Map of universe explores Stolen Valor Act endangers MOSAIC illuminates gender the mysteries of space • A4 freedom of speech • A6 issues on campus • B8 SCITECH FORUM PILLBOX

thetartan.org @thetartan February 27, 2012 Volume 106, Issue 20 Carnegie Mellon’s student newspaper since 1906 CMU architects Veritas Forum elicits views on work madelyn glymour make virtual view News Editor jackson lane you’ll see what you would see Three Carnegie Mellon Staffwriter if you were looking out the professors met in Rangos Hall actual building.” on Saturday night to discuss “Bring the restaurant out Rapoport is also making “work, the universe, and ev- further,” said David Bear, a space in the building for oth- erything.” fellow at Carnegie Mellon’s er, more interactive features, The professors — com- Studio for Creative Inquiry, such as guided tours, virtual puter science professor David gesturing to a virtual dining restaurants and meals, art Kosbie, information systems area on the computer screen. shows, and stage perfor- and marketing professor Mi- “We’re going to need more mances. chael Smith, and anthropol- room for the kitchen.” “There’s going be a large ogy professor Marie Norman As fourth-year architec- triangular stage here,” Rapo- — are a practical humanist, ture major Dan Rapoport port said, pointing out an a Christian, and an agnos- moved virtual objects around outdoor theater on the com- tic, respectively. They met as the screen, Bear explained, puter screen. “There will be part of the Veritas Forum, a “Not only do you need to some doors for the actors and Christian organization that serve the bar, the restau- actresses to come out of, and hosts panels with Christians rant, and the cafeteria, but this part will act as a curtain. and non-Christians on college if there’s an event upstairs, We’ll have dressing rooms for campuses. Veritas Forums you’re going to need [space the actors back here.” have featured panelists such in the kitchen] for catering.” “We’re going to have the as author Madeleine L’Engle Bear is leading the High virtual place for several years and atheist activist Christo- Point Park Investigation, a before the real place is built, pher Hitchens. proposal to build an environ- and our intention is to take The theme of Saturday’s mentally friendly and pub- advantage of that virtual ven- forum was work. Kosbie, licly accessible facility on the ue and to have events, music, Smith, and Norman shared roof of the U.S. Steel Tower, plays, and things that will at- their personal and philosophi- downtown Pittsburgh’s tall- tract visitors,” Bear said. “And cal experiences with the sub- est skyscraper. then there’s no reason not ject. Each panelist delivered Although a real-life facil- to continue it after the real an eight-minute introductory ity is still being reviewed and place is built.” speech. Then the moderator, considered by the city and The team expects to re- music history professor Paul potential financial backers, lease a prototype for feed- Johnston, prompted them teams from the School of Ar- back and public beta testing with questions from himself chitecture and the Entertain- in early March. By the end of and the audience about how ment Technology Center are the semester, the group plans Courtesy of Allison Huang and why we work. Audience members at the Veritas Forum reacts to a panelist’s joke. The forum, held on Saturday night, drew a building a detailed virtual to have a single-user simula- crowd of several hundred students, faculty, and staff to listen to three Carnegie Mellon professors share their replica of the facility so that tion online. See VERITAS, A3 views on how and why we should work. Afterward, audience members broke into discussion groups. online users can get a feel for The Entertainment Tech- what it would be like when nology Center team’s pro- built. ducer, Sean McChesney, said “The goal is to make this that the project is starting out as realistic a virtual experi- small given tight time con- Refugee counselors speak to FORGE ence as possible,” Bear said. straints. courtney wittekind ing to resettle in the United family. “For me, the tips given said. “It may seem like a small “We perceive the virtual des- “Guests will not see other Contributing Editor States. on how to stimulate conver- thing, but it can make the tination as in itself something real visitors, but will be able In their talk, they offered sations with our family were difference for these individu- that’s unique and worth visit- to see NPCs, non-player char- The International Rescue advice relevant to students particularly helpful,” Feenstra als who have already been ing.” acters, that will be animated Committee (IRC) spoke to stu- currently volunteering with said. through so much.” High Point Park started and speak to give a sense dents on campus this week, local refugee families. In “It helped me get a bet- Feenstra asserted that she in 2010, when students and of liveliness to the space,” disseminating information re- particular, they offered a list ter understanding of the the also benefits from the time faculty from Carnegie Mel- McChesney said. “The sheer garding refugee resettlement of seven “best practices” for refugee resettlement process,” she volunteers to work with lon participated in a sketch amount of work involved, and encouraging students to working with refugee fami- said sophomore art and global her refugee family. “I think design competition for ways coupled with our 15-week become active in the local and lies, which included things studies double major Jenny working with a refugee fam- to use the approximately one time frame and a four-man national support systems that like “know when to make a Soracco, who tutors a Bhuta- ily has been the best experi- acre of space at the top of the team, will not allow us to cre- constitute the resettlement referral” and “be aware of cul- nese family through FORGE. ence possible to get out of my U.S. Steel Tower. ate a multi-user experience, process. tural differences.” “I was able to see a better own ethnic-socioeconomic- “We generated a lot of but we have documentation The IRC is an international “The IRC’s refugee resettle- picture of where my family is national bubble,” she said. “To ideas and creativity, but not on how to create such an ex- organization that responds to ment agency is heavily related now, and what process they’ve recognize and connect with a lot of it was really action- perience that we will hope- humanitarian emergencies as to what FORGE does. We gone through so far. They also people who have struggled able,” Bear said. “We needed fully get to pass along to the they emerge across the globe. thought it would be a good presented pertinent infor- and endured through so much to figure out what could be next contingent of students in At work in over 40 countries opportunity to learn more mation regarding what can introduces a whole new per- done, and that suggested to order to realize this goal.” and in 22 U.S. cities, the IRC about the situation and how be difficult for these refugee spective to our daily struggles us the notion of a virtual ar- As the man responsible works to restore stability to we can help,” said Nikhil Bikh- families now that they may and gives me great humility.” chitectural workshop. When I for implementing all of the those uprooted or struggling chandani, current president of not feel comfortable voicing Students interested in join- became familiar with the ca- features proposed by Rapo- as a result of crises. FORGE and sophomore elec- to me.” ing efforts to facilitate refugee pabilities of [computer-aided port and Bear, McChesney While the IRC has recently trical and computer engineer- Whether sharing commu- resettlement efforts can con- design] and what they were knows the project’s scope worked on many relief-based ing major. nication techniques or best tact FORGE to join its tutoring doing down at the Entertain- well. “It is ambitious for a efforts — including providing Emily Feenstra, a junior de- practices, IRC representatives program or find volunteer op- ment Technology Center ... mere demonstration, but we food to East Africans, rebuild- cision science major in the Sci- encouraged FORGE members, portunities directly with sev- we really allowed our collec- are making much more than ing infrastructure after the ence and Humanities Scholars and other students in atten- eral local Pittsburgh agencies, tive imaginations to soar.” that,” McChesney said. “This flooding in Pakistan, and aid program and current co-vice dance, to work in whatever including the Jewish Family Rapoport is a member of is designed to be a simulation for victims of the Japanese president of FORGE, found ways possible to provide local & Children’s Service of Pitts- the team designing the vir- like no other that is currently tsunami and earthquake — the event useful for providing solutions to humanitarian is- burgh, the Greater Pittsburgh tual facility. “The primary fo- available. The simulation the organization also focuses simple strategies to integrate sues that exist globally. “What Literacy Council, and Catholic cus will be the view,” he said. is built to give the guests a on providing assistance and into her time with her refugee you do is crucial,” Rehberg Charities of Pittsburgh. “We’ve taken this Gigapan unique experience and op- organizing resettlement for photograph from the roof of portunity to visit a location refugees worldwide. Interven- the building, and when you to which only a few people in ing in all aspects of the pro- look out any of the windows, the world have access.” cess, from immediate relief efforts to the resettlement of displaced populations in the United States, IRC members “lead the way from harm to home,” as their slogan says. Most people in the audi- ence were members of Fa- cilitating Opportunities for Refugee Growth and Empow- erment (FORGE), a student organization that works with government and non-gov- ernment agencies to place students with local refugee families in need. Student vol- unteers offer services that may be otherwise overlooked due to insufficient funding and staff availability, includ- ing one-on-one tutoring in English, educating about the American culture, and train- ing in basic tasks such as gro- cery shopping and cooking. FORGE was the host of the presentation. IRC representatives Erica Marcus and Katherine Reh- berg from the IRC’s office in Jonathan Carreon/Photo Editor Silver Spring, Md. delivered Erica Marcus and Katherine Rehberg, two representatives of the International Rescue Committee (IRC), spoke the talk. Marcus and Rehberg to members of Carnegie Mellon’s Facilitating Opportunities for Refugee Growth and Empowerment chapter on Juan Fernandez/Staff work with refugees attempt- Thursday. As part of the IRC, Marcus and Rehberg help to resettle refugees in the Washington, D.C. area. A2 « thetartan.org/news The Tartan » February 27, 2012

Campus news in brief Statistically NASA astronaut to speak to New research reveals social students about education lives of prehistoric elephants Speaking NASA astronaut Catherine the International Space Two members of the Fine individual image to form a “Cady” Coleman will present Station and the Space Shuttle Outreach for Science Fel- highly accurate photomosaic Leap years come along nearly every four years, due her professional experiences Columbia. lows, part of the Robotics of the site. to the fact that there are 365.25 days in a year. There- to Carnegie Mellon’s new stu- “This is a wonderful op- Institute’s CREATE Lab, have “Once we saw it aerially, fore, every four years, an additional day is added to dent chapter of the American portunity for our students to successfully used photomo- it became a much different the month of February. This year, is a leap year, with Institute of Aeronautics and see and meet such a distin- saic technologies to study and clearer story. Seeing the Wednesday being Feb. 29. This week, celebrate leap day Astronautics (AIAA). Cole- guished leader in her field,” tracks left behind by a herd whole site in one shot meant with these facts and figures: man will focus her discussion said Nadine Aubry, head of of prehistoric elephants. The we could finally understand on the importance of her en- Carnegie Mellon’s Mechani- resulting images offer previ- what was happening,” said gineering and science educa- cal Engineering Department ously unavailable insights another co-author, Brian tion. and a fellow of the AIAA, in a into the social behavior of Kraatz, in a university press Coleman received a bach- university press release. these prehistoric beasts. release. Krantz works at 238 B.C. elor of science in chemistry AIAA student leaders Jay- Faysal Bibi, a paleon- Western University of Health The year the first calendar that included a leap day was introduced from the Massachusetts In- on Wang, a junior mechani- tologist at the Museum für Sciences. in Egypt’s Ptolemaic dynasty stitute of Technology in 1983 cal engineering major, and Naturkunde in Berlin, and The authors of the paper and a doctorate in polymer Emerson Silva, a sophomore co-author Nathan Craig, as- are both Fine Fellows. The science and engineering from mechanical engineering ma- sistant professor of anthro- Fine Fellowship is sponsored the University of Massachu- jor, will introduce the astro- pology at Pennsylvania State by the Fine Foundation. The setts in 1991. Coleman was naut to more than 30 mem- University, worked together Fine Fellowship encourages 1 in 1,461 selected to be an astronaut by bers of the new AIAA student on developing an analysis of leading scientists to use The chances of having a leap day birthday NASA in March 1992. chapter. these footsteps. perform new and innovative In her first space flight, “We are very honored to The tracks were made tasks with gigapixel imagery. Coleman orbited the Earth meet such a prestigious aero- over seven million years ago GigaPan, a service which 256 times, traveled more space leader who has tra- by at least 13 individual el- was developed by Carnegie 1900 than six million miles, and versed the world and beyond ephants that cover an area Mellon and NASA, is one logged a total of 15 days, 21 as a pioneer for engineers of more than 12 acres. By example of gigapixel imagery The last year divisible by four which was not also a hours, 52 minutes, and 21 and scientists alike,” Wang using a camera mounted on technologies. leap year seconds in space. Coleman said in the press release. “Her a kite to take aerial photos, has logged more than 4,330 accomplishments are some- Bibi and Craig were able to Compiled by 1288 hours in space aboard the thing we all wish to emulate.” digitally stitch together each Courtney Wittekind The year that Queen Margret of Scotland ordered that any man who was proposed to on leap day and refused feature photo the proposal could be fined either a kiss, a silk dress, or a pair of gloves to be given to the rejected woman. Compiled by Students buy Girl Scout cookies in UC Source: itthing.com Courtney Wittekind Lecture Preview Masahiro Fujita Algorithmic Economics Monday at 2 p.m. Seminar: Michael Kearns Gates Hillman Complex Tuesday at noon 6501 Newell-Simon Hall Masahiro Fujita, a profes- 3305 sor in the VLSI Design and Michael Kearns, a profes- Education Center at the Uni- sor of computer and informa- versity of Tokyo in Japan, will tion science at the University deliver a seminar titled “Tsu- of Pennsylvania, will discuss nami Simulation on FPGA experiments that have been and its Analysis Based on Sta- performed with human sub- tistical Model Checking.” jects in microeconomic trad- The lecture will discuss ing networks. the ways in which the simula- In the experiments, the tion of tsunamis can be accel- players were divided into two erated using field-program- groups with mutual interests mable gate arrays (FPGA) in trade, and then arranged and graphics processing units in networks that created po- (GPU). tential asymmetries in nego- Because of their different tiating power. Players could memory structures, FPGA only trade with their imme- and GPU deal with variables diate neighbors. This model in different ways. The lecture has a detailed equilibrium will also cover error check- theory in which variation in ing of the bounds of tsunami individual wealth is directly simulations. related to global network Fujita received his Ph.D. structure. Kearns will discuss from the University of Tokyo. his findings, as well as several He is the co-author of seven other analyses. books and the author of over 100 publications. Emily Dobler/Editor-in-Chief Machine Learning Girl Scout troop 50786 sells cookies in the University Center on Saturday. Classic favorites such as Thin Mints, Tagalongs, and Samoas were for sale, Special Seminars: in addition to the new lemon-flavored cookies Savannah Smiles, which celebrate the 100th anniversary of the organization. Biomedical Engineering Benjamin Van Durme Seminar Series: Randy Thursday at 1:30 p.m. Bartels Newell-Simon Hall 1305 Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. Benjamin Van Durme, a Campus Crime & Incident Reports Breed Hall professor of computer sci- (Margaret Morrison 103) ence at Johns Hopkins Uni- Traffic Stop residents of the room. One that, while he was exercising Odor of Marijuana Randy Bartels, a profes- versity, will deliver a seminar Feb. 17, 2012 resident admitted to smoking at the University Center at ap- Feb. 21, 2012 sor of electrical engineering titled “Simple Randomized marijuana and was issued proximately 3 p.m., he and his University Police initiated During routine patrol, of- at Colorado State University, Algorithms for Large-scale a Carnegie Mellon internal friend left the fitness room for a traffic stop on the 4800 ficers noticed an odor of mari- will give a talk titled “Advanc- HLT.” citation. 30 minutes to go to the cardio block of Forbes Avenue on a juana outside in the Peace es in Speed and Resolution in Van Durme will give an room. When he returned to vehicle that was traveling at Garden area above Posner Nonlinear and Fluorescent overview of two methods for the fitness room, he found his a high rate of speed. The offi- Center. A marijuana cigarette Optical Microscopies.” dealing with large-scale lan- Harassment wallet on the floor by a trash cer determined that the driv- was found in the vicinity of The lecture will discuss guage data with streaming Feb. 18, 2012 can and $180 had been stolen er’s operating privilege was three males, one of whom ad- the recent developments in and randomized algorithms: from the wallet. under suspension, and the mitted to smoking marijuana. Bartels’ lab, which has gener- Bloom filters and locality- A student reported that he vehicle inspection and emis- Citations were issued. ated three-dimensional im- sensitive hashing. He will dis- was receiving threatening text sions stickers on the vehicle age acquisitions in approxi- cuss how the methods have messages from an unknown Alcohol Amnesty were expired. The vehicle was person. Inappropriate threats mately one millisecond of been used within the HLT Feb. 19, 2012 driven from the scene by a li- exposure. computer language, such as and pictures were being sent. Vehicle Damage censed driver and citations The student did not recognize Bartles says that the re- for counting over large key University Police and Carn- Feb. 22, 2012 were issued. sults could have an effect on sets in limited memory. Van the number that the messages egie Mellon EMS were sum- activities such as embryonic Durme, a former Carnegie were being sent from, and be- moned to Margaret Morrison Officers responded to the heart imaging and three-di- Mellon graduate student, lieved that they were sent to Plaza for a call of a highly East Campus Garage for a re- mensional imaging of neural specializes in natural lan- Odor of Marijuana him by mistake. This case is intoxicated 19-year-old male port of vehicle damage. Upon circuitry. guage processing, streaming Feb. 17, 2012 still under investigation. who was semi-conscious. arrival, officers were able to The male was transported to locate the possible vehicle and Bartels will also discuss and randomized algorithms, Officers responded to UPMC Presbyterian Hospi- persons responsible for the the work his lab has com- and psycholinguistics. Resnik House for a report of Theft tal. No citations were issued damage, and insurance infor- pleted in enhancing the reso- an odor of marijuana. Officers Feb. 18, 2012 because the alcohol amnesty mation was exchanged. lution of three-dimensional Compiled by were able to locate the room program was applied. images. Madelyn Glymour that was the source of the A Carnegie Mellon student odor, and spoke with the reported to University Police

Corrections & Clarifications Weather

In “The Frame Film Festival displays student work” (News, Feb. 20), Claire Gustavson was incorrectly iden- tified as a Bachelor of Humanities and Arts student. Gustavson is actually an art and ethics, history, and pub- lic policy double major. If you would like to submit a correction or clarifica- tion, please email The Tartan at [email protected] or [email protected] with your inquiry, as well as the date of the issue and the name of the article. We will Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday print the correction or clarification in the next print is- High / Low High / Low High / Low High / Low High / Low sue and publish it online. 48 / 39 58 / 40 43 / 35 54 / 43 48 / 35 Source: www.weather.com February 27, 2012 « The Tartan thetartan.org/news » A3 Professors ponder work at forum Qatar CS reaches VERITAS, from A1 the highway on a rainy night. his understanding of what Je- tion, and each discussion was The dog backed away from all sus sacrificed for him. He said led by an organization mem- out to local girls The panelists’ thoughts of Kosbie’s attempts to help it, that work, for him, is a way of ber. largely focused on two ques- and the dog eventually went saying thank you to God for The forum attracted a large brent heard sciences programs.” tions: How do we justify our over a steep hill. Kosbie, who the gifts he has been given. and diverse audience. Among Assistant News Editor Maryam Ali, a senior com- existence, and what is the bal- was late to a family holiday But Smith acknowledged that the several hundred attendees puter science major, studied ance between what we owe celebration, did not follow it. such a belief would not be were Christians, Muslims, and Carnegie Mellon’s Qatar at CMU-Q in the spring of ourselves and what we owe “I didn’t go down the hill, and true for everyone: “Conceptu- agnostics; students, profes- campus created an outreach 2011. “The classes are much the world? Though neither to this day I’m very troubled ally, you can do whatever you sors, and staff; and University program, called CS4Qatar smaller,” she said. “Every pro- question was ever explicitly by it,” he said. “I view myself want,” he said. of Pittsburgh students. First- for Women, to bring women fessor knows every student in asked, the panelists’ answers as a certain person, and yet Norman said that her views year mechanical engineering into the field of computer sci- their class.” According to Ali, to the questions they received I can’t. Because, look, I’m a were not based on any strict and biomedical engineering ence. The program is part of there is a substantial amount revealed their views. practical humanist. Practice. philosophy, but were instead major Taylor Hughes, a mem- CMU-Q’s broader CS4Qatar of female participation in Kosbie defines himself as I didn’t put into practice my the culmination of her life ex- ber of the New Life Christian agenda. Reem Al-Mansoori, computer science on the a practical humanist; he sub- own belief.” periences. She said that we, as Fellowship who helped to run former e-inclusion manager Qatar campus. “The gender scribes to a universal human the event, said, “I’m hoping and current information and make-up is different, about code of ethics, independent it’ll spark some conversations communication technology 50–50,” Ali said. of any religion. He is also, he “I didn’t go down the hill, and to on campus about the big- skills development manager Natalie Hildebrandt, a ju- said, infamous for working ger questions.” She said that at Qatar’s ICT regulatory nior computer science major his students hard. According this day I’m very troubled by it. I she thinks Carnegie Mellon body, ictQatar, started the who is currently studying at to Kosbie, his students put view myself as a certain person, students often suppress dis- CS4Qatar program. Accord- CMU-Q, said via email, “The 50,000 man-hours into his cussion about broader philo- ing to CMU-Q’s website, most noticeable academic courses last semester. and yet I can’t.... I didn’t put into sophical questions, but that CS4Qatar is “a series of Com- experience that CMU Qatar Kosbie said that he be- practice my own belief. the popularity of the Veritas puter Science workshops for offers is personalized instruc- lieves people can do great Forum may loosen them up. secondary students,” which tion. The class sizes here are things with hard work, as long University of Pittsburgh are “designed for students in small, your professor’s door as they put their effort in the —David Kosbie mathematics graduate stu- Qatar who want to broaden is always open for help or right places. To demonstrate, Professor of computer science dent Aaron Greenspan said, their horizons in the ever-ex- for conversation.” Hildeb- he read a list of student proj- “I really liked what Smith was panding and broad-reaching randt said that she supports ects that he was consulted on saying. I’m not a Christian, field of computer science.” the idea of engaging all Qa- in the past week. They ranged Smith, a devout Christian, Americans and as members of but I really liked what he was Khaled Harras, a CMU-Q tar residents in pursuing the from a comprehensive calen- said that he believes all hu- the Carnegie Mellon commu- concerned with.” However, computer science professor education that they desire. dar for all Carnegie Mellon mans already have God’s ac- nity, place too much emphasis Greenspan said he wished heavily involved in the pro- “Educational outreach is very events to a version of Map- ceptance, and that no work on work and not enough on that the panelists had a more gram, said via email that the needed here compared to in Quest that would map the we do — or not do — can rest and socialization. specific prompt for their ini- workshop “marks an inevi- the States, as there are fewer insides of buildings and help change that. Smith said that Norman placed particular tial eight-minute speeches. “I table collaboration with ICT universities serving a more paramedics find injured peo- people cannot make up for emphasis on balancing work thought if they’d been given Qatar [sic] in helping [Carn- diverse high school popula- ple quickly. These projects are their sins with good works. “I and leisure so as to increase a prompt, it would have done egie Mellon] deliver the tion,” Hildebrandt said. the kind of work that Kosbie owe a debt I can’t pay, and Je- one’s personal satisfaction them a service. It would have message of the importance This April, CMU-Q will said he appreciates. “When I sus wants to pay that debt for in life. She described a blog made their stances clearer,” of computing education and hold a CS4Qatar event that write a letter of recommenda- me,” Smith said. post by palliative care special- Greenspan said. awareness in Qatar.” will detail opportunities for tion for a straight-A student, I Since we are all accepted ist Bonnie Ware. Ware listed Fourth-year architecture Ninety high school stu- undergraduate research in damn them with faint praise. I through the grace of God, the most common regrets she major Aaron Swartz, a mem- dents out of 200 applicants the field of computer science, say, ‘They got As,’ ” Kosbi said. Smith said, we do not need to heard on people’s death beds. ber of Carnegie Mellon’s attended the women’s pro- featuring female computer But if a student with less than look toward work to define or The second most common Atheists, Humanists, and Ag- gram. They listened to a science students and profes- perfect grades really achieved satisfy our identities. Smith regret was, “I wish I hadn’t nostics, generally enjoyed the discussion panel and took sionals as panelists. something, he stresses that shared the story of his first worked so hard.” forum. However, he felt that part in a workshop on the Harras said, “Our goal in they changed the world, not semester in graduate school, Norman said that, for their one or two additional religious 3-D graphics tool Alice and CS4Qatar is to help spread that they got Bs or Cs. when he realized that no mat- own satisfaction, people need panelists might have made it on puzzle and problem solv- this awareness among the The audience reacted loud- ter how hard he worked, there to balance their work with more comprehensive. “I’d be ing. “The focus on females younger generations … by ly to Kosbie’s jokes, in addition were some classes in which he their social lives and com- curious to hear someone with this year is simply because reaching out to the students to the two personal stories he still wouldn’t have been able munity: “You can change the a Muslim perspective, or a they are half the society and and exposing them to techno- used to demonstrate his view to achieve anything better world and still be home in Hindu perspective, or another in this culture, in this part logical and computer science on work. Kosbie told the more than mediocrity. time for the kids’ bedtime.” perspective. The perspective of the world, it is even more basics. We hope that through serious of his stories in re- One audience member After the panel, interested of a Christian group is so dif- crucial to reach out to this this work and effort by Carn- sponse to an audience mem- asked Smith why we should members of the audience met ferent from mine that I find it half,” Harras said. “The focus egie Mellon, we plant a seed ber’s question about what his do work at all, if we are al- at round tables in the back of hard to understand his argu- on female students is also an that continues to grow the biggest work-related regret ready accepted by God. Smith the room to discuss their own ment, and I think that maybe international trend to better students’ interest, motiva- was. Kosbie described a dog explained that he feels a per- views. Each table was spon- another religious perspective balance gender involvement tion, and excitement in these that had been hit by a car on sonal sense of duty because of sored by a student organiza- might have helped.” in rigorous engineering and crucial areas of knowledge.” A4 « thetartan.org/scitech The Tartan » February 27, 2012

Massive 3-D universal map Professors aim to unleash full explores mysteries of space potential of DNA sequencing Raghunandan Avula are allergic to. If scientists can lot of great discussions and Junior Staffwriter sequence or determine the the project is quickly tak- specific genes in someone’s ing shape.” He said that the When scientists revealed DNA, it may be possible to software should be ready the structure of a DNA mol- determine what diseases the for use in the next six to 12 ecule in 1953, many people person has. months. took this discovery to mean The huge rise in DNA re- that the “secret of life” had search over the past 30 years been found. However, almost has helped scientists make It is practically 60 years later, diseases still go conclusions about which impossible for a undiagnosed while patients genes represent which dis- suffer. Many scientists be- eases. The problem, however, doctor to reach lieve that having a complete is that there is a multitude of a conclusion understanding of DNA will information in one strand of help doctors diagnose their DNA. As a result, it is practi- by simply patients more swiftly and ac- cally impossible for a doctor curately. That belief is no ex- to reach a conclusion by sim- knowing a DNA ception at Carnegie Mellon, ply knowing a DNA sequence. sequence. as researchers are developing In the past, sequencing software aimed to help doc- DNA was a drawn out and Looking into the future, tors finally make sense of pa- expensive process, making Murphy remains optimistic. tients’ DNA. it a hassle for doctors and “In five years, this type of Robert Murphy, professor researchers. Jonathan Roth- software will be able to be ap- of biology and director of the berg, a Carnegie Mellon plied to clinical practice,” he Lane Center for Computation- alumnus and founder of the said. al Biology, is heading a proj- biotechnology company ION One of the most important ect that aims to create a “doc- Torrent, recognizes and at- aspects of the software is the tor in a box” software that tempts to solve this problem. idea of endless learning. “You combines computer science Over the past decade, don’t train a system and then and biology to assist doctors. Rothberg and his company release it, but rather the sys- Murphy said that this type of have developed a faster and tem is continuously learning research has been ongoing cheaper method of DNA se- from whatever data is avail- Courtesy of Sloan Digital Sky Survey at Carnegie Mellon for many quencing that uses small dif- able,” Murphy said. In other Shirley Ho, an assistant professor of physics, worked with astrophysicists at the Apache Point Observatory years, but the Personal Ge- ferences in the structure of words, the software contin- in New Mexico to analyze a massive three-dimensional map of the universe. The observatory utilizes a nome Sequencer, a machine DNA molecules to determine ues to make new associations 2.5-meter telescope to capture bodies in space over 6 billion light years away. that can swiftly decipher the the genetic code. Their fin- between genes and diseases code of a DNA molecule, has ished product, known as the from the analyzed DNA. Benjamin Madueme puting clusters,” Ho said. the universe and during the elevated the need for bring- Personal Genome Sequencer, According to the National Staffwriter “One of them was in the Na- expansion of the universe.” ing this research into practi- was released last year at a Human Genome Research tional Energy Research Sci- Power spectrums may also cal applications. price of $50,000. Institute website, the price A group of researchers entific Computing Center. It’s help unravel the secrets of The entire DNA molecule With the ability to swiftly of personal DNA sequencing led by Shirley Ho, a Carnegie basically a national facility dark energy, a hypothetical in a human cell is made up sequence an individual’s DNA has plunged from $3 billion Mellon assistant professor of that’s for all kinds of research. form of energy that opposes of thousands of smaller seg- in two hours, Murphy and his dollars to $50,000 per person physics, has made significant We also used supercomputing gravity by continuously push- ments called genes. These team are working with Roth- with the Personal Genome strides in analyzing a trillion- facilities in Yale University.” ing matter apart. While dark genes are made up of build- berg to develop a software Sequencer, but this price is pixel, three-dimensional map Ho said that the research energy accounts for about ing blocks called nuclueotide that can take the DNA code still too high for DNA seqenc- of the universe. Ho and her is still very much a work in 73 percent of the total mass- bases, and it is the specific determined by the Personal ing to have an impact on team hope their results lead to progress. “We haven’t started energy of the universe, sci- sequence of these bases that Genome Sequencer and make medicine. a better understanding of the using the computing resourc- entists know very little about scientists refer to as the DNA conclusions about a patient’s The ultimate goal Murphy origins of the universe. es here [at Carnegie Mellon] it. However, Ho is expecting sequence. DNA. and Rothberg share is to make Ho is an active partici- yet, but we intend to,” Ho ex- this situation to change in the The combination of genes The project commenced sequencing and analyzing an pant in the Sloan Digital Sky plained. future as research continues. in a people’s DNA determines less than five months ago, individual’s DNA for less than Survey (SDSS), a gigantic, What numbers are these Analyses of these large their particular traits, such as but Murphy is excited that $1,000, an affordable price multi-university effort for massive computing clusters celestial maps also make it their hair color or what they he and his team “have had a for clinicians. astrophysicists to map out crunching? Ho pointed to the easier to observe important areas of the universe. Based Optimal Quadratic Estimator, trends, including ones that at Apache Point Observatory a theorem-turned-algorithm may explain the origins of the in New Mexico, the survey that she and her team used on universe. With these maps, uses a 2.5-meter telescope, the map to estimate distances astrophysicists are able to equipped with a large-format of celestial bodies from one observe the distributions of digital camera, to capture ce- another. The collection of dis- galaxies and make inferences lestial bodies over 6 billion tances was then transformed about the distributions of light years away. into a power spectrum­ — a bodies in the early universe According to SDSS’s web- set of data that essentially based on those structures. Ac- site, the project’s most re- gave astrophysicists informa- cording to Ho, a scientific pa- cent iteration — SDSS-III tion about the distribution per detailing these findings is — is working to map out the of matter throughout the in the works. Milky Way galaxy, search for universe. “We’re linking 13.6 bil- extrasolar planets, and ex- Because of their work with lion years of history,” Ho said. plore the mysteries of dark such a massive data set, Ho “We’re going all the way back energy. and her colleagues are cred- to the beginning.” Just last year, the largest ited with forming the most Ho is currently being as- three-dimensional color map accurate power spectrum sisted in this research by grad- of the universe was unveiled calculation of the universe to uate students, though she had as part of the Baryon Oscilla- date. a few words to offer interested tion Spectrographic Survey, “The power spectrum tells undergraduates. a branch of SDSS-III. It was you how fast the universe is “For projects like these, this unique, trillion-pixel im- expanding, and how much we’re looking actively for age that Ho and her team dark matter and neutrinos ex- students to help,” Ho said. assessed. From the 1.5 million ist in the universe,” Ho said. “A significant part of the col- galaxies captured within the “The power spectrum con- laboration consists of young image, Ho and her team chose tains a wealth of information people.... You don’t need to Daniel Tkacik/SciTech Editor over 900,000 to analyze. that could help explain what have multiple degrees to do Carnegie Mellon professor of biology Robert Murphy has been developing a software tool that will help doctors “We used multiple com- happened at the beginning of this.” better understand their patients’ DNA and improve disease diagonoses.

Scitech Briefs Charge your cell Faster-than-light Girls better than Male-determining Epidemiologists Social networking phone with a touch particles doubted boys at arithmetic gene stabilizing turn to the internet sites more private Thanks to researchers at The faster-than-light par- A recent study has shown Men may breathe a sigh A team of researchers at According to a recent Pew Wake Forest University, pow- ticles that were reported in that girls outperform boys of relief as researchers have Johns Hopkins University Research Center poll, users of ering your cell phone could Gran Sasso, Italy, last Septem- in arithmetic exercises. Psy- found that the Y-chromosome recently started looking at social networking sites such be as easy as touching it. This ber may have actually been chologists from Beijing Nor- may not be withering away health-related Google search as Facebook have been editing new technology, called Power a result of faulty wiring. Two mal University performed a like scientists have speculated. history to see if they could their content to protect their Felt, uses tiny carbon nano- possible errors are currently series of tests with children Some 320 million years ago, predict epidemics. They com- privacy more than before. The tubes to sense temperature being discussed among the aged eight to 11, and found the X- and Y-chromosomes pared Google searches origi- poll, which surveyed 2,277 us- differences, such as the tem- scientists involved. A malfunc- girls to perform better than contained nearly 1,000 genes nating in Baltimore to the ers by phone, said that nearly perature of your hand versus tion in the timing equipment, the boys in arithmetic tasks, each. Since then, however, the number of people that showed two-thirds of social network- room temperature, to create if confirmed, would mean that such as simple addition and X-chromosome has retained up at a local emergency room ing site users have deleted an electrical charge. The car- the particles traveled even subtraction or quickly esti- an estimated 790 genes while with flu-like symptoms. people from their “friends” bon nanotubes are wrapped in faster than they were origi- mating an array that contains the Y has withered down to a The team found a high cor- lists, an increase from 56 per- plastic fibers to make the ma- nally recorded. The second more dots than another. Boys mere 19, one of which is the relation between flu-related cent in 2009. Seven percent terial feel like fabric. possible error involves an op- outperformed girls in mental- male-determining gene. Google searches and the num- more users have been remov- The scientists claim that tical fiber connection, which ly rotating three-dimensional Scientists at the Whitehead ber of flu patients admitted to ing their names from photos, potential uses for the material would mean that the particles’ images. Institute in Cambridge, Mass., local hospitals. One weakness and 8 percent more have been include lining car seats to in- speed was less than the speed Girls were also better able examined the Y-chromosome of this online surveillance was deleting comments that oth- crease battery power or wrap- of light. to recognize whether two of rhesus monkeys, which that public hysteria may skew ers made on their profiles ping wounds to easily track Many believed that the orig- words rhymed, which led the once shared a common ances- the results, such as when there since the 2009 survey. medical needs. Although simi- inal findings, which showed researchers to believe that tor with humans. They found was a spike in flu searches af- The report indicated that lar thermoelectric technology subatomic particles called neu- the girls’ verbal skills made that most of the chromo- ter the 2009 bird flu outbreak the results reflect an increase exists, the researchers claim trinos traveling faster than the them better at arithmetic. The some’s self-sacrifice occurred was announced. However, in online privacy concerns that Power Felt’s affordability speed of light, would under- researchers argue that tasks more than 25 million years hospitals still saw 6 percent among consumers. may make it possible to wrap mine Albert Einstein’s theory like counting and memorizing ago, indicating that the analo- more people showing up to a cell phone with the material of relativity. multiplication tables are ver- gous chromosome in humans hospitals during the week of for as little as $1. bal tasks, so the skills go hand has likely stabilized in size. heightened anxiety. Source: Reuters in hand. Source: BBC News Compiled by Source: Science Daily Source: The New York Times Source: NPR Daniel Tkacik Source: Science Daily February 27, 2012 « The Tartan thetartan.org/forum » A5

From the Editorial Board R eagan ideals should be candidates’ theme ing bigger, better, and brighter fu- tures. That’s not to say there weren’t speed bumps on the road, but on the whole, economic freedom benefited everyone. The current candidates don’t un- Kyle Henson derstand how to pitch it that way. Tax cuts for the rich are seen as cor- The Republican party stands for rupt and out of touch with the needs limited government. If nothing else, of society. the party should understand that a They need to be seen as a reward government big enough to give you for those who worked and achieved everything you want is big enough the dream, to incentivize people to to take everything you have. While work even harder for the promise of all current candidates champion this the American dream. cause, or claim to, no one really un- The reason why former President derstands what motivates people to Ronald Reagan was so successful as believe in limited government. a candidate was because he knew People came to this country to be how to pitch Republican ideas that free. Whether it was freedom from are good for this country to the religious persecution, freedom to working man. He got the economy pursue economic endeavors, or free- rolling and created millions of jobs. dom to start a new life, most immi- He believed that the wealthy should grants who built this country came pay more in taxes than those who from a place that wasn’t letting them aren’t wealthy. He stressed that do what they wanted. Our limited working families should be support- government ensured that opportu- ed by being left alone to use their Josh Smith/Forum Editor nity. Our small government carried money at their own discretion. the promise that, with hard work, The working man will win ev- Price hikes after celebrity deaths show bigger issue they could secure a better future for ery election, simply because the their children. 99 percent is bigger than the 1 per- Whitney Houston’s death last price changes were a mistake. uncomfortable with the idea of rais- All the benefits of limited govern- cent. Republican candidates need week elicited sympathy, renditions Journalist Dan McDermott re- ing prices in response to her death ment went to the average, working to drop the unpopular gay marriage of “I Wanna Dance with Somebody ported through Google Plus that is the implication that Houston is man. The wealthy benefited too, and abortion issues and pitch real (Who Loves Me),” and profit. After Netflix removed Houston’s DVD so worth more dead than alive. and so did the poor, but it was the pro-growth, anti-deficit, and anti- Houston died, Sony briefly raised Sony could make more money. Net- The American public has grown ambitious, hardworking, everyman corruption reform for the good of the price of two of her albums on the flix later denied the claims, stating increasingly aware of its role in who really gained from being left the 99 percent. Republicans need British iTunes. We should not con- that it had lost the rights to use it at undoing the health of stars. We si- alone. Everyone was able to secure to pitch a limited government that done price increases of a product fol- the beginning of 2012, an event un- multaneously condemn and sup- a better life because our government lets people run their lives and their lowing the creator’s death. related to Houston’s death little over port paparazzi who put pressure on was small, leaving our economy free money as they see fit. Houston died on Feb. 11. Early a month later. celebrities to live a certain way. In and prosperous. People could earn last Sunday, the cost of Houston’s CD The righteous indignation in re- Houston’s case — which is especially standing on their hard work, and Kyle Henson (kahenson@) is a staff- The Ultimate Collection was raised sponse to these actions (misplaced as jarring considering her battle with our economy grew, further ensur- writer for The Tartan. to the equivalent of almost $5 on they may have been in Netflix’s case) drugs and alcohol — the tie between iTunes in Britain; The Greatest Hits shows that sometimes we need to be the public’s insatiable appetite for was raised to the equivalent of more saved from ourselves. In one sense, commercial products and someone’s than $3. These changes were re- the laws of supply and demand in a death is too much to bear. verted by Sunday evening, but Sony free market would seem to encour- We should condemn price hikes, Consistency necessary executives didn’t comment until age a corresponding price hike on not because they are wrong, but be- Tuesday, when they claimed that the Houston’s albums. What makes us cause we are. with bus fare payments Zone 1 and sometimes goes all the A ffirmative action case is step in the right direction way to Waterworks Mall in Zone 2, that might explain why I’m random- The United States Supreme Court precedent for race-based admissions Supporters of affirmative action ly asked to pay when I get on. But decided on Tuesday to try the case in 2003 with Grutter v. Bollinger, fear that the Court took on the case sometimes I ride the 71D part-way, Fisher v. University of Texas. This case saying, “We expect that 25 years because the conservative-leaning which goes toward Hamilton, but will likely be a landmark one, as the from now, the use of racial prefer- majority — which includes Clarence Will Penman I’m still required to pay when I get verdict will decide the fate of the ences will no longer be necessary.” Thomas, who has often spoken out off. ever-controversial college admission Therefore, many assumed that the against affirmative action — will Port Authority budget cuts are all If it were just my confusion I policy known as affirmative action. issue was settled, at least for that pe- choose to simply overturn the 2003 over the news right now. What they had to deal with, I wouldn’t have a Abigail Fisher, a white student who riod of time. verdict. should really focus on is being more problem. But the apparent inconsis- was rejected from the University of Yet, affirmative action in college Hopefully, the Court will review consistent with their drivers and the tencies are compounded by the bus Texas in 2008, is suing on grounds admission has continued to be a the effectiveness of race-based ad- public about when we’re supposed drivers’ surly attitudes toward stu- that her grades were better than hot-button issue long after the rul- missions over the past nine years to pay. dents. At the beginning of the year, those of some of the racial minority ing in 2003. We believe that it is the from a nonpartisan stance, basing its I moved to Pittsburgh last sum- their contempt was palpable. students accepted into the university. Supreme Court’s primary job to set final decision on how affirmative ac- mer and had a chance to get accli- While it doesn’t excuse their be- Whatever the Supreme Court’s fi- precedents, but just as important is tion has affected colleges and those mated to the system. If you’re head- havior, I admit that a lot of us had nal decision on the case may be, The its duty to follow up on those prec- attending them, and not just on their ing toward Downtown, pay when no idea how to ride the bus. Even Tartan supports the Court’s initiative edents, to reassess them and deter- personal beliefs. you get on the bus. If you’re heading now, though, they often throw their to reassess affirmative action legisla- mine if they are still necessary and Reevaluating the constitutional- away from Downtown, pay when hands over the payment machine in tion concerning college admission. effective. By taking on Fisher v. Uni- ity of established laws is necessary to you get off, unless it’s rush hour exasperation and growl, “Pay when Justice Sandra Day O’Connor versity of Texas, the Court can strive maintain and uphold the principles (5–7 p.m.), and then you always pay you get off.” provided the swing vote to set a to accomplish the latter. of the nation. when you get off. With the student population cre- If only it were that easy. Factor- ating a high turnover of bus riders, O verturned abortion legislation a great compromise ing time and direction isn’t very you would think that Port Author- simple, but you would think that at ity would have payment education Virginia’s Republican-controlled what is truly important in the de- tational age, due to the fetus being least once you learn it, you can get down pat. However, the Port Au- House of Delegates voted 65–32 last bate: women’s health. undetectable by normal ultrasound around Pittsburgh with ease. I have thority seems to have taken the op- Wednesday for an amended bill that The House decided to amend the methods. had a number of bus experiences, posite course of enduring pesky stu- would only require an external ultra- bill shortly after Republican Gover- Democratic Sen. Janet Howell though, where the driver wanted dents until they leave. In response, sound before an abortion instead of nor Bob McDonnell issued a state- said in the Virginian Pilot that the me to pay at an unexpected time and students endure Port Authority, si- requiring an obtrusive trans-vaginal ment opposing the more invasive bill was “mandating rape” because of then got aggravated with me for not lently resenting being treated disre- ultrasound. procedure, according to the Associ- these aggressive methods. knowing. spectfully and reinforcing negative The previous, more invasive bill ated Press. At a time when state governments The more I think about how to relations. required women to have a doctor McDonnell changed his stance af- are making abortions increasingly pay, the more uncertain I get. I’ve When budget cuts do take effect use a wandlike device (vaginally in- ter the proposal drew outrage from difficult to obtain, it is nice to see an heard that since there is a second later this year, one certain conse- serted) that emits ultrasonic waves women, pressure from the media, abortion bill scaled back to a reason- zone further from Downtown with quence is that buses will be even to create images of the fetus. and appeals from Republican mod- able requirement in an attempt to more expensive fare, you pay when more crowded. This is a successful compromise erates concerned about the political reach a compromise between both you get off heading out of town The Port Authority could help between the pro-life and pro-choice impact. sides. to help them know how much to passengers and bus drivers if it was sides of the highly debated abortion The invasive bill rightfully incited Those who are pro-choice and charge you. consistent and helpful in applying issue. criticism. pro-life will never agree on the fun- Perhaps that rule only applies the rules for payment. When abortion is such a heav- Ultrasounds during early stages damentals of abortion, but women’s to buses that actually go to Zone 2. ily contested topic at the state level, of pregnancy involve an uncomfort- health and safety should be a priority Since I ride the 71B home, which Will Penman (wpenman@) is a staff- compromise is essential to promote able vaginal probe to measure ges- no matter what. sometimes stops in Highland Park in writer for The Tartan.

Editorial Board Staff Christa Hester * Josh Smith Will Penman Senior Staff Co-Publisher Forum Editor Staffwriter Stephanie Blotner, Stephanie Guerdan, Jackson Emily Dobler * Evan Kahn Lane, Alan Vangpat The Tartan is a student newspaper at Carnegie Mellon University, funded in part by the student Editor-in-Chief Copy Manager Copy activities fee. It is a weekly publication by students during the fall and spring semesters, printed Rachel Bullen, Stephanie Blotner, Connie by Trib Total Media. The Tartan is not an official publication of Carnegie Mellon University. The E ditorial Staff Chan, Hannah Dellabella, Sage Po, Michael first issue is free; subsequent issues cost $0.50 at the discretion of The Tartan. Subscriptions are Setzer, Stephanie Stern, Laura Stiles Patrick Gage Kelley * Nicole Hamilton Kathy Chen Stacey Chin available on a per semester basis. Co-Publisher Comics Editor Advertising Manager Contributing Editor Layout The Editorials appearing at the beginning of the opinion section are the official opinion of The MADELYN GLYMOUR Jonathan Carreon Kenneth WOng Michael Kahn Jennifer Coloma Tartan Editorial Board. Columns, Editorial Cartoons, and Reviews are the opinions of their News Editor Photo Editor Business Manager Contributing Editor individual creators. The Tartan Editorial Staff reserves the right to withhold from publication Advertising Daniel Tkacik Adelaide Cole Courtney Wittekind * Kelly Harrington any copy it deems unfit. Grace Chung, Seo Young Hwang SciTech Editor Art Editor Contributing Editor Asst. Systems Manager Letters to the Editor are the opinions of their authors. Letters from within the University com- Alex Tapak Katie Chironis * Greg Hanneman Bonita Leung munity take precedence. Letters intended for publication must be signed and include the author’s Sports Co-Editor Online Editor Contributing Editor Asst. Copy Manager address and telephone number for verification; letters must not exceed 350 words. Authors’ names Adam Gruber Alex Crichton Maricel Paz Brent Heard may be withheld from publication upon request. The Tartan reserves the right to condense or reject any letter. Letters must be submitted by 5 p.m. on the Wednesday before publication by mail or to Sports Co-Editor Systems Manager Contributing Editor Asst. News Editor [email protected]. Allison Cosby Sarah Zakrajsek Celia Ludwinski Rachel Cohen Pillbox Editor Personnel Manager Contributing Editor Asst. Pillbox Editor Office: University Center 314 Mail: Phone: (412) 268-2111 The Tartan © 2012 The Tartan, all rights reserved. Fax: (412) 268-1596 Box 119, UC Suite 103 * Denotes executive committee member Library of Congress ISSN: 0890-3107 Web: www.thetartan.org 5000 Forbes Avenue E-mail: [email protected] Pittsburgh, PA 15213 A6 « thetartan.org/forum The Tartan » February 27, 2012 Clinging to penny’s existence makes no sense Letter to the editor Braden Kelner net loss for the government would Zaslow’s Junior Staffwriter still be large. Imagine the savings the nation President Barack Obama recently would accumulate if penny produc- legacy is asked Congress to find a new metal tion were completely stopped. mixture for the production of pen- The proposal to get rid of the nies and nickels. This was a response penny is even more enticing when prevalent to information released by the U.S. the history of the half cent is con- Mint that it cost the government 2.4 sidered. Introduced in 1793, the cents to produce a single penny and half cent was an integral part of the in alumni 11.2 cents per nickel as of February economy. However, its existence was 2012. short-lived — it was taken out of cir- A neighbor and former alum While there may be economic culation in 1857. sent me a copy of your coverage benefits to finding a new metal mix- The U.S. economy was not nega- of Jeff Zaslow’s untimely death. ture for the nickel, the same cannot tively affected by the removal of the I succeeded him as a former be said for the penny. The govern- half cent, and the absence of the pen- Editor-in-Chief of The Tartan. I ment should simply discontinue the ny would have the same result. want to let your readers know that penny altogether. In his USA Today article “Why Jeff Zaslow was an exceptional The U.S. Mint stated that approxi- Keeping the Penny No Longer Makes human being and a very unique mately 5 billion pennies were pro- Sense,” economist Robert Whaples Carnegie Mellon alum. He had duced in 2011. debunks the fears of consumers that great impact on campus before his At 2.4 cents per penny, the cost of purchases would be rounded upward professional success. creating these coins was undoubted- to the nearest nickel if the penny was As a young undergraduate stu- ly expensive. Even if a new mixture eliminated. dent at CMU, writing and journal- for the coins were found, the time He asserts that the number of ism were not “in,” but that did not and administrative cost alone that times a purchase would be rounded deter Jeff from forging his very is necessary to produce the penny up would be about equal to the num- unique path. would exceed the worth of the coin. ber of times the price of the purchase He was a problem-solving ge- With the cost of materials rising, the would be rounded down. nius, knowing just how to get the best out of the engineers, artists, penny will be even more of a liability In fact, the removal of the penny Josh Smith/Forum Editor next year, even with the possibility of from circulation could actually stim- scientists, and actors who worked a new mixture. ulate the economy. could add up to a nice boost for the do not care for the penny as a viable for the newspaper. Even though Time.com writer Whaples claimed that the penny’s economy. currency. He had a vision about what he Josh Sanburn stated in his article absence would save the consumer With countless pennies placed If there are so few who care wanted from his education, from “Obama Wants to Make Cheaper 0.025 of a cent per purchase due in “Leave-A-Penny, Take-A-Penny” about its existence and its absence life, from friends, from the world Pennies and Nickels” that a new pen- to this method of rounding. With trays at retail stores and abandoned would help boost the economy, there around him. My good fortune ny mixture could save the govern- millions of purchases made across behind couch cushions each year, it is is no reason to cling to this dying came when an English profes- ment over “$100 million a year,” the the nation per day, 0.025 of a cent apparent that consumers and sellers denomination. sor recommended that I join the newspaper staff to “improve” my writing. Jeff swooped me up and taught me everything, recognizing that Trials on fake honors must uphold free speech curiosity and energy go a long way. We were finishing up the pa- Daniel Cohanpour his character and blacklist him from per one very late night in the base- Junior Staffwriter the community. ment of Skibo. He and one of his Lies, in and of themselves, are good pals cornered me, convincing Xavier Alvarez, a California native protected forms of speech. me that I could run the thing! He who campaigned for and eventually If the Supreme Court were to vote was that way. Always ready to con- won a seat on the Three Valleys Mu- in favor of the unconstitutional Act, quer the world, and those around nicipal Water District’s Board of Di- it will transform the FBI and other him had better strap on our seat- rectors in 2007, publicized the ideal civil investigative agencies into — belts and go along for the ride! He résumé. as a New York Times editorial titled made all of us who worked closely He boasted an array of military “Honor and Free Speech” eloquently on the newspaper together feel honors, the most notable being the put it — the “truth police.” like a million bucks. Medal of Honor. Thousands of civilians will be in- His exuberance about campus He continued to boast about his criminated for lying about small and life, finding something interesting accolades as a serving officer and minute points of contention if this in the most mundane happenings, veteran until he was prosecuted on comes to pass. really caught on and he made The two accounts of falsely stating that This is not the job of the govern- Tartan into the go-to news source he had been awarded the esteemed ment and, more importantly, this at CMU. The relationships we medal. was not the objective of the framers forged putting that paper together After he was charged and fined, of our Constitution. were precious. he resigned from the board in 2010. Even Douglas Sterner, a war vet- When it came time to gradu- The case was appealed to the eran and staunch proponent of the ate, many of us landed solid jobs Ninth Circuit Court, which conclud- law, is beginning to backpedal on his as engineers, bankers, consul- ed that although the lies were “bi- previous statements. tants, actors, designers — and zarre,” Alvarez’s free speech protec- In interviews with veteran’s some went off to grad school. Not tions had been violated by the mere groups across the country, he has Jeff. He bought an airline ticket prosecution against his lies. consistently expressed his strong that allowed him to travel any- Last Wednesday, the Supreme support for the Act in order to main- where in the U.S. for the next year Court decided to hear the case U.S. tain respect for servicemen and in search of his dream job with a v. Alvarez. women who have actually received newspaper. So un-CMU! The core of the issue remains, the awards. We were dumbstruck at his however, that freedom of speech is Surprisingly, there is no govern- sense of adventure, and in awe that protected, and “bizarre” cannot jus- ment-constructed database catalog- he was so willing and so genuinely tify incrimination. ing military achievements. A con- happy to take on that kind of risk. Simply put, legal action against gressional subcommittee is currently We knew he was something Alvarez’s lies, and the lies of others in the process of planning to create special then, but couldn’t imagine who falsely claim military honors, is Adelaide Cole/Art Editor a database of “American military the way he made us feel would be unconstitutional. award-recipients.” multiplied exponentially in his life- A Supreme Court decision would military honors of any magnitude. fers a few exceptions, namely “fraud, This database would prevent time. not only wrap up the Alvarez deba- The law was a direct reac- defamation, and perjury.” these lies from occurring and would My tribute to him is that I find cle, but to also serve as a precedent tion to the tripling of “stolen valor Lies, either spoken or written, simultaneously weed out those that myself telling my children his story for “stolen valor” cases to come. cases” since the 9/11 attacks, and have never been described or clas- commit these disgusting deceptions. and the lessons he taught — to fol- The dilemma at hand is the con- although it is merited and under- sified as exceptions to the First Action needs to be taken against low your passions, to love life and stitutionality of the Stolen Valor Act standable, the legislation is blatantly Amendment. lies of military valor — the respect people, and you will light up the of 2005. unconstitutional. If the lies were to cause a “breach our servicemen and women deserve world. This congressional law made it a Never before has the Supreme of the peace,” they would be deemed depends on it. However, within the crime for anybody to “falsely repre- Court questioned the act of lying constitutionally objectionable. confines of the Constitution, this Jean Pellegrini Pasternak sent himself or herself, verbally or under these situations. The First In the case of Alvarez, his lies did action cannot come in the form of MCS 1980 in writing” as having been awarded Amendment’s free speech clause of- nothing more than reflect poorly on incrimination. Editor-in-Chief, The Tartan 1978-79

A PERSON’S OPINION Compiled by Jennifer Coloma This Wednesday is Feb. 29, also known as Leap Day. So we asked, What are you doing with your extra day this year?

Maddie Stearns Saviz Mowlavi Veda Vadyar Aman Agarwal Raphael Segal CivE MechE Information Systems & Decision Business Administration MCS Undecided Senior Junior Sciences Sophomore First-year Junior “I will do more homework, study “I would consider it as a normal “Working.” “Homework. It’s CMU.” for my exams.” day.” “Sleep is one of my number one goals — maybe go off campus.” February 27, 2012 « The Tartan thetartan.org/sports » A7

sports commentary Men’s basketball concludes Manning’s options after Indy the season with comeback MANNING, from A8 much more controlling of his However, the Colts and players. Manning are not on such good give the Tartans a 70–69 lead. New York Giants quarterback It is possible the Colts may terms: Irsay has fired many of Case Western missed three Eli Manning. end up keeping their Hall the people Manning worked potential game-winning shots Additionally, Manning of Fame quarterback. The with, including former coach before the ball went out of would be playing in the big- Colts have the No. 1 pick in Jim Caldwell. bounds and was awarded to gest sports market in the the 2012 NFL draft, and will Wherever Manning ends the Tartans with 0.8 seconds country. But with the Jets likely select the University of up, he can turn that team left. Kromka was fouled be- comes their boisterous coach Stanford quarterback Andrew into an instant contender. fore the ball was inbounded, Rex Ryan. In Indianapolis, Luck. Manning could come But what team is going to and he hit the two free throws Manning was given a high back and let Luck sit on the pull the trigger on this high- to seal the Tartans’ victory. degree of freedom with of- bench for a few years to gain risk, but potentially high-re- Kromka scored a career- fensive play, but Ryan is some experience. ward quarterback? high 22 points and pulled down eight rebounds in his last game. Manoli and Riley each added 13 points. “It was awesome,” Brophy said of Kromka’s closing per-

Johnathan Carreon/Photo Editor formance. “He has a talent, Senior forward Joe Kromka put together a career game with 22 points. and he has put it on display a lot this year and he really Adam Gruber Tartans in a 13-point hole showed what he can do in this Sports Co-Editor with 3:32 left in the first game.” half, and at the end of the At the end of the 2011– Senior day for the men’s half, Carnegie Mellon trailed 12 season, the books close basketball team signaled the 41–31. on Duhring, Kromka, and end of three Tartan basketball The two teams traded bas- Gordon’s careers. careers. Guard John Duhring, kets for the first 10 minutes of “John and Joe will be two guard Max Gordon, and for- the second half. At the 8:13 of my best friends for life, ward Joe Kromka all laced mark, the Tartans still looked there’s no doubt about that,” up for their last college game up at a 12-point gap, trailing Gordon said. “Other guys that against Case Western Reserve 61–49. have come in the past and University on Saturday. In Then Kromka got hot. guys that are currently on the grand fashion, the Tartans A two-handed throw- team I will always be close sent their three seniors out down, two blocks, a three- with.” on a high note, closing their pointer, two free throws, and Regarding Duhring and 2011–12 season with a come- a three all by Kromka brought Gordon, Brophy said, “A great from-behind 72–69 victory the Tartans back into the leader, [Duhring] taught me a over the Spartans. game. With 49 seconds left, lot. Hopefully I can take some The Tartans started out a post-up by Duhring — who of the things he taught me as a with a quick 8–1 start, fea- converted and drew the foul leader going into the next two turing a one-handed slam — gave them their first lead of years. Max [Gordon] is one of by Kromka and threes 68–67 since the 11:22 mark in the hardest workers — when from sophomore forwards the first half. you think nobody is in the Christian Manoli and Sean “We hit a couple big shots, gym, he is in here working.” Brophy. But any momentum but it was really just going The Tartans’ season con- they had early in the game to the line and getting them cludes with a record of 9–16, seemed to dissipate as the fouls,” Duhring said. “Once and 4–10 in UAA play. But Spartans unleashed a 21–7 we got their big guys out of this last game will be remem- run. The Tartans had trouble there, there is nobody who bered for Kromka’s dominant finding easy baskets as their can guard [Kromka] in the play and how the Tartans sent offense became stagnant. post, and he stepped up.” their three seniors out with a “The intensity was miss- After two free throws by great win. ing; we were settling for jump the Spartans, sophomore “We wanted to send our shots on offense, not revers- guard Rashaun Riley drove seniors out on a good note,” ing the ball and not attacking strong side to weak side, hit- Brophy said. “We needed to the hoop,” Kromka said. ting a floater off the back- bring the same energy we al- The Spartans buried the board with 21 seconds left to ways bring.” A8 « thetartan.org/sports The Tartan » February 27, 2012

Women’s basketball ends Athlete Profile 2011-12 season at home Brogdon leading Carnegie Katie Knox Mellon club baseball team Staffwriter Alex Tapak himself for finishing the fall season with On Saturday afternoon, Sports Co-Editor the best record in Carnegie Mellon’s recent the women’s basketball team history. Looking forward to next season, closed out the season with Junior Wade Brogdon grew up playing Brogdon has his goals set even higher for a 57–43 loss at home to the baseball. his team. “[Our goals] are to be perfect and Case Western Reserve Univer- “Everyone plays baseball in my area as undefeated, make the playoffs, and win the sity Spartans. a little kid,” said Brogdon, who is originally Club World Series,” Brogdon said. Early on, the game ap- from Georgia. “It’s the most interesting and According to Brogdon, between the peared to be evenly matched, challenging game in the world in my opin- young talent on the club baseball team as both teams struggled to ion, and that’s what keeps me playing. You and hard work, these goals are realistic. get in rhythm on the offen- can never reach perfection — it helps you Brogdon also set his personal game to a sive end. Only 30 points were deal with failure, and it really prepares you high standard. “My personal goals are to scored between the two teams for things off the field.” improve my fielding percentage from last in the first 10 minutes of the Brogdon became interested in club base- year, and bat over .500,” Brogdon said. game. ball at Carnegie Mellon in the spring of his Brogdon is one of the all-around lead- The Spartans shifted mo- first year at the university. “I decided to ers of the club baseball team. “Wade is the mentum in their favor with contact coach Claudio to see when a tryout prototypical leader. He’s confident, outgo- 4:34 left to play in the first would be. He told me to go to the gym 30 ing, and great with the new players. Above half. They went on a 13–3 minutes from then, and from that moment all he’s a great hitter and field general at run, building up a 10-point forward I was a part of CMU baseball,” shortstop,” said senior captain and starting halftime lead that they would Brogdon said. pitcher Bennett Poepping. not relinquish for the remain- Brogdon’s skills have been essential to Brogdon is a business finance major in der of the game. the Tartans’ recent success. “Wade means a the Tepper School of Business. He explained The Spartans’ defense was lot to our team on and off the field. On the that he would like to be in the financial field able to clog up the paint and field as our leadoff hitter he will hit .525 next year, as a consultant or an analyst. prevented the Tartans from plus, as well as a high number of stolen Being a student athlete is very impor- finding much success close bases which means a lot of runs for us,” said tant to Brogdon. “I think I can speak for to the basket. This made for head coach Claudio Reilsono. most members of the team when I say that a difficult afternoon for ju- Three years later, Brogdon still feels that it keeps me sane. Being at CMU, you don’t nior forward Emily Peel, the joining the team was a great choice. He is get a lot of opportunities, if any, to alleviate Tartans’ leading scorer and now the president of the club. “I enjoy the stress, especially for athletes who depended three-time UAA player of the Kate Groschner/Staff mixture of guys that we have with such a on athletics in high school. Playing baseball First-year guards Aspen McKeever (No. 14), Gabrielle West (bottom week, who shot just 2–5 from wide variety of backgrounds. The thing gives me something to look forward to, left), and Chandler Caufield (No. 25) are the future for the Tartans that brings us together and makes us such makes my weekends infinitely more enjoy- the field. basketball team. Despite being forced to set- a good team and so fun to be a part of is our able, and gives me an opportunity to rep- tle for shots from long range, game not only brought an “Being able to play basket- undying love for the game of baseball and resent my school outside of the classroom. the three-point line was kind end to the 2012 season, but ball with Jen and Alex over our desire to win,” Brogdon said. It’s very rewarding and makes us proud,” to the Tartans, as four play- it also culminated two memo- the past three seasons has Brogdon takes pride in his team and Brogdon said. ers combined for eight of 17 rable collegiate careers. Even been great, but it has been from three-point range. How- though the team couldn’t pick even better to have been able ever, that was not enough up the victory, playing their to build such great friendships to overpower the Spartans, last game on their home court with both of them,” Peel said. whose offense controlled the meant a great deal to Larsen “Both on and off the court tempo of the game in the sec- and Hansen. they are the hardest, most ond half. “It was really nice to end dedicated workers I have seen First-year guard Gabrielle the season at home in front and they have been awesome West was the only Tartan to of a great crowd,” Hansen leaders for this team.” score in the double figures said. “Many players don’t get That camaraderie is what with 10 points. Senior for- a chance to end their careers Hansen wishes did not have ward Jennifer Larsen finished that way.” to come to an end. the game with seven points Larsen’s scoring and Han- “I think what I’ll miss the and nine rebounds. The Tar- sen’s leadership will both most is just being part of a tans ended the season with an be missed. Larsen averaged team,” Hansen said. “Our overall record of 9–16 (3–11 7.5 points per game this sea- team is really close and it will UAA). son and Hansen averaged be tough to get used to not For Larsen and fellow se- 5.7 points per game in the having that extended family Alan Vangpat/Senior Staff nior, guard Alex Hansen, the 2009–10 season. to fall back on.” sports commentary sports commentary Pirates acquire starter A.J. Burnett Manning’s Indy days Adam Gruber could be numbered Sports Co-Editor Carl Glazer Bowl bid, they have been The biggest trade the Pitts- Junior Staffwriter desperately looking for a burgh Pirates have made in quarterback. They traded for years brings A.J. Burnett to Peyton Manning, the soon- former Philadelphia Eagle the Steel City. The Pirates have to-be-former quarterback Kevin Kolb last year, but he sent two minor leaguers — of the Indianapolis Colts, is has been a dud so far. right-handed reliever Diego caught up in a media frenzy. If Manning ends up in Ari- Moreno and outfielder Exi- His fight to return to the field zona, he will be teamed up cardo Cayones — to the New is being challenged by Colts with perennial Pro-Bowler York Yankees for right-handed owner Jim Irsay, but his de- Larry Fitzgerald. That combi- starting pitcher Burnett. The parture from the team where nation is a recipe for a high- Yankees will take on $20 mil- he made his legendary career octane offense. The problem lion of Burnett’s contract, seems imminent. is that the Cardinals may leaving only $13 million to the The last example of this not want to acquire another Pirates. was the Brett Favre saga quarterback after giving so This trade has Pirates fans starting five years ago, when much up for Kolb. Moreover, and analysts reeling — but the Green Bay Packers de- Manning is a risk. there is an important dis- cided they wanted Aaron The Dolphins have been tinction to make when ana- Rodgers to be their quarter- looking for a quarterback lyzing this trade. Is Burnett back and would let the face since Hall of Famer Dan Mari- going to be the player who of their franchise walk away. no retired over 10 years ago. single-handedly ends the Pi- Courtesy of Keith Allison via Flickr Favre eventually went to the Dolphins fans desperately rates’ frustrating streak of 19 A.J. Burnett struggled with the New York Yankees, but is still capable of striking out 200-plus batters. New York Jets, where he ap- want a new quarterback, and losing seasons? No. Is it cer- peared to prove the Packers Manning is one possibility for tain that Burnett will be as stretch to say that Burnett can I understand the concern tations in Pittsburgh are min- right with his poor play, and them. effective as he was four years hit that 200 mark again, now that Burnett struggled in New iscule compared to those for then to the Minnesota Vi- Their defense wasn’t at its ago? No. Nonetheless, this is a that he is back in the National York, as he did not put up the the Yankees. kings, who, under his great best last season, but it is still great move for the Pirates. League. Additionally, he will numbers he did in prior years. With the Yankees, the as- play, came within one game one of the better defenses in On KDKA Radio 93.7’s be in PNC Park, a pitcher’s Besides the aforementioned sumption is a World Series. In of the Super Bowl. the league. But their offense, “The Fan” last Friday, Pirates ballpark, whereas Yankee change of league and ballpark, Pittsburgh, the season is a glo- Manning is now in a simi- even with all its weapons at pitching coach Ray Searage Stadium is a batter’s para- rious success if the Pirates fin- lar situation. He is coming running back and wide re- said that Burnett would be dise with its easily cleared ish above .500. The decreased off his fourth neck surgery, ceiver, has stalled without the Pirates’ ace. If you look right-field fence. It is not a pressure will benefit Bur- and any team he signs with good quarterback play. The at the Pirates’ starting rota- Pirates fans can hope nett. Not everyone is born to is taking a risk that he will question for the Dolphins is tion before the trade — Erik for one of two things. The stretch to say pitch in New York’s spotlight. be able to perform near his whether to sign Manning, Bedard, Jeff Karstens, James first possibility is Burnett’s that Burnett Randy Johnson, Kenny Rog- old level — if he can play at the much older and injured MacDonald, Kevin Correia, re-emergence as a dominant ers, and Kevin Brown were all all. There are currently four talent, or a younger, up-and- and Charlie Morton — only pitcher, coinciding with some can hit that big-name, dominant pitchers teams rumored to have inter- coming quarterback. Bedard has ace-caliber pitch- of the young Pirates hitters who struggled in New York. est in Manning: the Arizona For the Jets, it all comes ing. The Pirates gave up two putting up big numbers. That 200 mark If Burnett puts up double- Cardinals, the Miami Dol- down to their trust in their minor leaguers, who got past could lead to a .500-plus re- again, now that digit wins and a sub-4.50 phins, the New York Jets, and young quarterback, Mark double-A ball, in exchange cord for the Pirates, and a pos- earned run average, he might the Colts. Each of these teams Sanchez. After making strides for a pitcher who can lead the sible title in a weaker National he is back in not consider it a personal suc- has strengths and weakness in his play two years ago, he starting rotation. League Central division. The the National cess. But even if Burnett were that can facilitate or hinder regressed last year and did Burnett is only four years other possibility is that Bur- to only put up such mediocre his success this season. not play at the level necessary removed from striking out nett enjoys his two years in League. numbers as those, this trade The Cardinals have a good for playoff contention. Play- 231 batters, and last year he Pittsburgh, and subsequently would still be a success for the supporting cast on both of- ing in New York would give struck out 173 in the Ameri- speaks highly of the team, so Pirates. This trade has made fense and defense, but since Manning a chance to play in can League. MacDonald led that other players might be joining the Pirates provides an the Pirates better, but the de- quarterback Kurt Warner’s the same city as his brother, the Pirates in strikeouts last more open to join the Pirates opportunity for Burnett to put gree of improvement is still a retirement in the season fol- season with just 142. It is not a in the future. up solid numbers. The expec- mystery. lowing their 2009 Super See MANNING, A7 Sweeney Todd School of Drama presents classic dark musical • B6

Distant Worlds Orchestra performs music from Final Fantasy • B4

02.27.12 Volume 106, Issue 20 ...this week only 3 Maya Lin The sculpture and landscape artist showcases a piece representing Pittsburgh rivers. 4 Distant Worlds The Distant Worlds Philharmonic Orchestra presents a Final Fantasy-themed concert. 5 Sleigh Bells Sophomore album from the noise pop duo falls short of their debut release. 6 Sweeney Todd The Carnegie Mellon School of Drama presents this classic dark musical. 7 Legume The local restaurant finds a home in a new location. 8 MOSAIC Carnegie Mellon hosts the annual gender conference. 10 Dogs and Cats 8 A Warhol exhibit at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History features domestic pets.

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

3 Advice 11 Comics Everything you need to know about friendships A hipster conundrum, fart jokes, and the and moving in. Muppets await you in this week’s comics. 5 Paperhouse 13 Puzzles Paperhouse talks about ZZK Records and the Challenge yourself with this week’s sudoku and rise of new cumbia artists. kakuro puzzles. 7 Dollar Movie 14 Horoscopes AB Films presents three movies this week in This week’s Insult’Oscopes poetically knock McConomy Auditorium. the wind out of your sails. 10 Did You Know? 15 Calendar Did you know that Pittsburgh is home to the Find out what’s happening on campus and United States’ largest nativity scene? around Pittsburgh this week.

CO-PUBLISHER Christa Hester CO-PUBLISHER Patrick Gage Kelley EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Emily Dobler PILLBOX EDITOR Allison Cosby ASSISTANT PILLBOX EDITOR Rachel Cohen COMICS EDITOR Nicole Hamilton ART EDITOR Adelaide Cole PHOTO EDITOR Jonathan Carreon COPY MANAGER Evan Kahn COVER Juan Fernandez

The Tartan . Box 119 . UC Suite 103 . Carnegie Mellon University . 5000 Forbes Ave . Pittsburgh, PA 15213 . www.thetartan.org . © 2012 The Tartan Maya Lin focuses on ground, water Advice for awkward people Museum showcases piece reflecting Pittsburgh’s rivers About friendships and moving in

Dear Patrick, Dear Patrick, “An architect, artist, and dedicated Security personnel and signs abound, reminding environmentalist.” patrons that the exhibits are off limits. This method, I’ve been blowing off my My girlfriend wants to as opposed to the pieces being surrounded by glass friend all week, but not move in with me next This is how the gallery guide at the Carnegie or some other covering, makes the exhibit feel more on purpose. How do I year. We’ve been dating Museum of Art describes Maya Lin. Lin is renowned interactive. Patrons have the ability to get close to not look like a tool when for about a year, and I for her pieces all over the world, and is known by the pieces and examine them fully, a detail that is I finally see them again like her quite a bit. But I many for designing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial much appreciated. Similarly, a lot of variety exists after avoiding them? just don’t think moving in in 1981. The artist’s exhibit, titled Maya Lin, opened in how pieces are presented. Some cover the floors, together is such a good on Feb. 11 and is housed on the second floor of the others are staged on pedestals, and still others reach Thanks, idea. What do you think? museum in the Heinz Architecture Center. almost to the ceiling. Busy All Day, Friend Requesting Intimate Sincerely, Entering the exhibit from the side of the grand The water-themed half of the exhibit includes more Exchanges, No Dice Seeking Partner Advice staircase allows patrons to enjoy an immersive individual pieces and covers three different rooms. Regarding Ensuing experience. Upon opening the glass doors, Lin’s two The first room includes a piece mimicking water Dear BAD FRIEND, Roommate, Other Options themes — ground and water — are juxtaposed on droplets, a large-scale canvas series, and a piece Missing each side of the hallway, with a view of Lin’s 2006 made of recycled glass. The second room includes Well, it really depends on piece “Wire Landscape” straight ahead. three pieces focused on rivers. The final water if the two of you are guys Dear SPARE ROOM, room contains three-dimensional interpretations of or girls. If you’re girls, then “Wire Landscape” was created from lines of three- bodies of water. Lin’s “Caspian Sea” appears to defy you should know that she’s DON’T DO IT. Sorry­ — that dimensional, darkly colored wire. Large in size the laws of gravity with its undersized base and a probably been complaining was just a gut reaction. Let’s and hung at eye level, the work naturally draws in surface that seems to jut out at the viewer. about you behind your back go through the pros and viewers because of its location and its contrast to the to all your mutual friends. cons. Pros: You get to see rest of the pieces in the exhibit. “The Pin River — Ohio (Allegheny & Monongahela)” When you finally hang out her a lot more, she’ll always is one of the highlights of the exhibit. Made of nails with her, she’s going to be be around when you’re To the right of the entrance is the ground-themed hammered into a canvas, the piece was created angry, but won’t say why. home, she’ll always know half of the exhibit, which features a small-scale piece specifically for the show and is Lin’s interpretation of You’ll just have to put up where you are. Cons: You of topography and what Lin calls paper landscapes. the convergence of Pittsburgh’s famous three rivers. with it. Wait until the next have to see her a lot more, These smaller pieces include Manhattan phone The nails cast interesting shadows on the canvas, time she gets drunk, and she’ll always be around books and a Rand McNally atlas that have each been crossing each other and appearing darker in some it will either be a tearful when you’re home, she’ll cut into in order to expose the inner pages, creating places than others due to the varied quantity of reconciliation of “I luv u always know where you a similar effect to the topographical work that Lin nails on the canvas. Beginning at ground level and soooo much, we’r BFFs are. Plus, if/when you break presents throughout the exhibit. Perched on solid reaching toward the ceiling, the piece is huge and 4evs,” or a lot of crying up, either she stays living white pedestals, but untouchable, these works allow very impressive to those familiar with how the three and screaming. Either way, with you and you have a for an up-close examination of Lin’s technique. rivers come together, despite their different origins. pretend like that night didn’t miserable rest of the year, or happen and get back to one of you moves out and Definitely not geared toward younger viewers, Maya normal. you have to find a new place Lin has a lot to offer whether you are an experienced to live or a new roommate. art critic or just a student looking to explore a bit of If you’re guys, then don’t So basically, DON’T DO IT. culture. The relaxing environment paired with the worry about it. He probably secluded location of the exhibit allows viewers the hasn’t noticed. Just buy him Moving in together is about chance to explore for as long as they like and lose a beer and you’ll be good. two steps removed from themselves in the art. If you’re mixed gendered getting married, and that’s friends, then just start dating way too much commitment already. Everyone’s been for a couple of idiot college Catherine Spence | Staffwriter waiting for it to happen. students. You’re better You guys are totally Ross off living separately but Maya Lin is open until May 13 at the Carnegie and Rachel, not Sam and still spending a lot of time Museum of Art, located at 4400 Forbes Ave. Diane. Then, when you guys together. That way you inevitably break up, you always have some place to won’t have to worry about go away from her. this anymore. DON’T DO IT, Or just cut off all contact Patrick Hoskins to avoid an awkward conversation, Need advice? Send queries Patrick Hoskins to [email protected]. “Blue Lake Pass,” a large-scale topographical piece in the exhibit, is made of Duraflake particleboard. Courtesy of The Pace Gallery art pillbox 02.27.12 3 Distant Worlds performs music of Final Fantasy Orchestra presents moving pieces to enthusiastic audience at the Benedum Center

The Distant Worlds Philharmonic Orchestra presented its Final Fantasy concert this past Saturday, where it was received by a crowd of hundreds at the Benedum Center downtown. “It’s because of you, the fans, that we are here,” said conductor Arnie Roth as he took the stage — and looking around, that was certainly true.

The Final Fantasy series of video games has its own cult- like fan following. The crowd was rife with everything from cosplayers dressed up as main characters from the series to fans in evening wear, ready for the symphony.

This symphony was a little different from others of its kind. The games are known as much for their narrative as their music, composed by Nobuo Uematsu. Each Final Fantasy title introduces a new and separate world, featuring a full cast of characters and epic plots. The games are always magical, a little over-the- top, and charming in their treatment of the fantasy genre. On Saturday, a tall projector screen served as a background to the orchestra, and during each song, an accompanying mélange of cut-scenes from the games played on the screen, sometimes perfectly synchronized with the music.

But even more wonderful was the way in which the visuals paid homage to the music, and vice versa. The orchestra got into stride with “Don’t Be Afraid” from Courtesy of Square Enix Final Fantasy VIII; meanwhile, a large mechanical war Cecil Harvey from FFIV was featured during “Theme of Love.” machine chased the game’s protagonists through a battle-torn city, down to where a ship waited to take them home. Friends,” was interrupted by a bit of mic feedback, but stage: Tami Fire as soprano, Juan de Leon as tenor, the rest of the pieces progressed smoothly, and Nakama and Kyle Oliver as bass. These three vocalists brought Next was a medley of the overworld theme from I, II, and seemed able to recover well from sound issues. life to a piece which originally wasn’t vocalized at all III, which is considered one of the most famous pieces — the original game has only lyric text overlaid during of Uematsu’s repertoire. Fans got teary-eyed hearing the “Chocobo Medley” had the audience cracking up, as the melody. The reinterpretation of the original piece nostalgic piece, which has callbacks throughout many the visuals paid tribute to the lovable yellow birds. brought wild screams and cheers from the audience. pieces in later Final Fantasy games. Chocobos are a method of transportation in the Final And “Terra’s Theme” served as the penultimate climax Fantasy series; much like large avian horses, characters of the concert — a classic favorite for fans of the earlier From there, vocalist Susan Calloway took the stage for can ride and train them. The goofy-looking birds got the games. “Eyes on Me.” Calloway is best known for her work on spotlight during this piece, and it was definitely the most the theme from FFXIV, the most recent Final Fantasy lighthearted arrangement in the show. Roth re-emerged from backstage to perform an encore MMORPG. Uematsu has specifically requested her following a standing ovation from the audience: “One vocal talents in the past, and it was easy to see why. The second half of the show had some of the most Winged Angel.” With original lyrics in Latin, the piece She handled the piece with more finesse than even the moving scenes in Final Fantasy history. “The Man with is difficult even for a full chorus to sing in sync, but original singer, Faye Wong; meanwhile, the audience the Machine Gun” followed the character Laguna Loire somehow Roth managed to rally the audience. “I said was treated to an homage of Final Fantasy characters in his military forays with his comrades. “Zanarkand” there’d be work involved,” he told the crowd with a Squall Leonhart and Rinoa Heartilly’s budding romance. allowed the audience a quiet moment as Yuna, the smile, directing participants to sing “SE-PHI-ROTH!” at The couple is a major focus of FFVIII’s conflict, and the esteemed summoner from FFX, performed a ceremony the correct pitch and timing. choice of this romantic piece was definitely a nod toward to pass on the souls of villagers killed at the hands of a that. vengeful deity. Men and women wept around her, as Overall, the show was a respectful and well-executed coffins floated silently on the water’s surface. “Aerith’s nod to a series that has shattered many walls in the From there, the first half of the concert was a blur Theme” displayed perhaps the most famous scene of video game medium. Roth hinted at the possibility of a of beautiful scenes and heartfelt moments; during all: As the character Aerith kneels quietly in prayer, she 25th-anniversary tour in the near future, so it’s possible “Blinded by Light,” the audience witnessed Final is struck down from behind by the villain Sephiroth as that there may be a tour returning to the city soon. Fantasy characters Vanille and Sazh sneaking onto a Cloud Strife helplessly watches. train into the city, from FFXIII; in “Dear Friends” and “Vamo’ alla Flamenco,” guitarist Shota Nakama played, The music really hit its stride during “Maria and Draco,” Katie Chironis | Online Editor accompanied by violins. The first of these, “Dear an operatic piece from FFVI. Three soloists took the music 4 pillbox 02.27.12 Reign of Terror disappoints Paperhouse Sophomore album pales in comparison to first release On ZZK Records

Part of what made Sleigh Bells’ 2010 release Treats on its own. “You Lost Me” is a dreamy pop ballad The future of music is blasting out of the sound system at so enjoyable was the band’s seemingly effortless with catchy vocals; unfortunately, the guitar riff is Zizek Club in Buenos Aires, Argentina. DJs and producers juxtaposition of loud, distorted rock guitar and calm, annoyingly repetitive and takes away from Krauss’ are mashing up cumbia (a popular Colombian genre), airy vocals. Singer Alexis Krauss’ voice stood out, simple, easy singing. reggae, hip-hop, and electronic music, creating a space working with guitarist Derek Miller’s chaos, not in which musicians can work with new ideas and giving competing with it. The noise pop duo appears to While some critics have praised the album for them the chance to show what they’re doing in the current have attempted to do this again with Reign of Terror, showing a more sophisticated approach, Reign music scene. but the result is an overly loud, unbalanced mess of of Terror is less successful for that exact reason. underdeveloped melodies and empty vocals. Although the duo might have planed these songs Zizek Club — arguably the epicenter of the borderline more carefully or made more conscious decisions avant-garde transformation of the Latin American sound of Throughout the album, Sleigh Bells merely amplifies about songwriting, the album seems to be trying cumbia — has created a whirlwind of energy in just a few their sound instead of adding depth or pushing too hard to find the balance that came so easily in years, spawning the acclaimed record label ZZK Records. their creativity in song writing. Krauss’ breathy Treats. vocals simply don’t stand up to the sound of the Established in 2008 by producer Grant Dull, ZZK Records added guitars. The resulting effect is a noise-heavy It’s hard to deny the catchy melody of “Rill Rill,” the now manages 11 “new cumbia” groups. ZZK belongs to a album that lacks interesting melodic content. hit song from Treats that you found yourself singing new movement of rhythms born out of cities that are being Poorly mastered and over-compressed, any sort of along to the first time you heard it. Reign of Terror, reinterpreted using electronic music to create something dynamic range in the album is lost. While this is a however, seems to lack such a singular, melodic new, fresh, and fun. Baile Funk from Brazil and Kuduro stylistic trend for the duo, it makes for a difficult and masterpiece. In fact, the album lacks any sort of hook from Angola were popularized by M.I.A. and Buraka Som exhausting 36 minutes of listening. to sing along to, leaving the listener disappointed Sistema, respectively, evidencing the rise of this global and lost in a sea of a half dozen guitars. The charm movement of sonic reinterpretation. The album opens with a live recording of “True that was all over Treats has all but dissipated into Shred Guitar,” featuring Krauss screaming “New the mess of this new release. The movement is exemplified by Tremor, an Argentine trio Orleans! What the f**k is up?” over heavy guitars on ZZK Records. Tremor bridges generations, genres, and and cheers from the audience. Setting the tone for The album ends on a much more enjoyable note geography through technology to produce its signature the rest of the album, Krauss succeeds in building than it begins — but that’s not saying much. If style. The group’s sound is equal parts electronic music energy, but is left competing with Miller’s guitar anything, Reign of Terror serves as a rude reminder and native drum. It owes as much to anthropology as it work. of the limits of compression. The album pales in does to popular music. comparison to the band’s first release and would The album does have some strong tracks. “Demons,” perhaps be best to listen to after a few drinks. Today, ZZK is home to the psychedelic cumbia of Fauna, a heavy, anthemic song with a simple but strong the experimental beats of Chancha Via Circuito, and the guitar riff and powerful vocals, stands out among the hard-hitting cumbia hypnotics of El Remolon, among other tracks. The song’s lyrics are lacking in quality, Allison Cosby | Pillbox Editor other artists. To experience the ZZK sound, the best place as with most songs on the album, but it can stand to start is its newest release Amazonico Gravitante by Argentinian artist Mati Zundel.

Juan Fernandez | Staffwriter

top 10 on WRCT 88.3 FM most played albums of the last week 1 The Black Keys — El Camino 2 Air — Le Voyage Dans La Lune 3 Dj Cosm — Time and Space 4 Dr. Dog — Be the Void 5 Brain Fruit — 1.1 6 Frank Macchia — Swamp Thang 7 Twink — Itsy Bits & Bubbles 8 R.E.M. — Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage, Courtesy of blikeng via Flickr 1982–2011 Derek Miller and Alexis Krauss, better known as the band Sleigh Bells, performing at The Deaf Institute in 9 Orange Goblin — A Eulogy for the Damned January 2011. 10 Jeff Gauthier Goatette — Open Source

music pillbox 02.27.12 5 Raise your razor for Sweeney Todd School of Drama presents dark musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

The infamous Sweeney Todd is currently slitting throats Todd made his grand entrance. The jaw-dropping students — is conducted on alternate nights by graduate in Carnegie Mellon’s Philip Chosky Theater. The School opening number set the tone for the rest of the show. music students Matthew Samson and Jan Pellant, and of Drama’s adaptation of Sweeney Todd: The Demon presents the music of Sondheim at its best. Barber of Fleet Street played its first performance last The staging of the show is a work of art in itself. The Thursday to a full house. School of Drama brought in a guest director, Joe Calarco, In addition to its exceptional creative team, Sweeney for this production. Working with a guest director Todd features a stellar cast. This masterpiece features music by composer Stephen allowed cast members to have a production experience Sondheim and a libretto by Hugh Wheeler. The story similar to what they will face when they enter the Milord performs well in the title role. He is dark, yet centers on Sweeney Todd (played by senior drama major industry. “It was very nice to have a true professional humane. Milord’s resonant voice is a good fit for the Denver Milord), a once-prominent barber driven mad setting,” said senior musical theatre major Lucia role and he shines in numbers like “My Friends” and after being imprisoned for 15 years on false charges. At Roderique, who played Mrs. Lovett. “[Calarco] brought “Epiphany.” Always at Sweeney’s side is the jolly Mrs. the opening of the show, Todd returns home with the that sense because he won’t stand anything else.” Lovett. Roderique’s performance is stunning throughout hope of being reunited with his family. However, he the show. Her voice is perfect for the role, and her acting soon learns that his wife poisoned herself after she was The work of scenic designer Brandon McNeel, master’s captures the character completely. raped by the corrupt Judge Turpin (played by senior student in the School of Drama, is stunning. The drama major Abdiel Vivancos). Todd swears revenge on show has a mysterious look that complements the The evil Judge Turpin is a vital character in the musical. the judge. The story is a dark one, filled with passion, score. The scenic design is accented by senior drama Vivancos’ portrayal of this vile character is very mystery, and despair. student Michael Berger’s lighting choices. The lighting satisfying. In his song “Johanna,” Vivancos delivers one throughout the show contributes greatly to the tone of of the most intense scenes in the show. This disturbing Over the years, there have been several versions of the this production. scene can only be pulled off with superb acting, and show. It premiered on Broadway in 1979 and has won Vivancos does not disappoint. eight Tony Awards. Since then, there have been several “Everyone who is the best in their major is involved in revivals and productions, including the recent Tim this production ... so I think we got the best team to do At the Judge’s side is the Beadle Bamford, played by Burton film adaptation starring Johnny Depp. one of the best musicals ever written,” Roderique said. senior drama major Grey Henson. Henson presents the perfect balance between the malicious antagonist and On Thursday, an enthusiastic audience came out to Visually, Sweeney Todd is a smashing success. the comedic relief. The audience was charmed by his experience the musical thriller. This performance was Actors enter the stage from above and below it. Props witty performance during “Parlor Songs.” a preview of the show — the first performance for a full seamlessly fly in from above the stage. The tall staircase audience. is used in a number of innovative ways, providing the Sweeney Todd’s ensemble also plays a vital role in this set for different scenes. This production also exhibits production. They hold each scene together, performing As the show began, the curtain rose, revealing a a steaming bake oven, a large meat grinder, gushing various tasks throughout the show. Group numbers such captivating set. Three large drapes formed walls around blood, and countless other visual excitements. as “The Ballad of Sweeney Todd” are very impressive the stage. A narrow staircase and a table with chairs thanks to these gifted actors. served as the major parts of the set. Several dimly lit The music, under the direction of Thomas Douglas, an chandeliers seemed to float above the stage. As the associate professor of drama, is the heart and soul of the The preview performance of Sweeney Todd received ensemble started singing “The Ballad of Sweeney Todd,” story. The orchestra — consisting of School of Music a standing ovation from the packed house. This was the start of what will no doubt be a successful run. “The show is fiercely fabulous,” remarked senior vocal performance major Katie Griffin after the show.

“I thought that the lighting was wonderful,” said junior economics major Erika Tang. “They made really bold choices and I thought it worked really well.”

Zachary Mendez | Junior Staffwriter

Sweeney Todd runs throuh Saturday, March 3. As of last Friday, all performances are sold out.

Senior musical theatre major Lucia Roderique and senior drama major Denver Milord play Mrs. Lovett and Sweeney Todd, respectively, in the drama school production of Sweeney Todd. Courtesy of Tom Strong

theater 6 pillbox 02.27.12 Legume finds home in new neighborhood Restaurant features expertly prepared food, maintains dedicated fan base in new location

After moving from Regent Square to North Oakland last side. Overall, the dish was enjoyable, though it seemed with cool jazz. The service, however, was efficient and September, Legume has been busy making a name for to lack any defining flavorful element. the staff was knowledgable and professional, making the itself in a new neighborhood. overall experience enjoyable. The second course of the evening was an endive salad The move was inspired in part by the size constraint of with pears, blue cheese, beets, and candied walnuts. Adjacent to the main dining area, the bar at Legume its previous location. The new space seats over 100 — A medley of textures and flavors, the salad was topped hosts regular DJs and bands throughout the week. There as opposed to just 32 before the move — and the new with a slightly tart dressing that was a nice balance to is live music every Tuesday at 9 p.m. — including bands kitchen is larger than the entire old restaurant. the creamy blue cheese and sweet walnuts. like Sleep Experiments, Armadillos, and Boca Chica — and local radio legend DJ Zombo plays every Wednesday The restaurant has marble flooring, which complements The main course — a sweet potato ravioli — was the at 9 p.m. the art deco light fixtures and decor. The sense highlight of the meal. The ravioli was topped with of openness highlights the pristine and opulent mushrooms and salsify, a root vegetable. Instead of While the price range may be a barrier for many environment, but the spaciousness tends to take away adding a heavy cream sauce to the dish, Legume kept students, Legume has an excellent, ever-changing menu from the intimacy of the restaurant. it simple and let the flavors of the ingredients speak and is a wonderful place to take a date or enjoy a nice for themselves. The dish was sweet without being meal while your parents are in town. While it now serves a wider range of customers such as overpowering, and the fresh, light flavor made for an students and other residents of Oakland, Legume has excellent dish. been able to maintain its previous fan base, and many of Allison Cosby | Pillbox Editor the original regulars still eat at the new location. With a For dessert: Caramel pots de crème with espresso diverse menu that changes daily, it’s easy to understand meringue and maldon salt. The caramel flavor was a Legume is located at 214 N. Craig St. and is open why people keep going back. The food is expertly bit overwhelming, creating an unnecessary richness. Monday-Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The bar is open prepared and there are plenty of vegetarian options. However, this dessert was perfect to share and was a from 4 p.m. to midnight daily. nice note to finish on. Last Friday, the albacore tuna tartare had a clean, fresh taste. A light starter plate listed under the “Nice Things Ranging from eclectic folk to dream pop, the music felt to Share” section of the menu, the tuna was served on inconsistent with the general vibe of the restaurant. The a plate with toasted bread and a few garnishes on the food and decorations would have been paired better

dollarmovie McConomy Auditorium, University Center Jesse Kummer | Staffwriter

Being Elmo The Muppets Hugo Thursday, March 1 Friday, March 2 Saturday, March 3 8 10 12 6 8 10 12 7:30 10 12:30

Being Elmo is an award-winning documentary about Released just three months ago, The Muppets is the Yes, you read correctly: The film that received the most Kevin Clash, the man who controls and voices the first film Disney has released about the Muppets in 16 nominations for the Academy Awards this year is playing beloved puppet Elmo. Narrated by Whoopi Goldberg, years. Jason Segel and Amy Adams star as a couple at Carnegie Mellon. Directed by Martin Scorsese, Hugo this film contains never-before-seen archival footage of that works with the world’s biggest Muppet fan to raise follows a boy who lives by himself in a railway station in the Jim Henson Workshop and a behind-the-scenes money and save the Muppet Theater from being torn Paris. He befriends the daughter of a toy shop owner look at Sesame Street. Featuring interviews with Frank down. This flick started development four years ago, and becomes wrapped up in a mystery surrounding one Oz (who voices Miss Piggy and Fozzie Bear) and several when Segel and Nicholas Stoller originally pitched a of his late father’s inventions. Filmed in 3D, this family- other puppeteers, this movie offers a rare look into new Muppet movie to Walt Disney Studios. Fun Fact: friendly mystery is a visually fantastic movie that has this business and a good long glimpse back at your The movie features cameo appearances by many of repeatedly been called one of the best to come out in childhood. Fun Fact: Elmo’s birthday is Feb. 3, 1972. Hollywood’s stars, and at least a dozen other cameos 2011. Fun Fact: This is Scorsese’s first film in 12 years had to be cut due to time constraints. that does not star Leonardo DiCaprio, and his first film to be rated PG in 18 years.

community pillbox 02.27.12 7 The closing keynote address, led by CEO of Good MOSAIC: annual conference on gender issues Fruit Expressive Arts Angela Tatum Fairfax, actually had guests undergo dance movement therapy to Campus-wide event discusses gender roles, reveals need for greater emphasis on gender program demonstrate how body movement can be an expression of gender.

by Rachel Cohen | Assistant Pillbox Editor has raised in years past. “I think it does a really great job the smaller numbers created an intimate setting, which The personal nature of many of these sessions, as well as [ ] of bringing those issues to campus,” said Lisa Tetrault, made more personal discussions possible. the eye-opening topics they explored, allowed for very an associate professor of history at Carnegie Mellon who open discussions between speakers and listeners. Many From street harassment to religious gender implications, specializes in United States women’s history. The conference began with T.J. Jourian’s opening in attendance shared their own experiences and reasons Sunday’s MOSAIC Gender Conference brought rare but keynote speech on the transgender experience, “The for their interest in gender issues. At times, the listeners important discussions of social gender constructions to While MOSAIC, and programs like it, exist to expose Fluidity of My Journey with Gender and Privilege.” had just as much insight to offer as the speakers who ran center stage. Every year, the MOSAIC conference tackles Carnegie Mellon students to gender studies and issues, Jourian, a guest from Vanderbilt University, discussed the sessions. issues of gender and explores them in unconventional a vast number of students are unaware that these his own personal trials in search of identity and ways. This year’s conference featured sessions led by opportunities are available to them. The conference the difficulties of engaging in discussions of self. This inviting atmosphere was exactly what organizers faculty, staff, students, and guest speakers — each aimed to discuss issues that, according to many “Exclaiming ourselves is like declaring a war,” he said, were going for. In the world of gender studies, “anyone exposing attendees to provocative and insightful students, are given little attention at Carnegie Mellon. speaking of the challenging process of defining one’s is welcome to come,” Tetrault said. In her words, “the material on the ways in which society constructs gender. With a predominantly technically focused student body, identity. spirit of learning, of growing, and of questioning” was the topic of gender issues is often overlooked. “We don’t embodied in Sunday’s conference. Katherine Bates, a member of the MOSAIC planning talk about it as much,” Bates said. “It’s not a real focus On another personal note, fifth-year philosophy major committee and a senior cognitive psychology major, was here.” Jessica Dickinson Goodman’s session on street According to Molly Walter, a member of the MOSAIC optimistic about the 2012 conference. Speaking before harassment addressed how women’s ownership of their planning committee and a senior cognitive science the conference, Bates said, “This year we have more MOSAIC 2012: Gender Movements bodies comes under attack on the streets. Drawing major, the conference plans its sessions with a diverse people registered, more people talking about the issues.” on her own experience as well as others’ testimonies audience in mind, catering to a variety of interests and According to Bates, the target of the conference is “to This year’s MOSAIC conference offered insightful — including those of guests in the room — Goodman backgrounds. “There is a session for everyone,” she said. get all of us talking about issues that we don’t really dialogue between knowledgeable and provocative emphasized that unwanted attention should not be a think about.” But the open invitation to join did not reach all corners of speakers and engaged students and guests. Sessions necessary price to pay for being female. “Just because Jennifer Coloma | Staff ranged from street harassment to the stereotypes in Mad I’m in a girl body doesn’t mean you can treat me this campus. The female and LGBTQ presence at the event Organizers and supporters of MOSAIC were enthusiastic Men to gender roles in dance movement therapy. Each way,” she said. was strong, but the turnout was not representative of Jessica Dickinson Goodman (a fifth-year philosophy major) presented a session emphasizing the importance of about the awareness and discussion that the conference session only had about 15 people in attendance, but the entire campus community. A greater diversity of websites like HarassMap that contribute to stopping public gender violence. Like Jourian and Goodman, Carnegie Mellon Coordinator perspectives may have further enriched the insightful of Gender Programs Jeannine Heynes connected to but somewhat one-sided dialogue. her audience by sharing her personal struggle with Awareness is crucial for the success of programs reconciling her female gender and her religious devotion. According to Walter, drawing interest from all groups on like MOSAIC. Anya Weitzman, a senior Bachelors of Heynes’ session, “Thank God, for Gender,” explored campus remains an important goal for the conference. Humanities and Arts student in art and anthropology, the gender constructions in Judeo-Christian religions In particular, Walter wishes that more students saw the said that despite her interest in gender studies, this year and the ways in which those constructions dictate our topic of gender as more accessible and universal. “I want was the first she had heard of the conference. “I wish I lives. Heynes pointed to the traditional white-bearded people to know that MOSAIC isn’t just for girls or LGBT knew about it before,” she said. image of God and general resistance to referring to God or crazy feminists,” she said. “I don’t think guys should as “She” as examples of the barriers against female be afraid to come.” After taking Tetrault’s Body Politics course, a class on authority that religion imposes on secular society. women’s health, Weitzman’s eyes were opened to the Campus Awareness opportunities available to her in gender studies. If she The program offered several sessions at the same time, could do it over again, Weitzman said, she would have so guests could select topics that most appealed to The meager attendance of the conference was in part studied art and gender studies. Weitzman’s advice for them. Other sessions ranged from an LGBTQ workshop due to students’ lack of awareness of the opportunities the organizers of MOSAIC was to “advertise more.” that explored gender nonconformity, led by Carnegie to discuss gender issues. The first step is discovering Mellon Coordinator of LGBTQ programs and ALLIES that the program exists. Many students are unaware of Despite the general lack of awareness about the gender advisor Meg Evans, to Carnegie Mellon Associate the academic opportunities open to them, and others studies program at Carnegie Mellon, many opportunities Director of Student Life Lucas Christain’s examination discover them too late. exist for students. Learning about the university’s of white masculine gender roles. Christain’s workshop program and being involved in events like MOSAIC broke down stereotypes for a group that is not typically According to Tetrault, the students who are able to take provides students with meaningful opportunities to considered to be marginalized. advantage of the gender studies department are those discuss the important issues surrounding gender. who start exploring early. “It depends on how lucky you Carnegie Mellon associate teaching professor Chante are to discover these things early on in your college Cox Boyd took a more psychological approach by career,” she said. examining social groups and the negative stereotypes within them. At a technically focused university with many structured majors, finding time to branch out is often difficult and undervalued. But exploring academically, Tetrault said, is vital to the complete college experience: “I think one When registering for the conference, attendees of the most important things you can do when you’re in received a folder with a schedule of the day’s events Meg Evans, Carnegie Mellon coordinator of LGBTQ college is to take something outside of your interest now and other informational material like this infographic of programs, led an interactive workshop that focused and then.” the transgender umbrella. on the intersection of gender and sexual orientation.

Courtesy of thegenderbook.com Jennifer Coloma | Staff

feature feature 8 pillbox 02.27.12 pillbox 02.27.12 9 Did you know? Pets reign at Warhol exhibit Dogs and Cats explores the man-and-animal relationship An article appears in a paper in Wilmerding, a nearby town, stating that Carnegie Tech students acted out of Thanks to a recent partnership between the Andy 100 line while visiting. The students were years ago Warhol Museum and the Carnegie Museum of accused of rowdy behavior and acting Natural History, fans of cats, dogs, and Andy Warhol Feb. 22, 1912 unfit to be called gentlemen. The can experience Warhol’s 1976 ode to man’s faithful article urges young men to remember companions: the Dogs and Cats print series. not to tarnish the school’s reputation wherever they choose to go. Together, the museums have dedicated the space just preceding the Benedum Hall of Geology in the Keeping with the Carnegie Mellon Carnegie Museum of Natural History to exhibiting spirit of hard work and disapproval of Warhol’s varied print work. Dogs and Cats is the 50 wasted time, a sophomore mechanical second exhibit to be held in this space. It follows years ago engineer complains in a Letter to the another exhibit that displayed Warhol’s prints of Editor that waiting until 8:30 a.m. to endangered species. The collaborative effort to put March 7, 1962 open the library wastes precious time. together Dogs and Cats was organized by Natural The author claims that students’ time History director Sam Taylor and Warhol director Eric could be better spent studying than Shiner. socializing outside the building. In a press release, the Carnegie Museum of Natural The Tartan continues to follow the History expressed the significance of exhibiting murder of a student at nearby Robert these portraits: “These works remind us of the 25 Morris University by a Carnegie Mellon complex relationships between humans and years ago student. After being taken into custody, domesticated animals.” Although the museum Andy Warhol, Dog (Dachshund), 1976 © AWF the accused confessed to the murder, claims that examples of this long and intertwined Andy Warhol’s Dogs and Cats print series features March 3, 1987 and The Tartan managed to trudge up history can be found throughout the museum — in animals such as the dachshund. all the scandalous details surrounding exhibits like the Walton Hall of Ancient Egypt’s the case. Student responses to the cat mummies and the Polar World’s depiction of situation appear to be non-existent. Inuit reliance on dogs for transportation — the Dogs and Cats’ vibrant colors and energetic justification is weak. swatches of paint contrast the rigid tension created “Diversity” is an ever-controversial topic by the exhibit’s wallpaper. The backdrop of the in the world of college admissions, and There simply isn’t a lot in the Carnegie Museum of current exhibit, a three-color wallpaper print on one Tartan writer has had enough. In Natural History that deeply explores the relationship sand-colored paper, is actually a reproduction of 10 of man and domestic animals. While it may not meet the fish wallpaper that was created as a backdrop years ago a Forum article, he speaks out against Carnegie Mellon’s policy of attempting the expressed purpose, Dogs and Cats does provide for Warhol’s exhibition Painting for Children at the Feb. 25, 2002 to diversify the campus. He argues a colorful passage for museum patrons. Bruno Bischofberger Gallery in Zurich, Switzerland, that skin color and ethnic background in 1983. Like much of his art, this backdrop was do not make a student a more eligible The Dogs and Cats series is among Warhol’s lesser- visually engaging because of its hypnotic repetition. applicant for admission. known works. The eight silk-screened painting set features common house cats and dog breeds Despite the interesting background, the mundane A newly published book, Steel Your such as the Great Dane, West Highland Terrier, and subject matter of domestic pets does not create Heart, offers readers 250 reasons to Dachshund. The series began in 1976, when art as much excitement as the previous exhibit’s love Pittsburgh. The review of the book collector Peter Brant commissioned Warhol to paint endangered species prints did. As such, the fish years5 ago points out some favorite reasons and his Cocker Spaniel named Ginger. Warhol made two backdrop is an essential element of the curated urges readers to remember why living paintings of Ginger, as well as numerous drawings. exhibit that prevents the room from feeling too Feb. 26, 2007 in Pittsburgh is such a fun experience Brant liked these works and encouraged Warhol to sparse. for students. One reason is that do a whole series of cat and dog drawings. Pittsburgh hosts the largest nativity Despite Dogs and Cats’ small size as an exhibit scene in the United States. When viewed, a juxtaposition of eeriness and and its seemingly lofty mission, the exhibit is a vibrant personality comes forth from the depicted pleasantly whimsical contemporary experience that A collaborative question-answering pets. This eeriness is likely due to Warhol’s decision will add to patrons’ museum visits. computer project between IBM and to use stuffed animals for his first cat and dog Carnegie Mellon, fondly named Watson, photos. He took this approach because of the year1 ago competed and won a game of Jeopardy! difficulty he initially faced when staging the pets. Juan Fernandez | Staffwriter against two of the game show’s most The subsequent paintings Warhol completed were Feb. 21, 2011 successful participants. Watson is done from photographs of cats and dogs and, given designed to answer questions by his predisposition to work from photographs as an interpreting data on its own. illustrator, it is easy to understand why the later pets are so vibrant and infused with personality. Catherine Spence | Staffwriter

art 10 pillbox 02.27.12 [email protected]

Online at www.licd.com and www.lfgcomics.com

Apartment 4H by Joe Medwid and Dave Rhodenbaugh jmedwid@andrew

Online at www.4hcomic.com

comics pillbox 02.27.12 11 Hipster Conundrum by Doghouse Diaries

[email protected]

Hark, a Vagrant by Kate Beaton

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comics 12pillbox 02.27.12 Sudoku Puzzle: Medium Difficulty Kakuro Puzzle: Hard Difficulty

Sudoku courtesy of www.opensky.ca/~jdhildeb/software/ Kakuro courtesy of www.krazydad.com/kakuro/ sudokugen/ Fill all empty squares using numbers 1 to 9 so the sum of each row equals the clue on its left, and the sum of each column equals the clue on its top. No number may be used in the same row or column more than once.

Solutions from Feb. 20, 2012

Crossword Easy Difficulty Very Hard Difficulty

puzzles pillbox 02.27.12 13 The Bard’s Insult’Oscopes “[Thou art] a pipe for Fortune’s finger to sound what stop aries she please.” —Hamlet march 21–april 19

“[Thou art] a flesh monger, a fool, and a coward.” taurus —Measure for Measure april 20–may 20

“I think thou wast created for men to breath themselves gemini upon thee.” —All’s Well That Ends Well may 21–june 21

“Thy head stands so tickle on thy shoulders, that a cancer milkmaid, if she be in love, may sigh it off.” —Measure for june 22–july 22 Measure

“Your virginity, your old virginity is like one of our French leo wither’d pears: It looks ill, it eats drily.” —All’s Well That july 23–aug. 22 Ends Well

Crossword courtesy of BestCrosswords.com “Degenerate and base art thou.” —The Two Gentlemen of virgo Verona aug. 23–sept. 22 Across Down 1. Land’s end? 1. Fair 6. Bump into 2. Composed 10. Auto pioneer 3. Take ____ from me “Thou elvish-mark’d, abortive, rooting hog!” —Richard III 14. Like Cheerios 4. Phnom ____ libra 15. Cartoonist Peter 5. Hire sept. 23–oct. 22 16. “You are ____” 6. Feudal estate 17. Toss 7. Wipeout? 18. Defense grp. since 1949 8. Med. specialty 19. End in ____ (draw) 9. Proceed in a leisurely way scorpio “[Thou art] sick in the world’s regard, wretched and low, a 20. Umbilicus 10. Butler’s love poor unminded outlaw sneaking home.” —Henry IV, part I 22. Economy 11. Admit oct. 23–nov. 21 24. Mentor 12. Tendency 25. Simple shed 13. Handle 26. 3.26 light years 21. “Filthy” money 30. Monetary unit of Cambodia 23. Serf “[Thou] shall stand in fire up to the navel and in ice up sagittarius 32. Caspian Sea feeder 26. Cougar to th’heart, and there th’offending part burns and the 33. Film spool 27. Bedouin nov. 22–dec. 21 deceiving part freezes.” —The Two Noble Kinsmen 35. Fertile area in a desert 28. ____ avis 40. Semper Fi sayers 29. Split 42. Correspondences 31. In a bad way “False face must hide what the false heart doth know.” 44. Become less intense, die off 34. “____ quam videri” (North 45. Charon’s river Carolina’s motto) capricorn —Macbeth dec. 22–jan. 19 47. Milk source 36. Kofi ____ Annan 48. “A Death in the Family” author 37. Goes out with 50. Stops 38. Dies ____ 52. Having a handle 39. Fast fliers “In civility thou seem’st so empty.” —As You Like It 56. Beat it! 41. Cool! aquarius 58. Security round 43. Dig out jan. 20–feb. 18 59. Person behind bars? 46. Having a valid will 64. Former name of Thailand 49. Ethiopian baboon 65. Addis _____ 51. Hot time in Paris 67. Opera set in Egypt 52. Church areas “You should be women, and yet your beards forbid me to 68. Ashtabula’s lake 53. Currency unit in Nigeria pisces interpret that you are so.” —Macbeth 69. Coup _____ 54. Stigma feb. 19–march 20 70. Timetable, for short 55. Equipped 71. Quartz grains 57. Clique Nicole Hamilton | Comics Editor 72. “Die Fledermaus” maid 60. Impetuous 73. Coop group 61. Greek goddess of victory 62. Biblical garden 63. X-ray units 66. Night spot Insult’Oscopes 14pillbox 02.27.12 MONDAY2.27.12 FRIDAY3.2.12

Interval Monday. AVA Lounge. 9 p.m. 21+ Native Pennsylvania, A Wildflower Walk. Fifth Floor, This weekly jazz night will feature a live performance by Hunt Library. Through June 29. Classifieds The Interval Trio & Friends. Other DJs will also perform, all Featuring native wildflowers of Pennsylvania, this Fox Chapel home for sale 4 bedrooms, 4 playing jazz vinyl. exhibition is a collaboration between the Hunt Institute baths; cathedral ceilings; 2 fireplaces; 2 car and the botany department at the Carnegie Museum of garage. Mother-in-law suite with separate TUESDAY2.28.12 Natural History. The exhibit includes herbarium specimens entrance; in-ground pool; 1-1/2 acres. and 36 watercolors by Richard Crist, with a focus on Pariah. 720 Records. 9 p.m. endangered and rare species in Pennsylvania. Easy access to Oakland, Squirrel Hill, and 720 Records will be showing Pariah, the final installment Pittsburgh. $550,000 for sale by owner - in its Black History Month independent film series. Unblurred. Penn Avenue Arts District. 6 p.m. 412/370-0084. The film follows the story of a young man in Brooklyn On the first Friday of each month, various galleries in searching for sexual freedom while risking friendship, love, the Penn Avenue Arts District (4800–5500 Penn Ave.) and family. The film was featured in the 2011 Sundance showcase a variety of artwork and performances. This Film Festival. Friday, National Book Award-winner and Carnegie Mellon ONGOING professor of English Terrance Hayes will be hosting a WEDNESDAY2.29.12 poetry reading at Voluto Coffee. Intimate Science. Miller Gallery. Through March 4. The ongoing exhibition showcases interdisciplinary Pittsburgh Speaker Series: Azar Nafisi. Heinz Hall. Carmelita Tropicana. The Andy Warhol Museum. 8 p.m. artists who incorporate science and technology into their 8 p.m. Cuban-born performance artist Alina Troyano (Carmelita creative processes, as well as scientists who use their Bestselling author Azar Nafisi will give a talk on her life Tropicana) will show a combination of two works: technology and resources to create art. as a secular woman in Islamic Iran. The talk will include Homage to Jack, a piece about her first encounter with stories from her memoir, Reading Lolita in Tehran. “the godfather of performance art” Jack Smith, and About Face. The Andy Warhol Museum. Through Ole/Ghost, a story about lost love and obsession. May 13. THURSDAY3.1.12 New York photographer Arne Svenson created a series of SATURDAY3.3.12 three-dimensional, large-format portraits in collaboration River City Brass: Fabulous ’50s. Carnegie Music Hall. with The Warhol. The portraits are mounted on the wall 7:30 p.m. Caravan of Thieves. Club Cafe. 7 p.m. and fixed open at a 55-degree angle, so patrons can River City Brass will play classic music from the post- Gypsy swing and pop band Caravan of Thieves will view the neutral portrait from one angle and see an World War II era, including popular rock songs like “Rock perform. The band creates a mixture of pop and balkan accompanying portrait of an emotional motivator from Around the Clock” and “La Bamba.” folk by using a variety of instruments, including upright another. bass, violin, and acoustic guitar. Oberhofer. Andy Warhol Museum. 8 p.m. New York indie pop quartet Oberhofer will perform at ’90s Nite. Belvedere’s. 9 p.m. 21+ Compiled by Allison Cosby | Pillbox Editor The Warhol. This installment of the monthly series will feature Belvedere’s resident DJs Thermos and Sean MC. Video Want your event here? projections will be provided by local artist Neil Henke. Email [email protected].

calendar pillbox 02.27.12 15 a cappella.

Courtesy of Liana Kong Carnegie Mellon a cappella groups The Originals and Counterpoint competed in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) last Saturday at Pennsylvania State University. Each group performed a 12-minute-maximum choreographed set. Soloists and first-year music majors Ethan Crystal (above) and Stephen Murphy (below) helped The Originals receive second runner-up in the competition.

gallery 16pillbox 02.27.12