Virgo- Chaos will befall your classroom when the “same seats” rule is violated again and again.

Libra- You didn’t expect it to make much of a difference, but that new poster makes the loneliness of your room much more bearable.

Scorpio- You know you really shouldn’t stand on that wobbly table, but you’re only going to be up there for a second, so…

Sagittarius- It will be windy this week: fill your backpack with large rocks so you don’t blow away.

Capricorn- You’ll lose more than a couple friends when you devise a ketchup based drinking game.

Aquarius- Sometimes life is a metaphorical roller-coaster, and sometimes you’re literally hurtling through the air at ninety miles per hour with no control. Find out which will apply to you this week.

Pisces- You’ll finally discover why you always hear barking noises from your new suitemates’ room. (It’s because your suitemates are actually hyper-intelligent Labradors.)

Aries- You’ll be jealous of all of the cool things your chemistry friends get to do in lab, but don’t forget that your major also allows you do cool things. You know, like point out grammar errors in the weekly horoscopes.

Taurus- Barring a coup, it seems likely that your dreams of a Totalitarian Student Government Association (TSGA) will go unrealized. The semester is still early though…

Gemini- Once again, you’ll struggle to justify how six hours of League of Legends is helping you prepare for biology.

Cancer- It’s only a few weeks into the semester, but your Intro to Philosophy class has already changed the way you view the world. It’s time to impress your friends by exposing the shallowness and naivety of their thinking.

Leo- You know there’s no shame in asking for help, but you don’t need them. You don’t need anyone!

The Bluesy LP That’s Taking the World by Storm

Grammy award nominee Hozier is in no way a one-hit-wonder. His thirteen-track album has changed the game for the blues-rock genre.

Over a year ago, the black and white video for the global rock hit “Take Me to Church” was posted to Irish musician Hozier’s YouTube channel. Today, that video has over 96 million views. The 24-year-old, who has no previous history in the music charts, has stayed in Billboard’s Hot Rock Songs charts for 40 weeks with a peak position at number one.

In Oct 2014, Hozier released his debut 13-track album with Rubyworks/Island Records. Regarding the sound of his album, Hozier told The Telegraph, a news outlet based in the UK, “Whatever it is, it’s not pop music.”

The self-titled album, Hozier, is a balance between slow, sweet ballads and more upbeat rock songs. One of the faster-paced songs, “Angel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene,” has a mysterious tone, which is enhanced especially by the organ playing in the bridge of the track.

The song that follows, “Jackie and Wilson,” represents the bluesy aspect of the album. In fact, the lyrics mention Hozier’s love for R&B, explaining that when he has children he’ll “raise ‘em on rhythm and blues.”

His vocal strength is perfectly represented in, “From Eden,” which was released as the fourth single from Hozier. Not only does it include gospel singing, but it features multiple instruments playing harmoniously, which then lead to a solo guitar section. At one point, all of the music pauses abruptly and the listener is left hearing Hozier’s melodic voice echoing, until the song picks up again.

The next track on the album is titled “In a Week” and, by some critics, it has been interpreted as a murder ballad, which used to be popular in country music. According to an interview he did with Radio.com, a site that features up-to-date music news, Hozier explains that this song is whatever the listener wants it to be. The lyrics discuss the peacefulness a soul might feel after death and Hozier clarifies that “‘In a Week’ … could be a suicide ballad or it could just be a gentle reflection on mortality.”

The second to last track on Hozier, “Foreigner’s God,” is different from the rest of the album: it focuses on a different concept. An almost painful edge can be sensed in the vocal component of the song and the grief that the lyrics hint at can be felt in the gentle playing of piano and violin in the background.

In his YouTube “Track by Track” series, Hozier elucidates that this song was one of the last ones he wrote for the album. He explains that, though the meaning of “Foreigner’s God” is difficult for him to put into words, it’s meant to recreate how one might “[feel] alien in a culture … [and feel] distance from [his] own cultural values.”

Due to his recent success in the charts, Hozier performed at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards, where “Take Me to Church” was nominated for song of the year.

Photo Source: http://store.hozier.com/media/ArticleSharedImage/image450/ArticleSharedImage-11407.jpg

UMBC chess team offers community chess lessons

The UMBC chess team has consistently proven its capabilities in national tournaments. The team is now offering to share its knowledge and talent with interested members of the community through its open practice sessions.

While other schools take pride in their football teams, UMBC looks instead to chess. Now, the team is offering an opportunity for the community to get involved and learn more about the game.

UMBCs chess team is an elite group of players all ranked as masters. The team has been very successful, frequently making it to the “Final Four” of chess, also known as the “President’s Cup,” as it did this April. Every year since 2001, UMBC has finished in the top four, achieving six first place victories.

Unlike football, however, chess can be seen as a more exclusive sport. Fewer people know the rules, and even fewer people are familiar with the intricacies. The chess team is working to change this.

The team is now offering open practice sessions that allow members of the community to attend and learn more about chess or improve their own skills. Attendees will learn from Master Epshteyn, the team’s coach.

Epshteyn has been working with the chess team since 1995. When speaking to him about his involvement, it is clear that he is not a mere strategist.

“During the competition the coach is ‘father and mother’ for every team player,” said Epshteyn, “taking care of everything starting from health and physical shape and ending with what is preferable to play in today’s game.”

There is no doubt, that in his twenty years with the team, his guidance has made a difference, but Coach Epshteyn remained humble stating that casting was what made the team special.

UMBC owes its continued success in part to its method of recruiting. The university offers competitive chess scholarships to the best players, thus investing in the team’s future.

Anyone who attends the open sessions will be in skilled company. These sessions are an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in chess, regardless of skill level, to learn more. This in-person learning experience with skilled players is perhaps the best way to learn.

The Master had a few words of encouragement as well. “In good old times, we got together more than 10 students,” he said. “Now it is different — new generation is lazy…” These open sessions, then, are a chance to prove this generation’s motivation and interest in the game he holds dear.

Practices will be held on Saturdays from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm, beginning Feb. 7, in the Commons Student Organizations Space. Even Master Epshteyn, though, realizes that chess is not for everyone.

When asked if he had any words for those who don’t pay chess much attention, Epshteyn simply said, “No, I don’t. Everyone in this life has his own way, his own taste, his own belief or faith, his own woman, man, et cetera.”

“But if anyone wants to sharpen his analytical skills, calculating skills, his ability to perceive and surely handle this multitasking problem which we call ‘life,’ then the game of chess will be very helpful,” he concluded.

Under Master Epshteyn’s leadership, the community has an opportunity to engage with the team and the team can anticipate future successes. After all, the UMBC football team’s undefeated status is a joke, but the chess team’s accomplishments have been hard-earned.

Photo Credit: James Gallagher

UMBC student plans to run across the country this summer

Participating in the 4k For Cancer under the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults, Corryn Wheatley is dedicating her summer to fighting back.

For Corryn Wheatley, a senior biochemistry and psychology double major, running has recently become more than just a part of her weekly exercise routine. A 4000-plus mile run is in her near future for a cause that not only hits close to home for her, but also for many people.

“I was 13 years old when my dad was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma,” said Wheatley. Since then, he has gone through multiple rounds of chemotherapy, two stem cell transplants and the maximum amount of radiation he can receive. Wheatley is now happy to report that he seems to be doing a lot better these days.

With the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults, she proudly supports the fight against cancer. “I did Relay for Life last year, but this is definitely the biggest thing I’ve ever done,” she said. She now spends four to five days a week training by running, swimming and exercising.

“[The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults] provides resources for survivors and people currently going through cancer,” said Wheatley. During her trip with about 29 others, they plan to make stops at cancer centers and provide chemo care packages to cancer patients to help guide them through the process.

Gathering in San Francisco on June 14, they plan to hit the road and reach their Baltimore destination on Aug. 1. Wheatley will take part in one out of six separate trips in which a total of 180 college students will be participating. Working together, her group will strive to run about 10 to 16 miles per day.

After submitting an application and attending an interview for the trip, Wheatley was thrilled to hear that she was selected. “I’m so excited! My parents didn’t believe me at first when I told them, but once they saw me training and preparing, they were onboard. Everyone has been super supportive,” she said. With friends and family by her side, she now feels all the more ready to embark on this journey.

Before she hits the ground running, she has accepted the challenge to raise $5,000. Some of this money will help support the trip, and the majority of which will go towards the Ulman Cancer Fund’s programs. While she’s raised $2,000 so far, she’s hoping to gather the remainder from the generosity of additional donors. Her personal donation page is http://4kforcancer.org/profiles/corryn-wheatley/ where every cent counts.

“In the future, I hope to use my biochemistry degree to do research in the cancer field or something related,” said Wheatley. She is always willing to share her story and spread awareness, not just to fundraise, but to help those affected by cancer, even if that means traveling across the country on foot.

Photo Credit: Provided by Corryn Wheatley, taken by Nicolas Deroin

A strategic combat game and action-packed must play

One of the most popular video game series for Playstation is about to get a new installment. Here’s a look at some of the features that helped make the “Uncharted” series so successful.

It’s not every video game that will open up with the protagonist clinging precariously to the hollowed out carcass of a train with no explanation. It’s also not every video game that will provide its players with an informative history lesson in the middle of a gun fight. The Uncharted series, however, does these things and more.

With the newest installment in the franchise poised for release in 2015, it’s a perfect time to play the three main games in the series: “Drake’s Fortune,” “Among Thieves,” and “Drake’s Deception.”

These games, created by Naughty Dog, are exclusive to PlayStation, and although this makes them inaccessible to many buyers, the Uncharted series has continued to make tremendous sales and win numerous awards.

Centering around the witty and daring treasure hunter Nathan Drake, each game focuses on a specific historical explorer and an artifact that must be located before it falls into the wrong hands. Through his Indiana Jones-esque understanding of history, his ability to follow clues, and his trademark acrobatic prowess, Drake makes the perfect protagonist for a game that combines combat with puzzle-solving.

Though the plotline and gameplay are linear in nature, the writing is clever and the voice acting is entertaining.The controls are simple, sensible and consistent throughout the three games. The graphics are beautiful, and only improve with each new installment (a tradition that will continue in the fourth game, if the previews are any indication).

One popular criticism of the game is the lack of choice on behalf of the player: there is only one solution to every puzzle; there is only one action that will progress the story; there are no dialogue options; and often the cutscenes leave the player as a fly on the wall. While these are certainly weaknesses, the storyline of every individual game is extremely entertaining, and there is replay value in small side quests, such as finding treasures in various locations and exploring the setting thoroughly.

Truly, what is most remarkable about these games is the attention to detail; Drake stumbles on uneven ground, flinches when bullets pass by too close for comfort, and emerges dripping wet from lakes and rivers. When Drake moves unnoticed by his enemies, the player can hear their conversations.

These enemies are quite smart, too. It is possible for Drake to pass by them unnoticed, but once he is seen, they will communicate with one another on whether he is armed, where he is hiding and if he has run out of ammo. The combat in the game is not mindless button mashing, but rather a system that requires a borderline frustrating amount of strategy.

Overall, the Uncharted series is a remarkably entertaining one that is well worth playing. Many fans wait with baited breath for the release of Uncharted 4: Thieves End. The game will feature the returning voice talents of Nolan North as Nathan Drake and Richard McGonagle as Victor “Sully” Sullivan, Drake’s faithful friend and sometimes sidekick. Though no specific release date has been announced, the game is slated to be released this year.

Source: https://chrispoiriervo.wordpress.com/2015/02/04/very-voice-actors-nolan-north/)

An ambitious student finds her calling by seeking fairness and protection for minorities. Yoo-Jin Kang discusses life and pursuing a passion in ending violence.

What is your name, major, and year?

My name is Yoo-Jin Kang. I am a double major in language and cultural studies, while focusing on Spanish and Interdisciplinary Studies, in which I study violence.

Where are you from?

I have lived in Maryland most of my life, but I would say Seattle, Washington is my true hometown. I am still sulking about the Seahawks in the Super Bowl, so let’s not even talk about it.

Who do you admire and why?

I love my mom, and I admire her a lot. She is smart, strong and infinitely wise. She is also incredibly funny.

What is your career goal?

I would like to pursue a career where I can work with communities of color, immigrants and survivors of violence. I have applied to public health graduate schools, so we will see what happens.

If you could change one thing around the world, what would it be?

I would probably make classes focusing on cultural studies mandatory for everyone to take, starting at a young age. There are so many different facets of our history in regards to social issues that so many people are not informed about. Everyone could benefit from learning about media, race issues and the contributions of the many different people (of all colors and genders).

Describe something about you that uniquely stands you out.

Wow, this is kind of a hard question, but I would say that many people know that I am passionate about violence prevention. That might make me stand out a bit. I also like SpongeBob a whole lot.

What do you like most about UMBC?

I like that I have met some of the most interesting and caring people at UMBC. The community feels really genuine and welcoming; it really is different from so many other college campuses.

What activities do you participate in on campus?

I am a staff member at the Women’s Center; I am an advocate for violence prevention in relationships; and I am a recent alumna of Phi Mu Fraternity for Women and the Peer Health Educators.

Who is the celebrity you would like to meet and what would you do with him/her?

I think I would like to meet actor Samuel L. Jackson. He just seems like a cool dude. I would probably take him to coffee, because I feel like he might like that.

What are your favorite things to do outside of UMBC?

Outside of UMBC, I love to do yoga, read and hang out with all the lovely people in my life. When the weather is warmer, I would like to get outside more.

Where do you want to spend your next vacation?

Seattle is my favorite city. In the summer, it is close to perfect, so I think that I would go back there.

What is your favorite genre of television (comedy, competition, reality, etc.) and why?

I am not much of a TV watcher, but when I do watch it, it is either SpongeBob or Chopped on Food Network. Criminal Minds is cool as well.

What kind of music do you like?

It depends, but I am into EDM, Trap and Indie Rock. I like classical music as well.

If you met Dr. Hrabowski, what would you say to him?

I actually have met him before. He is pretty awesome! I would probably just check in with him to see how he is doing, and if he is practicing self-care. I bet being the president of a university can be stressful.