful of attor- sumer choice, and any economist type of bill — before Scott Brown the American Civil Liberties Union of the crime on college campuses neys and their staff” in the Depart- will tell you that the way to make could take office. (ACLU)’s formal complaint against nationally. ment of Education”, according to the people better off is to increase the The passage of this bill is a per- the university for violating the fed- However, Kingkade points out in infographic. options they have. fect representation of tyranny in the eral Clery Act of 1990, according to an email that “just because a number This information should be public If these effects weren’t enough, majority that our founders feared. In The Huffington Post. Under Title IX, is high doesn’t mean there are more knowledge, and the Department of the way that the ACA has been han- the Federalist papers, James Madi- with its intent of achieving gender sexual assaults at a school. It’s likely Education should release a formal dled by the Obama administration son spoke of our party system as a equity, colleges receiving federal the opposite; that a high number report on the accused schools. has broken our system of govern- way to guard against the “superior funding are required to respond to means more women feel comfort- While one could argue that an ment. Obama has amended the law force of an interested and overbear- matters of sexual misconduct and to able reporting.” accusation doesn’t necessarily mean by executive order so much that an- ing majority.” have preventative measures in place The number of sexual assault re- that a sexual assault occurred at that other president opposed to the law This isn’t democracy. This isn’t to prevent such matters. ports in the college setting will only school, the likelihood is high, since could just take office and on day one the will of the people. According to Our university is not an anomaly. continue to increase as people feel sexual assault cases are severely amend the bill into extinction. RealClearPolitics.com, the ACA’s According to Tyler Kingkade, who more comfortable making them, underreported, according to USA Additionally, what nobody is disapproval rating has always been has spent more than a year report- which should be seen as a good Today. talking about are the effects that higher than its approval rating. ing for The Huffington Post on sexual thing. Through his experience, King- Hopefully, as society grows more this bill has had on our democratic Now let’s look at its implementa- assault cases on college campuses, kade compiled an infographic that open and people feel more comfort- process. Republicans looking at an tion. Aside from a completely mis- the U.S. Department of Education pinpoints those schools accused of able reporting it, sexual assault will immigration reform compromise managed rollout that required a Bain received 30 complaints pertaining to mishandling sexual assault cases cease to be an underreported crime. entailing a path to amnesty for im- Capital executive to fix, the ACA was migrants that are here, in addition sold to the American people on false to increased border security, are promises. At several points through- skeptical of their plan actually com- Drug addicts need medical care, not jail time out his candidacy and this debate, ing to fruition. President Barack Obama promised They believe that if they pass a Phillip Seymour Hoffman died neurochemical reactions, according than seriously ill people in need of that the ACA would lower the aver- bill, a path to amnesty will be cre- of an accidental drug overdose last to the Journal of Neuroscience. Hoff- medical care. age family’s premium by $2,500 a ated — but Obama could just write Sunday. The 46-year-old actor won man’s long period of sobriety did not The United States represents 5 year, lower the country’s overall ex- out the increased border security via an Academy Award for Best Actor in change the fact that his brain had percent of the world’s total popula- penditure on healthcare, not raise executive order. the 2005 filmCapote , and received been fundamentally altered by drug tion, but accounts for 25 percent of taxes on the middle class, allow This atmosphere is breaking our three Tony nominations for his ex- use. its prison population. An estimated patients to keep their health plans already dysfunctional government tensive work in theater, according People with addiction problems 75 percent of incarcerated people if they like them, allow patients to and sowing the seeds of mistrust to The Washington Post. The actor have the same inability to control have some kind of problem with keep their doctors if they like them, amongst our people. Historians will relapsed into drug use after 23 years their condition as a person with any drugs or alcohol, according to the and not add a penny to the deficit. not look back on Obama as a presi- of sobriety. other disease, according to the Jour- Center for Addiction Management. The ACA breaks all of these dent that united a people and made Hoffman’s death from heroin nal of Neuroscience. Nearly 25,000 people are convicted promises. According to the recent our government work. His will be overdose was both a tragedy, and an Addiction is not a condition that on federal drug charges every year, CBO report, the ACA will raise fed- remembered as the presidency that important reminder that addiction is can be solved with a 28-day stint in a according to NBC. eral revenues by $1.058 trillion over started the slow unraveling of our a medical problem, not a moral one. rehabilitation center or forced away Hoffman’s death was certainly the next 10 years. Seventy percent of government through deceit and Hoffman was sober for 23 years through sheer willpower; it is a life- a tragedy, for his family and for the this revenue will come from couples a willful nonchalance toward the until a relapse in May 2013, accord- long and ongoing condition that re- acting community at large. It also earning less than $250,000 a year Constitution. ing to Slate magazine. Drug addic- quires constant management. revealed the importance of recogniz- and individuals earning less than tion causes serious and permanent Despite these facts, our judicial ing addiction for the disease that it $200,000 a year. Since Obama took Kyle Henson (kahenson@) is a staff- changes in the human brain, rewir- system tends toward punishing ad- is, instead of criminalizing addicts office, the average family’s premium writer for The Tartan. ing neural pathways and altering dicts as if they were criminals, rather for needing help. rose by nearly $3,000 per year — a

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Photo Editor Library of Congress ISSN: 0890-3107 E-mail: [email protected] Pittsburgh, PA 15213 February 10, 2014 « The Tartan thetartan.org/forum » A7 J.K. Rowling revision evidences CVS takes tobacco from that books belong to the readers shelves in worthy move consider President Obama’s outspo- ken approval of the CVS initiative. Fox News evidently views CVS ban- ning tobacco as yet another example of Obamacare shoving its greedy fin- Ariel HofFmaier gers into everything Americans hold Justin Yan dear. Then again, Fox News would Last Wednesday, CVS Caremark surely find an objection to straw- In a recent interview with Emma — America’s most profitable chain berry ice cream if they found out Watson for Wonderland magazine, drugstore — announced its inten- Obama had a particular liking for it. J.K. Rowling, came out of left field to tion to stop selling tobacco prod- So CVS made the right call — de- take a kick at perhaps one of the most ucts. The transition, nearly unprec- spite the fact that it estimates the cherished aspects of Harry Potter: edented in major retail history, will move will cost them $2 billion in Ron and Hermione’s romance. Dur- tobacco-related sales. No one rea- Alison Chiu/Staff Artist be completed by October. ing the interview, Rowling admitted According to company execu- sonably expects to see a huge drop to Watson that Hermione might have in smoking rates as a result of the reason that she feels prompted to in general, are reflections of an au- tives, the decision arose from a de- been better off with Harry. change. There will always be anoth- throw these details out during such thor’s personal choices, and these sire to bring the company’s future This revelation sent shock waves er store at which to fuel smokers’ ad- an interview? choices do not have to be strictly plans in line with its current actions. through the social networking world, dictions. However, CVS hopes that Moreover, Rowling has left us artistic or literary. If they were, we CVS leads the trend of drugstores and soon enough, fans voiced their others will follow its example and with this comment and has obvi- would be left with a dry piece of becoming increasingly affiliated confusion, anger, and disappoint- that the trend they launched will ously angered some of Harry Potter work, devoid of any humanity that with the American healthcare sys- ment. Tweets ranged from express- eventually culminate in noticeable fandom. Fans are angry because they makes art moving or relatable. tem. Of course, drugstores offering ing heartbreak to denial to triumph change. are taking her comments to heart. I As an artist, Rowling is allowed to prescriptions and flu shots is nothing as long-settled shipping wars erupt- change. don’t think we should. look back and wistfully think, “I wish new, but CVS and others are becom- ed again throughout the fandom. As readers, we should evaluate a this” and “I wish that.” That response ing more and more like mini-clinics. As a fan of the series, and hav- piece of work as it stood when pub- is natural, and it is her right to de- Currently, the company employs “CVS is doing a ing read all the books cover to cover, lished, not what the piece of work velop as both a writer and an artist. over 26,000 nurse practitioners and I was a little perplexed by the buzz good thing for this could have been. In fact, does Row- Readers and fans alike should not al- pharmacists who are responsible for surrounding Rowling’s comments. ling’s post-writing opinion on the low any of Rowling’s thoughts, how- everything from consultation and country… and After all, Rowling has made similar novels matter at all? ever, to affect the way in which they diagnosis to basic care, according to comments in the past, such as de- inspiring others to Harry Potter should stand alone read and interpret the text. The New York Times. claring Dumbledore to be gay and as a series. Even though Rowling is Even if Rowling had made some CVS plans to continue moving in take its example.” stating that she seriously considered the author and Harry Potter was her point or suggested some change that this direction, and so — in its eyes killing off Ron halfway through the work of art, any commentary or in- fans found agreeable, readers should — cutting out tobacco may have series. In the meantime, CVS plans to ference should be based on the work still focus on the novel itself because, been the only reasonable decision. But Rowling’s comments beg the initiate a program this spring de- itself. as a work of art, it is relevant only to Miraculously, a company in the re- question: Why do the fans care so signed to get smokers to quit. For Rowling can say anything about the specific context in which it was tail industry recognized hypocrisy much about what Rowling says? In reasons both of making up for lost the novel, but the fact is that it re- created. when it was staring it in the face and fact, why are fans angry that she has revenue and cementing its anti-to- ally doesn’t matter. Rowling stated The shifting thoughts from the determined it wanted no part of it. come out and said what she has about bacco reputation, CVS plans to help that the reason she wanted Ron and author or society should not change For a company dedicated to serving Ron and Hermione’s relationship? half a million smokers recover. Hermione together was out of a per- people’s relationship with the origi- people’s health, continuing to sell It’s extremely important to note It would be foolish to depict CVS sonal choice, and not for literary nal text. a product that remains the single that she had been answering ques- as a hero, selflessly protecting Amer- reasons. most prominent preventable cause tions in an interview — a formal ica’s health. Despite their healthcare What fans and Rowling alike are Justin Yan (jky@) is a staffwriter for of disease, disability, and death in venue that is sure to guarantee fan leanings, CVS is still a retail compa- forgetting is that novels, and artwork The Tartan. the United States would have been buzz online. Aren’t we, the fans, the hypocrisy at its most heinous. ny, primarily on the lookout for its It’s hard to comprehend anyone own best interest. being opposed to such a sensible, In this light, removing tobacco positive decision — even to smok- from shelves makes perfect practical Coke uproar says post-racial U.S. a lie ers, it is likely to be only a minor in- sense, as doing so lines up with its convenience — but there are always healthcare image. But is that so bad? Regardless of Many conservatives, such as Does the fact that this 7 percent the critics. their interests or their intentions, former congressman Allen West does not speak English make them Fox News has loudly expressed CVS is doing a good thing for this (R—Fla.), have expressed their dis- less American than you or I? Ameri- concerns about the legality of a pri- country and its people, and inspir- may at the commercial. In a blog ca does not have a universal culture, vate business choosing to deny the ing others to take its example. CVS post on his website, West described but an array of cultures from around public the cigarettes that are their does not necessarily deserve praise, Brandon Schmuck Coca-Cola as a “company as Ameri- the world. This array of cultures is right, according to Media Matters but its initiative does. A little selfish- can as they come” and stated that what makes our nation different. for America. If you think this stance ness can go a long way for a positive One of the most talked-about this “truly disturbing commercial” When conservatives associated the contradicts Fox News’s usual sup- outcome. commercials from this year’s Su- was a sign that “we are on the road to foreign languages spoken by the port of ethos in the free market, per Bowl was not a comedic one perdition.” What is scary is that West people in this commercial with ille- you’d be right. Ariel Hoffmaier (ahoffmai@) is from Budweiser or Geico, but what believes that increased acceptance gal immigration and terrorism, they In fact, the only way to make Forum Editor for The Tartan. was meant to be a moving and in- of others is leading America to some essentially insulted all members of sense of the channel’s reaction is to spiring video from Coca-Cola. The form of eternal punishment. cultural communities. company’s advertisement depicted The controversy caused by this These communities embody the Americans of various ethnic back- commercial is completely ridiculous. heritage of the people living in them, grounds singing “America the Beau- Coca-Cola’s decision to air the com- and how are they any less Ameri- tiful” in seven foreign languages. mercial was a logical one, as they can than the small homogeneous While many people saw the commer- have recently received criticism for communities of Caucasians or Afri- cial as representative of the diversity being a major sponsor of Sochi 2014 can-Americans speaking English? of America, others were outraged. Winter Olympics in Russia, a nation America isn’t a Caucasian communi- Following the airing of the that recently legislated strong anti- ty, nor is it only a Chinatown or Ger- commercial, hashtags such as gay laws. Coca-Cola’s commercial, mantown. America is a melting pot. #boycottcoke and #f***coke quickly with its inclusion of people from Over the past century, America made it to the top of Twitter’s trend- diverse backgrounds, as well as the has made extensive progress in civil ing list. Critics of the commercial first gay couple to be shown in a Su- rights and equality. However, the expressed their dissatisfaction with per Bowl commercial, showed that fact that many still associate a single Coca-Cola in statements such as Coca-Cola doesn’t support discrimi- language with the nation shows that “Nice to see that coke likes to sing nation against any culture or life- there is progress still to be made and an AMERICAN song in the terrorist’s style. that many are reluctant to change. language. Way to go coke. You can Additionally, critics of this com- Perhaps if Coca-Cola airs the same leave America.” Traditionalists argue mercial are wrong to claim that Eng- commercial in 20 years, people will that true Americans speak English. lish is the official language of the simply see it as another ordinary, un- It is sickening that people try to United States. According to the U.S. controversial commercial, or better take a message of hatred out of a Census Bureau, 60 million people in yet, as an accurate representation of commercial with a message of unity. the United States speak a language this nation. After all, almost all Americans de- other than English at home, and 7 scend from people that were once percent exclusively speak a language Brandon Schmuck (bschmuck@) is a immigrants of a foreign country. other than English. staffwriter for The Tartan. Michelle Wan/Art Editor A PERSON’S OPINION Compiled by Sara Remi Fields The Tartan is watching the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics! So we asked, What is your favorite part of the games?

Amrith Deepak Rachel Jue Gabe Spade Lizzy Ha Nate Willis Math Decision Science Chemistry ChemE, BME Information Systems First-year Sophomore Junior Senior First-year

“Seeing all the countries at the “I really like figure skating and “The super halfpipe.” “I like watching the Winter Olym- “I like that it is international, and opening ceremony.” speed skating.” pics because I really love skiing.” the patriotism is great.” A8 « thetartan.org/sports The Tartan » February 10, 2014

Sports Commentary NBA All-Star Game snubs top contenders from competing ​Zeke Rosenberg There are four candidates Anarchy, as fans affectionately representative was denied a Staffwriter who truly deserve these last call them, were doomed when chance to play in this game two spots. One is Memphis Bledsoe sat out for an undis- on his home floor is probably With the end of that big Grizzlies guard Michael Con- closed amount of time due to not something the NBA will let football game last week, the ley. He has played fantastically a meniscus injury. happen upon further review. NBA All-Star Game is ap- on the offensive end this sea- These people were wrong. The fourth and final omis- proaching quickly, and with son, keeping afloat a Grizzlies Dragic has been an unstop- sion from this All-Star team in it comes the year’s widely an- offense that has been stagnant pable force since taking over the West is Sacramento Kings ticipated All-Star selections. over the past few years, even as full-time point guard, be- forward DeMarcus Cousins. Amid cries that players were with the absence of center ing near the top of the league He has been an absolute beast stiffed out of well-deserved Marc Gasol. What the team in points and assists per game, offensively, regularly putting All-Star appearances, a group has lost in Gasol’s high post- field goal percentage, PER, up 30 and 10 lines for the of very deserving candidates passing they have regained in win shares, and win shares per Kings. There are two reasons ended up receiving spots in Conley’s excellent season at 48 minutes. After his massive he ended up missing the cut. the game. There is also a group the point. amount of playing time, it’s The first is that the frontcourt of head-scratchers that truly Conley ranks near the top time to consider Dragic one spots in the West are extreme- don’t belong. So, as the yearly of the league in both Player of the best guards in the NBA. ly difficult to get; there are far debate over who got snubbed Efficiency Rating (PER) and His defense is above average more deserving players than rages on, here’s my two cents. Offensive Win Shares, which and very few point guards in there are spots. The second is Let’s start with the West- are statistics that show how the league are actually good that Cousins often gets docked ern Conference, since it’s far well he has played using a defenders, so he gets points for perceived character issues easier to identify which spots massive volume of the team’s for positional scarcity. stemming from spats with his should be vacated. It’s almost possessions, taking care of the Forget one of the two possi- coach and teammates as a impossible to say someone was basketball, and taking — and ble vacancies — Dragic easily rookie. cheated out of a spot when try- making — good shots. While deserved the nod above Port- The truth is that Cousins’s ing to dissect the extremely his defense this year has wors- land Trail Blazers point guard game has been elevated to talented West, since there is ened, his notable offensive up- Damien Lillard. Lillard is hav- another level. He’s getting a list of about 20 players who tick has carried a flawed team, ing an excellent season and better offensively without the could fill the 12 remaining plagued by injuries and an aw- deserves to be an All-Star, but ball and has become unstop- spots left. The only player who ful start, to compete for a play- with limited spots, Dragic’s pable when he has possession. does not belong on this All- off berth in the West. superior offensive and defen- His defense is still subpar, but

Star roster, based on play this Another deserving candi- sive season should rank above it’s no longer the massive li- Courtesy of Keith Allison via flickr season, is Kobe Bryant, and date is Phoenix Suns guard Lillard’s impressive clutch ability it was before this year. New Orleans Pelicans’ center Anthony Davis has made great strides to that’s only due to an injury. Goran Dragic. The Suns are shooting. On a team with more assets improve his ball-handling and offensive game. Unfortunately, Los Angeles one of the NBA’s best stories It’s splitting hairs at this than the Kings, he could be an Clippers reserve guard Chris this year. Despite preseason point, but denying the 47 min- MVP candidate, but his season an All-Star spot, while others Joe Johnson. Lowry probably Paul might also miss the game predictions that this team utes of star basketball that to date has been excellent. were seemingly chosen for no deserved to be a starter. due to an injury, leaving two was tanking and playing for Dragic provides the Suns in The problem with saying he reason. Indiana Pacers guard Lance spots that might open up. a draft pick, Jeff Hornacek’s favor of the one minute of su- should be in the All-Star Game The truth is, of the 12 East Stephenson was also snubbed. Since both players are guards, stellar coaching and guard perstardom that Lillard pro- is figuring out whose spot he All-Stars, only eight deserved His improvement has cata- the two reserves will likely be Eric Bledsoe’s development vides the Trailblazers seems should take. The six big men their spots. The omissions of pulted the Pacers from being guards. have turned this team into a unfair. Dragic might still make on the current roster and, Indiana Pacers guard Lance the third team in the East to However, since there is one legitimate playoff threat. In the All-Star Game if Chris Paul potentially, Davis, are all hav- Stephenson and Toronto Rap- comfortably leading the con- spot on the roster that can be addition to Bledsoe, Dragic, is unable to play, but Paul is ing stellar seasons. Clippers’ tors guard Kyle Lowry show ference. Last year he was a either a frontcourt or back- who was known for so long one of the top five talents in Blake Griffin, Houston Rock- just how far the East had to complementary player, but court player, it is possible that as an excellent backup point the league, and hopefully he’s ets’ Dwight Howard, and Trail reach to find big names to put this year he is the best back- one guard and one frontcourt guard, was having the best back on the court sooner rath- Blazers’ LaMarcus Aldridge in an All-Star Game. court player in one of the best player will be added to the season of his career. Many er than later. are in MVP talks, and Okla- The inclusion of Raptors backcourts in the league. His mix. people thought the Suns of The most baffling omis- homa City Thunder’s Kevin guard DeMar DeRozan over defense has been suffocating, sion was New Orleans Pelicans Durant is probably the MVP at fellow Raptor Lowry makes and he completely eliminates center Anthony Davis. Already this point in the season. Dal- no sense. With the possible whoever he is guarding. His known as a premier defen- las Mavericks Dirk Nowitzki is exception of Miami Heat offense has been okay — it’s sive stopper, Davis was really having an excellent year and guard Dwyane Wade, Lowry been very efficient thus far, coming around offensively as has been one of the most ef- has been the best guard in the but not spectacular. How- well, even placing fifth in the ficient players in the league East. DeRozan was supposed ever, Stephenson deserved a league in PER up to this point, to date, and Minnesota Tim- to be a big piece of the Raptors All-Star spot in the East, and taking high efficiency shots berwolves Kevin Love is prob- before the season, but Lowry’s should not have been denied it and protecting the ball. That ably the best all-around power amazing year has put him at because Irving’s name is more statistic does not even include forward in the game. Cousins the center of the team’s aston- recognized (despite his huge how much Davis has improved should be in the All-Star Game ishing turnaround, ascend- regression) or because Nets’ without the ball. — there just aren’t enough ing from a cellar dweller last Joe Johnson hit two buzzer He has become a top pick- spots in the West. year to a division leader this beaters despite having a gen- and-roll big over the course of The West does not have any year. Part of their record has erally bad season. the season. Despite an injury true snubs because there are to do with the Atlantic Divi- The Eastern Conference that stole some of Davis’s sea- way too many deserving play- sion, but the Raptors are actu- All-Star team, which should son, his offensive and defen- ers to fit all of them on the ros- ally playing good basketball. have 10 deserving players, sive activity has been hugely ter. These four only scratched DeRozan has been relatively only has eight while the West- positive for the Pelicans. This the surface, but players like inefficient this year, taking ern Conference All-Stars spill success is quite a task consid- San Antonio Spurs forward tons of bad shots, while Lowry over the roster limit. This ering that the roster is built Tim Duncan and Thunder has kept everyone in the of- game will probably not be a around three players with forward Serge Ibaka are also fense humming. He has been classic, but the difference in identical skill sets. There have worthy of consideration. The generally excellent as a play- talent between the East and not been any holes in Davis’s pool of players to choose from maker, in addition to being a West might be on full display. game this year, so the problem made for a tough field more good shooter. Lowry is having The exhibition nature of the is figuring out whose spot he than it resulted in snubs. a better year than Cleveland All-Star Game means it usually deserves. The Eastern Conference, Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving ends up as a highlight contest, It’s likely that Davis will on the other hand, probably by a long shot. Irving is hav- so the honor of being named get Bryant’s spot, considering stretched a bit to find enough ing a subpar year by anyone’s an All-Star matters more than that he both deserves it and players to be in this game. standards — let alone the All- the game. This year, being

Courtesy of Keith Allison via flickr that the game will be played However, there are two defi- Star team’s — but he is still named an Eastern Conference Goran Dragic, point guard and shooting guard for the Phoenix Suns, has in New Orleans. The fact that nite snubs of players who having a much better season All-Star might be even less had the best season of his career. a deserving New Orleans were more than deserving of than Brooklyn Nets forward important. Like Sports?

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Men’s tennis suffers against Duquesne with 7–2 defeat Zeke Rosenberg Carnegie Mellon could not but the takeaway from a day ber. The regional tournament Staffwriter pull out the victory over tough like this is that Zheng, as well saw Carnegie Mellon produce competition. as the rest of the team, played three out of four semifinalists For the third time this sea- In one of the matches de- hard, and that a few key — first-year Kenny Zheng, ju- son, Carnegie Mellon set out cided by a second set tiebreak- bounces might have swung nior Christian Heany-Secord, to face a non-Division III oppo- er, No. 5 singles first-year Ken- some of the matches. and the champion. nent, this time coming in the ny Zheng put up a fight before Alla was impressive, win- With only two games in the form of Duquesne University. losing a tough set. After the ning his round in two match- books in the spring portion of The final count, 7–2, belied a match, he showed resolve say- es and providing one of the the season, Carnegie Mellon series of close-fought matches, ing, “It’s disappointing to lose few major bright spots on the has beaten one Division I op- a few of which were decided a close match. When a match day for Carnegie Mellon. He ponent and lost to another. with tiebreakers. The Carn- is that close it comes down to picked up his second consecu- After much success in the fall egie Mellon team picked up its mental toughness, and he was tive individual match, which portion of the season, Carn- two wins in No. 1 singles and just mentally tougher than I adds to his recent wins in the egie Mellon now stands at 5–2 No. 3 doubles by sophomore was on the big points. That’s USTA/ITA National Small on the season. They have a Abhishek Alla and the team something I need to work on College Championships in long break to regroup before of sophomore Paul Okuda going forward.” October and the USTA/ITA they play West Virginia Wes- and first-year Kiril Kirkov, re- Zheng’s loss was just one Southeast Regional Champi- leyan College and can try to File photo by Jonathan Leung/Photo Editor spectively. In the end, though, in a day full of close defeats, onships at the end of Septem- get back on track on Feb. 22. Sophomore Yuvraj Kumar contributed to the men’s tennis team.

Sports Commentaries Olympic athletes should not Moyes must make changes to bear the burden of politics redeem Manchester United CARL GLAZER further solidifying many of one chance to earn the pride Nishant Reniwal Vidal, Ilkay Gundogan, Thia- seventh place and the acqui- Senior Staffwriter the stereotypes the rest of the and respect of their nation Junior Staffwriter go Alcantara, Kevin Stroot- sition of Mata in the January world holds against Russia. and the world, but had it all man, and even Ander Herrera transfer window was sup- Every two years, the world The most talked-about is- taken away because of politi- On April 20, 2013, Man- would have been much better posed to boost confidence convenes to celebrate the sue coming into Sochi was cal posturing. chester United had just won options. and gather momentum to best every country has to of- Russia’s homosexual propa- It’s fine to talk about Rus- the English Premier League There were zero other make a push for the top four. fer at the Olympic games. ganda ban. At a time when sia’s conservative social stan- for the 20th time in their transfers. Zero! Why is there There were always going to be The athletes spend their en- many countries are slowly dards, or the plague of cor- history, a whole four match no new left back to replace questions about where to play tire lives training for sports moving toward the legaliza- ruption that ran the budget days early. Striker Robin van Patrice Evra? Why are there Mata, but wide right seemed that go unseen except for two tion of same-sex marriage, of the Sochi Olympics to over Persie, their marquee pur- no new wingers after the good enough. After all, Moyes weeks every four years. The Russia signed a controversial four times its original $12 bil- chase in the summer, was on shockingly bad seasons Nani, worked well with Kevin Mi- biggest, fastest, and stron- law banning all forms of ho- lion budget, or even the shod- his way to scoring 30 goals Antonio Valencia, and Ashley rallas and Steven Pienaar as gest in each country train for mosexual propaganda in an dy construction that forced and carrying the team to the Young have had? Why is there inverted wingers on Everton. the love of the game. Except attempt to limit the exposure one American bobsled team title. He and his partner, for- no central defensive cover Mata is not a traditional for a lucky few people, these of the nation’s youth to this member to break down his ward Wayne Rooney, worked considering Rio Ferdinand winger, however. Playing athletes won’t suddenly be- immoral lifestyle. bathroom door when the lock together beautifully, and the and Nemanja Vidić are aging? him there is a waste of his come household names and Given the explicit non- got stuck. emergence of several young It speaks volumes about the talent and severely stagnates make a living off of endorse- discriminatory aspect of the But let’s not forget the true players in the squad had fans miscommunication between the attack. He is not quick ment deals. The athletes, the Olympics, this legislation sent purpose of the Olympics. The brimming with optimism. the manager and the board enough to run at defenders or true competitors who play for shockwaves through many Olympics are a celebration of All looked rosy until May 8, when a club of United’s stat- get past them. Against Stoke pride and honor — not money of the major winter Olympic the human race, a display of when Sir Alex Ferguson, the ure cannot lure world-class City, he was asked to hug the and fame — are supposed to competitors, including the triumph over nature, pain, team’s manager for 26 years, talent. touchline, something he is not be what the games are about. United States. This instance and even each other. What- decided to call time on his The Olympics are intended career. Most fans of the club was not the first time the ever political overtones the to be the ultimate show of today had never seen United United States and Russia had media may try to place on world unity, with countries without Sir Alex. There was played out political disagree- these games, the focus should setting aside conflict and an uncertainty never before ments in an Olympic forum. ultimately be on the athletes. ideological differences to experienced at the club, but The United States and 64 Just try and keep that in compete as equals. Nowhere in David Moyes, they thought other countries boycotted the mind the next time President else would Israel and Iran they had appointed a man- 1980 summer games, held Barack Obama has a 30-min- walk side by side, but every ager in the same vein as Fer- in Moscow, in protest of the ute interview during what is year, the Olympics become guson; someone who could Soviet war in Afghanistan. In a soapbox for political and being advertised as Olympic provide stability to the club economic commentary. Much retribution, the Soviets led a Games coverage, or another and continue their unparal- like China six years ago dur- boycott of the 1984 games, reporter tweets a picture of a leled success. ing the Beijing 2008 Summer hosted by Los Angeles. shoddy Sochi hotel room. Fast forward to the pres- Olympics, Russia wanted to What is lost in these in- These games are about ent, and the worst fears of use these games to showcase stances of politics interceding the athletes — a celebration United fans have been real- their country to the rest of sports are the opportunities of their life’s work and their ized — they are currently sev- the world. Instead, the Sochi of hundreds of athletes. Many chance to earn the pride and enth in the league and have 2014 Winter Olympics has of these athletes trained their respect of not only their na- already lost an alarming four Courtesy of Ronnie MacDonald via Flickr. been ripe with controversy, entire lives for one moment, tion, but humanity as a whole. games at Old Trafford. Their Forward Robin van Persie of Manchester United takes a strike for a goal. playing style is more mid-ta- ble than one-of-Europe’s-best. The lack of reinforcements meant for. This tactic meant Nothing seems to be working meant Moyes had to promote he was largely invisible — not the defense, midfield, youth, and to his credit, he throughout the game, other UAA Sports Standings or attack. Where did it all go has unearthed a potential than providing an assist for wrong? superstar in forward Adnan van Persie. Moyes must play Men’s Basketball Univ. Conf. W L Univ. Conf. W L It would be churlish to sug- Januzaj. But a club like Man- to the strengths of his team, NYU 7–2 18 2 CMU 0–0 5 2 gest that United’s record boils chester United should not and change his approach Emory 0–0 0 0 Univ. Conf. W L Brandeis 6–3 12 8 down to one single factor from have to rely on an 18-year- toward matches. He isn’t at Chicago 6–3 12 8 Rochester 0–0 3 0 Wash. U. 9–0 18 2 among the midfield, Moyes’s old in his first full season to Everton anymore, where sev- Emory 4–5 15 5 NYU 5–4 15 5 tactical incompetence, the be their go-to man. Januzaj enth place is a good finish. Emory 5–4 13 7 CMU 2–7 11 9 Women’s Tennis lack of Sir Alex’s winning needs experience to have a Going forward, there are Chicago 5–4 12 8 Rochester 2–7 8 12 mentality, or the absence of CWRU 4–5 12 8 CWRU 1–8 7 13 Univ. Conf. W L greater impact, and overplay- many things United needs to Brandeis 3–6 11 9 Emory 0–0 0 0 chief executive David Gill in ing him in his first season may do to correct this ship. Sev- CMU 3–6 10 10 Men’s Tennis Wash. U. 0–0 0 0 the boardroom. The problem cause burnout, just like in the enth position may just be a Rochester 2–7 8 12 Rochester 0–0 1 0 is a combination of these in- case of Arsenal midfielder possibility this season, and Univ. Conf. W L Brandeis 0–0 0 1 dividual issues. It all began Jack Wilshere. United will have to live with CWRU 0–0 1 0 with the double retirement Moyes has also been hope- that. Aging players such as Women’s Basketball Brandeis 0–0 0 0 CWRU 0–0 0 0 Chicago 0–0 2 1 of Gill and Ferguson. They es- lessly inept when it comes Evra, Vidić and Ferdinand Univ. Conf. W L NYU 0–0 0 0 NYU 0–0 0 0 sentially ran the club together to making his team play ad- must depart while serial Wash. U. 8–1 18 2 Chicago 0–0 1 0 CMU 0–0 2 0 for more than a decade, and venturously. He chooses to under-performers Cleverley, Wash. U. 0–0 2 1 the loss of this pair in itself is go wide and cross to his two Anderson, Young, and Nani hard to overcome, even with forwards, rather than play must go too. At the very least United’s vast resources. through the middle, despite two central midfielders are On top of these problems, the quality of players avail- required for first team quality. it is genuinely hard to imag- able to him in the attacking FC Bayern Munic’s Toni Kroos, ine that United could have midfield spot — Shinji Kaga- a mooted option, would be had it any worse in regard to wa, Januzaj, Rooney and the a good start, in addition to a the summer transfer window. recently acquired Juan Mata. couple of consistent wingers, Upcoming Schedule United won the league title In the post-match interview one world class central mid- by 11 points, but that success after their latest loss to Stoke fielder, and a left back. Top Men’s Basketball Sunday, Feb. 16 Women’s Swimming and was solely due to Ferguson, City, Moyes claimed his side youngsters, like United wing- Rochester (N.Y.) at Carnegie Diving and shadowed the blatant in- played well. “We got to the ers Jesse Lingard and Wilfried Friday, Feb. 14 Mellon competence of several areas byline at least seven or eight Zaha, must be given a run in Emory University at Carnegie 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12 of the squad. For starters, the times,” he said. It is absolutely the team. Mellon - Saturday, Feb. 15 midfield is as barren as it has unacceptable that a manager Spending on the squad is 8:00 p.m. Men’s Swimming and UAA Championships at Emory ever been. Besides Michael of a top club thinks that get- necessary, but none of it will Diving University Carrick, United does not have ting to byline is a measure matter if Moyes continues Sunday, Feb. 16 All Day a single midfielder capable of how well his team plays. to make his team play like a Rochester (N.Y.) at Carnegie Wednesday, Feb. 12 Mellon - Saturday, Feb. 15 Women’s Tennis of slotting into any of the Top teams play through the mid-table team. A trio of van 12:00 p.m. UAA Championships at Emory top seven sides in the coun- middle, with creative play- Persie, Rooney, and Mata University Sunday, Feb. 16 try. Midfielders Tom Clever- ers who can instantly split should not be put through this Women’s Basketball All Day Indiana (Pa.) at Carnegie ley, Anderson Luís de Abreu defenses and make quick mediocrity. If no signs of im- Mellon Oliveira, and an aging Ryan passes. There is absolutely no provement are seen, Moyes’s Friday, Feb. 14 12:00 p.m. Giggs were never viable op- fluidity in play, not even the job may be under immense Emory University at Carnegie tions as Carrick’s partner. expected solidity at the back pressure this summer, and Mellon Sunday, Feb. 16 United needed reinforce- of Moyes’s Everton teams. To his players’ futures may lie 6:00 p.m. Robert Morris at Carnegie Mellon ments in this position. All put it bluntly, United’s play elsewhere. It’s obvious what’s 4:00 p.m. they managed to get was Ma- has been uninspiring and they wrong and it’s obvious what rouane Fellaini, who turned are one of the worst teams to must be done. Over to you out to be a terrible fit beside watch this season. Moyes, to show that you truly Carrick. Midfielders Arturo The club is currently in are the “Chosen One.” Jakeisrain & C Street Brass The electronic brass collaboration sees the release of their debut EP Wop de Wop • B8

DIY Dorm Improvements Tips for personalizing your living space • B6

Reza Vali CMU professor mixes Western music with the sounds of his native Iran • B4

Postmodern Jukebox Pop songs with a vintage twist • B7

02.10.14 Volume 107, Issue 17 ...this week only 3 Shrek The beloved family movie hits the stage.

4 Vali CMU professor’s symphony inspired by the rivers of Pittsburgh is performed by the PSO. 5 Glass Center The Pittsburgh Glass Center presents Halfway to Somewhere. 6 DIY Dorm Tired of spending money on a trendy room? Read up on these projects. 7 Jukebox Postmodern Jukebox offers a refreshing spin on today’s pop music. 8 Jakeisrain Carnegie Mellon musician Jakeisrain presented a concert with alumni in C Street Brass. 10 The Planets 8 The PSO presents Gustav Holst’s The Planets.

4 5 6 10 regulars...... diversions

3 Advice 13 Puzzles Everything you need to know about Valentine’s Stretch your mind with crosswords and mazes. Day and Facebook disasters.

7 Dollar Movie 14 Horoscopes AB Movies presents The Notebook, Don Jon, Let the fates decide how you spend Valentine’s and Amour. Day with your special someone.

11 Comics 15 Calendar Check out this week’s selection of comics — Things to do on campus and around the town. some from CMU students!

PUBLISHER Rachel Cohen EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Braden Kelner PILLBOX EDITOR Joey Peiser Assistant Pillbox Editor Jenna Bodnar COMICS EDITOR Maryyann Landlord ART EDITOR Michelle Wan PHOTO EDITOR Jonathan Leung COPY MANAGER James Wu COVER Chloe Thompson

The Tartan . Box 119 . UC Suite 103 . Carnegie Mellon University . 5000 Forbes Ave . Pittsburgh, PA 15213 . www.thetartan.org . © 2014 The Tartan Shrek is layered like an onion Advice for awkward people Musical adaptation features flavorful talent, tearful costumes About Valentine’s Day and Internet infamy

Dear Matt & Ryan, Dear Matt & Ryan, Last Thursday, Shrek: The Musical premiered head on wheels, has been turned into a hypnotic at Pittsburgh’s Byham Theater. While it’s not spectacle involving Shrek flailing his body, lights Valentine’s Day is the I’m freaking Broadway’s next big hit, the musical is a solid two flashing, and Fiona singing in the foreground. worst. I’m always single out. You know hours of laughs for the whole family. Long story Strobe lights are often used during critical moments, and have nothing to do, awkwardfamilyphotos. short, Shrek is about an ogre who must rescue turning serious scenes unintentionally funny. and all of my friends have com? My family’s Princess Fiona for Lord Farquaad in return for some However, these odd scenes add a certain charm to significant others so while Thanksgiving photo just peace and quiet. While the original movie thrived on the musical. they go out and have fun made it on the front page. action and comedy, the musical dives into character together, I’m all alone in It has only been up for a development. Lackluster sets and average costumes really hold my room with nothing but day, and already has 743 the musical back. Many sets are merely painted my laptop and sadness likes, and 312 shares on Shrek the ogre (Billy Mason) is still crude and backgrounds, sometimes with a prop or two to for company. Can you Facebook! I’m doomed. sarcastic, but the rest of the cast have subtleties switch things up. Costumes are decent, but a few give me some advice on No one will ever talk to that prevent the musical from being a carbon copy are mildly terrifying. While playing Shrek, Mason how to pass the worst me again, and my family of the movie. Shrek’s sidekick, Donkey (David wears an ogre suit that made me uncomfortable weekend in the world? I’m will be the next big meme, Toole), is even more hyper than the donkey voiced whenever I looked into his eyes. sure you’ve dealt with this like the Star Wars kid, by Eddie Murphy, Princess Fiona (Emily Lynne kind of thing in the past. Doge, or that one with the Miller) is somewhat bipolar and more ridiculous Hartman’s Farquaad outfit definitely stands out porcupine. What do I do? than her movie counterpart, and Lord Farquaad (Tim among the rest. The painfully short character is Sincerely, Hartman) has been transformed into a fierce diva. played by a tall actor on his knees. Fake skinny legs Sad Over Acquired Miraculously Elected However, side characters, such as Pinocchio, are are strapped onto the actor’s thighs, while the rest of Loneliness, Only Neighbor Major Entertainment, But essentially identical to their movie counterparts, and the real legs are hidden by black fabric and a cape. is Edible Alas, Internet Talks the musical could have benefited from spicing up Farquaad’s outfit is generally impressive, though those characters. also fuel for nightmares. Dear SO ALONE, Dear MEME BAIT, First of all, we have no idea It now has 745 likes and The musical follows the same tactics as the movie Despite these drawbacks, Shrek: The Musical is what you’re talking about. 314 shares on Facebook. — there are fart jokes for the kids with sprinklings worth seeing. The musical has so-bad-it’s-good We are two extremely Matt and I thought it was of dark humor to keep older audience members scenes, along with genuinely clever moments. handsome, debonair, and hilarious. Unfortunately, as engaged. Some lines were taken straight out of the For Shrek diehards, the musical is a must see. For intelligent men who have you know, once an image movie, but the musical has plenty of fresh scenes up everyone else, the humor and story is strong enough never had trouble wooing is on the Internet, its there its sleeve. Fine moments include Donkey’s rap solo, to make the two hours fly by. Shrek: The Musical will a lady for Valentine’s Day. forever. There are a few Fiona’s violent tussle with wildlife, and Farquaad’s be showing in Byham Theater until Feb. 16. That said we do have … solutions: You can change perplexing interactions with his lackeys. All scenes friends … who have had to your name and try to get are backed up by strong vocals and general talent. deal with being alone on into the witness protection Angela Liu | Junior Staffwriter this day. At any rate, here’s program, or figure out That being said, some scenes don’t translate well a few ideas that we’ve who leaked the photo and from the movie to the musical. Shrek’s battle with found tried and true … for retaliate. However, what the dragon, now reduced to an odd, shaking our friends, of course. is probably in your best interest, is to sit back and 1) Ice cream. Eat all of it. enjoy your 15 minutes of All. Of. It. fame. Also, do you know 2) Watch an action movie. how many stupid images No romance or anything. people post everyday? 3) Play a video game. Chances are, very few 4) Get together with your of those 314 shares are friends who aren’t doing actually genuine clicks anything and go out. to the image. Plus, there will be a new very popular Above all, don’t wallow in meme by the time this goes your own misery. So what if to print anyway. I don’t it’s Valentine’s Day? It’s just even remember the Star another day. Call up your Wars kid. friends. Go search for cat GIFs­ ­— But don’t call me, I’ll be in you’ll feel better, Canada, Ryan & Matt. Rachel Cohen | Publisher Ryan & Matt Shrek: The Musical adds character development and an original songbook to the beloved film’s plot, Need advice? Send queries creating a family-friendly musical comedy. to [email protected].

theatre pillbox 02.10.14 3 CMU professor blends musical cultures Reza Vali mixes a Western musical education with a love for the sounds of his native Iran

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO)’s performance of Gustav Holst’s The Planets was definitely the most heavily advertised event last weekend at Heinz Hall. But tucked at the beginning of the program was an event with local flavor: the world premiere of the PSO’s “Elements” series, a piece commissioned from five Pittsburgh composers by the Orchestra.

Among those five composers is Reza Vali, a Carnegie Mellon professor of composition and director of research and education at the Center for Iranian Music on campus, which Vali co-founded last year. Vali wrote one of the five movements in the piece, connected to the other movements by a common motif: the elements — fire, earth, wind, water, and metal.

Vali chose water. As a Pittsburgh composer, he’s inspired by the bodies of water that shape the city. His favorite is the Youghiogheny River, a wide body of water that flows into the Monongahela River, one of the three rivers of Pittsburgh. “Pittsburgh is the city of rivers,” he said. “But I particularly like the Yough.”

The river inspired the name for Vali’s movement: “Ravân.” The title is a Persian word meaning “flowing,” Courtesy of Reza Vali but its root comes from the Persian verb ravar. Sound In pieces such as his Pittsburgh-inspired “Ravân,” Carnegie Mellon professor of composition Reza Vali fuses the like an English word you know? “If you say ‘river’ in the Western music of his formal education with the Persian musical traditions of his native Iran to create a Pittsburgh dialect, you get very close to that,” Vali said. transcultural sound all his own.

Despite his love of Pittsburgh rivers, Vali grew up on the other side of the globe. He was born in Qazvin, Iran, actually have more notes at their disposal than asking those musicians to relearn how to play. “It would about 100 miles north of Tehran. When he was young, traditional classical composers. In the Western system, be a nightmare,” Vali said. Several Western instruments, his father bought an accordion for his younger brother — these would be called half-tones or quarter-tones: like the oboe, don’t even have the capacity to play but Vali picked it up instead. He was too small to play it pitches that don’t count as “true” notes because they lie pitches between notes. But these limitations haven’t upright, so he laid it on the ground, playing it by pushing between the notes of the Western system. stopped Vali, or some of his colleagues. Vali recently and pulling it horizontally across the floor. struck a deal with Neal Berntsen, a professor of trumpet But Vali faced a serious obstacle in his desire to pursue and chair of the brass division at Carnegie Mellon. Vali When he was 13, Vali read in a magazine that the dastgah. In order to understand Persian music, he said, would compose a piece for Berntsen for trumpet, but great 20th-century composer Béla Bartók had collected “You have to play a Persian instrument, and I couldn’t.” only if Berntsen learned to play Persian trumpet. Hungarian folk music. “The idea of collecting folk music really appealed to me,” he said. He began doing research As a trombonist, Vali was too practiced in Western music Incredibly, Berntsen complied. He ordered a custom of his own, recording the oral traditions of Persian to easily pick up a Persian instrument. Furthermore, alteration to one of his trumpets, adding a fourth tab to musicians on cassette tapes. In his studies, first at the dastgah is an oral system; according to Vali, it takes 25 the instrument. This tab could lower the pitch of a note Tehran Conservatory of Music and later at the Academy to 30 years to become a proficient Persian musician, just by a quarter of a tone, allowing the trumpet to play the of Music in Vienna, Vali immersed himself in Western because the process of memorizing the music takes so notes-between-notes dictated by the Persian system. music, but he eventually found himself drawn back to long. The result was, as Vali called it, a microtonal trumpet. Persian music. But Vali was determined. His solution? If he couldn’t With diverse pursuits in both musical traditions, Vali The Persian music system is called dastgah — a word pick up a Persian instrument, he would invent one. “I found himself immersed first in Western music, then that comes from the roots for “hand” and “place,” named cheated,” Vali joked, explaining, “I wanted to know how in Persian music, and finally in a fusion of the two. As for the act of pressing fingers to a fingerboard. After the system really works.” Thus, the arghonoon was born for his Persian trumpet collaboration with Berntsen, opening his eyes to dastgah for the first time, Vali said, — a silent keyboard hooked up to a computer, which Vali hopes it will be ready for the Brevard Music Center “It kind of blew my mind.” uses software to send a pitch back to the instrument. Festival in North Carolina, where he hopes to premiere it this summer. “Persian music intervals are different,” Vali explained. Vali’s work is now based primarily in dastgah. “Ravân,” The Persian octave has 24 notes, as opposed to the 12 in of course, was an exception; writing a piece for Western a Western chromatic scale, so Persian musicians instruments in Persian scales would essentially be Rachel Cohen | Publisher

music 4 pillbox 02.10.14 Pittsburgh Glass Center premieres new display Halfway to Somewhere exhibits the differing styles and collaborations of two talented glass artists

Visitors flocked to the Pittsburgh Glass Center (PGC) last Friday night for the opening of the Halfway to Somewhere exhibit by resident artists Granite Calimpong of Seattle and Brent Rogers of Chicago. The exhibit is a result of the six-week residency at the PGC between Calimpong and Rogers, who first met in 2013. Halfway to Somewhere is marked most notably by the striking contrast between the styles of the two artists.

Calimpong, according to his website, originally from Northern California and more recently from Seattle, grew up as the son of a potter and was introduced to glass as an artistic medium in college at the University of Julia Larrabee | Junior Photographer Julia Larrabee | Junior Photographer California, San Diego. Rogers, born and raised in Seattle Halfway to Somewhere will be on exhibition at the As part of the exhibit’s opening ceremony, visitors but currently living in Chicago, educated himself in glass Pittsburgh Glass Center through April 20. were treated to a glass blowing demonstration. and illustration at the Pratt Fine Art Center and Pilchuck Glass School. He was also an intern at Benjamin Moore, Inc., according to the PGC website. Calimpong’s pieces were, as the artist said, clean and a sleek red, bullet-shaped piece of glass with a black hole symmetrical, while Rogers’s work was clean but usually on its flat front, and a series of what looked like crushed, Calimpong’s glasswork is both blown and cold worked anything but symmetrical. Rogers’ pieces don’t fall bent glass cylinders with patterns on either end. — glass that, as the name implies, is shaped with tools into any kind of category of vase that most viewers like sanders and tile saws rather than the high heat of would recognize. Instead, Rogers makes use of different Often, the hard-line contrast between Calimpong’s and glassblowing. Calimpong’s work looked more like the techniques like painting, lamination, and flocked glass Rogers’ works gave the exhibit a lack of coherency; traditional vases and jugs that one might expect to see to convey his ideas about “rejection, acceptance, and it was hard to glean a theme or message from work at a glass exhibition, while Rogers’s work was much failure,” according to the PGC website. that hailed from two completely different planes of the more abstract. aesthetic spectrum. Rogers’ pieces were often difficult to interpret, such as a Many of Calimpong’s pieces were more traditional forms white, wall-mounted rectangle with a diamond-shaped While the individual pieces clearly showed the skill and with some distinguishing, more modern characteristics. cutout and blue, angled glass pipes running through it. glass-working master of Calimpong and Rogers, too Calimpong created, for example, vases that looked like Some, however, clearly embodied the cyclical human often, looking at two subsequent pieces of the exhibition ordinary round-bottomed vases, but with the middle process of creation, such as three rectangular pillars, was more likely to leave viewers disoriented rather than third cut out. According to the statement on his website, each containing a pit of smooth glass — one white, one enlightened, between the abstract bright and solid colors Calimpong “strives to exhibit work that exhibits gray, and one so black that at first it is difficult to tell of Rogers’ work and Calimpong’s semi-opaque, smooth balance and clarity of form. Whether the work is tight that it is an indentation, rather than a black mark, on the vases. and symmetrical or loose in its manifestations, I am surface of the pillar. dedicated to creating glass that is carefully considered, Halfway to Somewhere will be on view at the PGC cleanly executed, and exhibits the attention to detail The strongest pieces of the exhibition came from through Apr. 20, 2014. that I employ during every step of the process.” collaboration between Rogers and Calimpong, such as

Brian Trimboli | News Co-Editor

Julia Larrabee | Junior Photographer Julia Larrabee | Junior Photographer Julia Larrabee | Junior Photographer

Halfway to Somewhere exhibits the work of accom- The works of the two artists differ greatly in style, Much of Brent Rogers’s work is difficult to interpret, plished artists Granite Calimpong and Brent Rogers. lending the exhibition an incoherent feeling. as it is often very abstract. art pillbox 02.10.14 5 Personalize your space with simplistic décor Easy DIY projects for improving any dorm room or apartment in a flash using everyday items

Have you ever seen artsy dorm room decorations on Walls Pinterest or Tumblr but been discouraged by their long and complicated instructions? Do-it-yourself (DIY) Wall decorations are a major part of making your living décor can definitely make a room look unique and space more homey. Decorations can range from posters personalized, but it can seem like a hassle as well. There and bookshelves to something fancy like a tapestry. To are, nonetheless, some crafts that do not require much create a bookshelf that appears to be floating, attach effort or time. Now you can make your dorm room or bookends to your wall and stack your books on top of apartment look like lifestyle store Anthropologie! them. Alternatively, recreate the uneven bookshelf sold at Anthropologie. You could spend the $1,400 for the Mason Jars store-bought version, or glue together small planks of wood in differing sizes and spray paint them so they look The mason jar is currently at the center of most DIY classy. crafts and embraced by hipsters, for good reason. Like most jars, it is versatile and can be used for storage. Letters and Photos However, mason jars can also be decorated and used to personalize a room. To spice up a room with a mason jar, To add even more flare to a room, spell out your name use it as a candle holder by placing a candle inside, and or a certain word or phrase using large letters. Generic then filling the jar with sand to hold the candle in place. letters can be found at stores like Michael’s Arts and Crafts or Hobby Lobby, but you can personalize them An alternative is to make the candle itself inside of the Courtesy of P5ycho P3nguin via Flickr with your own design. Paint them, add glitter, or even jar. This project requires more time, but simply involves Simply attach bookends to your wall to create a cover them with scrapbook paper or fabric for something placing a wick inside the jar, making the wax, pouring bookshelf that appears to be floating. more individualized. the wax into the jar, and letting it stand. To add a personal touch, place glitter on the outside. Photos are something you can’t really personalize, but you certainly can be creative with the way that you put Another glitter design is what deal-finding website floral or butterfly designs that function as a stencil for them up. Looking at photos of your favorite memories sweetnsourdeals.com calls the “Fireflies in a Jar” night things that aren’t flat, like mugs. Use these to add fancy may also cheer you up when you’re unhappy. Collages lantern. To create this design, cut open a glow stick, designs or letters to your mug. are the most commonly used photo arrangement. Simply empty it into a jar, add glitter, and seal the top of the jar arrange the photos in a pleasing pattern in a certain area before shaking it for a glittery glow-in-the-dark lantern. Lights of the room.

Mugs Lights are another cool option that you can make or You can also string photos across a wall. Using string decorate on your own to add a unique touch to your that is somewhat transparent, randomly place regular Mugs are another small item that you can personalize living space. The easiest option is to buy a string of clothespins on the string. Use the clothespins to hold the to make your living area feel more like home. While you lights and put them around your bed or living room (or photos in place. This arrangement will bring more of a could buy a collection of fancy mugs, they are expensive. both, if you’re obsessed). You could also string the lights vintage vibe to your living space. For a cheaper solution, buy a white-colored mug and around a hula hoop spray painted black and duct tape use a Sharpie to draw or write whatever you want on it. the lights to the hula hoop for a decorative piece that’ll Jewelry While black Sharpies can make the mug look serious and look like it required more time and effort than it actually artsy, using colorful Sharpies can make your mug look necessitated. Jewelry holders are a final way to personalize your more playful. Some stores sell silk screens with girly room. These are great because they also showcase your Another alternative to stringing lights around your room pieces of jewelry, allowing them to add to the décor. You is to twist the lights into a shape, like a heart, or to spell can screw tiny hooks into a wooden hanger, and then out a word when putting them up on your wall. hang your long necklaces on the hooks. You could also place fancy nails into a plank of wood — possibly spray Lamps painted a cool color — and then hang rings, bracelets, and necklaces on the nails. Another crafty idea, which may not be suited to everyone’s taste, involves wrapping ribbons of different There really are countless crafty opportunities for you colors and patterns around an empty lampshade. Not to personalize your living space, regardless of cost or only will this touch make a personalized lamp that no expertise. Some of them might be time consuming, but one else will have, but the light coming through the making these crafts can be fun or relaxing as well. Make ribbon will also make a cool pattern on your walls. You them in your free time or when taking a break from could copy the wire light fixtures sold at Anthropologie homework. You could even use one of these ideas as a Courtesy of Emily Katharine May via Flickr by cutting the handles off a wire basket and then cutting bonding activity for your club or organization. Personalizing your space can be as simple as adding a open a section for the outlet cover. distinctive touch to your mug using a Sharpie. Nikita Mishra | Staffwriter

craft 6 pillbox 02.10.14 Scott Bradlee makes Nickelback sound good YouTube Channel reimagines modern pop songs with vintage flair from many eras and genres

Are you displeased with the state of modern pop music? But the crowning pinnacle of their work is an album On their webpage www.postmodernjukebox.com, Can’t stand autotune, singers who can barely sing, in which they reinvented seven Nickelback songs as if Bradlee describes his project: “My goal with Postmodern and blasts of distorted electronica and synth? Then they were produced by the legendary Motown records. Jukebox is to get my audience to think of songs not as Scott Bradlee, a New York-based professional pianist, Nickelback is a band so infamous for their horrendous rigid, ephemeral objects, but like malleable globs of silly has a solution for you: Postmodern Jukebox. Under the music that, in 2011, over 50,000 people signed a petition putty. Songs can be twisted, shaped, and altered without YouTube channel name ScottBradleeLovesYa, Bradlee at www.change.org to prevent them playing as the losing their identities – just as we grow, age, and expire and a group of other musicians cover favorite halftime show for the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day. without losing ours – and it is through this exploration (or not-so-favorite) pop hits with a vintage twist. And yet, Postmodern Jukebox manages to make these that the gap between ‘high’ and ‘low’ art can be bridged songs not only listenable, but insanely enjoyable. most readily.” When Postmodern Jukebox reimagines songs, they become something very different. Justin Bieber’s The album, which is available for free streaming on Some songs completely overshadow their modern “Beauty and a Beat” becomes a 1940s Sinatra-esque scottbradlee.bandcamp.com, contains the smooth vocals counterparts. The production on each song is beautiful, swing jam and Miley Cyrus’s “We Can’t Stop” a sultry of Drue Davis and imbues each of the songs with a sense and the musical arrangements incorporate a variety 50s doo-wop. of energy, emotion, and individuality; it’s now actually of instruments and styles. The channel also contains possible to differentiate between two Nickelback mashups by Bradlee, including one that mixes Queen’s Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” is turned into a bluegrass songs! The light, jaunty chords and rhythmic clapping “Bohemian Rhapsody” with George Gershwin’s barn dance, and Psy’s “Gentleman” a 1920s jazz song, in “Photograph” gives the song more of a carefree and “Rhapsody in Blue,” and other piano song covers that complete with dancing flappers. happily nostalgic tone. “Rockstar” is cleaned up with Bradlee has worked on. Postmodern Jukebox also a cool piano riff reminiscent of the blues. “How You features a variety of unique talented artists, including The lead singer, Robyn Adele Anderson, has a unique Remind Me” is redone with a quicker pace and a toe- various singers, a Mariachi band, tap dancers, and even voice that radiates suave vintage class while Bradlee tapping beat that plucks the song out of the dreariness of a beatboxing flutist. and the rest of the band fill the songs with great its subject matter. instrumentation. The best part of the channel is the tangible passion Other Motown-styled tributes featuring the soulful voice behind the music; when you hear a song by Postmodern of Postmodern Jukebox friend Annie Goodchild are Jukebox, you know they are people that put love into similarly enjoyable, such as Avril Lavigne’s “Sk8er Boi,” their work. It is a great channel for anyone who has even which is remixed with a funky beat and a brassy sound. the slightest interest in music, and will provide you with hours’ worth of entertainment. Notable mention goes to songs that include “tambourine guy” Tim Kubart, whose spirited tambourining injects a shot of pure happiness in every video he appears in, dollarmovie such as the vibrant cover of Katy Perry’s “Roar.” Xiyu Wang | Staffwriter McConomy Auditorium, University Center Andie Park | Staffwriter

Don Jon Amour The Notebook Saturday, Feb. 15 Sunday, Feb. 16 Friday, Feb. 14 8, 10, and 12 8 7, 9:30, and 12 Jon Martello (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is the For those who would rather avoid the “If you’re a bird, I’m a bird.” Who can forget stereotypical Italian-American man. He sappy Valentine’s Day couples who quote the dreamy Ryan Gosling proclaiming seems to be plucked from Jersey Shore The Notebook in their Facebook statuses, his love for Rachel McAdams in this and would be a GTL (gym, tan, laundry) Amour is a bleak, yet deeply profound story classic Nicholas Sparks tearjerker? This kind of guy. He acquires the moniker “Don about an elderly couple and the power of quintessential Valentine’s Day classic Jon” for his womanizing ways, but even his their love as it is tested through the hardest revolves around an older man named Duke lothario persona doesn’t match the intensity of times. Georges (Jean-Louis Trintignant) as he visits an older woman in a nursing of his pornography addiction. When he and Anne (Emmanuelle Riva) are retired home and reads from a notebook the tale of meets old-fashioned gal Barbara Sugarman music teachers in their eighties living a quiet country boy Noah Calhoun (Gosling), who (Scarlett Johansson), he struggles to and peaceful life together. One day, Anne falls in love with the beautiful heiress Allie establish an intimate relationship that suddenly suffers a silent stroke and her Hamilton (McAdams). In the midst of World doesn’t interfere with his Internet-addicted health gradually declines. Georges lovingly War II, their relationship falters, but, through ways. In Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s directorial tries to look after her but is constantly faced a miraculous twist of fate, they get a debut, there is a genuine sense of lovable- with the inevitability of heartbreak. A realist chance to rekindle their love. Full of loveable ness about a seemingly provocative topic. masterpiece, Amour perfectly captures the quotes and some swoon-worthy scenes of With fantastically funny performances, Don cycle of life and the unrelentingly difficult Gosling being the ultimate dream boyfriend, Jon is full of laughs and insight into the process of letting go. The Notebook is the perfect movie to watch relationship between media, fantasy, and either with a loved one or with an equally reality. loved box of chocolates. music pillbox 02.10.14 7 CMU students release Wop de Wop, the debut EP of electronic brass collaborative project Jakeisrain and C Street Brass combine the electronic sounds of today with conservatory-trained musicianship to create a fresh sound

members of the crowd. The C Street Brass musicians by Chloe Thompsom | Staffwriter [ ] radiated good humor and buoyancy as they wandered about. “We’re really excited to bring what we do to a Jakeisrain and C Street Brass released their first wider audience,” Anderson said at the launch party. collaborative EP, Wop de Wop, this Saturday. Jake Bilal added “We’re really excited to be getting a bunch Berntsen, a sophomore music technology and philosophy of friends out of their environment, out of the box, doing double major, is the man behind Jakeisrain, while C something different.” Street Brass is a brass quintet ensemble in residence here at Carnegie Mellon. Originally the brainchild of “Different” exactly describes the collaboration between trumpet player and second-year master’s student Scott C Street Brass and Jakeisrain. All of C Street’s musicians Nadelson, the quintet includes Nadelson, second-year are trained in a conservatory, while Berntsen is primarily trumpet performance graduate student Kyle Anderson, an electronic musician, with some background in second-year trombone performance graduate student classical piano. Together, they make brass electronic Gabriel Colby, second-year French horn performance music, which is a relatively new genre. In an interview graduate student Eric Damashek, and second-year bass before the release, Berntsen explained that because trombone performance graduate student Hakeen Bilal on electronic brass is so unique, even covers of other songs the bass trombone. require arranging by the group, and the band has to write most of its own music. They held a launch party at the South Side Chamber of Commerce on East Carson Street on Saturday night. The The music at the launch party started off with only venue was a small and warm space with huge, colorful Bernsten as disc jockey. The crowd clustered close to Chloe Thompson | Junior Photographer photographs spanning three of the walls and bright chalk the stage, some dancing, but mostly milling around. Sophomore music technology and philosophy double drawings on the fourth wall behind the band. The air of At around 9:30 p.m., Bilal got on a megaphone and major Jake Bernsten, also known as Jakeisrain, has intimacy was heightened by the assorted members of announced the official arrival of C Street Brass. released a wide variety of original material online in C Street Brass and Berntsen moving through the room addition to Wop de Wop. Chloe Thompson | Junior Photographer before the show started, grinning and chatting with From the minute the whole group was on stage together, Jakeisrain and C Street Brass celebrated the release of their debut EP, Wop de Wop, with a well-attended release party and performance at the South Side Chamber of Commerce last Saturday night.

the energy in the room came to a head. The mild feeling of the audience members, as they were less than two with the classic sound. During one of their four encore of restlessness vanished as Sky High by Big Gigantic, feet apart. About halfway through the set, Bilal handed calls, they played an arrangement with elements of washed over the crowd. his bass trombone off to a girl in the crowd, saying “I Muse’s “Time is Running Out.” don’t want to hold it anymore,” swigged at someone Before the concert, Colby said via phone, “We were else’s beer, then grabbed his instrument back in time to The EP was available for free in hard copy at the launch talking about doing something that had never really hit his note. party, and is also available for free download on the been done before. No one’s doing it with as tight a setup Internet. “I really like the idea of doing things for free. as we would be. I’m not saying we’re the best, but when The EP itself is a unique spread of music. According to It’s really important to me that people hear the music,” you got five people who have classically trained together Colby, the tracks “all really represent different parts of Berntsen said. “Right now, there’s no way you can for a long time, certain things become possible.” electronic music right now.” actually sell music and expect to get a profit. There are so many platforms, it’s impossible to govern. So it’s more In this case, one of those certain things was the “‘Wop de Wop’ is really fun to play,” he said. “‘Move important, I think, to get it in as many people’s ears as absolutely mind-blowing set that C Street Brass and More’ is my personal favorite.” All four tracks on the EP possible, so then they pay for your live show. So that’s Jakeisrain played. The quintet members seamlessly present a unique blend of brass and electronic. “Move kind of our philosophy for right now. It’s gonna be a free complemented each other, interweaving their own More” falls more on the brassy side of that scale, with show, we’re giving out free beer — we just want people unique sound with the heavier electronic music to an anthem-like quality to it, and triphop kind of beat. to be there. I’m really excited to get things going.” create a perfect blend of styles. The crowd’s dancing “Not a Normal Trombone” is the heaviest-sounding Berntsen was not alone in his enthusiasm to “get things picked up almost immediately as the band played; the track, with a dubstep feel. The notes fall heavily, with a going” — all the band members expressed how happy set combined high-energy, gorgeous brass sounds over a trappy sort of sound. “Cookies N Cream” sounds more they were to reveal their work. “We’re just pumped to framework of low, rhythmic bass, which made for perfect electronic, with a faster pace and higher energy. The show people what we’re doing,” Colby said. dancing music. During the early songs, Nadelson took off faster electronic bits mix well with the brass, which slow with a phenomenal trumpet solo, his hands blurring over the piece down a little. “Wop de Wop” blends brass and The genuine enthusiasm that radiated off of all the band the valves of his instrument. Colby’s trombone and Bilal’s electronic the most effectively on this EP, as it plays a members during the show is one quality that makes bass trombone played off each other beautifully. Big Sean sample over a deep bass drop. this collaboration effort so unique. These musicians are all deeply talented, and are putting their varied All the musicians were true performers, flashing wide After they cycled through the four songs on the EP, skills together to create something unique, new, and smiles into the crowd and dancing along with the music the band switched to other original work, and some incredible. And this EP is only the pairing’s first release. Chloe Thompson | Junior Photographer as they played. From the back of the stage, Berntsen electronic-brass covers. One of the most notable Comprised of Carnegie Mellon graduate students, C Street Brass lends a distinct flavor to Jakeisrain’s electronic beats. The combination creates a sound that is both threw himself wholeheartedly into dancing along, while covers was of the Beatles’ “Because,” which sounded incredibly modern while also rooted in more traditional music tastes. the C Street Brass musicians actually danced with some simultaneously familiar and strange, as the brass played

feature feature 8 pillbox 02.10.14 pillbox 02.10.14 9 PSO takes audiences on a stellar journey The Planets ­­— An HD Odyssey combines classical music pieces and images of the solar system

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO)performed Holst discouraged the connection between his pieces The pieces, “Awake,” by Bomi Jang; “Eliza Furnace,” The Planets – An HD Odyssey last weekend, which and their mythological namesakes. “If any guide to the by Mathew Rosenblum; and “Flood Lines,” by Amy combined the wonders of the galaxy with high-resolution music is required, the subtitle to each piece will be Williams, were meditations on the decline of Pittsburgh’s photos from space and the vivacity of a live orchestra found sufficient, especially if it is used in a broad sense,” urban forests, the Eliza Furnace Historic Site in into a prime example of the combination of science and Holst wrote for the 1918 performance. Vintondale, Pa., and Pittsburgh’s Great St. Patrick’s Day arts that Carnegie Mellon prizes. Flood in 1936, respectively. Each piece was moving on Before the performance of The Planets – An HD Odyssey, its own and full of zealous, loud melodies. “As the music The Planets – An HD Odyssey consists of seven conductor Manfred Honeck led the orchestra in a five- progresses, it focuses on building up an intense energy movements — one movement for each of the planets, part piece entitled The Elements. According to the and gradually moves to the finale with various timbres excluding Earth. The title associated with each planet PSO’s website, each movement was “inspired by the of the instruments and lively rhythmic patterns in the described the tone of the piece. For example, the first city’s environmental history and the natural elements of chaotic texture,” Jang said of “Awake.” movement, “Mars, the Bringer of War,” had a militaristic fire, earth, water, air, and metal.” feel with war-like drum rolls and loud, thunderous swells. Reza Vali, who has been a composition professor at The music made NASA’s high-definition photographs, Elements was prefaced by a video of the composers the School of Music at Carnegie Mellon since 1988, which were projected over the stage, especially explaining their pieces, which not only contextualized composed the last of the five pieces, entitled “Ravân,” impressive and breathtaking. Conversely, “Venus, the the feelings conveyed by the music and brought specific which is Persian for “flowing.” According to Vali, Bringer of Peace” presented the audience with a more images of Pittsburgh to mind, but also gave a face to the “‘Ravân’ is designed as a scherzo with a fast first soothing, mellifluous melody to accompany the crystal- often-mysterious minds behind the compositions. section alluding to the turbulent white waters of the clear photographs of the mostly white, gaseous planet. Youghiogheny River, a calmer middle section, like a trio, Duquesne professor Patrick Burke, who composed the and a recapitulation of the fast section.” “Mercury, the Winged Messenger” had a more flighty first piece, “Flourish,” described his piece as “blending melody to accompany the science-fiction-like, vibrant the classical tradition, the visceral immediacy of rock, For more information about Reza Vali and “Ravân,” see photographs of the planet. “Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity” the social awareness of folk, and the meditative quality “CMU professor blends musical cultures” on page 4. impressive with its powerful and boisterous medly that of gamelan music to form a cohesive, organic whole.” accompanied images portraying the sheer enormity of The piece focused on the elements of water and earth the planet, especially in comparison to the moons that and was named “with confidence that my home city will Jenna Bodnar | Assistant Pillbox Editor orbit it, as well as the powerful and boisterous melody continue to thrive, adapting itself to changing economic, that accompanied the images. “Saturn, the Bringer of social, and cultural climate,” Burke said. Old Age” aroused chuckles from the audience for the name and had darker, foreboding tones. Burke and his wife were expecting their first child during the premiere. This piece “is my prayer for the baby’s safe Though it came at the tail end of the performance, arrival and a healthy, fulfilling childhood in Pittsburgh.” “Uranus, the Magician” was bottom-to-none one of the most entertaining pieces. A true asset to the compilation of music and photographs, the melody was whimsical and entertaining. The magnificent photos of the massive blue planet, both from the perspective of the sun and from the rear, were fundamentally awesome.

“Neptune, the Mystic,” the final piece, was also the only piece accompanied by the women of the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh. The soft sound of the women’s voices in conjunction with the tender vibrations of the violins, added to the mystical feeling already inspired by the photos of the planet.

The Planets, composed by Gustav Holst, originally premiered in London in 1918. As his ideas for the piece formulated, Holst said to a friend, “As a rule, I only study things that suggest music to me…. Then recently the character of each planet suggested lots to me, and I have been studying astrology fairly closely.”

Courtesy of Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra The PSO’s latest production, The Planets —­ An HD Odyssey, features classical music pieces inspired by the planets of the solar system with accompanying images from NASA.

music 10 pillbox 02.10.14 Blame the Weather by Maryyann Landlord

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Grownups by xkcd

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comics pillbox 02.10.14 11 There Is No Winning In Pittsburgh by Nivetha Kanon

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comics 12pillbox 02.10.14 Sudoku Puzzle: Challenging Maze Puzzle: Tough

Sudoku courtesy of ww.krazydad.com Maze courtesy of www.krazydad.com

Start in the middle of the maze and find your way out.

Solutions from Feb. 03

Crossword Challenging Difficulty

puzzles pillbox 02.10.14 13 Heartoscopes Give a dozen pink roses. Pink roses represent beauty, aries grace, and delicacy. march 21–april 19

Visit a museum. Phipps Conservatory and the Carnegie taurus Museum of Art are both free with a Carnegie Mellon ID. april 20–may 20

Go on a double date. Go to a high-class restaurant for a gemini fun and romantic night. may 21–june 21

Take a glance at the late-night moon and stars. Make sure cancer to wear something warm for this weather. june 22–july 22

Prance through the snow! Take your special someone leo frolicking through the field. Might as well take advantage of july 23–aug. 22 this weather. Crossword courtesy of BestCrosswords.com

Play a special song for your significant other. Melt their Across Down virgo heart with music and watch the snow fall outside. 1. Neighbor of Sask 1. Take down ___ aug. 23–sept. 22 5. Congo, formerly 2. Taylor of “Mystic Pizza” 10. “Alice” diner 3. Rip 14. Artist Mondrian 4. On the loose 15. Church areas 5. Blue pigment Glide through the ice. Go for a day on the ice in Downtown 16. Passage into a mine 6. ___-ski libra Pittsburgh at the Cal U Ice Rink at PPG Place. 17. Airline to Tel Aviv 7. This ___ stickup! sept. 23–oct. 22 18. Former French currency 8. Actor Auberjonois 19. Lo-cal 9. Fleeing 20. Long-necked ruminant 10. Book of the Bible 22. Otaligia 11. Decree scorpio Make something original. The value of a gift is always about 24. Actress Witherspoon 12. Supple the personal connections with the receiver. 26. Comblike body structure 13. Dutch painter Jan oct. 23–nov. 21 27. Penniless person 21. Phobias 30. Scottish seaport 23. Not emp 32. “Oklahoma!” aunt 25. Flexible 33. Tip off 27. Sugar source Finish a puzzle together. Work together to create something sagittarius 34. ___ uproar 28. Cockney greeting beautiful and fun. 38. “Xanadu” band 29. Grab, slangily nov. 22–dec. 21 39. Wurst 31. Periods 42. Flightless bird 33. Wimp 43. Grave 35. Hotbed Bake a cake! Have an exciting and experimental baking day 45. Fast fliers 36. Iowa State city 46. Snooped (around) 37. Au naturel capricorn together. Maybe invent a new cookie flavor. dec. 22–jan. 19 48. Martini’s partner 40. Estimator 50. African fly 41. Belgian painter James 51. Figure of speech with “like” 44. Fragile 54. Hue 47. Unit of magnetic intensity Attend a concert. Find a band you both enjoy and dance to 56. Expression of objection 49. Bullfight cheer aquarius your hearts’ content. 58. Police officer 50. Aztec god of rain jan. 20–feb. 18 62. Kiln for drying hops 51. Trail of a wild animal 63. Agave fiber 52. Teheran native 65. Spanish appetizer 53. Hebrew prophet 66. Like Nash’s Iama 55. Muscat native Watch an old film at home. Movies bring laughter all around. 67. Maine college town 57. Make weary pisces Spice things up with hot chocolate. 68. Slang expert Partridge 59. Difficult feb. 19–march 20 69. Ascend 60. Capital of Western Samoa 70. Museum piece 61. Fine and delicate Maryyann Landlord | Comics Editor 71. WWII event 64. Impresario Hurok

comics 14pillbox 02.10.14 TUESDAY 2.11.14 FRIDAY 2.14.14 Neverlands. 709 Penn Gallery. Through Feb. 23 Inspired by Peter Pan and fears of death, this art Spanky Wilson. Backstage Bar. 5 p.m. Free. 3 Doors Down. Carnegie Music Hall. 8 p.m. collection is one of a kind. Come to Backstage Bar for a free jazz performance. I’ll keep you by my side with my superhuman might, if you go see 3 Doors Down with me. Structures of Time and Space. Wood Street Galleries. Tans-Q Television. CFA 111. 4:30 p.m Through Apr. 6 The producers of the playful and provocative variety show Bad Brains. Altar Bar. 8 p.m. A collection of large scale light installations from artist will be screening highlights of the series. These elderstatesmen of hardcore punk rock will be Erwin Redl. showing all the young guys how it’s done. Mardi Gras with Wycliffe Gordon and Sean Jones. Company. O’Reilly Theater. Through Feb. 23 Cabaret at Theater Square. 8 p.m. SATURDAY 2.15.14 Company is a musical that revolves around Bobby — a Get a head start on Mardi Gras with this energetic jazz single man unable to commit fully to a steady relationship, performance. Cults. Mr. Small’s Theater. 8 p.m. let alone marriage — and his friends who try to convince The duo behind the 2011 hit “Go Outside” are back and him otherwise. WEDNESDAY 2.12.14 touring behind their sophomore record. Judge Jackie Justice. Cabaret at Theater Square. MOE. Stage AE. 8 p.m. Love is in the Air. Scottish Rite Cathedral. 8 p.m. This new musical comedy is based on courtroom The popular jam band will be grooving around at Stage The PSO plays all the romantic classics, including tunes television shows and features cases that deal with aliens, AE. Expect the hippies to be out in full peaceful force. from Phantom of the Opera and Star Wars. zombies, and more.

Yuna. Altar Bar. 8 p.m. Cabaret for a Cause. Cabaret at Theater Square. Quantum Theater presents Madagascar. The Malaysian singer-songwriter will be bringing her 11 p.m. The Carlyle. Through Feb. 16 brand of soft, acoustic rock to the Altar Bar. Perfect for The cast of Mamma Mia will be performing a night Madagascar tells three separate stories of love and loss anyone looking for a relaxing evening. of songs and comedy to benefit the Trevor Project that unfold in the same hotel room across three different Organization. time periods. THURSDAY 2.13.14 ONGOING OPENING Alvin Risk. Rex Theater. 9 p.m. The popular house and trap producer will be bringing the 2013 Carnegie International. Carnegie Museum of Art. Mamma Mia. Heinz Hall. 7:30 p.m. party to the Rex. Put ‘em up. Through Mar. 16 This popular music based pn the music of ABBA is sure The Carnegie International is the oldest North American to slap a smile on anyone’s face by the time “Dancing Swan Lake. Benedum Center. 7:30 p.m. exhibition of contemporary art from around the globe. Queen” comes on. The classic ballet brought to you by the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater. Playing through Sun. Feb 16. Arena: Remembering the Igloo. 707 Penn Gallery. Through Mar. 2 Compiled by Joey Peiser | Pillbox Editor Music for the Spirit 2014. East Liberty Presbyterian The exhibition presents a visual record of Pittsburgh’s Church. 7 p.m. Civic Arena’s last months in operation and during its The PSO presents a special concert focusing on yearlong demolition process. Want your event here? spiritually uplifting pieces. Tickets are free but limited in Email [email protected]. availability.

calendar pillbox 02.10.14 15 judas iscariot.

Sara Remi Fields | Assistant Photo Editor Members of the Scotch‘n’Soda crew construct the set for their upcoming show, The Last Days of Judas Iscariot. The show, directed by junior history and English major Razghiem Golden, will run from Feb. 14–15 in Rangos 3.

gallery 16pillbox 02.10.14