September 27, 2019•Volume 105, Issue 9•nique.
net
technique
News 2
IVAN ALLEN COLLEGE DEAN ROYSTER RETIRES p8
LIFE
Top L: Photo by Rommi Isabelle Musmanno Student Publications; Top R: Photo courtesy of Youtube; Above: Photo courtesy of Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts Flickr
Indie artist Shelby Merry speaks on new album
GABE JONES
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The halls of iTunes and Spotify
are filled with the latest and great-
est of pop hits, the tunes consum-
ers play on repeat until their ears
bleed. But below the surface often
lie the underdogs, independent
artists who are actively striving to
lay the groundwork for their rise
to stardom. One of these under-
appreciated artists is Nashville na-
tive Shelby Merry, who recently
released her fifth studio album
“Tiger Heart” on Sept. 13.
NEWS
. .
Climate Strike
Opinions 5
“Tiger Heart” marks a new era
of music in Merry’s career. It is a
powerful album, each song inde-
pendent from the others, yet all
are woven together inseparably.
Every song means something dif-
ferent to her but all tie into love,
longing, relationships and the
heart. They speak of heartbreak,
of longing and of powerful and
deep connections to people. Each
piece truly emphasizes what it
means to love.
“Tiger Heart” also comes at
the end of a hard period of time
for Merry as she wraps up com-
posing and songwriting for the
p3 RT: Cancel Culture
Life 8
ENTERTAINMENT
Adult Swim series “Final Space.”
The album represents a true tri-
umph over the difficult situations
and relationships in her life and
contains elements from a broad
variety of genres in just one 13
song album.
Shelby Merry’s “Tiger Heart”
is truly the pinnacle of her work
as an artist, and it also shows who
she is as a person. Just before its
release, Merry used the album as
an opportunity for a call to action.
A friend’s dog was going to need a
very expensive surgery, and she of-
fered an early release of the album
to everyone who donated.
OPINIONS
Entertainment 12
It is for reasons like these that
Merry’s song “Gallows” just hit
one million streams on Spotify.
She is an exceptional personality
with a humble background and
heart for music and for love. And
“Tiger Heart” is a true reflection
of that.
The Technique recently sat
down with the Nashville-based
artist and chatted with her about
the album, her influences and her
past work.
Technique: What were some
of biggest influences and inspira-
tions for you while you were writ-
ing “Tiger Heart”?
p7
Sports 20
Shelby Merry: I love pop mu-
sic, such as Troye Sivan and Betty
Who, so they were a big influence
for me. Their first albums are in
my top five of all time. Pop music
has definitely made its way into
my sound in the last few albums
from me.
I just want people to have fun
when they listen to “Tiger Heart,”
and pop music made sense for
that. I’m definitely a theme kind
of person, so every song deals with
the different versions of the heart:
longing, desire, heartache, happi-
ness, etc.
See MERRY, page 14
News
NEWS EDITOR:
Students on Strike technique
Josh Bowling
Tech students participate in the global cli-
mate strike 45 Friday,
2
news@nique.net September 27, 2019

JOSH BOWLING
NEWS EDITOR
NEW DHS REPORT
The U.S. Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) re-
leased a new “strategic framework
for countering terrorism and tar-
geted violence” on Sept. 20 which
lists white supremacist terror as a
threat to national security for the
first time in the 18-year existence
of DHS.
“We continue to see violent at-
tacks based on hateful ideology.
The continuing menace of racially
based violent extremism, particu-
larly white supremacist extrem-
ism, is an abhorrent affront to our
nation, the struggle and unity of
its diverse population, and the
core values of both our society
and our department,” Acting
DHS Secretary Kevin McAleenan
said in a speech on the same day
the report was released.
The report outlines strategies
DHS uses to investigate possible
instances of terrorism abroad and
how they may be applied to the
domestic sphere. McAleenan fur-
ther identifies social media and
the Internet as tools of recruit-
ment.
“Private organizations and
technology companies have en-
gaged in counter-messaging cam-
paigns seeking to steer individuals
away from messages of violence.
DHS will support these efforts by
sharing threat information when
possible, evaluating the efficacy
of counternarrative efforts, and
providing grant funding to effec-
tive campaigns. DHS will engage
the technology sector to identify
and amplify credible voices on-
line, and promote counternar-
ratives against violent extremist
messaging. In these efforts, DHS
will prioritize freedom of expres-
sion, privacy, civil rights and civil
liberties, while seeking to convey
the harm done by targeted vio-
lence and terrorism,” McAleenan
specifically recommended in the
report concerning online extrem-
ist recruitment. In addition, the
report also lays out, among other
items, plans to partner with local
law enforcement to provide ter-
rorism threat response training
and increase citizen awareness of
extremist violence.
The report comes in the wake
of several years of increased white
supremacist violence in the U.S.,
including dozens of mass killings
and multiple instances of bomb-
ing threats. President Trump and
his administration have been un-
der scrutiny after the president
described white supremacist activ-
ists in Charlottesville, Va. as “very
fine people” after a far-right rally
ended in a counter-protestor’s
death in 2017.
THE “I” WORD
U.S. Speaker of the House
Nancy Pelosi announced Sept. 24
that the House would launch an
impeachment inquiry regarding
President Trump.
“The actions of the Trump
presidency revealed the dishonor-
able fact of the President’s betrayal
of his oath of office, betrayal of
our national security and betrayal
of the integrity of our elections,”
Pelosi said in the announcement
press conference.
The inquiry comes in response
to a whistleblower complaint
lodged at Trump on Aug. 12
for his phone conversation with
Ukrainian president Volody-
myr Zelensky in July. The White
House released a summary of the
conversation Sept. 25 some hours
after the impeachment inquiry
announcement ended.
According to the summary,
Trump congratulated Zelensky MARY BANGS
on a recent electoral victory before CONTRIBUTING WRITER
the latter promised to buy more
Javelin anti-tank missiles from the GONE PHISHIN’
U.S., at which point Trump asked While online scams and spam
Zelensky to investigate Crowd- emails clutter everyone’s inbox,
Strike, an American cybersecurity a recent string of phishing email
firm that investigated the Demo- scams have been targeting Tech
cratic National Committee hacks students and staff in particular.
in 2016, and current presidential Tech’s cyber security team sent
candidate Joe Biden. out a notification via Reddit on
Democrats argue that Trump Sept. 17 warning the community
committed an abuse of power of the issue. The emails appear
when he ordered acting White to be coming from people with
House Chief of Staff Mick Mul- suspicious Tech-affiliated emails;
vaney to withhold $400 million many of these addresses end with
in military aid to Ukraine one “.gatech@gmail.com.”
week before calling Zelensky The content of the spam mes-
about investigating CrowdStrike sages generally solicits the receiver
and Biden. to spend money on gift cards to
be delivered to the sender. When

E
ALTERNATIVE CROWD questioned, the responses tend to
ach week, this section of JOSH BOWLING Alternative Service Breaks be brief and urgent, suggesting
NEWS EDITOR (ASB) requested funds for sending that the receiver should send gift
News will include coverage students and staff on service trips cards or other desired informa-
of different aspects of bills DRAMATIC FACE LIFT around the southeast for fall break tion. Often, these emails appear
DramaTech, Tech’s theatre in mid October. to be from a person in a position
and resolutions that have passed
company housed in the Ferst Cen- According to the bill’s Jack- of authority such as a staff mem-
through Student Government. This ter, requested funding to overhaul etPages entry, students and staff ber or dean.
will include the Undergraduate their lobby, which “hasn’t been would be “serving with Habitat The cyber security team warns
updated in several years.” for Humanity in Asheville, NC, to be on the lookout for emails
House of Representatives, Graduate The bill’s author said, in the the National Parks Service in that include the following warn-
Student Senate and the Executive bill’s JacketPages entry, “These Cherokee, NC, 7 Elements in Sel- ing signs: an email address resem-
improvements will include gen- ma, AL and the Salvation Army in bling a Tech email, short requests
Branch of both government bodies. eral beautification (fresh paint, Panama City Beach, FL,” during for contact information, escala-
new/better LED lights, and cur- the period of Oct. 11-15. Partici- tions to ask for gift cards or mon-
BILL SUMMARY tains for box office and conces- pants will help with local projects ey of some form, poor grammar or
sions areas) and some items to and communities, including areas spelling and a tone of urgency.
BILL AMOUNT GSS UHR make an updated, more comfort- affected by Hurricane Dorian. Students seeing emails in their
able seating area for our audience ASB participants pay fees that inboxes that display these traits
members as they wait to enter the allow ASB “to operate as a self- should send them to phishing@
DramaTech Lobby Redesign $1,443.63 TBA TBA theatre. Our objective is to create sustaining program,” and they are gatech.edu, so the cyber security
Alternative Service Breaks F19 $2,089.24 22-0-0 28-0-1 a more inviting space as audience also applying for funds outside of team can analyze the message and
members enter the theatre.” SGA, including a trivia night at display it on their website (phish-
Pridefest 2019 $256.00 22-0-0 28-0-1 DramaTech celebrates its 72nd Rocky Mountain Pizza, to fit this bowl.gatech.edu) for reference to
year at Tech in 2019. semester’s bill. other students.

sliver // your thoughts

nique.net
I find it disgusting that the Technique is lionizing an individual
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NEWS EDITOR
Josh Bowling
force others to assist them in their suicide. If you would like to OPINIONS EDITOR
share your opinion, you can contact us via nique.net or send Vivian Wang
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ordering halfsweet nonfat pumpkin spice lattes while simultane- ENTERTAINMENT
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polly is the queen Georgia Institute of Technology, and is an official publication of Josh Trebuchon
Come to the debate on Monday the Georgia Tech Board of Student Publications. The Technique SPORTS EDITOR
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Nut! the summer.
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Sometimes you have to put your foot down, even if it is into scat Georgia Tech Board of Student Publications. No part of this pa- WEB DEVELOPER
Is evan gillion a show on netflix or a past SGA president per may be reproduced in any manner without written permission Jahziel
Apple watches are red flags from the Editor-in-Chief or from the Board of Student Publica- Villasana-Espinoza
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you’re a middle schooler/ Avni Shridhar
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But first I need to do my stYAtics hw with AmYAANda. feet.
// NEWS technique • September 27, 2019• 3

Jackets lead in Atlanta climate strikes

passers-by. True to Tech students, “It felt like a very intellectual The United States, China and groups on campus, such as the
POLLY OUELLETTE few of the strikers are truly skip- experience — I was learning from India are the three biggest indi- Association of Environmental
STAFF WRITER ping class, and those that do make the strikers, speakers and the sto- vidual emitters of the greenhouse Engineers and Scientists, Veg-
arrangements with professors be- ries behind their voices.” gasses that are causing climate gie Jackets and the Student Sus-
Tech climate activists made forehand. Musmanno said it felt good to change according to the World tainability Advisory Council.
their voices heard this weekend as Musmanno helped organize be involved in such a protest, but Resources Institute. She worked with Alex Ip, a sec-
part of the global Youth Climate Tech’s participation in Friday’s she has plans for more action. On However, the commitments ond year ENVE, and Thiago Es-
Strike on Friday, Sept. 20. The global climate strike. Students Friday, Sept. 27, Tech students made by these countries earlier slinger, second year BIOCHEM,
strike was organized around the made signs and joined other stu- plan to participate in another pro- this week still do not do enough to make Fridays for the Future a
United Nations Climate Action dents who traveled to the Georgia test. to limit warming to two degrees reality at Tech.
Summit, which took place in New Capitol building to remind Atlan- This time, they plan to help Celsius, the target of the UN’s “We need to protect the envi-
York City from Sept. 21-23. ta leaders that they care about the fellow protestors shut down a Intergovernmental Panel on Cli- ronment so the environment can
The climate strike was largely climate crisis. street in Buckhead. mate Change. live,” said Musmanno.
inspired by Swedish climate ac- “It was very special to be “This week, the goal is to stop There is more to be done, “It was here before us. It’s re-
tivist Greta Thurnberg, who around people that were similarly business as usual as a way of show- and some of it is happening ally important to me to promote
was invited to speak at the Sum- passionate as me,” said Elizabeth ing if we continue business as usu- on Tech’s campus. Musmanno environmentalism because we
mit. Thunberg organized school Krakovski, 4th year PUBP, who al, the planet is going to die,” said is part of several sustainabil- only have one planet and its unfair
strikes in which students would attended the strike on Friday. Musmanno. ity and environmental activism of us to abuse it in the way we do.”
refuse to attend class and protest
outside their schools in the hopes
that politicians would see that the
youngest generation cares deeply
about their actions regarding the
climate crisis. According to 350.
org, an environmental advocacy
group, more than 4 million stu-
dents participated globally.
Tech students have begun fol-
lowing Thunberg’s lead. A group
of climate activists and inter-
ested individuals sit outside the
Clough Undergraduate Learning
Commons from 11 a.m. to noon
on Fridays. Their aim is to raise
awareness of the climate crisis and
be an avenue for interested stu-
dents to learn more. They call it
“Fridays for the Future”.
“This is an issue that college
kids — Georgia Tech college
kids — forget is happening in the
world around them,” said Isabelle
Musmanno, 4th year ENVE and
one of the organizers of Fridays
for the Future. “We use this as a
reminder that every major can
do something about this cause. It
shows that its a part of every ones’
lives.”
The group sits near the Clough Photo by Rommi Kashlan Student Publications
roundabout every week, intend- Students who protest climate change inaction weekly sit outside Clough. Their protest on Sept. 20 coincided with the worldwide
ing to start a conversation with action, on the same day. This group regularly meets on Fridays to protest and raise awareness during campus’ most high traffic times.

technique

Join the

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4 • September 27, 2019• technique
IAC holds public town hall for dean search
MASON FAVRO
STAFF WRITER
Last Friday, the Ivan Allen
College (IAC) hosted a town hall
discussion about the process of
searching for the college’s next
dean. The hour long event, which
consisted of a brief presentation
laying out the expected timetable
of the search, as well as questions
yielded by students, was the first
step that the college has taken.
So far, the college and search
committee have not released any
names of people who have submit-
ted their applications for consider-
ation.
The IAC’s search committee,
in conjunction with Atlanta man-
agement consulting firm Russell
Reynolds Associates (RRA), will
be soliciting applications for the
dean position until early Novem-
ber. RRA specializes in executive
talent searches, and they will be
handling aspects of the search
process that have to do with the
solicitation and collection of ap-
plications so that the search com-
mittee can focus on evaluating the
applicants.
The dean search committee
consists of sixteen individuals as-
sociated with the College, includ-
ing undergraduate students, a
Ph.D. student and members of the
faculty and staff from the schools
under the umbrella of the Ivan
Allen College. The undergradu-
ate students who are a part of the
search committee were selected on
the basis of an application sent to
students in the Ivan Allen College
this past spring.
The applications received by
the committee will then be re-
viewed until January of this up-
coming year, when the finalists of
the search will be invited to speak
on campus. Finalists speaking to
John Tone acts as interim dean for Ivan Allen College while the search for a new dean
continues. He has served as associate dean with Dean Royster as long as she has served.
the campus community about
their plans for the school was also
a feature of the searches for the
deans of the Colleges of Comput-
ing and Engineering.
Following the campus visits,
the committee will deliberate on
the candidates for a few weeks,
taking into account their perfor-
mance at the campus town halls.
An announcement of the new
Dean is expected in the latter part
of the upcoming spring semester.
Last spring, the previous dean
Jaqcueline Royster stepped down
from the position. Royster had oc-
cupied the office since 2010, and
has overseen the introduction of
new courses of study as well as
seismic shifts in enrollment, which
Photo courtesy of News Center
// NEWS
increased by almost 40% from
the 2014-15 academic year to the
current 2019-20 year. Royster offi-
cially stepped down from the posi-
tion on Aug. 31.
“These last nine years have
mattered to me greatly. It has been
an honor and a pleasure to work
with all of you to create a new
horizon for liberal arts at Georgia
Tech,” Royster said in a statement.
John Tone, the current Dean
of Undergraduate Studies in the
Ivan Allen College and a profes-
sor in the School of History and
Sociology, was appointed as In-
terim Dean while the search com-
mittee evaluates applicants. Tone
has been with the Institute since
1990, serving in a variety of ca-
pacities, including Associate Dean
of IAC since 2008, in addition to
his post as professor.
This is not his first experience
leading as an interim leader. In
2017, when the School of Econom-
ics was looking for a new chair, he
took over during the search. Even-
tually, Laura Taylor was selected
for the position of chair.
The college, which encom-
passes the Schools of Economics,
Public Policy, International Af-
fairs, Literature Media and Com-
munication, Modern Languages
and History and Sociology, was
founded in 1948. It was renamed
for Institute alumnus and Atlanta
mayor Ivan Allen in 1990, and
according to Institute enrollment
statistics it has a student popula-
tion of just over 1,200.
Opinions
OUR VIEWS | Consensus Opinion
A few steps forward for climate change
Commending Tech on forward-thinking solutions
On Friday, members of Tech’s student
body gathered in solidarity for a climate
strike of our own. These days, the words
“climate change” are thrown around so fre-
quently as a pressing matter that some may
even feel that language to be normalized,
even pedestrian. But we continue to cover
climate change in local and national news
out of pure necessity, because the situation
has escalated beyond cautionary rhetoric.
As the U.S. has withdrawn from the
Paris Agreement and continues to enter-
tain climate change deniers in the high-
est positions of office, Tech remains active
in the fight to preserve all that our planet
holds dear. The completion of Tech’s new
Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustain-
able design will be punctuated this Fri-
day by a Global Climate Action Summit
involving six European consulates, and is
a welcome step in the right direction by
a school that prides itself on technology
and continuous innovation for good. The
carbon-positive nature of the building is a
radical departure from simply LEED-cer-
tified buildings, and is a solid proof-of-con-
cept approach for future construction en-
deavors. We commend Tech on its modest
marketing strategy for the completion of
the Kendeda Building by refraining from
pandering to the press and instead normal-
izing this type of construction as the next
logical step in green architecture.
The pressure remains on for the univer-
sity as a whole to maintain its momentum
The Consensus Opinion reflects the majority opinion of the Editorial Board of the
Technique, but not necessarily the opinions of individual editors.
FROM THE WEB: ‘MONEY DOWN REPRESENTS THE FUN
SIDE OF CFB’
It’s too much of a distraction for our
defense instead of the opponent.
Bring back Marching Band chords.
‘Money down’ is too much like
trying to make “fetch” happen.
OPINIONS EDITOR: Vivian Wang
“
”
Had the price of looking been
blindness, I would have
looked.
and commitment to building carbon-pos-
itive infrastructure and fostering large-
scale sustainable practices. As President
Emeritus George P. “Bud” Peterson em-
phasized in his exit speech, Tech is unique-
ly positioned as a technology institute that
is continually challenged by the high ener-
gy consumption needs of the South and is
situated next to all of the state’s legislators
and policy-changers.
We are already leaps and bounds ahead
of most areas of the country that still work
to convince others that climate change is
a real and rapidly encroaching threat. To
fail to strike during such an opportune
time in climate change activism would be
a huge misstep for the university — we
should continue to follow the lead of other
academic institutions such as Cornell and
American Universities in committing to a
deadline to make our campus carbon-neu-
tral. Students across all disciplines have a
prospective role to play in this fight, and
the Institute should be leveraging students’
analytical talents and passion for service in
the planning and execution of future con-
struction and sustainability projects.
A good-faith measure that could be im-
plemented to keep students, faculty, and
other interested parties in the loop could
be as simply as keeping a high-visibility
running thermometer graphic that con-
cretely helps the viewer understand the
progress being made by the university on
this front in simplified terms.
Jahziel Villasana-Espinoza
The article articulates extremely
well exactly the problem: it’s being
treated as a game. It isn’t.
— Ralph Ellison
ATL United Again
On Sunday, Atlanta United
FC surged past the San Jose
Earthquakes in a sweeping 3-1
victory, to the delight of many
local fans and Tech students.
Although the game produced
several complications as several
players sustained injuries and a
few ejections, Atlanta United
managed to score two exciting
points to top off a solid lead in
the second-half stoppage time.
Fall Equinox!
This past Monday, Septem-
ber 23rd, marked the official
start of the fall season. The
Fall Equinox is the astronomi-
cal start of fall in the Northern
Hemisphere and the spring
season in the Southern Hemi-
sphere, marked by the precise
moment the Sun’s center pass-
es an imaginary extension into
space of the Earth’s own equa-
tor line.
technique editorial board
Zoie Konneker
Will Finch
Josh Bowling
Jaimee Francis
John Edwards
Avni Shridhar
Vivian Wang
Josh Trebuchon
Beatrice Domingo
Allie Ghisson
Baylee Friedman
Write to us:
opinions@nique.net
Got something to say? Then let
your voice be heard with the Tech-
nique. Sliver at Nique.net, tweet us
@the_nique or check us out on Face-
book at facebook.com/thenique. We
want to hear your opinion and want
to make it known to all of campus.
We also welcome your letters in
response to Technique content as well
as topics relevant to campus. We will
print letters on a timely and space-
available basis.
Each week we look for letters that
technique
September 28, 2018
5
Friday,
Market Delay
The new rollout of the Tech
‘Community Market’ was
postponed to October 9th,
to the disappointment of stu-
dents anticipating the vendors’
return. The rescheduling of the
Market has supposedly been
due to concerns with the type
of permits required for market
vendors to operate on campus,
as well as to allow for a more
comprehensive legal review.
Perilous Pothole
An abnormally large pot-
hole, even for the likes of West
Campus and those on Hemp-
hill Avenue, was recently ob-
served by students living in
Eight Street Apartments. The
so-called pot-hole is most
likely the result of an increase
in plumbing or electrical work
currently being ramped up
around many West Campus
residential apartments.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
MANAGING EDITOR
NEWS EDITOR
LIFE EDITOR
SPORTS EDITOR
HEAD COPY EDITOR
OPINIONS EDITOR
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
DESIGN EDITOR
WEB DEVELOPER
PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR
ONLINE EDITOR
are responses to or commentaries on
content found within the pages of the
Technique. Along with these letters,
we are open to receiving letters that
focus on relevant issues that currently
affect Georgia Tech as a university, in-
cluding its campus and student body.
When submitting letters we ask
that you include your full name, year
(1st, 2nd, etc.) and major. We ask that
letters be thought provoking, well
written and in good taste. We reserve
the right to both reject or edit letters
for length and style.
For questions, comments or con-
cern, contact the Opinions Editor at
opinions@nique.net.
6 • September 28, 2018• technique
Alcohol at Tech sporting events Osteopathy schools lack
JOSH TREBUCHON
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
This summer, the SEC an-
nounced that it was ending its
prohibition on alcohol sales at
sanctioned sporting events. While
this news made a surprisingly big
splash in the sports world, most of
the coverage around it was come-
dic — journalists and fans joking
about how badly it could all go
wrong come football season.
At first, my reaction was the
same. I thought about how diffi-
cult it would be to monitor con-
sumption and how rowdy the fan-
bases are without in-game alcohol
sales. Sounds like a recipe for di-
saster, right?
Still, that position does not
hold up well to a more thought-
ful examination. In fact, there is
plenty of reason to believe that
introducing alcohol sales at Tech
could provide a lot of benefits.
We can start by addressing the
potential hazards. The fact is, peo-
ple who want to be intoxicated at
football games will be intoxicated
at football games. Fans, from stu-
dents to 65 year-old die-hards,
have been imbibing on game-
days for as long there have been
gamedays. At the moment, this
is restricted to pre and post-game
tailgates, which only encourages
fans to drink excessively and keep
a “buzz” on throughout the game.
It is possible that at least some
of these individuals would drink
just as excessively before the
game and then continue drinking
throughout the event, but allow-
ing alcohol sales is just as likely
to reduce pregame consumption.
Granted, it is difficult to imagine
the availability of $10 beers during
a football game discouraging col-
lege students from getting blasted
on grain alcohol mixed drinks be-
fore the game, but if students are
not going to buy alcohol during
the game anyways, then allowing
alcohol sales will not affect their
behavior at all.
There is even some evidence
that introducing alcohol sales to
college sporting events decreases
bad fan behavior. The University
of Maryland introduced alcohol
// OPINIONS
sales at sporting events for the Most students do not go to
2015-2016 academic year, and football and basketball games be-
originality and purpose
according to the Diamondback, cause they are passionate about “They should be
drinking-related gameday ejec- the sports. Rather, they go be-
tions at football games declined cause the games are social events working harder to distinguish
from 61 the year prior to 18 in the that provide a fun all-around themselves from a baseline
first year of sales and 12 in the sec- experience. The same cannot be
ond. Over the same period, ejec- said for the students that attend medical education.”
tions from basketball games de- non-revenue sporting events,
clined from 12, to seven, to zero. and alcohol sales could help VIVIAN WANG
This evidence is somewhat to change that. OPINIONS EDITOR
anecdotal, but in the 2015-2016 If reasonably-priced drinks
and 2016-2017 seasons, the were available at a Friday night
NCAA conducted a more for- baseball or softball game, it is easy The emergence of “Doctor of or surgical residencies, operat-
mal trial, serving alcohol at se- to imagine those games becoming Osteopathic Medicine” (D.O.) ing alongside their MD counter-
lect post-season events in various major campus events that students schools in the world of medicine parts, how is that in line with a
sports. The results were a decrease look forward to and attend for a has largely been explained by different approach to treatment?
in unruly behavior, often by fun all-around experience, like the increased need for alternative How does ‘holistic’ care play out
significant margins. football games are now. tracks to medical school to meet day-to-day in hospitals in the
Based on available evidence, A critical phrase there is “rea- the primary care demand of the real world? If they wish to repre-
then, alcohol sales are unlikely to sonably-priced.” If alcohol is in- rapidly aging U.S. population. sent a true departure from a more
worsen fan behavior and they may troduced, it should not just be a As a premedical student, I con- rigid form of medicine, schools
even improve it. Now for the ben- gameday feature for alumni who tinue to remain baffled as to why should not be shying away from
efits: alcohol sales would increase are willing to buy massively over- there exists this subset of medical being different and should be
revenue for the athletic depart- priced concessions. $10 beer and schools to begin with. working harder to further distin-
ment while improving the fan- wine is not going to improve stu- The main premise of D.O. guish themselves from a baseline
experience and possibly boosting dent attendance at Tech’s non- schools are that they are train- medical education.
attendance. revenue sporting events, but at $3 ing a new cohort of physicians to Until D.O. schools are able
Granted, alcohol sales do not it just might. look at the diagnosis as a cumu- to back their claims with data
always increase profits, at least im- Implementing alcohol sales lative process rather than treating that their doctors actually pro-
mediately. When at non-revenue based on symptoms alone, which vide more holistic care and have
Maryland intro- sports could pro- may very well be a good thing as a greater emphasis on preventa-
duced alcohol at “Although alcohol sales vide serious ben- more and more people require less tive measures, they will continue
their events, the efits for students, invasive or non-traditional meth- to fail garnering the interest of
program actually could have a positive fans, the athletic ods of treatment and palliative the most competitive students
turned a loss in its impact on football, department and care. But I am unconvinced that who wish to pursue a career in
first year. While even the athletes D.O. schools are accomplishing healthcare, and perhaps more im-
the initiative be- non-revenue sports themselves. In this aim at all. The schools will portantly, the renown and respect
gan generating could have the most to fact, the best solu- emphasize to students that there is that a profession in the healthcare
small profits in its tion might be to no difference between theirs and a sector demands.
second year, the gain.” allow alcohol sales traditional M.D. school, that both The next half century’s ap-
sales are hardly a exclusively at these will lead to the same specialty and proach to medical innovation will
cash-cow for the events. residency opportunities. be preventative, with the advent
athletic department there. While sales could benefit foot- They will stress to the pre-med of personalized medicine and ad-
Still, alcohol sales would boost ball and men’s basketball as well, student that both are perfectly vi- vanced gene therapy. As aging
revenues indirectly by increasing the initiative would also be much able ways of becoming a licensed populations have to increasingly
attendance. Additionally, improv- more difficult to implement at and practicing physician, and deal with extended lifespans and
ing the fan experience broadens these larger-scale sporting events should garner the same amount how to best avoid diseases com-
the fan base and gives the depart- than at smaller games, where of respect as a profession, despite plicated and induced by age, such
ment a larger pool of potential do- there are fewer ID’s to check and there being evidence that D.O. as cancer and Alzheimer’s, it is a
nors and season ticket-buyers. fewer concession stands to retrofit. schools have lower requirements medical imperative that people
Although alcohol sales could With such a small risk for harm for admission. If there is such an begin to think of medicine less as
have a big positive impact on foot- and so many potential benefits, emphasis on homogeneity of ca- a cut-and-dry diagnosis that leads
ball, if implemented correctly, one has to wonder: why shouldn’t reer and patient outcomes, why to astronomical costs as issues
non-revenue sports could have the Tech introduce alcohol sales? then do D.O. schools have a rea- are not resolved, provided that
most to gain from them. Sports The historical reasons for son for existing at all? healthcare policy have been slow
like baseball, softball and wom- banning alcohol sales at athletic I would argue that D.O. to change, and more of an ongo-
en’s basketball constantly struggle events do not justify depriving schools do themselves a disser- ing series of follow-ups. We need
to improve attendance, and like it less popular sports of the increases vice by assuring students that the to be proactive, and it does not
or not, introducing alcohol sales in engagement and revenue they two paths are largely the same. seem like D.O. schools are doing
at these events would make them stand to gain from a change in If doctors practicing osteopathic much to change the rhetoric and
more enticing for students. the policy. medicine still complete urology medical practice around that.
// OPINIONS technique • September 28, 2018• 7

What role should ‘cancel culture’ play in

MAX JARCK
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The term “cancel culture” has
emerged to describe the perni-
cious atmosphere surrounding
forms of public discourse. Come-
dian Bill Burr and many in the
public argue Shane Gillis is the
latest to fall victim to “millennial
rats” after SNL fired Gillis when
videos surfaced in which he used
racist slurs.
Some of the best comedy
pushes the edge of what we
deem appropriate. Comedians
analyze our societies institutions
and then attack it in order to get
us, the audience, to laugh at the
absurdity of ourselves.
Unfortunately for Shane Gillis,
his comments represent a feeble
attempt at comedy and are noth-
ing more than racist, cheap shots
to get a few laughs. Compare this
to Jerry Seinfeld, perhaps the
most successful comedian ever,
who never used foul language in
his show or skits because he rec-
ognized that this was a comedian’s
easy way out. Gillis’ slurs are bad
comedy, but if he could move
on and grow from this incident,
there is no reason he could not
have been a funny and successful
actor on SNL.
today’s comedic landscape?
SNL’s Shane Gillis was recently ejected for a racist slur
In today’s landscape however,
organizations rarely give second
chances. Cancel culture harms
our society, and it creates a ster-
ile environment where one must
always be careful while they con-
tinue to toe the line.
“Woke” harbingers of the
emerging culture seize any politi-
cally incorrect quote they can and
use it to stir up outrage, which of-
ten leads to the destruction of the
perpetrators career. The media,
large corporations and education-
al institutions have all pledged
themselves to this new “woke”
society, therefore, they can easily
blackball someone who refuses to
adopt the new norm.
This unequal distribution of
power could explain the rapid
proliferation of progressive social
ideas because to function in so-
ciety, go to college or get a job,
one does not have a choice, at
least publicly, in what ideas they
subscribe to.
We should celebrate come-
dians and others who stand up
to these conventional practices
and who raise valid criticisms
when needed.
But, the diversity of ideas is
just as important to the health of
our society as past revolutions that
formed the foundation for our so-
ciety today.
NAZ OZTURK
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
In today’s media, humor is used
nearly in any situation; comedians
take to social media, podcasts and
even live shows to discuss matters
ranging from politics to social is-
sues in a so-called light hearted
setting. But how long can we
truly excuse someone’s comments
for the sake of comedy before
we are just excusing brazen rac-
ism and derogatory remarks? It’s
no question for me: whether it is
within a comedy set or not, rac-
ist comments are unacceptable,
especially if these statements are
being made by someone from the
opposite race. In the situation of
Shane Gillis, his termination from
SNL — after the revelation that
his podcasts were riddled with
mocking and racist slurs — was
both justified and necessary.
Gillis was criticized for sharing
racially-charged remarks regard-
ing presidential candidate Andrew
Yang, an Asian American entre-
preneur. Since the misconduct,
some of Gillis’ supporters have
come to his aid, claiming that
people are too easily offended.
However, it is not just a joke;
Yang has claimed that he has
heard such racial slurs addressed
towards him before, in settings for his comments regarding Yang
that definitely did not have any in his podcast. With his shows
elements of humour to them. Dis- having a continued emphasis on
crimination is still rampant in our politics and jokes that mock mi-
society and it does not help to nor- norities, it seems that Gillis’ ter-
malize derogatory comments by mination from SNL had little to
labelling them as only a joke. Let- no effect on the messages that he
ting jokes like the ones made by continues to promote.
Gillis slide only opens the flood- At this moment, there are no
gates for countless other vulgar other penalties for Gillis’ disre-
comments and actions directed spectful actions. Gillis is well
towards the mi- within his first
norities in our “But how long can we amendment right:
communities. with freedom of
There must be truly excuse someone’s speech being his
consequences for comments for the saviour. At this
disrespect and point, Gillis is un-
discrimination. sake of comedy before affiliated with any
In the case of
Gillis, this con-
we are just excusing comedy programs
and media. Thus it
sequence was his racism and derogatory would be difficult
dismissal from
SNL. Since then, remarks?” to monitor a pen-
alty.
Yang invited Gil- Frankly, further
lis to sit down punishment for
with him and discuss the turmoil Gillis would be unconstitutional:
behind Gillis’ comments. How- even though he continues to use
ever, I am not truly convinced derogatory language, which virtu-
that Gillis has seen the error in ally adds to the flame of discrimi-
his ways. Not even a month after nation that is already sparked in
his firing from SNL, Gillis was America.
back at the center stage, doing an Nevertheless, in the face of
independent comedy show and prejudice, society should confront
continuing to make insolent com- these problematic comments: call-
ments about the Asian American ing attention to them and open-
population: this time specifically ing the discussion to replace this
about the backlash he had gotten vulgarity with empathy.

When remaking a classic is inconceivable

Chris Miller, one half of the A Space Odyssey,” a film widely and numerous iterations. Three
“The purpose of a remake directing team behind hits like regarded for the distinct vision different versions of Spider-Man
“Into the Spider-Verse” put it best: that Kubrick set out to achieve. in less than two decades does not
should be grounded in social “It still holds up as the greatest Its psychedelic visuals and artis- bother anyone, because the me-
relevancy or innovation of meta story put to film.” And the tic approach to its science-fiction dium being adapted from thrives
unique culmination of the screen- setting make it an experience that off of new ways to tell its story
concept, rather than be a play, acting and era creates a final cannot be repeated. that with great
visual facelift.” piece that even the National Film
Registry has recognized.
The purpose of
a remake should be
power comes
“Disney’s updated great responsi-
This is not to say that the grounded in social rel-
WILL FINCH “Princess Bride” will never be re- evancy or innovation graphics do not bility. The same
MANAGING EDITOR made, but it will never have the of concept, rather than add anything to the can be said
same magic or artistic value as be a visual facelift.
American audiences have like the “Princess Bride” cannot the original for the same reasons Take 1983’s “Scar- originals at the cost of rthe egarding
differ-
been conditioned to expect their be improved upon. as other classic films. Consider face,” an update of its characterization and ent Batmen,
favorite movies to be changed. Originally released in 1987, Robert Zemeckis’ “Back to the 1932 version. While grom Mi-
Whether it’s by adding a sequel the “Princess Bride” is filled with Future,” which carries some of the still communicating visual storytelling.” chael Keaton
or remaking the film altogether, traditional fantasy tropes. The same iconic status factors. By be- the same themes of to Christain
it’s fair to say that there’s been an plot? A princess and her one true ing so elaborately specific in what immorality, greed and Bale. Each has
uptick in the amount of entertain- love must overcome the obstacles it sets to do that to alter anything ambition, the film changes its set- their own unique take and the
ment whose content is linked to a separating them and live happily would jeopardize the film’s own ting from Prohibition Era boot- story benefits from being retold.
previous iteration. ever after. The protagonist? He is succinctness in narrative. legging to the Miami drug scene. But to assume that this applies
But remakes are not a unique a character as charming as he is There is only one specific way A more modern version of to all content would be incor-
phenomena. intelligent. Their to tell its time- this would be Bradley Cooper’s rect. Remaking a movie like the
Professors of cinema studies love interest? Her “The [Princess Bride] travelling story. “A Star is Born,” which uses the “Princess Bride” would attempt to
have long commented that it is a sole motivation And the only way themes associated with fame and manufacture the organic nostalgia
filmmaking strategy dating back comes from her re- should not be as highly a remake of it fortune in a more modern setting. that fans already have.
to the early days of cinema. But luctance to marry regarded as it is, but could exist would And according to critics, it only Not only would the film not
recently, the mere mention of a an evil prince. Side be if it were to fol- improved the original 1937 story. have an audience, but it would vi-
potential “Princess Bride” reboot characters’ are self-awareness is the low the exact same Contrast this to any of Dis- olate the artistic and cultural sig-
was abruptly ended by online up- driven by either key to making it far beats as the origi- ney’s recent life-action remakes. nificance that such unique movies
roar and nearly immediate back- revenge or retri- nal with nothing The updated graphics do not have in the industry.
lash. On this rare occasion, the bution. The movie greater than the sum of to add, or if it were add anything to the originals at Patterns are not new to Holly-
Internet joined together to col- should not be as its parts.” to be completely the cost of characterization and wood. Whether it was the explo-
lectively agree on one thing: that highly regarded revamped at the visual storytelling. “Mary Pop- sion of movies based on books like
the cult classic was too holy to be as it is, but self- cost of losing its pins,” “Aladdin,” “Beauty and the “Harry Potter”, the introduction
touched again. awareness is the key to making connection to the original film. Beast,” “Cinderella,” and “Lion of slow-motion action set pieces
And in light of Disney’s re- it far greater than the sum of its What is harder to duplicate King” fall to this exact blunder based on “The Matrix,” or even an
cent live-action updates to their parts. is the singular vision of a direc- by sacrificing the imagination and expanded universe of characters
animated features, the universal The film is perfect in what it tor, for when a film is attached objective artistry for the sake of as seen in the Marvel Cinematic
backlash almost suggests a type of sets out to do, which is to make so much to a director’s perspec- money — which, unfortunately, Universe, trends follow impact-
perfection that carries a cultural fun of the traditional fairy tale tive, the only way of capturing the each made quite a bit of. ful moments. And hopefully,
significance beyond the control of paying respect to the happiness same effect would be to employ Compare this to Marvel mov- Hollywood listens to everyone
the movie industry. More specifi- that a happily ever after gives its the same director. A great example ies, where the strength of the ma- and leaves unique movies like the
cally, it is the notion that a movie audience. of this is Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: terial comes from its adaptability “Princess Bride” alone.
Life
A farewell to Ivan Allen’s Dean Royster
JANNAT BATRA
STAFF WRITER
Growing up in a small rural
town in Georgia, young Jacque-
line Jones Royster was constantly
surrounded by “people dedicated
to the welfare of their commu-
nity.”
Specifically, growing up as a
black girl in a small, rural town
in Georgia, Royster was also con-
stantly reminded of the powerful
women that came before her and
paved the way for her to be in the
position she is today.
It was this upbringing that has
inspired Royster to relentlessly
Ivan Allen’s Dean Rosyter reflected on her previous terms at Tech, which saw monumental
growth in her college and its programs. Royster also discussed her plans for the future.
Jackets swarm to Six Flags Over Georgia
JAIMEE FRANCIS
LIFE EDITOR
On Sept. 20, the Student Cen-
ter Program Council (SCPC)
hosted its annual Georgia Tech
Night at Six Flags. This signature
event, offering discounted tick-
ets and free transportation, drew
around 5,000 members Tech
community for an exclusive ex-
perience at one of Atlanta’s most
popular destinations.
“Six Flags is one of my favor-
ite Georgia Tech traditions,” said
SCPC President Andrew Dinka.
“It might not be as wacky as RAT
caps or Midnight Bud, but, like
those, it’s one of many things that
really help connect our whole
community and make Tech a lit-
tle more like home.”
For some students, Tech is
geographically located not too
far away from home. 2nd-year
CS Emma Barron is one such
student, who grew up in a neigh-
LIFE EDITOR:
Jaimee Francis
ASSISTANT LIFE EDITOR:
Lane Elder
life@nique.net
continue her pursuit of knowledge
while simultaneously giving back
to the community.
“I’ve been a person who has
always felt obligated to engage
with whatever the community is
that I’m a part of, whether it’s the
campus community or the local
community or the professional
community,” said Royster.
Before serving as the Dean of
Tech’s Ivan Allen College of Lib-
eral Arts, Royster initially special-
ized in rhetorical studies and then
went on to take the position of
Executive Dean and Senior Vice
Provost at Ohio State.
Despite her success in the
realm of administration, Royster
boring suburb of Atlanta and
had even been to Six Flags before
GT Night.
Barron shared how her latest
experience at the amusement park
differed from a previous visit.
“I had a great time,” Barron
said. “Previously, I’d only been to
Six Flags with my family. We went
once during the summer. It was
hot and crowded, with long lines.
I had a good time, but I didn’t
think I’d come back. However,
GT Six Flags night was an op-
portunity to go off-campus with
my friends and do something fun
… I had never been to an amuse-
ment parks with any of my friends
from college.”
For other students, Tech is
located thousands of miles away
from home. To travel back home
to China, 2nd-year CE major
Shuangyue Cheng must first
travel through 12 time zones and
cross hemispheres before arriving
home. For Cheng, GT Night at
US Treasurer visits Tech
Life lessons from the 41st Treasurer who presented the
keynote address at Tech’s 2019 Hispanic Heritage Month
Lecture. 410
still considers herself a student at
heart.
“Some people in my family say
I went to school and never left,”
said Royster. “Above all, I’m an
academic — I don’t define my-
self as an administrator, teacher,
learner or scholar.”
Today, the three main objec-
tives Royster prioritizes in her life
are: “teaching, scholarship and
service.”
Although she never imagined
she would end up becoming the
dean of a liberal arts college —
especially at a technical univer-
sity like Tech — in 2010 Royster
found herself taking that position
and transforming the program.
Photo by Taylor Gray, Student Publications
Six Flags served as her first time at
the amusement park.
“GT Night at Six Flags is defi-
nitely a good experience, espe-
cially for international students.
As far as I know, many Chinese
students only go to Six Flags once
throughout the school year, which
happens at the GT night.
“It’s like a fall outgoing event
for all of us to take a breath in
busy school days and makes me
and my friends closer through the
exciting rides. It is really amazing
to meet people you know any-
where in the park,” said Cheng.
“The most rewarding part of
any event, big or small, is when
we see someone who catches their
breath, makes a friend, smiles a
bit, and — for even a small mo-
ment — feels a little extra joy in
their day,” President Dinka said.
“I’m really proud of the work
we do, but we also know that we
can always reach more students,
try new events, and do more
“I consider myself to be the
number one cheerleader for lib-
eral arts at Georgia Tech, and not
just for the cheerleading but for
the advocacy, trying to make sure
that if there are resources that we
could garner, that I did my part
in making sure that we had those
resources if we had any chance of
getting,” said Royster.
Over the course of her two
terms as the Dean of Ivan Allen,
Royster is commended for the
growth of research in the humani-
ties and an increase in visibility
and coherence of the liberal arts
community that taken its own
shape alongside Tech’s engineer-
ing schools.
Royster’s initiatives enabled
the liberal arts and social sciences
to grow alongside the exhaustive
list of STEM programs that Tech
has to offer, providing the college
of liberal arts with the leadership
it greatly needed to help it prog-
ress in a fast-paced world where
academia and technology are con-
stantly changing.
“I always hope for positive,
whatever it is” Royster said when
asked what she hopes people re-
member about her from her time
as dean. “You can’t control the
way that people think about you
or even what they say about you,
but my hope is that however peo-
ple feel about whatever it is that
they think I did here, that they
think it was a good thing.”
Despite her successful terms
as dean, the nine years she spent
in the position were not without
their challenges.
“Being dean anywhere is a
challenging job,” Royster said, but
“being a dean who has a commit-
ment to a quality of excellence and
scholarship while also having a
deep desire to be supportive of her
family complicates it even more.
So yes, I had lots of complications.
And it was a constant struggle to
balance in the way that I want it
to be balanced. I would have quit
long ago if I hadn’t struck that
to have an even greater impact
on campus.”
SCPC’s next events will in-
clude a private screening of
Pictured above are attendees of the popular SCPC event, Georgia
Tech Night at Six Flags, that took place on Friday, Sept. 20.
technique
8
Friday,
September 27, 2019
balance in the way that was satis-
fying enough.”
Part of what makes the balance
worth it to Royster are the people
— the students, faculty and over-
all whole community at Tech.
“It’s always about the people
to me — I like students,” said
Royster. “The people have been
my inspiration and what is clear is
that none of the things I am most
proud of are things I’ve done by
myself.”
Despite officially stepping
down from her position as the
Dean of Ivan Allen, Royster still
remains a member of the faculty.
She will also continue to work on-
her books which will focus on of
the research she is conducting.
Royster has also continued
working on her current projects:
one on mapping the terrain Af-
rican American women through-
out the nineteenth century and
another on examining the mem-
oirs, letters and autobiographies of
women during the Civil War.
However, after nine years,
what Royster leaves behind can-
not be measured in ratings, awards
or books and other publications.
Her legacy is not just that of her
own accomplishments, but the ac-
complishments of the people who
served under her and the people
she served herself.
“It has been a pleasure being
here, surrounded by such won-
derful people who are doing such
incredibly good work, and just be-
ing proud of being a part of that
community,” said Royster.
“Helping to strengthen the
community, to build a sense of
community, to encourage people
to be confident and proud about
what we do here” is the legacy
Royster wishes to leave behind.
Once her projects are com-
plete, Royster plans on becoming
an emeritus faculty member. Even
though her term as dean might be
complete, her legacy continues to
live through the students she has
impacted with her leadership.
Joker at Landmark’s Midtown
Art Cinema on Oct. 3 as well as
a week of festivities leading up
to Homecoming.
Photo courtesy of SCPC
// LIFE
Dear Burdell,
My roommate has their first round of exams this
week and seems really stressed. I’m not around our
dorm room much, but once I walked in on her cry-
ing. We’re not that close so I don’t know what the
best course of action is. I tried asking later how she
were doing, but all I got was an “I’m fine” in re-
sponse. I’m hopelessly awkward with emotions. How
do I show support while still giving her space?
Sincerely,
Second-hand Stressed
Hello Second-hand,
You are already doing great by being in tune with your room-
mate’s emotions and by following up with how she is doing.
That being said, it can be frustrating to be blown off when
you attempt to reach out. Hopefully your roommate has other
people as a part of her support system at school.
Maybe your roommate feels just as awkward as you do about
talking about the crying incident, but there are other ways to
show your support other than verbally processing. You could
write a short encouraging note and stick it on her laptop, pro-
pose a meal together at the dining hall, or even just compare-
exam schedules. Sometimes a simple interaction like that goes
a long way. The college lifestyle can feel isolating at times, so
communicating a sense of community can make the difference
your roommate needs.
Additionally, if your roommate’s symptoms still show signs
of stress over the next few days, check in again. You could also
voice concerns with your PL or RA, who is trained to deal with
roommate conflict of various kinds. Finally, do not let your
roommate’s stress rub off on you! It is important to recognize
the importance of your own mental health and your limits.
Dear Burdell,
My roommate and I are enjoying the life in the
freshman dorms, but are looking to move somewhere
more spacious next school year. And somewhere that
doesn’t have hall bathrooms!! I’d like to stay on cam-
pus, but my roommate wants us to consider a house
off campus. Do you have any recommendations?
Thanks!
Lookin A. Head
Dear Lookin,
I am so glad you and your roommate get along so well that
two of you are already planning for next year!
There are many advantages to living on campus during your
upperclassmen years. On-campus housing has free events to
take advantage of to foster community within your building
and to meet new people. Also, if safety is a concern, Tech hous-
ing offers proximity to campus and Buzzcard access security for
buildings. Your options for on campus housing are apartment
style, like North Ave or the GLC, or suite style, like Woodruff.
There are also plenty of housing options available off-cam-
pus. If you decide to go that route, the Department of Housing
lists contact information for many nearby apartments on their
website. Also, many students have had success renting in Home
Park, a walkable neighborhood adjacent to Tech on the north
side of campus. You can even rent entire homes for an afford-
able cost.
If you decide to live off campus, it is important to keep in
mind that dealing with a landlord and staying safe will be new
concerns you must consider. On the positive, many students
enjoy having their own space that separates their academic and
social life.
technique • September 27, 2019 • 9
Dear Burdell,
I’ve tried talking to my PLs, my roommate, and just
dealing with the issues, but my roommate and I just
don’t get along. We matched online on Tech’s housing
portal before starting school, but now we both have
different schedules and are always clashing over
small issues, like food smells or alarm volume. Now-
adays I’m always hanging out in my friends’ dorm
rooms just because I feel so uncomfortable with the
situation. It’s only September – how do I survive the
next seven months?!?!!
Signed,
Longest Year Ever
Dear Longest,
It unfortunately sounds like you are in the small majority of
people who truly does not mesh with your roommate.
First of all, avoid escalating the situation if at all possible.
Passive aggressive notes make funny stories but horrible com-
munication methods.
You have a few options, most of which require talking to
your PL for the official policies. You can ask to go over that
handy roommate agreement you made at the beginning of the
semester. You can even have a mediated conversation with the
PL, especially if there are contract violations. If all else fails,
and you are truly unhappy, there is a room swap day at the end
of every semester where you can trade with someone for no
charge!
People come to Tech with a variety of different lifestyles and
beliefs, and learning how to live together in such a close space
always poses challenges. You are definitely not alone. Good
luck!
Dear Burdell,
I feel a bit dumb asking this question, but I need to
know it’s just not me. My roommate seems to think
that we’re best friends, but I don’t see it like that.
It all started when she started borrowing one of my
t-shirts without asking. She also keeps asking me to
go to dinner with her, and I feel guilty when I don’t.
Please send pointers!
Thanks,
Eineed S. Pace
Dear Eineed,
Going into college, it certainly seems like the expectation is
that you will be best friends with your roommate. You hear all
the time about roomies who are inseparable, watching movies
together, sharing clothes and cheering on the Jackets at football
games side by side. The sad reality is that this type of dynamic
is not as common as we are led to believe. But, that is okay.
It sounds like a conversation is in order about boundaries.
Maybe set up a weekly time to go to dinner together, but do
not feel like you need to go every night. Say that you do not
mind sharing your clothes but only with permission and if it is
returned clean. If you are still uncomfortable, you are perfectly
entitled to say no altogether!
Decide what makes you feel most comfortable. As always,
honest communication can be hard, but following these tips
could help clear up some resentment for the future.
You do not always have to be friends with your roommate,
but it is important that you keep the relationship cordial and
respectful.
Have a burning question for Tech’s most famous alumn? Email
them at life@nique.net with “Ask Burdell” in the subject.
10 • September 27, 2019• technique
Lessons from former highest-ranking Latina
JANNAT BATRA
STAFF WRITER
Moving to the United States
was Rosario Marin’s worst night-
mare come true.
She had looked forward to
celebrating her quinceañera her
whole life, but mere months be-
fore she turned fifteen, her fam-
ily uprooted their lives in Mexico
City and travelled across the bor-
der until they eventually settled
down in California.
During the journey, all Marin
did was lament over the idea of
not having a traditional quincea-
ñera until — finally — her par-
ents agreed to return to Mexico
for her birthday. Once Marin’s
15th birthday eventually arrived,
the family travelled back to their
home and commenced the festivi-
ties surrounding the young girl’s
milestone.
It might have taken place in
a small backyard filled with mud
from the August rain, but to
Marin it was perfect. It was not
just a celebration of the young
girl, but also one of her culture
and heritage.
In a similar celebration of
culture for Hispanic Heritage
Month, Marin delivered an in-
spiring lecture in the Student
Center ballroom on Sept. 18.
Marin discussed her career af-
ter President Bush appointed her
as the 41st treasurer of the United
States in 2001, when she became
the first Latina immigrant to ever
be given the position.
The lecture was full of unex-
pected anecdotes which both sur-
prised and inspired the audience,
as she shared the way in which
she pushed herself to accomplish
extraordinary feats, not just in
the political arena, but also as an
author and an advocate for those
with disabilities.
Throughout her lecture, Marin
did not present herself as a boring
government official, but rather as
a compassionate woman — as a
daughter, sister, wife and mother.
41st Treasurer Rosario Marin delivered the keynote address at Georgia Tech’s 2019 Hispanic
Heritage Month Lecture on Sept. 18. Marin shared the values that helped to shape her career.
“People want to know: what
are your values? What do you be-
lieve in? How do you get up when
you fall?” said Marin.
She dedicated all of her suc-
cess to the trials and tribulations
she faced throughout her life for
strengthening her values. From
the beginning, it seemed the cards
were stacked against her, but she
never let any obstacle skew her
path to success.
When she first arrived in
the U.S. and enrolled in school,
Marin was required to take an IQ
test, on which she scored an im-
pressively low score of 27, whereas
the average at the time was 100.
Nonetheless, she realized that the
test was working against her as it
was written in English, a language
that she had yet to master.
“I wasn’t going to let that de-
fine who I was,” said Marin, a les-
son she would return to multiple
times throughout her career.
That failure motivated her to
study harder and, just three years
later, Marin graduated from high
school as one of the top 20 stu-
dents in her class.
“Always do your most. Always
do your best — and do it with
gusto!” Marin exclaimed, with
Photo by Danielle Sisson, Student Publications
// LIFE
her perseverance serving as a clear
indication of her success.
Marin shared another lesson
she has worked hard to instill in
herself and in her family, adocat-
ing for not just hard work but also
just work.
“Aways do the right thing,
[even] if it kills you, do the right
thing,” said Marin. “If you do
the right thing, you will always be
able to look people in the eyes.”
As a figure working in politics,
Marin learned quickly how diffi-
cult it is to stay ethical and mature
in situations that are out of one’s
control. This value might seem
simple to most, “but the most im-
portant [value] is the hardest.”
Another value Marin discussed
focused on the “golden rule” that
society had come to love — “treat
others as you would like to be
treated.” Instead, Marin dubbed a
new rule called “Rosario Marin’s
Platinum Rule.” This platinum
rule advise one not to treat people
as one wishes to be treated, but to
instead “treat everyone very well
and respectfully.”
Marin advocated that liv-
ing by these three main values
will enable everyone to achieve
personal success and overcome
their relative obstacles, regard-
less of their circumstances
or challenges.
“Know you have everything
within you and go through the
world without fear,” she said.
Oliver Wendell Holmes said
that “What lies behind us and
what lies ahead of us doesn’t mat-
ter compared to what lies inside
us.” Marin credits Wendell for
how she leads her life.
“Always know that whatev-
er’s before you, however big the
challenges are, or however diffi-
cult those obstacles are, you can
overcome them all. You have ev-
erything within you to overcome
those challenges.”
// LIFE technique • September 27, 2019 • 11

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Entertainment
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR:
Josh Trebuchon

Friday,
12
entertainment@nique.net September 27, 2019

Imagine festival continues to improve experience

ZAFIR SHARIF
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Imagine Music Festival was

back for another crazy weekend
at Atlanta Motor Speedway this
past weekend. This year’s lineup
featured some familiar names for
regular Imagine attendees as well
as new artists. It is well known
that Imagine’s lineup is revered
year after year, a feat that is es-
pecially impressive for a smaller
scale EDM festival. The size of
Imagine now compares to festi-
vals like EDC, but it is still niche
compared to festivals as big as
Bonaroo and Coachella.
Of course, this difference in
size is reflected in the difference
in price. To attend a festival like
Coachella, an EDM-lover would
have to shell out $500 for the
ticket and then more for flights
and overpriced food at the ven-
ue. Imagine has friendlier pric- Photo by Kaiser Kalani Student Publications
ing with tickets around $200, Fans enjoy a performance at one of Imagine music festival’s many elaborately designed stages. The Atlanta festival is
and for an Atlantan, Imagine as relatively small and inexpensive for an EDM event, making it ideal for those looking for a low-risk introduction to the scene.
a first choice is a no-brainer. Fa-
natics and baby-ravers can both ers, a silent disco and a blacklight ally enjoy a wooded environment, for the campers each year, and the to report that due to unforeseen
enjoy the festival — one, two and room. Besides some trouble with Imagine likely is not the best place number of campers continues to circumstances he is no longer
three day passes are available, plus attempted theft of cell phones to start. grow. able to perform at Imagine Festi-
camping. and other personal effects by a Unlike an environmental ex- Friday night marked the first val.” Friday already had some big
The first to arrive this weekend couple individuals, campers were perience at Electric Forest Festival day of sets, which was supposed names like Matoma, but Imagine
were the Thursday night campers, generally happy with the experi- in Rothbury, Michigan, Imagine to be headlined by Diplo, until did not disappoint bringing in a
who enjoyed food trucks dedicat- ence. For the people that have not is more like giant sleepover. More he pulled out earlier in the week. replacement for Diplo.
ed to the camping site, free show- camped at festivals before and re- amenities and pastimes are added Imagine tweeted: “Diplo is sorry See IMAGINE, page 15

Gray’s ‘Ad Astra’ falls short where it counts

FILM
Ad Astra
GENRE: Sci-Fi
STARRING: Brad Pitt
DIRECTOR: James Gray
RATING: PG-13
RELEASE DATE: Sept. 20
OUR TAKE: «««««

JACK CRONIN
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

To those on the outside, movie

critics appear needlessly nitpicky,
tearing apart otherwise entertain-
ing features for no discernible
reason other than pretentious-
ness. However, the question with
which critics are tasked is: to what
extent does a movie effectively ac-
complish its intended goal? This
is what leads to the dreaded “but”
that often qualifies a partially suc-
cessful film, and what makes “Ad
Astra” — the latest space-cen-
tered, sci-fi film from James Gray Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Studios
(“The Immigrant,” “Lost City of Brad Pitt stars in James Gray’s new sci-fi adventure film, ‘Ad Astra.’ Pitt plays Roy McBride, an emotionally absent American astronaut
Z”) — a particularly precarious tasked with saving the world from an extraterrestrial catastrophe being set up by his own father, whom he believes to be dead.
one to discuss.
In one view, “Ad Astra” suc- in the way of enjoying “Ad Astra,” the presumed source of the surges thorough insights into the mind precipitated the downfall of his
cessfully deconstructs toxic mas- let alone being moved by it. is Roy’s father, the famed H. Clif- and past of Roy. He receives companionship. From this start-
culinity through a meditative After a series of electrical surg- ford McBride as acted by Tommy praise for his performances in cri- ing point emerges the aforemen-
journey to accepting life’s emo- es from outer space cause spatial Lee Jones (“No Country For Old ses, which are largely attributed to tioned masculine storytelling.
tionality. On the other hand, the and terrestrial catastrophes, U.S. Men,” “Men In Black”), whom Roy’s remarkably low, stable heart Filling the gaps between note-
conclusion completely fails to Space Command sends astronaut Roy had thought to be deceased. rate. Meanwhile, intermittent worthy plot moments, Brad Pitt
earn its own message by virtue of Roy McBride — played by Brad Thus, following his father’s figura- flashbacks reveal a failed relation- narrates McBride’s thoughts in a
its singularly gendered perspec- Pitt — on a mission to resolve the tive and literal footsteps, Roy em- ship of Roy’s. The clear inference gravelly, low tone. These thoughts
tive. The manifestations of this crisis. Although Major McBride is barks upon his mission. is that Roy’s slavish dedication to range from considerations of
hyper-masculine storytelling of- incredibly qualified, the real mo- In the backdrop of this expo- his job in conjunction with his his father to pseudo-intellectual
ten feel so heavy-handed as to get tivation for his assignment is that sition, audiences gain brief but complete lack of personal affect See AD ASTRA, page 15
// ENTERTAINMENT
‘Brittany Runs a Marathon’ exceeds expectations
FILM
Brittany Runs a Marathon
GENRE: Comedy
STARRING: Jillian Bell,
Jennifer Dundas
DIRECTOR: Paul Downs
Colaizzo
RATING: R
RELEASE DATE: Oct. 24
OUR TAKE: «««««
JACK CRONIN
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
To outsiders, runners are crazy.
They spend hours of their limited
free time enduring pain, discom-
fort and exhaustion for the sake of
personal pleasure. But any long-
time runner can testify to the
addictive nature of the exercise.
Somewhere between the feelings
of accomplishment and the attain-
ment of goals, the activity evolves
from a painful health endeavor to
a hobby that generates pride and
happiness.
Such is also the experience of
the titular character of “Brittany
Runs a Marathon.” Based on a
true story, the feel-good comedy
from playwright and relative new-
comer Paul Downs Colaizzo por-
trays a woman in her late twenties
who trains for a marathon for the
betterment of her health and well-
being. Although this premise in
and of itself champions the over-
simplified notion of picking one-
self up by her own bootstraps, the
film surprisingly transcends the
self-help ideology with a story that
is equally funny, well-written and
inspirational.
During a health visit, a doctor
suggests that Brittany — played
by Jillian Bell (“Workaholics” and
technique • September 27, 2019• 13
“Eastbound & Down”) — should
lose weight. She quickly asserts
that people of all sizes are beau-
tiful. The doctor agrees but re-
spectfully notes that health is also
important. Dissatisfied with the
other aspects of her personal and
professional life, Brittany takes up
running as her life-hack and the
gratification ultimately leads her
to train for the New York City
Marathon.
However, what sets this movie
apart from self-help garbage is
its understanding that Brittany’s
running endeavor is not a univer-
sal fix for everything in her life,
though it is certainly a healthier
alternative to her previous party-
ing habits. In fact, the film recog-
nizes Brittany as a complex char-
acter and develops her around all
aspects of her life — work, social
and health. Instrumental to this is
the exceptional performance from
Jillian Bell, capturing her char-
acter’s insecurities through fleet-
ing glances and timely jokes. The
lead actress shines through every
scene, displaying dramatic range
without ever sacrificing her trade-
mark sense of humor. Yet Colaiz- Photo courtesy of Amazon Studios
zo’s attention to character extends Jillian Bell stars as the titular character in Paul Downs Colaizzo’s new comedy self-help film
beyond the titular role. ‘Brittany Runs a Marathon.’ While the film exceeds expectations, it is a bit on-the-nose at times.
Perhaps the most remarkable
quality in the comedy’s back- sion, profundity and a whole lot of the same attention to detail that ence investment. Furthermore,
pocket is the understanding and laughter. Lil Rel Howery simmers the characters receive. the narrative connects just enough
execution of the reality that all with life from afar as Brittany’s Moreover, the preachy narra- to earn the very inspirational, feel-
people are indeed fully realized, surrogate father, just like he did in tive cannot quite shake the cliched good spirit with which the film
complex characters in their own “Get Out.” Even bit-part charac- half-truism of focusing on oneself has been marketed.
rights. Brittany’s running partners ters have more to offer than just as a means to happiness, sidestep- “Brittany Runs a Marathon” is
— played by Michaela Watkins being functions of the plot. ping around the arduous psycho- not here to reinvent the artform
(“Casual”) and the uproarious Though full of well-developed logical process that might accom- of filmmaking with innovation
Micah Stock — known primarily individuals, “Brittany Runs a pany Brittany’s health initiative. or invention. However, its humor
for his work on Broadway — each Marathon” is not without its Imperfections aside, Colaizzo’s and attention to complex charac-
have their own baggage and prob- flaws. Colaizzo delivers his mes- work effectively accomplishes ters unlock Colaizzo’s movie for
lems, allowing both to play more sage rather forthrightly without most of its intentions. Jokes rarely any viewer willing to buy-in to its
than just one role. Utkarsh Am- even a modicum of subtlety. With fall flat, if ever. After watching, self-help story.
budkar (“Pitch Perfect”) plays the an unremarkable simplicity reflec- audiences may be more inclined It might even inspire them to
hapless manchild Jern, who cross- tive of either a first-time director, to pause before passing judgment embrace their own bit of crazy
es Brittany’s path through work a meddling studio or some combi- on others’ lives. Character arcs and start a health-bettering en-
and impressively ignites compas- nation, the visual realization lacks resonate and are worthy of audi- deavor of their own.
14 • September 27, 2019• technique
‘All the Feels’ explores mental health
MUSIC
All the Feels
Fitz and the Tantrums
LABEL: Elektra
GENRE: Indie Pop
TRACK PICKS: “SuperMagik,”
“Stop” and “Livin’ For the
Weekend”
OUR TAKE: «««««
REBECCA ENTREKIN
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
It is about time for a dance
break and Fitz and the Tantrums
is here with the soundtrack for it.
The electronic band’s new album
“All the Feels,” released Sept. 20,
pairs vibrant beats and catchy
melodies with empowering and
emotional lyrics.
Though the music video for
the title track “All The Feels” sug-
gests that it is about a romantic
relationship, the song itself can
be applied to many life situations,
and when combined with the rest
of the album really does give “All
The Feels.” It has a positive mes-
sage of self empowerment and
doesn’t shy away from the subject
of mental illness and the road-
blocks it can put in front of major
goals or even daily tasks.
“I Need Help!” speaks to the
importance of learning to ask
others for support with lines like
“Sometimes, I just need a little
help / Why do I try to take the
world on by myself / I’m asking
you please, a little help / Tell me
you’ll be there when I need some-
body else.”
“I Just Wanna Shine” includes
mentions of anxiety — with lines
like “Goodnight stress, see you in
Michael Fitzpatrick, the lead vocalist of the indie pop group Fitz and the Tantrums, per-
forms at a recent festival. The band recently released their latest album, ‘All the Feels.’
the morning / I don’t gotta guess,
you’re always there for me / Sow-
ing them seeds of doubt, I think
you like seeing me freak out” —
but has an overall focus on over-
coming it and not listening to self-
doubt as the chorus repeats “I just
wanna shine like the sun when it
comes up / Run the city from the
rooftops, ‘Cause today’s gonna be
my day.”
Five of the album’s 17 songs,
“123456,” “Don’t Ever Let Em,”
“I Need Help,” “I Just Wanna
Shine” and “All The Feels,” were
released in advance of the album
and all have accompanying mu-
sic videos. “123456” introduced
many new listeners to the band
when it was used in a promotional
stream for Apple but was consid-
ered “too poppy” for many long-
time fans.
Fitz and the Tantrums has been
categorized as electronic, pop, al-
ternative and indie pop and the
band does not seem constricted
by any of those labels — though
some fans seem to want them to
be. Others admire the variability
of the Fitz sound. Some fans also
complained about a lack of vocal
features from “co-lead” singer No-
elle Scaggs. It would perhaps be
Photo courtesy of Elektra
more accurate to call her a backup
singer for the band, not just on
this album, but for most of the
band’s work.
The concert tour supporting
the album is coming to the U.S.
and Canada between November
and March next year. Standout
songs include “SuperMagik,”
“Stop” and “Livin’ For The Week-
end” which comments on today’s
gun culture. Fans have waited
over three years for the release of
this, the fourth Fitz and the Tan-
trums album. If they want to feel
something then they won’t be dis-
appointed.
// ENTERTAINMENT
SHELBY FROM PAGE 1
Technique: How do you think
this album compares to some
of your past releases like 2019’s
“Revelations” or 2018’s “Where
the Light Is?”
Merry: I think production-
wise, I’ve improved greatly from
“Where The Light Is.” That was
my first time doing something
full band, and pop nonetheless, so
it was new to me then. I’ve grown
a lot as a person since then, and I
think it shows in my work. I was
coming from a really dark place
on those two records, and on this
one I just wanted people to enjoy
themselves and have fun. I think
that’s the biggest change for me
creatively.
Technique: If you had to de-
scribe “Tiger Heart” in one word,
what would that word be and
why?
Merry: Sugarpop. I made that
one word up, but that’s what I’ve
used to describe it from the begin-
ning! I think fun would be a good
word as well.
Technique: Do you have any
advice to other independent art-
ists or those who would like to try
to their hand at songwriting and
composing?
Merry: I think my best ad-
vice would be to put yourself out
there, and do it authentically, even
if it feels a bit awkward. Make it
easy for people to find your work,
and do a lot of it. You’ll get the
attention of the right people.
MUSIC
Tiger Heart
Shelby Merry
LABEL: None
GENRE: Pop
TRACK PICKS: “Tiger
Heart,” “Worthy of Me” and
“Midnight Eyes”
OUR TAKE: «««««
// ENTERTAINMENT
IMAGINE FROM PAGE 12
DJ Diesel closed out Friday
night. It might sound like the
organizers went out and found
some no-name artist to replace
Diplo, until one learns that Diesel
is actually Shaquille O’Neal. For
a basketball player, he was a sur-
prisingly good DJ and brought the
hype factor Imagine wanted.
Saturday rolled around with
bigger and more familiar names
like Alison Wonderland. Headlin-
ers included Zeds Dead, Above
and Beyond, Lane 8, GJones and
Louis the Child. This year had
more art, shade structures and
dynamic installations that concert
goers could walk through or sit in.
As usual, there was a wide variety
of restaurants and shops, includ-
ing Island Noodles, a staple food
of many festivals.
The Disco Inferno stage re-
turned for another year with the
ball of fire and some new accents.
For the most part, concertgoers
had little to complain about. A
couple critiques on Reddit and
Facebook noted that the portable
toilets needed sanitation.
Altogether, Imagine does a
good job considering the needs of
attendees and a great job arrang-
ing acts and production. There
were few to no errors in the au-
dio or visuals, and acts generally
stayed on schedule. Those who
only got a one day pass found
themselves wishing they were
back at the speedway for another
day. Imagine is a great way for
someone getting to know EDM
to try a low-risk festival and is a
must-do for any EDM lover.
technique • September 27, 2019• 15
AD ASTRA FROM PAGE 12 worthy of Roy’s attention, “Ad As- actors and actresses. The story querades as a smart, insightful
tra” fails to earn its own ending. has some interesting ideas and is movie, there are an awful lot of
half-truisms that feel more akin It is a shame, to be truthful. mildly entertaining. And the visu- bad lines.
to Matthew McConaughey’s Writer-director James Gray is hot al and audial production qualities More importantly, however,
ramblings in Lincoln commer- off the heels of the independent- are often striking. Yet the dreaded “Ad Astra” claims that it values
cials than to the sincere, unique film success from “Lost City of “but” clauses offset whatever good human connection, but it fails to
thoughts of the character Roy Z.” Brad Pitt takes on what might the feature brings to the table. establish the human characters
McBride. be his most iconic leading role For being a space adventure, involved in that dynamic. As a
All the while, Pitt displays his since 2013’s “World War Z.” The “Ad Astra” is just not particularly result, it is ineffective at achieving
character’s trademark lack of emo- rest of the cast is full of talented adventurous. Although it mas- its own intentions.
tions, only offset by the occasional
crack in the surface. Truthfully,
it is hard to take this masculine-
centric, self-absorbed storytelling
any more seriously than bad Zack
Snyder movies. Moreover, there
is not a single female character in
this movie with more than three
minutes of dialogue, despite being
filled with three talented actresses
like Ruth Negga (“Loving”), Na-
tasha Lyonne (“Russian Doll”)
and Liv Tyler (“The Lord of the
Rings”).
Although this might read like a
social justice takedown, the prob-
lem has little to do with whether
“Ad Astra” is “woke.” Rather, the
hyper-masculine focus and tone
completely undercuts the movie’s
very purpose. While Roy’s jour-
ney teaches him the value of life,
emotions and relationships, noth-
ing presented in “Ad Astra” justi-
fies that conclusion.
Specifically, Liv Tyler — play-
ing McBride’s love interest Eve —
must plead in a voicemail that she
is, indeed, a human being also. Yet
the movie expresses no interest in
using her as anything more than
a phantom in the background,
lending a complete hollowness
underneath the thin veneer of the Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Studios
film’s message. Thus, by failing to While ‘Ad Astra’ combines striking visuals with a relatively interesting plot, the film fails to devel-
rationalize why Eve is someone op most of its characters enough to support its arguments about the value of human connection.
16 • September 27, 2019• technique // COMICS

SARAH’S SCRIBBLES BY SARAH ANDERSEN SMBC BY ZACH WEINERSMITH

IN THE BLEACHERS BY STEVE MOORE

XKCD BY RANDALL MUNROE

// COMICS technique • September 27, 2019• 17

LUNARBABOON BY CHRISTOPHER GRADY PEARLS BEFORE SWINE BY STEPHEN PASTIS

LIO BY MARK TATULLI

CHANNELATE BY RYAN HUDSON

SUDOKU PUZZLE
18 • September 27, 2019• technique // SPORTS

Tech alumni making waves in new NFL season

except two, and it was Mason draft, Waller started just four Waller ranks No. 3 in the league to 2016, and he holds the single-
JOHN EDWARDS who played every offensive snap games with Baltimore, spending in receiving yards among tight- season Broncos records for receiv-
SPORTS EDITOR in the Patriot’s most recent Super extended periods of time sus- ends this season, bolstered by a ing yards and receiving touch-
Bowl victory over the Rams last pended for violating the NFL’s strong showing last week where he downs among others. Thomas was
The National Football League February. Like Butker, Mason’s substance abuse policy. hauled in 13 of 14 targets for 134 traded to Houston mid-season in
(NFL) is in full swing, with the team has shown their appreciation Drafted as a wide receiver, yards in a 34-14 Raiders loss. 2018 and performed well despite
bulk of week four’s games set to with their checkbooks, inking the Waller converted to tight-end splitting targets with star WR
take place this weekend. Tak- former Tech center to a five year, and joined the Raiders last sea- DEMARYIUS THOMAS Deandre Hopkins. Unfortunate-
ing the field alongside some of $50M extension prior to kickoff of son, appearing in just four games One of Tech’s brightest ath- ly, Thomas tore his Achilles late
the best and brightest stars of the the 2018 season. with Oakland as well. This year, letes, Thomas was a first-round in the season and was released.
game will be a number of Tech Waller’s profile has risen dramati- pick when he went to the Bron- Thomas landed with the Patri-
alumni, including Harrison But- DARREN WALLER cally — not only did the HBO cos in the 2010 NFL draft. The ots earlier this offseason, but was
ker and Shaq Mason. Here is what Waller’s path to success has docu-series “Hard Knocks” follow former star wideout lived up to traded to the Jets in September.
some former stars of The Flats been rockier than most — despite Waller through training camp, the his pedigree within his first sea- Thomas managed to take the field
have been up to in the NFL. joining the Ravens with a sixth TE has established himself as an son — Thomas was named to five in week two for the Jets, recording
round selection in the 2015 NFL offensive weapon for the Raiders. consecutive Pro Bowls from 2012 a single reception in a 23-3 loss.
HARRISON BUTKER
Butker, Tech’s most prolific
scorer in history, has turned into
one of the best kickers in the NFL.
The Tech grad features promi-
nently in a high-powered Chiefs’
offense led by reigning NFL MVP
Patrick Mahomes.
Butker recorded the most ex-
tra-point attempts in the league
last year. After helping the Chiefs
reach the AFC Championship
game, Kansas City rewarded their
kicker handsomely with a five
year, $20M extension, making
him one of the highest-paid kick-
ers in the NFL. Butker has been
his usual, automatic self so far this
year — the Decatur native has not
missed a field goal and has lost out
on only one extra-point attempt
for the first-place Chiefs.

SHAQ MASON
As one of the most prominent
Tech alumni in the NFL, Mason
has established himself as one
of the best offensive-lineman in
the league. Pro Football Focus
graded him out as the best guard
in the league following his 2018
season. Mason has been an iron- Photo by Sarah Schmitt Student Publications
man for the Patriots, appearing Harrison Butker kicks off in a game against Mercer in 2016 for the Jackets. Butker, Tech’s all-time leading scorer and an ISYE
in every game for New England graduate, has carved out a spot in the NFL as one of its best placekickers, playing for the powerhouse Kansas City Chiefs.

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH JOURNAL

Showcase, Present, and Inspire

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH @ GT

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// SPORTS
Collins deserves faith after Citadel loss
HARSHA SRIDHAR
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
When Geoff Collins was hired
as Tech football’s head coach,
change followed swiftly. Out went
the triple option, and in came
new assistant coaches, practicing
routines and recruiting tactics.
And the Jackets have seen returns
there. Take the case of freshman
running back Jamious Griffin, a
four-star prospect who would al-
most certainly not be at Tech if
not for Collins, or the two four-
star prospects who have already
committed to the 2020 recruiting
class. Those acquisitions represent
exactly the sort of in-state talent
the program struggled to get in
the late stages of the Johnson era.
But some changes will not be
nearly so seamless, and Tech’s
on-field product is one of them.
Even from my pessimistic view of
this season, I never thought the
Jackets would lose to the Cita-
del Bulldogs. The Bulldogs are a
Football Championship Subdivi-
sion (FCS) team, a full level below
Tech. Their highest-ranked recruit
this year was a two-star prospect,
per 247Sports.com. And un-
like that Appalachian State team
that stunned Michigan in 2007,
the Citadel was not even a power-
Jordan Mason carries the ball during Tech’s recent loss to FCS The Citadel. Despite being
heavily favored, Tech fell 27-24, losing to an FCS opponent for the first time in over 30 years.
house at its own level — the team
was winless heading into Atlanta.
Major upsets are not infre-
quent in college basketball. All it
takes is a shooter from the under-
dog getting red-hot, a star from
the favorite having an off night
and a few lucky bounces. But
in football, where every play is a
matter of physical confrontation,
teams with as much as a talent ad-
vantage as Tech had are supposed
to dominate. Instead, the Jackets
found themselves gashed by the
same triple option they had prac-
ticed against every year prior.
In the aftermath of the loss,
some were quick to blame Collins.
The team played undisciplined
football, giving away 45 yards
of field position on unnecessary
roughness penalties. It still does
not have a starting quarterback,
as Collins’ insistence on switching
Lucas Johnson and Tobias Oliver
repeatedly seems to indicate. And
at the end of regulation, confu-
sion between Collins, Oliver and
the officials over when the clock
would start running led to a wast-
ed opportunity to win the game
without putting the ball back in
the Bulldogs’ hands.
And in fairness, Collins has
made himself an easy target, es-
pecially to fans who appreciated
Johnson’s quiet, no-nonsense ap-
proach. One shudders to think
how Johnson would have respond-
ed if a reporter asked him whether
the team would be holding up
“Money Down” signs.
But despite the small civil war
this game has sparked on Tech
technique • September 27, 2019• 19
Photo by Tom Hightower Student Publications
discussion boards, with Johnson
loyalists and Collins revolution-
aries clashing, I maintain that
patience is a virtue, and of vital
importance for a rebuild.
Collins hasn’t even had a full
recruiting cycle yet. We don’t
know what kinds of players of-
fensive coordinator Dave Paten-
aude wants to fill out his offense
or what defensive coordinator An-
drew Thacker needs for his unit.
The remainder of Tech’s schedule
offers few candidates for likely
wins, but this was never going to
be a strong season for Tech.
And I think that ultimately, it
will be worth it a few years from
now, when Collins has truly made
this program his own. So if pa-
tience is a virtue, let our moral
strengthening begin.
JOHN EDWARDS
SPORTS EDITOR
GOLF TIES AT ILLINI
The No. 3 ranked Jackets add-
ed another trophy to a crowded
case this weekend, taking home
a share of the Fighting Illini Invi-
tational on Sunday. Tech tied for
first place in the tournament with
Baylor thanks to strong showings
from senior Andy Ogletree and ju-
nior Noah Norton, who together
tied for No. 9 individually during
the tournament. Freshman Ben
Smith rode a strong final day to
the top 15 as well, shooting one-
under-par on Sunday to tie for no.
14 in the tournament. Tech’s next
tournament comes in October as
the Jackets play in the Golf Club
of Georgia Collegiate Invitational
on Oct. 18-20.
WOMEN’S TENNIS SHINES
The Jackets came away from
the Debbie Southern Furman
Fall Classic with three victories
over the weekend. Junior Victoria
Flores took home the singles title
of flight five, sophomore Gia Co-
hen picked up the singles title of
flight six and senior Kenya Jones
also captured the doubles title at
the tournament.
Jones was ranked No. 10 in
the ITA preseason national rank-
ings. Tech has a quick turnaround
for their next tournament — the
Jackets’ next tournament is Oct. 7
at the ITF 25K.
Sports
GRAHAM LEWIS
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Tech takes the field this Saturday
to face a foe familiar to Geoff Col-
lins: Temple University, where Col-
lins served as head coach the previ-
ous two seasons. The game marks
the first time the head coach will
face off against his former team,
having recruited many of the op-
posing players to the school dur-
ing his time there. After a week off
to recover from a shocking loss to
The Citadel, Temple presents an
opportunity for the Jackets to get
back on track for the season.
Both teams are coming off of dis-
heartening losses, as Temple also
suffered a 38-22 defeat to Buffalo
this past Saturday. The game was
even less close than the score indi-
cated, as an inefficient Temple of-
fense combined with lackadaisical
defense carried Buffalo to a score
of 38-10 entering the fourth.
Temple’s lack of rush defense is
a good sign for Tech, whose roster
leans more towards a run-based
scheme. In the game against Tem-
ple, Buffalo ran the ball for 217
yards, giving the Bulls complete
ownership of the clock as they led
time of possession by more than
fifteen minutes. The game stands
as an outlier for the Temple de-
SPORTS EDITOR: Tech in the NFL
John Edwards
ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR:
Emily Dykstra
Former Tech standouts are making
their mark in professional football.
sports@nique.net
fense, which currently ranks No.
39 in the FBS for defensive rushing
yards allowed — Tech currently
ranks No. 116 on the list. A key fac-
tor in the success of Tech’s ground
game will be how the Temple de-
fensive line plays. Tech has strug-
gled for most of the season in pro-
tecting the quarterback, no matter
who is playing at the position. But
if Temple’s defensive line plays like
it did against Buffalo, Tech’s run-
ning backs could have an oppor-
tunity to put up points.
Temple’s quarterback, Anthony
Russo, is coming off of a three-in-
terception game. A repeat of that
performance would give the Jack-
ets opportunities for points, but
relying on another team to make
mistakes is never a sure thing. With
Temple’s quarterback currently sit-
ting at five interceptions on the
year, the Jackets will need to add
to that count to go for an upset.
Meanwhile, Tech’s offense has
to show up at some point this sea-
son. The Jackets are averaging just
17.3 points per game, the seventh
lowest figure in all of FBS. While
part of that comes from strength
of schedule — opening the season
against a stifling Clemson defense
can do that to a team — the fact
that an FCS defense held Tech
to just 24 points in their most re-
technique
20
Friday,
418 September 27, 2019
Design by Beatrice Domingo
cent game is evidence enough of
Tech’s problems. Tech’s ever-pres-
ent ground game has struggled,
but the Jackets’ biggest issue has
been the fact that they’re throw-
ing the ball more frequently and
doing so less efficiently. Last year,
Tech averaged just 9.7 passing
attempts per game with a 44.4%
completion rate — this year, while
Tech is completing 53.8% of their
passes, they’re throwing 17.3 pass-
es per game, so Tech is ultimately
coming up empty more frequently
despite seeing a slight improve-
ment in efficiency over last season.
Against a Temple defense of Col-
lin’s own construction, Tech’s is-
sues could very well continue.
Temple is the opponent against
whom Tech has the highest win
probability for the rest of the sea-
son. The Jackets are currently
predicted to have a 32% chance
at winning over Temple according
to ESPN’s FPI projection system.
Whatever happens, the real ques-
tion lies in how Tech will showcase
themselves after the second loss
to an FCS team in school history. If
Tech can come back with force, a
win is most definitely within reach.
Saturday offers a poetic oppor-
tunity for Collins to get his team
back on track against none other
than the team he helped build.