Vol. 105 Issue 45
Pittnews.com
@thepittnews
Tuesday,October 7, 2014
JOBS
Jobr creates connections at your finger tips
BLEEDING BLUE & GOLD
MCT Campus
Jessica Iacullo Staff Writer
Not just j st in your o r latte
Forget dreamboats. Think dream jobs. Like the dating app Tinder but for career moves, a new smartphone app called Jobr is letting users swipe yes or no on job opportunities. Jobr allows users looking for a job to connect with employers without the hassle of a formal job search. TJ Nahigian, the CEO of Jobr, said the idea for the app came after he noticed that opportunities for “professional experience on mobile” lagged behind dating experience. Nahigian launched the app in May 2014. According to Jobr’s blog, 1,500 recruiters and hiring managers had listed jobs by Sept. 4. Nahigian said his company was not disclosing further data on the number of users or job connections at this time. “Additionally, [I] saw a lot of similarities between recruiting and dating and thought we could improve the experience,” Nahigian said. Hiring managers on Jobr include Facebook, Lyft, Twitter, The Boston Consulting Group, Yelp, Houzz and Uber. Nahigian said hiring managers can post jobs on Jobr through the app or their recruiter web portal. Jobr screens each hiring company’s post to verify that the jobs are real. Jobr connects to the user’s LinkedIn
Jobr
Pumpkin beers and ciders to try this fall page 6
MCT Campus
Laced L d up
Ryan Ardelle, a sophomore majoring in Finance, donates blood Monday in the William Pitt Union. Zach Shaffer| Senior Staff Photographer
Pitt basketball players name their favorite shoes to wear around the court page 9
RESEARCH
Whatʼs in a tweet: Pitt studies tech media Kathleen Fennel Staff Writer
Like the benefits and risks of red wine, chocolate and afternoon naps, a new center at Pitt studies the dual effects of technology consumption. Pitt officially launched the Center for Research on Media, Technology and Health on Sept. 1 to research both the 2 positive and negative effects of media
and technology on health. Existing research focuses on the ways in which media makes us unhealthy and lazy, while other projects seek to uncover the capability of technology to save lives, according to the Center’s director Brian Primack. Located at 230 McKee Place, suite 600, the center has 17 Pitt-affiliated faculty members and is an expansion of a program that the University put
in place five years ago to study media and health in Pitt’s Division of General Internal Medicine. “We want to look at this in a really comprehensive way, look simultaneously at the positive impact and the potential negatives [of media and technology] and then create interventions to
Research
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October 7, 2014 | The Pitt News | www.pittnews.com
FROM PAGE 1
JOBR
account so that users don’t have to manually enter in their profile data, Nahigian said. Jobr then matches users with jobs based on the criteria found on their LinkedIn pages. A user who is interested in the job or hiring company that comes up can swipe right on the phone screen. If the employer swipes the user yes back, then the employer and job-seeker match and have an option for communication. Similarly, a user not interested in the company can swipe left. The same goes for the companies on the other side of the app. If either the employer or potential employee swipes someone as a no, the other party will not be notified. “We wanted to empower different candidates and recruiters for a more efficient means of exploring of their careers, discovering their options as well as connecting with new candidates,” Nahigian said. Jobr is similar to the app Tinder, the dating app launched in 2012, but is not affiliated with Tinder. Though there are some similarities in the user interface to Tinder, such as the method of swiping left or right to match users, there are also some major differences. Jobr has a two-sided marketplace that includes the recruiters or jobs and the candidates, whereas Tinder only consists of one marketplace: the daters. FROM PAGE 1
RESEARCH try to increase the positive things while also decreasing the negative things,” Primack said. Becoming a center at the University, rather than just a program, allowed research to expand beyond the Health Sciences. Kevin Pang got involved with the Center during his freshman year when it was still considered a program. Pang was a freshman pre-med student when he started working with the program, but has since switched to economics and philosophy. He says his work at the Center will give him experience related to his future career in medical public policy. This year, Pang and other researchers at the Center are studying how people on Twitter feel about electronic cigarettes and vaporizer pens. Pang said he has looked through thousands of tweets to gauge the public’s general
“Jobr shows companies [or candidates] rather than just people. There are also different considerations, and I think a lot more that goes into for people who are making a decision on something that is pretty serious: their career,” Nahigian said. To Nahigian, career-oriented apps sharing similarities with casual dating apps like Tinder makes sense in today’s world. “I think there is just generally a trend in millennials, and people in general want to have more freedom and be more mobile with in their life,” Nahigan said. Pitt spokesman John Fedele spoke on behalf of Pitt’s Office of Career Development and Placement Assistance, which exists on campus to aid students in the job searching process. “Technology has certainly changed the job search process including the use of apps like Jobr that link job-seekers to employers,” Fedele said. “However, no matter the number of apps or advances in technology, one cannot completely eliminate the work required in the job search process.” Current Pitt students about to enter the job market had mixed feelings about Jobr. “I think the app is a good idea, but I don’t know if I would necessarily use it,” said Phil Green, a junior politics and philosophy major. Megan Lundy, a senior studying marketing and
sentiments about the devices online. He hopes to pursue similar issues relating to how technology affects human health from a policy standpoint. “The end goal of this project is to incite some change with policy makers,” Pang said. Pang has also co-authored research that is under consideration to be published in a journal entitled “Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research.” Pang and the other researchers studied YouTube videos, and how they portrayed alcohol use to viewers. The researchers then created a system of codes to give each video a quantitative evaluation of what its influence on viewers might be. The group created seven distinct codes relating to the consequences of alcohol consumption, such as sexual or legal ones. The Center’s research areas are especially relevant because of the amount of media interaction in young people’s lives, according to Arthur Levine, the dean of Pitt’s medical school and senior
Jobr
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Jobr works much like Tinder, the dating app: swipe left for no thanks, and right for yes. Illustration by Aby Briner and Cristina Holtzer
Pitt student Kevin Pang and other researchers are studying what people are tweeting about electronic cigarettes to gauge public opinion of the devices. MCT Campus.
vice chancellor of the health sciences department. Levine said he hopes the research will allow health professionals to use the media’s influence for good. Accidents are the fifth leading cause of death for all age groups, genders
and races, according to the Center for Disease Control. Levine said media could sway young people away from participating in detrimental behaviors
Research
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October 7, 2014 | The Pitt News | www.pittnews.com FROM PAGE 2
JOBR
supply chain management, said Jobr could be useful. “I think that the app is a genius idea and could really benefit college students graduating that are looking to apply to jobs,” Lundy said. “Jobr makes it a lot easier for both a company and the applicant.” Jason Miller, assistant director of the department of intramurals and recreation and the owner of Active Pittsburgh — a fitness, sports and recreation website — said Jobr is an interesting concept, but questioned its effectiveness. “I get that it matches employers with candidates based on mutual interest, but how is that any different from an employer posting an opening on a job board, the candidate submitting their resume and then the two parties agreeing to schedule an interview?” Miller asked. Unlike posting and seeking jobs online, Miller said Jobr uses a machine learning algorithm to tailor recommendations to candidates and recruiters based on their previous swipes. Miller also worried the app’s advanced technology might limit its reach. “I know many young professionals right out of college would probably use it, but what about employers that aren’t tied into the most current technologies and innovations?” Miller asked. Some employers may not be equipped with smartphones and the latest technology, but Nahigian said Jobr has a web portal for recruiters to post their jobs and speak to candidates more traditionally online instead of through the app. While Career Services does not use Jobr or other apps, the Office uses technology to assist students in the job search with FutureLinks, an online career management system for internship and job postings. Fedele encouraged students to read reviews on apps and websites, like Jobr, and he said they should be prepared to do the work necessary to land an ideal job to launch their careers. “Apps and other technology may make the search process somewhat easier, but do not replace the personal contact one can make with an employer,” Fedele said.
FROM PAGE 2
RESEARCH that could cause these deaths, such car accidents or risky stunts. The National Institute of Health (NIH), the National Cancer Institute, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and two University pilot grants funded the Center’s creation. For Primack, extending the opportunities to students, both undergraduate and graduate, makes sense because
students in the 18 to 22 age group often have more experience with technology, like social media, than older generations do. “We don’t just include undergraduate students and graduate students because we have to, because we don’t,” Primack said. “We could easily be doing all of this on a faculty level, but we really value our undergraduate and graduate students tremendously because they know a lot more than we do about a lot of these technologies.”
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EDITORIAL
October 7, 2014 | The Pitt News | www.pittnews.com
OPINIONS
We can do more: Greater federal protection needed for same-sex marriage rights
The Supreme Court made headlines Monday in an implicit manner. The nation’s highest court refused to review lower-court rulings that struck down laws and statutes prohibiting same-sex marriage. The court’s ruling is seen as a victory for the pro same-sex marriage community. The decision to not overturn lower-court findings has increased the number of states in which same-sex marriage is now legal. This group will rise in number from 19 to 24 — adding Wisconsin, Virginia, Indiana, Oklahoma and Utah. Other states in which same-sex marriage is legal include Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, California, Washington, Delaware and, because of a federal judge’s ruling in May, Pennsylvania. Although these are positive measures, federal legislators and courts could take more action to ensure complete marriage equality. In June 2013, the Supreme Court struck down section three of the Defense of Marriage Act, which denied legally married same-sex couples more than 1,100 protections and responsibilities of marriage. But since many states continue to disallow same-sex marriage, including Ohio, Arkansas, Texas, Florida, Nevada and South Carolina, greater federal protection is necessary to provide equal opportunity to same-sex couples. Instead of passively taking a stance, the Supreme Court should
have taken the opportunity to establish a national prohibition of antisame-sex marriage laws. Equality should not cease at states’ borders. Without question, states should possess rights to legislate and live in ways they see fit. But when states still have power to infringe upon basic civil rights, such as whom one can marry, the federal government must step in. In 1954, the Supreme Court didn’t tell school boards that they had rights as districts to decide against whom they could discriminate. Rather, the Warren Court unanimously came together to send a message. The court made it clear that racial inequality was not a district’s or state’s intrinsic right. Instead, the federal government outwardly opposed institutional racism. Today, the court should do the same with discrimination based on sexual orientation. Same-sex couples should have access to marriage and its benefits regardless of state citizenship. Rather than letting anti-same-sex marriage policies slowly wither away as public opinion blows them into oblivion, the federal government must adopt a policy to decisively put an end to same-sex marriage prohibition. If the federal government is involved in marriage, it has the responsibility to ensure its policies are fair and equal. Monday’s ruling was a small victory, but not enough. Perhaps, soon it won’t be 24, but 50 states, that wind up on the right side of history.
COLUMN
Look on the bright side, cynics: There’s reason for optimism Adrianne Glenn For The Pitt News
At some point in the last week, you probably heard something like “What has the world come to?” There is disapproving commentary about everything from the value placed on social media, movements to legalize marijuana and the promotion of marriage equality. Commentary like this reflects ignorance about the actual state of the world, which is improving and makes it seem as if optimism is delusional. But optimism on some aspects of culture — health, education and economic standings — is supported more now than ever. For starters, while health problems still exist and contribute to global suffering, the recent Ebola outbreak may be clouding perceptions of actual health and medical progress. Cancer mortality rates have dropped by more than 20 percent within the last 25 years, malaria mortality rates are down 42 percent within the last 10 years and there has been an overall lifespan increase across the globe. Additionally, child mortality rates are down worldwide. In the last eight years alone, they have dropped from 46 deaths per 1,000 births to 35 deaths per 1,000 births. Advances in the medical field not only contribute toward the minimization of individual suffering, but also represent the ways in which humanity is able to solve problems it faces. Along with progress in health across the world, education is becoming more
accessible worldwide. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Institute for Statistics, the gross percentage of enrollment in primary schooling worldwide has risen from less than 104 percent to more than 108 percent in just eight years. Additionally, the number of women around the world who were not enrolled in school dropped from 43,361,424 in 2004 to 30,040,024 in 2011. This means that more individuals, especially women, are becoming educated and empowered. Generally speaking, the more education one has, the more prepared one is to live a healthy and responsible life. Additionally, this global accessibility to education has an undeniable effect on global literacy. According to UNESCO, the worldwide literacy rate for women between the ages of 20 and 30 has risen from 79 percent to 87 percent in the past 25 years. Education not only leads to a more fulfilling life for each individual, but also paves the way for a more competent society by expanding collective knowledge and discovery. Because of skills learned through it, education leads to participation in the workforce, which ultimately leads both to better individual financial stability and a better national income. While better health and education will increase the probability of people living longer and being more productive, the idea that society is on the decline persists. A simple Twitter search of the phrase “society going downhill” proves
Glenn
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October 7, 2014 | The Pitt News | www.pittnews.com FROM PAGE 4
GLENN that much. These tweets represent some of the many ideas still out there about our society’s regression. This is a major problem, since evidence points to the contrary. It is possible that negative social feeling remains prevalent because of the mainstream media’s tendency to cover primarily negative events. But in
THE PITT NEWS Natalie Daher Editor-in-Chief editor@pittnews.com
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T P N S U D O K U
smaller circles, there are thousands of people helping old folks cross streets and saving cats from trees. None of that is nearly as exciting as reporting assaults or drug busts, so only the negative stories typically get coverage. Now, there is no question that the latter should be covered. Negative news still is news. But more press should also be given to the positives that manifest themselves in everyday life. Because of modern globalization, cultural interconnection also allows us to be
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notified at any time a negative event takes place in any part of the world. While these negative events are rare, in actuality, it can seem like they happen every second because of the massive size of the planet and our ability to hear from all parts of it, particularly through social media outlets like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Through these mediums, information can flow from one part of the globe to another in seconds, not minutes. Regardless of how easy it is to see past the ways in which the world is improv-
Editorial Policies 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,- car toons 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.
Today’s difficulty level: Medium Puzzles by Dailysodoku.com
5 ing, we need to work to acknowledge the achievements surrounding us. When pessimism clouds our worldview, it doesn’t motivate us to fix problems. It triggers apathy, rather than enthusiasm, toward the idea of coming together and fixing our problems. Imagining the world unrealistically never does anyone any favors. Paying attention to positive progress, instead of only to negatives, not only creates better individual lives but also better collective progress. Write to Adrianne at adg79@pitt.edu advertising@pittnews.com
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October 7, 2014 | The Pitt News | www.pittnews.com
ARTS and ENTERTAINMENT REVIEW
Fincherʼs ʻGone Girlʼ an effective, tight-lipped thriller with bite ance than everyone else seems to think. Andrew Fishman Staff Writer
“Gone Girl” Directed by: David Fincher Starring: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris Grade: B+ In film, the characters often know less than the audience, because the audience has the privilege of seeing everything that goes on in the narrative. But when Pike (front) stole the show, but Affleck kept up. Photo via the movie’s Facebook page the audience is purposely left out of some aspects of the narrative, it can make for throughout by not allowing us to know longed murder investigation — with Nick a thrilling experience. everything going on until the characters as the primary suspect. Nick seeks help “Gone Girl” puts the latter method to know. from his sister, Margo (Carrie Coon), as the test and succeeds, as viewers know When Nick’s wife, Amy (Rosamund well as lawyer Tanner Bolt (Tyler Perry), just as little as protagonist Nick Dunne Pike), disappears on the couple’s fifth to not only help defend himself from po(Ben Affleck) does about the mystery wedding anniversary, a simple missing lice and the community, but also to figure of his missing wife. The film intrigues person’s case quickly escalates to a pro- out if there is more behind the disappear-
SEASONAL
The film is essentially divided into two parts. It begins with the initial investigation, paired with flashbacks triggered by Amy’s diary entries, which show how she met Nick, along with the ups and downs of their young marriage. Through the flashbacks, the audience begins to see a building strain in Nick and Amy’s relationship that correlates with a cinematic escalation in tension, a shift within the concern over Amy’s whereabouts and an increased suspicion of Nick. This first half culminates with the audience and the main characters in the film uncovering a full explanation behind Amy’s disappearance — and it’s a shock. The second half, without giving too much of the mystery away, feels like an entirely different movie, as the plot reveals more twists and motivations. Director David Fincher (“Fight Club,” “The Social Network”) excels more than
Gone Girl
Pumpkin in a bottle: Pitt News’ guide to the best fall brews and ciders Grace Kelly Staff Writer
As fall approaches, the bars begin to break out their “fall brews”: Usually weak ciders, “pumpkin” beer that tastes like you inhaled allspice and an array of Jolly Rancher green apple martinis. In a simple sense, you get what you pay for in the fall. Quality will always be more expensive, and for most college students, cheap is better than nothing. But if you do your research, there is a way to get through the sea of mediocre drinks that seems to swell during this season. First, step away from the Strongbow. Although the archer’s bow may call out all
the stronger due to your dwindling pocket change, resist the urge. If any cider screams “I want to get drunk on crappy alcohol,” it’s Strongbow. Instead, turn your attention to a cider that actually tastes good and won’t burn a hole in your pocket: Samuel Smith’s Organic Cider. OK, the organic part may be a turnoff, but hear me out. Smith’s is good stuff, crisp with a clean apple taste — a true cider. And though organic may cause you to protectively grab your wallet, have no fear. Eighteen ounces of cider will only cost you around $5. Not bad for a florally, refreshing cider that will bring you back to those childhood days of picking apples with your family and getting sticky fingers from the exorbitant amount of
caramel apples you convinced your parents to buy for you. Now onto a more challenging brew: pumpkin ale. Ah, the infamous taste of bottled pumpkin, which seems to be defined by a heavy and cloying dose of clove, cinnamon and nutmeg. Half the time, pumpkin flavor is missing, and if it does exist, it leaves a weird bubblegum aftertaste. After testing a wide array of pumpkin beers, my mouth began to feel numb from all the spices, but a few brews stuck out in my spice-stained memory. Pumking by the Southern Tier Brewing Company is stellar, with a rich, actuallytastes-like-pumpkin warmth that is offset by spice and a nice buttery finish.
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, which always has creative and delicious brews, also has a contender with its Punkin Ale. Creamy, with notes of brown sugar and a rich pumpkin undertone, drinking Punkin is like drinking pumpkin crème brulee — and that’s a good thing. By now, your taste buds may be overloading with heavy fall flavors, and a clean and bright brew is on call. Check out Sierra Nevada’s DevESTATEtion Black IPA — it packs a punch with a mild malt flavor overlaid by light and refreshing fruity hops. Citrusy, airy and crisp, it may cause you to frolic in the leaf piles like you did as a child — but make sure your kid brother doesn’t drink any.
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October 7, 2014 | The Pitt News | www.pittnews.com
REVIEW
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Real Estate let its beach party get a little ‘wild’ at the Altar Bar Jack Trainor Staff Writer
The Pitt News Crossword, 10/7/14
Fans of the band Real Estate know exactly what to expect from the New Jersey alt-rockers by now — a chilled-out beach party. Real Estate brought its beach-bum vibes to the Rust Belt last Wednesday at the Altar Bar in its shy, tight-lipped manner. But newly added keyboardist Matt Kallman and drummer Jackson Pollis offered fans a subtle yet satisfyingly improved take on much of the band’s material. For the majority of Real Estate’s career, it was a trio comprised of guitarist Matt Mondanile, singer and guitarist Martin Courtney and bassist Alex Bleeker. But they picked up Kallman and Pollis before recording their acclaimed latest record this year — Atlas — and haven’t looked back. The newcomers’ presence was felt most significantly during the band’s older songs, in which skilled drumbeats and background synths filled holes you didn’t realize existed before. These were most notably “Green Aisles,” “Easy” and a faster, tighter “BaseACROSS 1 Its General Test consists of six sections: Abbr. 4 “NYPD Blue” Emmy winner Gordon 9 Senseless 13 Tone-deaf, say 16 Topic preceder 17 Its airport is in the subcity of Bole 18 Rafts 19 Houdini’s birth name 20 Annual milestone, briefly 21 “Raise Your Glass” singer 22 Auction giant 24 Ham-handed 26 Lake Biel feeder 27 Mil. installation named for a 4Down general 29 “Nothing to it” 34 Phone bill encl. 35 “London Fields” writer 36 Like some selfappointed critics 37 Encouraging start? 38 Out of action, perhaps 39 Dog named for an island 41 Sunny spots 43 Marksman’s asset 44 Likely Meatout supporter 45 Video game series set mostly on Azeroth 50 __ nut 51 Object 53 “What have we here?” 54 MMXIV and others 55 Vet’s souvenir 57 Super Mario Galaxy systems 58 Initially 59 “Tout de suite!” 60 Oreck competitor 61 Once called DOWN 1 Vexes, with “at”
ment,” which, Courtney revealed, hadn’t been played (before their previous show on the tour) since the song debuted on 2010’s Reality EP. Don’t let Real Estate’s calm, shoegazing demeanor fool you — its energy and skill as a unit shines through the music. Opening with the obscure “Green River,” the band’s intensity and volume rose after each song until the group closed with a peak performance of “Younger Than Yesterday.” Before the encore, the evening’s healthy setlist of new and old songs skipped over some of the band’s finest, including “Out of Tune” and “Municipality,” both from the band’s breakout 2011 album Days. In their place was the instrumental “Kinder Blumen” and “Easy,” two equally breezy tunes also from Days, but nonetheless a minor disappointment. Meanwhile, as singer and guitarist Courtney kept a tight lip with the audience between songs, Bleeker did all the bantering for him — and then some. This was only noticeable given the rest of the band members’ timid
Real Estate
10/18/14
By Julian Lim
2 Ballet with a hoedown 3 Go no further 4 Lee side: Abbr. 5 Cheney chief of staff Scooter __ 6 Specialized schools: Abbr. 7 Out-of-favor sunscreen compound 8 Be flexible 9 It’s often disposable 10 Aperitivi followers 11 Private community entrance 12 Prep for a marathon 14 “Oops” elicitors 15 Dollar bill depiction, familiarly 23 TV cooking show? 25 It has six of the seven rainbow colors in its logo 27 __ food 28 Drive, e.g. 29 Je ne __ quoi 30 McDonald’s slogan
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Friday’s Puzzle Solved
©2014 Tribune Content Agency, LLC
31 Eon parts 32 “Game of Thrones” girl __ Stark 33 __-Foy, Quebec 37 Theatergoers often share one 39 Málaga Mrs. 40 Lucre 42 One hostile to seniors 45 Juice amounts?
10/18/14
46 E’en if 47 Highway covered in “The Milepost” 48 Solar __ 49 Patisserie product 50 Cat’s catchers 52 Like some highfiber cereal 56 College basketball TV analyst Elmore
Martin Courtney kept banter to a minimum at the Altar Bar. Photo courtesy of Brian Conway - Pittsburgh Music Report
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GONE GIRL ever, leading viewers into an increasingly dark mystery similar to his second film “Seven,” which followed a tense serial murder case. “Gone Girl” succeeds at building tension through its use of heartbeat pulses over the film’s score followed by silences, as well as manipulating the audience by drastically shifting the plot throughout. “Gone Girl” is based on the book by Gillian Flynn, who also wrote the screenplay of the film. But the two have some differences, especially in terms of the narrative structure. The book’s structure is more linear, depriving readers the suspenseful nescience that makes the film so thrilling. If the film followed the sequential order of the book, it would greatly diminish the turbulence. Both Affleck and Pike deliver memorable performances, but the complex nature of Pike’s character allows her to thrive even more. The flashbacks allow viewers to see Amy’s full transformation,
October 7, 2014 | The Pitt News | www.pittnews.com and Pike evolves with Amy throughout the movie. Affleck also transforms along with Nick throughout the story, but his shift isn’t as radical or impressive as Pike’s. Two notable characters in the film are Nick’s lawyer, Tanner Bolt, and Amy’s crazed ex-boyfriend, Desi, played by Perry and Neil Patrick Harris, respectively. Neither actor is associated with a very serious role, let alone the drama genre itself, and both struggle to break out of their comedic rut. Perry’s character, a smooth-talking, wealthy lawyer, allows a bit more room for comedy than Harris’ — a stalker ex-boyfriend of Amy. It was sometimes difficult to take either of them seriously, especially Harris. The nature of the movie makes one question the decision to cast these particular actors, because of their more lighthearted backgrounds, for the roles. While viewers are supposed to see a crazy ex and a rich lawyer, they appear more as Barney Stinson and a character from a Perrypresented movie. Dialogue was another weak point of the film. Although it successfully took a perhaps far-fetched plot and made it feel
realistic, some of the script held back the realism. Cheesy one-liners and forced interactions almost spoiled an otherwise enthralling plot. Criticism of the media in big cases like Amy’s disappearance was one of the film’s underlying themes. Ellen Abbott (Missi Pyle), a Nancy Grace-esque television host, is a rather influential part of the investigation for someone in the media. Throughout the film, she flip-flops her views to coincide with the current popular stance regarding Amy’s disappearance — an over-the-top move that mocks media outlets such as CNN, TMZ or, more recently, ESPN, regarding their coverage of national investigations. “Gone Girl” revolves around the idea of manipulation — in terms of the media, in terms of Fincher and Flynn’s manipulation of the audience, as well as in everyday interactions with both strangers and loved ones. The film might make viewers doubt the validity of what people say to them on a daily basis and leave them with a chilling sensation of questioning their own interactions in both the past and the future.
FROM PAGE 7
REAL ESTATE concentration on either their guitar pedals or the stage’s floorboards. But Mondanile wore a jovial smirk on his face through every song, and even Courtney let out a few improvised “ohhh”s and “ahhh”s as the show progressed — a sign that the band was, in fact, having a grand, relaxed time. “It’s been a wild, wild time, guys,” Courtney murmured in his monotone voice as he readied his guitar for the band’s final song before the encore, “It’s Real.” Of course, for any other band this would be sarcasm — but for Courtney and Real Estate, “wild” takes on a simpler meaning. By the time the band reached its final song of the night, “Younger Than Yesterday,” its energy had inched up. The song, which first appeared as a lo-fi farewell to summer on Reality, got its first tune-up when it was released as a track on Days and now appeared better than both versions as an epic conclusion, complete with windmill strums from Bleeker and added texture from Kallman and Pollis. Real Estate’s beach party by that point had turned into an all-out kegger — which is pretty wild indeed.
October 7, 2014 | The Pitt News | www.pittnews.com
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SPORTS
BASEBALL
Pirates have several holes to fill during offseason Jeremy Tepper Staff Writer
Man, was that a letdown. After the utter joy of the Pirates season, it’s all over after an undeniable failure: an 8-0 drubbing at the hands of the San Francisco Giants in a onegame playoff. After 88 wins and fantastic individual seasons by Andrew McCutchen, Josh Harrison, Russell Martin and Starling Marte, it’s all for nothing. I love baseball, but after that loss, I can’t really watch the playoffs intently. So, instead of watching others succeed in the playoffs and getting angry, I’d rather focus on the upcoming offseason. It will be an extremely important one for the Pirates. After two straight playoff seasons, fans no longer have modest goals. It’s time to make the leap from making the playoffs to making the World Series. Here are a few pertinent storylines to focus on for this upcoming offseason. Russell Martin Two years ago, the Pirates signed Martin to a two-year, $17 million contract. Now back
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With Pitt’s football team on a bye week, some fans may be looking ahead to the upcoming basketball season. Pitt’s basketball team has a few new faces, and each player has different preferences, both on and off the court. Here are some of the Pitt basketball team’s favorite NBA teams and preferred shoe brands.
Francisco Liriano is one of several free agents this offseason. MCT Campus
on the free agent market, Martin will likely require around twice that amount. Martin’s been fantastic in his time with the Pirates, accumulating a 9.8 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) in 238 games. He was a standout this past season, continuing his
superb defense: throwing out runners 38.5 percent of the time, framing pitches, blocking balls and creating astute game plans and pitch sequences. His improvement with the bat, though, is what really helped increase his value. Martin
became a patient and skilled hitter this season, hitting .290 with a .832 On-base Plus Slugging percentage (OPS). Very few catchers can play defense like Martin. Very few can hit like him, too. Only a couple others can do both like him. Although he’s 32, there will obviously be a lucrative market for him. If the Pirates have aspirations of being a contender next season, let alone making the playoffs, they need to re-sign Martin. I’m not sure how much it will take to resign him, and there’s no saying whether a large market team will swoop in and offer Martin a contract the Pirates can’t match. But given Martin’s proclivity to the Pirates, a fair offer — let’s say two or three years, $15 million a year — should get it done. And if not, they’re left with the likes of Tony Sanchez and Chris Stewart. Without doubt, Martin is priority number one. Starting Pitching After a slow start by the starting pitchers, the Pirates finished with the eighth best team
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Fresh kicks for Pitt basketball Player Shoe Fav. Team Cameron Wright
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October 7, 2014 | The Pitt News | www.pittnews.com
Pitt in the NFL: Williams key in historic comeback for Browns Jack DeMarco Staff Writer
After two weeks of pitiful stats, pro-bowl running back LeSean McCoy returned to his usual form Sunday, running for 81 yards on 21 carries in the Philadelphia Eagles’ week five matchup versus the St. Louis Rams. In the game, Philly held on for a 34-28 win despite the Rams’ 14-point surge late in the fourth quarter. McCoy, however, didn’t score a touchdown in the win, making it three straight weeks the running back hasn’t reached the end zone. In fact, much of the chatter surrounding the team’s 4-1 record has been the promising playmaking ability of the defense and special teams rather than the running game. Up to date, both units have scored seven touchdowns collectively. The Eagles made the NFL record books this week as the first team ever to score at least one defensive touchdown and one special teams touchdown in consecutive games. For the Rams, Aaron Donald recorded only one tackle. On the year, Donald now has eight total tackles, giving him an average of two per game. As a group, the Rams’ defense has its bright spots — first in the NFL in opposing passing yards allowed — but also its flaws, with the 29th best rushing defense. The imbalance is a cause for concern and a reason for the Rams’ slow start to the 2014 season with a 1-3 record. Darrelle Revis and the New England Patriots beat the Cincinnati Bengals handily on Sunday Night Football, claiming a 43-17 FROM PAGE 9
PIRATES ERA in the MLB. The improvement was in large part due to two impending free agents, Francisco Liriano and Edinson Volquez. After a first half plagued by injuries and poor control, Liriano posted a 2.20 secondhalf ERA, combining for a 3.38 ERA and 175 strikeouts in 162.1 innings with similar numbers last year. After struggling with inconsistency throughout his career, it seems Liriano has finally found himself with the Pirates. Although their offense is what led the Pirates to playoffs, good pitchers are what evidently wins championships — especially frontline pitchers like Liriano, who has proven that last year’s success wasn’t a fluke.
victory. In the contest, Revis piled up four solo tackles, one assisted tackle and a forced fumble early in the second quarter. Revis also had what would have been his second interception of the season called back because of offsetting penalties. After the Patriots defense surrendered 41 points in its prior matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, this game reassured Patriots fans that the team still has the potential to make the playoffs. The Cleveland Browns also marked their place in NFL history with a remarkable 29-28 win over the Tennessee Titans. By erasing a 25-point deficit, the Browns now hold the record for the biggest comeback win for a visiting team. Ex-Panther Jabaal Sheard made his presence known during a critical fourth quarter defensive stand for the Browns. Corner K’Waun Williams also had a great afternoon, recording six tackles and a Larry Fitzgerald continues to struggle without great quarterback play. MCT Campus sack. He led all defensive backs in tackles and quarterback hits and helped solidify a spot for himself in the Browns’ defensive rotation. In an AFC-NFC showdown between the the quarterbacks, unfortunately Fitzgerald’s On a fourth-and-one conversion attempt Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos, Larry struggles will linger. from the Titans’ own 42-yard line, Sheard and Fitzgerald was just mediocre once again. The San Francisco punter Andy Lee was part safety Donte Whitner corralled Tennessee wideout was limited to seven receptions for 57 of some trickery that allowed the 49ers to quarterback Charlie Whitehurst on a quarter- yards and continued his season-long streak squeak by the Chiefs 22-17. In the first drive of back sneak short of a first down. This turnover of no touchdowns. Peyton Manning and De- the fourth quarter, 49ers center Kyle Nelson on downs empowered the Browns offense to maryius Thomas, who hooked up for two snapped the ball directly in the backfield to respond immediately with the necessary go- touchdowns on 226 yards of offense, were too strong safety Craig Dahl rather than Lee on ahead passing touchdown from quarterback much for the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals a fourth-and-one. Consequently, Dahl ran up Brian Hoyer to seal the victory. The Browns suffered their first loss of the year and an- the middle for a three-yard gain, by continuare now 2-2 on the year, but with both losses other loss at the quarterback position. When ing the drive and eventually setting up a 27not exceeding three points, they are showing backup quarterback Drew Stanton left in the yard field goal to give the 49ers a 19-17 lead. that the combination of timely defensive play third quarter, Arizona resorted to rookie Lo- On his own, Lee had two punts that combined and consistent quarterback play can propel gan Thomas, who never completed a pass to for 107 yards. them to the playoffs. Fitzgerald. As long as there is instability for So will the Pirates sign him? I’ll guess not. Someone will probably give him an outlandish offer, and if the Pirates are going to match an outlandish offer, it has to be with Martin. Volquez, on the other hand, seems like a more likely candidate to re-sign. After putting up a MLB-worst 5.71 ERA in 2013, Volquez was a rock for the Pirates this year, accumulating a 3.04 ERA. In large part, Volquez benefitted from the Pirates’ excellent defense and the pitcher-friendly confines of PNC Park. Given that, I’ll say Volquez stays with the Pirates. I wouldn’t go crazy with a contract to keep him, but the Pirates won’t need to. First Base The Pirates tried several platoons at first, playing Gaby Sanchez, Ike Davis, Travis
Ishikawa and Pedro Alvarez for extended periods, but nobody really stood out Sanchez, Davis, and Alvarez are all still on the team contractually for next year, and Alvarez is the most intriguing of the group. After looking like one of the brightest third basemen in the majors in 2013, Alvarez threw it all away, literally. In 99 games at third, Alvarez had 25 errors this season, almost all of them from his throwing. The Pirates tried him at first, where he played five games before getting injured. He didn’t look overwhelmed there, so it seems he could have a future at the position. The Pirates haven’t typically been ones for making big free agent signing or trades, so Alvarez will play a large part in this group next season. So, what about the other two? Alvarez
can’t hit lefties, so the Pirates will need to employ a platoon again. Sanchez hit lefties for a .747 OPS this season, way down from his .863 career average. Given his history, though, he should be an adequate platoon partner. That leaves Davis as the odd man out. The Pirates need to find a team that could use his power potential and trade him. I don’t expect much for him, but a decent prospect is fine. Regardless, these options are temporary. If everything works out, the Pirates will be able to trade Alvarez for a hefty return, clearing room for one of their top prospects, Josh Bell, whom the Pirates are in the process of converting from an outfielder to first baseman. He’ll start at AA, and if everything works out, he’ll be ready mid to late season.