January 29, 2021•Volume 106, Issue 15•nique.

net
15•nique.net

ENTERTAINMENT LIFE

. .

technique “Wonder” review p15 Tech alumna on-air p10

News 2 Opinions 5 Life 8 Entertainment 12 Sports 20

TECH PROFESSOR APPOINTED TO BIDEN’S STAFF p3

LIFE
NEWS NATALIE BOUTWELL
NEWS EDITOR

Before Biden was officially inaugu-

rated as 46th president of the United
States, he appointed Tech professor
Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall as the
White House homeland security ad-
viser. Sherwood-Randall is a distin-
guished professor of the practice in the
Sam Nunn School of International Af-
fairs.
According to the New York Times,
her appointment – along with several
others – “show how Mr. Biden appears
determined to rebuild a national secu-
rity apparatus that critics of the Trump
administration say withered for the
past four years.”
Adam Stulberg, Nunn School chair,
congratulated Sherwood-Randall in a
recent news statement.
“We at the Nunn School are ab-
solutely thrilled about Sherwood-
Randall’s return to the senior ranks of
government service – her professional
calling,” Stulberg said. “Although we
will miss her as a colleague, we look
forward to her return and the infusion
of new insights into our future pro-
gramming.”
At Tech, Sherwood-Randall taught
classes that focused on national energy
security, sustainability and internation-
al cooperation, including INTA 3042:
Energy & International Security. She
also mentored students on government
careers and assisted the Nunn School
with new curricula such as a joint grad-
uate program for Nuclear and Radio-
logical Engineering students.
Her new position, White House
homeland security adviser, is an ap-
pointment originally created by for-
mer President George W. Bush and
strengthened by former President
Barack Obama.
See BIDEN, page 3
Top L: Photo courtesy of Island Records; Top R: Photo courtesy of WXIA; Above: Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

SPORTS

Nation mourns passing of Hank Aaron

last two seasons in 1975 and ‘76 total bases and won the 1957
JACK PURDY were back in Milwaukee with the MVP award. He was part of the
SPORTS EDITOR newly formed Brewers organiza- only Milwaukee Braves team to
tion. The beginning of his profes- win the World Series, and in that
Henry “Hank” Aaron passed sional baseball career began in the same season, he hit .393 with 3
on the morning of Jan. 22, 2021. Negro Leagues, playing for the home runs in the postseason. He
Mr. Aaron is renowned in the At- Indianapolis Clowns. He was the was Major League leader in runs
lanta and American sports com- final Negro League player to retire twice, in hits twice, in home runs
munity for his unparalleled play- from Major League Baseball. once, in RBI’s four times, in bat-
ing career and also for being a civil Statistically, Mr. Aaron ting average twice, in slugging
rights activist during and after his is one of the all time titans of base- three times and in total bases four
playing days. He started playing ball. Over a 23 year playing career times. He was inducted into the
for the Braves while they were still in the outfield, Mr. Aaron reached National Baseball Hall of Fame
located in Milwaukee in 1954 and 25 straight All-Star Games, two in 1982 along with Frank Robin-
remained with the team after they were played per season from 1959- son, Travis Jackson, and Happy Photo courtesy of @GAFollowers via Twitter

moved to Atlanta in 1966, play- 1962, became and still is the all- Chandler. He received the ninth- Bobby Dodd Stadium lit up blue for 44 minutes
to honor the late Hank Aaron on Jan. 23.
ing through the 1974 season. His time leader in runs batted in and See AARON, page 20
News
NEWS EDITOR: Elevator concerns technique
2
Natalie Boutwell
A Technique investigation found 19 campus
ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR: elevators with expired inspections 43
Lane Elder Friday,
[email protected] January 29, 2021

Library steps up efforts to enforce mask policy

system has gone a step further and
ANDY BORST has begun enforcing mask wear-
STAFF WRITER ing as part of a three-tiered pun-
ishment system.
The Institute’s library system “The biggest issue that we were
has recently decided to begin en- facing is that numbers on campus
forcing its COVID-19 mask wear- were rising, and we attributed li-
ing policy inside all library facili- brary cases to [students] becom-
ties, including Crosland Tower, ing lax in the COVID policies,”
Price Gilbert Memorial Library Jones said.
and the Clough Undergraduate In the new system, student
Learning Commons. The library ambassadors patrol the library
system’s mask wearing policy is to ensure mask wearing and so-
not new. cial distancing is being practiced
Last fall, Tech introduced a by everyone at the library. When
mask mandate in all buildings students are caught without a
to combat COVID on campus. mask on their first offense, their Photo by Garrett Shoemaker Student Publications
This policy followed student de- BuzzCard information is record- Students in the library will have to wear face masks or face revoked BuzzCard access to the building.
mand over the summer, alongside ed, and they are asked to put on
a USG system wide requirement a face covering. An email is then rest of the semester, without possi- sure that students are more will- close proximities students often
that masks be made necessary at sent from the Dean of Libraries to bility of being reinstated. The stu- ing to wear masks at all times in find themselves in when studying
all times on USG campuses. the student reinforcing the poli- dent is also once again reported the library. at the Institute’s library spaces.
“The mask policy is not just cies and warning the student to to the Office of Student Integrity “The goal is to not be puni- As of Jan. 21, the library has not
a library or Georgia Tech policy, abide by the Institute’s policy. with a second non-academic dis- tive. We really just want people to yet had to revoke BuzzCard ac-
it’s a USG policy,” said Shandra On the second offense, the ciplinary violation placed on their wear their masks, [and] the only cess, and at the most, has simply
Jones, public services lead. student is reported directly to the record. way we can enforce it is if there had to remind students to keep
Previously, the library had not Office of Student Integrity and While these punishments may are some negative consequences.” their masks on. Thankfully, there
been enforcing this policy and charged with a non-academic dis- seem harsh, the library staff has said Donna Riley, executive as- doesn’t seem to be any indication
had instead opted to remind stu- ciplinary violation. explained that they do not wish sistant to the Dean of Libraries, that this precedent will change
dents who were not following the On the third offense, the to punish students and are not Leslie Sharp. anytime soon, or that students
guidelines to try and do their part student will be asked to leave interested in ruthlessly enforcing The library’s goal is to sim- should be worried about the ef-
to bring the pandemic to an end. the library and will have their the penalties. Instead, they have ply ensure that the virus doesn’t fects this policy will have on their
This semester, however, the library BuzzCard access revoked for the introduced them as a way to en- have an outlet to spread in the favorite campus study spaces.

begin to offer free laundry. Ad- CLASS OF 2025 pools this year. Early Action 1, amark and Sodexo for many of its
ditionally, over break many of On Jan. 23, more than 3000 which was reserved for Georgia on-campus dining programs.
the machines on campus were prospective Yellow Jackets opened students, released its decision in Tech aims to bring “more di-
replaced with new high efficiency their admission decision to Tech early December. In this admis- versified offerings, sustainability
machines. Students began to take and were able to proudly say “I got sion decision, 2,330 students were initiatives, and high-quality in-
advantage of this service starting in!” admitted with a 38% acceptance gredients,” and also partner with
this month. According to Rick Clark, di- rate. The most recent early action more local restaurants.
According to an email from fa- rector of admissions, the admitted pool, composed of out-of-state With the new program, Tech
cilities, the WashLava app will be- prospective students for class of and international students, saw Dining, West Village will become
gin operating soon, allowing you 2025 represents Tech’s commit- a much lower acceptance rate at the third all-you-can-eat style
to reserve machines and check on ment to expanded access. 14%. Regular decision students’ dining facility on campus. Stu-
your laundry’s status from your “We admitted nearly 800 application decisions will be re- dents with the meal plan will have
dorm room. more students in the Early Action leased by mid-March. unlimited swipes.
LANE ELDER Students both online and in rounds this year versus last year, According to Institute com-
ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR organizations celebrated this long- with increases of over 40% in key DINING ADJUSTMENTS munications, there will not be
awaited change. Some worried demographics, including first- The Institute announced that a price increase with 2021-2022
FREE LAUNDRY however that the unlimited access generation, Black, and Hispanic they will move from contracted meal plans for the first time in de-
Last October, the Residence would lead to longer wait times admits,” Clark said. to self-operated dining starting in cades. Current dining staff will be
Hall (RHA) announced that all for laundry machines. Prospective students had the July. In recent semesters, campus allowed to continue work for Tech
residence halls on campus would option between three application has partnered with companies Ar- under the self-operated program.

sliver // your thoughts

nique.net
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birthday, you wouldn’t hit a guy on his birthday?
technique
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your lifetime work will amount to a fraction of what the krakhead NEWS EDITOR
in the whitehouse gets for a single intro. Natalie Boutwell
Taylor Gray EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
omg tom hanx is a p3d0 OPINIONS EDITOR
It’s great to have my first Monday class of the semester Jannat Batra MANAGING EDITOR Journey Sherman
can i use my slivers in grad school applications?? want to be able to LIFE EDITOR
say i’m in print Founded in 1911, the Technique is the student newspaper of the Hope Williams
i have no opinionz or onionz Georgia Institute of Technology and is an official publication of ENTERTAINMENT
f--k every j name ever the Georgia Tech Board of Student Publications. The Technique
EDITOR
hey don’t blow bubbles in your milkshake if the lid is off it’ll splash publishes on Fridays, weekly in the fall and spring and biweekly in Maya Flores
on your shirt the summer.
burp I just ate nemo i’m sorry I wont eat dory SPORTS EDITOR
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big fan of tech giving fauci an award as if he would give a single sh*t Tech Board of Student Publications. No part of this paper may be
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PPL SHOULD SUBMIT MORE SLIVERS IT’S SO FUN reproduced in any manner without written permission from the
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// NEWS technique • January 29, 2021• 3

Expired elevator inspections raise concerns

MORGAN WHITTEMORE tor is instantly dangerous to ride spection means the elevator’s op-
STAFF WRITER in, but it indicates that potential erating certificate is incomplete,
problems may have gone unno- which in Georgia nets a $250 fine
Next time you go to use an ele- ticed for over a year. for a first offense and $500 more
vator on Tech’s campus you might A small survey of 19 elevators for a second offense, in line with
want to take the stairs instead. An around campus yielded no valid state elevator code. A third repeat-
astounding number of elevators inspections, corroborating the ed offense results in a $5,000 fine.
on campus have expired safety in- students’ statements. Of the 19, Tech’s Facilities Management
spections and are, by law, unfit to the 4 in residence halls all expired department is responsible for the
operate. in June 2020, and the remaining maintenance of on-campus el-
Reports from students have 15 in shared buildings (academic evators and was consulted on why
indicated that many elevators on buildings, dining halls, etc.) ex- many elevators are overdue for an
the Tech campus have expired el- pired in Dec. 2020. Additionally, inspection. Jessica Rose, associate
evator inspections, annual checks three elevators were out of order at director of analytics and com-
by the State of Georgia to make the time of the survey. munications for the department,
sure elevators are up to code and What does an overdue inspec- shared that the previous associate Photo courtesy of abc7.com
are operating safely. An expired tion mean for the institution that director over utilities maintenance An investigation of more than a dozen campus elevators
inspection doesn’t mean an eleva- owns the elevator? An expired in- abruptly retired in November. showed long-passed inspection dates, raising safety concerns.

BIDEN FROM FRONT

In response to this, Sherwood- Public Service and the Nunn- 2014 to 2017, Sherwood-Randall said in an interview with 11Alive
Randall stated, “It’s disturbing to Lugar Trailblazer Award. worked as the deputy secretary News.
In a brief interview with the be in a transition moment when In Obama’s first term from of the United States Department Based on her Twitter account,
New York Times, Sherwood-Ran- there really aren’t counterparts for 2009 to 2013, Sherwood-Randall of Energy. Sherwood-Randall plans to use
dall stated her immediate tasks for that transition to be handed off.” served as special assistant to the During this time, she initiated her new appointment very seri-
her position. Sherwood-Randall original- president and senior director for programs to secure the U.S. com- ously to aid, not just Georgia, but
“We’re going to be dealing at ly attended college at Harvard European affairs on the White petitive edge on advanced nation- the whole nation as it continues to
once again with border security, University and later received her House National Security Coun- al security technologies. deal with the ongoing COVID-19
biosecurity, global public health doctorate in international rela- cil. With this role, she advised the She also led energy, climate, pandemic and the existing social
and strengthening the resilience tions as one of very early ranks of president on U.S. relations with and nuclear security talks with and economic tensions.
of our democracy. The last of female Rhodes Scholar at Oxford 49 European countries and three U.S. global partners such as Chi- She tweeted on Jan. 20, “To-
those have grown more urgent.” University. international organizations. She na, the European Union, India, day, I have the privilege of return-
In order to address these large She started her career as chief also initiated efforts to advance Japan, Korea, Saudi Arabia and ing to the White House to serve
issues, Sherwood-Randall must foreign affairs and defense policy U.S. global interests through part- the United Arab Emirates. as Joe Biden’s Homeland Security
first deal with a rough transition adviser to then-Senator Biden. nerships with U.S. allies. This year, Sherwood-Randall Advisor, joining … dedicated pro-
into her new position. Before the In the Clinton administra- For the next two years, Sher- will join many Georgians in the fessionals across the U.S. govern-
end of his term, former President tion, Sherwood-Randall served wood-Randall served as special Biden-Harris administration in- ment and around the world who
Donald Trump dismantled the as the deputy assistant secretary assistant to the president and the cluding chief official White House work 24/7 to secure our demo-
National Security Council’s pan- of defense for Russia, Ukraine White House coordinator for photographer Adam Schultz and cratic values and our way of life.”
demic preparedness office and and Eurasia. During this era, she defense policy. In this role, she deputy assistant to the president She continued in a subsequent
slowly weakened the previously reduced Cold War nuclear arse- worked to ensure the effective- Stefanie Feldman. tweet, “I will be stepping away
existing cybersecurity team. nals by developing a cooperative ness of the United States’ nuclear “Having [individuals] from a from this Twitter account with
Ashton B. Carter, the former security framework with Russia. deterrence and was able to serve particular state can ensure that the promise that I will give the
secretary of defense, who hired She also was integral in persuad- as the presidential sherpa for the issues that matter to our state are Biden-Harris Administration and
Sherwood-Randall during the ing three former USSR countries 2014 Nuclear Security Summit in reflected and known by the indi- the American people everything
Clinton administration, said to denuclearize. For her work, she the Netherlands. viduals that serve to execute laws I’ve got, always mindful of what’s
a “challenge will be rebooting was awarded the Department of Throughout the remainder of within the executive branch,” Jo- at stake: our principles, our ideals,
this office.” Defense Medal for Distinguished the Obama administration, from seph Watson, Jr., UGA professor, and our children’s futures.”
4 • January 29, 2021• technique // NEWS

ELEVATORS FROM PAGE 2 elevator. As a federally funded in- Nov. 17. “But it shouldn’t be more BACK IN BUSINESS
stitution, Tech has to comply with important than why our constitu- At UHR’s first meeting in the
This may have caused a lapse in the Americans with Disabilities ents brought us here: to advocate 2021 spring semester, they dis-
oversight of elevator maintenance Act which requires architectural and to serve.” cussed six bills as well as several
recently, which could explain how access to campus buildings, but “I speak up tonight because I executive updates.
elevators expiring in December some of these buildings qualify know this body has the potential Two bills to finalize plans for
slipped under the radar. Elevators for exceptions based on when they to do so much. This is the most the upcoming SGA election cy-
expiring in June could have also were constructed. representative body of students at cle, 21U019 and 21U020, passed
had their maintenance schedules Tech is not the only univer- Georgia Tech. I know SGA can be through unanimous consent. Ap-

T
affected by the pandemic, but sity to have these issues, a quick better. I know UHR can be better. plications will open March 1 and
these elevators are still approach- Google search yields plenty of I know that we can.” the student body will have the
ing nearly two years without an results from other colleges with opportunity to cast their vote be-
inspection. The interim associate expired inspections. Just across his section of News includes EXECUTIVE UPDATE tween Monday, March 22 Friday,
director could not be reached by Atlanta Georgia State had many coverage of bills and President Brielle Lonsberry, March 26.
time of writing. expired inspections just a few resolutions that have passed fourth-year BME, along with the Another bill brought up for
Some students commented on years ago, as reported by the through Student Government. rest of the executive branch, pub- discussion could also appear on
how they have noticed the expired Georgia State Signal. Many col- Tech’s Undergraduate House of lished a review of their advocacy the March ballot. Under bill
inspections in the elevators they leges experiencing these issues efforts for the summer and fall 21U022, amendments to the SGA
Representatives met for the final time
use, and how these eerily align cited a backlog of inspections at 2020 semesters. The cabinet’s ef- Constitution could be passed
with problems they experienced the state level which caused the of 2020 before Thanksgiving, but the forts have focused on many areas within UHR without a student
when using them. expirations. student government body continued of campus life but student support body vote. This bill, which coin-
“My elevator also hasn’t been Inspecting elevators is the re- to move forward during the break. during COVID-19 continues to cides with major changes under
inspected in 6 months, and it sponsibility of the state of Geor- UHR reconvened Jan. 26. be a top priority. review for how SGA operates, will
makes really loud noises every gia, and this service often runs Notably, the report mentions need Tech students’ approval to
time I use it,” said one student behind. LANE ELDER their commitment to preventing go into place.
about the elevator in the Center Problems with elevators consis- ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR a raise in mandatory student fees “This change would be a fun-
Street South apartments. tently arise, and Tech does handle next year due to financial hard- damental change of the Constitu-
Another student mentioned these issues internally. NEW VPCS ships faced by students during the tion, so I really urge everyone to
how an elevator she was riding Broken elevators on campus UHR formally recognized the pandemic. It does, however, call take this very seriously. It doesn’t
stopped in between floors for a usually are fixed by Facilities appointment of a new Vice Presi- for a $10 increase in the student just impact the rest of this semes-
minute before resuming going Management quickly, and these dent of Campus Services, Anirud- activity fee to better support stu- ter. This has been around for a
down. One anonymous student problems are higher priority for dha Gupta, second-year IE, for dent organizations. century, so potentially [it could
offered a new perspective on the Tech than pushing for an official the spring 2021 semester. Gupta Members also noted that they impact] the next century for this
issue as a part-time wheelchair inspection. replaces Emmet Miskell, INTA will continue to “solidify the ex- Constitution,” said Lonsberry
user. She said, “so often [elevators For all students not wanting to ‘20, who served in the position tension and expansion of the during the discussion.
on campus] are out of order or take the stairs, the expired inspec- prior to graduating in December. Mental Health Joint Allocations “I think that this could defi-
useless or in a completely ridicu- tions across campus can be wor- This executive cabinet position Committee, increase student ad- nitely have a lot of ramifications
lous location,” and that the mul- rying. For some, this represents primarily focuses on advocating vocacy at the University System of in the future, for good or for bad.
tiple expired inspections just add another complication in their only for students in Tech’s housing, Georgia level.” You really need to start thinking
to the existing problems. means of traveling between build- parking and transportation, din- Additionally, with the pan- that through before putting it up
This aligns with the findings ings’ floors. Whatever the reason ing, STAMPS and safety depart- demic heightening the need for to the student body,” she said.
of surveying the elevators around may be for the overdue inspec- ments. timely student updates, Lonsberry The bill was tabled for a week
campus: a few elevators were out tions, one can only hope this issue “The appointment of VPCS is hopes to better work with the In- to allow representatives to re-
of order, they were usually hard can be resolved soon and without an absolutely important topic, and stitute to prioritize streamlined search how best to involve student
to find in the building, and some any accidents resulting from the it’s my legacy too, right,” Miskell communication for high-impact constituents in the conversations
buildings did not even have an diminished maintenance. said in his last UHR meeting on announcements. about the upcoming vote.
Life
LIFE EDITOR: technique
Hope Williams Rebuilding the Civic Square
ASSISTANT LIFE EDITOR:
Maya Torres
Cybersecurity and legal expert discusses the power 8
Friday,
of social media companies, how elections have changed
[email protected] this past year and the path forward 49 January 29, 2021

Expressing emotions, creating art with Robots

“I’ve always been fascinated by Santos explained her efforts to istic, but also somewhat random. “This one took me a long time
SOPHIA TONE music,” Santos said. “I’ve been in- turn simple instructions for the The genius is probably where to to internalize, but talk to people,”
LIFE STAFF WRITER terested by these two very differ- robots into abstract methods of break those rules,” Santos said. “... Santos said. “Don’t be scared of
ent thought processes, engineer- interaction. Art is boring if it’s predictable. Art leaving your lab -- you’ll gain new
Engineering and art are often ing, which is very structured, and “Sometimes, when you say you is so related to the artist and I’m ideas. If you’re just in your lab
seen as polar opposites, but this music, which is structured as well want to increase the efficiency in not sure how you’d do that with 24/7, you won’t get that.”
past Monday, Jan. 25, director of but is thought about in a different robots by a certain percentage, robots.” Her work has the potential to
GT Arts Aaron Shackelford inter- way [than engineering]. I wanted you have a more determined, nar- As a final piece of advice for make the work of artists not only
viewed alum María Santos about to merge these but didn’t think it row objective,” Santos said. “But Tech students interested in similar more efficient but more integra-
her work combining the two top- was possible. I was frustrated by when you do something artistic, areas of research, Santos empha- tive of the humanities and scienc-
ics, revealing more similarities the norms I saw in engineering.” and the possibilities are endless, sized the importance of working es, two fields that are frequently
than one would expect. From this frustration, Santos there are difficulties you must on something actually interesting pitted against one another.
Santos is a double-graduate of decided that her goal was to merge face.” to them. Moving forward Santos and
Tech, with both an M.S. and a the engineering into the arts by Shackelford raised the issue of “I was so happy to get to the her team would like feedback on
Ph.D. in ECE. offering artists “intuitive” ways to robot autonomy and whether ro- lab every day and work with peo- what robotic abilities artists are
She is now a postdoctoral re- create robotically-supported art- bots would ever become their own ple I really enjoyed,” Santos said. interested in.
search associate in the department work. artists. “Don’t care about what everyone The event took place over Face-
of Mechanical and Aerospace En- Santos explained that for her, Santos answered that she else is excited about.” book Live. Follow @artsattech
gineering at Princeton University. intuitiveness in the arts means be- thinks of robots as tools to en- She then emphasized the value to learn about similar livestreams
Her research focuses on the ing able to produce certain behav- hance the creative process. of communicating and learning and events featuring artists, cre-
distributed coordination of multi- iors in the robots with very simple “We have pre-programmed from others in fields you are inter- ators and alumni from the Tech
robot systems and is particularly rules. rules that are somewhat determin- ested in exploring more of. community.
concerned with the capabilities of “In this emotive movement
large swarms of robots. to create different emotions, we
She explores the potential of thought about how we could use
these swarms in artistic expres- standard behaviors to create sad-
sion, especially that of theater and ness,” Santos said. “In painting,
music. we focused on the robots as an ac-
Explaining more about her tive brush — red over here, blue
work, Santos said that during her over there.”
time at Tech, her team studied the Santos began her work in ear-
creative ability of swarms to evoke nest after taking a linear systems
emotions in an audience. class taught by ECE professor
“Think about using a multi- Magnus Egerstedt.
robot system for a theatrical expo- “He got excited when I told him
sition,” Santos said. “How can you I studied music theory in Spain,”
evoke happiness or sadness?” Santos said. “We started work on
The goal in Santos’s research controlling robots through chords
is to convert these global sensa- and harmony rules. This is quite
tions into individual commands challenging.”
that can instruct groups of these “We developed a research
robots, even when the robots have agenda where we mixed the math-
different capabilities. ematical side of multi-robot sys-
Her team also worked on a tem coordination with the artistic
method for the robots to serve side, using tools for artistic expres-
as an interactive tool between a sion.”
human artist and a canvas for When Shackelford asked about
painting. challenges she faced during this
When asked what inspired project, she answered these mostly
her interest in this research, San- stemmed from the complexity of
tos said that while studying in the artistic condition.
Spain, she enjoyed the combina- She also pointed out the high
tion of her passion for music and expectations that people have Photo courtesy of news.gatech.edu
love of engineering and more of robots and of what they can Alum María Santos’ art is supported by robots. The goal of her research
technical areas. accomplish. a work is to experiment with creating a tool for artistic expression.

Find your own niche with club recruitment The centerpiece of the club and tic review process, but the general
MAYA TORRES one of many symbols of Tech, trait the organization is seeking is
ASSISTANT LIFE EDITOR the Ramblin’ Wreck, is one of an genuine passion for Tech.
abundance of opportunities the “A common misconception is
As the spring semester gets club has to bring spirit to campus. that you have to be an expert on
underway, so has recruitment for The club hosts student expe- traditions, history and Reck Club
many of Tech’s student organiza- riences, plans Homecoming, at- to apply for Reck Club, and that’s
tions. tends sporting events and is active not necessarily true,” Miller said.
This includes Ramblin’ Reck in a multitude of other ways to “We’re more about enthusiasm
Club, Student Center Programs bring smiles to the faces of other- and how excited you are to learn
Council (SCPC), Greek Life and wise stressed students. more than what you already know
SMILE. Ramblin’ Reck Club is Because Ramblin’ Reck Club coming into the process.”
one of Tech’s oldest and most re- has such a crucial duty on cam- The application can be ac-
vered clubs on campus. pus, their recruitment and selec- cessed at reckclub.org and is due
Its founding reflects its mis- tion process is intensive and selec- by midnight on Friday, Jan. 29.
sion. tive. Applicants with any questions can
“We were founded in 1930, “Because we are such a small contact Miller at membership-
so as you can imagine, the entire and intimate club, it’d be a little [email protected].
world was pretty sad at the time,” weird to just have an application Another organization on cam-
said Whitney Miller, fifth-year and pick people,” Miller said. “We pus responsible for shaping cam-
ECON major and the 2021 Reck are looking for such a weird niche pus life is SCPC, who plans a
Club Membership Chair. “The of enthusiastic Tech students, our variety of different events around
head football coach at the time process looks for a person and not campus and Atlanta, including
looked for a group of enthusias- just what they are on paper.” Midnight Breakfast and Ramble
tic students to bring the campus Once a prospective member In. While the application dead-
morale up, which is why we say fills out their application, a se- line for SCPC has already passed, Photo by Tuna Ergan Student Publications
we’ve been spreading joy since ries of socials and interviews take recruitment usually occurs at the The Ramblin’ Reck Club brings spirit and community
1930. That’s, at our core, what we place to get to know the applicant. beginning of each semester. to Tech football games. Many other clubs share
wanted to do.” The club has an extremely holis- See CLUBS. PAGE 11 a similar mission to support the student body.
// LIFE technique • January 29, 2021• 9

Power of a post: democracy in a digital age

to actually hurt people or do noth- would do if someone claims there Swire moved into a legal basis “... They should have transparency
HOPE WILLIAMS ing and they’re getting rich from was evidence of voting irregulari- for deciding what to do by ex- about the terms of service. They
LIFE EDITOR it,” Swire said. “Do you think the ties on election night. amining the Communications have to have algorithms to try to
site should be able to block these “If you’re the platform, there’s Decency Act of 1996, which was help human judgment.”
The 2020 Presidential Election kinds of fraudulent ads?” a lot of reason, in that moment of published in the earliest days of Fealing pointed out that algo-
broke many records, including the For years, T.V. stations and breaking news, to say ‘Well, we the Internet and differentiates on- rithms still have issues.
highest voter turnout since the platforms have blocked fraudulent don’t really know the facts here line platforms from publishers. “I think you’re hinting at the
1900 election, with over 66% of ads. However, what would happen yet,’ so you probably let it stay up,” “If a user posts a falsehood, term of artificial intelligence
the eligible voting population par- if the content is, instead, a scien- Swire said. “Well, what if you’ve Section 230 says Facebook can’t methodologies that can be used
ticipating. tific study? had 60 lawsuits, all of which have be sued for defamation. It wasn’t here, which also have sometimes
To mark the Inauguration of “Sometimes it’s not clear come out the same way and the Facebook saying it,” Swire said. some biases built in one way or
President Biden on Jan. 20, Kaye what’s fraudulent. There might be facts seem clear on the other side?” The idea of this act was to another,” Fealing said. “... I think
Husbands Fealing, Dean of Ivan a scientist with a new study who “At this point, saying the elec- cut new technology companies a the technologists need to get at
Allen College of Liberal Arts and says COVID isn’t really that bad,” tion was stolen looks a lot like break so they could grow. Now this, but also the social scientists
cybersecurity privacy expert Pe- Swire said. “Do you block the disinformation. It looks like it’s however, a new question has be- and as you said as well the legal
ter Swire discussed the state of scientific study? Well, probably known to be a lie.” gun to arise — at what point sector as well, in terms of develop-
American politics and ways in you’ll decide no, you don’t block The point of thinking about should online platforms be liable? ing some practical solutions.”
which technology affects democ- the scientific thing.” these exercises is to realize that Swire offered his opinion. Important to these discussions
racy. Applying this thinking to the deciding what to do with each “I do think the companies is an understanding of the Rule of
Swire is the Elizabeth and November election, he posed post, especially when a company should have better procedures to Law, an important legal concept
Thomas Holder Chair of Law the question of what you, as the has millions of users, can be chal- address disinformation and fraud relevant to governance.
and Ethics at Scheller College of controller of the media company, lenging. and these problems,” Swire said. See ELECTIONS. PAGE 11
Business and Senior Counsel with
Alston & Bird, LLP.
Additionally, he worked with
President Clinton as Chief Coun-
sel for Privacy and with President
Obama as a member of the Re-
view Group on Intelligence and
Communications Technology.
Swire began by focusing on
the legal implications of posts on
online platforms. He explains that
while many on the political right
fear the potential abuse of a tech
company censoring users, oth-
ers on the left fear the power of a
megaphone that could be used to
create civil disorder.
“In the United States, you can’t
shout fire in a crowded theater,”
Swire said. “You can’t incite peo-
ple to attack their fellow citizens
in their government. And by the
time you get to insurrection, there
have to be legal consequences, or
consequences at a minimum, on
speech for the platform.”
Next, Swire encouraged lis-
teners to pretend they were given
control of a media company and
had to decide when to block con-
tent. The following situations re-
quire serious consideration. Photo by Hope Williams via YouTube
“Let’s say somebody’s advertis- As President Biden was sworn in to office on Jan. 20, cybersecurity expert Peter Swire
ing fraudulent cures that are going and Kaye Husbands Fealing, the Dean of Ivan Allen College, reflected on the state of American elections.
10 • January 29, 2021• technique // LIFE

Tech Alumna joins 11Alive weather team

weather forecast, gaining expe- that we can do all we want in our municator that was important Within broadcast meteorology,
MADHURA GANGAL rience from her internships and careers, but at the end of the day, to her. Nord is able to combine her pas-
CONTRIBUTING WRITER being pushed out of her comfort that’s just one part of your life. If “I think that I’ve developed sion for science with teaching.
zone in her synoptic meteorology you don’t have happiness, what’s my own craft and style of doing She gets to do community out-
At five years old, Melissa Nord class were some of the things that the point, right?” things in the last few years and let reach, including visiting schools
was terrified of thunderstorms. Nord believes helped her in her Reflecting on her own career my personality come out,” Nord and community outreach.
Now, she is an Emmy-winning future career. so far, Nord is thankful that she said. “I think it’s most rewarding
certified broadcast meteorologist, “I think that class in combina- has been able to really come into Nord is also very grateful that to me when I inspire someone
having covered everything from tion with the cable network really her own. she seems to have found the per- to be interested in the science
winter storms to tornado out- prepared me to not only under- Although when she gradu- fect niche for who she is. of the weather,” Nord said. “I
breaks. stand the science and talk about ated, she was equipped with lots “I always thought, if I don’t think weather resonates with a
Nord recently joined 11Alive the science in a professional man- of knowledge, it was growing into go into weather, I want to be a lot of people and I just fell in love
News in Atlanta as their weekend ner, but also communicate it on who she is as a scientist and a com- teacher,” Nord said. with it.”
morning meteorologist. television,” Nord said.
“It’s been a dream of mine to It was once she started working
come back home to Atlanta to in her internships that Nord felt
forecast,” Nord said. she realized all that went into do-
Growing up, Nord was in- ing forecasts for TV.
trigued by the weather channel “Every single microclimate
coverage, to the point where, even that you forecast in all the differ-
as a child. ent areas of the country, [they] all
She would sometimes stay at have different challenges,” Nord
home and watch it instead of go- said. “So you have to re-learn how
ing outside and playing. to forecast in those places.”
“I saw these meteorologists, Looking back, Nord believed
these scientists talking about the that her first job was quite tough.
different aspects of each storm “I think once you get past
and they were standing outside those first jobs where you kind of
in the elements, not scared, but pay your dues, where it’s rougher
[rather] informing people of what than normal, you find a good bal-
to expect,” Nord said. “My fear ance where you really enjoy what
grew into fascination ... that’s why you’re doing professionally, but
I got interested in weather.” you also [can] still make up for
Nord grew up in the Atlanta time lost with family,” Nord said.
area and attended Tech for her Nord feels that having good
undergraduate degree in EAS. relationships with family mem-
“I think what’s great about the bers and maintaining close friend-
EAS program at Georgia Tech is ships is a value that has been really
you have so many options,” Nord important to her throughout her
said. “You really [get] to find your journey.
niche and what you [are] inter- “Life is short and you need
ested in and [are] not interested in to spend time with your family,”
and I landed upon broadcasting.” Nord said. “It’s better to have, I
During her time at Tech, being think, fewer good relationships Photo courtesy of media.wusa9.com
involved with the Tech Cable Net- than a bunch of superficial, sur- Melissa Nord, a Tech graduate, is the weekend meteorologist at 11Alive.
work, where she started a weekly face-level relationships ... I think Her work combines her passion for environmental science with community outreach.
// LIFE technique • January 29, 2021• 11

CLUBS FROM PAGE 8 ELECTIONS FROM PAGE 9

nable as that might seem to you,” Swire connected these ideas to Moving forward, Swire en-
Swire said. the aforementioned legal concept couraged Americans to try to con-
variety of different events around The Rule of Law states that the Swire concluded the talk with of the Rule of Law. sider other political perspectives.
campus and Atlanta. powers of the rulers cannot be ar- some final words of advice. “Most importantly, as a nation, “They may be politically dif-
Some events include the Mid- bitrary and must be accountable, “Try to understand how a per- I think we have our best chance ferent from you or political op-
night Breakfast and Ramble In. established and consistent. son of good faith could reach the to reaffirm democracy, to reaffirm ponents, but they’re not your en-
Although the application dead- “In a democracy, the most opposite conclusion,” Swire said. the Rule of Law, if we can genu- emy,” Swire said. “I hope that that
line for SCPC has already passed, important Rules of Law are have “As a lawyer, we’re trained to un- inely try to understand the best continues to be a feature of the
recruitment usually occurs at the fair elections and then follow the derstand the other side’s best ar- arguments of people of good faith, American way of doing our lives.”
beginning of each semester. election results and if people go to guments, because that’s gonna let even when they’re on the other A recording can be found on
The deadline has also passed violence to undo that, that is right you make your case better.” side,” Swire said. the Georgia Tech YouTube page.
for the Interfraternity Council at the center of breaking the Rule
(IFC) rush week, but the Con- of Law,” Swire said.
tinuous Open Bidding (COB) Another central part of the
process is still open for the Colle- American history of the Rule of
giate Panhellenic Council (CPC), Law is a peaceful transition of
which will accept new sorority re- power.
cruits on a rolling basis through- “That’s been true in every other
out the semester. election until this year and this
Unlike previous Spring semes- year for weeks and weeks after the
ters, all eight CPC chapters, as election, President Trump refused
well as two associate chapters are to say that he was committed to
recruiting for membership. a peaceful transition of power,”
The interest form for COB can Swire said. “He continued to say
be found at gatechcpc.com. things that weren’t true about
SMILE, a relatively new stu- the election that he knew by then
dent organization, is responsible were not true.”
for uplifting the mood around The final part of the discussion
campus through love notes, paint- was on the path forward.
ed pumpkins, goodie bags and “Mr. Biden received over 81
staff appreciation. million votes, the largest number
Their application is also rolling in history. Mr. Trump received
and can be accessed via their Face- more than 74 million votes, the
book or Instagram, @SMILE.gat- second largest number in history,”
ech. Fealing said. “For lots of people
With the long list of student is a huge question. How could so
organizations, only a fraction of many people have voted for the
whom even have a recruitment or other candidate?”
application process, every student Swire pointed out this huge
at Tech is guaranteed to find their turnout clearly shows Americans
place and people on campus. felt there were many important
Recruitment for the fall will societal issues riding on the 2020
also be quickly approaching, so election.
students can keep an eye out for “Imagine why people might Photo courtesy of denverpost.com
organizations they are interested have voted the other way, as President Biden received over 81 million votes in the 2020 Election.
in joining. strange and weird and unimagi- President Trump received over 74 million votes. Both numbers broke records.
Opinions
OPINIONS EDITOR: Journey Sherman technique
Only the mediocre are always at
5
“ their best.”
— Jean Giraudeaux
Friday,
January 29, 2021

OUR VIEWS | Consensus Opinion

Is change ever easy?
Tech’s COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout “Do you know
what will make you happy?
The success of the plan depends upon the community I’m still trying to figure that
out.”
A week before students returned to fact that the vaccine is not a catch-all.
campus, Tech’s Coronavirus Task Force Although it is not solely up to the ad- ABIGAIL GUTIERREZ-RAY
ONLINE EDITOR
sent out an email letting all students and ministration as to whether or not the vac-
staff know that they would be rolling out cine is mandatory, it is imperative that as
the first phase of their COVID-19 vaccina- much of campus as possible gets it.
tion plan. We also recognize and empathize with Is change ever an easy thing? in my indecision, worry and
The email was brief but provided infor- individuals apart of marginalized groups Sometimes it can be exciting, anxiety.
but standing before a cliffside I think these looming life
mation as to how the phases would be di- that have reasonable concerns and deep- of unknowns tends to be in- choices are intimidating be-
vided and who would fall into each phase. rooted trust issues with the medical com- timidating. cause so much of our lives we
The first phase, 1A+, includes all medi- munity due to the historic mistreatment of Decisions and choices, the have been told that this is what
path forward, all of it makes we live for: to get a good job, to
cal and COVID-19 testing staff, Athletic said groups. me feel like I’m Indiana Jones have security, to have certainty.
Association staff and trainers, GTPD staff There is no way to fully right the in the Last Crusade movie Except, those things aren’t
and those 65 years and older. wrongs of the past, but the rollout of where he has to have faith that absolute. What is a stable job
there is a path before him as he worth if the company isn’t
The first allotment of vaccines includes this vaccine has been as transparent as endeavors to walk across a great focused on equity and inclu-
nearly 1,200 vaccines from both Pfizer and possible as a means to mitigate these divide. sion? What is certainty worth
Moderna, but more are expected in the feelings. We believe that even after the I don’t really know if I’m if it takes the joy of adventure
as brave as Indiana Jones, or with it?
coming weeks. full rollout finishes, there is no reason that maybe it’s not a lack of bravery, All of these changes and de-
The following phase, 1B, will include all Tech should loosen regulations like social- but a lack of faith that were I cisions that I find myself facing
to step off of solid ground, that now and for the next year, they
faculty and staff and after that phase, 1C, ly distant learning and mandatory masks my feet would not fall through don’t have to be so overwhelm-
which will include all those from ages 16- wearing right away. empty air. ing. These things should be ex-
64 that suffer from “medical conditions Even a year from now we may still be As I go into my last semester citing, not terrifying.
at Tech, everything feels like I think I’ve given this time
that increase the risk for severe illness with reeling from the repercussions of the pan- some great big de- of decision a bit
Covid-19.” demic and to act as though the vaccine is a cision I must make too much power
According to the CDC, these condi- magic wand would be foolish. and it’s all too easy “I wouldn’t be where over me and the
to stand in one I am without the rest of my life
tions include autoimmune diseases such as Although the research behind the vac- place like a deer in but the worst
cancer, type II diabetes, heart conditions, cines is extremely promising, which boasts headlights rather advice and kindness thing that can
than possibly make of the people who come from it all
chronic kidney diseases and more. a 95% effectiveness rate, there is still more a decision. is that I am still
As of yet, Tech has not released its own work to be done as to whether or not if I’m worried love me, who are loved.
list of who will be included on this list. someone that does get infected after get- about making willing to sit with Still worthy
the best decision, of being known.
The order of those vaccinated is based ting the vaccine is still contagious even the right deci- me in my indecision, Still free to find
on the size of each group and not necessar- without life-threatening symptoms. This sion, the decision worry and anxiety.” joy and happi-
ily based on a hierarchy of importance. rollout will be as successful as we want it that will make me ness, free to take
happy. longer than the
No group of people is being singled out to be. This is a community effort and it will That too, makes things more person next to me, to make less
or should be made to feel less than. take every member at Tech to do their part. confusing, wanting to be hap- money than someone else, to
py. I want to be happy wherever do whatever it is I will do be-
We are extremely grateful for all the We are grateful for the opportunity to this next chapter finds me but cause it’s my life.
hardworking and determined staff provid- have vaccines allotted to us and do not I’m not sure what will make me The worst that could hap-
ing vaccinations for the campus and we take our privilege for granted. There are happy. Do you know what will pen is that I move at my own
make you happy? I’m still try- pace, that I forge my own path,
realize that the number of doses that are many people right outside the perimeter ing to figure that out. that I live my own life.
allocated to Tech is out of their hands. of Tech’s campus that have no foreseeable What I do know is that I That’s not too bad if you ask
These individuals are and will continue way of getting the vaccine anytime soon. wouldn’t be where I am with- me, I want to live my life, not
out the people in my life, with- the person next to me.
to work tirelessly to vaccinate every mem- The Technique Editorial Board is hope- out the friends and family who There are no comparisons to
ber of the institution that wants a vaccine. ful and optimistic that the vaccine rollout picked me up when I messed be made here because you are
up, when I put too much pres- you and I am me and that is a
Likewise, the Technique Editorial plan will have a beneficial impact on the sure on myself, when I tried to beautiful and exciting thing.
Staff wants to zero in on the importance of Tech community, but that it would be un- do too much. So, as you face the road
getting vaccinated, but not lose sight of the wise to let our guard down too soon. I wouldn’t be where I am ahead, wherever you go, what-
without the advice and kind- ever you choose, it will be
ness of the people who love me, beautiful because it will
who are willing to sit with me be you.

The Consensus Opinion reflects the majority opinion of the Editorial Board of the
Technique, but not necessarily the opinions of individual editors. Write to us: are responses to or commentaries on
content found within the pages of the
[email protected] Technique. Along with these letters,
we are open to receiving letters that
Got something to say? Then let focus on relevant issues that currently
technique editorial board your voice be heard with the Tech-
nique. Sliver at Nique.net, tweet us
affect Georgia Tech as a university, in-
cluding its campus and student body.
@the_nique or check us out on Face- When submitting letters we ask
Taylor Gray EDITOR-IN-CHIEF book at facebook.com/thenique. We that you include your full name, year
Jannat Batra MANAGING EDITOR want to hear your opinion and want (1st, 2nd, etc.) and major. We ask that
to make it known to all of campus. letters be thought provoking, well
Hope Williams LIFE EDITOR Journey Sherman OPINIONS EDITOR We also welcome your letters in written and in good taste. We reserve
Danielle Sisson PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Maya Flores ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR response to Technique content as the right to both reject or edit letters
well as topics relevant to campus. for length and style.
Keely Culbertson TECHNOLOGY EDITOR Abigail Gutierrez-Ray ONLINE EDITOR We will print letters on a timely and For questions, comments or con-
Jack Purdy SPORTS EDITOR Natalie Boutwell NEWS EDITOR space-available basis. cern, contact the Opinions Editor at
Avni Shridhar COPY EDITOR Amanda Wang DESIGN EDITOR Each week we look for letters that [email protected].
6 • January 29, 2021• technique // OPINIONS

A call for unity in America

Jefferson states we must recognize soul. The master no longer says:
that “every difference of opinion is you will think as I do or die. He
not a difference of principle,” and says: you are free not to think as I
that we have “been called by dif- do. You may keep your life, your
ferent names brethren of the same property and everything else. But
principle.” If this nation is going from this day forth you shall be
to heal, it must cleanse itself of the as a stranger among us. You will
vitriol that fills the current social retain your civic privileges, but
discourse, annul itself of radical they will be of no use to you. For
ideology (on both sides), abandon if you seek the votes of your fellow
demagoguery, and revisit the prin- citizens, they will withhold them,
ciples that make it so remarkable. and if you seek only their esteem,
MICAH VEILLON I hope to soon write about what they will feign to refuse even that.
STAFF WRITER these principles are. You will remain among men, but
Gamers to Bankers RIP to the King Thomas Jefferson also you will forfeit your rights to hu-
GameStop’s stock surged Notable host and TV states that his fellow citizens must manity. When you approach your
by 135% due to a concerted personality Larry King died President Biden’s Inaugural “unite with one heart and one fellow creatures, they will shun
effort by users on the social at the age of 87 this week. Address was an auspicious call to mind,” and “restore to social inter- you as one who is impure. And
media platform Reddit. The His show “Larry King Live,” unify the country. While I happen course that harmony and affection even those who believe in your
initial surge started after the for which he gained his to disagree with the President on a without which liberty and even innocence will abandon you, lest
company announced there prominence, ran for over 25 multitude of ideas and matters of life itself are but dreary things.” In they, too, be shunned in turn.
would be new directors added years on CNN. His show aired policy, a call to unify this bruised my opinion, this is the most para- Go in peace, I will not take your
to its board, and was spurred over 6,000 episodes before his nation is most certainly one that I mount point of his entire Address life, but the life I leave you with is
on by memes. retirement in 2010. can stand behind; and I encour- because it has to do with the cul- worse than death.”
age everyone to do ture. Jefferson is calling If we truly want unity, we ab-
the same, regard- for restoring the social solutely must fight for it. Peace is
less of political discourse, and returning not the natural state of man, and
affiliation. I will “If we truly to a culture of harmony our nature to associate with tribes
say, however, that want unity, we and affection among can be quite dangerous.
this call may land his fellow citizens. If we In The History of Rome, Livy
on deaf ears in this absolutely must want unity in America, states that if one wishes to follow
political climate of fight for it.” we must practice it. If the fall of the Roman Republic,
Say Bye-den to Taking a Duke-ie partisan sectarians we truly want unity, we “let him follow the decay of the
This week, Tech was so close and ideologues must renounce our de- national character, observing how
Private Prisons unless we clearly sire to label those we dis- at first it slowly sinks, then slips
This week President Biden to winning over basketball
giant Duke, but could not state how this shall be done. In agree with as impure strangers that downwards more and more rap-
signed an executive order that order to do this, I wish to analyze must be removed from the social idly, and finally begins to plunge
will prohibit creation of any overcome the team. The final
score was a disappointing 68- another auspicious Inaugural Ad- discourse. To revisit Tocqueville’s into headlong ruin.” I pray our
new private prisons and begin dress, that of our third president Democracy in America, he gives fate is not the same.
to phase out their existence. 75. This weekend Tech will
face off on their own turf Thomas Jefferson. a prophetic vision of the possible I stand behind President
Biden signed the order in Being a partisan man him- end of America’s democratic re- Biden’s call for unity, but as
accordance with his promises against Florida State. Here’s
hoping this game will turn out self, Jefferson realized the need public. He states that tyranny in America is on the brink of its
to address the racial inequities for unity in America, and thus a democratic republic doesn’t pro- own political Peloponnesian War,
within the prison system. differently than the last.
delivered what is regarded as one ceed like those of monarchies or this unity must be practiced, and
of the best Inaugural Addresses dictatorships. Instead, “It ignores above all else, we must restore the
in the history of our nation. In it, the body and goes straight for the national character.
// OPINIONS technique • January 29, 2021• 7

A look into my quarantine hotel experience

friend’s houses who were ex- tracers. the door. They’d then call my that still sobers me considering
posed or campus organizations I ended the day in one of room phone to tell me I had a the plausible alternatives.
that experienced outbreaks. Af- Tech’s quarantine beds, a solo delivery once they were safely Whether you lay in
ter getting the message Sunday room on the third floor of a downstairs again. For academ- a hospital bed, quarantine
morning, my critical tenden- chain hotel near campus. ics, my professors were also bed, or your own bed safely at
cies and judgment had nowhere If the skyline did not have notified on my behalf so my home, I wish you health, peace
to turn but to myself. the familiar collection of At- coursework would be accessible and the reminder that you can
Even if exposure on an lanta buildings, I would have remotely. only control one next right ac-
American college campus has believed that I was on a trip to Even my hall director called tion.
become practically inevitable, a city far away from school. to check in and make sure I For me, the next action is
for me the notification set off The professional and smooth had everything I needed dur- this — thanking my case man-
LANE ELDER waves of anxiety. way Tech handled the entire ing my stay. The whole time, agers at Tech for their tireless
ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR Aware of my potentially in- quarantine process truly would all I had to do was stay put and work keeping campus safe.
fectious incubation period, I make the engineering depart- see if the virus would show up Say what you will about the
I arrived back on campus af- stressed every interaction for ment proud. in my system. Tech administration’s handling
ter the break on Friday morn- which I could be responsible First, I had a housing staff Between the quick accom- of the virus, but after my ex-
ing, and less than 48 hours lat- for continuing the exposure member contact me and ex- modations and kindness of the periences to start the semester
er I got the notification: I had chain. To me, carrying the vi- plain the process, acting as a staff members I was in contact I more clearly saw their efforts
been exposed to someone who rus was not just the potential sort of case member for my per- with, my emotions towards at work.
tested positive for COVID-19. annoyance of a couple of flu sonal quarantine timeline. A quarantine changed from To those individuals that
Since moving in, I still symptoms. doctor at STAMPS also called shame to thankfulness. helped me when I was possi-
hadn’t unpacked my bags from The past months have em- a couple of times to confirm my As an on-campus resident, I bly contagious, I see the work
home from Christmas break, bedded news stories of over- exposure period, symptoms, did not have to pay for the hotel that went into it, and I am so
visited Barnes and Noble to flowing hospitals, terrified and answer any medical ques- or transportation there. When appreciative.
grab my textbooks, or walked healthcare workers, and family tions about the coronavirus. I raised financial concerns over Oh, and for anyone reading
to my favorite Midtown coffee members unable to properly A driver transported me the cost of the meal delivery, who should embark on a stay
shop. mourn loved ones. As a college from my apartment building my case manager worked with in the quarantine hotel, here
As campus wraps up its first student, I didn’t ever envision to the hotel with hip hop music me to discuss alternatives. are some quick tips: the rooms
month back since the break, myself as the patient, but now and a plastic sheet to separate The fact that my classes had are about eleven steps long so
more than 400 positive cases I saw myself as the cause of my germs from his seat (I later online accommodations and consider bring a yoga mat for
have been reported in the Tech someone else in a hospital bed found out from a friend that that my work let me take time at-home workouts.
community. Last semester the — who had I been in contact they fumigated the van after off after exposure are immense My room had a mini-fridge,
count totaled 1,600. with? each trip). privileges. but no microwave. Pack your
Due to the coronavirus’s Terrified and embarrassed, In the hotel lobby, a key Even the PCR test kit that I own coffee. The Chrome exten-
infectious nature, every one of I Facetimed my apartment- card and check-in envelope was personally delivered on day sion “Teleparty” allows you to
those positive individuals sets mates to tell them the news, was waiting for me, giving a 5 after exposure would be inac- watch your favorite shows with
off a chain reaction of expo- and then contacted my RA, new meaning to the phrase cessible anywhere else without friends remotely.
sure, but up until now, I had launching a long days’ worth of “contactless” check-in. waiting in long lines or having Finally, know that on the
somehow assumed I was im- phone calls and surreal proto- At the hotel, staff delivered good insurance. other side of your stay, you’ll
mune. col emails. Worries were soon anything from meals to CO- And after my quarantine never be more thankful to
Last semester, I vividly re- out of my head, made concrete, VID-19 test kits to the pillow time was up, I was able to safe- walk around campus in your
member passing judgment on and investigated by contact I forgot at home to the outside ly return to campus, something mask, free.
 technique

Entertainment
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR:
Maya Flores
ASSISTANT ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR:
Emma Ryan Friday,
12
[email protected] January 29, 2021

Zayn’s ‘Nobody is Listening’ not worth a listen

MUSIC opener that makes him sound like
a teenage stoner rather than a 28-
Nobody is Listening year old experienced singer. While
Zayn it is interesting to see him explor-
ing the realm of different musical
LABEL: RCA Records genres, his rapping sounds like
GENRE: Pop, R&B that of an amateur, blasé and dis-
passionate.
TRACK PICKS: “Better“ Later songs in the album do
RELEASE DATE: Jan. 15 not leave him a window to redeem
himself, either.
OUR TAKE: «« «« Malik’s attempt at an R&B-
esque genre is not authentic by
YESHA THAKKAR any stretch of the imagination,
STAFF WRITER and as a result, it is a little chal-
lenging to take his confessional
The theme of Zayn Malik’s ballads seriously.
new album, “Nobody is Listen- As he takes us through his re-
ing,” is fairly self-explanatory — lationship with model Gigi Hadid
he wonders if anyone is still listen- and through personal insecuri-
ing to him, and for the most part, ties, the combination of diluted
he seems convinced that nobody guitar strumming and unimpres-
is. Sadly, it appears that nobody is sive songwriting leads audiences
listening to this album, either. to a general apathy for the music
After two years, Malik’s previ- in “Nobody is Listening.” These Photo courtesy of RCA Records
ous album, “Icarus Falls,” barely early songs set the tone for the rest Former One Direction boyband member Zayn’s third solo record ‘Nobody is
scratched the surface of the Top of the album. Listening’ explores new genres and styles but fails to execute any of them well.
100 and quickly fell down the As Pitchfork’s review of the
charts. Time will tell if “Nobody album points out, “the album’s in this album from its general dis- setto, barely compensate for the All in all, “Nobody is Listen-
is Listening” will do any better most tolerable songs fixate on the sonance. The contrast between general inexperience Malik shows ing” shows Malik at a crossroads
— but commercial success seems physical, a pulsating goo of slow the deeply personal songwriting in exploring a different genre of in terms of his career, as it is still
unlikely. drums and reverbed descriptions in the earlier songs and overtly music. unclear whether he is interested in
The opening track for this al- of skin mashed against skin.” physical details in these songs is Malik clearly still has a knack producing Top 100 hit music or
bum, “Calamity,” begins with the Songs like “When Love’s off, and does not translate well to for singing a love song, and songs soulful, intimate music meant for
lyric, “My brain lives with the can- Around” and “Tightrope” signal audiences. like “Better” provide a beautiful the most avid of his fans.
nabis / Can I resist the dark abyss a shift in tone from the acoustic The album has some redeem- retelling of a romantic story in its If anything, this album shows
/ Leave a mark on this with no openers but do not do much to ing features, of course. Malik’s truest, simplest coffee-shop-esque that he cannot, unfortunately,
start, just exist,” a wince-inducing alleviate the quality of the music vocals, such as his resonating fal- form. have both.

‘Pieces of a Woman’ not emotional enough

FILM him all along. The film follows his
spiral closely, but it still feels a bit
Pieces of a Woman disjointed — it is hard to reconcile
GENRE: Drama the gentle giant from the begin-
ning with the brute at the end.
STARRING: Vanessa Kirby The one-shot depiction of Mar-
DIRECTOR: Kornél tha’s delivery is unequivocally bril-
Mundruczó liant as it builds a sense of inevi-
tability and authenticity that will
RATING: R come in handy when the events
RELEASE DATE: Jan. 7 of the night are later recounted in
a courtroom. But despite superb
OUR TAKE: «« «« acting and Kata Wéber’s (“White
God”) magnificent script, the film
never quite lives up to its opening
EMMA RYAN scene.
ASSISTANT ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Mundruczó and Wéber are
partners in real life, and their own
The opening shots of Hun- experience with an infant death
garian director Kornél Mun- comes through in the tight ex-
druczó’s (“White God”) latest changes between the characters,
film, “Pieces of A Woman,” are the long silences, even the choppy
commonplace enough. Sean pacing. But one can not help but
(Shia LaBeouf, “Transformers”) feel that, as gritty and personal as
wraps up his work day on a con- the film is, it still doesn’t go quite
struction site. His very pregnant deep enough, telling masterfully
partner, Martha (Vanessa Kirby, Photo courtesy of Netflix but never quite showing.
“The Crown”), endures an office Shia LaBeouf (‘Transformers’) and Vanessa Kirby (‘The Crown’) star opposite one The movie gets caught up in its
baby shower. The couple finalize another in Kornél Mundruczó’s (‘White Gold’) latest gut wrenching, yet flat, film. own filmy-ness at the expense of
the purchase of a car by Martha’s a tighter plot: visually immaculate
mother, Elizabeth (Ellen Burstyn, falls apart is unnervingly real and really knowing what’s going on shots follow in quick succession,
“The Exorcist”), who makes clear Following its shocking open- impossibly intimate. inside her head. but the side stories feel random
her dislike for Sean. ing scenes, the film continues with Unlike Sean, Martha doesn’t Opposite Kirby, LaBeouf is and even irrelevant; the repeated
That night, Martha, who is de- a harrowing examination of Sean, shatter, at least on the outside — similarly convincing, but his symbolism grows old fast. The
termined to have a home delivery, Martha and Elizabeth as they deal she goes back to work, to the gro- character is considerably less film ends on a redemptive note,
goes into labor. What follows is an with the grief and tragedy of los- cery story, to the bookstore, and compelling. In the initial scenes which is nice, but fails to deliver
intimate depiction of her delivery, ing a newborn baby. Sean spirals if the constant reminders of what of the film, Sean plays a tender, the emotional fulfillment or wrap
in one masterful 24-minute shot. into addiction, abuse, and adul- she’s lost bother her, she does not if somewhat clumsy, father-to- up the story with the heaviness it
The midwife, Eva (Molly Parker, tery. Proceedings begin against show it. When she and Sean go be and a loving partner. But the needs.
“House of Cards”) arrives, and at Eva, and Elizabeth encourages to the coroner to learn the cause tragedy that rips through his life “Pieces of A Women” is unde-
first, things seem to be going well. Martha to testify against the mid- of death, Sean storms out, curs- brings out an ugly, oafish side as niably a gut-wrenching watch, but
But the shot drags on and on, ten- wife in court in an effort to get ing, with tears in his eyes. Martha Martha drifts farther and farther one walks away feeling like maybe
sion builds and things go horribly some justice. Martha herself goes gives the doctor a neutral “thank away. Elizabeth condemns Sean it is not quite as gut-wrenching as
wrong. on with life, and she is icily, se- you.” But Kirby’s genius is that throughout the movie, and by it needed to be.
Sirens wail in the distance as renely fine. Kirby’s Oscar-worthy the viewer can watch as Martha’s its end the viewer is inclined to “Pieces of a Woman” is stream-
the sequence ends. portrayal of a woman whose world cracks begin to show without ever believe that she was right about ing now on Netflix.
// ENTERTAINMENT technique • January 29, 2021• 13

‘One Night in Miami:’ best film of the year

FILM all met privately in Malcolm’s ho-
tel room. “One Night In Miami”
One Night in Miami speculates on what happened that
GENRE: Drama night.
Playwright Kemp Powers
STARRING: Eli Goree, Aldis adapted his original work, a play
Hodge by the same name, into a compel-
DIRECTOR: Regina King ling and lasting screenplay depict-
ing the Civil Rights Movement.
RATING: R In turn, King breathes life into an
RELEASE DATE: Jan. 8 already beautiful story. Although
King has prior television directing
OUR TAKE: ««««« experience, this is her feature film
directorial debut.
It is difficult to create a film
LOY BOYTER like “One Night in Miami” that is
CONTRIBUTING WRITER anchored in conversation instead
of action. In similarly structured
History is often grossly over- films, the audience can get bored
simplified. It is convenient to as the film seems to drag. It takes
teach the Civil Rights movement superbly written dialogue, strong
as one singular movement, and to direction and a stellar cast, all
ignore the numerous players and combining like a well-oiled ma-
the web of parties involved. It is chine to create the truly riveting
easy to reduce the hundreds and experience that makes a film like
thousands of voices down to one this work. And boy does King
singular voice, often that of Mar- make it work.
tin Luther King Jr. But history Although simplistic at times,
is not that easy. Regina King’s the direction fits extremely well Photo courtesy of Amazon Prime Video
(“Watchmen”) new film, “One with the conversational flow of A speculative fiction, director Regina King’s (‘Watchmen’) ‘One Night in Miami’ is an excellent
Night in Miami” embodies the the film; the writing and acting watch with incredible dialouge and suberb acting that sheds light on an important topic.
many voices that came together to are allowed to shine. Odom Jr.,
shape the Civil Rights movement. Ben-Adir, Goree and Hodge cre- Despite the lead actors’ excel- scenes that introduce the four pri- and their decades long relation-
Taking place almost entirely ate something truly special on the lence, many of the supporting mary characters, to the very last ship. A truly inspiring and mov-
in one room, the film depicts the screen. The chemistry between the characters are flat, awkward and moment, the film is an incredibly ing read.
events following Cassius Clay’s four main actors is palpable and un-fleshed out. Luckily, their moving experience that switches “One Night in Miami” cap-
(Eli Goree, “Race”), more well brings the exquisite screenplay to screen time is minimal, and the effortlessly between humor and tures viewers and transports them
known as his later moniker Mu- life. occasional flat delivery does not meaning with ease. to a time and place that feels si-
hammad Ali, defeat of Sonny Lis- Kemp’s writing is truly what dampen the profound and mov- For anyone who is interest- multaneously near and far. The
ton to capture the World Heavy- sets this film apart. Dialogues ing experience of the movie. ed in the powerful true stories ideas and themes of the film are
weight Title on Feb. 25, 1964. trivial and titanic weave a story “One Night in Miami” is spec- of these leaders, check out the as relevant now as ever, and will
Following Clay’s upset, four great that is both larger than life and ulative history, yet there is a real- book “Blood Brothers: The Fatal leave audiences profoundly affect-
icons — Clay, Jim Brown (King- incredibly human. These four ity to the dialogue and the char- Friendship between Muhammad ed and deep in thought well after
sley Ben-Adir, “High Fidelity”), men are legends, and leaders in acters that is incredibly tangible. Ali and Malcolm X,” written by the credits roll.
Sam Cooke (Aldis Hodge, “Hid- their respective fields. Still, King A great deal of research and effort Randy Roberts and Tech profes- “One Night in Miami” is one
den Figures”), and Malcolm X and Kemp expertly highlight their went into the realism of the story sor Johnny Smith. The book offers of the best films of the year! Watch
(Leslie Odom Jr, “Hamilton”) — humanity. and it shows. From the first few a deeper look into the two men it now on Amazon Prime Video.

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH JOURNAL

Showcase, Present, and Inspire

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH @ GT

gttower.org
14 • January 29, 2021• technique // ENTERTAINMENT

McCartney’s latest album unoriginal, redundant

MUSIC
McCartney III
Paul McCartney
LABEL: Hogg Hill Mill
GENRE: Art Rock
TRACK PICKS: “Winter Bird /
When Winter Comes” ”
OUR TAKE: ««
«««««
«««

MAYA TORRES
ASSISTANT LIFE EDITOR

Paul McCartney, influential

rocker and former bassist and
singer for the Beatles, is well
known for his two-decade-long
streak of success in the 1960’s and
70’s. Over half a century later his
career is still not over. McCartney,
78, released his 18th solo record,
“McCartney III” on Dec. 18.
With 11 tracks, “McCartney
III” is the second sequel to Mc-
Cartney’s debut solo album, “Mc-
Cartney,” from the year 1970. A Photo courtesy of Mary McCartney
decade later in 1980, McCartney Former Beatles member and rock legend Paul McCartney’s (‘New’) latest album, ‘McCartney
released “McCartney II.” Now, 40 III’ leaves much to be desired. The unmemorable album is redundant and unoriginal.
years later, the trilogy is complete.
Prior to this album, McCart- Sir McCartney can no longer be Road.” The similarities between of voice is stimulating but not but the constant repetition leaves
ney’s most recent album, “Egypt trusted to release original, enjoy- the two songs extend beyond the necessarily pleasing to the ear. It is much to be desired.
Station,” was met with little reac- able content. alliteration in the titles -- the lines nice to hear a fresh style from Mc- Nevertheless, a few gems stick
tion when it was released in 2018. Something McCartney has “You should see Polythene Pam” Cartney, but perhaps the singer out from McCartney’s last few
Some criticised McCartney, say- perfected during his many years and “Look out for Lavatory Lil” should stick with something he is albums, such as “Queenie Eye”
ing he was stretching his seven- of music experience is writing a have the same rhythm and num- more comfortable with. from 2014’s “NEW” and “Win-
decade-long music career too thin catchy backing track. The flip side ber of syllables. The resemblance “Winter Bird / When Winter ter Bird / When Winter Comes.”
in a desperate attempt to stay rel- to the dry lyrics of “Long Tailed is too close to be overlooked. Comes” starts out as a frightening These songs prove that McCart-
evant. Winter Bird” is the song’s reliance “Polythene Pam” was written reprise to “Long Tailed Winter ney still has potential for a good
This sentiment, while harsh, on a captivating guitar riff. While and sung by John Lennon and not Bird,” as if listeners had not had record left in him; he just needs
is reflected in “McCartney III.” tasteful, the instrumental quickly McCartney, which leaves listen- enough of the first song already, to put more time into each album
McCartney’s lyrics are bland, turns redundant — not nearly ers to question whether or not the but evolves into a peaceful ditty rather than putting them out as
something that he could have enough to satisfyingly fill the five most recent song is plagiarism. reminiscent of the Beatles’ “White rapidly as possible. But at his age,
consulted his 10-year-old grand- minute and 17 second track. In the next song, “Deep Deep Album.” This song alone, the last who can really blame him?
son to improve. The opening title, Further on into the record, Feeling,” McCartney embraces a on the record, is perhaps the sav- “McCartney III” is unmemo-
“Long Tailed Winter Bird,” con- “Lavatory Lil” has a steady modern sound, which, while an ing grace of the entire album. rable at best, but after a lifetime of
sists of only three lyrics: “Do you rhythm and upbeat tune, but is exciting departure from his status Throughout the record, the hits, McCartney can be cut some
miss me?”, “Do you feel me?”, and far too reminiscent of the Beatles’ quo, does not suit him well. The lyrics continue to fall flat. Sure, slack. Better luck next time, Sir
“Do you trust me?” In all honesty, “Polythene Pam” from “Abbey combination of different pitches not every word has to fit perfectly, Paul.
// ENTERTAINMENT technique • January 29, 2021• 15

Mendes impresses musically, falls short lyrically

MUSIC
Wonder
Shawn Mendes
LABEL: Island Records
GENRE: Pop
TRACK PICKS: “Teach Me
How to Love” / “Dream”
OUR TAKE: «««
«««««
««

TAYLOR GRAY
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Following the release of his

Netflix documentary “In Won-
der,” Shawn Mendes debuted his
fourth studio album “Wonder” on
Dec. 4 2020.
The prelude film failed to im-
press viewers and instead made
them witnesses to the incredibly Photo courtesy of Glen Luchford
awkward and timid interactions Shawn Mendes, who gained popularity after posting music covers on the app Vine, dropped his fourth studio
between Mendes and Camila album on Dec. 20. While the music production was stellar, Mendes has work to do in the lyrical department.
Cabello, Mendes’ girlfriend and
source of inspiration for a major- Mendes does what Shawn mature Mendes and a musical The pace picks up and gets friends to the point where they
ity of the album’s tracklist. While Mendes does best on this album, shift away from the manufactured slightly spicier with the tracks may believe he has forgotten
Mendes lacked charisma in the meaning that he produced a few pop found on his earlier works, “Higher” and “Teach Me How about them. Mendes expands on
documentary, he more than made hard hitting ballads and bangers some of the songs still come off as To Love” that offer a dance break his fears surrounding fame with
up with his musical gusto and (think along the lines of “In My lyrically stunted. throughout the otherwise lowkey Justin Bieber on the track “Mon-
passion that is present throughout Blood” and “Lost in Japan” from Nobody expected Mendes to and reflective album. ster” where they work through the
“Wonder.” his self titled album “Shawn reinvent the wheel on love songs, While “Wonder” primarily fo- media’s unrealistic expectations
Starting at the top of the al- Mendes”) and somehow tricked and lyrics such as “I heard that cuses on the feelings surrounding for the pair that found themselves
bum, it’s clear by the first few his listeners into believing that once a wise man said ‘Only fools Mendes’ relationship with Cabel- in the limelight at a young age.
tracks including the minute long the rest of the album was flawless. go rushing in’” bleed outside the lo, the album also touches on the What ultimately carries the
“Intro” that Mendes set out to What makes “Wonder” slightly lines of unoriginality. anxiety and the pressures associ- album is the intense instrumen-
take listeners through his jour- more redeemable than his previ- With that being said, there are ated with his fame. tals that tug on the heart strings
ney through what seems to be ous albums is the intense care that a few notable songs on “Wonder” “Call My Friends” serves as an of listeners, but a closer listen
his almost overwhelming feelings was clearly taken to produce the that make up for the instances of anthem for the envy he feels as the into the lyrics show that Mendes
of love and romance. These feel- beautiful instrumentals that make underdeveloped writing. responsibilities of being a musi- is struggling to fully step out of
ings are amplified through the listeners feel like the main char- The album’s title song “Won- cian prevent him from spending his pop sweetheart comfort zone.
hollowed piano, haunting melo- acter of their own coming of age der” is a woeful ballad that teters time with his hometown friends. “Wonder” represents a step in the
dies and seaside aesthetics that story. on the line of unrequited love Mendes seems to use multiple right direction for Mendes and it
intertwine throughout the album The background music, how- and stands as a song designed to points in the album to apologize can only be hoped that his lyrics
to paint a picture of a man who ever, can only compensate so be screamed at the top of your for not being able to be every- will one day reach the same level
seems to be drowning in love to much for the shallow lyrics that lungs while driving a little too fast where at once, as evidenced in the of beauty and sophistication that
the point that he can’t help but re- accompany the tracks. While this down the highway with all the beginning of “Wonder” where he the music and his vocals have
gurgitate every cliche in the book. album marks the arrival of a more windows down. admits that he has neglected his achieved on this album.
16 • January 29, 2021• technique // COMICS

Sarah’s Scribbles by Sarah Andersen Lio by Mark Tatulli

In the Bleachers by Steve Moore

SMBC by Zach Weinersmith
// COMICS technique • January 29, 2021• 17

original student comics

Aw R ats by Sarah Miller

Pearls before Swine by Stephen Pastis LunarBaboon by Christopher Grady

XKCD by Randall Munroe

SUDOKU PUZZLE
18 • January 29, 2021• technique // SPORTS

NHL returns to play with big changes

ready proving so with consistently wild-card teams hunting down a round. The winners of the third Seattle Kraken. They will have ac-
ALEX DUBE close games that come down to playoff spot from the latest playoff round will play in the Stanley Cup tivity this season though. On July
CONTRIBUTING WRITER the wire each night. This divi- structure realignment. Instead, Final. This new system means the 21t, Seattle will make one draft
sion packs rivalry games such as the top four teams from each di- cup final may host teams that selection in an expansion draft
This hockey season will be a Pittsburgh-Washington, Boston- vision will be seeded, where the could never have previously faced from each of the 31 current teams
season like no other. Amidst the Philadelphia, and the New York first-seed plays the fourth-seed off against each other for the that release a limited selection of
ongoing pandemic, players from teams that now meet again and team and the second-seed hosts Stanley Cup due to the conference players. This will give the Kraken
the 31 teams in the National again this season. With a season the third-seed team in the first separation, giving the 2021 season a set of NHL experienced players
Hockey League take the ice in as short as it is, every point and round, then winners play out the a possible Stanley Cup matchup to ensure they do not only build
hopes of taking home the prized every win are crucial. Within the second round. fully unique to just this year. their roster from inexperienced
Stanley Cup. first eleven days of the season, 21 Following the divisional play- During the early part players out of the normal NHL
This year’s shortened season games have already come to a de- off rounds, the winners will be of the pandemic, the NHL an- Draft. No matter the outcome,
comes with various changes in ciding overtime or shootout. re-seeded by the highest ranking nounced a 32nd franchise to begin 2021 is shaping up to be quite the
response to player safety. The This season’s roster situation teams left, and play in the third play in the 2022-2023 season, the year in the world of hockey.
revamped four divisions renew looks a bit different this year. In
long-standing rivalries, and the order to minimize outside inter-
teams in each division will play 56 action, the NHL allows only 23
divisional games shortly followed skaters and three goalies. This in-
by the Stanley Cup playoffs. This cludes a 20-man roster for games
cuts the normal 82-game season and a six-man “taxi squad” that
by 26. travel with the team and fill in for
During the offseason, the any COVID-19 positive players.
NHL Board of Directors devised As any sports league operat-
a new plan to safely return to play, ing in the pandemic, the NHL
while also making this season a bit has already had their share of out-
more exciting than usual. For the breaks. Just days before the season
first time in the league’s 104-year started, the Dallas Stars had 17
history, the seven Canadian teams players and staff test positive for
will face off in an all-Canadian COVID-19. While this has been
division. This decision is mainly the largest incident so far, similar
in light of Canada’s border restric- situations have come about result-
tions preventing non-essential ing in a few postponed games.
travel, but now these teams will The playoff bubble previously
face off against each other nine or used in the 2020 Stanley Cup
ten times this season. Last year, playoffs asked too much of the
when finishing the 2019-2020 players and was not cost effective,
season, the NHL used a bubble so reducing travel to two-game
format that took place exclusively stints and regional play while im-
in Canada because of their restric- plementing COVID-19 protocols
tions. was deemed the best option for all
Apart from the excitement up parties. Another NHL first comes
North, the 24 American teams in the form of adding advertise-
have found themselves split into ments to player helmets on ice to
three divisions of eight teams try and make up for lost revenue
apiece. These teams will face last season.
each team in their division eight Because of the new four-divi-
times, highlighting some intense sion playing structure, the for-
rivalries this season while inciting mat of the Stanley Cup Playoffs
some new ones. required changed. Revised divi- Photo courtesy of @TBLightning via Twitter
Perhaps the most exciting di- sions eliminate the usual Eastern Tampa Bay Lightning players clear the bench in celebration after the
vision this season is the East, al- and Western conferences and the final horn in game six of the Stanley Cup Finals vs the Dallas Stars.
// SPORTS technique • January 29, 2021• 19

Sports Shorts: Tech winter sports return

activity with her 400m gold. Sev-
eral Tech athletes found spots
on the podium over the two day
event, and many others posted ca-
reer best marks or finished in the
top ten.
Senior Tech runner Nicole
Fegans made history at the Caro-
lina Challenge in Columbia, SC
by setting the women’s school
mark for indoor 5K with a brisk
16:06.50 time. Fegans adds this
school record to her collection
WILL FUSS that already included the 3K and
ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR mile marks, and her record-setting
performance in Columbia earned
GOLF her the silver medal for the event.
Tech’s golf team teed off for
the year in Watersound, Florida SWIMMING
at the Camp Creek Invitational Aquatics are back underway
on January 18. The two day tour- in 2021 with Tech’s swimmers
nament featured ten of the ACC’s and divers competing multiple
twelve men’s golf programs and times already. Every dual meet so
was the start of the season after far has been against ranked pro-
ACC Covid guidelines canceled grams, though the men’s team sits
men’s golf in the fall. at the 19th spot themselves in the
Hosts Florida State most recent CSCAA poll at time
Seminoles won the tournament of writing.
in a playoff after moving into a tie Photo courtesy of GT Athletics The tough recent slate opened
with Wake Forest on the final day. Freshman Keshav Chopra celebrates during the MLK Invitational. Chopra with a dual meet against Auburn
Tech placed seventh, falling one picked up two singles and two doubles wins over the course of the weekend. on January 8, which both the
spot after day one. Sophomore men’s and women’s teams lost.
Will Dickson had the best outing a rough showing for the singles ranked singles player Trent Bryde ITA kickoff weekend on January The divers traveled to Tallahas-
among those scoring for the Jack- players but strong play in the dou- in straight sets. 23 and 24. After a 4-3 win over see on 1/16 for a matchup with
ets, finishing tied for 15th at one bles matchups as the Jackets went Opening the season ranked 14th ranked South Carolina, they Florida State where the women
shot under par. Junior Ben Smith three of four with both ranked 12th nationally, women’s tennis is upset sixth ranked Duke 4-3 to especially performed well.
finished tied for 20th at one stroke pairs picking up wins. off to a blazing start of their own. move to 3-0 and earn a spot in Alabama came to campus for
over par for Tech’s second best Tech was dominant on day Traveling to Mississippi State on the ITA National Team Indoor a dual meet on January 22 that
score but was not counted toward two as they won every single January 16-17 for the Bulldog Championships. resulted in another double loss,
Tech’s total since he competed as match against Georgia Southern, Kickoff, day one saw Tech handle The next challenge for the men though only by eight points for
an individual. dropping a single set the entire Ole Miss well. The fifth ranked is a doubleheader against KSU on the men. Despite winning 11
The Jackets played in day. Redshirt freshman and 59th- doubles pairing of seniors Kenya January 28. The women face UAB events, including three each by
California on January 25-27 in ranked singles player Andres Mar- Jones and Victoria Flores won and KSU the next day on January senior Caio Pumputis and fresh-
the Southwest Invitational. A doz- tin was especially strong, allowing their first tilt, as doubles went 2-1. 29. man Batur Ünlü, they were un-
en programs, including nationally his opponent to pick up only two Singles had a similarly successful able to overcome the Tide, who
ranked St. Mary’s, competed in games over their entire match. day, winning six of their seven TRACK AND FIELD swept the 50m freestyle and
this year’s tournament. Six indi- Day three was a matchup matchups. Track and field began with added individual wins by Matt
vidual golfers also travelled, in- against in-state rival U[sic]GA, Jones and Flores moved to 2-0 multiple events in South Caro- Menke and Jake Marcum.
cluding Tech’s Bartley Forrester. where the Jackets’ doubles teams as they knocked off Mississippi lina. The season started with the The women’s team bounced
At time of writing, Tech is tied for were once again productive. State’s top doubles pair on day Clemson Orange and Purple Elite back the next day against Vander-
sixth, led by Will Dickson shoot- Tech’s 31st ranked pairing of red- two. Tech doubles went 2-2 over- event on January 9, at which Tech bilt, winning every event for a
ing par over the first 36 holes. shirt sophomore Pablo Schelcher all and singles had another strong athletes won five events across blowout win. Next for the Jackets
and redshirt freshman Marcus day going 5-3 as Jones picked up men’s and women’s competition, is diving only against Miami and
TENNIS McDaniel knocked off Georgia’s her first singles win. including a podium sweep in the FSU on January 29 and Swim-
Tech men’s tennis hosted the eighth ranked Trent Bryde and Following the opening week- women’s 1000m. ming only the following day
MLK Invitational to begin their Tyler Zink for their marquee end success, Tech has not slowed At the Clemson invitational against Miami, FSU, and Gard-
season from January 16-18. Day win. Andres Martin had another down. A 7-0 sweep against the next weekend, sophomore ner Webb.
one against South Carolina saw big singles win in beating ninth Memphis set them up for the Lydia Troupe highlighted Jacket
Sports
SPORTS EDITOR: NHL Returns technique
Jack Purdy
ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR:
Will Fuss
The National Hockey League resumes
play for 2021 under a widely different
20
Friday,
format 418
[email protected] January 29, 2021

Mahomes, Brady to face off in Super Bowl

read the defense in the first half to play with speed and seek big coach Andy Reid became the de- back each time to win in convinc-
RISH DESAI and make stellar decisions. plays. This idea, combined with ciding factor. With the game on ing fashion. They are never fazed
STAFF WRITER The second half saw Rodgers their wide assortment of playmak- the line and facing a third and by these deficits and score points
and the Packers mount a come- ers, resulted in them becoming a 14, Henne scrambled and cut it at lightning speed to change the
And then there were two. After back helped by both their defense juggernaut, a true pick your poi- to fourth and one. Typically, in a complexion of the game. A variety
running the gauntlet of the NFL and offense. Facing an 18-point son offense. Their defense has fur- fourth and short situation, teams of players scored touchdowns and
field, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers deficit, they were able to work ther improved from last year and opt to either run the ball or try turned even the small plays into
and Kansas City Chiefs emerged their way back into the game by became one of the top defensive to make the defense jump off- big gains. Before they knew it, the
as champions of the NFC and forcing three interceptions and units in the league. side. Reid opted for none of the Buffalo Bills’ advantage quickly
AFC respectively. Each team has scoring two quick touchdowns. Their unique playing style led above and called a quick pass to became a large Kansas City lead.
battled through different obsta- However, when it came down to to them finishing the regular sea- wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Henne Their comeback sent the Chiefs
cles, but both have found them- a late goal-to-go situation, Tampa son with only two losses, with the completed the pass and the Chiefs back to defend their title in the
selves waiting to see who will got the better of Green Bay and second loss being one in which advanced to the AFC Champion- Super Bowl.
make it through the finish line. forced them to kick a question- several key players rested. Due ship for the third straight season. Tom Brady and the Tampa
Tampa’s race for the Vince able field goal. After running out to his magic, in Mahomes’ last Chad Henne went from being a Bay Buccaneers against Patrick
Lombardi Trophy became a re- the clock, the Buccaneers found 25 starts, his team has won 24 forgotten player in the league to Mahomes and the Kansas City
alistic aspiration in March when themselves at the top of the NFC games. This helped them to be- saving the day for Kansas City. Chiefs is the type of game that
they pulled off the monumental hierarchy. come the lone team in the AFC to The AFC Championship has “instant classic” written all
free-agent signing of six-time Su- On the other side, the Chiefs’ have a first round bye. started off with the Chiefs in a over it. This game represents more
per Bowl champion quarterback goal for this season can be The story of their Divisional two-possession hole. An early- than just another Super Bowl. It is
Tom Brady. From that point on, summed up in one word: repeat. Round victory over the Cleveland game deficit is nothing new for the handing of the baton as Brady
they were able to add running This year, they have been on a Browns was backup quarterback this team though. Kansas City is in the waning years of his illus-
backs LeSean McCoy and Leon- mission to defend their 2020 title. Chad Henne coming in and seal- has found themselves down by trious career and Mahomes is set
ard Fournette and veteran tight Ever since the Patrick Mahomes ing the game. In that game, the two scores in four of their last to be the next heir apparent in the
end Rob Gronkowski to their era began, their identity has been brilliance and experience of head five playoff games but have come story of legends.
already talented offense. As the
season went on, they were able to
build their chemistry and prepare
for the pressure of the postseason.
In the final stretch of the regu-
lar season, they began firing on
all cylinders. In their Wild Card
round victory over the Washing-
ton Football Team, they were able
to put up over 500 yards of of-
fense including nearly 150 yards
on the ground. This set up a re-
match against their divisional foe,
the New Orleans Saints, a team
that they were winless against in
the regular season. Against the
Saints, Brady’s experience was
on full display. Late in the game,
Brady consistently made the right
plays to keep their season alive.
In the NFC Championship, it
was a full team effort as they upset
the top-seeded Green Bay Pack-
ers. It began in the first half with
the defense applying consistent
pressure from linebackers Shaquil
Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul on
Packers’ quarterback Aaron Rod-
gers. Additionally, Brady found
ways to strategically pick apart the
defense. While arguments persist
about who is greater between
Brady and his former head coach,
Bill Belichick, there is no denying Photo courtesy of AP
that their time together played a Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (right) tries to escape from Buffalo defensive end AJ Epenesa
role in the way Brady was able to (57) in the AFC Championship. Mahomes threw for 325 yards and three touchdowns in the game.

not have a person with an Arthur the time and one of the first that pieces of correspondence, of Mr. Aaron’s famed legacy will
AARON FROM FRONT Blank kind of wealth to fund a was southern based, coming from which about a third “were letters perpetually live on in that home
highest percentage of votes for an professional team for a long time, Alabama and eventually playing of hate engendered by his better- run, his nickname “The Home
inductee, second-most at the time nor did it have a city until Atlanta in Atlanta. His demeanor and ing of Babe Ruth’s record.” Run King,” but also in his stature
behind Ty Cobb. He would be an in the 1960s that could support tone during a tumultuous time in It is a miraculous feat of hu- as a crucial civil rights icon for
instrumental part of the Braves a team like New York or Boston race relations as a prominent Black man emotional strength and en- Atlanta, the south, Major League
organization for the rest of his could. Major League Baseball athlete never wavered. “What you durance that Mr. Aaron had to Baseball, and American society as
life, including being one decid- was hard to interact with beyond saw was what you got,” said Emo- battle through while going for a whole.
ing to draft future Hall of Famer the newspaper in the south, since ry Professor Hank Klibanoff in an the home run record, especially Mr. Aaron’s jersey number,
Chipper Jones. they weren’t in range of local TV interview about Aaron. “He never for the most famous record in the “44,” has been retired by the At-
Mr. Aaron during his career broadcasts and could only some- did anything to shake the idea most popular American sport at lanta Braves since 1977, and by the
stood in a place no other athlete times get radio broadcasts, mainly as an eight year old what a hero the time. Milwaukee Brewers since 1976.
had before; a Black professional from St. Louis. Mr. Aaron was in should be.” His attainment of that re- For the coming 2021 seasons, At-
athlete in the deep south. Even a way part of a trail-blazing path His chase for the, at the time, cord was not only a personal ac- lanta United, the Atlanta Falcons
though Jackie Robinson broke to establish professional sports in record-breaking 715th career complishment for Aaron, but a and Georgia Tech football have
the Major League Baseball color the south and also professional home run, also came with a tor- tremendous win of sorts for the all announced they will be retir-
barrier with the Brooklyn Dodg- Black athleticism. rent of hate mail and death threats civil rights movement, proving ing #44. The Atlanta Hawks have
ers, playing in New York City was Mr. Aaron had established his he received because he was a Black the standards of equality had been already retired #44 for “Pistol”
an incredibly different place to credibility and stature in baseball man going for a prestigious record and still were unequivocally bro- Pete Maravich.
play compared to Atlanta in the by the time he came to Atlanta held by a white man, Babe Ruth ken for Black Americans. The fact A televised memorial service
1950s and 1960s. Society was in by winning the MVP and World (who coincidentally finished his Aaron remained as level headed was held for Mr. Aaron on Tues-
many ways different,and similar Series during his years in Milwau- career as a Brave). According to as he did is truly remarkable, and day at Truist Park, where Braves
too, when it came to how sports kee. He was also one of the elite the United States Postal Service, a testament to how great a man legends and Commissioner Rob
was seen and fit. The South did sports idols for kids growing up at in 1974, Aaron received 900,000 he was. Manfred spoke.