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MixFest 2000 is a well-received music marathon

August 31

This past Saturday was anything but a regular day at the races as about 50,000 music fans stormed the gates at Suffolk Downs, eager to experience the sights and sounds of MixFest 2000. MixFest is an annual concert organized by Mix 98.5 FM, a Boston radio station that plays contemporary rock and pop music. Last year, the concert was a two-day event, featuring a free show at Government Center and a relatively inexpensive one at Foxboro Stadium. This year, however, the entire show was moved to Suffolk Downs Racetrack. Though ticket prices rose from $15 to $35, the show's stellar lineup easily compensated for its price. Two gargantuan stages were constructed side-by-side at the north end of the track, allowing one band's equipment to be set up as another played. A few one-hit wonders took the stage before noon to play 20-minute sets for early arrivals. Among them were Lisa Loeb, the Corrs, and Fastball. Also featured were Swedish pop superstars Roxette.Transportation was rather challenging, though, as the majority of attendees came via the MBTA Blue Line. Its four-car trains proved grossly inadequate for so many people. As the sun poked through the clouds, the track continued to fill to the sounds of Tufts' own Guster, whose now-famous combination of acoustic guitar melodies and inventive percussion summoned the crowd to their feet. Dancers and revelers trampled the beach blankets that had been set up by many of the radio station's older listeners, much to their chagrin. Next up was '80s chick-rock band the Go-Gos, who put on an entertaining - if barely memorable - set. The jumbo jets landing at Logan provided an interesting diversion between sets, and so did the concession stands, which advertised BEEF, PIZZA, and FRIED DOUGH in enormous letters. Not only did MixFest have the look of Woodstock, but it also featured authentic Woodstock prices. A slice of pizza would set one back four bucks. A comedy troupe staged a show at the opposite end of the track, and money-hungry college marketing reps - prevalent in this neck of the woods - passed out free samples of their products from the shade of tents. When Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals took the stage, the show truly began. The group played through a set of its radio-friendly blues-rock. Harper's gritty vocals and incredible talent on both the guitar and the lap steel shone brightly, especially on the group's cover of Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love." Bassist Juan Nelson showed off his skill with the hit "Steal My Kisses," which closed the set. Clad in leather pants with a Stratocaster strung around his neck, Matt Scannell of Vertical Horizon may have been the best-dressed rock star of the event. His band, which released four full-length CDs prior to finding its niche in American pop culture, proved it had every right to be there. Fans seemed to agree, and many had brought signs along that they waved frantically during the band's 45-minute set. Included were the hits "You're A God" and "Everything You Want," as well as underground favorite "We Are." The band's tightness brought these otherwise-ordinary rock songs to life, and inspired the growing crowd. Gritty-voiced R&B-funk songstress Macy Gray was up next. Backed by a 12-piece band, Gray got the crowd moving fast with her hip-hop stylings, and proved that hip-hop can exist in a live environment. During "Sex-O-Matic Venus Freak," she incited the crowd to chant "the dick!," over and over again, in celebration of "the most beautiful and creative instrument there is." Though she was met with some trepidation at first, the crowd gradually obliged, and was moving in sync with the music when the first bars of the famous, famous single "I Try" closed out the set. Neo-garage rockers Smash Mouth then lit up the stage with such hits as "Can't Get Enough Of You Baby," "All Star," and "Walkin' On The Sun," but the crowd refused to get into the bands more obscure punk numbers. Singer Steve Harwell wore a Celtics Jersey and rambled on about being stoned, and drummer Kevin Coleman played an impressive solo. Though a quartet, Smash Mouth performed with a percussionist and keyboard player. They did play well, but the crowd seemed to be mellowing out for the next performer, former Tufts student Tracy Chapman. Her black locks tumbling in the wind, Chapman walked onstage wearing a sleek leather jacket and sunglasses. She immediately launched into a set that spanned her entire career, from delicate acoustic folk ballads to rollicking blues-rock. Though her backing band held the set together, nothing compared to Chapman's soulful voice. Thousands in the crowd attempted to sing along with each song. Her loyal fans may have known the words, but they still could not match Chapman's emotional intensity. As was expected, Chapman closed with "Give Me One Reason," and certainly did not leave the crowd disappointed. It was somewhat difficult to tell whether the next act was the Goo Goo Dolls or Johnny Rzeznik's ego. With his Bon- Jovi-style hair, look-at-me stage directions, and silver pants, the band's singer-songwriter tried just about everything he cold to draw attention to himself, even during songs like "Full Forever" and "January Friend," which are sung by bassist Robbie Takac. He accepted lit cigarettes from roadies and pranced around in circles while bad-mouthing Christina Aguilera (which seems to be a new rock trend). And he let the crowd know that he's rich enough to pay someone else to play guitar for him, even though he attempted to smash two. All in all, however, the Goo Goo Dolls' set was fantastic. The group played every one of its hits, even though Johnny pointed how "f-ckin' sick of them" he is. With adequate lighting and an hour's worth of great songs, the Goo Goo Dolls played an awesome show, even though they succumbed to every rock clich?©. The Barenaked Ladies, however, stole the spotlight. Yes, they played "One Week" and "It's All Been Done." Even "Brian Wilson." But their amazing stage personality is what took the crowd by storm. They turned the BEEF, PIZZA, and FRIED DOUGH signs into an improvisational rap. They played a note-for-note rendition of "Say My Name" by Destiny's Child. They also sang a medley of songs by bands that had previously played, and threw in their own favorite, Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On." Then they offered $1200 to anyone who would take their pants off, and one man actually did (no word on whether he was actually paid). The entire band line-danced for the crowd, and lead singers Steve Page and Ed Robertson even made out. They were the only group permitted to have an encore, and they certainly earned that. Once the show wrapped up around 9:15 p.m., the crowds stormed the Porta-Potties and formed a line at the nearby T Stop that easily rivaled those at Disney World on a sunny day in July. The hassle - and the $35 - were worth it, though. Hopefully, MixFest will continue to be an outdoor music festival Bostonians can look forward to year after year.

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News

Sickened, saddened, and disappointed

August 31

I am so tired of individuals exploiting religion to cover up their own fears, biases, and prejudices. Because of certain biblical quotes, we have seen white supremacists justify slavery, women historically encouraged to be treated as cattle, and billions of people tortured, butchered and destroyed by the very institution that today claims to promote "the sanctity of life." Although their crime is obviously on a much smaller scale, the TCF is no different. They claim to have denied Catalano a leadership position because her beliefs concerning homosexuality are at odds with the group's own established beliefs, even though a former TCF leader has admitted before the TCUJ that he agrees with Catalano's view that homosexuality is "acceptable". Why was he not removed from his senior leadership post also?The TCF must realize that one does not get into Tufts for being stupid. They are dealing with intelligent, thoughtful individuals here, not the OJ jury. Surely, I'm not the only one on campus who sees through TCF's laughable charade. Honestly, is that the best excuse they could come up with? How could they have missed the discrepancy in their actions concerning Catalano and the former senior leader, who both hold beliefs concerning homosexuality that run contrary to the group? I'm curious as to what arguments or biblical quotes the TCF will use to explain that one, especially since Jody Chang is temporarily unavailable to tell them what and how to think.Although I am sickened, saddened, and disappointed by the TCUJ's recent decision concerning the TCF scandal, I reluctantly accept it. Deep down, I knew that they would win in the end. Had they lost, I am certain that they would have sued to force the school to accept their homophobic practices and drag this issue on for years to come. As most Tufts students, particularly partygoers, already know, the administration always bows to pressure. However, I look at this decision with a renewed sense of hope - a hope that TCF's existence will stand as a constant and painful reminder that our work in combating prejudice is far from over, and a powerful motivator for the Tufts community to continue the struggle for the acceptance of all people.Gerard Balan. is a sophomore majoring in psychology.

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News

Understanding all the options

August 31

At the end of September, the FDA approved Mifeprex (also known as mifepristone, and before that as RU486) for termination of early pregnancy. It is the only FDA approved non-surgical option for ending early pregnancy. The arrival of Mifeprex has heightened the furor between the Right to Life movement, and the Right to Choose movement. I would like to provide the medical viewpoint. Mifeprex works by blocking progesterone, a hormone necessary for the uterus to support a developing pregnancy. The lining of the uterus softens without adequate progesterone, and begins to break down. This process takes several days. A second medication, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract, expelling the lining and terminating the pregnancy. Mifeprex can be used only in the very early stages of pregnancy, up to 49 days after the beginning of a woman's last period, or no later than 3 weeks after missing her period. Mifeprex is 92 percent to 95 percent effective in terminating the pregnancy. Mifeprex is licensed for use only by physicians with expertise in evaluating the age of a pregnancy, who have ready access to ultrasound testing, and who are experienced in treating pregnancy complications such as miscarriages. It will primarily be used by gynecologists, and not by primary care physicians. It is not available by prescription from a pharmacy. It must be ordered from the drug company, and used in the specialist's office, clinic or hospital. Women receiving Mifeprex make three visits to the specialist over a two-week period. During the first visit, a woman receives detailed counseling about the use and side effects of the process, the age of the pregnancy is confirmed, and the dose of Mifeprex is given. Two days later she returns, and takes misoprostol. The final visit, approximately 12 days later, is vital to ensure that the pregnancy has ended, since that can only be determined with testing and examination. Bleeding and cramping are a normal part of the process, and should be expected. The bleeding and cramping are typically worse than that experienced with a normal menstrual period, and are most intense in the first three days after receiving Mifeprex. Bleeding typically lasts nine to 16 days. On rare occasions, bleeding can be so severe that treatment in an emergency room is needed. Nausea, headache and vomiting are fairly common side effects. A few women who take Mifeprex will need a surgical procedure, known as a D&C, to end the pregnancy or to stop heavy bleeding. Choosing to terminate a pregnancy is a very personal and difficult choice for any woman. No woman takes this choice lightly. At Tufts Health Service, our mission is to meet the medical needs of a very diverse community. Our students come from many different cultures and religions, from many walks of life, and with a wide range of family and personal beliefs. Our goal is to provide them with information about their medical condition, and the range of treatment options available. They need to know about risks, benefits, side effects, and long-term consequences of all the possibilities. Our responsibility is to help them understand their choices, and to work with them as they evaluate their choices within the parameters of their own belief system. We then direct our patients to the best source of care, to carry out the treatments they chose. Those sources might include abortion providers, counselors, or agencies that provide support to pregnant young women to help them continue a pregnancy. We are not seeking approval to use Mifeprex at Health Service since we do not provide the range of gynecologic services on site that are needed for that level of medical care. We will certainly be providing information about Mifeprex for women who chose early pregnancy termination. Mifeprex is a non-invasive option for ending early pregnancy. It is taken orally, avoiding surgery or anesthesia in most cases. In the discussion of pregnancy termination, it is vitally important to focus on pregnancy prevention. We would all like to see the number of abortions decrease. A very important way to achieve this goal is to improve our services to women wanting to prevent pregnancy. There are many options available to young women to prevent pregnancy. Birth control pills, birth control shots, and condoms and spermicide are the most popular methods for university-age women. Even with the best plans and intentions, these methods can fail. A back up option in this situation deserves much greater publicity: emergency contraception, or the "morning after pill." Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP for short) are ordinary birth control pills taken in special doses within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse to prevent pregnancy. They reduce the chance of getting pregnant by 75% to 85%. ECPs have been available and approved by the FDA for a number of years, although many women do not have adequate information about them. The sooner ECPs are taken after intercourse, the more effective they are. ECPs prevent pregnancy by one of three mechanisms: 1) temporarily stopping eggs from being released from the ovary, or 2) by stopping fertilization, or 3) by stopping a fertilized egg from attaching to the womb. ECPs can make some women feel nauseous or even vomit. Taking anti-nausea medication before ECPs usually prevents this, and some of the newer ECPs are much less likely to cause stomach upset. Widespread use of ECP has the potential to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies and abortions in this country. Every woman of childbearing age should know about Emergency Contraception pills. At Health Service, we are committed to providing sensitive and respectful care for the whole range of women's reproductive and sexual health needs. Depending on a woman's situation and desires, this may involve gynecologic examinations, information about sexually transmitted diseases, treatment for infections, pregnancy prevention options including ECPs, and sometimes counseling about pregnancy termination. As health providers, we always welcome a variety of options to help patients deal with their medical needs. Dr. Margaret Higham is the Medical Director of Tufts University Student Health Service.

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News

Jumbos can't milk the Cows, fall 21-10

August 31

What at one point looked like a promising Homecoming football game turned into yet another disappointing loss, as the Jumbos dropped a 21-10 decision to the Williams Purple Cows on Saturday. Tufts saw a 10-7 third quarter lead dissipate in the excruciating final 15 minutes. The Jumbos (2-3) lost on Homecoming for the ninth straight year, and have not topped Williams (3-2) since a 33-3 victory in 1986. Williams coach Dick Farley, who took his post in 1987, has never lost to Tufts. Farley, who has not lost two straight games since '87, was in danger of doing so on Saturday after a loss to Middlebury, 7-0, last week. "I didn't come to Williams to be 2-2 or lose two games in a row," freshman tailback Michael Hackett said. "We knew we had to get the job done today." Tufts and Williams both entered the game with .500 records, but the Purple Cows were unquestionably favored. Before the game, Tufts coach Bill Samko warned his team that its opponent's record was not indicative of its talent. The warning was well received on Saturday, even though Williams did not prove to be an insurmountable opponent; instead, it was Jumbo mistakes that led to the loss. The Brown and Blue, who could not mount an aerial attack at any point in the game, capitalized on one of two Evan Zupancic interceptions to go ahead midway through the third quarter, 10-7. Zupancic stepped in front of Williams quarterback Joe Reardon's pass at the Williams 38, and Tufts used six Brian Holmes carries to march to the seven-yard line, setting up a 25-yard field goal for Howie Rock. It was Tufts' second lead of the game, but also its last. Hackett, a freshman, abused the reputably strong Jumbos rushing defense, amassing 148 yards running - more than any single rusher the team has faced this season - and 56 yards receiving. Hackett caught a short lob pass from Reardon as the final seconds of the third quarter ticked away, evading several Jumbo tackles and powered his way 48 yards into the end zone for his second touchdown of the day, putting Williams up 14-10. Things looked bleak at the start of the fourth quarter, when a Matt Cerne fumble on the opening kickoff handed the ball back to Williams at the Tufts 16-yard line. But the Jumbos avoided disaster, forcing Williams into a field goal attempt, which kicker Rob Kaufman missed from 33 yards out. Tufts then took over from its 20-yard line, but quarterback Scott Treacy, who started the game but split time with counterpart Todd Scalia, was hit hard by Williams defensive end Rob Sherwood and dropped the ball. Williams linebacker James Kingsley recovered the fumble and made his way 13 yards into the end zone, giving Williams a 21-10 lead. The Jumbos, who to this point had not yet garnered a single passing completion, had time enough to mount a comeback, as Kinglsey's touchdown came with more than 12 minutes left in the contest. On the ensuing possession, Scalia found Matt Cerne seven yards out for the first Jumbo catch of the day. But he missed on his next two throws, handing the ball back to Williams and setting up a drive that would all but quash Tufts' chances for a Homecoming victory. Williams ate up nearly six minutes of clock time on its next possession, using four different rushers - and a 34-yard pass from Reardon to wideout Colin Brooks - to accumulate five first downs. Hackett started out from the Williams 20 with four rushes for 27 yards, followed by Reardon's completion, and carries by Jamiyl Peters, Tyler Shea, and Vernard Bond, as the Purple Cows made it to the Tufts two-yard line with a third down and just over five minutes left to play. Williams could not get the score, though, as defensive back Greg Devine stopped Peters on a fourth-down attempt. Tufts then took over from the four-yard line, only to be forced to punt a minute later after two incomplete Scalia passes and a one-yard rush by Brian Holmes, essentially ending the game. Scalia completed three of his 13 passes for the day, including a couple of impressive throws to sophomore wideout Bryan Pitko late in the game, while Treacy did not connect on any of his three passes. The typically mobile Treacy, expected to add another element to the Jumbos' rushing attack, could not get anything going, losing 17 yards on his 10 rushes. He was pulled halfway through the second quarter after getting hit for losses on consecutive rushes and throwing a pass into the hands of Williams defensive back Scott Farley at the Williams 19-yard line. Treacy returned to start the second half, and the two sophomores continued to alternate at the QB position. Samko dispelled any notion that the repeated switches were due to ineffectiveness, claiming that the game plan from the start was to mix things up. "I told [Scalia and Treacy] beforehand that they'd both play in the first half," Samko said. "We gave Treacy the start, but they're both talented enough. "One of the two of them needs to take charge," he added. Holmes was the lone bright spot for Tufts' slumbering offense, amassing 121 yards on 25 carries. But the senior, playing while still suffering from a hamstring injury, has started on offense this season primarily because of the inexperience factor. A defensive back and special teams star last season, Holmes has gotten most of the carries this season, and Samko insists he'd rather have him on defense. "The reality is, that's not going to happen," Samko said before the game. "He's not healthy," the Tufts coach added afterwards. "If we had our druthers, he'd be back on defense." Even with Holmes carrying the team on his shoulders, Tufts could come up with just 11 first downs all day, holding on to the ball for less then 25 game minutes. Samko's team went to the air just 16 times, and could not generate a passing touchdown for the fourth time this season. The Jumbos' 76 total points are sixth in the NESCAC, just one ahead of the Bates Bobcats. But while the offense was rendered ineffective, it was a defense expected to limit a young Williams ground attack that really disappointed. Tufts had only allowed an average of 96 yards rushing in its first four games, and did not have to go up against Williams rusher Fred Storz, one of the NESCAC's top running backs, due to injury. Hackett, overshadowed by Storz and David Kinsley (also injured) up until Saturday, had only totaled 117 yards in three previous appearances this season. But if the Jumbos took him lightly, they were certainly fooled. The freshman ran for 89 yards in the first half alone, including a 12-yard run early in the second quarter that tied the game at seven. "He's a great player," Samko said of Hackett, adding that the team knew in advance that a Storz-less Williams attack would not necessarily translate into a stagnant offense. "They had a different style than the other teams we've played." The day started off promising for Tufts, when sophomore free safety Greg Devine recovered a Williams fumble at the Tufts 15-yard line midway through the first quarter, broke a couple of tackles, and was on his way 85 yards into the end zone for a score, putting the Jumbos up 7-0 early on. The defense, not able to contain the run, put together some impressive stops, including an Everett Dickerson block of a Williams field goal attempt early in the second quarter to preserve the 7-0 lead. Tufts then took over from its own 13, but Treacy fumbled on the very first possession, giving Williams the ball back on the Jumbo 18-yard line. Two Hackett rushes later, and the game was tied. The Jumbos now sit in sole possession of seventh place in the NESCAC, one game behind sixth-place Williams and two games out of a four-way tie atop the division. But the team's final three opponents of the season are each 4-1, and are all traditionally tough adversaries. Amherst is next on the schedule, as the Jumbos head west on Saturday for a 1:30 p.m. kickoff. Tufts nearly topped the Lord Jeffs in last year's Homecoming, but fell by a 10-7 margin. So the Jumbos will have to wait another year in the attempt to defeat the Homecoming curse, at which point, they will be playing to avoid a decade of losses in their most watched game of the season.

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News

Jackson Pride

August 31

I would like to offer a new, hopefully conciliatory commentary on the Jackson College controversy blazing in these pages. I have heard the opinions voiced here across campus from female undergraduates. Mostly, I have heard dismay that although we go to classes with, live with, and share resources with our male counterparts, we will graduate from the seemingly nominal institution of Jackson College. I usually nod my understanding, and mumble that I kind of like the idea of graduating from Jackson. In fact, I love writing J03 by my name, and I will be proud to get a diploma with the Jackson name on it. Jackson College is indeed a proud tradition in the history of Tufts University. Despite the opposition of early Tufts president Frederick Hamilton to co-education, Cornelia Jackson bequeathed funds to establish a woman's college at the bottom of Walnut Hill. Jackson was originally a coordinate college, associated with Tufts, but separate. The segregation lasted only a few years, and by the early 1900s women were fully integrated with men in classes. Jackson's generosity protected the security and survival of women's education here. The Jackson notation on our diplomas stands as a reminder of the battle for women's equality in higher education. Most students are unaware of this rich history. I am the type of student who reads the historical plaques in each new dorm or academic building I enter, yet I knew very little about Jackson before I decided to write this Viewpoint. Tufts admissions materials make very few references to Jackson College. In fact, many female undergraduates may not know they are part of Jackson College until matriculation day, or even later. Tufts does little to celebrate Jackson, save insisting that female liberal arts students graduate from it. We all know that Charles Tufts vowed to "put a light on the hill." From that we have the Light on the Hill Award and Rising Light on the Hill Award. We celebrate Tuftonia's Day and all athletic teams wear Tufts' Brown and Blue. In all our traditions and festivals, there is hardly a mention of Jackson College. It is my participation in an organization that has incorporated the Jackson tradition into its identity that makes me so proud to be a future graduate of Jackson College. The women's lacrosse team refers to itself as "Jax Lax," an abbreviation of Jackson Lacrosse. Though we still cheer "Go Tufts," we start every game by yelling "Jax Lax Attacks." Jackson has become an important part of what I do and an integral component of my identity as a Tufts student. Ask the members of the Jackson Jills and I imagine that you will find that most of them agree that Jackson is an important part of the Tufts tradition. The tradition of female liberal arts students graduating from Jackson College should persist. However, Tufts must ensure that its history and importance are better understood and celebrated across campus. It is unfair to make Jackson merely a nominal tradition to be invoked at graduation and then to expect students to gladly accept diplomas from it. Tufts has a duty to inform Jackson students about the struggle for equality that the diploma represents. We now have equal access to the excellent professors, libraries, and facilities of Tufts University. We should not forget that our predecessors struggled for those rights for forty years before Cornelia Jackson ensured that Tufts would accept co-education as an integral part of its identity. Arielle Kristan is a sophomore who has not yet declared a major.

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News

Gay community needs new tactics

August 31

As a freshman at Tufts, no matter how much I read, see, or participate in activities, I will never know as much about the minority organizations on campus as those who are a part of those minority groups. Thus, what I have to say may not be absolutely correct, and even biased since it is based only on what I have seen and heard with my own eyes and ears. However, as part of the population of "independent thinkers" on which this university prides itself, I feel I must express my opinions on a specific issue. The issue is how I feel about the way some members of the gay community at Tufts try to overly impose their mentality on the Tufts community, and also how, as a member of the Tufts community, I have become more objectionable to the gay society at Tufts due to its methods of communication. I came to Tufts from a United World College, a pre-university boarding school that prides itself on the fact that its student population is small but extremely diverse. My school had a student body of only 200 people, yet it housed over 70 different nationalities on campus. Thus, I feel that I have been exposed to a wide range of cultures (including gay culture), beliefs, and ways of life. In saying this, I wish to convey to the reader that this concern of mine does not arise from being ignorant of different styles of living. Moreover, I do not feel this way because I have something personal against gays in general, but rather because I feel that an objectionable feeling has begun to develop due to the methods of communication used by individuals of the gay population to advertise their beliefs. The meeting called by the TTLGBC concerning "hate crimes" directed at gays in particular sparked my unease. Although the meeting was conducted with the purpose of informing the student population of the unfortunate incidents that had happened, and how we as responsible students can and should prevent these incidents from reoccurring in the future, the meeting was not entirely conducted with an informative attitude. In some cases, rather than to inform, a representative from the TTLGBC seemed to accuse the audience of committing the crimes in a fashion that implied that we were all potential "gay bashers." For example, a comment or question would be raised concerning the consequences of making a verbal slur towards a gay person, and the reply to this question would invariably be something akin to "you should not... " and "no one else here should ... " instead of a response that used more objective language. There were other points mentioned during the meeting that I felt were distasteful. For example, concerns over the appropriateness of jokes were raised. According to the speaker, jokes were only acceptable when a member of a group makes fun of their own group members. Any other case is immediately assumed to be "wrong" and "unacceptable." My objection to this, then, is how do we learn to achieve cross-cultural understanding if we can't even tolerate one of the more basic and effective means of communication: humor? Coming from a minority group myself, I understand that there are cases when racial jokes cross the line, a standard I assume to be true in the cases of sexual jokes as well. However, I do not consider all forms of jokes in the context of race and sex to be insults that are damaging, or always uttered with the intent to hurt an individual. Jokes, even those that are in the context of race and sex, can be used in good faith to create a pleasant environment through humor. If we, as a culturally mixed population, are supposed to learn and expose ourselves to become more culturally educated, we should not have to exclude jokes and humor from the process completely. As a culturally diverse and educated population, are we not supposed to possess some degrees of tolerance? And if we are supposed to be culturally accepting, why then are we so selective about what we are to accept? The idea that racial or sexual jokes can be made only within the group but not outside the group is, I believe, a misconception because it defeats the purpose of our mission statement as Tufts students to become global citizens. As prospects for global citizens, we should be able to incorporate cross-cultural humor into our daily lives and not to dismiss every racial or sexual joke made in good faith as racism and sexism. Another point would be my objection to the terms "straight allies" and "unsafe individuals." The first term appeared during the TTLGBC meeting, while the latter showed up on one of the sidewalks on campus along with names of the individuals who were dubbed as "unsafe." The term "straight ally" has a degrading connotation, for an ally is usually used to describe parties who seek mutual gain from one another. However, the important issue is not the actual meaning of the word, but rather the implications of it. Imposing a title such as this on people segregates them from the crowd; as if they possess an attribute that others do not. Likewise, the gay community should not dub people "unsafe" for the same reason. By creating titles such as these, the gay society is attempting to divide the population into two camps, basically their "allies" and their "enemies." In reality, everybody should have equal chance and opportunity to show their concern and voice their discontent, without necessarily taking a position for or against the gay society. Although I can never fully understand what it is like to be gay, I feel that I am able to identify with the gay society in terms of being a member of a minority group on campus. Being an Asian on campus subjects me to situations common to every minority group at Tufts; we have the same fears that come with being a minority: fears of being isolated and vulnerable. We too have societies and culture groups with whom we can associate ourselves to find shelter and support. We too have the tendency to feel that we are constantly misunderstood and discriminated by others outside our group. We are targets for "hate crimes" too! Even though I recognize the possibility that gay culture maybe the target of a larger amount of ridicule compared with the culture of other minority groups, this still does not excuse the methods that members of the gay society have used to voice their concerns. I do not appreciate their hosting informative meetings where the audience is treated as if they were the culprits for the "hate crimes." I do not appreciate the way they try to advertise themselves by stirring up controversy so that they are the focus of the media, for example, the case involving the TCF where a girl was supposedly turned down for a position because she was gay. Whether or not this was a legitimate cause, the immediate reaction from the gay society was to voice outrage. To them, this was obviously a case of gay bashing because it involved one of them being turned down. Even smaller issues such as the mere possibility that I was stereotyping when I made the comment that gay people I encountered were all quite well spoken and intelligent, provoked hostility. Gays seem to be overly sensitive about their image within society. The gay community should keep its methods of communication within some limits. Just because they feel the need to be heard does not mean they can express their concerns and messages by any means possible. Moreover, even though I, as a member of a minority group myself, can empathize with their cause to some extent, I feel that the process of retaliation used by some individuals of the gay community will not aid their cause in making people understand their needs more, but instead will push those people, like myself, who stand neutral in their cause, further away. At the same time, I believe it doesn't have to be this way. If they change their methods to become a little more tolerant and patient, and to use methods of persuasion and education rather than the aforementioned examples of coercion. Maybe this way people will be willing to be more receptive to their causes and in return, the gay community will be less misunderstood. David Chen is a freshman who has not yet declared a major.

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News

Moving to Dowling aids Career Services

August 31

The addition of Dowling Hall has dramatically improved the accessibility of Student Services on the Tufts campus. The move of the Career Services Department to the new building has helped to consolidate the operations of this student service, enhancing the resources of individual offices and fostering cooperation between them. In the past, when students sought advice about career opportunities, they had to travel to a little yellow house located on the outer edge of campus to meet with a career counselor. Next, the now-student, future-employee would have to walk to the basement of Tisch Library to access the career resource library and recruiting offices to conduct further searches about their preferred occupation. The separation of the department offices presented difficulties for both students and the Career Services staff. "In the past we used to scramble around between the two places," Career Services Director Jean Papalia said. "Now that we're centrally located all in one place, it's given us a lot more opportunities." One of these opportunities, and perhaps the biggest change that accompanied Career Services' move to Dowling, is the new resource library. "When we were in Tisch, all of our resources were located in just one very small little room. Now we have a big space with books about academic resources, recruiting information, and financial aid - and the information is all together," Papalia said. The valuable resources in the library have helped make it a highly frequented on-campus spot. "The library is packed during the day and even during the evening with students conducting job searches," Papalia said. Students are echoing Papalia's sentiments. "Last year I wouldn't have bothered taking advantage of some of these resources," said one junior. "Now that it's centralized in Dowling, it's a lot easier." Students who previously utilized the resources available at Career Services have also noticed many improvements. "The resources at Career Services have become much more accessible to students this year, and there has been a much more concerted effort on the part of the staff to advertise these resources," said Jessica Gloor, a senior who regularly works with Career Services. Gloor has used many of these resources to help with her own career search, including binders on graduate school opportunities, online search engines for jobs, and the Tufts Career Advisory Network (Tufts CAN) online. Tufts CAN is an online database of Tufts alumni, parents, and friends who voluntarily provided insider information about their career fields. "The Internet has clearly made job hunting much easier than it was in the past," Papalia said. "This website allows students to look up alumni in their chosen fields in order to gain information and direction." This resource was enhanced by the move to Dowling, as Career Services now has the space to hold programs that give students the chance to meet with many alumni in a professional, spacious presentation room purpose-built for the task. "One of the biggest advantages of being housed in Dowling is that we now have the freedom to hold many more workshops and programs relating to the resources we have available," Papalia said.

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Tufts students get flu-shots despite nation-wide shortage

August 31

There is a nation-wide shortage of the flu vaccine, result of manufacturing problems, but Tufts Health Services was nevertheless able to offer hundreds of students flu immunizations at a series of clinics. Health Services will donate the remaining vaccines from the clinics to Medford and Somerville medical facilities. Physicians across the country were frustrated in late October when they were forced to refuse patients flu shots. Grocery chains received vaccine doses before many private doctors, and in many places, people had to line up at stores to get shots instead of at visits with their doctors.Federal health officials recommended that healthy people wait until last month to get their shots to let the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses such as asthma, heart disease, or weak immune systems get vaccinated first. Tufts was fortunate to get an early shipment of the vaccine, and despite this advisory, flu-shots were offered throughout the fall. Everyone who wanted a vaccine during the clinic was able to get one, according to Medical Director Margaret Higham of Health Services. "There was a big shortage of vaccine nationwide," Higham said. "And it was tough because we had vaccines and wanted to offer it to our students. On the other hand we realize the student population is generally healthy, and we didn't want to deprive the ill. [So] it was a real bind for us ethically. But we chose the middle of the road." Health Services sent out an e-mail to students that advertised the immunizations and signs were posted across campus. After the last clinic, Health Services decided to donate the remaining vaccines to local communities who needed it more. Students are no longer able to get flu-shots from Health Services, but there are signs that the national shortage is lightening up.

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MacGregor nets a goal and an assist as jumbos defeat Gordon

August 31

The men's soccer team took care of business yesterday, stifling the Gordon College Fighting Scots 2-0 at Zimman Field in their last home game of the season. Tufts received goals from junior Pat Brophy and sophomore Matt McGregor to improve its overall record to 7-4-2 heading into the final game of the regular season at Connecticut College on Saturday. The Jumbos controlled this game from whistle to whistle, out-shooting Gordon 24-12. Senior tri-captain Steve McDermid was able to relax during the final regular season home appearance of his career as he was called upon for only one save, while the Tufts defense kept the Scots at bay. It was McDermid's 17th shutout in 61 total games between the pipes. "Both teams were playing rough," MacGregor said. "It was a very physical game." Tufts first goal came late in the first half when Brophy drilled in a rebound off of a MacGregor shot in the 25th minute, past Gordon keeper Matt Fliermans. "He's really played well," MacGregor said of Brophy. "He's really stepped up and been one of our best assets all season. He's done something in every game." It was Brophy's fourth goal in five games since being called up from JV. Despite playing in so few games, Brophy now has eight points and is tied for fourth on the team's scoring list with sophomore Garret Dale. The game remained 1-0 until the second half when MacGregor added an unassisted insurance goal from fifteen yards out. The tally was MacGregor's team-leading sixth goal of the season, and coupled with his assist on Brophy's goal, it increased his season point total to 19. MacGregor is also tied with Kyle Dezotell of Middlebury for fourth in NESCAC scoring. The Jumbos had a number of opportunities during the game, but the Gordon defense also played a strong game. "They really packed it in," MacGregor said. "They had eight or nine guys back there at a time. They played a great defensive game." Since the game was non-conference, it will not affect the Jumbos' position in the NESCAC. Still, the team wanted the win for momentum purposes. "We needed to win this game to keep our confidence up," MacGregor said. Brophy agreed. "We took it pretty seriously," he said. "It's not a NESCAC game, but it does count in the ECAC and we can use to improve our standing there." The Jumbos were without senior midfielder David Drucker (who sustained a mild injury during the first half of the Williams game), sophomore Garrett Dale (still recovering from a sprained ankle in last Wednesday's win over Lasell) and sophomore defender Rupak Datta. Datta is serving his suspension for a red card against Williams on Saturday. Datta will miss the game against Connecticut College, while Coach Ralph Ferrigno was hopeful that Drucker would be back for Saturday. Both teams in yesterday's game were young, with only four seniors between the two rosters. Tufts started six freshmen, with McDermid the lone senior to suit up for the occasion. "We are a very young team," Ferrigo said. "That needs to be taken into account." For the Scots, yesterday was the last game of the regular season. Gordon's overall record now stands at 10-7-0, and it remains in third place in the Commonwealth Coast Conference behind Roger Williams College and Colby-Sawyer College with a record of 8-5-0. On Saturday, the Jumbos will complete their regular season with a match against Connecticut College, who is tied with Amherst and Wesleyan for fifth place in the NESCAC with a record of 3-5-0. "You never like to say definitely that you will win," Ferrigno said. "The NESCAC is too tough, and Connecticut College needs a win." A Jumbo win or tie clinches fourth place in the conference and a home playoff game against either Amherst, Connecticut College, or Wesleyan next Tuesday afternoon. A loss will drop the Jumbos behind Connecticut College in the standings into fifth place or maybe lower if Amherst beats a 2-5-1 Trinity team. In the event of a Tufts loss and an Amherst win, Tufts would lose tiebreakers to both teams and drop to sixth place in the conference.

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Defense the difference in 12-10 win over Bobcats

August 31

The Jumbo defense held the Bates Bobcats scoreless throughout the second half, and Howie Rock kicked a 40-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to lead Tufts to a 12-10 victory on Sunday.

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Economics expert Richard Syron speaks on his storied career, his Tufts education

August 31

Tufts alumnus and former Boston Federal Reserve Bank President Dr. Richard Syron spoke on campus on Tuesday, sharing his experiences in the field of economics and commending Tufts' economics department for its "flexibility, creativity, and global awareness." His hour-long lecture, which was sponsored by the Department of Economics Lecture Series, emphasized the importance of modern problem solving in addition to traditional economic theory. Economics Professor Yannis Ionnides introduced Syron, saying his "unusual career from a top position in government to a top position in industry" provides a unique perspective on modern economics. "Be ethical, have a sense of adventure, and don't be afraid to take risks and make mistakes," Syron advised students. "This is a great time in your life, and you have great training. The biggest challenge you'll have is to integrate all the things you've learned in school." Syron received both his Ph.D. and masters in economics from Tufts and said that he found the masters program alone to be more valuable than masters degrees in business administration (MBA) from many other universities. Several graduate students who attended the lecture said they were encouraged by Syron's remarks, though a number have already decided to pursue MBAs despite their masters degrees. One student called for the University to reinstate its Ph.D. program, which has been discarded since Syron was a student, saying that it would "really improve the school." The student, who majored in economics as a Tufts undergraduate, said he entered his masters program with inadequate math knowledge. Professor Gilbert Metcalf, who also attended the lecture, remarked that it highlighted the importance of being able to "roll with the punches and adapt" in today's business world. Instead of students looking for professors to tell them "this is the answer," Metcalf commended the speaker's emphasis on problem solving and important economic concepts. Professor Edward Kutsoati said Syron's comments on the significant changes that have occurred in job recruiting process over the years were important insights students should take to heart. Syron pointed out that modern recruiters focus much more on individual people and skills, rather than grade point averages or transcripts. "It is good for students to attend lectures by a person from the corporate field who speaks of some theories that professors teach in class," Kutsoati said. As for the mathematical role in economics, Kutsoati said that "math techniques may not seem readily applicable but they help in business." Nick Melzer, a junior majoring in economics and international relations, said that "it was reassuring to hear someone of [Syron's] stature say that what we're doing is more useful that specific economic tract." Ioannides remarked that the speaker's lecture "hits home more since we want students to have the most potential. Students here can do challenging things... this is what a university offers, as opposed to a college." In addition, Ioannides was pleased to have Syron speak. "Tufts is nowadays very attentive to its school ranking, but when Syron attended Tufts it wasn't as famous of an institution. But he's done well and is in high business positions." Since leaving Tufts, Syron has taken his career all around the economics world. Besides heading the Boston branch of the Federal Reserve, he held official positions in the US Stock Exchange and the US Treasury before moving onto the academic world. Syron has taught economics at Northeastern University and Boston College, eventually becoming Boston College's chairman of the board. Syron currently works at the Thermoelectron Company. Professor Ioannides said that the lecture provided a chance to "expose students to people who do things, as opposed to just reading articles or books. It was a chance to talk to real people, which is very important."

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Coyotes Surprise of the West

August 31

It was supposed to be a four-team race in the NHL's Western Conference. The Dallas Stars, St. Louis Blues, Colorado Avalanche, and Detroit Redwings were primed to battle each other all season for a chance at Lord Stanley's Cup. Few expected the Phoenix Coyotes to ever sit atop the Pacific Division, arguably hockey's most competitive. Yet 18 games into the season, the Coyotes are three points ahead of the San Jose Sharks with a 10-3-5 record, and a full six points ahead of the fourth place Stars. More impressive than their record, however, is what they have had to do to claim first place. The Coyotes opened their season with a 4-1 defeat of the St.Louis Blues, the team that knocked the Coyotes out of the playoffs last season, and who many experts predicted to win the Stanley Cup this year. On Sunday night, Phoenix shut out the New York Rangers 2-0 to snap New York's three game winning streak, defeating the Rangers for the first time in their last nine tries. The last time the Coyote franchise topped the Rangers was Feb. 3, 1991, when they were named the Winnipeg Jets. In between the two impressive victories over the Blues and the Rangers, the Coyotes posted a 12-game unbeaten streak - the longest in the NHL this year. They have managed this hot streak despite being on the road for ten of their last 14 games, and facing opponents with winning records in ten of their last 13. The Rangers outshot the Coyotes 39 to 27 Sunday night, but the 'Yotes were still able to come away victorious. In fact, Phoenix has been outshot in nearly every game they have played this season, yet are still 7-0-5 in these games, but 2-2 when leading in shots. So how do they continue to win? The answer is Sean Burke. The veteran goalkeeper leads all other NHL goalies by substantial margins with his 1.54 goals-against-average and his .950 save percentage. These numbers are a stark contrast to Burke's career numbers - a 3.12 goals-against-average and a save percentage of just .892. This off-season, Phoenix made a last minute decision to re-sign the 33 year-old Burke, a free agent, just before the start of training camp. Perhaps Burke worked out extra hard this off-season believing he would have to be in peak shape to contend for a starters job on a quality team. Or maybe Phoenix's decision to re-sign him as their starter has given him newfound confidence. Whatever the case, a new fire has been ignited in his old bones this season. Whether the Phoenix Coyotes are for real, or just a fluke depends in part on Mr. Burke, and whether his heightened play can continue throughout the year. There are other stories in Phoenix, though, that could determine whether the Coyotes can stay atop the Pacific. The greatest is the sale of the franchise to a partnership headed by Wayne Gretzky. Not only will this sale place the 'Great One' in charge of the Coyotes, but it will mean that free agent Claude Lemieux will join the team. Lemieux, one of the leading goal scorers in postseason history, brings four Stanley Cup rings and a three-year, nine million-dollar contract to the team. Also awaiting completion of the deal is goalie Nikolai Khabiboulin, who started for the Coyotes two seasons ago but sat out last season due to contract disputes with current ownership. He has been negotiating with Gretzky's group, and his return could bring a strong backup goalie to the team. Most likely, though, it could cause a goalie controversy, as Khabiboulin will probably want his starting role back from Burke. Fortunately for the Coyotes, two experienced players will be there to lead the team while all these off-the-ice issues play out. Center Jeremy Roenick is in his 13th season in the NHL and leads the team with 21 points. Behind him is captain and leftwing Keith Tkachuk, who has scored 17 points this season. Regardless of new ownership or revolving goalies, it is going to be the play and leadership of Roenick and Tkachuk that will key the Coyotes' success. No one believes that Phoenix can match the elite teams in talent, but if the Coyotes continue to receive dominating goalkeeping and veteran leadership, they will be able to keep the Sharks and Stars at bay. Jon Japha contributed to this article.

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TUTV unveils 24 hour programming

August 31

This semester, Tufts University Television (TUTV) will run 24 hours a day for the first time in its history. The change was made possible thanks to the station's recently updated equipment, as well as an unprecedented number of members this year. With over 60 members, more programs can be developed and run throughout the day. According to Public Relations Director David Rubenstein, this year looks to be "the best year we're ever going to have." The current lineup on cable channel 43 consists of TUTV News, a campus news broadcast, and Steal the Show, which allows Tufts students to come into the studio and tape a half hour of themselves on live television. Lately, music groups have been using this program as an opportunity to gain exposure and promote their sound. TUTV has also been running feature-length movies, which they change once a week. Within the next two weeks the remainder of the station's shows will be aired. They are expected to include Life in the Day and Casting Couch, a sketch comedy and movie review program, respectively. One of last year's most popular shows, On Campus Live (OCL) will also return for another season. The program elucidates two opposing viewpoints and allows representatives of each side to debate on live television for half an hour. Live programming is relatively new, having started only last year. It has been a door-opening innovation for TUTV because it allows the organization to greatly expand its program possibilities. New programs in the works for this year include Jumbo Love Match, a Tufts dating show, as well as a late night "Johnny Carson-Wayne's World mix," according to Rubenstein. The station is currently in the process of training students in production and editing techniques, and will continue to do so throughout the year. Since training is an ongoing process, TUTV gains members all the time. TUTV, which began as a club in the 1970s, was originally dominated by students who wanted to create video projects, but had no way to air their productions. Eventually the Experimental College got involved, TUTV became a student activity, and the recordings were aired in Hotung Caf?© and the Mayer Campus Center. But TUTV continued on its quest to become a full-fledged station. Today its programs can be seen on cable channel 43 around campus, as well as on some local public access channels. In the last three years, TUTV membership tripled in number. TUTV is distinguished from television stations at other universities that are not completely student run. Many stations at other schools allow students to run programs, but hire an outside executive to oversee the production. For Rubenstein, keeping everything under the student's control is "how [TUTV] keeps our creativity, how we keep things going." In the future, TUTV hopes to air advertising from neighborhood businesses. Currently the group is funded by the Tufts Community Union Senate, but advertising will provide the station with more money to expand its programming to accommodate the steady stream of student creations.

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Tufts moves toward part-time, more fluid faculty

August 31

College students, who see their professors regularly in the classroom, are often detached from the national debates surrounding faculty hiring issues. The ever-controversial tenure system is often referred to as the abortion issue of higher education. While the percentage of full-time faculty who are tenured at Tufts has remained relatively constant over the past few years, the number of part-time faculty has increased significantly. The continuing debate on the tenure issue illustrates the ongoing conflict between Tufts teaching and research goals. The University's tenure system, which guarantees academic freedom and job security, is incredibly complicated and requires professors to demonstrate dedication to scholarship, teaching, and service during their six-year tenure track. Many faculty agree that it is more difficult for junior faculty to achieve tenure today, since they do not fully understand which component of the tenure system that Tufts prioritizes. Grant funding has also become more difficult to secure as research expectations have increased nationwide. Tenure-track faculty must now walk a fine line between the research and educational components of their jobs. "I think some of the expectations have changed," English associate professor Modhumita Roy said. "Tufts is both a good four year liberal arts college and a research institution. The goals of these two are not always identical and therefore it produces certain kinds of difficulty for us." Junior faculty are often encouraged to help create programs and develop new ideas that will benefit the students. "I certainly felt a tremendous amount of pressure to be on various committees and mentor students," Roy said. Approximately 80 percent, or 253 out of 317, of full-time faculty in Arts and Sciences are tenured right now, and that number has hovered between 76 and 82 percent for the past five years. The percentage of professors in each department, however, varies considerably from year to year. For example, in the comparative religion department, there are currently no tenured professors, but three years ago, all of the department's full-time professors were tenured. The situation is expected to change again within the next few years, as there are two tenure-track professors and the department is currently searching for a third one. But the fact that 80 percent of full-time professors have tenure does not mean that students are taught by tenured professors 80 percent of the time, as Tufts currently employs 208 part-time faculty. This number has been increasing over the years, reflecting a national trend. "Institutions want to be more nimble and hire or fire faculty more easily. The appeal for tenure isn't what it used to be," said Cathy Trower, a senior researcher at the Harvard Graduate School of Education who is working on the Project on Faculty Appointments. "Part-time faculty are much cheaper," Roy said. "My question would be what's the effect on students when we increasingly rely on part-time and adjunct faculty. I think it's negative all around." Roy also went on to mention that the part-timers themselves lose out, even though they are often trained in a similar way to tenured faculty and work just as hard. "They put their heart and souls into their work and run from pillar to post to try and make a living. It sets up a two tier hierarchy," she said. Another debate that is occurring both nationally and at Tufts is whether there is a need for tenure in the first place, as critics of the system believe that an employee should not be hired for life. Experimentation and freedom to pursue passions represent the archetypal examples of the benefits of tenure, but there is also fear that some professors who are productive during their six years of review will become less involved after they achieve tenure. However, professors at Tufts dismissed this problem and said that the strength of the candidates brought up for tenure ensures that it will not occur often here. "My impression is that it's certainly not common, but I'm sure it happens. No doubt there are a few who take advantage of the system," former Tenure and Promotion committee chairman Stephen Levine said. "[Tenure] acts as extortion," English professor Elizabeth Ammons said. "The main reason tenure exists is to guarantee academic freedom. If you don't have that you're risking your job." Department of German, Russian, and Asian Languages associate professor Gloria Ascher said that tenure is beneficial because it provides professors with opportunities to enrich the community through both research and the creation of new classes and programs. For example, because of Ascher's work, Tufts now offers both majors and minors in Judaic studies. Ascher also had the chance to design new courses, such as Ladino Language and Culture. Once a professor achieves tenure, their workload does not diminish, and juggling class work and scholarship is the source of much stress for professors at Tufts. "You sometimes have to choose," Ascher said. "Are you going to go home, go to the library, or meet with a student?" The process of achieving tenure involves obtaining critical letters from outside reviewers, experts in the candidate's field, members of the Tenure and Promotion Committee, and administrators all the way up to President John DiBiaggio himself. It is completed at the end of a tenure-track faculty member's sixth year at Tufts. "A number of outsiders have commented that we have one of the most complex tenure systems that exists," Levine said. "We have a very elaborate process and it's costly. But, it's also fair in that it's hard for any one person to impact it dramatically." However, the system is not perfect, and Ascher explained that the system is only as fair as the people who are implementing it. "I think there are cases that should have gotten tenure, from my own point of view," she said. "I knew one colleague very well, and she was a wonderful teacher [and] students [were] banging at the door to get in. I don't know what happened." Tenure is a relatively recent phenomenon in higher education, and it has become more complex and prestigious over the years, according to Provost Sol Gittleman. In the early 1950s the American Association of University Professors instituted a Declaration of Principles because of a concern that professors could be fired for political reasons. The process was originally fairly informal; tenure was granted by the dean, and Gittleman said that little scholarship had to be done to obtain it. In the late 1960s, the faculty became a bit more professional and peer reviews were required. The Tenure and Promotion Committee decided outside evaluation was necessary, and tenure candidates then had to procure recommendations from the department, dean, provost, and president. This process is similar to what occurs now, and only the details have changed over the past 30 years.

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Supershow showcases Tufts' talent

August 31

Despite a less-than-enthusiastic audience and some technical difficulties, last Sunday's Supershow proved to be a successful evening of dancing, singing, and laughing. Hosted annually by Sarabande, Tufts' auditioned dancing troupe, Supershow features appearances from almost all of Tufts' performing groups and is one of the most anticipated on-campus events of the year. Supershow acts as a sort of teaser - focusing on Sarabande's various performances, while giving the audience a taste of what other performing groups are up to and showcasing some of the best talent Tufts has to offer.Students who escaped from the warmth of the library to brave the cold of Cohen Auditorium were treated to Sarabande's diverse dancing talents. From Rebecca Stone's classical ballet rendition of Celine Dion's "Water From the Moon" to Christina Lachance's creative tap routine, "Hoofin'," and Michelle Clair's playful "Sneaky," the dancers and choreographers proved that hard work and training pay off. "Fur Elise," also choreographed by Rebecca Stone, opened the evening and set the unspoken theme of Supershow: classical training applied to modern style. A single ballerina graced the stage, dancing to "Fur Elise," which soon morphed into a "Fur Elise Remix" as more dancers flanked the ballerina and the style changed from classical to popular. Sarabande's dancers, for the most part, come to Tufts with traditional training under their belts. Participation in Sarabande allows them to take their foundations and experiment with newer forms, choreographing and dancing to their own kinds of music. Particularly successful was Marin Blake's "Full Circle," choreographed to "Coyote" by Yo Yo Ma and Bobby McFerrin. With mellow lighting and rhythmic, pulsing dancing, the performance gave an underwater, cyclic atmosphere to the stage. In a similar style was "As Is," choreographed by Blake and Gillian Galen. The dancing took the meaning of Ani Difranco's song to another level, featuring a circle of women surrounding and supporting a dancer center-stage and suggesting girl power and unity. Interspersed between Sarabande's performances were cameos from other on-campus groups, including other dance companies, theater, mime, and improv troupes. The surprise of the evening was the Ballroom Dance performance. Anyone who has toured campus knows about our famed ballroom dancing club, but how many students who aren't already involved in ballroom actually make the effort to watch them? The dancers put on a great show, complimenting Sarabande's theme of classical training imposed upon younger styles. Dancers began in traditional, formal style and attire and soon moved into a more enthusiastic swing, ending to "Let's Get Loud." If the dancing wasn't enough to catch your attention, then the outfits were -girls in too-short skirts and beaded mesh tops proved that ballroom dancing can appeal to a younger crowd. Spirit of Color, whose own show will be on Dec. 1, demonstrated its own style of street dancing reminiscent of popular music videos. This is a good thing: dancers silhouetted by a red backdrop, sporting bowlers and black outfits and moving to a funky beat were quietly sexy while still being technically precise and "cool."Tufts Dance Collective filled the stage with an elaborate tangle of dancers, choreographed by Kate Holohan and Elaine Wang to Dido's "Here With Me." Though the song is overplayed on the radio, creative choreography, and sheer power in the numbers of dancers gave it a new feel. Dancers took the stage, opening in an intricate pose and dispersing to fill every corner with motion. Though TDC dancers traditionally come from different backgrounds - some with lots of training and some with none - dancers like Dena Chase and Leslie Kung showed that hard work and raw talent can be just as effective as years of performing.Bringing new meaning to the term, "cool guy," Tufts' only breakdancing troupe, Turbo, busted out to "Tennessee." Introduced by Masters of Ceremony Sean Cusick and Jeremy Goldstein as the Clark Kent to the Daily Editorial Board's Superman. Dancing aside, Supershow also featured performances from less musical student groups. The Traveling Treasure Trunk performed Preetha Mani's adaptation of William Steig's "Sylvester and the Magic Pebble." Mani's creative and modern take on the story of a young donkey who finds a pebble that grants wishes included sexual and political humor, appealing to a wide audience. Trunk is always a popular group, and for good reason. The members perform at high octane, suggesting either a caffeine overdose or crack use. But the enthusiasm and silliness they generate infuse the audience with child-like euphoria and laughter. And then there's Hype!, Tufts' only mime troupe. Mimes get no love. Mocked to no end in movies like Singles and underappreciated in general, miming as an art form (and as comedic expression) deserves the spotlight once in a while. And "Thirstin' For Virgins" proved that Hype deserves center stage. Starring three vampires, among them Rachel Evans, who also performed with Cheap Sox, the mimes awaken from slumber and leave their coffins -- thankfully the only time Hype! resorts to cliched routines like being stuck in an invisible box or climbing a rope. They proceeded to draw parallels between hunting and dating, arguing wordlessly the thesis that everyone's looking for a virgin. The lackluster audience was put on the spot by Cheap Sox's improv comedy performance, and though volunteers and suggestions were scarce, the members of Cheap Sox did the best they could with scant material. Their two skits involved Earwax Man, Choose Your Own Adventure, a bonsai tree and Webster... you try putting these things together and getting a laugh. Evans of Hype! shed her mime face and found her voice, acting as the narrator for the skits, and MC Cusick donned a pink shirt to take his place among the Sox -both performers showed how versatile a quick wit can be. Cohen is a notoriously poor venue for a cappella. The singers need to use microphones to be heard, but this compromises the integrity of their carefully blended sound. The ability to work with this technology instead of against it ultimately played a part in how successful the various a cappella performances were. Essence was billed first, but easily could have been held to the second act. Their tight harmonies and melodic voices should be enough to entice any audience member to stay through intermission. SQ has come a long way in the past four years, and its arrangement of "Come Undone" showcased the talent they have to work with. But there's still an element missing from their performance - perhaps recognition or confidence - that keeps them at a level just behind headliners like the Bubs. They have the ability, they need to perfect the performance. As for ability, Shir Appeal's soloist Nili Riemer takes the cake. Her unbelievably high range compliments the strong backups of the rest of the group, allowing her to either attract attention as the soloist or blend with the others. Though many of Shir Appeal's songs are in Hebrew, good arrangements and variations in intensity and tension effectively communicate sentiments to an audience who may or may not understand the words. As usual, the Jackson Jills win the prize for having the most attitude. The black-clad singers projected energy and sex appeal to match their arrangement of "She Bangs," but paled in comparison to their counterpart, the Bubs, who really know how to perform. The Bubs' rendition of "Bills Bills Bills" by Destiny's Child stole the show, both for musical talent, comedy, and audience enthusiasm. Soloist Greg Binstock brought the house down, clutching the microphone and giving 110 percent to an audience happy to be receiving. MCs Cucisk and Goldstein provided entertainment in between acts, introducing Sarabande over and over again with new jokes and antics as well as throwing glowing things to uninspired audience members. Who doesn't want glowing things? With a good cop/bad cop routine, they effectively killed time and entertained the audience between sets, and even managed to take part in a hit-and-run during intermission. Supershow only comes around once a year, and performers put a lot of effort into it. People understand this, and appreciate the final product, evidenced by the audience members standing in the back just to get a peek at the action. Sarabande's closing number, "Ooh La La" was not only a conclusion to the evening, but also a release of the energy and stress put into organizing Supershow. Dancers were all smiles, happy that their work had ended and glad to be on stage having fun. And that's the theme of the evening, working hard and rehearsing to get to the end result: a good time.

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Out with the old, in with the new for AFC East teams

August 31

Imagine stepping onto the field surrounded by a team boasting the likes of Dan Marino, Thurman Thomas, Andre Reed, Bruce Smith, Sam Gash, Keyshawn Johnson, Ben Coates, Bruce Armstrong, Shawn Jefferson, Terry Allen, Kevin Gogan, Troy Drayton, Steve Israel, and Steve Atwater - and a coaching staff including Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, and Jimmy Johnson. Now imagine stepping onto the field without any of them. This is the state of the AFC East entering the 2000 season, as trades, retirements, and free agency have deprived this division of an enormous number of former and current Pro Bowl-caliber players.

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Are you looking for a few good eats?

August 31

It's your first weekend at Tufts, and you're already sick of the dining hall food? Not to worry. A number of easily accessible Boston area restaurants are more than ready to satisfy all your cravings. So, for a fun night on the town, hop on the T and check out these popular restaurants.Border Caf?© - 32 Church St., Cambridge (near Brattle St./Mass. Ave.), 864-6100. Take the red line to Harvard. If it's burritos and fajitas you're craving, try checking out this Harvard Square landmark. Border Caf?© offers a variety of Mexican and Cajun specialties to cater to any appetite. Some vegetarian dishes are offered as well. Since the wait for a table can be long on the weekend, patrons get a beeper that lets them know when their table is ready. In the meantime, they can sample what Harvard Square has to offer. March?© - The Prudential Center/Copley Place, 617-585-0025. Take the green line to Copley. March?© is quite the dining experience. Patrons are given a passport to visit several different food stations. Just pick and choose whatever your heart desires and create your favorite meal. The European decor is cozy, and there are several different seating areas. They are modeled after an outdoor European bistro, the Auberge, the Locanda, a Mediterranean Garden, and a marketplace patio caf?©. Dining choices cover a grill and rotisserie, seafood, selections from the Far East, pizza, and pasta, to name a few. Since each person has a separate meal ticket and a gratuity is included in the final price, no one will have to worry about dividing up the check. This is a good place to go with your friends. Bartley's Burger Cottage - 246 Mass. Ave, Cambridge (near Bow St.), 354-6559.Take the red line to Harvard. Although tiny inside, Bartley's Burger Cottage is much more than your average burger joint. With huge burgers named after famous politicians like Ted Kennedy and Pat Buchanan, Bartley's can be a carnivore's dream. But vegetarians fear not. All of Bartley's burgers can be substituted with veggie burgers. The walls of the restaurant are covered with amusing posters that help keep you entertained while waiting for your food. And, for those of us who turn their nose up at burgers, Bartley's serves up salads and sandwiches that will satisfy the most finicky eater. Brew Moon - 115 Stuart Street Theater District, Boston, 617-742-BREW and 50 Church Street, Square, Cambridge, 617-499-BREW. Take the green line to Boylston or the red line to Harvard. Brew Moon offers an eclectic array of American dishes with influences from other types of cuisine. For dinner, try either the pasta of the day, one of the tasty fish offerings, grilled pizza, or one of the innovative sandwiches. Brew Moon is best known for its homemade beer, but the food is quite tasty as well. Vinny Testa's - 867 Boylston St., Boston, 262-6699. Take the green line to Boylston. If Italian is your favorite, you might want to sample the fare at Vinny Testa's. Notorious for its enormous portions, most people leave the restaurant with full stomachs and a few take-out containers. Bring a big group of friends because this place has the perfect family style atmosphere to please anyone who wants a big bowl of pasta. Faneuil Hall Marketplace - Quincy Market. Take the green line to Government Center or the orange line to Haymarket. If you're already running low on cash but can't take any more dining hall food, check out the Faneuil Hall food court. Offering practically every type of cuisine imaginable, it's easy to find something satisfying that won't break the bank. Check out Bay State Chowda for New England clam chowder in its own bread bowl, or Elda's French Crepes for both dinner and dessert crepes. Faneuil Hall is guaranteed to serve up just about anything you're craving.

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News

Bears will surprise atop Central

August 31

Bold Predictions

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News

Rev. 'Scotty' McLennan to leave Tufts in January

August 31

University Chaplain Rev. Scotty McLennan will leave Tufts in January to take on a new position at Stanford University. On the precipice of a career change that will end his 16-year tenure at Tufts, the author, educator, and clergyman expressed reluctance to leave his Boston life behind, but said that he could not pass up the opportunities afforded to him by his new position. McLennan, who was first approached by Stanford officials last spring, said that he was attracted to the University because of the large size of its student body. At approximately 12,000 undergraduates, the school has over twice as many students as Tufts, and the position also involves working with graduate students. McLennan also said he was intrigued by the idea of working in the California area. "There's something about what's happening in Silicon Valley that's kind of a microcosm of what's going on in America... the rich and poor are being pulled apart and we are losing the middle class," he said. "This is a chance to look at those issues through a religious perspective." McLennan's new title is Dean for Religious Life, which means that he will be the leader of the religious community as well as the minister of Stanford's non-denominational church. Unlike Tufts, Stanford has regular Sunday services in a church that is centrally located on its campus, and McLennan says that he is looking forward to speaking to the school's entire religious population each week. Although he sees many advantages in the new position, McLennan says that he will miss Tufts' friendly and informal atmosphere. "I've gotten tremendous support in my work as University Chaplain from all parts of the community. It's been a wonderful place to work on issues of religion, spirituality, and ethics," he said. "It's just been a love affair for me." The love affair has not been one-sided, as McLennan has earned praise from students, faculty, staff, and administrators during his career at Tufts. "He is very warm and reaches out to people, and he has been an integral part of the community," University President John DiBiaggio said. "His quiet demeanor and ability to communicate have caused people to look at religious activities when they might not have done otherwise." No attempt has been made as of yet to find a replacement for McLennan. DiBiaggio projected that an interim structure will be set up for the spring semester while a search is conducted. Since arriving at Tufts in 1984, McLennan has served as a religious leader, teacher, and counselor at the school. He holds degrees from Yale University, the Harvard Divinity School, and the Harvard Law School, and was ordained as a Unitarian Universalist minister in 1975. While at Yale, he shared a room with future Doonesbury cartoonist Garry Trudeau, who later based Revered Scotty Sloan, one of his characters, on McLennan. McLennan, always outspoken on issues of human rights, never shied away from controversial topics affecting student life at the University. When the Tufts Christian Fellowship was de-recognized for its refusal to grant a leadership position to a homosexual student, McLennan publicly defended the group's right to pick its members, even though he disagreed with its interpretation of the bible that discriminated against homosexuals. During his years at Tufts, McLennan has emphasized the themes of ethics, interfaith harmony and combining religious and secular life. Among his major accomplishments was the production of his book Finding your religion: When the faith you grew up with has lost its meaning, which was published last December. McLennan's experience in both law and religion made him stand-out as a candidate for the position of Dean for Religious Life, according to a June 28 Stanford press release. "Rev. McLennan combines a nonsectarian view of the campus ministry with a wide-ranging interest in ethical issues that should serve Stanford well. His background informed his ministry at Tufts in interesting ways and we expect that it will do the same at Stanford," said Stanford President Gerhard Casper. DiBiaggio called the move a promotion for McLennan. "We're delighted for him because the appointment he's accepted is a prestigious one," he said. "In essence, it's a tribute to us as well that one of our own has been chosen for the position."

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News

Shapiro's three dams Beavers

August 31

Tufts wasn't supposed to go to overtime in a home game with the Babson Beavers Tuesday night, especially after climbing to what should have been an insurmountable 16-point second half lead. The Jumbos weren't supposed to be down two points with 20 seconds left in overtime. But none of that seemed to matter when sophomore shooting guard Brian Shapiro hit a three pointer from about five feet beyond the arc with only three seconds remaining to seal an 85-84 win over the Beavers. The victory lifts Tufts to 3-1 on the year. With 20 seconds remaining in the game, Babson went to the line, up one following a layup from senior captain center Dan Flaherty. Sophomore guard Joe Colelli made one of two free throws to give his team a two-point margin. Tufts grabbed the rebound on the missed free throw and got the ball to freshman point guard Phil Barlow. With time winding down, Barlow ran a pre-designed but frantic play to get the ball to Shapiro with five seconds left. Not completely open, but with nowhere to go, Shapiro elevated above the two oncoming defenders, who had fought off a Fred Pedroletti screen, and hit the game-winning jumper. Tufts was forced to play the extra session following some dramatic moments at the end of regulation. Down 75-71, Colelli took a quick three-pointer and while the ball was in mid-air, got fouled by senior forward Tom Bernier. Colelli's shot swished, and it seemed as though the Beavers had fought all the way back, but the Babson guard missed his free throw and Tufts held onto its slim, one-point lead. Senior point guard Bobby Mpuku added a free-throw that set up a game-tying shot from Babson's Jeff Hines, a freshman guard, who hit a runner down the lane with six seconds left. Tufts' desperation attempt failed, and the teams headed to overtime. While Babson celebrated Hines' heroics, the Jumbos were screaming that the play should have been whistled a player control foul, as Flaherty was taken out by the soaring Hines. "Dan Flaherty comes out and takes a charge, and the referee didn't have the guts to call it," coach Bob Sheldon said. "It should have never been a basket." In fact, Tufts should have never been in that situation, as it held a 16-point lead halfway through the second stanza after Barlow converted back-to-back three pointers. Barlow was, for much of the game, a bright spot for the Jumbos, as the freshman had 16 points on 4-6 shooting from downtown. "Barlow was a nice spark off the bench," Sheldon said. "He just had to get his feet wet. It's just a matter of him getting comfortable. He's faster and quicker than anybody we have, and pretty much more than anybody we play, and he knows the game. He reminds me of a young Bob Sheldon." As exciting as Barlow's play was during Tufts' 21-5 run at the beginning of the second half, it wasn't flawless, as he and his teammates' erratic play during the final ten minutes of the game allowed the Beavers enough breathing room to tie the game. "They're a scrappy, scrappy little team," Sheldon said. "They play hard." Babson hounded Tufts into making numerous forced shots and turnovers, and seemed the more determined team down the stretch. "With about seven minutes left, all of a sudden somebody put a lid on our basket and theirs got a little bigger, it seemed," Sheldon said. "We made some bad decisions. Some of the shots we took were real questionable. We had some turnovers, and they started making crazy shots. We broke down a little bit on the defensive end and allowed them to get back in the game." Tufts may have risked the game by shooting some wild three pointers, but it lived by the three as well, a story that is best encapsulated in Shapiro's night. The sophomore was 6-10 from behind the three-point line, but a mere 1-7 from inside the arc, good for 20 on the game. Flaherty was again a bright spot, as his team-high 25 points may have overshadowed the dirty work he did on both sides of the court. The center was continually taking charges, diving for loose balls, and changing opponents' shots, and he did it all while only committing one foul. He also tied Bernier for the team-high with seven rebounds. Mpuku, who struggled a bit against the Beavers, fouling out at the start of overtime, provided his usual on-court leadership, dishing out a game-high five assists and dictating Tufts' often-frantic pace of play. "Our leadership is great," Sheldon said. "The presence [of the seniors] on the court is something that is important. We win close games because of them." Pedroletti was the only other Jumbo in double figures, finishing with 12. The Beavers were led by 24 points from freshman center Jared Clough, 20 points from Hines, and 17 from Brian McCarthy. McCarthy and Hines combined for 20 boards, while Colelli lead the way with five assists. Sheldon and company hope to have an easier go of it today at MIT, the first of their six consecutive road games. Tufts will be away from Cousens Gym for ten of its next 11 contests.

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