The California Tech [email protected] Volume CXVII Number 4 Pasadena, California tech.caltech.edu October 21, 2013 Caltech’s Fall Career Fair: Frosh perspective

SHANNON WANG and be judged. You are and stop with the arm-flailing Contributing Writer free to judge, too. So works about as well as staring. judge away, because 4) Bring a whole stack of Let me get this out of your opinion of a your resumes, because there are the way: I’m not an avid company should be opportunities for freshmen. Even fan of career fairs and this just as important as those who aren’t outright hiring piece isn’t an advertisement their opinion of you. are still handing out business cards for future fairs. Jobs are the 2) You will and telling you to keep in touch. proverbial carrots in most screw up. You will You will be talking to recruiters of these events, and even fumble through from Microsoft, Intel, Goldman when the opportunities the conversation Sachs and the like. Not all of them are real, the fairs can still and you will wince were willing to take freshmen, but be nightmarish. Career whenever you recall it’s worth a try. fairs aren’t designed with that particular booth Even more importantly, don’t introverts in mind and and hate yourself for go into the fair with an attitude they’re just as dreadful for being curious enough as pessimistic as mine. I won’t even the most outgoing to inquire about that natter on about the fair being a and vivacious applicants, company, but if you’re great opportunity to network and because no one is safe from socialize, but I will being The Poor Schmuck – say that it gives you the one who’s been standing perspective. It goes third in line forever as the without saying that volume of the recruiting Techers are brilliant conversation ahead soars and resourceful: to all-time high and the recruiter offer me a job. I hadn’t prepared we can carve out launches into another speech a thirty-second self-introduction our own niches in with furious head-bobbing and because one look at my name the world if there wild gesticulating. But despite all badge told the recruiters all they aren’t ones already this gripping drama, I still believe needed to know about me: year waiting for us. But a that attending the career fair is a and major. I had never felt more career fair serves to worthwhile experience. socially inept — I drew blanks on remind Techers that I was that poor schmuck during career fair etiquette. Do I continue there is a place for us Tuesday’s career fair, feeling standing here? Or should I move? in the world where horribly out of place as I waited Will it look bad if I stop waiting in our talents are both behind a graduate student who line? Where do I move to? How wanted and needed. had much more business standing do I start up a conversation when It reminds Techers there than I did. I had no resume. I everyone looks busy? And the of all the good they didn’t come with high expectations most important question: How do dreamed of doing of landing an internship, because I keep from being judged? and helps bring all it was painfully obvious I was a I suspect that this is what most of those dreams to kid fresh out of high school and the freshmen present at the fair felt. fruition. Perhaps nobody in his right mind would I suspect that this is what the other Caltech students talk to potential employers about internship and job opportunities. some of the jobs freshmen will feel when -Bob Paz are still carrots, and they attend the upcoming have learned how to make their perhaps you’ll still fairs in winter and spring. future job-hunting as painless as lucky, you’ll leave with a free t-shirt find yourself as The Poor Schmuck. In this issue And I suspect that at the possible. For the frosh who didn’t and an armful of brochures anyway. But there will be opportunities that end of their experiences, attend and are curious, here are the 3) Don’t stand in line. Come suit you and there will be at least they will have declared the conclusions I have drawn: back later if you must, but don’t one enlightening conversation — whole ordeal to have been 1) Career fairs are judgment waste time staring plaintively at the and really, what else are you going NEWS worth it, because they will zones. People are there to judge recruiters. Willing them to finish to do in that hour? New events from the Caltech Y 3 News briefs from around the globe Helping readers burst out of the Caltech bubble

OPINION Brad urges us to Need to know < 100 words about the world this week – topics sorted from good to bad stick to our sizes4 by The Tech Eds

FEATURE Hostages arrive home 9 Lebanese citizens captured by rebels in Syria in 2012 were released [BBC] Interview with Pro- Titanic violin auctioned $1.45M was the price the violin (played as the Titanic sank) fetched [BBC] fessor Nets Katz 5 US to donate to Pakistan $1.5-billion assistance package planned for programs in Pakistan [NYT]

Gay adoption approved 1st woman in France allowed to adopt her wife’s biological children [TIME]

SPORTS Toyota recalls faulty cars 885,000 vehicles were recalled due to water leakage from AC unit [BBC] Women’s volley- ball team earns 7 Bushfires wreak havoc 200 homes and 91,400acres have been burned in New South Wales [BBC] two victories Deadly earthquake hits 7.1 in magnitude, an earthquake in the Philippines killed at least 183 [CNN] ews 2 October 21, 2013 N THE CALIFORNIA TECH

Last week’s ASCIT Minutes* Food with Mannion! *(Since ASCIT didn’t send us any)

Do you like eating food? Minutes for October 9, 2013. Taken by Catherine Jamshidi How about free food at nice restaurants? Ever want to tell the world exactly what you think of President’s Report (Zach): said food? New important times: ASCIT will meet every Wednesday at 10pm in SAC 15. The Tech will be beginning a new column to chroni- ARC will meet every Sunday at 3pm in the SFL MCR. cle the foodie experiences of new writers every other IHC meets every Tuesday at 12pm in the house dining week...The Catch: They’ll be going head-to-head with halls. Tom Mannion who will be reviewing the same restau- Officer’s Reports: rant. If you have ever thought you were more of a gour- V.P. of Academic Affairs (ARC Chair: Malvika): mand than our resident master chef, now’s your chance The ARC is looking for students that are interested in advising the to prove it! Faculty Committee about what to do with the 9th floor space in Email us for a spot on the list at [email protected] Millikan Library. Anyone interested should contact Malvika at [email protected] Should we not let students view grades until they fill out TQFRs? There was an Ombuds Training Session on Friday at the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Outreach that geared towards The California Tech freshmen and sophomores to prepare them for their roles as ombuds. Caltech 40-58, Pasadena, CA 91125 The ARC is looking for 2 frosh ARC reps. Interviews will be this advertising e-mail: [email protected] Write editorial e-mail: [email protected] Sunday from 3-5 pm on campus.

Editors-in-Chief V.P. of Non-Academic Affairs (IHC Chair: Connor): Jonathan Schor articles for Stanford Schor Rotation happened, and it went well. News Editors Neera Shah In light of recent events, the IHC is looking at more formal Nehaly Shah the Tech procedures for approving Rotation activities. Photography Editor The South House RLC search committee has made a Alex Hsu recommendation; we are hoping s/he will start near the beginning of November.

Director of Operations (Connie):

Would like to have more ways of advertising clubs (more than just the club fair and a list on Donut). Staff Club (re-) registration is going on now. More information can be Brad Chattergoon Malvika Verma found at www.clubs.caltech.edu ASCIT Inventory: Working to standardize the process for lending equipment out to houses/GSC for parties and checking it back in in a timely manner.

Treasurer (Monica):

Club Funding Day is October 27th. Would like to come up with a system where people requesting reimbursements for purchases must meet with Monica at a specific time/place so as to lessen the amount of back-and-forth emailing happening now to meet up with someone. Circulation Manager Michael Paluchniak Will send out details regarding new reimbursement procedure. Advisor Richard Kipling Social Director (Michelle):

The Tech is published weekly except dur- ing vacation and examination periods by End of Rotation party was cancelled, but Page is working to the Associated Students of the California Institute of Technology, Inc. The opinions reschedule it (tentatively this Friday). expressed herein are strictly those of the authors and advertisers. The Carnival was last Saturday and went well. Letters and submissions are welcome; e- mail submissions to [email protected] as Fleming Frosh Party is happening this Saturday, October 19th. plain-text attachments, including the au- thor’s name, by Friday of the week before publication. The Tech does accept anony- mous contributions under special circum- Secretary (Cat): stances. The editors reserve the right to edit and abridge all submissions for any reason. All written work remains property of its author. The Health Advocates Page on Donut has been updated with The advertising deadline is 5 PM Friday; all advertising should be submitted elec- tronically or as camera-ready art, but The current information. It can be found at http://donut.caltech.edu/ Tech can also do simple typesetting and ascit/Health_Advocates arrangement. All advertising inquiries get paid up to $30 should be directed to the business man- ager at [email protected]. For subscrip- If you notice any pages on Donut that do not have up to date tion information, please send mail to “Subscriptions.” information, please send me an email and I will try to fix it immediately! THE CALIFORNIA TECH ews N October 21, 2013 3 NOMINATE YOUR FAVORITE PROFESSOR FOR THE FEYNMAN TEACHING PRIZE!

Here’s your chance to nominate your favorite professor for the 2013-14 Richard P. Feynman Prize for Excellence in Teaching! You have from now until January 2, 2014 to submit your nomination package to the Provost’s Office to honor a professor who demonstrates, in the broadest sense, unusual ability, creativity, and innovation in undergraduate and graduate classroom or laboratory teaching.

The Feynman Prize is made possible through the generosity of Ione and Robert E. Paradise, with additional contributions from an anonymous local couple. Nomina- tions for the Feynman Teaching Prize are welcome from faculty, students, postdoc- toral scholars, staff, and alumni.

All professorial faculty of the Institute are eligible. The prize consists of a cash award of $3,500, matched by an equivalent raise in the annual salary of the awardee. A let- ter of nomination and detailed supporting material, including, but not limited to, a curriculum vitae, course syllabus or description, and supporting recommendation letters should be emailed to [email protected] or directed to the Feynman Prize Se- lection Committee, Office of the Provost, Mail Code 206-31, at the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, 91125. Nomination packages are due by Janu- ary 2, 2014.

Additional information including guidelines for the prize and FAQ may be found at http://provost.caltech.edu/FeynmanTeachingPrize. Further information can also be obtained from Karen Kerbs (626-395-6039; [email protected]) in the Provost’s Office. Caltech Y Column: Look out for new events

PHOEBE ANN engagement, activism, and Santoso at santoso.laura@gmail. motivated high school students. from the Master of Student Houses LAURA SANTOSO leadership. com. Some of the subjects being tutored (MOSH). Contributing Writers The Caltech Y’s mission and are AP Chemistry, AP Physics, and core values stand on five key pillars: Upcoming Events: AP Calculus. 4. Ice Cream Competition Hi everyone! This is the Caltech leadership, civic engagement, 1. Rise Tutoring Program For more info and to RSVP In an effort to further familiarize Y Column, designed to inform you service, adventure, and perspective. Mon.-Thurs. | 4-6pm | Winnett, Email Josie Kishi atjkishi@caltech. students with the location and about the Y and the opportunities Regardless of which pillars capture 2nd Floor edu. services of the Caltech Y, ExComm we provide for you to inspire your your interest, feel free to attend any The Caltech Y Rise Program will be holding a competition, with passions, whether by participating of the below programs, or contact is currently accepting new tutors. 3. Explore LA: Cirque Du the help of Tom Mannion, among in our programs or leading your us to organize your own! The Rise Program is an afterschool Soleil’s new show TOTEM the undergrad and grad houses to own! Here’s a sampling of past math and science-focused tutoring Friday | October 25th | 8:00 pm | come up with the best new flavor Founded by students in 1916, programs held by the Y: program that serves public school San Pedro, Port of Los Angeles of ice cream. The winners and, of the Y was organized to provide • Alternative Spring Breaks: students between grades 8 and 12. Note: tickets are sold out. course, tasting opportunities will extracurricular activities planned Costa Rica, New York, Yosemite, The tutoring takes place on TOTEM traces the fascinating take place at the Y. and implemented by students as San Diego, San Francisco the Caltech campus Monday- journey of the human species from Date(s) and more details to an opportunity to gain leadership • Make-A-Difference Day: Thursday from 4pm-6pm. For its original amphibian state to its come. skills and discover their passions Hillsides Home for Children, LA more information about the ultimate desire to fly. and themselves. County Arboretum and Botanic program and to apply please visit Inspired by many founding The mission of today’s Caltech Garden, Children’s Hospital our website at: http://caltechy.org/ myths, it illustrates, through a If you have any questions at Y remains the same—to provide Los Angeles (Coachart), Eaton programs_services/tutoring/. visual and acrobatic language, the all, feel free to contact the Caltech opportunities that will prepare Canyon, Lifeline for Pets evolutionary progress of species. Y at (626) 395-6163 or caltechy@ students to become engaged, • Explore LA: Lakers game, 2. Hathaway Sycamores Somewhere between science and caltech.edu. responsible citizens of the world. Next to Normal musical, Norton Saturday | October 12th | 1:30- legend TOTEM explores the ties Go to http://caltechy.org/lists/ The Y seeks to broaden students’ Simon Museum trip 4:30pm | Highland Park that bind Man to other species, his to self-subscribe to announcement worldviews, and raise social, For a student’s perspective, Volunteer at Hathaway- dreams and his infinite potential. lists for upcoming events and sign- ethical, and cultural awareness feel free to contact Phoebe Ann at Sycamores, a group that supports Explore LA is coordinated by the up information. through teamwork, community [email protected] or Laura local underprivileged but Caltech Y with generous support pinion THE CALIFORNIA TECH 4 October 21, 2013 O Caltech and MOOCs Part III: Benefits for Caltech’s Education CONNOR ROSEN in the Caltech MOOC Report on recorded by students, at no cost or re-recording allows professors to Caltech students see. The final Contributing Writer Youtub e. additional effort to the professor, improve their lecturing. We can, proposed benefit of MOOCs to The flipped classroom isand posted on the Caltech network in this instance, quantitatively Caltech students was put forth This is the third in an ongoing one form of “mastery learning.” for review by the students in the examine the impact preparing by Vice Provost Melany Hunt at series of articles examining Caltech’s Mastery learning, or “Feedback- course. Clicker quizzes in some for a MOOC has on a professor’s the faculty meeting last February. involvement with and initial forays corrective” instruction, Professor Hunt discussed into online education. Previous is a form of instruction Bloom’s Taxonomy, a method articles have introduced MOOCs, where students are of organizing different Caltech’s partnerships with Coursera assessed multiple cognitive processes – with and edX, and the anticipated times and corrective “ high cognitive processes, benefits of these partnerships. feedback is constantly ...it is too early to claim that MOOCs are such as “creating,” being more applied. In this way, pedagogically superior and more stimulating than desired and valuable than Previously, I stated the potential students have more lower cognitive processes, benefits that MOOCs could offer opportunities to learn Caltech problem sets. such as “remembering.” to Caltech. One of the primary from their mistakes According to Professor goals, according to Provost Edward and reinforce gaps in Hunt’s slides, MOOCs can Stolper, was “to improve … how their understanding. potentially access higher we educate future generations of Because the students cognitive processes than scientists and engineers here at come to class already having been classes could, if used properly as a perceived instructional ability. normal Caltech problem sets. Caltech.” exposed to material, class time with learning tool instead of a method Professor Antonio Rangel taught” However, I have found no There are a number of ways the professor can be used to give for forcing attendance, serve the Ec11 two years in a row, in Spring research on how MOOCs fit into that using MOOCs and Coursera careful feedback on the small gaps role of the embedded quizzes. 2012 as a normal Caltech course Bloom’s taxonomy, likely due to is supposed to benefit Caltech left by the lectures. MOOCs also Mastery learning techniques could and in Winter 2013 as a Coursera their short existence. students. use mastery learning through the be incorporated into recitation course with pre-recorded lectures Thus, I believe it is too One innovation that MOOCs quizzes embedded into lectures, sections and office hours through and the supposed benefit of more early to claim that MOOCs are can offer to Caltech courses is which provide constant feedback more comprehensive TA training practice. pedagogically superior and more the “flipped classroom” model. and check understanding at a basic and collaboration between Comparing TQFR reports from stimulating than Caltech problem In this model, students watch the level. professors and the new Center for these two terms indicates that sets. lectures and do readings on their While mastery learning is a Teaching and Learning. In short, there is no significant increase in In short, there seems to be no own, before class time – perhaps well-founded pedagogical method, MOOCs offer no clear pedagogical any aspect of Professor Rangel’s fundamental educational benefit with small exercises to assess it is unclear why a partnership with advantage for Caltech courses over lecturing – from the overall that Coursera or edX, or any learning. Then, in class, they have Coursera or edX, or even the use an easy and cheap (in terms of both quality to his clarity to his ability MOOC in general, offers Caltech the opportunity to reinforce the of MOOCs in general, is necessary time and money) in-house fix of to connect course topics to each students that is well supported by fundamentals they learned with to implement mastery learning our teaching practices. other. There was no significant educational research I have seen harder examples, extensions of in Caltech courses. Lectures Another possible benefitdecrease in any of these, either or data available after the initial the material, and general “gelling could be easily pre-recorded for of MOOCs, according to the – it appears that preparing for a experimental courses, or justifying of the information,” as Professor most classes at Caltech – in fact, professors who taught them, is MOOC fundamentally has no the substantial investment of time George Djorgovski describes it a number of courses are already that the repeated practice and effect on the quality of instruction and money by Caltech. Brad/Chad Couture: Dress up to your body type

BRAD CHATTERGOON adds a leaning effect to your body. appearance. Neck-ties should also point is probably the easiest to is encouraged to help add some Staff Writer Wearing a belt will also help to be a bit on the wider side to avoid incorporate: wear more button extra bulk. Opt for breaks in color pull in any extra space on your looking like you hung a piece of down shirts. Because button downs like with the color blocking style, Hi loyal (And not-so-loyal) frame, again reducing your bulky thread from your neck. This final are generally made of a solid fabric which will help you look slightly readers! Looks like this week I will that does not cling to your larger. Neck-ties should be skinny, address the issue of how to deal body, it can easily forgive probably not more than 2 inches with dressing if you’re the skinny you an extra ten pounds by across at the widest point. Vertical guy, the chubby guy, the tall guy, or keeping it from being on stripes are also a no-no and do the short guy. display. Darker colors are your best to avoid walking into the While there are many different also favorable and add to women’s section of the jean store to types of bodies, the one thing that slimming. get that “skinny jean” look because is common across all of them is none of the men’s jeans can give wearing clothing that fits well, very The Tall and/or Skinny Guy it to you. This will overemphasize much unlike the clothing choice in The number one problem your skinniness. this week’s picture that fits me like for you will be finding shirts a bag. that fit well. In the US there The Vertically Challenged Dude is a tendency to aim clothing Like the skinny/tall guy, your The Bulky/Large Man sizes at larger patrons and clothing needs to be a snug fit to This type of body type benefits so often times you will not avoid an overbearing look where from avoiding baggy clothing and find any clothing in XS. your clothing appears to be trying also from avoiding very tightly Alternatively, if your size is to consume you. Wearing a single fitted clothing. The ideal fit is trim S, then the shirts might not color on your shirt and pants will but not snug. Clothing should be tailored enough for you. help to prevent separating your lightly hang from your body rather There are two ways to deal frame into two short parts and than stick to it or drape from it. with this when it comes to instead keep it as one long piece, Horizontal stripes are generally button downs: have your which can give the illusion of also your enemy, especially in wide clothing tailored, which height. blocks. Stripes of this orientation is expensive, or purchase You can cheat a little by tend to encourage the eyes to focus clothing from brands that purchasing shoes that have a bit of in the horizontal plane, adding tend to cater to slimmer a heel on them. You also want to width to your already burly frame. or taller individuals. Good avoid very big prints and patterns If choosing stripes opt for vertical examples of brands like as these can be a bit too large for patterns that encourage the eyes to these are Armani Exchange your frame, instead going for focus vertically causing you frame and J-Crew. As for Tees, smaller prints like micro-check to appear to lean out. Do you American Eagle has an and vertical stripes. You can also remember the monochromatic assortment of tees, henleys use accessories to take attention layering that I suggested in a and polos that come in XS away from your frame and more previous article? That style is your and Tall sizes at reasonable onto your face. Good examples of friend, but keep the layers light. It prices. For you however, accessories are neckties (skinny) helps your frame to seem longer monochromatic looks are and hats. Hats are especially good by causing the eye to perceive Resident fashionista Brad Chattergoon dons an uncharacteristically ill-fitting going to accent your small since they can add height. Also your clothing as one long stream shirt to demonstrate the importance of dressing to one’s size. frame so it is best to avoid remember: good posture is an of varying shades, which again -Brad Chattergoon using this style. Layering immediate help to your appearance. THE CALIFORNIA TECH eature F October 21, 2013 5 ARC spotlights new math professor Nets Katz JONATHAN LIU distances between those points; because the students here are so past. For example, one thing I’m I think it’s a very interesting ARC Representative that’s the sort of work I do. much better than the students I’m doing that seems a little strange development, and I think it How did you first get interested used to. And what I want to get to some people is that I define the depends on the details of how they Nets Katz, a professor of in mathematics? through to the students in Ma1a real numbers as infinite decimal work. I listened to a presentation by mathematics, is one of Caltech’s I’ve basically been doing math is that math is something they expansions. In Apostol, the Professor Djorgovski who taught new faculty members. Katz earned my whole life – I guess most can understand at a very basic, textbook with the more common cosmology last year. He said that he his BA in mathematics from Rice people here can say that. But I was fundamental level. Even if they approach, the real numbers are had 5 students in his Caltech class, University in 1990 and his Ph.D quite good at it, and my father don’t end up being math majors, defined by a long list of axioms. and 50,000 on Coursera, about from the University of Pennsylvania was a physicist, so we would it’s still important to teach them to After some careful and rigorous 5,000 of whom took it seriously. in 1993. Before coming to Caltech, often have conversations about do things right and realize that it’s thinking, you find out that there’s That’s a remarkable scale, but on he was a professor of mathematics mathematics at the dining table. I possible to work out mathematical only one thing that satisfies these the other hand, Coursera puts at Indiana University Bloomington, remember that he’d say something problems. Ma1a is something very, axioms, and that’s the real numbers. limitations on how you can teach. and was named a Guggenheim fellow like: “These mathematicians, they very basic, the beginning of the Personally, I find that approach As I understand, the online lectures in 2012. He recently answered a few don’t know what they’re doing. field. By teaching Ma1a, I hope to sort of off-putting, because you had to be in 15 minute chunks, questions about his work, interests They have this Lebesgue measure talk about the basic fundamental start off saying “I don’t know what which can be quite limiting. For and opinions, and his experiences theory, but some of their sets aren’t things of my field to as broad an the real numbers are, but I have example, I couldn’t teach Ma1a in teaching Ma1a, the freshman core measurable. Somebody needs to some wishlist for what they are, 15 minute chunks – my lectures mathematics class. go out there and fix that.” I guess and maybe eventually I can find really have a beginning, middle, he convinced me of this, and out that my wishlist satisfies and end, which requires a full hour. What kind of research do you somehow my whole life since it.” But before I find this out, I The other real drawback is that work on? then has been mathematics. know absolutely nothing about the grading is somewhat limited. I’m trained as an analyst. When So, at one level I can say that the real numbers. On the other Because of the scale, it’s difficult you think of analysis, maybe you these early conversations really hand, my students have all done to have the more involved grading think of something like the epsilon affected my thinking to this day. high school, and they’ve been that happens with Caltech problem delta proofs that you learn in For instance, I’d say that I believe talking about real numbers for sets. Ma1a. That’s what I’m interested in infinite sets a lot less than a long time. Infinite decimal What do you like to do in your in on some level – I’m interested most mathematicians. I think expansions a really the closest free time? What are your hobbies? in proving inequalities. However, that everything that’s going on thing they have to a definition. I play chess. I’m not very good underneath these inequalities in mathematics is really finite However, high school tends at it, but I play a lot, mostly online. there’s an element of counting at an underlying level, so the to lack mathematical rigor, They have some really great online -Nets Katz involved as well. So, I’m also very mathematics that I do is really and they usually haven’t really chess clubs. I also watch TV and much a combinatorialist. For about finite problems. audience as possible, and to be able thought the idea of infinite decimal read novels. I’m a really big fan of example, some of the problems I hear that you’re teaching to do that in a way that I think about expansions through completely. Homeland, which seems slightly I work on currently have to do Ma1a this year. What are your things. That’s what I’m after, and I For example, how do you add two cheesy, but I really like it. One of my with Euclidean geometry. One goals for the class, and why? think that Caltech is practically the infinite decimal expansions? It favorite books is The Mists of Avalon, result that I’m known for involves First, I’d like to say that I really only place in the world where that’s turns out that by thinking about by Marion Zimmer Bradley. It’s a estimating how many distinct do want to teach Ma1a. It’s kind possible.’ this problem, you discover that version of the Arthurian legends distances there have to be between of unusual that someone who Can you give me an example of you need to consider limits, and that tries to reinterpret how early any set of N points. In such cases, just got here would be doing that. how you teach Ma1a in your own this approach turns into a great English history occurred; basically, you know how many points there Usually, you take a few years and style? introduction to limits. how England went from a pagan are, but you don’t know where they then it’s considered worth it to do There are some differences What do you think about country to a Christian country. I are. From there, you want to know these things. But, I actually want between what I’m doing and what Massive Open Online Courses think the book does that in a really how many different numbers are to be doing this – I’m very excited other people have done in the (MOOCs)? effective way. releases diverse Whales and Leeches NAILEN MATSCHKE of sound, and utilizing the guitars snappy drumbeat that provides contrasting higher-pitched vocals, melodic and the heavy-hitting, Red Contributing Writer and bass to create layered grooves a strong pulse for the first two- and the latter being murky and Fang ended up missing the best that are hard not to nod your thirds of the song. The guitars and bluesy. Together, though, the album parts of each. Nothing on Whales Portland, Oregon’s Red Fang head to. They did pretty well, but bass have that feel of a sped up, slams on the breaks and nearly and Leeches rocks as hard as continues the trend of bands because their first album was so louder grinds to a halt, which is just some “Prehistoric Dog” or will get stuck like Queens of the Stone Age, good after coming out of nowhere, joint. In particular, the verse riff of poor pacing. After that, the album in my head as often as “Wires” and Down, and other so-called “stoner many were left wanting more out of “Blood Like Cream” is reminiscent picks up with the solid, upbeat “Hank is Dead” from Murder the rock” or “stoner metal” groups, Murder the Mountains. of the main riff to Queens of the “1516,” the angry “This Animal” Mountains. Despite this, Whales playing a brand of no-nonsense, Whales and Leeches was released Stone Age’s “My God Is The Sun” (which has some pretty cool riffs), and Leeches is their most diverse hard-hitting, and catchy as hell on October 15th of this year, and from this past summer. “Blood and finally “Every Little Twist,” work to date, and successfully songs with downright impressive it feels like the band’s goal with Like Cream” also has some of the which I really like. It has constant introduces several new layers of consistency. Sure, it’s rough around this record was to find the happy most sing-along-able vocals on this harmonized vocals, instrumental complexity to their style. the edges, but everything they need medium between their first two. album, making it easy to get into parts that keep the groove going The end result of this is an is there. They have a good mix of For the most part I think they have and a bit of an earworm. the entire time, and some guitar album without any weak songs, energetic vocals, a base in standard succeeded, but they’ve had to make The next song I really like is fills that fit in smoothly in order either, and overall I think it’s their rock and southern rock fare, and a some sacrifices along the way. “Voices of the Dead.” The pre- to create this big, moving stack strongest to date. Anyone who’s a flair for unusual riffs—all played as The album opens strongly chorus and chorus have vocals of sound that carries through the fan of the louder acts in rock, and loudly as possible. enough with “DOEN,” starting that mesh perfectly with the whole thing. especially metal fans, should at Their eponymous 2009 debut off with some ethereal chords and instrumentals. I couldn’t care less All in all, I think Whales and least look up a song or two and see album established them as a band building up into a roaring guitar about the verse, but those two Leeches is a solid effort from Red what they think. that could crank out song after riff that provides the background sections get stuck in my head the Fang. They managed to song of quality , and for the song’s verse. From there, minute I think of them. The way bring back a lot of the epic was successful both critically and though, it never lets up, and we the song plays out on the chorus riffage and angrier, more commercially. In hard rock and get three solid minutes of music riff and then ends with some big, obnoxious vocals from their metal, the riff is king, often more to mosh to. This isn’t a bad thing, synchronized open chords and a debut, helping to keep the than making up for lackluster but it’s not spectacular either. It’s low, spiteful “watch it die” from the album from getting bogged vocals (something Guns N’ Roses definitely an improvement over vocals is a small touch but is still down apart from those two made a career out of). “Malverde,” the painfully slow and nearly shiver-inducing. songs in the middle. This Red Fang clearly understands repetitive first track off Murder the One complaint I have about makes the album a little less this and delivers killer guitar and Mountains, but it can’t hope to live the structure of the album is that mainstream-friendly than bass parts in spades. For their 2011 up to Red Fang’s “Prehistoric Dog,” “Dawn Rising” and “Failure,” the Murder the Mountains, follow-up, Murder the Mountains, a fan favorite to this day. two longest and slowest songs, but there are still plenty of they opted to expand stylistically, Next up we have “Blood Like are consecutive in the middle of catchy lyrics to sing along featuring more varied tempos, Cream,” the lead single from the album. On their own, I like with and cool guitar parts vocals worth singing along to, more the album, and for good reason. them, with the former being a you’ll want to hear again. melodic instrumentals that focused It wastes no time jumping into sort of progressive epic featuring However, I think that less on the delivery of punchy walls the middle of everything, with a Mike Scheidt of YOB providing by bringing together the -redfang.bandcamp.com eature THE CALIFORNIA TECH 6 October 21, 2013 F Today’s Puzzle: Crossword

Across 57. Move rapidly and 23. Rostrum lightly 26. Dwell on with 1. Spear 58. Floor covering satisfaction 6. Misplaced 59. Baby carriage, in short 28. Beverage 10. Unwanted email 61. Reuse 29. Rain down 14. Fruit of the oak tree 65. Prejudice 30. Scintilla 15. Part of a foot 67. Matured 31. Turf 16. Adjutant 69. Large artery 33. Seed case 17. Yell 70. Malevolent 35. Wanderer 18. Cat sound 71. Rend 37. Implement 19. Secret plan 72. Percipient 38. Not in active use 20. Advanced in years 73. Abnegate 39. Indicating maiden 22. Spoken 74. Showily imitative name 24. Mineral 75. Muscular organ 42. Aromatic wood 25. Mixture of smoke and 45. Swimming shoe fog Down 46. Ambush 27. Large serving dish 48. Road surface hazard 29. Motley 1. Young girl 50. Misprint 32. Prevarication 2. Dull pain 52. Deliver a sermon 33. Unsatisfactory 3. Midday 53. Implant 34. Piece of metal money 4. Naval vessel 54. Inexperienced 36. Smooth fabric 5. Inter 55. Dye 40. Away from home 6. Part of the mouth 56. Avid 41. Mayhem 7. Burden 60. Animal flesh 43. Poem 8. Remnant 62. Region 44. Preliminary version 9. Exhilaration 63. Celestial body 47. Large and scholarly 10. Deplete 64. Male red deer book 11. Fly a plane 66. Crafty 48. Rod 12. Worship 68. Ironic 49. Anger 13. Measuring instrument 51. Larval frog or toad 21. European freshwater 53. Trap fish

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For info on Caltech Public Events visit: www.caltech.edu/content/ public-events THE CALIFORNIA TECH ports S October 21, 2013 7 Volleyball triumphs against Mills, Logan sets kill record GoCaltech The senior had a match high 15 As a team, the Beavers had 37 Logan set a school record of 22 Down 24-22, the Beavers won The Caltech women’s volleyball kills and a .387 hitting percentage. kills in helping them compile a kills to aid in the Beavers cause. three straight points to gain their team hosted a pair of matches She also set a personal season high season best .478 hitting percentage. Earlier this season she set the first set point. On Caltech’s third against Bay Area foe Mills College with nine digs. In addition to their offensive Institute mark for kills in a career. set point they converted as they on Saturday, October 19. Just as effective for the Beavers exploits, the Beavers recorded a The first set saw the Beavers took a commanding lead in the Playing their best and most offense was Catherine Jamshidi. season high 11 service aces. serve well as they served four aces match. effective match of the season, the She tallied a 10-kill effort on 15 During the day’s second match, and tallied 12 kills en route to the Caltech rallied late in the final Caltech women’s volleyball team swings with just one error (.600 again against Mills College, the opening set win. The home team set to pull out the win in three set. swept Mills 3-0 (25-18, 25-9, 25- hitting percentage). Rebekah Kitto two teams went back and forth never trailed in the stanza. In an With the frame tied at 20-20 the 10) on Saturday afternoon. and Connie Hsueh each chipped in throughout but the Beavers came exciting second set the Beaver Beavers rode solid serving from The Beavers got a solid hitting five kills. Rachel Hess dished out 31 away with a 3-0 (25-15, 28-26, 25- responded with a rally late in the Lisa Lee and got a big kill from performance from Paige Logan. of the team’s 34 assists. 21) win. frame. Logan to seal the win. Weekly Scoreboard Men’s Soccer at Whittier L, 5-0 Final

Women’s Volleyball vs. Claremont-M-S L, 3-0 Final

Men’s Soccer vs. Chapman L, 7-0 Final

Women’s Volleyball at Occidental Senior Rachel Hess contributes to the Beavers’ win against Mills College by dishing out 31 of the game’s 34 assists. L, 3-0 Final -gocaltech.com

ocial cience ssel.caltech.eduxperimental aboratory S S ECalt ech L Need Cash? $$$ Get PAID CASH to Participate! We are recruiting Caltech students to participate in research experiments

1. Register at ssel.caltech.edu 2. Sign up for an experiment on our calendar 3. Attend the experiment and GET PAID CASH SSEL is located in Baxter 5 ssel.caltech.edu THE CALIFORNIA TECH umor H October 21, 2013 8

Acquired Taste Dr. Z

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