The Pitt News
The independent student newspaper of the University of Pittsburgh | PIttnews.com | January 25, 2018 | Volume 108 | Issue 97
COMMUNITY CALLS FOR FINANCIAL SAFETY NET
PITT VS. NC STATE, PG.9
Remy Samuels Staff Writer
Valkyrie Speaker was one of several who shed tears while sharing experiences of financial struggle before and during college Wednesday afternoon. “When I applied to Pitt, I was homeless,” Speaker said. “I’m lucky to be here on academic scholarship, but it still feels like I don’t have a home to go home to.” Speaker, a junior studying English writing and film, was one of 50 first-generation students, alumni and faculty who shared stories about homelessness and the struggle to afford college in a fishbowl-style talk Wednesday in the Amy Knapp Room of the Hillman Library Wednesday. The Open Door Project, a new Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences diversity and inclusion initiative, hosted the community conversation event, titled Strengthening Our Safety Net for Students. Attendees gathered to discuss the challenges they faced at Pitt and how their socioeconomic status limited their academic experiences. The first part of the event was a “fishbowl” discussion, in which a small group of speakers talked about a topic while a larger group encircles them and listens in. At this event, though, when someone from outside the circle had an idea they wanted to share, they would tap on a speaker’s shoulder and replace them in the “fishbowl.” The second part consisted of people breaking off into smaller groups to discuss different topics and write their ideas for change on large whiteboards. Michele Lagnese, the director of Student Support Services — an organization funded by the U.S. Department of Education that awards funds to assist college students in meeting basic college See Safety Net on page 7
Senior Marcus Carr (5), first-year Terrell Brown (21) and the rest of Pitt men’s basketball held an early lead Wednesday, but lost to NC State with a final score of 68-72. Chiara Rigaud | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
University Senate avoids union, frat
Janine Faust and Mackenzie Rodrigues The Pitt News Staff
While the Pitt community is buzzing about both the recent suspension of Pitt’s Sigma Chi chapter after a student was hospitalized Jan. 19 and the faculty union organizers’ card-signing campaign kickoff Monday, the University Senate Council did not address either subject during its first meeting of the new semester. When approached for interviews after the meeting regarding those topics, Provost Patricia Beeson was unavailable to discuss the union and Dean of Students Kenyon Bonner left before he could give a comment on the Greek life incident. Pitt spokespeople at the meeting offered to answer questions via email, but a spokesperson did not respond to ques-
tions about the union or fraternity in time for publication. During the Senate Council meeting, however, Chancellor Patrick Gallagher did discuss the recent controversy surrounding the Communication Department. After former Pitt professor Carol Stabile published an article in Ms. Magazine claiming there was widespread harassment and discrimination within the department in the early 2000s, Pitt’s Title IX office began an investigation into Stabile’s claims. “This is completely consistent with how we’ve addressed other things. If people are aware of something that is discriminatory or damaging to others in the Pitt community, there is a place to report that, in this case our IX offices,” Gallagher said.
He had previously addressed the harassment claims in December, saying the University is wholly committed to the safety of its students and employees. And at Wednesday’s meeting, he further explained how vital it is to receive information about this case. “If we’re going to make things better and address problems, the most important thing is that those channels are open,” Gallagher said. Gallagher also thanked the Pitt community for sending “some 6,000 messages to Washington” about the Republican Senate tax bill, which initially proposed a tax on tuition waivers. Such a move would have affected 145,000 graduate students, but after widespread protest, that part of the bill was dropped. “Many of the most adverse provisions that See Senate on page 3
News
District 8 candidates continue campaigning
Remy Samuels Staff Writer
A renowned Pittsburgh chef, an LGBTQ+ advocate and the former chief of staff for Dan Gilman are currently in a race to win a spot on City Council. Gilman stepped down from his position as District 8’s councilman Jan. 3 to become Mayor Bill Peduto’s new chief of staff, triggering a special election for the now-vacant seat. The election will be held March 6. Even though the Democrats endorsed Sonja Finn, the 38-year-old chef, Sunday, Jan. 14, her opponents, Erika Strassburger, 35, and Marty Healey, 54, said they will still run as Independents. Strassburger said she was happy working at the staff level for City Council but decided she wanted to effect more change by running for the District 8 seat. “Given my experience, I believe I’m the most qualified candidate in the race and that I can continue to make progress on the issues that are most important to District 8 residents,” she said in an email. Councilman Dan Gilman publicly endorsed his former chief of staff on Twitter several times, encouraging voters to sign the petition to ensure her name will be on the ballot. Peduto also endorsed Strassburger on Twitter. If she wins the election, Strassburger said she wants to make sure there are equitable communities with housing at an array of price points, improve transportation measures and double down on “absent landlords” who create hazardous living conditions for renters and depress property values. Strassburger, who has a degree in environmental studies from Bucknell University and has worked for PennEnvironment and Environment New Hampshire, said she wants to continue to be an activist for the environment on City Council. “I’ve been a part of successful efforts to pass clean energy standards, air pollution laws and climate change initiatives,” Strassburger said. “I would make environmental issues, especially clean drinking water, a priority as councilmember.” Ray Baum — the recently retired former president of the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition who worked closely with Strassburger — said
pittnews.com
Sonja Finn, Marty Healey and Erika Strassburger (from left) continue to vie for voters’ support in the upcoming March election. Courtesy of each candidate Strassburger’s dedication to public service and good government set her apart from her opponents. “She knows how to get things done,” Baum said. “When she promises something, she always follows through. Not everyone does that.” Baum said people might be inclined to vote against Strassburger because it could represent a political seat in Pittsburgh the mayor has control over — given her history with Gilman. But Baum said that shouldn’t be a reason to overlook her qualifications. “I understand the argument, but I think it really comes down to who really understands government and who can you trust,” Baum said. “Sonja may be fine, but she doesn’t have any government experience.” Finn argues, though, despite her inexperience with City Council, she makes up for it with her experience as a restaurant owner and her many accomplishments, including making Pittsburgh Magazine’s 2017 “40 under 40” list. She said she has proven she supports workers through her focus on employee welfare at Dinette — a sustainable foods restaurant she established in Shadyside in 2008. Finn also said much of her motivation comes
from not only her commitment to the city of Pittsburgh, but her personal experience of being a service employee in San Francisco. “Trying to live [in San Francisco] on low wages was very difficult,” Finn said. “I see some of those markers happening in Pittsburgh now and I feel like there might be a better way to move a city forward rather than following some of the same mistakes other cities have made.” Jay Wess, a former manager of Dinette and a chef who worked under Finn, said her accomplishments as a chef and restaurant owner are a result of her determined work ethic — which he thinks will carry over if she is elected in March. “I think that a lot of Sonja’s success comes from her being very determined and detailoriented, and she’s always been a little bit ahead of the curve,” Wess said. “I’m sure [her] compassion will extend through the voters and constituents of Pittsburgh.” Like Strassburger, Finn said she plans to focus on laws for tenants to limit the amount that rent can be raised. Raising the minimum wage and making pre-K available for all young children are also some of Finn’s goals if she is elected. Shadyside resident Marty Healey, a chief
January 25, 2018
financial officer at the Healey company — a real estate and construction firm on the South Side — is another candidate in the race for the District 8 seat. He is focused on making Pittsburgh a more diverse and inclusive place. As an openly gay man, Healey said he is passionate about advocating for the LGBTQ+ community — currently serving on the board of the Persad Center, an LGBTQ+ counseling center and HIV/AIDS service center. Healey said one of his top priorities as a city councilmember would be to focus on the inclusion of underserved communities — not just the LGBTQ+ community, but all minority groups. “One thing that happens within our state is you can get married today but be fired tomorrow,” Healey said. “I think more inclusion is needed, not just amongst the LGBTQ community but amongst the entire community, and all of us that have been underserved at different times.” On a business level, Healey said he would focus on reworking the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority and overseeing Pittsburgh’s likely exit from Act 47 — a state oversight program for “financially distressed” cities in Pennsylvania — which will enable the city to take back full control of its finances. Healey described himself as a risk-taker and as someone who is not afraid to have tough conversations with people. He also said this quality makes him suitable for the District 8 seat. “I enjoy working with folks who disagree with me,” Healey said. “I know that sounds crazy, but I really do enjoy that, because I can learn so much from them, and I think that’s a key attribute to bringing people together. Charity Imbrie, a board member for the Persad Center who worked closely with Healey, said she supports him because he is able to communicate with different sorts of people despite their opinions. “He’s also very committed to the City and making it a better place. I think he would harness that energy and passion for the betterment of the people in this City, and I think that would be a great thing,” she said. The three District 8 candidates will be at a forum Sunday, Jan. 28, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Chatham University to answer questions about their positions on public issues.
2
Senate, pg. 1
Chancellor Patrick Gallagher discussed the communication department Title IX investigation and the GOP tax bill at Wednesday’s Senate Council meeting. Chiara Rigaud | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER elected by councilmembers first before vacant seats are filled on standing committees, he said. “We’ve begun to get people sending in their lists, and that will be a bigger item month to month as we get closer,” Wilson said. Wilson also revealed he will be involved with SGB’s recently announced initiative to
supply Pitt students with open educational resources, which include textbooks, video lectures and other classroom materials published under open license — meaning these materials will be available for free online and may be modified and shared. “This is something I have been interested in as an undergrad teacher for a long time,” Wilson said. “I’ve tried to convince people
The Pitt news crossword 1/25/18
we were concerned about were not included in the final bill,” Gallagher said. In more local news, the University Senate did not speak at length about Gov. Wolf ’s upcoming state budget proposal, with Gallagher claiming, “It’s really too early to say much about it.” Zuri Kent-Smith, vice president of Pitt’s Student Government Board, asked what this year’s timeline for the University’s socially responsible investing ad hoc committee — a group of Senate Councilmembers, students and faculty dedicated to researching the environmental and financial implications of divestment in fossil fuels — would be. Gallagher said he wished he knew and that the committee needed to focus on its research first. “This will probably be a mixture of some presentation-type where the committee is sharing information, but also input-type things where they have hearings where they’re soliciting input,” Gallagher said. Afterward, Senate Council President Frank Wilson said Senate elections are set to take place in April. New officers will be
to jump on the bandwagon so that we can do something more collective, and I haven’t been very successful.” Student Government President Max Kneis said SGB is looking forward to working with the Senate Council on their open access resolution. “I’m really excited for all of the support that we’ve received so far, especially from the provost office and President Wilson. And I’m excited to see how we can move this initiative forward,” he said. Kneis also said that this semester SGB will work to better promote some of the services it offers, including the free legal consultations available to students each week. Chris Staten, president of the Graduate and Professional Student Government, reported on an initiative GPSG promoted this previous year — travel grants. Staten said the organization has awarded $46,085 in travel grants so far this academic year, 7 percent higher than last year. “We did a marketing campaign to make sure that graduate professional students know they have this resource,” he said. “Graduate professional students are using this resource and that’s good news.” Contributed reporting by Grant Burgman.
pittnews.com
January 25, 2018
3
Opinions
column
from the editorial board
Meehan confuses ‘soul mate’ and sexual harassment U.S. Rep. Patrick Meehan sat on the House Ethics Committee for three terms, investigating several representatives’ alleged violations of the law and ensuring members maintained proper conduct — until this past Saturday. Now, Meehan himself is under investigation by the committee in response to sexual harassment charges filed against him by a young former female aide. Meehan spoke out Tuesday, saying he was not interested in a relationship with the woman, but his deeply intimate words to her paint a different, much more damning picture. The woman, who remains anonymous, had an allegedly extensive work relationship with Meehan as his aide, which is how Meehan said he developed a deep “affection” for her. When the woman began a serious relationship with another man, Meehan reportedly “lashed out” and conveyed his romantic feelings to her before writing her a letter laced with affectionate sentiments — including “you have brought me much happiness” and “you are ... infectious with your laugh.” If Meehan had admitted his words were inappropriate, he would have at least shown the aide respect in acknowledging both his own wrongdoings and the validity of her discomfort. But instead, Meehan denied ever harassing her. The aide’s response to Meehan’s two-page letter was a short statement thanking him for his “kind words” and “friendship,” although it’s become clear that this “friendship” wasn’t consensual. Perhaps the woman’s kindly response to Meehan’s doting message gave him reason to think he had done nothing
pittnews.com
wrong — but we know that women don’t always have a fair shot to speak honestly about sensitive issues like harassment, especially in the workplace. We’ve all seen the power people like Harvey Weinstein or Louis C.K. can have over their the women in their life, who may keep silent about the incidents for years after they occur. For Meehan to believe his actions were appropriate solely because his aide never actively resisted him is disappointing and shortsighted. His actions speak far louder than her few, platonic words to him. Meehan was the woman’s superior — a factor he wishes he had considered “in hindsight” but still dismisses as a possible reason for his inappropriate behavior. “There is no hierarchy,” Meehan said of his office. “We call it ‘Team Meehan.’” In addition to Meehan affirming his lack of interest in a romantic relationship with the aide, he also said in an interview with The Philadelphia Inquirer that he “sought to remain loyal to his wife.” Perhaps that’s true, but Meehan fails to see loyalty in most marriage doesn’t hinge on physical relationships alone — it’s also about emotional intimacy, something the congressman seemed to have plenty of. Meehan is up for reelection in the 7th Congressional District. Although he still plans to pursue his campaign for reelection, it’s time Meehan steps down and open the seat up for someone who understands the boundary lines between adult colleagues — and that calling one of them your “soul mate” is crossing them.
‘BLACK MIRROR’ REFLECTS CRUEL U.S. CRIME SYSTEM
Will Schulman Columnist
Growing up was difficult enough with two living parents — I can’t imagine reaching adulthood with only one of them. What’s truly unimaginable, though, is growing up with your parent’s consciousness trapped inside a stuffed monkey. If this sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, you’re close — it’s one of the many pieces of disturbing technology depicted in the Netflix anthology show “Black Mirror.” Season four, released Dec. 29, breaks the mold of the previous “Black Mirror” seasons, featuring a “Star Trek” satire, a black-and-white episode with little dialogue and a love story, which acts as a small reprieve from the show’s usual nihilism. The season culminates with “Black Museum,” an episode composed of several vignettes a crime museum proprietor, Rolo Haynes, illustrates to a passing traveler named Nish. Though the show typically deals with technology gone wrong, this episode shines a harsh light on the reality of an even harsher criminal justice system. It exposes how racially charged notions of crime lead us to to impose grim — though seemingly justified — penalties. It also comments on neoliberal ideology, showing the devastating effects of placing individual gain over the well-being of others. If there’s any apt criticism of “Black Museum,” it’s that its social commentary doesn’t go far enough to reveal the episode’s alarming parallels to American crime and politics. Haynes begins the first vignette by revealing his previous employment — a hospital that gives treatment to those who can’t afford it in exchange for participation in experimental medi-
January 25, 2018
cal trials. “The perfect mix of business and health care,” Haynes said of the job. This vignette tells the story of Peter Dawson, a struggling doctor Haynes convinces to test an implant that will allow the doctor to feel his patients’ physical sensations. The experiment begins as a resounding success, but before long, the implant goes haywire. Haynes was happy to coerce Dawson into being a test subject in his vulnerable state, but once the implant begins causing problems, Haynes offers no sympathy — touting profits over people. Even though it’s only a TV show, I’d encourage you to think again if this notion doesn’t alarm you — because it’s alarmingly resonant of the United States today. The cost of a tax bill signed into law Dec. 22, which cut corporate tax rates from 35 percent to 20 percent, will likely fall on middle-class taxpayers of the future. It will also probably require cuts to social security, Medicare, Medicaid and children’s health insurance — even though American corporations are making record profits. Making children, the disabled and the elderly pay for the rich’s tax cuts seems typical for a “Black Mirror” episode, but terrifying in real life. In his second vignette, Haynes tells the story of Carrie, a women who is comatose after being hit by a truck. The story involves her consciousness being transferred first into her husband’s brain, and then into a stuffed monkey. Haynes tells us with a scoff that it is now illegal to transfer human consciousness into limited formats. It is also illegal to delete consciousness — so Carrie finds herself trapped for eternity inside a stuffed monkey. While this technology may seem implausible, the sentiment that Haynes offers is all too See Schulman on page 5
4
familiar. To Haynes, a consciousness that doesn’t occupy a human body doesn’t deserve human rights. It is not a human — it is an “other.” This is reminiscent of the way many people think of non-white people in America. Mark Steyn, a Canadian political commentator, recently appeared on the Fox News show “Tucker Carlson Tonight” and said the growth of children born in Arizona of Hispanic heritage “means, in effect, the border has moved north.” The way Steyn dismisses these individuals as not American is eerily reminiscent of Haynes’ dismissal of human rights for human consciousnesses. Haynes takes this disturbing rationale one step further in his final vignette. He tells us about how he convinces death-row inmate Clayton Leigh to sign over the rights to his posthumous consciousness to Haynes. Haynes uses this consciousness to create an electric chair simulation, where museum visitors can deliver electrocution to Leigh’s consciousness whenever they want, leaving him in eternal agony. Of course, Haynes justifies it by saying Leigh is a convicted murderer and is therefore deserving of eternal suffering. The parallel we can draw between this absurd episode and the United States’ handling of crime and mass incarceration is chilling. In America, the incarceration rate of African-Americans for drug charges is more than five times
Schulman, pg. 4
Liam McFadden | STAFF ILLUSTRATOR
that of white Americans, although they use drugs at similar rates. And as a result, there’s been a 222 percent increase in the incarceration rate from 1980 to 2010 due to sending more people to prison for drug offenses and mandatory sentencing laws that have increased sentence lengths dramatically. It’s justified by “tough-on-crime” rhetoric, which is particularly effective when we don’t know or care about the people we’re putting behind bars. According to a study by the Prison Policy Initiative, people who live in low-income, non-white neighborhoods are the target of these policies, as they lack the political and legal power to fight back. When this takes places far away from white, middle-class Americans, it’s easy for them to remain in the dark. Haynes puts a human face on this inhumanity. He profits off of pure human suffering, justified by a thinly veiled criminal label. Though a mere dramatized display on television, it’s eerily similar to the private prison industry in the United States, which sees ever-growing profits as more people are imprisoned. We are the lucky ones — able to turn off the television at the end of an episode of “Black Mirror” and escape the dystopian insanity permeating the show’s atmosphere and go back to our normal lives. But next time you reach for the remote or click “next episode” on Netflix, look closely and ask yourself if this is really that much of a departure from the real world. Will primarily writes about politics and sports for The Pitt News. Write to Will at whs21@pitt.edu
The Pitt News SuDoku 1/25/18 courtesy of dailysudoku.com
pittnews.com
January 25, 2018
5
Culture
Q&A: Pitt Alum opens Haus of Vain thrift store
Charlie Garcia-Weger For The PItt News
Thrifting in Pittsburgh is an underappreciated subject. When I discuss my excitement with people about finding a really interesting or rare find while thrifting in Pittsburgh, they look at me funny — maybe because I’m from Brooklyn. I grew up in what some consider “hipster central,” where it’s almost impossible to find anything cool at thrift stores before someone else snatches it up. Hipsters are vultures when it comes to vintage clothing and will pull out all the stops to acquire certain items. This is where resellers enter the scene. They go to vintage thrift shops and buy out everything they can sell themselves for more than double what they paid for it. Jerome Roberts, the owner and creative director of Haus of Vain, is not one to let resellers take over thrifting culture. Roberts, a 2015 Pitt graduate in architecture studies and studio art, opened the storefront on Pitt’s campus only two months ago and has since been making his presence known in the City’s thrifting scene. Haus of Vain is an Oakland thrift store located on 4711 Centre Ave. — squeezed between a pizza place and a Dollar General — with its very own drive-through window. I sat down with Roberts in his quaint store to ask him a few questions. On the left side of the store, the walls were covered with retro clothing items, from old Adidas to a vintage Bob Marley T-shirt. Over on the right half hung one of the largest selections of caps I had ever seen, with certain items dating back to the
pittnews.com
‘90s. In the far corner of the room sat a small check-out box in place of a cash register — covered in memorabilia including old issues of Time Magazine referencing anything from the O.J. trials to a Playstation 2. It truly felt like a store stuck in the past, and here’s what Roberts had to say about it all: The Pitt News: Why’d you decide to open up a thrift store? Jerome Roberts: Well, during school, I simply fell in love with thrifting and decided to start thrifting to save money. So, I just did some thrifting online, I sold stuff on eBay, and yeah — I fell in love with it and became passionate about it. TPN: Where did you thrift while in school? JR: I usually went to Goodwill, but ever since I graduated and have been able to travel, I saw how wonderful the world is. There’s just a lot stuff and a lot of places, so I’ve tried to contact other thrift stores that I know about. The collection is all curated, and I try to implement my style into it and keep it fresh. TPN: What do you want your store to represent? JR: I want it to represent the culture of the ‘90s, which was the culture of unity, and I would say just from my studies it was also a time of struggle and lack of awareness. But as the decade went on, the ‘90s as a time in the world has become pivotal to the idea of unity. TPN: What’s one of your favorite brands in the store? JR: My favorite is Cross Colors, because they were the first people to do what they did — like the decision to go with baggy clothing, as opposed to clothing that goes more closely tight to your body, and their decision
to switch up their colors from just color blocking to include stitch color. I just consider them some of the best from the ‘90s. TPN: What’s your most prized possession that you’ve collected over the years? JR: My most prized possession is my T-shirt for the LA riots. TPN: You’ve only been open for two months, so what do you hope to accomplish long-term? JR: In the long run, I’d like for the shop to be a platform for other artists. I’ve been putting out my ideas and collecting items. I pretty much realized I’m not the only other person in Pittsburgh with these ideas, so I like having a storefront where people can meet and host events and just come chill at. The culture of unity, I guess. TPN: You also have your own clothing brand, Haus of Vain — anything you can tell us about it? JR: Haus of Vain pretty much came to me while I was studying architecture in school. The “haus” comes from the Bauhaus, which was an art and design school in Germany. “Haus of Vain” in general just came from me trying to find out who I was. People thought I was vain because I didn’t talk much, just being laid back, so they assumed I was arrogant. TPN: Pittsburgh is an up-andcoming city. How do you hope it develops in fashion sense, and how you can contribute to it? JR: I really hope Pittsburgh will become more comfortable with trying to push the limits of fashion. I see a lot of Pittsburgh talking trash about the new and then end up copying something that’s already been done. People need to find different ways to incorporate what they like to do and just make it their own.
January 25, 2018
Models sport clothing and accessories from thrift store Haus of Vain, located in Oakland on Centre Avenue and owned by 2015 Pitt graduate Jerome Roberts. Courtesy of Jerome Roberts
6
Walk the Moon delivers electrifying performance at Stage AE
Darren Campuzano Staff Writer
If there is a single guideline for bands performing in Pittsburgh, it is to never offend Steel City football. The audience at Stage AE witnessed this cardinal sin committed onstage Tuesday night by the unapologetic Cincinnati band, Walk the Moon. “When I think of Pittsburgh, I think of how badass Steelers fans are,” lead singer Nicholas Petricca said. “Badass, slash obnoxious.” Obnoxious? Don’t you know you’re playing with fire, Petricca? Fortunately for any disgruntled fans, he was only teasing. “I don’t mean that in a bad way,” Petricca said. “You got to admit, a little obnoxious and that’s what makes you cool.” The band cut into a crisp and inviting version of “Different Colors,” a song about turning the volume up to silence any critics. Petricca flaunted authoritative vocals with expert dexterity behind a synthesizer. He soaked up the fever of the crowd while Eli Maiman barrelled
Safety Net, pg. 1 requirements — helped organize the event. She said the reason for having a fishbowl conversation was to engage the audience in a different way. “We wanted to give [the audience] a chance to listen to student concerns, student stories and take in the information,” Langese said. “We wanted to have a moving conversation, especially for the sake of the students.” The speakers first discussed some of the obstacles they faced that people who don’t have financial struggles are oblivious to. Brandi Cox, a graduate student in the higher education management program, said affording meals was a major struggle for her. “Food was one of the challenges I faced,” Cox said. “I didn’t say much about it. My mom didn’t know. A lot of my friends and professors didn’t know. Paying for a meal plan was also a challenge.” Like Cox, Randall Halle, the German department chair, said he also struggled with affording meals. He often skipped out
pittnews.com
on its 47th tour date for its Press Restart Tour. Pittsburgh was the group’s eighth stop on a worldwide trip that will end mid-April in Scotland. Company of Thieves, an indie ensemble from Chicago, performed as the opening act. The band is led by Genevieve Schatz, who told the Phoenix New Times that she “sing[s] like [her] hair is on fire.” As an opening act, Company of Thieves did not disappoint. Its music is folkie in some areas, yet at times it seems the group has an interest in tinkering with the grunge genre. “Younger” exhibited the almost operatic vocals of Schatz, while Marc Walloch’s thrashing guitar made for a hellish rendition of “Gorgeous/Grotesque.” Popular American rock band Walk The Moon riled up the audience by Schatz’s singing voice was remarkably bashing the Steelers during its performance at Stage AE Tuesday night. mature, but conversing with the crowd Darren Campuzano | STAFF WRITER revealed her whimsical personality. She through the guitar track. The lyric “we frivolous matters with the princes of altseemed delighted to be touring alongside know the kids are right” quickly became pop. Walk the Moon. Walk the Moon, the four-piece band the motto of the mosh pit. “They’re the biggest bunch of sweetWe will let the earlier Steelers com- that climbed chart positions with its hearts you’ll ever meet,” Schatz said. “I’m ment slide. There is no use debating hypnotic melodies and musical charm, is See Performance on page 8 on going out for food — unless it was cheap — and said there was a great deal of shame that went along with that. “I was mystified by things other people could do,” Halle said. “There was a Chinese restaurant I would go to where you could pay 50 cents for toppings, but I wouldn’t tell people that’s why I wanted to go there. It was an embarrassment in some ways.” Many speakers also brought up the issue of struggling to afford textbooks and the unwillingness of professors to understand that many students are merely getting by. Sheba Gittens, a Pitt alum and an academic advisor for SSS, said she felt embarrassed not being able to buy books and meet her basic needs. “[I would] sit in the library trying to get a copy [of a book], but someone else was borrowing it,” Gittens said. “My professors were aloof to the fact that I didn’t have a scholarship.” When she was a student, Gittens said she didn’t have a cell phone or computer, which made turning in assignments after a long day of work extremely difficult.
“We have computer labs, but when you go back to your dorm late at night, there’s a lack of time and access,” Gittens said. Speakers also said struggling family members back home often asked them for help financially, which limited the speakers’ own mobility. Steven Orris, a Pitt neuroscience major, said he struggled with balancing his own financial demands with that of his family’s. “My parents would text me, ‘We’re barely making rent this month, can you help us out?’” Orris said. “Students are often given an ultimatum. It was either take out these loans or lose your education. I’m now faced with $70,000 in debt.” The conversation then shifted to talking about ways students can connect with different services and communities in order to seek help and avoid feeling isolated or ashamed. Ashley Whited, a senior majoring in neuroscience and psychology, said utilizing certain resources was very beneficial. “I took advantage of the counseling center and SSS,” Whited said. “Being able to connect with people to share my story
January 25, 2018
with made it more comfortable to share my story. My roommate [got] a $200 allowance a month. It was hard to relate my story to hers, so the SSS [allowed] me to find other students.” Cox said she finds local groups, such as Just Harvest, to be beneficial because they address hunger in Allegheny County by focusing on its root cause — economic injustice. She also expressed appreciation for national initiatives like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which offers nutrition assistance to low-income people. With the help of the University Library System, SSS has also created a page on the library’s website with several links to services that are readily available to students. While this event was an opportunity for students, staff and faculty to share their struggles, it also gave them a chance to discuss how others can help. “I know what it feels like to not have a home to go home to,” Gittens said. “I’m asking people to be empathetic [toward] other people’s lives.”
7
Performance, pg. 7 friends with all of them ... they’re beautiful human beings.” Following the opener from Company of Thieves, Walk the Moon launched into its set with “Press Restart” — the leadoff song from its latest album, “What If Nothing.” The song is unearthly theatrical in nature as it indulges in the concepts of space and the future. Not only did the create an odd mystique for the band — the tune enveloped the audience from the first note.
pittnews.com
Petricca stretched his arms, gently flapping them as his striped poncho dangled over what appeared to be cutout leggings. Pop artists never cease to be fashion-forward. “Portugal,” the next song in the set, seemed to draw on influences from ’80s new wave with its bubbly synth lead — a sound that was integral to Walk the Moon’s entire set. Bassist Kevin Ray fed off the crowd’s enthusiasm — with a drumstick in hand, he sprang over a floor tom drum, striking it the minute the beat dropped as drummer Sean
Waugaman played in pure percussion frenzy. They proceeded to play the crisp “Lisa Baby” off their 2010 debut album, “I want! I want!” Maiman delivered the lethally screeching electric guitar sound — making it clear that he deserves greater musical recognition for moments like this. Fans may be tempted to revisit earlier Walk the Moon content, but the new material from “What If Nothing” could be their most exceptional work to date. Just listen to the aptly titled single, “Ka-
January 25, 2018
mikaze,” a stormy rager that had Stage AE chanting the chorus, or Petricca’s airy vocal effort on “All I Want.” “You want to take a moment during this [next] song to just pull up that special person just a little bit closer to you,” Maiman said. “Think about yourselves for a moment.” On that note, Walk the Moon slid into “Aquaman,” a flirty fantasy track about swimming across the dance floor. It was starting to look like a couple’s skate at Stage AE as the band continued to subdue the mood with “Surrender.” That feeling was only temporary, ending as soon as Petricca broke full speed into an unrestrained solo dance for “Tightrope.” His Fitbit must have been ready to explode. “Shut Up and Dance” — the intoxicating dance number that Petricca and Co. are best known for — served as the apex for a night of relentless crowd-thrillers. There was a lot of pride streaming from Walk the Moon as they performed a song that demanded the audience let the band’s sugary sound take over. To no one’s surprise, the audience gleefully complied. Obnoxious, but still cool.
8
Sports
PITT LOSES LATE TO NC STATE,
Trent Leonard Staff Writer
Despite playing its best in-conference game of the season, the Pitt men’s basketball team came up short of a crucial victory and let a 15-point lead slip away — dropping its eighth straight ACC game, 72-68, to the NC State Wolfpack. Playing in front of a home crowd in the ACC’s late-night 9 p.m. slot, Pitt (813 overall, 0-8 ACC) came into Wednesday night’s matchup as heavy underdogs versus an NC State team (14-7 overall, 4-4 ACC) that notched victories over topranked Arizona and Duke teams earlier in the season. The Panthers played an impeccable
72-68
first half but allowed a 15-2 Wolfpack run in the game’s final minutes. “It’s hard to look down and see you outshot them from the floor and outshot them from three and you still lose the game,” head coach Kevin Stallings said. “But we just couldn’t make a shot in the second half.” The Panthers continued their trend of poor starts with a run of sloppy play to start the game against the Wolfpack. NC State scored 17 points in the first five minutes, while sophomore Kene Chukwuka and first year Khameron Davis each made a three-pointer to score the Panthers’ only six points. Instead of trying to run the offense in
the paint, the Panthers continued to fire up threes. The strategy paid off, as Pitt went on a quick 11-0 run to tie the game at 17 midway through the first half. Junior Jared Wilson-Frame led the Panthers’ early deep-range attack, going 3-for5 from beyond the arc early in the game. With six minutes left in the first half, Pitt led 31-23, with Wilson-Frame adding 11 points. The Panthers seemed to get solid shots on each offensive possession for the rest of the half. A no-look pass from WilsonFrame resulted in a wide open dunk for first year Terrell Brown, giving Pitt a 40-28 advantage. When Davis knocked down a three on the next possession, the Panthers’
lead stood at 15 points — their largest of the game. “That was the best stretch of basketball we played all season,” Stallings said. “I just feel bad for my guys that we couldn’t get the win. These guys deserve a win.” Pitt took a 43-33 lead going into halftime — its first halftime lead of ACC play this season. The Panthers outplayed their opponent in every facet of the game throughout the first half, holding an advantage in rebounds, field goal percentage and three-point field goal percentage. Wilson-Frame led all scorers with 13 points, followed by Davis with nine. Wilson-Frame continued his streak to See Basketball on page 10
TAKE 5
Fouls, Fans, Hall of Fame
The Pitt News Sports Desk
Another week, another glut of sports headlines to keep up with. The Pitt News sports staff is back to keep you up to date on everything happening across the sports landscape. Why Eagles Why? After the Eagles’ 38-7 victory over the Vikings last week, it didn’t take long for videos of raucous fans to surface on Twitter and Facebook feeds across America. These videos — mostly filmed by onlookers — depicted events such as Philadelphians throwing beers at fans of the opposing team and a man punching a police horse. City employees also had to grease up light poles using tubs of Crisco near Lincoln Financial Field so fans wouldn’t climb up them. A lot of people are using these videos as an excuse to, as usual, degrade the entire city of Philly. I say down with it! Phila-
pittnews.com
delphia — or Filthadelphia, as some of you may like to call it — isn’t all that bad. There is a lot of art, culture, history, great food and, to top it off, it’s the City of Brotherly Love! So these Eagles fans could have shown a little more respect to the opposition, but please don’t bring the entire city — or fan base — into it. Plus, fans who felt bad for the damage donated $7,000 to the Mike Zimmer foundation, named after the Vikings’ current head coach. — Jordan Mondell, Assistant Sports Editor The Empire Strikes Back The No. 2 overall high school basketball recruit in the class of 2018 as ranked by ESPN, Zion Williamson, committed to Duke Saturday night. Williamson has been a YouTube sensation since he was a first year in high school, amassing millions of views on his highlight tapes. His team’s matchup with fellow high school phenomenon
Lamelo Ball had more than 80,000 viewers on Facebook Live in July. Being from South Carolina, many thought Williamson would choose to attend in-state school Clemson. He shocked the college basketball world, however, by joining a Duke recruiting class that already has R.J. Barrett and Cam Reddish, the first- and third-ranked player in the country. Williamson, once a fan favorite, has now become a villain in the eyes of many. It’s a shame he had to join the dark side in Duke’s evil empire. The Oakland Zoo should start preparing now to boo Williamson out of the gym if Pitt wants any hope of taking down the Blue Devils next season. — Colin Martin, Staff Writer What the Tech During the game between the Warriors and the Knicks Tuesday night, Kevin Durant was ejected from the game after his second technical foul. The two techs earned Durant his fourth ejection the year, and
January 25, 2018
neither were convincing fouls. Tuesday night was a perfect example of the tumultuous relationship between NBA players and the referees. Players have been complaining all season about the quick whistles of many NBA officials when it comes to technical fouls for contact on a layup or, in Durant’s case Tuesday, talking back to a referee. Draymond Green, who leads the league in technicals with 11, told reporters earlier this month that the NBA should replace all referees. The NBA is riding a wave of popularity right now with an entertaining style of play and a wealth of superstar players. It’s a shame that a contentious relationship between the players and officials is getting in the way of the spectacle. The players and representatives for the referees are scheduled to have a meeting during All-Star weekend to discuss this. For the fans’ sakes, let’s hope something productive comes out of it. See Take 5 on page 10
9
Take 5, pg. 9 — Jon Shaiken, For the Pitt News Love Loss The Cleveland Cavaliers, losers of 10 of their last 13 games, are a mess both on the court and in the locker room. Poor Kevin Love has shouldered much of the blame for his team’s shortcomings. He’s the Cavs’ second-best player, averaging 18 points and nine rebounds per game, and gets ragged by teammates. Isaiah Thomas reportedly approached Love about his effort in Saturday’s game against Oklahoma City. Thomas has never played defense in his whole career, and he’s the one ragging Love? In the interest of all parties involved, Love needs to talk to Cavaliers General Manager Koby Altman and demand a trade. With the rumors circulating that Dan Gilbert may be looking to sell the team and the uncertainty of Lebron James’ future, it’s likely best for Cleveland to hit the hard reset button. Love is still a quality player and could net decent assets in return. Free Love like the ‘60s. Free Love. — Brandon Glass, Staff Writer
pittnews.com
Hall of Fame Shame The Baseball Hall of Fame elected its 2018 class of inductees Wednesday night. The class features the likes of Chipper Jones, Vladimir Guerrero and Jim Thome. For the sixth year in a row, the Hall of Fame will not induct baseball’s all-time home run leader, Barry Bonds. Bonds received 56.4 percent of the vote Wednesday, falling short of the required 75 percent to get in. Since he became eligible in 2012, five years after his retirement, Bonds has struggled to get enough support on the ballot because of his history of steroid use. Bonds is this generation’s Pete Rose. Rose, the MLB’s all-time leader in hits, was banned from the Hall of Fame for betting on baseball, and now Bonds is seemingly getting the same treatment. The exclusion of Rose, Bonds and other worthy hall-offamers from the last 20 years begs the question: What is the point of a hall of fame if it doesn’t include the game’s best players? The Hall can erase Bonds from history if it wants, but it can’t erase those 762 home runs from our memories. — Grant Burgman, Sports Editor
Basketball, pg. 9 begin the second half. The junior was an offensive force coming out of halftime, accounting for the team’s first nine points in the second as the Panthers stretched their lead, 52-41, five minutes in. The two teams traded baskets for the next few minutes, with neither team able to mount any significant momentum. Eventually, the Wolfpack began to chip away at the deficit and managed to close within five points, 62-57, with 7:47 left in the game, after a personal 6-0 run by redshirt junior Torin Dorn. Chukwuka momentarily stalled NC State’s run with a couple layups, but the Wolfpack responded with an 8-0 run. The Panthers clung to a one-point lead with four minutes left in the game, until the advantage shifted in the Wolfpack’s favor when first year Braxton Beverly knocked down a three to give NC State its first lead in 28 minutes. For the remainder of the game, the offense disappeared, as the Panthers couldn’t get a single shot to fall. First-year guards Parker Stewart and Marcus Carr — typi-
January 25, 2018
cally some of Pitt’s best deep-range threats — failed to knock down wide open threepoint shots on important possessions. The Panthers began to foul but couldn’t convert on offense and watched helplessly as the clock hit zero with the scoreboard reading 72-68, in favor of the Wolfpack. “A couple less turnovers, a few better shots and we’re right there,” first-year forward Shamiel Stevenson said afterward. “Just little things like that. We’re so close.” The game was a tale of two halves, with the Panthers dominating the first and getting dominated in the second. After shooting 8-for-15 on three-pointers in the first half, Pitt went 0-for-14 on threes in the second half. Wilson-Frame finished as Pitt’s leading scorer with 22 points while also adding four rebounds and four assists. Stewart — who came into the game as Pitt’s hottest player, averaging 19 points in the previous two games — finished with just two points, while Stevenson chipped in 11 points and six rebounds. The Panthers will get another chance to end their ACC drought Saturday, Jan. 27, against Syracuse at the Petersen Events Center at 4 p.m.
10
I N D E X
Rentals & Sublet • NORTH OAKLAND • SOUTH OAKLAND • SHADYSIDE • SQUIRREL HILL • SOUTHSIDE • NORTHSIDE • BLOOMFIELD • ROOMMATES • OTHER
For Rent North Oakland 2BR apartment on N. Dithridge St., available Aug. 2018. A/C, dishwasher. $1050/ mo. + gas & electric. 412-818-2626
3 bedroom/1 bath. Fully renovated, new windows. $1295+utilities. Washer/dryer, granite countertops, off-street parking, dishwasher, backyard. Walking distance to campus. Available August 1st. Call 724-309-4193. 3 BR Apartment. Available August 1, 2018. $1320-$1620 +gas & electric. 412-441-1211. info@ forbesmanagement. net. www.forbesmanagement.net.
pittnews.com
Employment • CHILDCARE • FOOD SERVICES • UNIVERSITY • INTERNSHIPS • RESEARCH • VOLUNTEERING • OTHER
North Oakland 3BR apartment on N. Dithridge St., available Aug. 2018. A/C, dishwasher. $1575/ mo. + gas & electric. 412-818-2626 6BR house on N. Dithridge St. Available Aug. 2018. A/C, 2 kitchens, 2 dishwashers. $2970/ mo. + gas & electric. 412-818 -2626
South Oakland 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments. $1015 + electric, $1599 + electric respectively. Available August 1, 2018. Louisa St. 412-441-1211. info@ forbesmanagement. net. www.forbesmanagement.net. 2-3 BR apartments. Central AC. Free laundry on-site. Call 412-38-LEASE.
Classifieds
For sale
• AUTO • BIKES • BOOKS • MERCHANDISE • FURNITURE • REAL ESTATE • PETS
notices
services
• EDUCATIONAL • TRAVEL • HEALTH • PARKING • INSURANCE
South Oakland 3 & 4 Bedroom Apartments on Semple, Bates, & Juliet. August availability. $1425-$2600. Call John CR Kelly Reality. 412-683-7300 Visit: www.jcrkelly. com 4 BR Home - Semple Street, located near Louisa. Equipped Kitchen, Full Basement. New central air added. Renting for August 2018. (412) 343-4289 or 412-330-9498. Apartments for rent. 2, 3, and 4 bedroom apartments available. Some available on Dawson street, Atwood street, and Mckee Place. Newly remodeled. Some have laundry on site. Minutes from the University. For more info please call Mike at 412-849-8694
• ADOPTION • EVENTS • LOST AND FOUND • STUDENT GROUPS • WANTED • OTHER
R A T E S
Insertions
1X
2X
3X
4X
5X
6X
1-15 Words
$6.30
$11.90
$17.30
$22.00
$27.00
$30.20
+ $5.00
16-30 Words
$7.50
$14.20
$20.00
$25.00
$29.10
$32.30
+ $5.40
(Each Additional Word: $0.10)
Deadline:
Two business days prior by 3pm | Email: advertising@pittnews.com | Phone: 412.648.7978
South Oakland
South Oakland
Before signing a lease, be aware that no more than 3 unrelated people can share a single unit. Check property’s compliance with codes. Call City’s Permits, Licensing & Inspections. 412-255-2175.
New 3 Bedroom on Meyran. Free parking, central air. Available August 2018. 412-600-4219. jwquinn@mac.com
Large 5 Bedroom. Mckee & Louisa. 2 bathrooms, free laundry, gas included. One block from Forbes. Available August 2018. 412-600-4219. jwquinn@mac.com M.J. Kelly Realty. Studio, 1, 2, 3 and 4 Bedroom Apartments, Duplexes and Houses. N. & S. Oakland from $750-$2500. mjkellyrealty@gmail. com. 412-271-5550. www.mjkellyrealty. com
Add.
STUDENT HOUSING. Updated 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 Bedroom Houses. 4-6 Bedroom Units w/ multiple baths. Dishwasher, laundry, some w/ air conditioning and/or parking. August availability. 412-445-6117. Ward & S. Bouquet Streets - Studio, 1, 2 & 3BR apartments. Free parking. Move in May 1 or Aug. 1, 2018. Call 412-361-2695
January 25, 2018
Shadyside 1 bedroom luxury apartment. 2 apartments available in a beautiful brick home with private entry, private laundry, off-street parking or garage, newly remodeled throughout. Kitchen w/ Dishwasher, Granite countertop & more! Located on Morewood Avenue, 15 minute walk to Pitt/ CMU, Walnut Street. 5 minutes to UPMC Shadyside, West Penn Hospital. One block to Buses, hospital/ Pitt/CMU shuttles and many restaurants. Available August 1st, 2018. No Pets. $1195+ g/e. Call Jason at 412-922-2141. Pics/info: tinyurl.com/ morewood1br
Shadyside Shadyside - 2 bedroom, 1 bath, equipped galley style kitchen, hardwood and carpet, coin-op laundry in basement. On bus line. Rent $1,250.00 + G/E 412-462-1296 madroneproperty.com
Squirrel Hill 3 bedroom/1 bath townhouse on Murray Avenue across from Starbucks. $1295+utilities. Washer/dryer, granite countertops, off-street parking, dishwasher, backyard, and covered front porch. Available August 1st. Call 724-309-4193.
Employment Employment Other Comfort Keepers, a Post-Gazette Top Workplace, is seeking caring individuals. Caregivers work alongside seniors to provide companionship, light housekeeping, personal care services. Flexible hours available. If interested call 412-363-5500 Delivery Driver job in North Oakland. Mon-Sat 8-5 pm. $12/ hr. 313 North Craig St. Contact (412) 621-7215 for more information. Contact within.
11
Employment Other Join KEYS Service Corps, AmeriCorps. Mentor, tutor, and inspire Pittsburgh area youth. Summer and fall positions with bi-weekly stipend and education award. Full and part-time. Possible internship credit. Call 412-350-2739. www.keysservicecorps.org
Office and retail job in North Oakland Mon-Sat 8-5 pm. $12/ hr. 313 North Craig St. Contact (412) 621-7215 for more information. Inquire within. OFFICE INTERN Shadyside Management Company seeks person w/min 2 yrs. college, for upcoming spring semester to interview & process rental applicants, do internet postings & help staff our action-central office. Part-time or full time. AVAILABLE NOW; full time over summer. $13/hour. Perfect job for current sophomores & juniors, graduating seniors set to enter grad school, returning grad students, and first-year law students! Mozart Management 412-682-7003 thane@ mozartrents.com
Seasonal Marketing Assistant Shadyside property management firm established in 1960 needs two Seasonal Marketing Assistants to work with Excel,
pittnews.com
Word and the internet from approximately NOW to August; four days/week from 9am-6pm. Saturday and/or Sunday hours a must; some flexibility in days and hours will be considered; most hours will be solitary on the computer with no phone work; 40 words per minute and strong computer skills required; no experience needed & we will train you at our Shadyside office; free parking. $13/hour plus generous season end bonus. Mozart Management 412-682-7003. thane@mozartrents. com
Services Health Medical and Heart Care, Students Welcome, 155 N. Craig Street, Dean Kross, MD, 412-687-7666
Parking GARAGE PARKING available in the heart of Oakland. Protect your car while parked. Only $80/month! Call 412-692-1770.
Notices Adoption ADOPTION: Loving, stable family hopes for one more blessing to join us in our adventures! Please call Heather/Chris 1 (800) 444-3089
January 25, 2018
12