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February 1, 2019•Volume 104, Issue 19•nique.

net

SPORTS LIFE

. .

technique Timeout: Parker Braun p18 Little Einsteins p9


News 2 Opinions 5 Life 8 Entertainment 12 Sports 20

SHYAMALAN’S ‘GLASS’ SHATTERS UNDER PRESSURE


ENTERTAINMENT JON LONG
OPINIONS EDITOR

When it comes to superhero movies,


there is no way to avoid seeing Marvel
as a lavishly dressed mustachioed Mo-
nopoly Man, moneybags and all. The
company has almost single handedly
dictated the tone, format and struc-
ture of superhero films, giving the gen-
eral public a well-reinforced schema of
what a superhero movie is.
Even DC’s recent movies fit this
mold; it currently seems that, just by
nature of having superheroes, these
films are obligated to take on certain
characteristics.
In 2000, Director M. Night Shya-
malan dipped his toe into the fledg-
ling genre with “Unbreakable.” The
film follows David Dunn (Bruce Wil-
lis, “Die Hard,” “Pulp Fiction”) as
he slowly discovers his superhuman
abilities with the help of Elijah Price/
Mr. Glass (Samuel L. Jackson, “Pulp
Fiction,” “The Hateful Eight”). Seen
through the lens of our current super-
hero-obsessed popular culture, it defies
several of the common tropes of the
genre while simultaneously exploring
— sometimes self-reflectively — many
of the foundations that superhero nar-
ratives are built on.
Shyamalan’s 2016 thriller “Split”
focused on Kevin Crumb (James McA-
voy, “X-Men: Apocalypse”), a criminal
with a disorder that causes him to
cycle through several distinct person-
alities. One of these personalities, the
Beast, gives Kevin superhuman physi-
cal characteristics and inspires several
of Crumb’s other identities to kidnap
and murder several young girls. In an
uncredited cameo appearance, Bruce
Willis appears in the movie’s final
few moments, linking the universe of
“Split” to that of “Unbreakable.” This
See GLASS, page 13
Top L: Photo by Mitchell Williams Student Publications; Top R: Photo courtesy of Diana Toro; Above: Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures

NEWS

Teaching effectiveness tack force holds first townhall


modifications that could yield po- A summer 2018 pilot showed
JONATHAN JEFFREY tential improvements according to using the new questions did not
NEWS EDITOR Lizanne DeStefano, the associate depress response rates or substan-
dean for Outreach in the College tially alter the quantitative CIOS
On Wednesday, Jan. 30, the of Sciences and the director of the responses, and thus the changes
Task Force on Teaching Effective- Center for Education Integrating can likely be safely expanded to
ness (TFTE) held the first of three Science, Mathematics and Com- the entire student population.
townhalls engaged in a single puting. One of the more controversial
question: how can the Institute For example, DeStefano pre- options that TFTE and its pre-
evaluate and raise teaching effec- sented wording changes to the decessor, the CIOS Task Force,
tiveness better? qualitative CIOS questions that have examined is whether to al-
The main metric of teaching were developed over a series of fo- low deans and school chairs to
performance evaluation has been cus groups with students, opting view qualitative CIOS results in
the Course-Instructor Opinion for clearer, non-redundant phrases a series of focus groups run by the
Survey (CIOS), which is sent to that could be interpreted better by CIOS Task Force. In 2017, “48 Photo by Jonathan Jeffrey Student Publications
students at the end of each se- student responders and faculty faculty participants voted in favor Lizanne DeStefano presents the interconnected nature of student
mester. However, there are several members reading the answers. See TEACHING, page 3 responses and self and peer evaluations in improving teaching.
News
NEWS EDITOR:
Gordon Teaching Prize technique
Jonathan Jeffrey
ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR:
Will Finch
Three professors at Tech won a prestigious
prize some call the equivalent of the Nobel Friday,
2
Prize in American engineering education 44 February 1, 2019
news@nique.net

School canceled over snow, but only clear skies


commute times have only been Starting Monday at 11 a.m., school day. We are more vulner- The skies quickly cleared and
WILL FINCH increasing as the week has pro- the university’s Office of Emer- able to wintry weather that im- were cloudless for most of the day.
ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR gressed. gency Preparedness (OEP) kept pacts travel when the city is full Blue skies covered campus with
On Monday, Governor Brian an eye on models provided by the of commuters, for example, than warm sunshine providing some
Students wanting to build Kemp said state offices across the National Weather Service. It was when wintry weather impacts the comfort to students walking in
snowmen on Tuesday did not only northern part of the state would not until the organization up- area overnight or on a weekend.” the cold weather.
wake up without school but with- be closed. Atlanta Mayor Keisha graded the Winter Storm Watch “We consider the impacts of “While there are consequences
out snow as well. Lance Bottoms directed the pre- to a Winter Weather Advisory the event to the Institute’s and Re- in the form of lost instructional
As early as last week and as late treatment of roads throughout the that Tech decided on the school’s gion’s infrastructure,” Smith said. time, interruptions to business
as Monday, predictions from At- weekend until midnight Monday. closure for Tuesday. “It is important to note that we operations and research,” Smith
lanta’s National Weather Services Even Delta Air Lines, whose main William Smith, director of the cannot simply wait for conditions noted, “we are primarily con-
anticipated up to one inch of snow hub resides at Hartsfield-Jackson OEP, commented on the factors to deteriorate before making a cerned with limiting the risk to
in the city on Tuesday. Airport, proactively cancelled that went into the decision. call, especially for weather events our community,” Smith said.
“While some light snow is pos- more than 100 flights on Tues- Communicating with the Ex- that are forecast to occur during For a jam-packed spring se-
sible in parts of north GA,” the day out of fear for ice slickening ecutive Leadership Team, they the work/school day.” mester that does not have much
group tweeted on Friday, “uncer- streets and freeways. “consider [Tech’s] vulnerability, But once the snow day came, time off until spring break, stu-
tainty remains regarding this po- Tech administration followed such as the coincidence and tim- the weather brought everything dents were happy to have a day to
tential.” suit while monitoring the storm. ing of the event with the work/ but snow. themselves.
But the city would not take any
chance on winter weather — not
after its infamous “Snowmagge-
don” five years prior. Sleet and
snow, combined with drivers
heading home early, quickly de-
teriorated road conditions only
a few hours into the 2014 winter
storm warning.
Commutes were gridlocked to
the point of abandonment, chil-
dren were stranded on a school
bus and the city all but shut down
for nearly a week. And this was
all due to just two inches of snow.
State and city leaders were heavily
criticized for their handling of the
storm, so their approach ever since
has erred on the side of caution —
especially since the city estimates
that one million people will be
coming to the city.
Tech students and sports fans
alike are aware of one of the big-
gest sporting events on television
occurring at Mercedes Benz Sta-
dium this weekend: the Super
Bowl. While the nearest team in
attendance has 1,000 miles be-
tween them and its home turf,
Atlanta officials expect 150,000
guests from out of town. The city
police and infrastructure teams
are preparing by strategically clos-
ing roads with the overall goal of
trying to control what they can. Photo by Jonathan Jeffrey Student Publications
But it remains to be seen whether This may look like snow — but it is simply sand. Facilities Management deposited sand and treated roads across campus in order
this will help anything, and so far, to prepare for the worst-case-scenario winter weather: such treatments prevent ice formation on roads and campus pathways.

sliver // your thoughts


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WHY? Why are we? Where was THWUGA this fall? I couldn’t
(and still can’t) find it online anywhere. Why is the Technique?
technique
The South’s Liveliest College Newspaper
NEWS EDITOR
Jonathan Jeffrey
Dôëš thę Śłįvēr Bøx šūppœrt ćõöł łėttērś OPINIONS EDITOR
I can’t stand people who base their friends and whole identity on Samira Bandaru EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jon Long
their parents being from the same continent. If all of your friends
are asian and you aren’t from Asia, you’re probably a racist. Casey Miles MANAGING EDITOR LIFE EDITOR
Lauren Lambert
Does anyone else think a socialist pizza party sounds ironic?
If you think intersectionality is an appropriate lens for political ENTERTAINMENT
Founded in 1911, the Technique is the student newspaper of the
and social discourse, you are what is wrong with modern western Georgia Institute of Technology, and is an official publication of
EDITOR
politics and society the Georgia Tech Board of Student Publications. The Technique
Josh Trebuchon
THE LIBRARY NEEDS MORE CUBICLES, TO HELL publishes on Fridays, weekly in the fall and spring and biweekly in SPORTS EDITOR
WITH “COLLABORATIVE SPACE” the summer. Harsha Sridhar
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when it is done. Why is Tech so good at taking away things we ADVERTISING: Information can be found online at nique.net/ PHOTO EDITOR
like and giving us expensive things we don’t? ads. The deadline for reserving ad space is Friday at 5 p.m. one Casey Gomez
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from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
this where people put in ideas on how to improve Tech. some- ONLINE EDITOR
thing similar is happening on a departmental level Copyright © 2018, Samira Bandaru, Editor-in-Chief, and the Zoie Konneker
LMC majors: GT is a STEM Research Institute. You knew that Georgia Tech Board of Student Publications. No part of this pa-
WEB DEVELOPER
its emphasis would be in a very specific direction long before you per may be reproduced in any manner without written permission
Tristen Allen
chose to apply. If this upsets you, Emory and GSU are that way from the Editor-in-Chief or from the Board of Student Publica-
Who can wear a shirt with the built-in bra? Prepubescent boys? tions. The ideas expressed herein are those of the individual au- HEAD COPY EDITOR
The slime is just water Everything I say is sliverable thors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Board of Avni Shridhar
Student Publications, the students, staff or faculty of the Georgia
i’m the usain bolt of dying lmao Institute of Technology or the University System of Georgia. First
hey babe u doin anything for valentines day copy free; for additional copies call 404-894-2830.
boof, boof, boff, boof, boof, boof, boof jared boof>tom brady
// NEWS technique • February 1, 2019• 3

TEACHING FROM PAGE 1 of that is their own reflection and the entire curriculum that they go the follow on course is impacted. There’s not many people here,”
of releasing comments to relevant self-evaluation, and this is used through,” Ferri said. “Right now The students in that course are Ferri noted, looking around the
administrators, 41 voted against in their own annual evaluation we have the faculty involved in impacted. The professor in the room. “And I assume that CIOS
the proposal, and 23 indicated but also in promotion and other approving courses, approving the follow on course is impacted, and is really — important to people.”
that they were not sure,” accord- ways,” De Stefano said. “This is syllabi of courses, approving all of has to spent time reviewing stuff.” “And also from the SGA, from
ing to the September 2017 task the first year that we’ve done it, so those things on the front end, but Despite the critical nature of the student’s perspective — we
force report. the jury is a little bit out on what nothing on the back end. the discussion, only a few people want them to participate in this
Cited as the largest concern kind of things that we’re seeing “I mean you could have for ex- attended the town hall. as well,” Ferri said, beckoning to
among faculty is that sexist or there with the longer term out- ample a rogue professor who just “We sent out notice on this the students in the audience. “We
racist comments that students comes.” goes off script and doesn’t teach town hall to the deans, associ- need that.
write about female and minority Ferri argued teaching a student the syllabus,” Ferri continued. “So ate deans, and all the chairs, and Other town halls will be held
faculty members — or simply the requires a village of instructors. then those students go on to an- asked the chairs to send them to on Feb. 1, from 3 to 4 p.m. in the
combined weight of their implicit “Teaching students — educat- other course, because it’s a prereq- their — all of the students and Student Center Theater, and Feb.
biases — would be elevated to be ing students is a larger thing. It’s uisite. And now that instructor in faculty in their departments. 5. in Student Center, Room 320.
seen by administrators, and there-
by affect decisions like promotion
and tenure.
Currently, there are multiple
issues that could reduce the effec-
tiveness of CIOS as metric. Most
importantly, DeStefano cited that
there were “huge fluctuations” in
CIOS response rates between sec-
tors. Additionally, half of instruc-
tors receive an average of 4.7 or
above on the overall effectiveness
question — raising questions of
TEACHING EFFECTIVENESS
inflation.
Either way, there is an active is-
sue of how faculty members who
consistently fall on the lower tail
end of the CIOS distribution.
DeStefano emphasized that
CIOS and other student evalua-
tions must be incorporated into a
larger framework of self and peer
evaluation in order for faculty
members to assess and improve
their teaching abilities.
“If you look at the general
literature on teaching effective-
ness, the consensus — general,
widely stated consensus — is that
to get a good picture of teach-
ing evaluation you have to have
sort of a triangulation of student Currently, students give
Peer evaluation involves
opinions, student evaluations, self feedback to instructors
other faculty members
evaluation and peer evaluation,” through CIOS, but these
DeStefano said. giving input on how to
Currently, it is at faculty happen at the end of the
For self evaluation, one recent- improve another’s teach-
members’ discretion wheth- semester and are only
ly started program is to have Tech ing.
lecturers submit teaching portfo- er to read CIOS or not, and shared with the course
lios, something that potentially whether to implement instructor.
Discussed options:
could be expanded to academic Create a standard method changes because of CIOS
professionals and tenure-track results. Self-evaluation is Discussed options: Mid-
of class observations by
faculty in promotion procedures. a key aspect of producing semester survey, add feed-
“Right now, lecturers are re- other faculty.
change. back forms on departmen-
quired to put together a portfo- tal websites, share CIOS
lio, and it includes evidence of
teaching like student feedback, Discussed options: Have with deans and school
CIOS, or other kind of comments faculty write teaching port- chairs.
that they have, peer evaluation, Design by Lauren Douglas Student Publications folio/personal statement.
awards, and then layered on top
Opinions
OPINIONS EDITOR: Jon Long technique



Search others for their virtues,
thyself for thy vices.
— Benjamin Franklin
February 1, 2019
5
Friday,

OUR VIEWS | Consensus Opinion


Expectations for a new
Do we need an outsider president? Institute president
Political experience is becoming less of a requirement Following the series of ethics all of this means is that the
Former Starbucks CEO Howard each and every decision made by our scandals that occurred over the president does a lot of outward
summer of last year, President facing work for their university.
Schultz drew the ire of many this week as president, and unless you’ve been around G.P. “Bud” Peterson made some While university presidents are
he mulled the possibility of a presidential the block you probably have little idea how sweeping changes to the structure encouraged and often do talk
run. Last election brought a wave of anti- to realistically implement the policies that of reporting within the institute. to students and faculty their
This decision, along with the real focus is going to be making
establishment sentiment as political you campaigned on. ethics violations, raised some sure the grand machine of the
newcomer Donald Trump took on This is doubly true when it comes to the concerns among institution keeps
those associated chugging forward.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who matter of foreign affairs. No matter how with Tech about “ ... the president of any The president
many saw as an untrustworthy career many cups of coffee you’ve sold, you can’t how much power college does a lot ... but isn’t exempt
politician. expect to put on the president’s shoes and the president from taking the
Ever since Trump’s victory, we’ve seen instantly tapdance across the geopolitical
should have. most colleges aren’t blame for internal
While those talks
several nonpoliticians — Oprah and Mark stage. Political experience goes a long way have died down,
exactly transparent ...” turmoil, but focus
should first fall
focus has returned
Zuckerberg being two egregious examples in ensuring both confidence and clout in
to the office of CASEY MILES onto they’ve
the people
hired
— discuss potential presidential runs. But navigating foreign policy. the president MANAGING EDITOR when it comes to
does success in business translate well, if It would be dangerous to disqualify as Peterson pointing fingers.
at all, to success in the country’s highest nonpoliticans outright; however, if announced he The president
would be stepping down this should eventually be held
political office? someone with a good leadership record summer. In the wake of that responsible for all actions should
A key flaw in anti-establishment is willing to surround him or herself with announcement I set about trying their subordinates fail to fix the
to figure out what it is I wanted in problem but shouldn’t be the first
thinking is its extreme simplification experienced people and step up to the plate our next president of Tech. to take blame.
of the political process. Getting things in a way that Trump has not, we should First, I had to figure out what Moving forward, this means
done in our government is much more give them the chance they deserve. But it was the president actually does. people will most likely need to
I’ve long held the belief that many curb their expectations of what a
convoluted than simply signing pieces ultimately it is up to us, the voters, to make people were putting blame on new president can do. However,
of paper; there are hundreds of factors, an informed decision as to what qualifies a Peterson that he didn’t deserve. there are things that a president
both foreign and domestic, that go into candidate. While the president is the face should do, especially in their first
of the Institute they can’t focus year at Tech.
on everything, and blaming a A task force set up by the Aspen
The Consensus Opinion reflects the majority opinion of the Editorial Board of the president for nitty-gritty details Institute on the Future of College
Technique, but not necessarily the opinions of individual editors. has always rubbed me the wrong Presidency released their findings
way. and recommendations for both
technique editorial board In the grand scheme of things, universities and their presidents.
the president of any college, Most importantly, the task force
university or institution does made a list of recommendations
Samira Bandaru EDITOR-IN-CHIEF a lot, but most colleges aren’t for things a president should do in
Casey Miles MANAGING EDITOR exactly transparent about what a their first year.
president does. Besides grandiose First on the list is to make an
Jonathan Jeffrey NEWS EDITOR Jon Long OPINIONS EDITOR statements of a five-year vision or effort to get to know students and
Lauren Lambert LIFE EDITOR Josh Trebuchon ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR a random empty thought about staff. This is probably the one that
Harsha Sridhar SPORTS EDITOR Casey Gomez PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR furthering diversity and progress, a lot of vocal minorities want the
Avni Shridhar HEAD COPY EDITOR Zoie Konneker ONLINE EDITOR there isn’t really much available. most. They want a president that
Lauren Douglas DESIGN EDITOR Tristen Allen WEB DEVELOPER President Peterson’s website has can talk to them and understand
a set of Institute values but those their issues and the struggles
hardly describe what he himself they face on a daily basis. The
does. biggest thing the new president
MAKE AMERICA GRANDE AGAIN BY LAUREN DOUGLAS Across all of the random needs to talk to students about is
editorials and community college their mental health needs. While
websites I’ve come across while work is already being done on
looking for an answer, it’s really improving the system at Tech
boiled down to a few specific there is still gaps in the system.
things that all college and The current administration seems
university presidents do: they to be set in their ways of doing
lead, they plan for the future and things, but a new president could
they fundraise. Essentially the talk to students to figure out what
president acts as a CEO of sorts. they truly need.
Their board of trustees is the Other important goals listed
Board of Regents — at least in our by the focus group include
case — and they control and hire tracking student data, learning
a set of other c-suite level positions about the university’s decision
to further the goals of the college making process and making time
or university they head. What See PRESIDENT, page 6

Write to us: are responses to or commentaries on


content found within the pages of the
opinions@nique.net Technique. Along with these letters,
we are open to receiving letters that
Got something to say? Then let focus on relevant issues that currently
your voice be heard with the Tech- affect Georgia Tech as a university, in-
nique. Sliver at Nique.net, tweet us cluding its campus and student body.
@the_nique or check us out on Face- When submitting letters we ask
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want to hear your opinion and want (1st, 2nd, etc.) and major. We ask that
to make it known to all of campus. letters be thought provoking, well
We also welcome your letters in written and in good taste. We reserve
response to Technique content as well the right to both reject or edit letters
as topics relevant to campus. We will for length and style.
print letters on a timely and space- For questions, comments or con-
available basis. cern, contact the Opinions Editor at
Each week we look for letters that opinions@nique.net.
6 • February 1, 2019• technique // OPINIONS

Finding comfort in uncertain times PRESIDENT FROM PAGE 5


to take vacation. All of these are
important but I think the biggest
takeaway for new presidents is the
When I was younger, I would perhaps my plan, my perfectly fact that they need to listen to
plan out my future step-by-step. curated and intensely thought out
“Somwhere in the process, what the students have to say in
I took comfort in these plans plan, was not actually the right though, I had to confront the their first year. Using the voices
and in the conviction that I had plan for me. It was much later that of students to shape a solid five-
it all figured out. More than that, I realized that maybe, just maybe, reality that our plans rarely year plan will help involve the
I took pride in thinking that I I would be okay without a plan. ever work out.” students in a meaningful way
knew exactly where I would be in I have always had a difficult and help incoming leadership get
the future. time accepting change and an BAYLEE FRIEDMAN acquainted with the wants and
I knew — or at least, I thought even more difficult time walking ASSISTANT ONLINE EDITOR needs of the school.
I knew — as early as ninth grade into something blindly; I crave While it isn’t a very large ask, I
that I wanted a career in public the security that comes with think it’s the most students should
service. I had it perfectly planned knowing the next step — and the ask for. A president appearing to
out: I would get an international next few after that — and having show genuine concern for their
affairs degree, go to control over the most what happened when I allowed We are forced to accept that school’s students can go a long
law school and work important aspects myself to invest in the things that hard truth: change is inevitable. way towards building the trust
for a government “I have no idea of my life. I think, brought me joy, despite the fear I I have found that to be especially that a school administration needs
department or more than anything, also felt. true of my years in college; I am if they hope to have a healthy
possibly a nonprofit what my future I was scared of not To make matters even more unrecognizable from that girl that relationship with their student
— but that last part really holds knowing. confusing, after trying these new once felt assured of her future. body.
was the extent of the Somewhere in things, I came to the decision that I I have no idea what my future There are specific things I
flexibility I allowed anymore. And that process, though, wanted to be a high school teacher really holds anymore. And that’s want, like someone from outside
myself. It seemed like thats okay.” I had to confront after I graduated. Teaching was okay. For now, I am okay with the Institute, but those may be
the perfect plan, so I the reality that our not only miles away from what finishing my degree at Tech personal. I think as a whole most
clung to it throughout plans rarely ever work my original plan once was, but it and going with whatever brings people want a president who
my high school years. I joined out. I no longer really wanted to was a plan that I feared would not me joy when that day comes. listens to the students more, but
student government, attended move to D.C. and work for the be supported by my Tech degree. Somehow, that girl that relied on they also need to understand that
leadership conferences in D.C. government, international affairs Suddenly, my fears grew beyond her perfectly curated plans has the president is beholden to a lot of
and did everything I could to was not what I truly cared about just not knowing what my future become someone that is okay with pressure from all sides, including
secure this future I so desperately and the things that were once held; I no longer knew what my not knowing. the Board of Regents to which the
thought I wanted. important no longer were. present held, either. We can never predict the future president answers.
I remember sitting in the first I changed my major, tried a Everything was flipped on and we can never control how The students are one of those
class I got to take in my major, new job, joined a new organization its head. Yet, in that experience, we, or our lives, will be changed. sides as well, and we may see
Intro to International Affairs. — all of these things forced my I realized that I limited myself Our priorities are going to shift, ourselves as the most important
I excitedly sat down in my seat outside of that comfort zone that much more by having this plan we will grow and we will have piece, but at the end of the day
in the front row, pulled out my was characterized by familiarity and not trusting that things would to make choices. Through those policy decisions over the past few
notebook, and waited not-so- and expectation. They were work out in time. By allowing things, we learn to find comfort years have shown that we may
patiently to begin the lecture. It terrifying to me, despite seeming myself the comfort of control, I in uncertainty, just as we once not be. Students can demand all
didn’t take much time for me to like normal adjustments that any neglected myself of the freedom found comfort in its counterpart. they want for a president to listen
realize that it wasn’t really what college student would make. I of just existing and letting go of Perhaps most importantly, we to them, but they need to realize
I thought it would be. It took had to consciously choose to let all of the conceptions I had made learn to adapt to the changes we that their needs may be shirked to
much longer for me to accept that go of those expectations and see about my own life. encounter. preserve the image of the Institute.
// OPINIONS technique • February 1, 2019• 7

Tech innovation often


undermines ethics
It seems that almost every Uber were often easier to hail and roads, obstructing foot traffic and
month we are set upon by a new cheaper to use. sometimes the road itself.
scandal out of some technology What this story hides, though, Companies like this show a
company. Facebook’s implication is the fact that Uber does not disregard for the consequences
in the Cambridge Analytica have to deal with the regulations of their business model and their
incident left Americans concerned imposed on taxi companies. impact on the city. They do not
about the company’s potential Most taxi services have to have charge or collect the scooters, School’s Out Vaxx On, Vaxx Off
impact on the 2016 presidential some level of insurance for the leaving that job to individuals Marking a positive change Three cases of measles
elections. In October, the vehicles as well as the passengers through a process similar to in their usual routine, have been reported in the
FDA raided the inside. There are driving with the Uber app. They Georgia Tech confirmed Atlanta area after nationwide
offices of JUUL,
an e-cigarette “Not using people higher standards
to become a taxi
also do not require that users
place the scooters upright or in a
the cancellation of Tuesday outbreaks. As the anti-
well before their typical vaccination movement
company, over solely as a means driver than to location out of the way of traffic, 2 a.m. email. Though the continues to grow, preventable
concerns that
the product was to and end is, quite become an Uber
driver and cities
leaving responsibility to the user.
At the same time, these
cancellations proved to diseases like measles have been
be pointless — no snow, springing up all over the globe.
being marketed to literally, Ethics 101 ...” typically require companies have shown an unfortunately — it’s good Refusing vaccinations put
underage users. taxi services to aggressive stance towards that Tech has begun to make the entire public at risk, and
What these TRISTEN ALLEN be registered and protecting their property, having definitive statements earlier while fake science may seem
issues show WEB DEVELOPER vetted before them sound off loud alarms and take a lot of the guessing enticing, falling for it turns
is a seeming operations. when moved without first being out of class cancellation. you into a dangerous moron.
disregard by It should be rented through an app and, more
modern technology companies no surprise that this regulatory prominently, opposing the use
for even the most basic of ethical scheme increases the cost of of so-called conversion kits that
behavior standards. People do not taxi services, and whether it is can be used to convert legally
give their personal information necessary or not, Uber sidesteps impounded scooters to scooters
to companies like Facebook the regulations while providing that can be used without an
expecting it to be used to influence the same type of service. Instead of application. This stance creates
an election. Worse, the byzantine playing by the rules and possibly this paradox of the company
privacy policies and terms of use fighting to change them, Uber controlling its property while
for these services often obscure places itself conveniently outside simultaneously claiming that they
how user information will be used the regulated scope and claims aren’t responsible for it. Yes, We’re Open Bye Bye Bagels
and even what information the that it is not subject to them. It’s time for technology After a record-breaking TGM Bagel, a staple of
company gathers. Beginning last year, many companies to step up to the plate shutdown over funding Tech Square’s dining spot
If you look into the marketing Tech students have likely noticed and start taking responsibility for for Trump’s border wall, The Canteen, has rebranded
materials of many startups, they an influx of electric scooters their actions. Not using people funding has been passed to to TGM Soup Company.
often claim to be disrupting on the sidewalks, provided by solely as a means to an end is, allow the government three The breakfast restaurant
some industry or upending a companies like Bird, Lime and quite literally, Ethics 101, but weeks of operation until a used to be the only place in
traditional method of service. JUMP, a brand by Uber. These technology companies seem to new compromise will be The Canteen that was open
Uber challenged the taxi-cab scooters are often strewn around have lost sight of even this most needed. Though government before lunchtime, allowing
industry by providing cheaper on public property like Tech fundamental rule. If we cannot employees finally recieved workers and students in the
fares through a combination campus during the day, then taken even trust companies to follow their paychecks, it is unclear surrounding area to grab a
of a decentralized ride request to charge at night and re-released that rule, how can we possibly whether the numerous bagel and some coffee when
system and the use of individuals’ the following morning. Outside trust them to make increasingly contractors will be offered the heading to work. Now, Tech
cars instead of company-owned of Tech, you can sometimes find more complicated ethical same. Still, this is a step in the Square is frighteningly devoid
vehicles. As a result, rides on piles of scooters on the sides of decisions? right direction. of coffee places.

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH JOURNAL

Showcase, Present, and Inspire


UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH @ GT

gttower.org
Life
LIFE EDITOR: technique
Lauren Lambert Hey, February!
ASSISTANT LIFE EDITOR:
Rosemary Pitrone
Check out our calendar for an overview of exciting things 8
Friday,
happening at Tech this month 410
life@nique.net February 1, 2019

Forum examines ethics in urban automation


ERIN SHINNERS intersections, traffic lights and be rooted in a “digital physical short, our privacy in an urban sonal data to companies. She
CONTRIBUTING WRITER varied transportation methods hybrid” model, where sensors and automated world lacks protective stressed that going forward, ur-
like motorbikers and cyclists. The devices will gather information to measures for the user. ban environments should adopt a
Urban automation, or the switch to an autonomously driven streamline building energy per- To round out the research universal design principle that re-
implementation of artificial intel- world may not require previous formance, understand customer forum, Carolyn Phillips, the in- quires inclusion from ideation to
ligence, robotics and other tech- human constraints. This would perceptions and interactions in terim director of AMAC Accessi- implementation within the design
nologies in order to support the transform the traditional design retail, and gauge consumer inter- bility, shifted the conversation to process and addresses privacy is-
urban environment, is on the rise. of urban neighborhoods and re- ests without the need for physical focus on the ethics behind using sues for everyone involved.
In the age of Alexa and Siri, we quire a drastic shift in design val- transactions. urban automation for the benefit After opening the floor to
are no strangers to urban automa- ues and ethics. Similar to Leigh, Shelden of disabled individuals. questions, the panel concluded
tion, the problems it solves or the The next panelist Nancey wants to know what a citizen’s She asked questions surround- by summarizing the importance
problems it creates. As a major Green Leigh, associate dean for rights are in interactive envi- ing the design of urban automa- of continuing to ask ethical ques-
university within a major urban research and professor within ronments. He states that while tion for the disabled population, tions as well as allowing these
environment, Tech is an epicenter the School of City and Regional certain interactions with urban such as “Should Alexa be capable questions to evolve alongside the
for discussing and implementing Planning, carried Bornstein’s automation are voluntary, inter- of unlocking doors for those phys- advancement of urban environ-
such technologies. point into a new ethical argu- actions with buildings are ines- ically incapable?” and “Should ments.
On Jan. 24, a research forum ment: data-driven urbanism. capable. Shelden drove his point employers be made aware if their While no panelist attested to
convened in the School of Build- Leigh noted that an increase in home with a summarized quote disabled employee uses scalable having the perfect answer, Phillips
ing Construction to discuss the urban automation has seen a rise from Shoshana Zuboff’s latest technology to bring their work summarized the conversations el-
topic of “Ethics and Values in in public sector entities collecting work, “The Age of Surveillance down to an understandable level?” oquently, by stating “I believe we
Urban Automation” and continue data about human-urban interac- Capitalism”: “Surveillance capi- Phillips also pointed out the [human beings] are collectively
the conversation about our tech- tions, and raised the question of talism unilaterally claims human issues surrounding data privacy, brilliant and we can create truly
nologically subsidized futures. human rights to data privacy and experiences as free raw material stating that people with disabili- inclusive environments for every-
The panel focused on bringing surveillance. Utility, home appli- into data. While some goes into ties often require technological body where we can move out of
together faculty and researchers ance, phone and transportation improvement, the rest are a be- assistance to get by and have no the shadows and into the light [of
within the College of Design to companies are just a few exam- havioral proprietary surplus.” In choice but to volunteer their per- urban automation].”
have an interdisciplinary discus- ples of industries benefiting from
sion about the ethical questions data collection within the urban
within urban automation. environment. The data collected
Jason Bornstein, the associate reveals information about one’s
director at the Center for Ethics location, personal space, transac-
and Technology, and professor tions and more. Leigh questions
within the School of Public Pol- whether citizens of these urban-
icy, kicked off the forum by not- automated environments are see-
ing the difficulty of changing the ing tangible returns from sharing
currently human-controlled envi- their data, or if urban environ-
ronment to an autonomous one. ments are giving rise to a larger
Self-driving cars, one of the most ethical dilemma in the form of
notorious examples, shed light on breaches of privacy.
the disconnect between the levels Dennis Shelden, the Director
of human and technological com- of the Digital Building Lab and
munication. A world with both Associate Professor in the School
human and self-driven cars leaves of Architecture, built off of Leigh’s
room for human impairment, a argument using his perspective
factor that self-driven cars may from his professional experience
not be prepared for. in applying digital technology to Photo by Jon Long Student Publications
Additionally, human-driven building design. Shelden specu- Little Einsteins members conduct STEM experiments with elementary school students.
cities are ruled by crosswalks, lates the future of architecture will The Little Einsteins Organization became a chartered student organization this past year.

Tech Ends Suicide Together: QPR Training


JANNAT BATRA The seven key components public on how to ask questions not going to plant the seed.” In QPR.
CONTRIBUTING WRITER of Tech Ends Suicide Together to those in the midst of a mental this way, the training may allevi- Current QPR instructors vary
are: lead, train, identify, engage, health crisis, persuade them to get ate some of the fears people have from students, staff, members of
On a large campus like Tech, treat, transition and improve. The help and also refer them to the regarding honest conversations GTPD, Counseling Center, fac-
when one member of the commu- Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) right resources. about suicidal thoughts and ten- ulty and more, so it truly is a com-
nity gets hurt, the entire commu- training sessions offered by the The training teaches people to dencies. It also addresses the stig- munity effort to spread awareness
nity feels its effects. Yet, suicide Counseling Center play a large identify warning signs and even ma around asking others if they about suicide prevention.
remains a stigmatized phenomena role in this initiative. QPR is a na- how to seek help for themselves by need help and support. The general campus sessions
to occur on not only this campus, tionally-recognized program that educating the public about com- Rizzo finds that people often are open to individuals, but
but college campuses everywhere. teaches people steps in preventing mon causes of these types of be- leave the QPR sessions feeling groups can also submit requests
According to the World suicide haviors. more equipped to support their to spread awareness among their
Health Organization, suicide is Twice a month for two hours, It is modelled after CPR train- peers in need of help. This ad- organization.
the second largest leading cause of general campus QPR training ses- ing because it gives people the re- dresses the “identify” and “en- Sessions include general train-
death among 15- to 29-year-olds. sions are hosted by members of sources to help others even if they gage” aspects of Tech Ends Sui- ing, role play exercises and allot-
At Tech, the Division of Student the Tech community. never plan on using them. How- cide because it allows members of ted discussion time.
Life and the Counseling Center Since arriving on Tech’s cam- ever, in the instance when these the Tech community to be more A list of training dates and a
together lead the Tech Ends Sui- pus in 2014, this popular method resources are needed, they could than just bystanders when they list of certified QPR instructors
cide Together initiative, a cam- of “suicide prevention gatekeeper potentially save a life. feel a person may need to seek for the Tech community are avail-
pus-wide effort to end suicide. training” has helped open up a “[The training] will likely help. able online.
More specifically, the initiative conversation about mental health. come in handy in your life one “Information is power. We can To find more information
is the aspiration to move from a “Suicide is on the rise nation- day,” Rizzo said. all be engaged in suicide preven- about the Tech Ends Suicide To-
culture of simply preventing sui- ally,” said Dr. Julia Rizzo, the The most basic yet important tion and a mental health conversa- gether initiative and register for
cide to eliminating it completely. Suicide Prevention and Crisis skills that the training teaches tion around campus and QPR can a QPR session, visit endsuicide.
In fact, Tech is one of the first Response Coordinator at Tech. is “How to ask the question out be the way to do that,” Rizzo said. gatech.edu.
colleges in the United States to Most people who are experiencing loud,” Rizzo said. “If you can’t ask “It empowers people to think The QPR Institute also pro-
implement such a “Zero Suicide” thoughts of suicide don’t actually that question, then finding some- they can play a role in the com- vides suicide prevention resources
initiative. seek help, so “talking about men- one immediately to ask that ques- munity,” said Dr. Janice Hare- and courses on its website. Visit
The Zero Suicide Initiative be- tal health and suicide is part of tion,” referring to the simple yet wood, the Assistant Director of qprinstitute.com for more infor-
gan in 2012 as a national frame- everyone's well being.” impossible task of asking some- Outreach and Wellness. mation.
work to reduce patient suicide. The goal is to train people to one if they are having suicidal Not only can people attend ses- If you or someone you know
Tech adapted the components identify the signs of suicidal ide- thoughts. sions to learn the QPR method, finds yourself in an emergency,
of the initiative to best serve the ation and intervene before it is too It is also important to real- they can also attend training to call the National Suicide Preven-
campus community. late. QPR educates the general ize that “asking the question is become a certified instructor of tion Hotline 1-800-273-8255.
// LIFE technique • February 1, 2019• 9

Tech students establish science mentorship program


JAIMEE FRANCIS munity and school systems. the kids, such as the way in which told a boy playing that he was the ments that are both feasible and
CONTRIBUTING WRITER “We started LEO because we the kids attach themselves to the new Simon. Suddenly, I see all of fun for the children.
saw a need for it at the elemen- older Tech students. the students running out of the Joy Nish, a second-year
No doubt, Tech students can tary school. But it has become so They also laughed over the building, and I am like ‘Oh my BCHM, and Greg Varghese, a
still fondly remember those early popular at Tech, because there is mischievousness and cleverness of gosh,’” said Toro. “I chased after third-year CS, also explained how
science experiments that sparked a need for it at Tech, too,” Toro the kids, describing the fun-loving them and asked them what they important it was to be flexible and
their love for the subject and other said. “So many students here want and energetic environment of the thought they were doing. They adaptable in LEO, since the local
STEM fields. It is that precise to volunteer with kids and show school. Toro recalled a game of Si- said that the new Simon had said schools often lack the resources
fondness for STEM that the re- them science, and we are an ac- mon Says she had recently played to run outside, so that is what they and equipment necessary for stu-
cently chartered Little Einsteins tive and consistent outlet for do- with the children that particularly did! I told them I was now Simon dents to perform experiments. As
Organization (LEO) aspires to ing that.” highlighted the ingenuity of the again and that Simon says to sit LEO must provide its own experi-
bring to other young students in The leaders of LEO further at- young students. down and be good.” ments and materials, all leaders
Atlanta. The Technique chatted tribute the popularity of the club “I was playing Simon Says In addition to managing the agreed that funding is the biggest
with four leaders of the new club as resulting from the bonds that with the kids and telling them to children, the leaders discussed the challenge for the club moving for-
to learn more about their initia- the members are able to build do little things like ‘Simon Says other challenges that LEO faces. ward.
tive. with the young students. They de- raise your hand.’ But I was called They explained the difficulties Despite the challenges this
The idea for LEO stemmed scribed the trust and affection of to help set up something, and I that come with designing experi- new club faces, its leaders are opti-
from the Discovery program, an mistic about its future. They hope
initiative started by the service to expand LEO so that it reaches
organization Hands On Atlanta multiple schools in the Atlanta
which aims to enrich the expe- area, and they envision the pos-
rience of education in Title I sibilities that could form.
schools in Atlanta. Diana Toro, “Teaching STEM is important
a third-year BCHM major, and because we get to show the kids
Tessa Stubbs, a third-year CS ma- the potential of science and spark
jor, started volunteering for Dis- their curiosity. We get to be role
covery at nearby Scott Elemen- models to them, and we can mod-
tary School when they noticed the el our love for STEM to them. I
lack of STEM resources available grew up being told I wasn’t good
there. at physics before I even took a
Wanting to enrich the STEM physics class.” Toro explained.
opportunities at the school, Toro “Now I think a lot about the girls
and Stubbs began by encourag- at the school and how they can get
ing their friends to volunteer with into science and engineering and
them at Scott Elementary School all the other things they can do.”
until they formed a partnership When pursuing something so
with Discovery to run their own intensely, it is often easy to for-
STEM program. Becoming their get how much joy that subject
own program enabled them to or- once brought you. As the semester
ganize and conduct their own sci- picks up and Tech students be-
ence experiments for the students. come more and more overloaded
It also allowed them to become a with assignments and exams,
chartered club at Tech this past childlike enthusiasm and wonder
year. for learning and science seems to
What had started as a volun- diminish more and more.
teering project for a handful of It is easy to forget the excite-
friends has now grown into an ment and stimulation that once
active organization with over 40 came with the science experiments
members and over 1,000 followers of the past, but revisiting these old
on their Instagram, @gatech_leo. experiments and showing them to
Toro explains the rapid success of Photo by Diana Toro Student Publications younger students has the power to
LEO in terms of its purpose in Little Einsteins members conduct STEM experiments with elementary school students. serve as a reminder for the joy and
filling a missing need in the com- The Little Einsteins Organization became a chartered student organization this past year. benefits of learning.

technique

Join the

Technique
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10 • February 1, 2019• technique // LIFE

Design by Lauren Douglas Student Publications

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// LIFE technique • February 1, 2019• 11
technique

Entertainment
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR:
Josh Trebuchon
ASSISTANT ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR:
Eli Hendler Friday,
12
entertainment@nique.net February 1, 2019

Shooter Jennings fights on for outlaw country


EVENTS
Shooter Tour
PERFORMER: Shooter
Jennings
LOCATION: Venkman’s
DATE: Jan. 25
OUR TAKE: «««««

JESSICA BARBER
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Shooter “The Gunslinger” Jen-


nings, son of the late Waylon Jen-
nings, performed for a sold-out
crowd at Venkman’s in Atlanta’s
Old Fourth Ward neighborhood
on Jan. 25.
Songs from his most recent al-
bum “Shooter” rocked attendees
in the small warehouse-turned-
restaurant venue. Fans of the
outlaw country singer waited pa-
tiently through two opening acts
for the main event.
Nikki & The Phantom Callers
proved to be a solid opening for
the night. The band was greeted Photo by Jessica Barber Student Publications
with much enthusiasm when the Outlaw country artist Shooter Jennings, the son of country legend Waylon Jennings, performs at Venkman’s in Old
crowd learned of the band’s At- Fourth Ward. The artist recently released his 11th studio album, ‘Shooter,’ and is currently on a U.S. tour in support of it.
lanta roots, and songs like “New
Year’s Day” paid homage to the voice that filled the room with a Following them came Them ers’s down-to-earth songs over to After a tedious soundcheck
band’s Georgian sentiment. certain southern twang that is Dirty Roses, a small-town Ala- Them Dirty Roses’s harder ones by Jennings’s crew, the singer fi-
Although she seemed some- seldom delivered tastefully and bama quartet with a very early like “Cocaine and Whiskey” was nally took the stage and opened
what intimidated on stage at first, genuinely in modern country art- Kings of Leon feel. The transition sudden and tumultuous, but the with the leading song off Shooter,
lead singer Nikki Speake had a ists’ songs. from Nikki & The Phantom Call- crowd seemed to respond well. See SHOOTER, page 14

‘Skid’ impresses with choreography and music


EVENTS
Skid
PERFORMER: Komanse
Dance Theatre
LOCATION: Ferst Center for
the Arts
DATE: Jan. 30
OUR TAKE: «««««

JOSH TREBUCHON
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

The nights of Jan. 25 and 26,


the Ferst Center hosted “Skid,” a
modern interpretive dance show
performed by Atlanta’s recently
established Komanse Dance The-
ater.
The two act show features a
broad variety of different dancing
and musical styles, from ballet to
hip hop dancing, jazz to trap mu-
sic and everything in between.
The Friday night show was well
attended and audience engage-
ment was encouraged, leading to
an immersive and energetic view-
ing experience.
This impressive audience en-
gagement seemed partially to be
fueled by the thoughtful curation
of the show’s music — song choic- Photo courtesy of Komanse Dance Theater
es were vibrant and dynamic, and Several members of the Komanse Dance Theatre’s extensive cast of dancers practice some of their moves. The troupe
the show’s many swings from emo- recently debuted its first ever show, a piece focusing on social justice called ‘Skid,’ at the Ferst Center for the Arts.
tionally low to emotionally high
and from slow to fast were timed energy and the music. Each danc- has been around less than a year group’s sense of ambitious en- the Institute, while also studying
perfectly to keep the audience’s er turned in inspired performance and their two performances at the ergy is likely an echo of that of dance at Emory University.
full attention. after inspired performance. Ferst Theater were their first ever. its founder and Artistic Director, “Skid” is a visual masterpiece,
The dancers — of which the Watching the show, the viewer The troupe’s youth is reflected Raianna Brown. Brown is a life- with enchanting choreography
Komanse Dance Theater has becomes acutely aware of the in the obvious excitement and long dancer and is currently an executed by dedicated and skillful
many — fed off of the audience youth of the theater — the group hunger of the dancers, and the Industrial Engineering student at See DANCE, page 15
// ENTERTAINMENT technique • February 1, 2019• 13

GLASS FROM PAGE 1


The two, along with Mr. Glass, an evil genius dedicated to ensur- ing and structure, they successful- porates horror and thriller ele-
are taken by Dr. Ellie Staple (Sar- ing that the former two meet. In ly tackle the same major concept: ments into a narrative packed
set the stage for this year’s “Glass,” ah Paulson) to a mental institu- true M. Night Shyamalan fash- What would it realistically look with action, both physical and
the final film in what has been tion that makes up the bulk of the ion, there is a twist: this promising like if someone with superhuman psychological.
called the “Eastrail 177 Trilogy.” film’s setting. On paper, the film foundation builds to a frustrating- abilities existed in the real world? “Glass,” unfortunately, distills
“Glass” introduces Dunn, has all the narrative tools it needs ly flaccid conclusion. “Unbreakable” takes an ambling, the worst elements of these two
now known as The Overseer, to to tell a great story: a compelling While “Unbreakable” and human-centered approach to its films into a single, grossly under-
Crumb, now called The Horde. hero, a well-developed villain and “Split” differ wildly in plot, pac- storytelling, while “Split” incor- whelming product.
“Unbreakable” worked because
it wasn’t tainted by our current ex-
pectations for superhero cinema;
“Split” worked because, marketed
as a thriller, it eschewed those
expectations altogether. “Glass”
embraces the tropes that are now
ubiquitous in the oversaturated
superhero genre, shoehorning its
main characters into roles that de-
stroy the qualities that made them
engaging and likable in their re-
spective films.
The tension built through the
film ends in a criminally unsat-
isfying climax; the portions that
were not entirely predictable only
came as a surprise because nobody
expected an Oscar-nominated
director to commit them to film.
This bungled climax ends in a
typical “Shyamalan twist” that
aims to give context to the story,
though it comes off as a slap in the
face after being subjected to the
preceding narrative maelstrom.
Watching “Glass” is like mix-
ing the pieces of two separate
jigsaw puzzles and attempting
to construct a single coherent
image. It is technically pos-
sible, but only by forcing pieces
to go where they don’t belong.

FILM
Glass
GENRE: Action
STARRING: Samuel L.
Jackson, Bruce Willis, James
McAvoy
DIRECTOR: M. Night
Shyamalan
RATING: PG-13
RELEASE DATE: Jan. 18
Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures
James McAvoy plays Kevin Crumb, a criminal with a personality disorder that sometimes gives him super powers, in M. OUR TAKE: «««««
Night Shyamalan’s new film ‘Glass.’ Anna Taylor-Joy stars as Casey Cook, one of Crumb’s former kidnapping victims.
14 • February 1, 2019• technique // ENTERTAINMENT

SHOOTER FROM PAGE 12 never know from the size of the the singer appeared and proceed- Jennings proved that his music Fans of outlaw country need
crowd, which nearly exceeded the ed through his set. does not fall short of the legacy not worry that this music will fade
“Bound Ta Git Down”. The im- venue’s capacity. The quality and heart seen that his father Waylon Jennings away as long artists like Jennings
mediate swing into things set the With that being said, the in the performances of the band left behind. Honest lyrics and tra- continue producing albums like
mood for the rest of the perfor- space could have been a bit bet- members made the night’s earlier ditional country sounds that har- “Shooter”. The future of this genre
mance, and it was evident that the ter tailored for a room full of tipsy tensions worth fighting through, ken back to Willie Nelson show looks exceptionally bright with
homely nature of the song would adults. Though tension due to low and the acoustics in the old ware- that Jennings is unafraid to cling Jennings. Jennings’ tour across the
carry into the rest of the set. space was present during the wait house space served the string in- to his roots despite a poppy turn United States will continue until
Songs like the more popular for Jennings, this calmed down as struments well. in modern country music. May 2019.
“Rhinestone Eyes” matched the
nature of the stage, which was sur-
rounded by string lights and red
velvet curtains. Although simple,
this reinforced the heartfelt, un-
derproduced sound of the music.
Looking back to his open-
ing acts, Jennings served as the
perfect combination of the two
— the songs’ ambient instrumen-
tals augmented the effect of his
smooth yet earthy notes. The hard
attitudes and traditional country
sounds of the previous perfor-
mances were especially present in
songs like “D.R.U.N.K.”.
This song was evidently a
crowd favorite, especially given
the cheers to lyrics like “Raise a
glass to a rugged life ruined / Oh,
pop a top and celebrate”. The au-
dience swayed in unison to Jen-
nings’s charismatic singing of slow
days spent in benevolent drinking.
Later, the singer assured the
audience of his nickname in a
lively performance of “The Gun-
slinger.” Allusions to this song
were notably mentioned earlier in
the night by Them Dirty Roses,
and the audience showed its ap-
preciation of the inclusion of the
song in Jennings’s set with cheers.
As a whole, the concert was
worthwhile. Though outlaw coun- Photo courtesy of Elektra
try is not a popular genre of music The Nashville, Tenn. native has had a prolific 18 year long career putting out old school outlaw country music,
in a city like Atlanta, you would fueled by musical influences including Willie Nelson, Hank Williams and, of course, his father Waylon Jennings.
// ENTERTAINMENT technique • February 1, 2019• 15

DANCE FROM PAGE 12 sion. The show purports to be “a ther not at all or in an on-the-nose doing it through an audio record- are some segments of live spoken-
celebration of the vulnerability fashion which can almost be a ing is slightly creative, but the rest word poetry which expand upon
dancers who clearly care deeply and strength of humanity” that little insulting to the viewer. of the show must then support the topic, but it is difficult for the
for the work they are doing. Most aims to take “a provocative look at For instance, an audio record- that thesis and expand upon it viewer to identify the contribution
students probably have very little homelessness and gentrification in ing of a man saying that humans through all of the artistic elements which the dancing itself makes to
experience with modern dance, the Metro Atlanta area.” need “love” above all else is played present. The thesis statement can- the conversation.
and “Skid” seems a great intro- This central theme is at times repeatedly throughout the show, not itself also be the bulk of the Sure, the dancing follows the
duction to the unique art. addressed subtly and artistically forming the thesis statement of argument presented by a show. music in tone, tempo and style,
Where “Skid” comes up short by the song choices in the show, the work. Bluntly stating the idea The songs do a great job of but beyond simply mirroring the
is in its execution of its artistic vi- while at others it is addressed ei- of the show like this is fine, and supporting the thesis, and there sounds, it does not add much
depth to the messages the viewer
picks up on.
Experts on modern dance
would likely tell the viewer that he
is missing the point of just about
everything and that every aspect
of the dancing has deep signifi-
cance to the themes of the show,
but it is hard for a layperson to be-
lieve that a room full of such ex-
perts would reach any consensus
on the meaning of the dancing.
Certainly, art should be open
to interpretation to some ex-
tent, but the dancing in “Skid”
is so open that it is probably best
viewed as a purely aesthetic art.
Focusing on aesthetics is fine,
and the interpretive nature of
“Skid” is probably largely a limi-
tation of the medium of dance
rather than due to the quality of
the specific show. Still, the the-
ater claims that the show exam-
ines homelessness, gentrification
and other themes, making it
fair to hold the dancing to some
artistic standard.
None of this is to say that
“Skid” is anything other than a
wonderfully enjoyable show. It is
beautiful, engaging and enthrall-
ing. What’s more, it has a mes-
sage to offer its viewers, even if it
is conveyed almost exclusively by
the music and spoken word.
Considering that “Skid” is the
Komanse Dance Theater’s first
ever show, Brown and her troupe
did an incredible job. If the group
can manage to show at least a frac-
tion of the energy and enthusiasm
they exhibited in their first effort
Photo courtesy of Komanse Dance Theater in future shows, whatever they
The Komanse dance group was founded less than a year ago by Raianna Brown, a Tech student who also studies dance at Emory put out next will most likely be
University. Brown and her colleagues aim to use dance to address a variety of social issues surrounding race and class in the U.S. well worth checking out.
16 • February 1, 2019• technique // COMICS
SARAH’S SCRIBBLES BY SARAH ANDERSEN PEARLS BEFORE SWINE BY STEPHEN PASTIS

LIO BY MARK TATULLI

LUNARBABOON BY CHRISTOPHER GRADY

IN THE BLEACHERS BY STEVE MOORE


// COMICS technique • February 1, 2019• 17

SMBC BY ZACH WEINERSMITH CHANNELATE BY RYAN HUDSON

SUDOKU PUZZLE

XKCD BY RANDALL MUNROE

BY SUDOKUCOLLECTION.COM
18 • February 1, 2019• technique // SPORTS

COLLINS FROM PAGE 19


many students and created some
buzz around the Jackets football
program. The purpose of the trip,
however, was not to speak with
individual players at these schools;
rather, as a new head coach in
Georgia, Collins used the trip as a
means to begin building relation-
ships with coaching staffs of the
state’s top high school football
teams. His trip appeared to be
successful at achieving that end.
JOHN EDWARDS Coach Tanner Glisson from
ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR Troup County High School said
after Collins’ visit, “Georgia Tech
To say that fans are excited for is serious about recruiting. That
Geoff Collins’ first season as head was the statement,” courtesy of
coach is an understatement. Ac- AJC.com. Maintaining healthy
cording to Tech’s athletic depart- relationships with high school
ment, when football season tickets coaches is imperative in bringing
went on-sale for the 2019 season in talent not just this year, but
on Monday, Tech sold 81 percent for years to come. The steps Col-
more tickets on the first day of lins takes now lay the foundation
sales than they did in 2018, with of future recruiting efforts as the
20 percent of season ticket sales team roster transitions toward his
accounted for by buyers who had envisioned scheme.
not held season tickets in the pre- Collins has expressed his com-
vious season. But the same week Photo by Mitchell Williams Student Publications mitment to bringing local talent
that Tech fans enthusiastically Parker Braun (left) lines up next to offensive tackle Zach Quinney. While Braun plays a position to Tech. As one of the country’s
threw money at Todd Stansbury, that does not usually receive much publicity, he was arguably the team’s best player last year. most prolific producers of elite tal-
a quiet piece of news betraying ent, Georgia is a target location in
the seemingly boundless opti- that distinction will not continue who participated in this year’s change — in football as in all recruiting efforts for top schools
mism towards Collins’ approach- into the Collins era. coaching carousel — see a number things — is inevitable, and spec- nationwide. Yet, in the past four
ing tenure as head coach emerged Braun’s transfer serves as a of significant and even familiar tators are best served by embrac- years of recruiting, only one top
— All-ACC guard Parker Braun sobering reminder of all that a names likely depart the program. ing the change and looking to the 50 Georgia recruit has commit-
would be leaving the program as regime change involves — includ- Braun illustrates that kind of tal- future while reminiscing fondly ted to the Jackets per year. That
a graduate transfer. Braun’s depar- ing the negative. Braun is likely ent drain perfectly; as Tech’s most on the past. Wish favorite players a power conference school with
ture was a subtle reminder of the the first of many names to leave exemplary player from the past well as they announce their trans- a relatively good tradition of suc-
dark side of regime changes, and Tech; as Collins institutes a new two seasons and a rising senior, he fers, cheer them on in their future cess to find recruiting so difficult
not everything about bringing in staff, a new offensive scheme and represents a significant loss for the endeavours and remember well in its backyard is both a cause
a new coach represents positive likely a new defensive scheme, program. Braun may have had any the glories of the past won — but and symptom of the team’s recent
change. many players who were recruit- number of reasons for wishing to know that such changes are for problems on the field.
Braun had been arguably both ed to fit the mold of Johnson’s transfer, and as a graduate transfer the best for all involved parties. It only makes sense that Tech
Tech’s best player and its most triple-option offense and former he would have been able to do so Athlete departures give student should aim to further tap into the
consistent for the past two sea- DC Nate Woody’s 3-4 defense without significant obstacles from athletes the ability to chase bet- pool of homegrown players that
sons. Braun had started thirty- have found themselves in flux. the NCAA regardless of the cir- ter opportunities elsewhere, while could make the football program
two consecutive games for Tech, Many Johnson-era products with cumstances, but Johnson’s depar- giving coaches the freedom to re- great. Collins will continue to
achieving All-ACC honors in remaining eligibility very well ture undoubtedly played a signifi- cruit fresh talent for the school. make these trips, whether by he-
back-to-back seasons and served may choose to take their talents cant role in choosing to take his Still, it is difficult to say fare- licopter or something less flashy,
as Tech’s lone first-team All-ACC elsewhere, either to other option talents elsewhere. well to such talented players as as the offseason continues to shore
representative in 2018. Braun was schools or to places where there As a fan, it can be disappoint- Braun. But say farewell we must. up the 2019 recruiting class and
undoubtedly one of the finest of- may be a better fit. ing to watch your favorite players, Cheers to a dedicated and hard- make strides toward becoming a
fensive linemen to play at The In the coming months, Tech the building blocks of memorable working student athlete, who de- legitimate contender in the ACC
Flats in the Paul Johnson era, but will — like many other programs seasons past, up and leave. But serves nothing but success. and perhaps beyond.
// SPORTS technique • February 1, 2019• 19

Collins pulls out all stops RECRUITS FROM PAGE 20


means better athletes. If Collins
can get Tech to be known for its
and circumstance of a new caliber
of running back recruit.
The second sign of hope comes
in the form of a tweet: a single
talent to implement his offensive his preferred means of travel. He defense then look for better re- bee emoji posted by University of
ROHAN KANSARA vision will be especially important is in good company, though, as cruits over the next few years. Miami wide receiver Marquez Ez-
STAFF WRITER this offseason. Collins’ strategy to other top football recruiters in the Assuming that the offense, de- zard shortly after his visit to Tech.
recruit these players, however, is country, such as Nick Saban, are fense and team culture improve, Ezzard, like a number of Miami
What better way to start off a unprecedented in Tech’s history; known to use choppers as well. the question remains: how will players, announced his transfer
head coaching career at Tech than in his heavily Tech-decorated he- It makes sense that many foot- academic rigor factor into recruit- after Mark Richt’s retirement.
with a helicopter ride? On Tues- licopter, Twitter handle embla- ball coaches use the grandiose ing? When posed this question, Ezzard played only two games as
day, January 22, Geoff Collins zoned on the side in bright yel- gesture to impress high schoolers Coach Collins has expressed op- a freshman for the Hurricanes,
took to the skies in his personal low, Collins was letting the world and demonstrate the wealth of timism, stating that Tech can be which, under relatively new rules,
chopper to visit four Georgia high know that Tech football means their schools’ football programs. the place where academics matter. means he can still claim redshirt
schools and begin the recruiting business and impressing potential Tech has not necessarily been re- While true, it would be logical to status and not lose a year of eli-
season in earnest. While the he- recruits along the way. garded as a football school to the assume that the school will miss gibility. A four-star recruit just a
licopter is practical in a sense — Using helicopter rides in re- extent of a school like Alabama in out on recruits who exceed on the year ago from Stockbridge, Ga.,
making trips across the state easier cruiting efforts, while new to the minds of high school talent, field but struggle in the classroom. Ezzard was not recruited by Tech
and faster for Tech’s coaching staff Tech, is not unheard of nation- but Coach Collins is working to These missed opportunities will out of high school — though Kir-
— it serves a far greater purpose. ally. In fact, Geoff Collins made change that. hurt Tech, but what can separate by Smart and company gave him
With Collins’ plan to completely headlines in 2017 for using one Yes, flying a helicopter to lo- them from other schools in the a scholarship offer — but Tech
revamp the Jackets’ offense to a in Temple’s recruiting efforts; cal high schools caught the eye of recruitment of highly talented, seems to be at least a serious con-
pro-style scheme, recruiting top maybe flying in helicopters is just See COLLINS, page 18 academically-inclined athletes is tender a year later.
the value of the Tech degree, the Neither signing is official; both
same way talented athletes choose are potent rumors that have yet to
rigorous schools like Stanford. materialize. But if they are true,
The hopes of Tech’s recruiting even a brief look at the two play-
depend on Geoff Collins. While ers’ highlight film indicates that
living in a large city and attend- they are special talent. At multiple
ing a prestigious school help, at points, Griffin casually reverses
the end of the day it comes down field midway through a run as
to his skill at the coaching posi- eleven hapless defenders scramble.
tion. If he can use his charisma, Ezzard slips through defenses on
wits and energy to bring in better screen passes and outruns would-
recruits, then the future of Tech be tacklers. Things obviously get
football looks bright. more difficult at the next level, but
Two early signs that Collins both have received widespread re-
is succeeding have come to light cruiting attention for good reason.
in the past few weeks. First, four- Perhaps Griffin and Ezzard
star running back recruit Jamious work out, Griffin becoming a pe-
Griffin, who was committed to rennial 1000-yard rusher and Ez-
NC State, declined to sign during zard the first Tech wide receiver
the early period and then de-com- to garner significant pro interest
mitted. Griffin visited Tech in De- since DeAndre Smelter and Dar-
cember, and all six of 247Sports’ ren Waller. Perhaps neither lives
recruiting ‘insiders’ have predict- up to the expectations that will no
ed that he will bring his talents doubt be set by the intelligentsia
to Atlanta. In Johnson’s tenure, of fan message boards. And per-
Tech’s runners tended to be play- haps neither ever dons the white
ers undervalued by conventional and gold. But if their interest in
systems — his B-backs were es- Tech, and Tech’s interest in them,
sentially fullbacks, a dying breed is real, then schools that have
in the sport, and his A-backs were made their living recruiting the
Photo courtesy of Danny Karnik undersized for a role that would South may notice a shift in the
Geoff Collins signs autographs before a Tech basketball game. Collins must not only woo fans scheme them consistent touches. power balance, however gradual.
but high school players and coaches; his recent helicopter tour marked progress on that front. Griffin brings at least the pomp The Jackets are here to play.
Sports
SPORTS EDITOR: Bye, Braun technique
Harsha Sridhar
ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR:
John Edwards
Three years after coming to Tech, the
Jackets' star offensive lineman seeks
20
Friday,
a new school for his final season.418
sports@nique.net February 1, 2019

Tech’s hope: new offense brings better athletes


Adidas. These moves come after receivers as well, a necessity in the Although the changes in the an improvement in defense may
JOHN EDWARDS years of trouble convincing tal- modern high-powered offense era structure of the offense may be the not create as a fast of a change in
ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR ented high school players to come of college football. If successful, most notable, Collins is a known prestige as the complete overhaul
to Tech. With new personnel, at- next year’s new-look offense will defensive specialist. Famous for of an archaic offense, in time it
When the two most prominent tire and team culture, there is real go a long way towards improving his attention to detail, Collins has will increase the standing of Tech.
names in the Tech head coach- hope for Tech on the recruiting Tech’s standing in the minds of coached under the likes of Nick It is simple: a better reputation
ing search were San Diego Char- trail, even in a highly competitive young athletes. Saban and Jim McElwain. While See RECRUITS, page 19
gers offensive coordinator Ken landscape.
Whisenhunt and Temple head Being in a major city presents
coach Geoff Collins, fans every- an advantage in a school’s recruit-
where wondered who would be ing. The question is whether Tech
chosen as the future leader of Tech can channel its advantage like
football. On one hand, there was USC or Miami have. Both schools
a proven, experienced former have been known to use their in-
Tech football player who seemed ner-city locations as an attraction
like the predestined choice in the to athletes in years past. Atlanta’s
decision. The story made sense for influence on pop culture could
Whisenhunt: the Jackets, looking help propel Tech in the hearts and
to redefine themselves as a pro- minds of recruits, if properly har-
friendly team, would naturally nessed. While Atlanta is known
want to hire a professional coach for its music and culture, that
to lead that transition. doesn’t necessarily carry over to
However, Tech chose to go Tech, leaving work to be done for
another route in their decision, Collins. This is where the advan-
hiring someone a full decade tage of the charismatic personality
younger with obvious vigor and found in Geoff Collins will help
charisma. Geoff Collins owns pave the way for better recruiting.
a helicopter. At Temple, he ap- While having frustrated oppo-
pointed a staff member to the nents for years, the triple option
position of S.W.A.G. coordinator. has long been a weak link when
This hire marks a steep departure trying to pull in elite athletes. A
from Paul Johnson, a brilliant on- new offense will help Tech get
field tactician who openly scorned superior recruits, healing a repu-
recruiting rankings and cultivated tation that drove pocket pass-
an old-school image. It also con- ing quarterbacks away. A more Photo by Mitchell Williams Student Publications
tinues a path that Tech set last balanced offense will make the KirVonte Benson runs to the edge during a game against North Carolina. Benson was the sort of
year, leaving Russell Athletic for school more appealing towards undervalued recruit who fit snugly into Johnson’s offense as a B-back; his role now is unclear.

Transfer, Usher, could solve Tech’s shooting woes


First, Usher leaves USC on less two National Invitation Tourna- and Banks are transfer success point percentage his freshman
HARSHA SRIDHAR than ideal terms. He was sus- ment games and stepped up his stories, and returning to the year, which he earned on 1.8 shots
SPORTS EDITOR pended from the team indefinitely production significantly early in Peach State, whose Wheeler High per game. That figure dropped to
over a personal conduct issue; it is the 2018-19 campaign; he was av- School Usher recently dominated, 28.6 percent this year, but over
He will probably never say as unclear when he would have seen eraging 8.6 points per game, good gives him a strong support system. a sample size of only 12 games.
much, but it is a sure bet that at the floor again in Los Angeles had for seventh on the team. While And a college athlete who leaves Should he shoot at anywhere near
some point last season, sitting he decided to stick it out. And sec- Usher was not generally in the Los Angeles but does not want that efficiency at McCamish Pa-
in his University of Texas dorm ond, Usher was not a fringe play- starting lineup, he was a valuable to abandon city life can do much vilion, he would by far be the best
room, James Banks III watched er, desperate to find playing time rotational piece. worse than Atlanta. shooter the Jackets have on the
Tech play basketball with Ben anywhere. He played all 36 games For Usher though, a trip down If Usher can be summed up floor — unless someone like Al-
Lammers off the floor and saw his as a freshman, starting the team’s south makes sense. Both Alston into a number, it is 40.9: his three- varado or Devoe takes a massive
opportunity. Sylvester Ogbonda step forward.
looked uncomfortable handling Usher must sit out a year from
the ball. Abdoulaye Gueye was a the date of transfer, but that
high-energy player with zero of- means he will join the team next
fensive finesse. So Banks, realizing spring; in other words, the Jackets
the prospect of playing time was must survive the non-conference
slim in Austin, headed back home schedule without Usher’s help, but
to Atlanta. Now, he is arguably will get him when ACC play be-
the Jackets’ best player. gins. For the team that takes the
While Tech has its big man second-least three-point shots in
for the near future, Tech men’s ACC play, any production Usher
basketball is in desperate need of might contribute is welcome.
something else: shooting threats. Usher will only be the third
Brandon Alston is in his final four-star recruit brought aboard
year of eligibility, and when he is to Tech in the Josh Pastner era;
on the floor, the Jackets’ already 247Sports had him ranked as the
meager capacity from deep takes No. 12 player in the state and No.
a dive. Jose Alvarado is shooting 104 player nationally in the Class
under 30 percent from deep, Cur- of 2017.
tis Haywood is hot and cold and If the Jackets succeed in inte-
freshman Michael Devoe has yet grating him into the offense and
to find his rhythm. And help does Tech makes a significant step for-
not appear to be coming via high ward next year, it will be fair to
school recruiting; the Jackets are wonder if the book on Pastner
yet to sign a single player to their when he signed his contract at
Class of 2019. Tech — great recruiter, mediocre
So perhaps that was why shoot- tactical coach — was wrong on
ing guard Jordan Usher, facing an both counts.
uncertain future ahead at the Uni- But after a loss to North Caro-
versity of Southern California, de- lina where the Jackets collapsed
cided to follow Banks’ path. Tech in the second half for the second
offers, if nothing else, a chance for game in a row, Jackets fans likely
early and frequent playing time. Photo by Casey Gomez Student Publications care little about how Pastner gets
Usher’s situation differs from James Banks hangs on the rim after a dunk against Notre Dame. Banks is a clear example of results: they just want change, and
Banks’ in a couple of key ways. a transfer from a major program who has found immediate success on Josh Pastner’s squad. Usher brings hope.

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