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s t u d e n t n e w s pa p e r o f w a s h i n g t o n a n d j e f f e r s o n c o l l e g e r e d a n d b l a c ko n l i n e . c o m w a s h i n g t o n , p e n n s y lva n i a April 29, 2016
Greeks Participate in Greek Week 2016!
Courtesy Delta Tau Delta
OPINIONS: POLITICAL CORNER PAGE 17
ARTS: NETFLIX HIDDEN GEMS PAGE 11
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Greeks Participating in Greek Week 2016! Red & Black
Photos Courtesy of Greek Members
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WSO will rock Trinity High School on May 7 Red & Black
Courtesy Adam Shaffer
Adam Shaffer Red&Black Contributor
Last concert of the season features music from Beethoven to the Beatles Wanting to give the audience something to remember over the summer, the Washington Symphony Orchestra will end its 2015-2016 season with “We Will Rock You” on Saturday, May 7. The concert will begin at 8 p.m. at Trinity High School in Washington. Just because the evening’s theme is “rock ‘n roll,” doesn’t
mean that the classics will be left out. For example, SaintSaens’ “Danse Bacchanale,” comes from the Romantic era (1820-1900), a time period in music that has much in common with the modern era. “In many ways Romantic composers were early rock stars of music,” said Yugo Ikach, WSO Artistic Director. “Louder was not loud enough; softer was not soft enough; the orchestra got bigger and added many strange and wonderful instruments that were not utilized in the days of Mozart, Haydn or Handel.” Also featured will be Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, First Movement. “Beethoven
was the Romantics’ founding father or patron saint,” said Ikach. “His music was revolutionary. After mastering the paradigms of classical form, he started breaking the rules of musical form and led a movement that truly ‘rebelled’ against the established norm of symmetry, form and simplicity.” Fast-forwarding to the modern era, the WSO will play medleys of Beatles and Moody Blues tunes, along with David Bowie’s “Space Oddity.” The Washington Festival Chorale will be on hand to help out with a couple of
Queen tracks. “If you’ve ever wanted to sing ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ out loud with an orchestra, this is your chance,” said Ikach. Another special guest for the evening will be Cal Ubased rock band, The Vics. As the winner of the WSO’s Battle of the Bands contest back in February, The Vics will perform a couple of their original compositions with the WSO. Preceding The Vics’ set with the WSO will be a short film by Pittsburgh-based filmmaker Ron Hankison featuring The Vics and other contestants from the WSO Battle of the Bands. Tickets for We
Will Rock You start at just $17 and can be purchased online atwashsym.org, by calling 1-888-71-TICKETS, or at the following locations: Citizens Library, the Peters Township Public Library, and the WSO Office at 11 South College Street in Washington (WSO Office by appointment only). For further information about the symphony, visit www.washsym.org or connect with the WSO on Facebook (facebook.com/washsymphony) and Twitter (twitter.com/ washsymphony). Note: Admission to the concert described below is FREE to all W&J students with current ID.
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Students Rally for Mission of ending Sexual and Domestic Violence Diana Ciarallo Red&Black Staff
“I sit and wait because I know you’ll change. At least I hope you will.” These words are an excerpt from a spoken word poem that was recited on April 20 at a Take Back The Night rally held on our campus. In it, a young woman recalls an abusive relationship and expresses her feelings concerning what had happened. Many involved in an abusive relationship have, at some point or another, held out hope and believed that their partner would change.
Yet, they don’t. “Watch out for your friends, watch out for yourself. Its hard to tell the signs.” Take Back The Night is an international event and non-profit organization with the mission of ending sexual, relationship, and domestic violence. These events typically consist of a march, candlelight vigil and speak out rally on violence against women. Hundreds of these events are held in over 30 countries every year. There is strength in numbers and the number of students seen walking and chanting through campus
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was a powerful statement. The Greeks set a goal of 70% participation resulting in a large turn out for this year’s event. Although it was light outside, this did not, in the least bit, take anything meaningful away from the empowering effect of the march. Consisting of both men and women, a crowd that stretched down the length of nearly an entire block could be seen chanting their defiance against sexual and dating violence of any kind occurring on their campus. “Women unite, take back the night!” Pamphlets were
Courtesy mysunsetcoast.com
passed out to students from organizations, such as campus counseling services and the Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern PA. Their purpose is to give victims of domestic, dating and sexual violence the help, healing, guidance and support that they need. Alongside them, the District Attorney Office of
Victims Service helps in giving victims a voice as they confront their attackers and get justice. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, but awareness of this horrible reality shouldn’t be limited to a mere month. At least 1 out of 5 college students is involved in a violent relationship.
‘Tape a Theta’ Raises Money for CASA The sisters of Kappa Alpha Theta raised money this past Tuesday by being taped to the wall on Rossin Patio. They raised over $80 for their first time doing this event. All of their proceeds went to their philanthropy, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).
Courtesy Brittany Graft
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THIS WEEKEND'S EVENTS
Friday 11:30 am - Feel Good Friday, Campus Ctr. Circle 12:00 pm - Senior Week Ticket Sale (until 2:00), G&T's 1:00 pm - Free Bowling with W&J ID (until 3:00), Alpine Lanes 6:00 pm - W&J Senior Show II (until 7:30), Olin Art Gallery 6:30 pm - French Club Movie Night - "AmĂŠlie", Burnett 213 7:30 pm - Travis Clark's Bass Capstone Presentation, Rossin Ballroom 9:00 pm - Monticello's, Hub LL 9:00 pm - Performer Brian Wight, G&T's Saturday Parkhurst Event - Late Night Wings, G&T's 1:00 pm - Softball vs Waynesburg (DH), Brooks Park 9:00 pm - Monticello's, Hub LL Sunday 9:00 am - Catch the Cure Softball Tournament (until 4:00), Cameron Stadium 1:00 pm - DIY Bleach and Tie T-Shirts, The Alley 1:00 pm - Baseball vs Bethany, Ross Memorial Park
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The New Face of the $20 Bill Christopher Frydryck Red&Black Staff
Since 1928, Andrew Jackson has appeared on the front the of $20 bank note by the United States Federal Reserve. This was back before even the silver standard, this note in 1928 promised either silver OR gold. Predating 1928, Grover Cleveland was on the bill as well as George Washington, Hugh McCulloch, James Garfield, Pocahontas, Lady Liberty and many more. There is no doubt that the bill over the years has faced several revamps that lead the bill to its current state. Recent news from the United States Treasury Department exclaimed another change in the bill. Instead of previous intentions to bump founding father Alexander Hamilton, a new face, Harriet Tubman, will take the place of Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill. Upon announcement, US Treasury Secretary Jack Lew
said, “When I announced last June that a newly redesigned $10 note would feature a woman, I hoped to encourage a national conversation about women in our democracy. The response has been powerful.” Powerful was to say the least. Many people were on the fence on the decision to remove a founding father from the $10 note, one of which was Lin-Manuel Miranda, composer, author and star of Broadway’s biggest hit “Hamilton.” Even former Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke exclaimed his displeasure with, “Hamilton’s demotion is intended to make room to honor a deserving woman on the face of our currency. That’s a fine idea, but it shouldn’t come at Hamilton’s expense.” So it came to no surprise when the bill at question last week was the common $20 denomination that holds the portrait of Andrew Jackson on the front. Personally, Jackson seemed always a little out of place. Jackson actually was opposed to paper money. He was a
courtesy of lovebscott.com
purist when it came to the constitution, and acted as sometimes a founding father that was 50 years late. A major advocate for Article 1, Section 10, exclaimed, “No State shall... make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts” Referring to paper money as a “fluctuation of unjust Weights and Measures,” the founding fathers followed the bible religiously and referred to both Leviticus and Proverbs as exclaiming that unjust weights and measures are declared as evil. Announcements of
moving Jackson to the back of the bill while Tubman would be on the front seems to make more sense to the public. This wouldn’t be the first case of having a female on the bill, but it would be the first “formal” portrait of a female face on a bill. The setup of the bill is still under many people’s concerns. While many have a front and back, the $20 bill may stick out like a sore thumb, looking like it has two fronts on the bill. The question of if Tubman should be on the bill is one
not to be asked. The better question is why did the United States Treasury decide to put a man who hated paper currency on paper currency? While we are at it, let’s make Edward Snowden the face of the NSA and Michelle Obama the face of McDonalds. It made no sense to do so. The Treasury has plans to revamp the $5, $10 and $20 bill, and hopes to have the new makeover released by the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment, the amendment that gave women the right to vote.
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Leah’s Helpful Hints Study Spots Leah Segal Red&Black Staff
Well, we’ve made it to April. And although the weather has been beyond beautiful these past few weeks, I can say with confidence that many of us have not been able to enjoy it due to the high stress the winding school year dolls out. Between club elections, Greek Week, and not to mention the mountain of assignments and preparing for finals, the campus seems to ooze anxiety. However, with a little research, I’ve compiled ten little tricks that are surefire ways to topple the tension and make it to the end of the semester! 1. Create a “Slay-list”: Take your playlist to the next level. When dealing with an issue, many people use music to cope. Create a list of your favorite “feel good,” “pump up” music, and when you are feeling stressed out by impending deadlines— take a break and jam out. 2. Power nap: Studies show a 15 minute “power nap” greatly increases productivity and restfulness. Due to the common nature of sleep deprivation in college students (especially nearing the end of the semester), a quick rest will reduce anxiety
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and clear the mind. Even with a packed schedule, clearing a 15 minute time period can make the difference between a hectic and a happy student. 3. Study with friends: The old saying “misery loves company” reigns supreme. Nothing is better than commiserating with friends who are in the same boat as you. Letting off some steam will help relieve tension, as well as strengthen bonds between buddies. 4. Make a list: Due to the insane amount of assignments, club meetings and events we all have to keep track of, making a list helps to cut down on confusion and stress. By creating a visual of your tasks, you are less likely to forget— making a happier student! 5. Eat healthy: The tried and true phrase “you are what you eat” is a message to the wise. Although it may be tempting to shovel as much junk food into your mouth during finals, eating healthy will not only provide you with increased energy, but allow you to focus more on tasks and all around improve your health. 6. Exercise: Whether you are suffering from writer’s block, or simply can’t study any longer, burning some calories might be the perfect solution. Not only will you feel better, but you’ll have a clear mind and renewed patience
to jump right back into your assignments. 7. Ask for help: Although this seems quite obvious, don’t be afraid to contact a classmate or professor about an essay or homework assignment. By sitting in confusion, stress only continues to build. Avoid this by taking advantage of opportunities to get assignments done quickly and correctly. 8. Hobbies: Even if you are bogged down with assignments, take time to do what you love. Whether it is drawing, biking or playing an instrument— any tool to combat stress will only do good. 9. Don’t procrastinate: Although I myself (alongside every other human being) has procrastinated, doing so does not help manage stress or finish assignments. The faster to escape the clutches of homework, the better. On the bright side, you will have more free time when all is said and done. 10. Treat yourself: Don’t become enclosed in a bubble of stress and projects. Setting goals such as buying candy when you finish an essay, or even allowing yourself to do something fun with friends, inspires the work to get done much faster. Keep in mind that April does not last forever and soon enough summer will be here and we will all be stress free and enjoying the sunshine!
Tyler Phillips Red&Black Staff
That dreaded time of the semester is only a few weeks away – Finals Week. We are now approaching those days when you see people who haven’t been to class in three weeks congesting the Tech Center and using the printer endlessly. Have you gotten bored of pulling all-nighters in the Ski Lodge? Is the library no longer a place for you to focus? Or have the other people in your dorm flooded the communal study room? Perhaps the solution could be to leave campus and find some new places to study. The first thing to consider when looking for somewhere to study is a quiet environment. During Finals Week in the fall of my freshman year, I went to PNC Bank at Trinity Point with two of the guys who lived in my dorm. It was quiet and had some comfy chairs where we could relax and open a book for an hour or so. Plus there are always free mints and coffee at the bank! Our other friend just happened to be there making a withdrawal and as he walked by and saw us with papers cluttering the tables, he asked “What are you guys doing here?” We casually mentioned that we were studying and he
just gave us a very confused look on his face. A clerk asked us if we needed assistance, so we told him that it was Finals Week and he walked away. After half an hour, he returned and told us “Excuse me gentlemen, I know you are looking for a place to study, but the lobby is for clients only so I’ll have to ask you to leave.” I got an A in the History class that I studied for that day, but one of the guys who studied with me there dropped out after that, so I guess it is subjective as to whether that spot is effective or not. But the real lesson that we learned was not from History or Calculus; it was that you can create a decoy at PNC Bank at Trinity Point for exactly twenty-nine minutes before you are asked to leave. Keep that in mind if you are ever pulling off a heist. Washington Park is another fine place to study in nice weather. Pull up a chair and study under a shady tree instead of staying in a dusty corner of the library. Plus, if someone takes a picture of you studying under a tree you just might end up on the next W&J brochure! But if all else fails, go home if you live close enough! If you are lucky enough to have your finals scheduled a few days apart you can study in peace at home. Even better, there are study breaks with your pets and some more food to eat than just G&T’s and ramen for once. Happy studying!
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PA:Medical Marijuana Carolyn Wilson Red&Black Copy Editor
Pennsylvania joined 23 other states by legalizing medical marijuana when Governor Tom Wolf signed The Medical Marijuana Act (SB 3) into law April 17, 2016. The law will take effect May 17, 30 days after the law is signed and the Department of Health will have six months to come up with temporary guidelines. Despite the negative connotations marijuana has, in recent years, states like Colorado and Oregon have legalized recreational marijuana, and the benefits of cannabis have come to light. SB 3 will provide people suffering from certain diseases and illnesses (like cancer or HIV/AIDS) treatment with medical cannabis. However, only people suffering from a terminal illness, cancer, HIV/ AIDS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, neuropathies, Huntington’s disease, Crohn’s disease, posttraumatic stress disorder, etc. (full list of qualifying diseases and illnesses available on www.mpp.org) qualify for a medical marijuana card. Only certified physicians are able to recommend their patient, who must be under the ongoing care of said physician, receive a medical marijuana card if they believe their patient will benefit from cannabis.While some people might think these medical
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RainbowGrilledCheese
courtesy of floridamarijuanainfo.org
marijuana patients will be ripping bongs, initially it will only be available in the forms of “pills, oils, gels, creams, ointments, tinctures, liquid, and non-whole plant forms for administration through vaporization,” according to the Marijuana Policy Project. In other words, smoking is not allowed. Also, only Pennsylvania residents will be able to access medical marijuana in Pennsylvania. Even if you have a medical card registered in another state, you will not be allowed to purchase cannabis in Pennsylvania. The purchasing of medical cannabis will be available in dispensaries, with only 50 dispensaries allowed and each can have three locations, for a total of 150 dispensaries throughout Pennsylvania. In order to track the growing and selling of medical cannabis, the Department of Health will issue 25 grower and processor permits. This will allow “seed-to-sale” tracking according to the Marijuana Policy Project. With the growing support of cannabis due to the numerous studies of its benefits, it is only a matter of time until medical marijuana is legalized nationally.
courtesy of today.com
Above, a rainbow grilled cheese sandwich made at Kala Toast in Hong Kong
Kayla Marasia Red&Black Arts Editor
In the rich world of food culture, the grilled cheese sandwich is a beloved and rather unimpressive classic. However, a sandwich café in Hong Kong has revolutionized the art of grilled cheese-making with a colorful new addition to its menu: the rainbow grilled cheese sandwich. Kala Toast, famous for its different types of “cheese toast,” attained instant fame with the psychedelic snack that some have dubbed the “unicorn grilled cheese” due to its multicolored cheeses. However, the sandwich does not merely use food coloring to achieve its rainbow appearance. In fact, it is naturally colored, and each cheese in the sandwich holds a different
flavor: red is tomato, blue is lavender, green is basil, and yellow is a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss and gruyere. “I thought a grilled cheese was just a grilled cheese, but I think it’s interesting how something that I perceive to be so simple can be manipulated in a way that’s not typical,” said W&J student Alyssa Rote. After learning about the different flavors that comprise the sandwich, she said, “It sounds like a strange combination, but I wouldn’t write it off before I tried it. Maybe the flavors blend nicely. I’d be interested to try one of them, honestly, but I’m not likely to buy a plane ticket to Hong Kong anytime soon.” In order to create the strange treat, the Kala Toast company creates large wheels of cheese with different flavors and colors. The café chef then cuts slivers from the wheels and layers them on buttered bread, sprinkling the more traditional yellow cheeses on
top. After grilling, the result is a golden brown delicacy wherein the cheese melds together in a multihued medley of different flavors. The café even offers a kingsized version of the sandwich that is heaped with an extra helping of rainbow cheese. An Instagram-famous Hong Kong food blogger, @ hkfoodiexblogger, visited Kala Toast to see if the sandwich tasted as good as it looked. "I would say the quality was rather average,” she posted after visiting the restaurant, “but we all cannot deny that it is photogenic.” While the whimsical grilled cheese has gained a sizeable following even in the US, the carb-filled rainbow is only available at Kala Toast. The adventurous foodlover can try the famous grilled cheese for 42 Hong Kong dollars, or the equivalent of about six US dollars (and perhaps a couple of thousand dollars for a plane ticket to Hong Kong).
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The More You Know: Citrus Fruits Good Vibes Shannon Adams Red&Black Life Editor
courtesy of vegnews.com
Christopher Frydryck Red&Black Staff
Citrus fruits are the anthem of summer drinks, adorning salads and a morning glass of orange juice. And although they are undeniably delicious, there seems to be hidden side of the fruit that nobody really knows about yet. The mysterious fruit is one that baffles many on its origins and how it reached western countries. For starters, the citrus fruits we find today at our local grocery store come from four main groups: the pomelo, the citron, the pepeda and the mandarin. These four groups all hail from the continent of
Asia, and were prized fruits along the Silk Road. However, it wouldn’t be until the 11th century that Muslim invaders of Northern Africa would bring them to Sicily. Although they were indigenous of the Asian/ Middle Eastern territories, citrus fruits were able to be maintained in Northern Africa due to skilled irrigation experts, and when brought to Sicily, they used the same tactic of irrigation through underground tunnel systems called “Qanats.” These were meant to be highly efficient methods of irrigation to gather any drops that were unused during the drought season of July and August in Italy.Outside of Sicilian fruits, another prominent Italian historical
figure is the mafia. Yes, the mafia had begun to purchase and run citrus farms along Sicily due to the Qanats ease of transportation and escape routes. One source on the mafia’s citrus prevalence exclaimed, “It is possible to duck into one in a remote farm and emerge, with soggy trouser legs, in the heart of Palermo. Partly for this reason, the Mafia decided they wanted to be the owners of all the lovely villas on the citrus farms in the bay of Palermo.” Even outside of the mafia, citrus leads an interesting life. Outside of their vibrant colors and decadent taste, citrus is slowly declining. This can be linked to their “incurable” disease that many claim. University of California Davis has looked into it, and
had said, “The devastating disease Huonglongbing… looms darkly over the United States, threatening to wipe out the nation's citrus industry, whose fresh fruit alone was valued at more than $3.4 billion in 2012.” Also known as citrus greening disease, the bacterial disease “destroys production, appearance and economic value of citrus trees,” and “is considered to be one of the most serious plant diseases in the world and currently there is no cure.” So next time you are drinking that glass of orange juice or squirting a little lemon into your water, just remember: the population of these fruits is declining at a rapid rate, and the only person who is saving them is the mafia.
Now a days, the news is full of negative and depressing stories no matter where we turn. We find them on Facebook, the news channel, late night talk shows, the radio and the newspaper. We just can not escape it! However, Good Vibes is a place that you will be able to flip to and enjoy an uplifting story to brighten your day! Unlike other sections in the paper, I will not be giving out an assignment or idea that I want written about. I am leaving this up to you!! Get your creative juices flowing and keep your eyes out for uplifting and positive stories. They can range from the mundane story you find in the newspaper, a converstaion you overheard at lunch that you decided to look inot further, or a good deed you saw someone do on campus. There are no bounds here. You also do not have to be a student to submit stories, you can be professors, faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Once you have an idea, send me an email at, adamssn@jay. washjeff.edu and we can talk about your idea. If you have a story already written up and ready to go send it to me at the same email address at you will find it in the next issue of the Red&Black! I hope you find some Good Vibes and see inspiration in the everyday!
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Guggenheim Museum To Install Golden Toilet Carolyn Wilson Red&Black Copy Editor
What better way is there to comment on America’s economic inequality than designing and installing an 18-karat-gold toilet in an art museum? Artist Maurizio Cattelan decided to come out of retirement to unveil his latest project: a solid 18-karat-gold toilet. Previously retired in 2011, Cattelan came to the conclusion that it was, “even more of a torture not to work than to work,” as he stated in an interview. So Cattelan is back in the game and he’s bringing a new meaning to the term being, “pooped from work.” This golden throne will be installed in early May off of one of the ramps at
Guggenheim Museum in Manhattan. The rest of the bathroom will be typical, complete with a mirror, sink, tiles, which will allow the museum’s newest piece of art to steal the spotlight. While some may think that the art will speak for itself, as people can bask in the beauty of the toilet, according to the artist, the real meaning of the art piece is when people are actually using the toilet. “There’s the risk that people will think of it as a joke, maybe, but I don’t see it as a joke,” said Cattelan in an interview with the New York Times. When asked if this art piece was influenced by economic inequality, because Cattelan grew up poor in Padua, Italy, Cattelan stated that it is up to the viewer to see find meaning in the piece. “I was born in a condition where I was — how do you say? — forced to think about that. It’s not my job to tell people what a work means. But I think people might
Courtesy inusanews.com
see meaning in this piece,” said Cattelan. Despite the uniqueness of this art project, Cattelan is not the first to experiment with bathroom art. Almost a century ago, French artist Marcel Duchamp submitted a urinal to an art exhibition in New York, but his piece was denied.
Another artist, Piero Manzoni, created metal cans with his feces inside them. Each can was also priced according to its weight in gold. Moreover, Cattelan’s most recent work can be seen as an extension of his work with Pierpaolo Ferrari and their lewd picture magazine called, Toilet Paper.
The golden toilet is expected to be a popular exhibit in the Guggenheim, and there will likely be a museum employee to monitor lines to the bathroom. To help secure the golden toilet, there will be a guard by the entrance in case anyone thinks they can somehow manage to steal an 18-karat-gold toilet in use.
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Netflix Hidden Gem: 'Short Term 12' Ben Langdon Red&Black Staff
“Short Term 12,” a 2013 independent film that is available on Netflix, combines a realistic depiction of childhood tragedy with a nuanced take on social ills in order to create a movie experience that is satisfying, yet not overly sentimental or melodramatic. Written and directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, “Short
Term 12” follows the lives of teenagers living in a short term group foster home. Grace (Brie Larson) is the unofficial leader of the group of caretakers for the facility. As the film develops, Grace and her boyfriend Mason (John Gallagher Jr.) must deal with the struggles of trying to both care for emotionally distressed teenagers and deal with the underlying problems of their relationship. “Short Term 12” builds its success on the back of an expertly-crafted script that develops three-dimensional
characters that are deeply damaged, but are still very believable. Everyone in this residential treatment facility, from the young adults to the caretakers, has demons that they are dealing with, but the film refuses to paint these characters with only bleak colors. In fact, “Short Term 12” is noteworthy because of the emotional honesty that is presented on screen. The residents and caretakers in the film do share meaningful and uplifting moments, but these moments are brief
and are routinely interrupted by the harsh realities of the treatment facility. “Short Term 12” took the mold of the Hollywood inspirational-teacher genre and has made great improvements on it. If the writing is what sets the stage for the success of “Short Term 12,” then it is the acting that really brings it home. Larson’s nuanced and subtle take on Grace creates a character that is simultaneously distant and relatable. Keith Stanfield’s take on Marcus, the oldest resident of the care facility, is undoubted-
ly one of the most emotionally palpable performances of an underprivileged youth. The power of “Short Term 12” does not come from originality or innovation. It is not the first film that has tried to show the plight of damaged and separated families, and it certainly will not be the last. Instead, it masters what is powerful about this genre and adds to it in meaningful ways. In the world of “Short Term 12,” everyone is damaged, but that doesn’t mean that beauty cannot be found beneath the heaps of wreckage.
parts, and the lyrics are sung entirely in Hebrew. “It was a difficult piece to learn, especially since some sounds and vowel shapes of the Hebrew language are not commonly used in modern English,” said W&J student Kayla Marasia (class of 2019). “But once we knew the story and the meaning behind the words, the piece felt more natural to sing.” At the beginning of the month, the Camerata Singers had the opportunity to perform the piece at Heinz Hall in an all-university choir with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. This humbling experience better prepared the singers for the joint performance with
the full W&J choir on campus. Joining the choir on stage was the talented young boy soprano, Liam McCarthy, a twelve year-old who has sung with music professors and multiple symphony orchestras. His sweet, lilting voice added innocence to the performance of Bernstein's piece, melding perfectly with the contrasting themes of war and peace. But despite the achievement of performing Bernstein's Chichester Psalms, the piece was not intended to be the sole highlight of the night. April 23 marked the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death; therefore, in tribute to the poet’s brilliance, the W&J Choir opened the show with a
performance of Harpsonnets, a collection of Shakespeare’s most iconic sonnets set to music by the New York-based composer James Bassi. Following the performance of the love-struck Shakespearean melodies, the elite Camerata Singers performed “The Coolin,” a haunting song about a moment of passion and desire, and “Ave Maria,” a transcendent work by contemporary composer Daniel Elder. Between the songs, in a moment she described as “bittersweet,” Dr. Medley acknowledged the graduating members of the W&J Choir and Camerata Singers and offered brief sketches of their accomplishments and future
plans. One member of the Camerata Singers, Ahleighia “Twiggy” Carter-Croom (class of 2016), will attend Duquesne University while studying for her Master’s Degree in Operatic Performance. Veronica Aboujaoude (class of 2016), is the founder of the W&Jaybirds, an entirely student-run a cappella performance group. Travis Clark (class of 2016) wrote an original “Disney Medley” for the a capella group to perform. After the bittersweet senior ceremony, the combined choir and Camerata Singers performed the legendary Chichester Psalms, thereby ending the concert with a tone of hope for the future.
W&J Choir and Camerata Singers Perform Annual Spring Concert in Olin Tyler Mattes Red&Black Contributor
On Friday at 8:00 p.m., the W&J Choir and Camerata Singers performed a momentous concert just off campus. The concert took place in the Church of the Covenant, which is located across from the Tech Center. The choir and Camerata singers collaborated for the concert’s feature piece: the Chichester Psalms by renowned composer Leonard Bernstein. The piece is noted for the technical difficulty of its vocal
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Disney’s ‘The Jungle Book’ is Universally Relatable Mario Tiberie Red&Black Staff
If you’re like me, you love Disney movies, especially the classic animated ones. And if you’re really like me, you love the live-action adaptations of those same films. Adding on to that list of live-action adaptations is Disney’s “The Jungle Book.” Set in a stunning Indian jungle, “The Jungle Book” follows the journey of a young “man-cub” named Mowgli (Neel Sethi) as he leaves the care of his mother wolf Raksha (Lupita Nyong’o) in order to flee the wrath of the Bengal tiger Shere Khan (Idris Elba). Along the way, he encounters both friends and enemies such as his panther mentor, Bagheera (Ben Kingsley), newfound friend, Baloo (Bill Murray) and power-hungry orangutan, King Louie (Christopher Walken). “The Jungle Book” not only elaborates on the original tale, but it also brings to life breathtaking shots of India that the animated movie simply could not match. From giant waterfalls and deep canyons to ancient temples and peaceful rivers, the film really makes you feel like you are a part of the tropical atmosphere of an Indian jun-
Courtesy screenrant.com
gle. The story itself expands by introducing new characters, such as the wolf pack, and by exploring the motives of others like King Louie. The overall theme about finding your place in the world and using your skills to help you accomplish your goals is present throughout the film and is extremely relatable, especially to college students. Instead of the anticipated G-rating, the film received a PG rating, which was the subject of some controversy. However, director Jon Favreau wanted to appeal to a wider audience range; he felt
that “The Jungle Book” should be a movie for everyone, not merely for a younger audience. “We went for a PG movie, as opposed to a G-rated kids’ musical,” Favreau stated of the studio’s decision. “We had to draw inspiration, not just from Jungle Book, but also films like Lion King and the big five animated ones.” Despite the slightly less kid-friendly rating, the film appeals to viewers of all ages. In fact, the story of Mowgli’s jungle adventures is dominating box offices across the world, earning about $106 million in its opening week-
end. Although some people may not enjoy the excessive use of computer-generated imagery in the film, many cannot deny that “The Jungle Book” presents a new milestone in the way CGI is incorporated with voice actors. “My favorite moment was when Mowgli first met Kaa (Scarlett Johansson),” said Richard Habgood (class of 2019). “To see Kaa be a more mysterious, creepy figure in this adaptation was really cool.” Joshua Whitted (class of 2019) also added that, “the film kept my attention the entire time, even though it was
a story I was already familiar with.” The A-list cast does tremendous voice work with their characters, and newcomer Sethi shines as the lone live actor in the film. With its impressive CGI, compelling characters, and relatable plot, the film captures the spirit of adventure. Whether you’re into classic Disney tales or just interested in something to do this week, “The Jungle Book” will definitely not disappoint you. Bring your friends, hop in a car and see it whenever you can! My final rating for the movie: 9.5/10.
29 A pril 2016
ARTS 13
Red & Black
Poetry Corner London Artists Bring By Diana Ciarallo Red&Black Staff
Endangered Animals to Life Leah Segal Red&Black Staff
“A Poet at a Poetry Reading” He speaks Words buzz about the room My own mind clamors with noise Words buzz about my brain like flies They bite at it like gnats The poison of poetry burns Clouds everything else Can barely hear The words of the speaker My words battle with his Like mating dragonflies
“Quill” The knife Rips parchment Tears the surface To shreds Plows paper Like soil Sows the seeds Reaps poetry
Recently, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and its ecological conservators have released the new figure for vulnerable species, with the number of endangered animals climbing to a jaw-dropping figure of 23,250. That being said, a group of London artists are taking steps to bring awareness to the human impact on these disappearing creatures in hopes of sparking change. Calling the project “Endangered 13,” the artists are utilizing a variety of mixed media to create their images. Everything from monstrous murals to intricate sculptures, the creators are attempting to capture the essence of these beautiful beings. Across the city, onlookers are able to find curlews, orangutans, rhinos, blue whales, bateleurs, polar bears and grey-breasted parakeet depicted in the endangered artwork, with more yet to be added. In an interview with The Huffington Post, Louis Masai, a producer and contributor of the project stated, “The idea of the project is to raise awareness of species in desperate
Courtesy theguardian.com
decline, with many on the brink of extinction.” Lucky for these artists, their art is fulfilling these wishes. With exhibits all across London, each installment exposes the endangerment of these animals through human behavior. The most poignant of these locations rests in the London’s Tower Hamlets Cemetery. Last weekend alone, a group of artists decided to paint murals on the railway arches— creating vibrant works of didactic art. “We believe that the choices made in our market-driven, consumer-orientated, fossilfueled society are steering us to ever increasing environmental degradation, biodiversity loss and species extinc-
tion,” Masai stated. With each installation displaying these creatures, the artists hope to bring a message that resonates with the public. From piling trash in landfills that inevitably ends up in the oceans, to the illegal hunting and poaching of exotic creatures, humans are destroying what makes Earth so great. Masai stated that they wish to “see these species rise in number and their natural habitats saved in the next ten years.” By creating these intriguing images of these endangered animals, regular people are able to recognize the impact of their actions, thereby starting a chain of innovation and change.
14 Opinions The probability of technology or the internet just disappearing is nearly... P. 15
Red & Black
29 April 2016
OPINIONS
If Clinton secures the nomination, then she will need to start the process of selecting... P. 17
Bring Air Conditioning to W&J Dorms Leah Segal Red&Black Staff There is nothing more I love about W&J than its rich history. The beautiful architecture of McMillan, the bust of Thomas Jefferson and Old Main itself are truly captivating. However, one thing I am extremely unimpressed with, dare I say disappointed in, is the lack of air conditioning. As a freshman student living on 3rd floor Mellon, I can attest to the sweltering heat that encapsulates my room, leaving my roommate and I forced to open the windows (only to be greeted by the lovely sounds of construction) in order to cope. In a school where the
faculty and staff demand the best of us as students, I argue the school must be willing to do the best for us also. As of right now, only those with specific medical conditions or certain circumstances are able to obtain an air conditioner, which needs to be changed. Going back to the history of the school, just because our school remains one of the oldest in the country doesn’t mean we should have to live in the same dormitory conditions as students in the 1781. After all, for the ticket price of the school alone, students should be entitled to air conditioning, or in the very least fully operating radiators. This past month, we all received an email stating
the tuition was rising $2000 dollars, making a grand total of $56,000 per year, before financial aid. And while I understand most (if not the
In a school where the faculty and staff demand the best of us as students, I argue the school must be willing to do the best for us also.
majority) of students do not pay nearly this much, air conditioning should be
E ditorial P olicy The Red & Black is the official, registered student-produced newspaper of Washington & Jefferson College. It is published Fridays with the exception of exams and break periods. Editorials are based upon the opinion of the respective writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the newspaper, the
College or its students, faculty, or administration. The Red & Black welcomes all reader contributions, but reserves the right to reject letters of pure promotional nature, as well as letters which do not meet its standard of integrity, accuracy and decency. The Red & Black also reserves the right to edit submissions.
Letters are due on the Monday before publication and may not exceed 600 words. All letters must include the author’s name, campus box and telephone number. Names may be withheld upon request under certain conditions on rare occasions. All letters may be submitted to redandblackstaff@jay. washjeff.edu.
non-negotiable. Living in a dorm that has a radiator that runs continually, I can wholeheartedly say it affects my school performance. Attempting to sleep in what is practically a furnace, I know I am not alone in my sleep deprivation by heat. That being said, going to class exhausted the following morning is a common reality for me as well as many others. And while I understand that it may be difficult to pay for such a service, there are many solutions. Due to the graciousness of many alumni, major changes have been able to take place on campus, one of them being the new Recreational Center. That being said, money from donors may be able to
be put towards purchasing air conditioners for students. Additionally, the cost of air conditioning could be lumped into the fees for room and board which alone totals over $10,000. And in a world where students can independently purchase an air conditioning unit for $200 at Walmart, something tells me W&J should be able to foot the cost. Overall, although W&J truly attempts to create a comfortable atmosphere for its students, air conditioning is a big part of living arrangements. In dorms that have not been fully renovated in decades for some cases, the heat affects a majority of students, resulting in sleepless nights and under-par performance.
C ontac t Telephone: FAX: E-mail: Mailing Address:
(724) 223-6049 (724) 503-1049 redandblackstaff@jay. washjeff.edu Red & Black 60 S. Lincoln St. Washington, PA 15301
29 April 2016
Red & Black
15 Opinions
Our Identities Are Reliant on the Internet The way humans have interacted with technology and computers over time has varied greatly over time. We recognize our reliability on Google that harms our long term memory, our swift ability at typing that disregards writing in cursive ever again and our entire lives being saved on a hard drive that could inevitably be deleted. This cultural norm has changed the way we live, work and communicate with others, leaving us vulnerable and reliant on software. Popularized by Stuart K. Card and Allen Newell at Carnegie Mellon University, the term “human computer interaction,” was coined in 1980. It was the first time that a scientific study on how humans interact with technology was professionally introduced into the world of computing. Huffington Post exclaimed about the field, “The concept has gone from studying the concept of usability in which technology and computers were studied for their ability to offer useful ways for people to work and, now more recently, to live.” No longer did computer science have to specifically focus on how computers interacted. Instead, one could study how humans interacted with computers. What
seemed to be a harmless study had sparked a generation of people that compiled of primarily software. Facebook currently has 1.59 billion active users, there are roughly 2 billion people in the world with smartphones and roughly every surface has access to the internet. We have adopted technology to the point that it defines us, holds information on us and is a storage of knowledge on our entire lives. But, what would happen if it all disappeared? The probability of technology or the internet just disappearing is nearly impossible, but we have seen stranger things happen. Photographer Melanie Willhide experienced the event of having her laptop stolen. After the recovery of her laptop, she discovered that the thief had wiped the hard drive and rewrote over the old data. After the hard work of a few people, the pictures were saved, but they were distorted and shared sometimes no resemblance to the original images. The photos were still featured in a gallery named after the thief: “To Adrian Rodriguez, With Love.” While Melanie was lucky to have recovered her information, the pictures and data defined who she was as a person. However, with these eerie but awesome distortions,
did Adrian Rodriguez rewrite culture today, it takes 6-7 years The study of humans and their who Melanie was? Was it for someone to be considered integration of interactions as simple as stealing some “dead in absentia,” a term with computers is by far hardware to change their used to exclaim someone’s one of the most interesting identity? death after no contact or studies that either a computer Hackers around the world understanding of the person’s scientist or a psychologist are constantly gaining access location. It is the reason why could study. to Facebook accounts, email Amelia Earhart and victims Since technology has been accounts and even banking of unsolvable murders are such a massive impact on us information. Why? This still considered dead. Their that, “Now that we rely so information that is usually bodies are unfound and their heavily on technology, it’s clear private holds an intrinsic final contact is left unknown that HCI [human computer value to the person that owns and left closure. interaction] is here to stay it. It defines who they are, In a similar sense, if your and will only become a larger and if someone gains access information or even what you part of our work, life, and to their social media, they express is deleted and gone or social networks.” But when can redefine who that person lost forever, is it considered this information disappears is, and how others perceive dead in absentia as well? It or becomes obsolete, are we them. It is quite scary to is what defined you and or a part of us dead, and left know that with a little work, molded you to who you are to never be uncoverable ever someone could take over your today. Erasing people may be again? life behind the scenes. simpler than we may think. However, what is worse than someone gaining access to your information, is someone who deletes the information. Sometimes people are lucky like Melanie that the information was either backed up or retrievable, but sometimes Courtesy petapixel.com it is not. In Pictures from Melanie Willhide’s collection titled “To Adrian Rodriguez, With Love,” common dedicated to the theif who stole Willhide’s laptop and wrote data over her pictures.
16 Opinions
Red & Black
29 April 2016
The Problematic Lack of Parental Leave in the US Chris Frydryck Red&Black Staff
Recently, both California and New York announced a plan to raise minimum wage to $15 over the course of the next few years. And although many believe this is either good or bad, what has been risen as a larger issue in these states is paid family leave. For those who are unfamiliar with the popularity of paid family leave in the world, the United States is one of four nations that does not mandate paid family leave. Along with Lesotho, Swaziland and Papua New Guinea, the United States does not require any form of paid maternal or paternal leave for new parents. In fact, “When Australia
in 2010, it left the U.S. as the only industrialized nation not to mandate paid leave for mothers of newborns.” This means that many who have a baby have to enter their offices or place of occupation immediately after. This troubling issue not only harms families and their healthy relationships, but also the inevitable choice between either work or family. This can be one distinct explanation to the falling fertility rate in the United States, while Sweden, a rather generous advocate of paid family leave, has been thriving. Compared to the United States, the United Kingdom offers a year of maternity leave with 90% pay for 32 weeks, and even Iran offers six months with 100% salary covered for maternity leave. So what is the United States doing wrong? Well, the United States
what the paid leave is. Similar to how business are incorporated, paid leave is a part of this, and letting the states decide is better idea than getting the federal government into dictating how much people should be paid while not working. In a similar sense, this is why the state minimum wage is mandated by the states (although the federal government sets a minimum that must be followed). This is because of recent events during a federal government shutdown. What would happen if the federal government shutdown and tens of thousands of people were on family leave? Well, if the federal government mandated family leave, the people would not be paid during a shutdown. However, if it was governed by state government, the people would still be paid
leave. The entire point of state government is that if the federal government was not functioning, there would be a backup plan. There is even a bigger concern at hand internationally about paid family leave though: the lack of paternity leave during the time of a new child. Not only is it unfair to men that they cannot see their child or spend more time with them, but it is unfair that women cannot get assistance when raising a child during the early months since their husband is forced to submit back to work almost immediately in most countries. Remember earlier when I had exclaimed that the United Kingdom gave women a year of maternity leave? Well, for men, there is only a two week leave. Iran, who had a six month leave for women, has no leave for men at all. This
passed a parental leave law
is letting the states decide
and continue their family
is even a bigger issue at hand
Courtesy bisgovuk.citizenspace.com
internationally that men are not given the right to raise their child and submit to a stereotype of emotionless fathers who only care about work. If we were really fighting for equality, we would give men a substantial increase in paternity leave. And yes, while some of these laws may have been around before women had claimed a larger portion of the workforce, times have changed, and men and women alike need to become proper caretakers for their children. For those who still may disagree, here is one story by a man who wishes to remain unnamed, but explains his story anyways to point out that men are not taken seriously in paternity leave: “I work for a mid-size firm, and I’d always been told that we had a great parental leave program. That’s not the case for men. Prior to my wife giving birth, I was told I could get up to 14 days of unpaid time out of the office to spend with my newborn daughter because I wasn’t the primary caregiver…For the sake of comparison, women at this firm get 6-8 weeks of paid time off.” Does the United States need to reform the parental leave issue at hand? Of course, but if we are going to recognize ourselves as a “politically correct” nation, we cannot pick and choose who gets special treatment in certain situations. We have to give equality to men in this scenario of paid family leave.
29 April 2016
17 Opinions
Red & Black
The Political Corner
Hillary Clinton’s Options for Running Mates as General Election Approaches Ben Langdon Red&Black Staff
With Hillary Clinton’s large victory in the New York primary last week, it is clear that her campaign is now shifting its attention to the general election. If Clinton secures the nomination, then she will need to start the process of selecting a running mate. Here are the people most likely to make it onto the Democratic ticket:
Antonio, Castro is known as a powerful and charismatic public speaker. As a Hispanic American, Mr. Castro could help excite a key Democratic demographic for the general election. Cons: With relatively little experience, many Democratic strategists are worried that Castro will not be able to handle the high-stakes nature of a presidential campaign.
could help shore up support among the Democratic base that has been rallying around Bernie Sanders, Clinton’s primary opponent. Cons: Senator Brown is not a household name and a Republican governor would fill his seat if he was elected, damaging the Democratic Party’s numbers in the Senate.
Warren is also known as a talented debater. Cons: Senator Warren’s progressive ideology could alienate independent voters, and Warren and Clinton are not known for having very good chemistry together.
a potential Hillary Clinton general election campaign.
Courtesy warner.senate.gov
Courtesy thinkprogress.org
Courtesy en.wikipedia.org
Courtesy tjhsalumni.org
Julián Castro Pros: As the 41-year-old federal housing secretary and former mayor of San
Sherrod Brown Pros: A long-term senator from Ohio, Sherrod Brown could help secure a key swing state for Clinton. Senator Brown also has a strong populist history primarily stemming from his opposition to free trade deals. This appeal
Courtesy elizabethwarren.com
Elizabeth Warren Pros: A superstar among the progressive left, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren could turn out the left wing voters that are currently coming out for Bernie Sanders. Senator
Cory Booker Pros: As the junior senator from New Jersey, Cory Booker has made a name for himself by promoting bipartisan cooperation. As a young African American, Senator Booker could increase turnout from a key group. Cons: Much like Julián Castro, Senator Booker’s youth and inexperience could turn out to be harmful to
Mark Warner Pros: A senator from Virginia, Mark Warner offers a strong footing in a key swing state. Senator Warner also brings legislative, executive and business experience to the campaign. Cons: The wealthiest member of the Senate, Warner could be painted as out of touch. Also, as a white male, Senator Warner fails to bring any diversity to the ticket. As Hillary Clinton approaches the possibility of being the democratic nominee in the general election, she will need to way her options for running mates carefully.
18 Sports
SPORTS NEWS Red & Black
29 APRIL 2016
U.S Women's Soccer Team Files Wage-Discrimination Action
Courtesy people.com
Jordan Toohey Red&Black Staff
It has been very clear that men and women’s athletes make different pay in their respective sports. But why? What are the deciding factors that men should be paid more than women? The most recent athletes stepping up are five star players from the US Women’s national soccer team, who have filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
The reigning World Cup champions feel they deserve equal pay to their male counterparts. The five players who have stepped up to the media are Carli Lloyd, Hope Solo, Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, and Beck Saurbrunn. The whole team is backing up these five players in their quest for equal pay, as at every level the women players are paid thousands of dollars less than men (almost four times as less as the men). The women’s national team has definitely proven their worth over the years, as they
are the reigning World Cup champions, whereas the men have not made it to the finals in a long time. Additionally,, the World Cup final was watched by over twenty three million people, which became the most watched soccer game in American TV History. Their attorney Jeffrey Kessler is doing everything he can to help out, as he believes they have a strong case of blatant gender discrimination. Kessler has lots of experience with tangling in different sports leagues. His most recent big case was representing Tom Brady
in the recent “Deflategate” inquiry. As a result of the women speaking up for themselves and the rest of women’s professional soccer players, the US Soccer Federation says it is committed to negotiating new contracts with additional compensation. As a result of women’s soccer taking a stand, tennis is now taking one also. Although tennis pay is not as comparatively different between men and women, women are still making eighty cents to a dollar that men make. The only times that men
and women tennis players earn the same amount of pay are at the four Grand Slam events. An example of this pay difference in one of the big tournaments: the US Open where Roger Federer received $731,000 for defending his title at the tournament while Serena Williams only received $495,000 for defending hers. Tennis directors are also working on bridging the gap, because they feel their players deserve to have equal pay. This issue would not have changed if it were not for the athletes that highlighted these cases.
29 APRIL 2016
19 sports
Red & Black
Athlete Spotlight: Rachel Marx
Courtesy gopresidents.com
Abigail Pipco Red&Black Staff
Softball player and athlete of the week, Rachel Marx (Class of ’17), has had a great deal of success thus far in her career. The psychology major began playing softball at the age of six. She commends her involvement in softball to her father, who has always encouraged her. “At the age of four I was the bat girl for my dad’s American Legion Team where sometimes I was on my dad’s knee
calling pitches and giving signals,” Marx said. Her father’s deep involvement in the sport is what inspired Marx to dedicate herself to the game. “[My dad] had tryouts with the Pittsburgh Pirates and played professional softball with the Pittsburgh Hardhats,” said Marx. “Once I got started with this game, I knew that was it for me, I was in love. Choosing to continue to play softball in college was a no brainer for me. “You only get a certain amount of time to play the game you love and then that’s
it. I wanted to get everything I could get out of this game.” Marx currently leads the team in every offensive category this season. She has a .444 batting average (4th in PACs), .704 slugging average (2nd in PACs), 13 runs scored, and 10 RBI’s. Thus far she has five doubles, three home runs (1st in PACs), and 38 total bases (3rd in PACs). Marx’s success is, however, not limited to the softball field. In high school, she spent four years cheerleading. Here, she was selected as a UCA All American. In college, Marx chose to
focus on softball because she appreciates the team’s atmosphere and support. “I absolutely love being a part of this team. All of these girls are best friends to me. We are constantly motivating each other on and off the field, and my coaches are as well. The kind of relationship we have with each other and with my coaches is rare and makes me excited to come to practice and games every day,” Marx said. The Oakdale native plans on furthering her education upon graduation and getting her master’s degree in mental health counseling where she
will focus on drug and alcohol abuse. She passes her summers spending time with her large family and vacationing in Florida. Marx has an intense appreciation for softball and owes her general success in life to the sport. “Softball is more than just something to pass my time or a sport to play. I truly love everything about this game. It has brought me so many wonderful opportunities and friendships through the years and I can’t wait to see what more it will bring me,” said Marx.
29 APRIL 2016
20 Finance
BUSINESS & FINANCE Red & Black
A Glimpse at Precious Metals Investment of the Week: Under Armour Nathan Repine Red&Black Contributor
When people refer to the market, many would automatically assume the performance of securities. However, this is not the case. This could include commodities, securities, bonds, precious metals and many other things. For this article, the market for precious metals will be discussed. Kitco is a great resource to utilize in observing price changes and spot prices for five specific metals. It gives chart trends over the course of various times. The metals covered consist of Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium and Rhodium. The two most common and most commonly traded and sold are gold and silver. Gold has been hovering over $1,200 since late January after a huge spike from the $1,050 resistance level reversal in December. It is fairly easy to invest in both this and gold simply by buying tangible coins/bars/ etc. of the desired metal. Stocks that have exposure and do business in gold are Yamaha Gold (AUY), Barrick Gold Corp. (ABX) and the iShares Gold Trust ETF (IAU). Silver on the other hand has taken a beating over the past few years and in the
most recent six months finally broke consolidation hovering around $14. It broke this pattern in January and currently sits at a more comfortable $17 an ounce. Some silver mining and silver related stock include Tahoe Resources, Inc. (TAHO), Silver Standard Resources (SSRI) and Pan American Silver Corporation (PAAS). There are differing opinions with regard to making investments in precious metals, or investments in companies that do business in precious metals. This in itself can range from producers, mining companies, refineries, and exploration. Warren Buffet, for example, is not a fan of gold investing. He has called gold an “unproductive asset” and “good-for-nothing.” David Morgan, avid investor in precious metals, would say otherwise. He offers various programs on education in this market, along with webinars and newsletters. He prides himself on capital preservation, saying “In their long-term interest we certainly hope that they will act responsibly with respect to the species. It’s their resource to be looked after.” This refers to the market place as a species and acting responsibly to investment decisions, which he gives advice in precious metal investment for capital preservation.
Nathan Repine Red&Black Contributor
This week’s recommended investment is Under Armour (UA). The company does its business in the athletic clothing industry; however, the company is expanding into the fitness tools and technology space, along with taking market share from competitors. The company announced a stock split 2 for 1 and split on April 8. It opened at around $43.50 when split and is now already at $47, less than 30 days after the split. It also beat its recent quarterly earnings report on April 20 and has strong momentum from its sponsor NBA star Stephen Curry. CEO Kevin Plank says in a press conference “In footwear, this includes the remarkable success of the Stephen Curry signature basketball line, as well as the exciting launches of our first smart running shoe and our new line of Jordan Speith inspired golf shoes.” Under Armour has also reached the agreement to sponsor University of California Athletics, which the company already sponsors some of the college’s alumni in various professional sports. The deal will cover every one of the Cal sports teams, including club teams. The deal the college had previously
Courtesy dailymail.co.uk
does not compare with this agreement when it comes to compensation. From the deal with Nike, the school received only $150,000/yr. With the new Under Armour contract, the school will be receiving $3.5 million per year from the company. On top of all this, Under Armour is offering the option to all students and faculty to buy products at discounted rates. The CEO finally, is a man of integrity, based upon my research. One quote from him includes that “I realized early on that I was pretty good at organizing. A lot of it was about control. While my friends were out getting hammered at concerts, I was making money. I am a con-
trol freak.” People my look at this statement and see trouble with wanting to be in control. However, when that individual is someone who has the talent and ability to create a company like Under Armour, let them do what they need to do, and all will fall into place. I would buy Under Armour at current levels and buy some call options for future growth. Preferably, I would buy the $50 Call option expiring in July, to leave room for fundamental growth and summer sales. The company has great potential and is making strong initiative and headway. Cal could be the first domino to fall for Nike, the question then becomes “how many dominos are sitting behind Cal?”