1-7-16 by The Pitt News

The Pitt News T h e in de p e n d e n t st ude nt ne w spap e r of t he University of Pittsburgh

DONORS FUND CARDIAC ARREST SUPPORT

Pitt Men’s Basketball wins in close contest Page 8 January 7, 2016 | Issue 82 | Volume 106

Annemarie Carr Staff Writer

Pitt sociology professor Mike Epitropoulos expected to see bright lights or feel pain before he suffered cardiac arrest in the University Club gym five years ago. But the only thing he felt before waking up in the hospital in April 2010 was slight frustration — he had dropped his iPod and was bending down to pick it up when he lost consciousness. Epitropoulos had no heart rhythm before a nurse and Pitt police officer used an AED to save his life. “I didn’t know you could have cardiac arrest without having a heart attack,” Epitropoulos said. To raise awareness and help other survivors of cardiac arrest, Epitropoulos, Pitt’s Department of Emergency Medicine Center for Cardiac Arrest Survival and several other survivors have created a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for home-based CPR training kits. In addition to equipping people to respond to cardiac arrest, the kits will also provide research opportunities for a study on anxiety and depression in survivors. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops during a heart attack, after breathing problems or because of electrolyte imbalances. When the heart stops pumping, the body doesn’t receive any oxygen and goes into arrest. See Cardiac on page 3

Pete Zheng, a sophomore, makes Valentine’s Day cards for Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh at a PittServes event at the William Pitt Union. Kate Koenig |Staff Photographer

MILLENNIALS BUYING MORE HOMES

Emily Migdal Staff Writer

When Matt Stephens graduated from Pitt last year, he knew he wanted to stay. Now, almost a year later, he’s looking to buy a house. “I decided to stay because a lot of my friends are still out here, and it’s a wonderful place to live,” Stephens, originally from Annapolis, Maryland and who now lives in the South Side, said. As a millennial, Stephens belongs to a group — especially in the United States — that fears commitment and often chooses to rent houses, rather than buy.

But Stephens is one of about 12 percent of millennials buying and considering buying homes in the Pittsburgh region — a number below the national average of one-third, but one that, according to a December 2015 National Association of Realtors prediction, is set to rise. This, in part, is because more young people are staying in the city and home prices have stayed relatively low compared to national averages. NAR’s assessment, based on a combination of millennial population, employment growth and housing affordability, pegs Pittsburgh as a growing hot spot for millennial homebuyers. In a separate NAR report about genera-

tional home buying trends, millennials made up the largest group of homebuyers in 2015 at 32 percent. “We’ve seen an influx in Wilkinsburg and of course you’re seeing it in central Lawrenceville,” Greg Whitted, board of directors chair for Pittsburgh Housing Development Association, said. “But in our neighborhood of Wilkinsburg, we’re seeing a resurgence of interest in that area.” For Stephens, a stable job market and an already-established group of friends convinced him to stay in Pittsburgh after graduation. See Homebuyers on page 2

News Homebuyers, pg. 1

“I’m not from a city, so I think there’s just more opportunity here,” Stephens said. He now works for Carnegie Mellon University’s admissions office, pre-reading prospective student applications. The rise in young people choosing to buy homes in Pittsburgh is due, in part, to the number of college graduates who stay in the city. According to Laura Glover, data coordinator with Pitt’s career development center, 49 percent of graduates from the class of 2014 remained in the city following graduation. For those graduates, the top three workplaces included UPMC, the University of Pittsburgh and BNY Mellon. “The city of Pittsburgh and the surrounding region is experiencing an economic rebirth, and there is a lot of opportunity in a variety of industries in Pittsburgh,” Glover said in an email. Lynne Bingham, a real estate agent with Howard Hanna, said she has noticed a similar trend in young people buying homes, even in a higher price range. Bingham said high-profile companies like Google, Uber and PNC Bank have offered young people jobs, causing them to stay. “I’ve noticed that [more millennials are buying homes], with a lot of the high-tech companies that have come in town, and PNC has done a lot of hiring,” Bingham said. “Those kind of anchors that we have in Pittsburgh are actually bringing the millennials back in.” Pittsburgh’s low cost of living attracts millennials into the city, Bingham said. “The good and the bad: Our cost of living is very low in Pittsburgh, our taxes are very high,” Bingham said. “But as far as the properties — the value of properties — our properties are extremely low comparatively speaking.” The current national median cost of a house is $281,500, a value that’s increased by 37 percent since 2010. Pittsburgh, however, has a median price of $145,000, according to the real estate website Trulia. The National Realtor assessment expects this price to increase as more millennials buy homes. Chelsea Strub, a 2013 graduate who is looking to buy a house with her boyfriend in Mount. Washington, said Pittsburgh’s lower costs a draw toward buying. “But also it was just the cost of living,” Strub

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said. “I could live on my own pretty easily. My first apartment, that was on my own outside of Oakland, was in South Side. I paid, it was like $500 a month.” Although many graduates might not be able to afford a home initially, it’s easier in Pittsburgh where the cost is far lower than in large cities like New York City or Washington, D.C., Strub said. In Pittsburgh, the average cost of living is about 20 percent less than New York City, according to Numbeo, a website that, in part, calculates cost of living and property values in the United States.

Although Strub and her boyfriend’s Mount Washington rental is in a convenient location, a house is more suited to their current needs. “I mean we’re still trying to build a credit

I’m not from a city ... I think there’s just more opportunity here. -Matt Stephens, Pitt grad score to be able to afford a mortgage, or things like that, but we are looking for a house that’s

January 7, 2016

more like a project house,” Strub said. The PDHA works specifically with firsttime homebuyers in the Wilkinsburg area. Over the past five years the group has seen an increase in the number of millennials purchasing homes. Although real estate groups cannot share specific data on the ages of homebuyers because of privacy concerns, both the PHDA and Bingham have noticed a trend of more young, first-time homebuyers. South Side and Lawrenceville have become magnets for first-time homebuyers, Bingham said. She’s also noticed growth Downtown as more housing options have become available. Whitted said the PHDA has seen growth in the number of millennials they’re working with and the number of houses the young generation is buying. “Our real estate market is one of the soundest in the country, and it’s also one of the most fair values in the country,” Whitted said.

Cardiac, pg. 1 The campaign, hosted on the Office of Institutional Advancement’s crowdfunding platform EngagePitt, is aiming to buy around 200 kits, which cost $30 each. Ankur Doshi, an emergency medicine professor at Pitt, started the campaign Nov. 30, to raise money for the kits, which will include an AED, a mannequin to practice using the AED on and an educational DVD on how to use an AED. The kits teach users basic CPR and AED skills as part of a research study on anxiety and depression in cardiac arrest survivors. By studying the kit recipients and evaluating surveys given to recipients, Doshi hopes to assess how additional education about the condition affects patients’ levels of anxiety and depression. The researchers will check-in with patients twice: six months and one year after they receive a kit in order to see whether to kits have any impact on alleviating post-arrest depression. The campaign would be EngagePitt’s next fully funded project, the platform’s 19th completed project since the site launched in early 2015. Currently, the site lists 23 total projects as completed or ongoing. Since November, the cardiac arrest crowdfunding page has raised $4,616 — 92 percent of its $5,000 goal — which would be enough money to complete the study. The campaign closes Jan.

14, and Doshi said he is confident that it will meet the $5,000 goal. The kits, according to Doshi, cost about $30 each. The emergency medicine department purchased the first 100 kits with a grant. “[Kit recipients] can teach themselves and their friends and family how to do CPR — the kits come with a mannequin and a DVD,” Doshi said. According to the Americ a n Heart Association, 420,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals every year. In 2013, the national average for cardiac arrest survival was 9.5 percent. Some cardiac arrest victims experience chest pain, shortness of breath or an asthma attack before the heart stops, but Doshi said about half of victims — like Epitropoulos — do not show any

signs or symptoms. Despite the number of cardiac arrest incidents, many people still harbor misconceptions about the possibility of having one — including those whom the condition affects. “When people think of cardiac arrest, they think of older people, but it affects younger people in their 30s and 40s,” Epitropoulos said. Even still, Doshi said the cardiac arrest survival rate in Pittsburgh — about 16 percent — is g re at e r than the national average of about 10 percent. “Immediate bystander CPR greatly increases the odds of surv i v a l ,” Doshi said. “About one-third of people [nationwide] get bystander CPR.” On campus and throughout the city, several classes have sprung up to teach Pitt students and faculty, including nursing students, CPR. Walt Stoy, director of the emergency medi-

I didn’t know you could have cardiac arrest without having a heart attack.

-Professor Mike Epitropoulos

cine program in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, said the Center for Emergency Medicine of Western Pennsylvania offers classes monthly to teach both CPR and AED skills for anyone who wants to register. “To my knowledge, CEM taught all the nursing students at the University of Pittsburgh this year,” Stoy said. Epitropoulos said he would like to see more CPR and AED classes at Pitt for students and faculty. He has tried and failed to find a CPR instructor to teach a four-hour class to his medical sociology students. For the spring semester, Pitt offers eight CPR and first aid training classes and one course that teaches students to become American Red Cross instructors and certify others. Since his hospitalization, Epitropoulos said he is more appreciative and thankful in his daily life. “It didn’t stop me, it motivated me,” Epitropoulos said. “It was the best appreciation filter that I was ever given.” Epitropoulos continues to speak with and write letters to donors to support the crowdfunding effort. Doshi said extra money from the campaign will go toward survivor support groups and sponsoring survivors to go to national conferences. . “Most people know someone who has cancer or a stroke because the survival rates are greater,” Doshi said, “but not many people know a cardiac arrest survivor.”

The Pitt News SuDoku 1/7/16 courtesy of dailysudoku.com

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Opinions column

from the editorial board

Allow non-violent VICTIM BLAMING offenders to run for office Corry J. Sanders fit the bill of an outstanding candidate for McKeesport councilman — a family man with four kids, an owner of a neighborhood barbershop and a deacon at a Pittsburgh church. But, after winning a seat on the McKeesport City Council, assistant district attorney Kevin McCarthy informed Sanders that he was “constitutionally ineligible to hold public office” after a citizen’s complaint prompted a review of Sanders’ status. In his record, investigators discovered a federal drug charge for which Sanders served four years in prison in 1993 as well as $36,151.50 of unpaid fines from his criminal case. Now 45 years old and with an otherwise clean record filled with community service and good samaritanship, Sanders must receive the governor’s pardon to hold public office. As the constituents who elect public officials to represent our interests, we shouldn’t require such bureaucratic measures. Sanders already proved himself to the community, and after he straightens out his fines, that should be enough. Outside of Sander’s situation, we shouldn’t deter non-violent offenders from moving past their mistakes and representing those in their community in a positive manner. It’s the responsibility of the citizens to elect whomever they deem capable of progressing their community. Within reason, the government should limit who can run for office, but it is detrimental to society to block people solely on the basis of a decades-old prison sentence. Convicts of rape, murder, arson and more nefarious crimes shouldn’t represent us, but as we understand the drug conversation in a more nuanced light, someone like Sanders could help us confront a national addiction problems. Additionally, people with DUIs can and do serve on council, and Sanders

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should be able to have the same opportunity. In a time where Americans feel their politicians are out of touch, political candidates who are former convicts can also give a voice to marginalized citizens in a sheltered system. Our government should reflect reality and society. Everyone doesn’t have a perfect record even if they’ve been on the right track for most of their life. And Sanders is an example of our prison system succeeding at its role — punishing people for their illegal actions and deterring them from repeated offenses. After his prison sentence ended, Sanders became a role model to the younger generation of kids in the McKeesport community — mentoring young men to keep them out of trouble. He reclaimed his life after his sentence, and as a public official, he can positively influence those in his community who may have experienced prison and feel there is no possibility of redemption. Having a member of city council who has experienced prison can also spark a prison reform movement locally, particularly in Pittsburgh where community tensions are still high after the recent deaths of multiple inmates. Politicians who have experienced jail could also help eradicate the stigma that surrounds convicts and can bring about legislation that allows convicts to reclaim their lives after prison. Often times, those who run for local offices may not have experience with the community. Sanders, however, is a product of McKeesport and represents his constituency as a culmination of its interests and backgrounds — an indispensable feature in a representative. As voters, we must be able to elect whomever we feel has our interests at heart and not allow for past offenses to obstruct our ability to elect our representatives.

DIVIDES COUNTRY Kristen Wong Columnist

If there’s one thing 2015 has taught us how to do, it’s point fingers at each other. It’s not very polite — or productive. Our national resolution for 2016 should be to drop that nasty habit, take a good hard look at ourselves and protest the norms and attitudes at fault. Cultural acceptance on social issues such as the legalization of gay marriage and Caitlyn Jenner receiving huge support for her transgender identity transformation helped define 2015. On the other hand, the p ol it i c a l tone has shifted into a dangerous, fearful landscape for victims of war, discrimination and violence. The popularity of Donald Trump’s nativism is the most obvious product of the hysteria. While all of the issues are difficult and complex problems, it is important to confront them with compassion and nuance. It’s too easy to forget about the individual impacts of the events filling headlines. The contentious practice of blaming victims — immigrants, refugees, Muslims, people with mental illnesses, criminals and people of color — for the problems this nation faces will not move us forward in solving them. Furthermore, they do not put the blame on the

January 7, 2016

victims, politicians simply shift the blame onto the opposing political party. We refuse to take accountability for our own actions, or lack thereof. We see the same conflict of fact and reaction throughout the news cycle. Many military experts and politicians like Bernie Sanders and Rand Paul have agreed that the U.S. intervention in Iraq was partially responsible for the rise of ISIS. Nonetheless, Muslims and refugees continue to be the scapegoats for the nation’s security threats. Similarly, FBI research has shown that mass shootings increase annually with mostly legally obtained firearms, yet polls demonstrate that criminals and those with severe mental illnesses are blamed for gun violence. The Black Lives Matters movement has created tension between law enforcement and African-American communities. American citizens have yet to hold the criminal justice system accountable for the racial disparities in imprisonment and unarmed deaths, with no attempt at reform. According to Pew Research Center, illegal immigration has also declined significantly from Mexico and stabilized over the past few years, yet undocumented immigrants still face

While all of the issues are difficult and complex problems, it is important to confront them with compassion and nuance.

See Wong on page 5

The Pitt News

Wong, pg. 4

Editor-in-Chief DANIELLE FOX

Managing Editor HARRISON KAMINSKY

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Editorial Policies

Illustration by Terry Tan endless attacks for supposedly taking American jobs. Meanwhile, the long and inefficient legal process for immigration remains unsolved. It is wrong to say that any of these groups of people are single-handedly at fault for any multi-faceted, complicated societal issues we face today. Why is it that whenever the United States faces a deep challenge, the nation refuses to look at the bigger picture and gravitates toward alienating certain groups? As American citizens, we adopt aggressive individualism and a capitalist mentality at an early age, hearing that with hard work and opportunity, anyone can succeed. The American Dream lies at the heart of what we aspire to be as a country. When someone falls short and does not meet society’s expectations, it implies that it must be their own fault or failure. When society fails to meet the needs of its citizens, we struggle to admit that the very sys-

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tem we grew up believing in may be flawed. It is much easier to point the finger and blame the “others” for the societal shortcomings many of us have avoided because we were born into a more privileged lifestyle This ideology keeps us from dealing with issues firsthand and admitting that we need political and cultural changes in the country. We should challenge the laws, policies, attitudes, goals and institutions of power that we currently have, rather than the people they affect. By attempting to understand the plight of fellow humans by volunteering, donating to important causes, and spreading awareness, we can combat the current partisanship. If we continue to divide people and blame each other for what has come about, we will never move forward. We need understanding and empathy. The more we take ownership over the current state of our country, the quicker we can look for ways to improve it. The new year is the chance to prove that.

Single copies of The Pitt News are free and available at newsstands around campus. Additional copies can be purchased with permission of the editor in chief for $.50 each. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the students, faculty or University administration. Opinions expressed in columns, cartoons and letters are not necessarily those of The Pitt News. Any letter in tended for publication must be addressed to the editor, be no more than 250 words and include the writer’s name, phone number and University affiliation, if any. Letters may be sent via e-mail to letters@pittnews.com. The Pitt News reserves the right to edit any and all letters. In the event of multiple replies to an issue, The Pitt News may print one letter that represents the majority of responses. Unsigned editorials are a majority opinion of the Editorial Board, listed to the left. The Pitt News is an independent, student-written and

student-managed newspaper for the Oakland campus of the University of Pittsburgh. It is pub lished Monday through Friday during the regular school year and Wednesdays during the summer. Complaints concerning coverage by The Pitt News, after first being brought to the editors, may be referred to the Community Relations Com mittee, Pitt News Advisory Board, c/o student media adviser, 435 William Pitt Union, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15260. The editor in chief has the final authority on editorial matters and cannot be censored, according to state and federal law. The editor in chief is selected by the Pitt News Advisory Board, which includes University staff, fac ulty and students, as well as journalism professionals. The business and edito rial offices of The Pitt News are located at 434 William Pitt Union, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15260.

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Culture

The Pitt news reviews ‘the force awakens’ Long before “The Force Awakens” hit theaters, a conflict started within The Pitt News staff the likes of which hadn’t stewed since 2005 — who would review the newest Star Wars film? After much argument and anticipation, we decided to let the every willing staffer review it, no matter if this was their first Star Wars experience or their 100th. From blissful to incendiary, our return to a galaxy far, far away garnered mixed reviews.

Danielle fox I asked my parents to go to “The Force Awakens” only as an attempt to make up for all my nights flying out of family time to go hang out with friends — forever the moody daughter, but not as moody as Kylo Ren a la @KyloR3n. I didn’t know I liked sci-fi until I saw my gender represented in a female lead. It took me three-fourths of the movie to stop worrying that Rey and her seriousness were galaxy-sized jokes. But afterward, I wanted to go home and flail around a lightsaber like my three brothers before me. On a film level, there are so many plot holes and slightly underdone characters. As a concept and cultural phenomena, I’m here for it.

Sports editor, “star wars” obsessive

To estimate how many times I have watched the “Star Wars” movies would be as difficult as estimating how many times I’ve heard “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” or eaten chocolate ice cream. I’d compare “The Force Awakens” to a beautifully executed outlet pass in basketball. It isn’t the endgame, but instead a transition to new characters, new stories, new worlds and new ideas. Many have noted that director J.J. Abrams has molded a loving — and at times overly reliant — fan film, but what he has also done is formed a gateway for the next wave of directors — Rian Johnson and Colin Trevorrow — to play with the well-crafted characters of Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega) and Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), but do so on their own terms.

sydney harper

multimedia editor, “star Wars” virgin but hopeful new Jedi As much as it pains me to admit it, yes, I am a film major, and no, I have never seen any of the films in the “Star Wars” franchise — cue dramatic gasps and incredulous expressions. Or at least I had not until last month when I saw the newest “Star Wars” installment, “The Force Awakens.” Twice. I’ll be honest, I’ve always been a sucker for dramatic cinematography and intensely edited action sequences that appeal to the very reason that I even go to see an action flick in the first place. Sometimes you go to the movies just to experience some visual and aural candy rather than complex, provocative plot lines and scenes filled with deeper motifs and complicated symbolism. Having nothing to compare it to but J.J. Abrams’ previous directing of “Star Trek,” I thought it had a ton of killer shots and adrenaline-filled battle scenes that had me cheering for the protagonists at the edge of my seat. I think the film was meant to pay its respects to the past while sprinkling in a preview of the future for the new fans like me to anticipate. After seeing the film I felt excited to see what they decide to do with the franchise going

harrison kaminsky Sports managing editor, in need of a lightsaber

I thought it was so good, I saw it one-and-a-half times. I can explain. The power inexplicably went out during my first viewing, sending hordes of people home to an earlier than expected Chinese dinner — talk about putting a kibosh on Jewish Christmas. By the time I revisited the film — ticket voucher in hand — my excitement had waned. But as J.J. Abrams reintroduced me to the galaxy far, far away I had grown to love as a child, I couldn’t keep myself from smiling from the moment Oscar Isaac first appeared onscreen to Luke Skywalker’s weirdly gruffy confrontation with Rey. While criticisms of the film’s plotline and depth will forever bother me, a true “Star Wars” fan will appreciate the aspects that Abrams kept from George Lucas’ original trilogy — the writing, John Williams’ score and even the famed and always cheesy wipe transitions. I’ll gladly return for the next two sequels, power outage or not.

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Culture editor, causal but responsible “star Wars” fan

editor, skeptic turned franchise shareholder

Dan sostek

Jack Trainor By the time the rebels destroy yet another spherical doomsday device via X-wing brigade, it was clear J.J. Abrams had a specific audience in mind when launching the new trilogy. Namely, the audience of 40- and 50-somethings that sat in the theater with me, clapping and cheering at each original trilogy reference as if attending a sitcom — and there were plenty of cheering moments. The fan service was at first an annoyance and my main criticism, but during a second viewing in an equally crowded but much less anticipating mindset, “The Force Awakens” actually plays out delightfully. With a freshly diverse cast of human leads and droids alike, Abrams has given “Star Wars” the proper 21st century treatment. For all of its similarities to “A New Hope,” “The Force Awakens” is its own film — it doesn’t stand alone as the former does, being an inherent bridge between generations and plotlines, which is probably for its own good. Its resolution is both a cliffhanger and a satisfying reveal that already has me counting down the days until Episode VIII.

emily hower layout editor, “star wars” noob

As a kid, I tried to watch the “Star Wars” movies multiple times, but they never piqued my interest. When “The Force Awakens” came out, I felt obligated to witness cultural history through the extension of a franchise beloved by so many. I entered “The Force Awakens” a skeptical “Star Wars” noob — but left a budding fan. I was enthralled for the full two hours and 20 minutes. I loved Rey, Finn and BB-8. Their quirky characters were lovable and didn’t take themselves too seriously. Based on the clever dialogue, I was also able to determine the family lineage without watching any of the previous movies. After “The Force Awakens,” I can definitely say I’ll be seeing the next movie. See ‘Star Wars’ on page 7

Elizabeth Lepro

‘Star Wars,’ pg. 6

zoë Hannah

incoming assistant news editor, newfound member of “star Wars” fandom

I went into “The Force Awakens” with my skeptical film student hat and 3-D Imax glasses on. Despite the undeniable campiness of “Star Wars” — old and new — I left the theater beaming. I won’t discuss the film’s allegiance to its predecessors or its clumsy exposition because those factors aren’t important to whether or not “The Force Awakens” is a “good movie.” It’s a good movie because it’s fun, inclusive and self-aware. It passes the Bechdel test — aka it allows women to watch without feeling sexualized, degraded or left out of dude-ish jokes. It jokes about Kylo Ren’s ludicrous “apparatus” and Finn’s confusion about the Force. It’s a millennial’s dream movie, really, because it engages nostalgia and simultaneously makes fun of that nostalgia. Needless to say, I’ll likely see “The Force Awakens” for a third time once it comes out on Netflix, and I’ll definitely see the next installment on the night it premieres.

Assistant News Editor, Skeptic and dark side recruiter

I am not a “Star Wars” fan, and while I was happy to see a badass leading lady dodging stormtrooper hits on the planet Jakku, Rey’s character lacked depth and creativity. An independent, headstrong 20-something who sells whatever she can in the town market to survive might as well have been Katniss Everdeen flying the Millennium Falcon. The whole movie, in fact, seemed to be floating on the surface of an actual plotline. Finn’s relationship with Rey was forced at best — there was no sense of urgency even during fight scenes. And despite Adam Driver’s best intentions, Kylo Ren’s emotional turbulence came off like a preteen out of young adult novel, not the leading villain in a major motion picture. Watching “The Force Awakens” from the outside was like watching Abrams throw candy at a million hungry children. The best thing I got out from it was the satisfaction of Carrie Fisher slamming down a bunch of body shamers on Twitter afterward.

Matt Moret opinions editor, prequels apologist

nikki moriello visual editor, unfamiliar fan

I made it through 21 years of my life without seeing a single “Star Wars” movie, which is almost as impressive as it is devastating. With the pressure of “The Force Awakens” providing a new incentive, I finally saw the original six “Star Wars” movies over winter break, all leading up to “The Force Awakens.” I have to admit, I was less than thrilled with the movie. I liked it, but I found the plot to be predictable and, as many have said, highly reminiscent of “A New Hope.” Primarily, the movie has set the scene for the next two episodes of the saga and introduced a few new, strong characters, but ultimately it doesn’t measure up to the excitement of the original six films. Despite the charisma of both Rey and Finn, there were too many plot holes and disappointingly predictable turns. I’m excited to see what’s to come in the final two films, but “The Force Awakens,” doesn’t seem like much more than a bridge between the second and third installments.

Watching “The Force Awakens” was a roller coaster — in that it felt exhilarating one moment and uncomfortable the next. Events and people whizzed by so quickly that I had difficulty latching on to any of them. To me, everyone seemed very two-dimensional, and the returning characters were underused. I was left wondering why I should care about any of them, and decided I don’t — with the exception of Rey, who I think shows a ton of potential. I also thought that the writing for much of the movie was pretty bad, but not in the campy, fun way that some of the others have been. One of my favorite things about the original trilogy was its wit. But in the new movie, dry humor has been replaced by jokes mostly reliant on Finn’s bumbling confusion and fan service. The battles were incredible to watch though, and space has never looked better. As the first of a new series, I think “The Force Awakens” is a great introduction to the new status quo and leaves the window for its sequels wide open. Functionally, it’s a success, but I was left wishing for more from the story.

jeff ahearn visual editor, avid follower

“The Force Awakens”? More like put me to sleep. The latest “Star Wars” film felt reminiscent to “A New Hope,” but with new faces. I understand that it’s a setup and beginning of a new trilogy. But with a gap of 10 years between now and “Revenge of the Sith,” the last Star Wars film released, I think moviegoers and fans were too swept up in the spectacle itself that they managed to overlook the repetitive details of the film. The purpose of Episode VII as an introductory new chapter outweighed the plot and swirled the imaginations of followers of the Force.

michelle reagle copy chief, star Tours regular

As the younger sibling of a “Star Wars” mega-fan, I was basically contractually obligated to love the original trilogy, hate the prequels and beat my cousins senseless with plastic lightsabers at every holiday gathering. Maybe it’s because I haven’t seen its predecessors in years, but I adored the new movie. It kept the adventurous spirit of the old films alive but added improved writing and a fresh, modern cast of characters. Despite some old heroes returning, they avoided eclipsing the new ones. Finn and Rey’s intertwined story entertains from the film’s beginning, and held me until the end. The duo is effortlessly charming, and the chemistry between the actors came through on screen in a cheeky, and at times testy relationship. Sure, Kylo Ren seems like another angry Anakin with less backstory and more angst — despite being in his 30s — but I can forgive that because Adam Driver’s weird, sexy face distracted me from his actual words. If nothing else, I would suggest going to see “The Force Awakens” just for the future Rey/Finn/Poe Dameron fanfiction, and then buy every piece of BB-8 paraphernalia you see.

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January 7, 2016

Sports

NFL COACHES GET TOO LITTLE TIME Chris Puzia

Assistant Sports Editor With a resumé that included “firewood cutter” and “doormat salesman” and peaked at “NFL defensive line coach,” Jim Tomsula didn’t seem like your prototypical head coaching candidate. Following the departure of Jim Harbaugh, the 49ers hired and fired Tomsula after he led the talent-deprived San Francisco 49ers to an uninspiring 5-11 record as the head coach. He will now likely never get another chance at a head coaching job. But his departure is just one of six new head coach openings in the NFL, and all but one of those coaches lasted three or fewer years in their position. This is not part of some widespread lack of qualified coaches in the NFL — the issue here is that many head coaches do not get fair shots at building a program and instead become scapegoats for team general managers and owners. A June 2014 article in The Ledger, a newspaper from Lakeland, Florida, said that the average NFL coaching lifespan is 38 months. From 2004 to 2013, 32 teams combined for 68 head coaching changes. After the 2015 season, owners are only continuing this proclivity for knee jerk reactions. Tomsula was always an unconventional hire for 49ers CEO Jed York, who thought prioritizing team chemistry would lead to wins, as Tomsula had spent 2007 to 2014 as the team’s defensive line coach. But would Tomsula have left that relative job security if he knew that anything short of pulling off a miracle and dragging the 49ers into the playoffs in year one would result in termination? Probably not.

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SWATTING BEES

The Pitt men’s basketball team survived a slugfest at the Pete, defeating the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 89-85 | by Dan Sostek The Pitt men’s basketball team gave up 84 points. The Panthers were out-rebounded. They only shot 36.7 percent in the second half. Yet somehow, they won by five. The No. 24 Pitt men’s basketball team defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Wednesday night at the Petersen Events Center 89-84, improving its record to 13-1 on the season. “We never like to give up 80 points. We’ll take the win regardless,” Pitt senior point guard James Robinson said. “We definitely need to get back to locking people up on the defensive end.” Georgia Tech head coach Brian Gregory was equally upset with his team’s defensive performance. “I don’t think any team I’ve ever been associated with has scored 84 points in regulation and lost,” Gregory said. The high-scoring affair began with an early basket by Georgia Tech forward Charles Mitchell, giving the Yellow Jackets their only lead of the game. Robinson answered right back, crossing over and converting on an open midrange jumper, knotting the game up at 2-2. Sterling Smith followed the bucket by draining a contested three pointer, giving Pitt a lead that it would not relinquish. Pitt and Georgia Tech continued to trade baskets, as Michael Young asserted himself early on, tallying four quick points by the first media timeout. Pitt surged after that first media timeout, extending its lead to double figures on a gliding layup by junior forward Sheldon Jeter. The Yellow Jackets cut that deficit, though, as Young picked up his second foul and Jamie Dixon was called for a technical foul after criticizing officials, and an 8-0 run left the score at 23-21 Panthers. Dixon addressed the foul in his postgame press conference. “I didn’t say anything bad,” Dixon said. “I yelled, ‘Make the right call.’ It is what is. That’s all I said ... I don’t believe they’re good things.

James Robinson led the way for Pitt with 18 points and eight assists Wednesday night. Nikki Moriello | Visual Editor one, as they clung to a 42-41 advantage early in Some people think they’re good to get. I’d sure the period. like to get my money’s worth just one time.” Jamel Artis curbed the Georgia Tech moAfter the technical, Pitt scored 11 unanmentum a bit, draining back-to-back 3-pointswered points, highlighted by a three and two ers to extend the lead back to 48-43. layups from Robinson, who finished with 18 Pitt struggled to extend the lead, and a points, eight assists, four rebounds and a steal. 3-pointer by Yellow Jacket guard Travis JorgenThe run built more of a cushion, expandson cut the advantage to just 53-52. ing the lead to 34-21 with just more than five But a Rafael Maia layup and a pair of free minutes remaining. throws by Jamel Artis once again padded the Gregory complimented Pitt’s senior point lead to two possessions, as the Panthers reguard. mained ahead 57-52. “He’s a guy that you just don’t really appreThat difference eventually ballooned, as ciate. I don’t think anybody really does, other a pair of free throws and short range jumper than the other coaches,” Gregory said. “He from Young gave Pitt another double-figure dominated the game, especially in the first half, lead right after the third media timeout, as the without ever really dominating the ball. He’s score sat at 71-58. A Jamel Artis follow-up after just really, really good.” a missed Sterling Smith basket increased the A blocked Sterling Smith 3-point attempt advantage to 73-58. as time expired left Pitt with a 42-36 lead over the Yellow Jackets, despite only five minutes of Find the full story online at play from star forward Michael Young. A quick five points cut the Panthers’ lead to

January 7, 2016

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January 7, 2016

I Rentals & Sublet N D E X -NORTH OAKLAND -SOUTH OAKLAND -SHADYSIDE -SQUIRREL HILL -SOUTHSIDE -NORTHSIDE -BLOOMFIELD -ROOMMATES -OTHER

3 & 4 bedroom apartments. Available immediately. Newly remodeled. Air conditioning. Bigelow Blvd., N. Neville St. Call 412-287-5712 6br/4BA melwood & Center entire Victorian house, dishwasher, 4 parking spots, laundry, gameroom tinyurl.com/ pittnewsad3 $3995+ coolapartments@ gmail.com Brand new, completely renovated 5 BR, 2 full bath house. All appliances including washer and dryer are brand new and included. Too many features to list. Close to Magee Women’s Hospital. On Pitt shuttle and PAT bus lines. 10 minute walk to Univ. of Pittsburgh. $2500/mo. 412-983-0400 2-3-4-5-6-7 bedroom apartments and houses available in May and August 2016. Nice, clean, free laundry, includes exterior maintenance, new appliances, spacious, located on Meyran, Semple, Wellsford, Dawson, Juliet. 412-414-9629.

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1,2,3,5,6,7, & 8 bedroom houses. August & May 2016. Bouquet, Atwood, Meyran, Ward. Call 412-287-5712. 2 & 3 bedroom houses, Lawn & Ophelia. Available Now. Please call 412-287-5712. 2-3-4 bedroom South Oakland apartments for rent. For more information or to schedule a viewing, please call 412-849-8694. 2BR/BA apartment. $1250 includes heat. Available Aug. 2016. Greve RealEstate. 412-261-4620. 3-5BR apartment available for Spring semester. Central air, dishwasher, great location and discounted price. 412-915-0856 3444 WARD ST. Studio, 1-2-3 BR apartments available Aug. 1, 2016. Free parking, free heating. 320 S. BOUQUET 2BR, great location, move in May 1, 2016. 416 OAKLAND AVE. - 2BR, hardwood floors. Move in Aug. 1, 2016. Call 412-361-2695. No evening calls please.

Services

-EDUCATIONAL -TRAVEL -HEALTH -PARKING -INSURANCE

6 or 7 BR house. Washer & dryer available. NO PETS. Available August 1, 2016. One year lease. Meyran Ave. 5 minute walk to University of Pittsburgh. 412-983-5222. Apartments for rent, 1-5BR, beginning August 2016. A/C, dishwasher, washer/dryer. 412-915-0856 Available August!! 430 Atwood – 1 & 2 BR 3408 Parkview – 0,1,2BR $555-895! Great Prices! 412-455-5600! Going Quickly! Clean, Newly Remodeled Houses and Apartments. 1-9 Bedrooms. Call 412-680-4244 or email s.cusick@comcast.net www.superiorpropertiesgroup.com. Houses for rent on Lawn, Atwood and Ophelia Sts. Available Aug. 2016. 412-417-4664 or 412-915-8881. **AUGUST 2016: Furnished Studio, 1-2-3-4 Bedroom Apts. No pets. Non-smokers preferred. 412-621-0457

Announcements -ADOPTION -EVENTS -LOST AND FOUND -STUDENT GROUPS -WANTED -OTHER

John CR Kelly Realty has 1-2-3-4 bedroom studio apartments available for rent for Fall 2016. Call 412-683-7300 to make an appointment today!

M.J. Kelly Realty Studio, 1, 2, 3, & 4 Bedroom Apartments, Duplexes, Houses. $750-$2400. mjkellyrealty@gmail.com. 412-271-5550, mjkellyrealty.com Renovated Large Three Bedroom Townhome for Rent. Available January 2016. The kitchen features frost free refrigerator with automatic ice maker, fullsize range, self-cleaning oven, dishwasher, garbage disposal and microwave. The bath has been completely updated. All floor coverings and window treatments are brand new. Your own washer and dryer are included. On University of Pittsburgh shuttle and PAT bus lines. Two blocks to Magee Women’s Hospital. $1,275/mo, contact 724-422-2250.

Various 1-bedroom apartments on Meyran, Pier & Ward Streets. Starting from $675-$795. Available August 2016. Call John CR Kelly Realty. 412-682-7300

R INSERTIONS 1X 2X 3X 4X 5X 6X ADDITIONAL A 1-15 WORDS $6.30 $11.90 $17.30 $22.00 $27.00 $30.20 $5.00 T 16-30 WORDS $7.50 $14.20 $20.00 $25.00 $29.10 $32.30 $5.40 E S DEADLINE: TWO BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR BY 3 PM | EMAIL: ADVERTISING@PITTNEWS.COM | PHONE: 412.648.7978 (EACH ADDITIONAL WORD: $0.10)

** 5 Bedroom/2 full bath; HUGE HOMEduplex style, three stories. 2 living rooms, 2 kitchens, 2 dining rooms, LAUNDRY and a huge yard to enjoy! Huge Bedrooms! Located on Dawson Street. PITT Shuttle stops directly in front of house, only 15 minute level walk to PITT/CMU. $3,295+. Available 8/1/2016. NO PETS. Call Jason at 412-922-2141. Pictures- Info: tinyurl.com/pitthome Spacious 5 and 3 Bedroom houses by Blvd Allies and Ward St, New ceramic kitchen, updated baths, Washer and dryer, patio, Shuttle at corner, No pets, Available August 1 2016, 3br partial furnished $1975+, 5br $3295+. LOTS Photos Videos at tinyurl.com/ pittnewsad1 and tinyurl.com/ pittnewsad2 email coolapartments@ gmail.com Various 1-2-6 BR houses and apartments for rent. Right on Pitt shuttle line. $425/person. Available August 1, 2016. TMK Properties. Deal directly with the owner. Call Tim 412-491-1330.

January 7, 2016

Various 2-bedroom apartments on Meyran, Halket, Fifth, Ward & Bates Streets. Starting from $995-$1,675. Available in August 2016. Call John CR Kelly Realty. 412-683-7300. Various 3&4 bedroom apartments on Bates, Atwood, Semple & Meyran Streets. Starting from $1,675- $2,600. Now renting for Fall 2016. Call John CR Kelly Realty. 412-683-7300. Nice 6BR house available Aug. 1, 2016. Laundry on site. To make an appointment call 412-812-9382. 2 BR apartment, newly painted, hardwood floors, appliances. Rent includes all utilities. $750/mo. 412-498-7355 3 & 5 bedroom. May 2016. Sarah St. Large bedroom, new kitchen, air conditioning, washer & dryer, dishwasher, large deck. 412-287-5712. East End/Point Breeze apt. 1 BR with small deck and equipped kitchen. Close to Frick Park and busline. $375+gas/electric. Available February 1st. Call 412-242-1519.

Housecleaner wanted for Oakland home. 8hrs/wk. References required. 412-414-7290 Accounting Intern Walnut Capital Management is looking for accounting intern for spring/summer season to assist our accounting department and payroll processing team; data entry, accounts receivable/ payable, inventory tracking, general clerical work. This is a paid internship Apply via azeremenko@walcap.com Real Estate Development Intern Walnut Capital Management is looking for real estate interns for the upcoming season. Interns will shadow leasing agents, support resident managers of various properties, organize move in materials, handle office tasks, etc. This is a paid internship; applicants must be open to some weekend hrs. Apply via azeremenko@walcap.com

SEASONAL MARKETING ASSISTANT Shadyside property management firm established in 1960 neeeds a Seasonal Marketing Assistant to work with Word, internet, & spreadsheet files from now until July 15th, four days/week from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Saturday and/or Sunday hours a must; some flexibility on days and hours will be considered; most hours will be solitary on the computer with no phone work; 40 WPM and strong computer skills required; no experience needed & we will train you at our Shadyside office; free parking. $12/hour plus generous season end bonus. MOZART MANAGEMENT www.mozartrents .com 412-682-7003

College or graduate school students needed to work with elementary school children in a fun, structured after school program in the South Hills. $11-$13 per hour, flexible hours, must have own transportation. Email resume or letter of interest to jhroberts66@comcast.net

Digital Marketing and Design Intern Walnut Capital Management is looking for marketing/design interns for the upcoming season. Duties include but not limited to; maintaining social media outlets, social media market research, creating promotional items for company, assisting marketing team with daily tasks, general clerical work. This is a paid internship; applicants must be open to some weekend hrs. Apply via azeremenko@walcap.com

The Pitt news crossword 1/7/16

OFFFICE INTERN Shadyside Management Company seeks person w/ min 3 yrs. college, for upcoming spring semester, to interview & process rental applications, do internet postings & help staff our action-central office. Part time or full time OK starting January 2; full time in summer. $12/hour. Perfect job for graduating seniors set to enter grad school, returning grad students, and first-year law students! Mozart Management 412.682.7003. thane@mozartrents.com

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January 7, 2016

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January 7, 2016