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Searching for a special someone

August 31

Music drowns out any possible opportunity for conversation as you elbow your way through the crowd. Someone spills beer all over you. By the time you make it across the room to approach that hottie who caught your eye, he or she has disappeared. Has the Tufts dating scene really come to this? "The dating scene is really lame here. It's an extension of the social scene," said one disgruntled sophomore, one of many students who asked to remain anonymous for fear that associating their name with their quote might have a negative effect on their desirability. Arriving at college freshman year, many students hold high expectations of meeting "the one" - a captivating person with whom they will forge a significant relationship. The prospect of living away from parents, restrictions, and the schoolmates they've known since kindergarten sparks the belief that their chances of meeting someone is greater in college - though the proof of this, it seems, is lacking. "In high school there weren't that many great guys, so I thought that when I went to college and there would be so many more boys, it would be different," said one freshman girl. "But I haven't met anyone yet." For some, the expectations have since disappeared. "I haven't been out on a date since I've been here. Dating is obsolete in the college scene," said another freshman female. "A relationship would be nice, but I'm not expecting anything." From limited funds to raging hormones, some students offered theories on why the dating scene is so deficient on college campuses. "College students are broke, so they don't want to spend the money to go out to dinner," said one sophomore female. "For every 50 random hook-ups, there's maybe one date," said another sophomore female. "I think ideally girls would like dates, but guys aren't willing to give them. [Guys] used to have to go out on dates to get play. Now they can just go to a frat party and get some." In her frustration, she muttered, "Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?" Yet, there seems to be some misunderstanding. According to freshman Justin Korval, guys are willing to take girls out. "I would like nothing more than to spend money on the ladies," he said. But then there's the issue of how to meet that special someone. Perhaps due to the perceived decline in the campus social life, many students say they are generally unsure about where they should go to meet possible mates. "Unless you are introduced to someone, where are you supposed to meet someone? The frats? Club Hotung? A protest?" sophomore Jonathan Lee asked. "I think we should start a Sane Single People Looking for a Long Term Relationship at Tufts Coalition," he suggested. "SSPLLTRTC," he added after a long pause. Sophomore Matt Alford has a theory on why people have such a hard time meeting potential boyfriends and girlfriends. "There are three main ways of meeting people. You meet people in your dorm, but then that's weird because you see them everyday," he said. "The second is through parties - and people going to parties aren't looking for relationships. They're looking for random hook-ups, which I think is much more prevalent on campus than dating." The third way? "Classes, and that's just weird. When you meet someone sitting in class, it's hard to get beyond Spanish class or math class," he said.One male junior agreed that the classroom is not the place to meet people. "Unless you're in a teeny foreign language class, there's no interaction. You all just sit there and listen to the lecture and then you leave," he said. "I can't just go up to someone in a big lecture class and introduce myself. They don't want to know my name."For some, age figured into the equation. Junior Paul Kravitz speculated that random hook-ups happened more among underclassmen than his fellow upperclassmen. "I think that it has a lot to do with age, and it's also along the lines of drinking a lot," he said. "Freshmen and sophomores go out partying more. Juniors and seniors go out, but they don't just go out looking to get drunk. I think that freshmen and sophomores think that they'll have an easier time meeting people if they get drunk before they go out." Sophomore Jeff Fox agreed. "It has a lot to do with age - I bet a lot more freshmen hook up than other classes," Fox said. "After freshman year, you're probably sick of the random hook-ups and there's more of a chance for a serious relationship." Kravitz and his girlfriend, sophomore Jenny Ng, seem to have broken the rules when they got together. For the past year, they have been experiencing Tufts as few seem to - as a couple. "My boyfriend and I had a class together last fall and we sat kind of near each other during lecture," Ng remembers. "We also had a mutual friend in the class, and the three of us would study together sometimes. One day, Paul asked me out and we went to the North End," she said. She added that the couple enjoys frequent visits to Boston, as opposed to hitting frat row on the weekends. "I guess the way I look at it, people who are going to parties a lot, alone or with a couple of friends, are the people who are looking for a hook-up, not a serious relationship," Kravitz said. "There are plenty of people looking for relationships, they just haven't found each other yet." Availability also plays into finding compatible mates. Although few students knew of on-campus relationships, most could name friends who were involved in long-distance relationships. "I think it sucks that so many girls come to college with excess baggage - boyfriends. It's college - have fun!" one freshman male said. His roommate shared his frustration. "I don't like people who have girlfriends and boyfriends at home. They'll cheat with you, and everything will be going along just fine, but then, all of a sudden, they grow a conscience and decide that they can't do it anymore," he said. While many felt that this social trend is universal to all colleges, some felt that the dating scene at Tufts is different. "The dating scene is so lacking here that it forces us to go into Boston to meet girls from other colleges," freshman Justin Singer said. "The only thing we have for a social life, which is dying down, is frat parties," sophomore Justin Pandolfino said. Fox addressed the lack of "girlfriend/boyfriend" activities on campus. "If you date someone at Tufts, you can't do nice boyfriend-and-girlfriend things. You don't want to go to some frat party and have all these drunk people spilling beer all over her," he explained. "There aren't enough nice things to do with your girlfriend here." "Weekends at Tufts can be summarized by girls in tank tops and guys with beer and everyone's just looking to hook up," Lee said. "That's not really the way to find an actual relationship. "I think that part of it is the emphasis on the party scene at Tufts. If every Friday and Saturday night you expect to go out and get piss-drunk and hook up with someone, when are you going to meet someone you actually want to see the next morning?" he continued. So what are Tufts students looking for? For the most part: a solid relationship."I don't mind the random hook-up thing, but I'd rather have a real relationship," Pandolfino said. "There are a lot of people interested in dating, but they don't know how to go about it in such a large setting, so they choose to get their kicks by doing the random hook-up thing," Alford said. "I'm sure that there are plenty of people who are in strong relationships and are very happy," Lee said. "I just don't happen to be one of them."

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News

Liberal in name only

August 31

In an e-mail sent to the Tufts community on Thursday, President DiBiaggio commented that the administration values the ideals associated with a "liberal education." There is a difference between valuing a liberal education and valuing a LIBERAL ARTS education. I did not enroll as a student at Tufts because I wanted a liberal education. In fact, I believe that Tufts does not succeed in its mission as a liberal arts institution because the education here does not create an environment which encourages new ideas or different ways of thinking. This prevents the development of well-rounded individuals capable of their own thoughts. The only teaching we receive here is that surrounding liberal thought. It would be interesting and refreshing to gain a new perspective, even if were just to create discussion and free exchange of ideas. A liberal arts education should promote these values, not restrict them. This intolerance is where Tufts has failed. Acceptance of all ideas is not necessary, but tolerant.Emily Stewart, LA '02

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News

Getting to know you

August 31

This mix is all about making the right impression on someone you might... well, want to see more often. The songs don't imply too much feeling through titles or lyrics (so your target won't be intimidated or scared), but there is a great enough range of artists and styles to evoke a sense that you have significantly broad tastes, which themselves are interesting. Moreover, the flow of the mix draws would-be listeners in from the beginning, and allows the music to build and relax several times over each side. Give it as a gift, bring it to a "study session," do whatever you must to make yourself look appealing. Side A Radiohead, "Idioteque" Portishead, "Undenied" Sneaker Pimps, "Walk the Rain" Franka Potente (featuring Thomas D), "Wish" Supreme Beings of Leisure, "Sublime" Stereolab, "Contronatura" Aphex Twin, "Girl-Boy Song" James Taylor, "You Can Close Your Eyes" Fiona Apple, "Across the Universe"Side B Liz Phair, "Supernova" Beta Band, "Dry the Rain" Dido, "Here With Me" Smashing Pumpkins, "Eye" The Beatles, "Tomorrow Never Knows" Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Soul to Squeeze" Ella Fitzgerald, "Cheek to Cheek" UNKLE, "Rabbit in Your Headlights (Reverse Light 3D Mix)"

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News

Documentary film tracks musical treasure hunt

August 31

While listening to his short-wave radio one lonely evening, blind blues man Paul Pena heard a sound unlike any he had heard before. Broadcast from Radio Moscow, he listened as one voice articulated multiple notes and was fascinated by the unique, almost disturbing sound produced. Nine years later, he had taught himself how to perform khoomei, or the Tuvan art of biphonic throatsinging, and was incorporating it into his own blues, a hybrid of Mississippi Delta Blues and Cape-Verdian music. Genghis Blues, the first feature film effort of brothers Roko and Adrian Belic, documents Pena's real-life journey as he discovers khoomei, performs spontaneously for visiting Tuvan throatsingers after attending their San Francisco concert, and accepts an invitation to compete in the tri-annual Tuvan throatsinging competition. Pena, as the first American to enter the competition, wins the Kargyraa Division and the Audience Favorite award to become a Tuvan national legend... or at least a local curiosity. Accompanied by friends and associates, we see Pena's experiences and triumphs, while following his personal journey from a vulnerable and depressed member of American society to a famed and celebrated guest halfway around the world. The film is available today for the first time on DVD and VHS. Tuva is a Russian protectorate nestled between Siberia and Mongolia, and seldom heard from thanks to the isolation of mountainous borders and severe Soviet restrictions. Only recently has the Tuvan tradition of throatsinging come to the attention of the global community, and in 1993 the Tuvan throatsingers embarked upon their first concert tour of America. To Pena's surprise, he heard of the concert and attended with intentions of approaching the performers afterward and serenading them with his own self-taught khoomei. His impromptu performance was well received by the warm and generous Tuvans, who were the first to tell him of the competition to be held two years later in Tuva. The throatsingers nicknamed Pena Chershemjer, or "Earthquake," thanks to his deep-throated voice and resonating biphonics. This nickname shows the intimate relationship between the tradition of khoomei and nature, as do panoramic shots of the Tuvan landscape throughout the film. The small country is comprised of desert plateaus, lush valleys, and snow-capped mountains in the Sayan and Altai ranges. These contrasting settings inspired Tuva's ancestors in the days of Genghis Khan to create five different variations of khoomei celebrating the blessings of life and nature. Tuvans today practice a combination of Tibetan Buddhism and animist shamanism, and their spirituality pervades all aspects of their lives. Pena becomes enamored with this spirituality and with the Tuvan ways of live, humbled by their generosity and welcoming smiles. Former throatsinging champion Kongar-ol Ondar acts as Pena's guide through the sites of Tuva and the rich meanings in Tuvan culture, taking Pena and his film crew to his home, his mother's home, and his birthplace. The film tells Pena's story through a combination of interviews conducted after the trip and footage shot in Tuva. Like the sound of khoomei, which can be shocking when heard for the first time, the film takes a while to warm up. There's a home video quality to the most of the indoor footage that can be either authentic or annoying. Opening with Pena's long list of musical accomplishments (including performances with T-Bone Walker, John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, BB King, Bonnie Raitt, and Jerry Garcia), it is at first difficult to envision a context in which the interviews with Pena's associates might become pertinent. Once the story leaves America and lands in Tuva, however, Pena's search for harmony becomes clear and the music takes on new meaning. Genghis Blues could make a thorough and interesting travelogue, but is so much more in that it documents Pena's cultural conflicts while away from home, living such a wonderful and different way of life. After the success of the throatsinging competition, Pena and his friends are besieged by a series of disasters ranging from torrential rains to illness, testing their characters and capacities for improvisation. Pena shines through not for his steadfast constitution but rather for his truth in expression and honesty in confessing his hopelessness. Suffering from chronic depression and a severe sense of displacement, the blind blues man does not know where he can step to find solid ground. Through this struggle, his music acts as a source of strength and purity, and only by composing new songs is he able to deal with these trials. The value in Genghis Blues comes from these scenes, which portray Pena as a living miracle. An otherwise totally dependent and vulnerable man existing outside of normal society, through music, Pena is able to express himself so clearly as to enable his audience to see through his blind eyes and walk in his unsure feet. Where the film succeeds in explaining Pena's spiritual journey, though, it fails in explaining exactly how throat singers make such an incredible - and initially ugly - sound. The tradition of khoomei represents the close ties Tuvans have with nature. The rhythm mimics the hoofbeats of galloping horses, and the varying notes in the upper register depict harmonies taken from natural sounds such as birdsongs. While singing, a single vocalist produces up to four notes simultaneously; a guttural bass drone and various harmonics in the upper register. These harmonics can vary in intensity by moving the lips, tongue, jaw, velum, and larynx. In Tuva, where throatsinging is everywhere, everyone picks it up. But it was surprising for the Tuvans to see an American singing... and singing well. Originally released in 1999, Genghis Blues received an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature, along with Buena Vista Social Club, another film chronicling a musical treasure hunt and the culture inherent in musical tradition. Though both nominees lost to One Day in September, they have similarly gone on to win many other awards, finding success at international festivals and through the sale of their eponymous soundtracks. The soundtrack, Genghis Blues, includes original compositions by Paul Pena combining his own blues style with Tuvan throat music, and features special appearances by long-time friend and former throatsinging champion Kongar-ol Ondar.

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News

Field hockey ousts Ephs

August 31

Junior leading goal scorer Lindsay Lionetti netted the game winner in double overtime to edge out nationally-ranked Williams College during Saturday afternoon's thrilling Homecoming festivities. The Jumbos handed the visiting Purple Cows their second loss of the season en route to securing a berth in the NESCAC's first-ever season-ending tournament. Today, the squad enters the tournament against fourth-ranked Wesleyan College with a fifth place ranking, following a 4-5 finish in the league, and an 8-6 overall. "It always helps us to play at home, in nice weather, with all of our fans," junior forward Christina Orf said. "This was a really important win for us." After a scoreless first half, the Ephmen, ranked ninth in the nation, jumped to a 1-0 lead when senior co-captain Allison Stepp found the net less than five minutes into the second stanza. The Jumbos answered back ten minutes later on a penalty corner opportunity when senior co-captain Amy Polverini completed a pass from fellow senior co-captain Colette Gaudet to even the score, 1-1. The goal was Polverini's third of the campaign. The match remained a stalemate into the second frame of sudden death play. With 3:39 left in play, on a pass from sophomore Dana Chivvis, Lionetti broke away and in a one-on-one matchup, flicked one past Eph goalie Monelle Quievillon to notch her sixth tally of the season and win the game for Tufts. Chivvis trails Lionetti with four goals and four assists on the season. "We are extremely pleased with the way that we played," Lionetti said. "We played with intensity, urgency and pulled through in the end." Senior goaltender Dena Sloan played exceptionally well in net over the weekend, coming up with a whopping 16 saves. Sloan boasts a miniscule .84 GAA, placing her fourth in the NESCAC division, two spots ahead of Wesleyan goalie Taryn Hutchins-Cabibi. The sensational win comes at the heels of an exhausting overtime loss to NESCAC frontrunner Amherst College Wednesday afternoon, thus making the Williams victory all the more sweeter. Though the Jumbos only boast an 8-6 record on the campaign, most games have been nail-biters. In their six losses of the season, the Jumbos have lost by a single goal, proving the true competitive nature of the team. "I feel that we've been capable of these types of wins all season," Orf said. "It's really exciting to finally come out on top." Lionetti echoed her teammate's sentiments. "It wasn't a matter of us playing any better," Lionetti said. "We just got the goal this time." The squad travels to Wesleyan College today at 1:30 p.m. for the first round of tournament play. On Oct. 10, the Jumbos fell to the Wesleyan Cardinals, the 15th ranked team in the nation, in a disappointing 1-2 loss. Although Wesleyan is a high-scoring team with 35 total goals scored this season, compared to Tufts' 21, the team also tends to be weak defensively. If the Jumbos defeat the Cardinals, they will advance to the semi-final round to face Bowdoin College, which tied Amherst for first place in the NESCAC but garnered the top seed in the tournament by virtue of its 1-0 defeat of the Lord Jeffs earlier in the year. "Our team is really coming around," junior Liesl Bradford said. "Our intensity and confidence are high and I think that will really help against Wesleyan." "I think that if we can apply steady pressure early on, then we'll pull out with a win," Lionetti said. "They beat us before not because they are a better team, they just got the breaks and we didn't."

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News

Tufts prepares for NCAA Quarterfinals

August 31

This Saturday, the women's soccer team will take on William Smith College in the quarterfinal round of the NCAA Tournament. Tufts advanced to the quarterfinals after beating Wheaton 3-1 in the New England Regional Finals last Sunday. The game will be held at 1 p.m. at home on Kraft Field, where the Jumbos are 9-0 so far this year. "I think it's going to be huge advantage playing at home," sophomore defensive back Brenna O'Rourke said. "It really helped us this weekend when we didn't have to play Middlebury at home. Hopefully, we'll have a lot of fans on our side." At 16-3-1, Tufts is having the most successful campaign in its 22-year history. The team surpassed its previous season record of 12 wins with a victory over Bates in the first round of the NESCAC Tournament. This is the second time the Jumbos have advanced to the NCAA Quarterfinals. In 1998, the team defeated Wellesley in penalty kicks to win the New England Championship before falling 1-0 to Ithaca. Tufts is led by seniors Sara Yeatman, Carmen Mikacenic, and Randee McArdle, the team's tri-captains. Yeatman tops the list in goals scored, with 11, while junior Lynn Cooper leads in overall scoring, with 26 points on ten goals and six assists. Mikacenic has played a crucial role on defense, anchoring a squad that has given up just 16 goals in 20 games. McArdle has been spectacular in goal, recording seven shutouts while saving 85.6 of opponents' shots. Freshman Jess Trombly has also made an impact, racking up five goals and seven assists on her way to winning the NESCAC Rookie of the Year award. The Jumbos have never played William Smith before, and therefore do not know much about how the team plays. They are confident in their ability to match up against any opponent, however, and will count on their own strengths to carry them this weekend. "From what we've heard, they're definitely beatable," sophomore Alle Sharlip said. "At this point in the season, its just a matter of working hard and being intense. Everyone on our team has the skills, we just need to use them." "We don't really know exactly what kind of team they are," Mikacenic added. "We're not really worrying about them right now. We've been focusing on what we need to improve on. Any team we face at this point is going to be very good. We just need to go out with intensity and play the best we can." William Smith has posted a 14-4-1 record this year, with their only losses coming against the College of New Jersey, currently ranked number one in the country, Gettysburg, St. Lawrence, and Ithaca. The Herons were ranked 19th in the last NSCAA poll, one spot ahead of Tufts. They advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating Oneonta State, which entered the ranked fourth in the country with only one loss, 2-1 in the finals of the Northeast regional. William Smith has traditionally been a very strong team, and tied an NCAA record this year in making its 14th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. The Herons have won the Northeast division four times, most recently in 1997, and were the national champions in 1988. This year's Herons are led by sophomore forward Kristen Perrigo, who has netted a team-high 23 points on nine goals and five assists, despite playing in only 15 games. Freshman midfielder Stephanie Leveille and sophomore forward/midfielder Alyson Stachura have each added seven goals, and have 19 and 16 points, respectively. William Smith also boasts an extremely tough defense, which has allowed just 13 goals in 19 matches this season, for a stingy .65 GAA. The defense has given up more than one goal just four times this year, and has shut out opponents in ten games. Senior Kathleen Thelian earned the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association (UCAA) Defender of the Year award last fall, and is in the running for the honor again this year. The Herons' starting goalkeeper, junior Leah Cornwall, has stopped 89.1 percent of opponents' shots on goal en route to earning eight of her team's shutouts. The winner of this weekend's game will move on to the NCAA Final Four, which will take place Nov. 18-19. Should the Jumbos win, there is a chance that the games will be held at Tufts, but the NCAA will make the final decision based on monetary factors. Tickets for this weekend's game will be $4 for adults, $2 for students with an ID, and $1 for children 12 and under, and will be available at the gate.

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News

New system allows Facilities requests to be submitted online

August 31

The Facilities Department is attempting to improve its services, ranging from building repairs to room key replacements, through a new system that allows students, faculty, and staff from Tufts' three campuses to submit work orders via the Internet. Through an online link on the department's website, Facilities hopes to respond to requests for repairs more quickly and efficiently. The site is the first in a series of steps that Facilities is taking toward bettering its handling of work order request forms. The online system provides a direct link between those requesting repairs and facilities personnel, which allows work orders to be clearly spelled out and eliminates potential confusion. The people fixing the problems receive a copy of the request as written, which means they know exactly when service was requested and the nature of the repair. Students on the Medford campus responded positively to new system, saying it afforded them much convenience. "At least you don't have to worry about calling and not getting someone. You can put in your request after hours and know that it'll get through, especially if all the requests are being handled by the same desk," freshman Rebecca Goettsche said. "There can't be a down side to the Internet method because you can always call in," freshman Davor Zgaljic said. In an increasingly high-tech world, creating an online work order system seemed like a natural next step, according to Director Ron Esposito. "Providing web service is standard good business practice now, and this decision was supported throughout our division," he said. Once requests are entered into the computer, the Work Control desk for each campus receives them, which is also the same place that handles call-in work orders. Those who would rather speak to a Facilities employee will continue to have the option of calling the Work Control desk. This was music to the ears of a few students apprehensive about what would happen to their requests after they hit the submit button. "I would keep calling until I was sure that the whole Internet thing was working," sophomore James Lambropoulos said. "I would rather speak to someone to make sure they understood exactly what the problem was." Freshman Nikoletta Stagias dealt with Facilities early this year and was impressed with how rapidly they responded to her phone call. "The current system is pretty efficient - they were very responsive," she said. "I would probably call before using the on-line form." The Facilities website can be accessed by a link under "Administrative Services" on the Tufts University home page or by going directly to www.tufts.edu/central/facilities. The site was created and will be maintained by Gloria Riccobono, Manager of Space Planning within the Facilities Department.

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News

Whose Bible is it?

August 31

Andrew Gould's Letter to the Editor ("Eil misunderstood views on homosexuality" 10/27), claims that I imply that Gould "consider[s] homosexuality a sin." If you would reread my article, Mr. Gould, you will find that I quoted your original article ("Clarifying Christianity" 10/24) each time I referred to your views. Since I let you state your views for yourself in my own article, I don't see how there can be any room for complaint. Furthermore, I wish you would do me the same favor in your article, because I don't know the part of my to which you are referring. Secondly, Gould tries to distinguish between "denying" one's sexuality and "seeking to avoid" it. To me, these things are pretty similar. When I refer to this "denial" in my previous article, I am referring to the state of being a non-practicing homosexual. This means that yes, there are practicing homosexuals who are devoutly Jewish or Christian, even Catholics, and they do not see this as a conflict. Gould later says, "Although I disagree with it, I can respect the reasonable position that says that a marriage-like homosexual relationship is morally sound." The crux of my first Viewpoint is that you need to respect everyone's position, not just those that are close to your own. Gould commends me for my "unusual recognition that the nature of liberalism is tolerating minority views." But after mentioning this in the first paragraph, he seems to forget it for the rest of the article. How can you expect others to respect your views, Gould, if you don't respect theirs? Neither of my articles is trying to change Gould's opinion that homosexual practice is a sin. I'm not going to try to judge who is right in this theological debate. I am only trying to show that there is no "right" answer about how the Bible should be interpreted or how to live one's life by it. Theological debates are as old as the Christianity itself. The Four Gospels are four accounts of the events of the life of Jesus, which interpret those events in different ways. The persecution and judgment of homosexual practice is equally varied. In the 5th century CE, the church started burning people for homosexual practice. Is this what you mean by "traditional" Christian doctrine, Gould? It was done using Biblical justification, such as Leviticus 20:13, "If a man has intercourse with a man as with a woman, both commit an abomination. They must be put to death." Why do you deny this part of the Bible? Or do you think that it is right to put to death those engaging in homosexual practice? You state that you "implore the University not to discount the traditional position, which retains the worldwide and historical majority among Christians, as an evil and intolerable sentiment." I don't know of any research that establishes this "majority", and it brings up another issue: who is a Christian? Anyone who goes to church every Sunday? Anyone whose family is Christian? Anyone who says he or she is Christian? Anyone who believes in John 3:16 and the Nicean Creed? In some ways, the Bible is to Christianity as the Constitution is to the United States. It is a rough outline that is often interpreted in different ways. Some parts of each document are even ignored or somehow circumvented on some occasions. For instance, did you know that the Constitution forbids Congress from levying taxes? Ask your parents how well the government has stuck to that one. Some Christians, in fact, don't believe in the Old Testament (Gideon's Bible has no Old Testament). The New Testament sometimes directly conflicts with the Old Testament, as the Catholic Church has been quick to point out. It says that the Old Testament, where most of the passages on homosexuality are, is marked by blood and violence, while the New Testament is marked by peace and acceptance. For example, the Old Testament has circumcision as the mark of the covenant with God, while the New Testament has baptism. Some Christians, in fact, don't believe in the Old Testament (Gideon's Bible has no Old Testament). There are also elements of Christian worship that have nothing to do with anything in the Bible (Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, for example). How can we say that this is Christian when it's not in the Bible? Every interpretation of the Bible and Christian practices places more importance on some things and less on others. It has to. It is everyone's responsibility, when they cite "traditional Christianity", or "what Christians believe", or "what the Bible says", to know what's actually in the Bible and the many different ways that it can be interpreted. Don't let anyone tell you how the Bible should be interpreted. Everyone should have a right to his or her own interpretation. Gould seems to make a distinction between Christian denominations that are "respectable" and those that are not, and in his Viewpoint he referred to "real Christianity (as opposed to the watered-down virtual-Unitarianism that often goes by its name)." In response to that, I'll leave you with a piece of scripture for you to interpret for yourself. This is Luke 10:9-14. "Here is another parable that he told; it was aimed at those who were sure of their own goodness and looked down on everyone else. 'Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed this prayer: 'I thank you, God, that I am not like the rest of mankind - greedy, dishonest, adulterous - or, for that matter, like this tax-collector. I fast twice a week; I pay tithes on all that I get.' But the other kept his distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven, but beat upon his breast, saying, 'God, have mercy on me, sinner that I am.' It was this man, I tell you, and not the other, who went home acquitted of his sins. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled; and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.'"David Eil is a sophomore who has not yet chosen a major.

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News

Can't get enough of Bad Company

August 31

Are you randy and have nowhere to vent your frustrations? Purchasing Bad Company's 10 From 6, a compilation of the band's greatest hits, will have you feeling good in no time. Perfect if you "Feel Like Makin' Love" or are "Ready for Love," this album is overflowing with testosterone-charged sexual tension and other social issues that even today's college student can relate to. "Run With the Pack" celebrates a Thursday night jaunt on frat row; "Electric Land" could very well be the tale of a Friday night at Avalon. The songs on 10 From 6 come from six of their previous albums: Bad Company, Straight Shooter, Run With The Pack, Burning Sky, Desolation Angels, and Rough Diamonds. Pure classic rock is the only way to describe the music of Bad Company - from the typical male rock band lyrics to the hard-edged guitar chords, this is a '70s band through and through. Listening to the CD you can just tell each member had long hair at one time or another. The name of the band came from the 1972 film called Bad Company, and the name fits their hard-rock, bad boy persona.The group's sound is characterized by guitarist Mick Ralph's chugging riffs. The guitar playing never becomes very technically complicated, but that's not what the band was going for - Bad Company is a feel-good band led by the soulful, mood-manipulating vocals of Paul Rodgers.Since Bad Company formed in 1974 it has been destined for success: Rodgers formerly belonged to the successful band Free (remember the song "All Right Now"?) and guitarist Ralph had belonged to Mott The Hoople. These original members, accompanied by drummer Simon Kirke and guitarist/vocalist Boz Burrell, helped define the now-classic rock sounds of the '70s alongside such groups as Led Zeppelin and Foreigner. Swan Song, Bad Company's record label, was formed by none other than the members of Led Zeppelin. Being the first band to sign to Swan Song, Bad Company faced intense pressure to create quality music that would sell. With their first album, Bad Company, the band rocketed to number one on the British charts. The rest of the world soon followed. The backbone of the album was "Can't Get Enough," a track laced with despair about female troubles, but at the same time upbeat enough to make you want to go for a drive with the windows down and stereo blasting. Peter Grant, who served as manager for both Bad Company and Led Zeppelin, directed the band's career and led it to success. The original Bad Company lineup (there would be a few more attempts at putting together a "Bad Company") was shattered by the death of John Bonham, Zeppelin's drummer. Grant was hugely impacted and could no longer lead the band as firmly as he had before. These men had a talent for writing songs about women, liquor, and the music industry. "Shooting Star" was a standard Bad Company song, a slow rock ballad telling a story with a moral. The story started with "Johnny was a schoolboy..." and went on to tell of Johnny's rise to stardom, his subsequent abuse of drugs, and finally his death. The song dealt with the casualties of rock music and how the industry ruined many talented artists. Bad Company seemed to stay healthy among the hard rocker casualties of the day, however, ruling the airwaves and concert stages as the '70s went on. The band consistently sold out venues and expanded its fan base beyond the traditional rock audience. Paul Rodgers' soulful vocals attracted fans, and some even compared his voice to Otis Redding's. The original lineup lasted less than a decade, but the band made six albums together that had lasting quality. Another compilation entitled The Original Bad Company Anthology covers most of the material on the original six records. Bad Company is still alive today, and even toured last year with the fourth lineup used since its inception. Fans of classic rock not familiar with the work of Bad Company should check out the work of a band that has worked hard to define the genre.

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News

Sitting on the dock of the Bay

August 31

So I was sitting in front of my blank computer screen wondering what to write about, while at the same time watching the Oakland A's beat the New York Yankees in Game One of the divisional series. I realized that I haven't written anything positive about anybody in a while, so I should probably do that. But what's positive in sports, I asked? Everywhere you look, players are demanding higher salaries from prison cells. But then it hit me like a Pedro Martinez fastball. The Oakland A's. If there's one team that the country can look at in this year's baseball playoffs and smile about, it's the A's. They may not be America's team, but they could be the working man's club. The A's have the lowest payroll of any playoff team, but have an opportunity to beat the Yankees, who have the highest payroll in baseball. It's kind of like David versus Goliath, except David lives in Oakland and can crank homeruns at any point during the game. I really, really want to see the A's beat the Yankees, and it's not just because I'm a devoted, lifelong Yankee hater, although that's definitely a part of it. It's fun to watch the A's outplay the Yankees. New York players have their fancy pinstripes and tight-fitting, perfect-looking uniforms. The A's have baggy clothes with guts hanging over their belts. They look like they belong in your community softball league, playing Local Lumberjacks 404. The leader of this fun-loving bunch is Jason Giambi, who could start on any beer-guzzling, chain-smoking, home run hitting softball team, except that he may be the MVP of the American Leauge. Giambi batted .334, hit 43 home runs, and had 137 RBIs, a franchise record. He had more runs batted in than guys like Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco had during the era of the bash brothers. Giambi was named AL player of the month in September. I don't know if he deserved it. All he did was hit .400, with 13 knocks and 32 ribbies. Did I mention that every game the A's played in September they basically had to win because they were in a three-way race for the postseason? It's no wonder why the A's carried Giambi off the field on their shoulders after they clinched the AL West pennant on the last day of the season, because he carried them all month. Of course, carrying him off the field is no small feat either, as the first baseman could easily pass for a middle linebacker, coming in at 6'3", 235 lbs. Giambi has all the stats that make him a star, but he also has the personality. He's not just nice to the media. He tells the truth when he answers questions, and he's funny. He has shaggy hair, a bit of a gut, a swing longer than the Academy Awards, and a goatee. In fact, it seems like almost every A's hitter looks like that. There are more goatees in the A's dugout than at a Harley Davidson convention. Other than Giambi, you have Matt Stairs, who has, surprise, a bit of a gut, long hair, and a goatee. Or Eric Chavez. Or Giambi's younger brother Jason. These aren't the classy ball players your parents paid 50 cents to watch at the ballpark. These guys swing at anything, spit when they talk, and don't have that much speed, but make up for it with incredible power. In short, they're fun to watch play. Joe DiMaggio is spinning in his grave. All the fun isn't exclusively in the batting order, though. Manager Art Howe, who used to manage the Houston Astros and coach the Colorado Rockies, may be in the American League, but he has a little bit of that senior-circuit attitude still in him. He actually had the gall to double steal against the Yanks. Can you imagine that, an American League manager calling a double steal? Usually, the only things American League managers call is their chauffeurs to tell them that the game's ending. I have never seen Joe Torre do anything in a game other than stare at the field, mumble a few words to bench coach Don Zimmer, or take the occasional nap (alright, so I've never actually caught him sleeping, but I swear he could take anyone in a staring contest). And the A's pitchers like to have some fun, too. Barry Zito, a lefty starter, never goes anywhere without his specially made silk sheets and pillows, and he always travels with stuffed animals. There's more about this team you may not know. For instance, it may have the best shortstop who will never go to an All-Star game. Miguel Tejada hit 30 homers this year, bats fifth in a powerful lineup, and has more range than Pavarotti, but has just one fatal flaw. He plays in the same league as the better-known Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, and Nomar Garciappara. Or how about Tim Hudson, the second-year pitcher? A few years back, the A's decided to draft a bunch of pitchers to try to build a new rotation. The last guy they picked was some nobody named Hudson. Turns out, this nobody won 20 games this year and may be the best young pitcher in baseball. So the A's may or may not be the team of the 2000's (I think they will be), but two things are for sure. One, they are very fun to watch, and two, I hope they beat the Yankees.

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News

Ray' was pop music at its best

August 31

The pure joy that comes from perfectly crafted pop music is unmatchable. It's a bliss that makes you want to sing, bounce, and smile goofily because of its sheer likeability, its flow to the ear... hell, its cuteness. We all need a little bit of "cute," and pop (especially pop-rock - cute hidden behind a manly guise of guitars, drums, and messy hair) is a safe, non-threatening outlet. Despite the simplicity that characterizes pop-rock, producing the music well, with a unique, defining sound, is no easy task (just flip on Mix 98.5 and listen to almost every new pop band out there). So no band has really ever come close to the pop perfection attained by The Lemonheads. They didn't hide behind faces of angst and wannabe rocker clothing. Their lead vocalist never spewed sweat and snarled while crooning simple, silly love songs. The band realized what it was - candy-sweet pop to the core, with no apologies - and fully relished in it. It's A Shame About Ray marked the commercial high point of what is to date the Boston band's eight-album career. It was 1992, and lead vocalist Evan Dando reigned supreme as rock's pretty-boy poster child, with flowing golden locks and a general cluelessness that captured the hearts of female fans. He could not have had any better backing music. Ray brims with simplicity and fun - 13 ditties that ponder love in its various forms: gained, lost, wanted, on hold...you name it. Throw in a droll cover of Simon and Garfunkel's "Mrs. Robinson," and a sweet rendition of "Frank Mills" from the rock musical Hair, and the 29 minute, 46 second-long album that has defined the band to this day is complete. Ray's remarkably short length left The Lemonheads plenty of room to utilize their talents - there is no need at all for any song (all under four minutes) to stretch any longer than they already are. Each is fully saturated with just enough self-assurance, wit, and innocence to make it a gem. They all revel in their catchiness for a minute or so, and quickly move on to the next track. Dando's warm, soothing voice and soft-wit style of songwriting is a surefire way to ensure that no song can really fail. Each is highly similar - a melodic, simple, quirky ode to life. "Rockin' Stroll is a tale from the view of a baby carriage ("People's knees/And trunks of trees/Smile at me"), while "Confetti" deals with divorce and love lost ("He kinda sorta shoulda woulda loved her if he coulda") with an infectious hook. He refers to the heroine of "Alison's Starting To Happen" as "the puzzle piece behind the couch that makes the sky complete," then continues to tell us that "Alison's getting her tit pierced/Alison's growing a Mohawk." The album is simply endearing, and self-aware, all at once. Alternative goddess (and Dando counterpart) Juliana Hatfield guest stars throughout the album, providing a welcome female voice that covers everything from tender harmony on "Buddy," to general screeching on "Alison." Unfortunately, The Lemonheads have made themselves scarce as of late. It's a shame - they'd be ideal models for bands today as a group that can retain personality while at the same time creating music that basically anyone can enjoy. It's a lesson that needs to be reviewed, and Ray is the perfect guidebook.

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News

Jumbos show inexperience in season opener game

August 31

The Jumbos' new and inexperienced offense looked exactly that on Saturday, falling 16-7 to the visiting Wesleyan Cardinals in a shaky season opener. The game, which saw the multi-faceted Brian Holmes start for the first time at tailback (and also saw him taken to the hospital for dehydration), marked the up-and-down debut for sophomore quarterback Todd Scalia. Scalia and his untested offense could not follow up flashes of offensive momentum with points on the scoreboard, falling victim to too many careless mistakes. "We are young, but that's not an excuse," offensive lineman Mike Willey said after the game. "We have to stop taking the stupid penalties or the dumb plays. We'll work on that in practice this week." The final of the fatal mistakes came in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter when Scott Treacy, who entered the game for a struggling Scalia, engineered a lengthy touchdown drive, only to follow it up by throwing an interception in the Jumbos' next possession and last chance to win. Treacy came in for Scalia with Tufts down 10-0 and just under seven minutes remaining in the final frame. Using his mobility to avoid potential sacks on second down, Treacy got the ball to running back Chuck McGraw for 12 yards. The Jumbos then took advantage of a roughing-the-passer penalty on the Cardinals to move 15 yards upfield, giving Tufts a first and ten on the Wesleyan 31. Treacy was not done yet, though, rushing six yards on first down, completing a three-yard pass to Bryan Pitko on second, and forcing his way through the middle on third to get a first down on the Wesleyan 18 with just over four minutes to go. A nine-yard run by the quarterback set up a touchdown pass to Cerne, who bobbled the ball in the end zone before bringing it down and tightening the Cardinals' lead to three. But while the Jumbos' defense forced Wesleyan to punt on its next possession, with just under two minutes on the clock, Treacy's attempt to repeat the success of his first drive did not last more than a play. With a first and ten at the Jumbos' 19 and no timeouts remaining, Treacy threw a wild pass that found its way into the hands of Wesleyan cornerback Derrick Brantley, who skirted 23 yards into the end zone, cementing the 16-7 win for the Cardinals. Treacy tacked another interception onto his record for the day before all was said and done, finishing at 5-for-9 with 53 yards passing and 19 yards running. Scalia completed six of 11 passes for 88 yards and struggled mightily when holding the ball or running the option, compiling minus-35 yards on six rushes. But it was a poor pass that ended Treacy's seemingly heroic entrance into the game, one that was delayed three quarters because a slight injury made Scalia the winner of the quarterback controversy. Now, with Treacy seemingly healthy but neither quarterback impressive in game one, coach Samko will have his work cut out for him in deciding a game two starter. While Treacy's play was mobile and risky, Scalia suffered the opposite problem, unable to get things going throughout most of the game. Scalia was on the field as Samko's offense maintained a conservative attack, going to the rush far more often than to the pass in the first half. Holmes, a 1999 NESCAC All-Star on special teams and also a defensive back, took on a new role Saturday, starting at tailback in place of the scheduled starter, sophomore McGraw. The speedy senior teamed with fullback Jon Rodgers to spur a rushing attack that looked decent at times but never got anything going. Holmes rushed for 51 yards in the half while catching a 39-yard bomb from Scalia, while Rodgers wound up with 31 yards rushing for the half and 46 for the day. McGraw had eight carries for a total of just 11 yards. One of the only successful debuts on Saturday was that of Cerne, who caught four passes for 43 yards in his first game wearing Brown and Blue, also nabbing the team's lone touchdown. Cerne and Pitko handled much of the passing duties because Saturday's other starter, Brett Cicchillo, had not practiced for two weeks with an injury. Cicchillo caught just one pass for 15 yards. "We knew Matt Cerne had the ability to play because of how he did in practice," Cicchillo said, "but there's a difference between practice and game. He stepped up today." "Matt Cerne played well," Samko said. "He had a couple of big plays." While Wesleyan shut down the new-look offense in the first half, it was a 32-yard field goal at 6:44 in the first quarter from freshman kicker Vin Balsamo that put the first score on the board for either team. Tufts, meanwhile, positioned itself in field goal range twice in the game, but failed on both attempts. Treacy couldn't bring down a high snap near the end of the first half on a 21-yard Rock attempt, while Rock also missed a 47-yard attempt in the third quarter. After scoreless second and third quarters, the Cardinals were back on the attack in the fourth, led by sophomore running back Greg Thomas. Thomas, who did not see much playing time in '99, was the offensive star of the day, getting 28 carries for a total of 137 yards. After a 15-yard pass from Wesleyan quarterback Kevin Cornish to receiver George Thompson put the Cardinals near midfield with under nine minutes remaining in the game, Thomas busted loose for a 37-yard run that put the Cardinals on the Tufts 23 with a first down. Thomas moved his team closer to the end zone with rushes of four and eight yards and, a couple of plays later, surged his way into the endzone to put Wesleyan up 10-0 at the 6:50 mark. "The defense definitely played well," Samko said, "except when Thomas ripped that run." It was after Thomas' score that Samko made the call to put Treacy in, fueling some short-lived excitement at Zimman Field. "They're a good team," he said of Wesleyan. "I thought they'd be good. They're a lot like us." Indeed, both teams displayed new offenses on Saturday, with Cornish making his debut as Wesleyan's regular starter following the graduation of Jake Fay. But it was the failure to convert on some key opportunities that spelled disaster for the Jumbos, who statistically outdid the Cardinals on offense. Tufts rushed for a total of 100 yards (compared to Wesleyan's 97) and passed for a total of 141 yards (compared to Wesleyan's 130). The Jumbos' defense was on its game as well, sacking Cornish a total of six times for 35 lost yards. "We've got some pretty young guys on the field, so that will happen," Samko said when asked about the team's inability to capitalize on momentum. The team will now regroup for next week's home game against Bates, which dropped its season opener, 46-34, to Trinity on Saturday. Samko has not yet named a starting quarterback, nor does he know what to expect from an offense that clearly has a ways to go in finding its groove.

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News

Changes in meal plan result in decreased use of dining halls

August 31

Changes within Dining Services this year, most notably the revamping of meal plans, have resulted in increased flexibility regarding the use of meals and Dining Dollars on campus. These adjustments, along with the rising popularity of the Merchants on Points (MOPS) program, led to shifts in both the dynamics of Tufts dining and Dining Services finances. The revised meal-plan system affords students greater freedom to choose when they use meals. This semester, the increased usage of Dining Dollars led to a decrease in the number of students frequenting the main dining halls and an increase in the use of alternative options such as the campus center Commons, the Hodgdon take-out service, and the MOPS restaurants. Dining Services Director Patti Lee Kros said that she has received a great deal of positive feedback concerning these changes. However, the drop in the number of students eating in the dining halls - also a result of the smaller number of students enrolled in meal plans - may have an impact on Dining Services finances. "There are fixed costs associated with keeping Carmichael and Dewick open seven days a week," Klos said. "If there is a decline in the number of students in the dining halls, we need to push towards assessing what is economically feasible." The new meal plans provide students with a bloc of meals for the semester, which is a change from last year when they were allotted a fixed number of meals per week. While freshmen are still required to purchase the premium plan, that option now provides unlimited meals at any time instead of 20 meals a week. The majority of sophomores chose the revamped plan that offers 160 meals and $510 dining dollars per semester. While the actual number of meals must be renewed each semester, Dining Dollars can be carried over from one term to the next. Students have long complained about paying for meals they do not consume, but Klos said that the need to cover such costs is the primary reason that meals do not roll over from one semester to the next. "We use that money to pay for the costs involved in operating the facilities," she said.The revamped plans proved popular, and the number of students on the 160 plan doubled this year. The expansion of the Dining Dollars program drew over 400 participants who would otherwise have chosen the premium plan to apply for lesser plans such as the 220 and the 160. Hodgdon take-out also saw the number of meals it serves increase this semester, as its transition to an a-la-carte format with individual pricing of items provides students with more freedom and choice. "The plan offers the best of both worlds, since you have the choice to eat in the dining halls, at the campus center, or order in," sophomore Viola Manteufel said. "There's plenty of value and flexibility to it." "There are 12 different places on campus to eat, and students just wanted more flexibility, so dining dollars was expanded," Klos said. While the changes in meal plans affected the number of meals eaten in the dining halls, Klos said that they have not had an overall negative effect on the inflow of money. "We are about at budget in terms of projections, so these changes haven't been a boon," said Klos.Dining Services has a $13 million budget, with over $1 million in stored reserves. "The common perception is that this money means the department generates a $1 million profit, which is a misconception," said Klos, who was quick to point out that the department is self-insured. "If a building roof suddenly comes off or there is an emergency, we need to cover those costs. We cannot be a drain to the University," she said.Klos also cited financial concerns as a reason why she has been hesitant to act on student suggestions that an additional restaurant be added to the MOPS program. Though the prospect of including another merchant in the program is not outside the realm of possibilities, the impact of that change on covering the fixed costs must be evaluated, because an increase in student utilization of the MOPS program would translate into a further decrease in the number of students using the dining halls."The additional outflow of money to outside merchants has implications for the University," said Klos.Klos also said that one of the motivations for wanting thelower classes to eat in the dining halls is the importance of in creating an environment of living and learning in the context of a community. "I'm looking at this philosophically as well as financially," she said.Though the changes within Dining Services this year have satisfied the majority of students, some believe there is room for improvement. "Many of the MOPS restaurants close early, so you can't get food from them late at night," junior Jolene Stewart said. "I'd also like to see more variety within the program."The rise in the number of students using Dining Dollars rather than actual dining hall meals has caused overcrowding in places like the Campus Center, traditionally used by upperclassmen. "It's frustrating that the campus center is so crowded because of all the sophomores on points," senior Tracy Hoskinson said. "Lunch is now such a huge time investment because of the lines."Students are also frustrated with the odd hours of the campus center Commons, which is no longer open on Saturdays. The change was made because there were typically few students at the Commons at off-peak hours and there tends to be a shortage of student staffers on weekends.But Klos was confident that accommodations could be made with enough student support. "If we see there is a growing demand in any particular area, we can adjust for that," she said.

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News

The Impossibility of Peace

August 31

On the eve of what was supposed to be the declaration of a Palestinian State, Jerusalem is very quiet. Due to the recent delay of a declaration, one could expect that this would be the case, at least for the time being. I'm sitting here overlooking Jerusalem at Hebrew University on Mount Scopus, or in Hebrew Har Ha'Tzofim, which means looking out or spying out. From what I have seen and heard here, the chance of this quietness continuing for a long time is slim to none. I'm not saying this is due to any particular political leanings, although I do have plenty of opinions on the issue. I'm saying this simply because of what I see and what I hear from my vantage point in Israel - a peace treaty will not be achieved.

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News

Minority high school students participate in admissions outreach program

August 31

Last Thursday and Friday marked the Tufts Admissions Office's annual Student of Color Outreach Program (SCOPE), giving scores of prospective minority students a taste of life at Tufts. Program organizers agree that it was one of the most successful SCOPE weekends yet. The aim of SCOPE is to encourage minority students to apply to Tufts, so that the community continues to have a diverse student body. Nearly 175 African-American, Latino, and Asian-American high school seniors participated in this year's program, up from just over 100 last year. Busloads of participants came from New York City and Hartford, with other prospective students travelling from states as far away as California, Texas, North Carolina, Illinois, and Mississippi. The Admissions Office provided discounted airfare to those students who did not live within driving distance. Students felt that this year's program was more effective than it has been in years past. One current student noted that "last year, people just came on the SCOPE weekend for fun; they were just looking to party. This year they actually seemed to be more interested in the school." Freshman Abigail Akande also hosted students for the program. While she felt it was successful, she did have one criticism. "I think the program should have been longer - I didn't feel that the pre-frosh had enough time to really see what Tufts was like; they came in the evening and left early in the morning for tours with admissions," she said. The prospective students were treated to a panel Thursday evening designed to show "The Tufts Experience," and what life in general, specifically for minority students, is like on campus. Friday was a day of class visits, open houses at the various cultural centers on campus, and a forum about college admissions. Freshman and SCOPE planning committee member Nadia Right said that "the forums featured a cross section of students on a panel, and they answered questions from the prospective students." Students from the committee carefully selected students for the panel in order to provide a varied perspective on campus life. In addition to the various organized events, the student hosts exposed their prospective students to various aspects of Tufts life by bringing them to daily activities, such as classes, parties, and club meetings. Many prospective students ventured into Boston with their hosts in order to explore the cultural and social resources offered in the city. "There was a lot of choices as to what to do with our pre-frosh," Wright said. One of the highlights of the weekend was Tufts' annual Supershow. Multicultural art and performance groups performed at the event, giving prospective students an idea of the kinds of artistic groups that are available to the community. Wright participated in SCOPE last year as a prospective student, and the spirited Supershow in particular was one of the events that influenced her decision to attend Tufts. "Part of the reason I joined the planning committee was that last year I came to SCOPE and really enjoyed it. I loved the Supershow, I loved speaking to students about Tufts.... I really felt it was a successful program," she said. Wright said that the three prospective students she hosted this year from San Diego seemed to enjoy their experience here, and she made a huge effort to show off the school. "When I did SCOPE, my host was so busy, and I wanted to make sure I was a good host as I showed them around campus." Junior Angel Vail, who worked as a liaison between the SCOPE program and the Hispanic culture house, La Casa Latina, mentioned that it is often times hard to know what the students have in mind when they come to Tufts. "The thing with fall SCOPE is that the kids aren't sure if they're going to apply, so you have kids who aren't really interested in Tufts, and they just want to have a fun weekend at a college. It happens every year, and there's nothing we can do about it," she said. However, Vail felt that this issue did not undermine the importance of the SCOPE program. "I still think it's something we should definitely have, because we want to get students interested in Tufts. There's always a chance that the people who came to party will end up loving the school and wanting to apply," she said. Vail noted that the existence of the SCOPE program comes from Tufts' desire to recruit minority students to increase the diversity of the school. "Some people get upset about affirmative action. SCOPE helps minority students to be interested in Tufts, and the more people we have apply, the more people with higher GPAs apply. This allows us to have a diverse community without lowering our standards," she said.

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News

The grass is greener with Nader

August 31

The choice between Al Gore and Ralph Nader still plagues the minds of many liberals; voting for either one still results in the loss of sleep over a bruise to the conscience from one side or the other. On one hand, the conscious liberal knows that Al Gore differs only slightly in views from our dear George W. Bush and simply caters to the rich public with the hope of receiving more campaign funds. On the other hand, it resonates from all sides that the worthy liberal candidate, Ralph Nader, has no real chance of winning: any vote for Nader pulls away a vote from Gore and brings the lovely Bush closer to presidency. As a result, the liberal-minded voter is torn between voting for an inept Gore and voting for a capable Nader who may just be the deciding factor in the Bush-Gore race. However, Gore just does not measure up as the liberal candidate that Democratic voters would like him to be. Though Gore poses as an environmental figure, the half-million dollars worth of shares he holds with Occidental Petroleum, a company responsible for oil drilling in Colombia that forces indigenous peoples off their land, as well as campaign funding he receives from them glaringly indicates otherwise. Not only that, but also his stances on foreign policy, including support of the anti-ballistic missile defense system and free trade, hardly differ from those of Bush who holds essentially the same views on foreign affairs. The Democratic party has shamefully strayed towards the right, leaving many liberals without a legitimate candidate for president within the two-party system. Nader is not taking votes away from Gore. Gore is losing his supporters by virtue of his apparent incompetence and ambivalence in his views, not to mention his lack of support for such liberal ideas as universal health care and implementation of a living wage system. How can a politically-conscious liberal vote for a man who places more importance in pleasing the rich elite despite the obvious need for social reform among the majority of the American population? Nader holds a platform that actually offers ideas for rigorous social change in hopes of reducing poverty in urban areas and raising the standard of living for all people. Indeed, I cannot offer a completely safe way to vote for Nader and keep the evil Bush out of office. I can, however, bring to light the idea of movement-building on the part of minorities, homosexuals and women, who are thought to be the people who will be most affected by a Bush government and Bush-appointed Supreme Court justices. A loss to Bush will illuminate the people's discontent with the Democratic party and its dormancy on urgent issues usually addressed by a traditionally liberal party. In the past, minorities and homosexuals have looked toward the Democratic party for justice, but I do not see Gore as a man who seeks to fervently address these issues while in office. Of course, Gore does not admit to such strong views as Bush in terms of gay rights, abortion issues, and gun control. But anyone can assure you that if Bush dramatically changes laws in regard to these issues - the activist, the homosexual, the sexually abused woman, the mother whose son was killed by gun violence - all will be waiting to voice there mounting resentment and rebelliousness in their hearts since Bush becoming president. As of now, the Democratic party takes for granted the minority and gay vote (among others) because the Republican party makes it quite apparent that it is not very sensitive to either group's concerns. When the votes of these two significant groups begin to shift to a more sensitive and receptive party, namely the Green party, the Democrats cannot help but notice that attention must be given to these groups. It will signal to the Democrats that they cannot simply rely on getting the vote because of the common perception of the party as liberal. The party will have to prove that it is in support of liberal views by providing a candidate that can fight for social reform issues with conviction as opposed to the flakiness displayed by Vice President Al Gore. The Democrats will have to take a peek at the Green party platform and realize that they need to step up and finally really give people what they want. A bad Bush will call for more competent candidates. Bush as president will spur more disgruntled, riled up people to exercise their right to vote in the next election in hopes of averting another national tragedy, for a Bush in office is indeed a tragedy. If Nader of the Green party receives five percent of the popular vote, the party will receive campaign funding in the next election and participate in the debates. The two-party system will be broken and the media will have to account for a third candidate who may actually have something substantial to contribute to the American government. Currently, the system and media shadows the existence of other parties in this election having a major affect in the way people vote and how much they know of the people running for office. Being of the two main parties Bush and Gore receive undue attention and enjoy the benefits of general associations attached to each party as a result of past presidents. Thus, it is integral to Nader and the Green party campaign to garner the support of at least five percent of the population in order to break away from the general mentality that the presidential election is merely a race between Republicans and Democrats. That being said, I strongly encourage everyone to vote for Nader. It is true that this may threaten Gore's election to president, but that is mainly his own fault for being so unappealing in the eyes of liberals looking for change. A vote for Nader will highlight the need for a truly liberal Democratic party and a new movement that calls for serious attention to issues that have been poorly dealt with thus far. Vote with your conscience - vote for Nader.Meena Jagannath is a sophomore who has not yet declared a major.

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News

Amalgamates blend seamlessly on Juice

August 31

There's something wonderful to be said for co-ed a cappella. The melding of sonorous baritones with lilting sopranos results in a truly pretty mix that single-sex groups just can't imitate. This is why Tufts' Amalgamates have always had the ability to recreate believably a wide range of songs. Skeptical of the a cappella madness? Want proof? The 'Mates newest offering, Juice, shines them in their best light yet. Juice captures the Amalgamates' staples that Jumbos have heard for the last two years. It's almost a soundtrack for upperclassmen; for newcomers, it's a solid introduction to one of Tufts' many prides in a cappella. Because a cappella albums are essentially cover albums, the group has the task of pleasing a wide palette of campus musical tastes. Juice offers renditions of songs from artists as varied as Whitney Houston and Alice Cooper - an undertaking that, if done poorly, could easily end up a mess. Yet magically, none of the songs can be considered much of a stretch. The album's strength lies in the complexity of its arrangements and the pure talent that carries them out - they manage to make even Alice Cooper sound beautiful. Each song contains a rich background of vocal layers, and lead voices are filled with distinct personality. The songs' inner workings are so compelling that boredom with the sans-instruments style isn't a possibility. These elements come together in Juice's strongest tracks: a dead-on interpretation of Toad the Wet Sprocket's "Fly from Heaven" and a simply beautiful rendition of Seal's "Don't Cry." Both are ideal songs in themselves, and the 'Mates have done them absolute justice. With great lead vocals and gorgeous backing music, they're impressive from start to finish. Not everything on the album is a grand production, and this is a good thing. The group calls on simplicity when needed, and it works. The Eagles' "Love Will Keep Us Alive," is sweet and to the point - it's the album's undeniable swooner.And once again, the 'Mates prove their mastery at imitating U2 - 1998's Grandma's Campers' most notable track was the epic "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," and Juice follows up with a notable version of "Mysterious Ways" - always a favorite at concerts. Yes, some less recognizable songs do fade into the background. Paula Cole Band's "I Believe in Love" and Annie Lennox's "Waiting in Vain" aren't as catchy and recognizable as the rest. They're extremely well done (especially the lead vocals on both), but just don't have the same beauty on record as they resonate live. But they fit in as a part of Juice's whole picture, and it's a great one. It's an eclectic mix tape sung personally for Tufts students by Tufts students. And it's sung damn well.

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News

They aim to please: Tufts groups to play orientation

August 31

With summer movies long gone and the fall season of sitcoms not yet in swing, some might be at a loss as to how to be passively entertained. Fear not - Tufts is host to a variety of performance groups, and most of them manage to work in at least one show before classes start. If your taste leans towards a capella, comedy, or theater (did we mention a cappella?), then you'll find plenty to satisfy your needs in the next week. The best part: all the performances are free. Ice Cream Social: Make yourself a sundae and enjoy some scrumptious a cappella music. With both uphill and downhill versions of this event, it'll be hard to miss. The six groups are split between the two locations: the Amalgamates, the Jackson Jills, and Shir Appeal are performing in the Residential Quad, while Essence, sQ, and the Beelzebubs will appear downhill on the lawn between Haskell and Tilton. The two socials run simultaneously though, so pick your groups wisely. Starts by 10 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 30. On both the Residential Quad and the field between Haskell and Tilton Halls. Cheap Sox and Travelling Treasure Trunk: Two comedic groups in one night make for one of orientation's most popular shows. The Travelling Treasure Trunk and Cheap Sox will perform back-to-back in the Balch Arena Theater inside the Aidekman Arts Center. Travelling Treasure Trunk features its own variety of children's theater, complete with wild costumes and cartoonish voices. Cheap Sox is Tufts' only improvisational comedy troupe, inventing routines and characters through dramatic games and suggestions from the audience. 10:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 31. Balch Arena Theater. Convocation: This officially kicks off the year, and true to Tufts' form, manages to incorporate just a bit of a cappella as well. The seniors from each of the singing groups will perform amidst the rest of the excitement. Everyone should be there anyway, so just sit back and enjoy the show. 8:45 p.m., Friday, Sept. 1. Library hill. Bagel Brunch: Bagels and a capella music are like... well, a lot like ice cream and a cappella, actually. This is the first opportunity of the year to hear all six groups perform in one place. Chewing your way through a bagel in Hillel and listening to lots of singing is always the best way to kick off a lazy Sunday morning. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 3. Hillel Family Center. 'The Actor's Nightmare' and 'You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown': Between drama and musical theater, these two have all their bases covered. The Actor's Nightmare follows an utterly average man as he is unexpectedly thrust into a role as an understudy. Everyone else knows their parts, but he is forced to improvise his way - with no script - through play after play. You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown turns Charles Schultz's famous comic strip into a live-action performance, full of songs, dances, and familiar faces. Both take place in the Balch Arena Theater in the Aidekman Arts center; go on Sunday and you'll get a double feature. 7 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 3 for both shows; 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m., Monday, Sept. 4, for 'You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown' and 'The Actor's Nightmare' respectively. Balch Arena Theater. Orientation A Cappella Concert: If the aforementioned musical samplings of the week prove insufficient, then get psyched for O-show because this performance is the granddaddy of them all. Most of the regular a cappella concerts are held in Goddard Chapel, but this is always the first one of the year. New songs, long performances, two showtimes, all six a cappella groups... it's all anyone could ask for. You've got rhythm. You've got music. Make sure to get there early because it gets crowded. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 4. Goddard Chapel.

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News

This week's movie releases nothing new

August 31

November hasn't exactly been a good month for the movies. This week's new releases seem to be sticking with the grand tradition of being nothing special. While it may seem impossible that an action film, a horror flick, and a romantic comedy have anything in common, these three movies each succeed in being less than original and vaguely familiar. Unless you're in the mood to fork out $8 for something you've already more or less seen, you're probably better off giving up on the movies and going home early for Thanksgiving instead. The Sixth Day Director: Roger Spottiswoode Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tony Goldwyn, Robert Duvall, and Michael Rapaport Arnold Schwarzenegger is the leading man in The Sixth Day ? what else do you need to know? The "Terminator" stays true to his action-movie roots as Adam Gibson, the survivor of a near fatal helicopter accident who returns home only to discover that he has been replaced by a clone of himself. Human cloning, however, is a definite no-no. When the clone's creators realize that Gibson in fact did not die in the crash, a cat-and-mouse chase ensues. Despite a few futuristic features, this film is likely to fall short of achieving sci-fi status and promises to be little more than another action flick. Held For Ransom Director: Lee Stanley Starring: Timothy Bottoms, Jordan Brower, Zachery Ty Bryan, and Mark DeLisle The most noticeable thing about this movie is that the cast is strikingly lacking recognizable actors. The only name you're even remotely likely to be familiar with is that of Lois Duncan. Not that you'll find her anywhere on screen ? Held For Ransom is based on a novel she wrote. And writing horror stories is what Duncan does best. If you know the name at all, it's probably because she also wrote I Know What You Did Last Summer. Still, despite her success as a writer, a movie about five rich, spoiled rotten teenagers held for ransom in a swamp has nothing but disaster written all over it. At best, Held For Ransom is a tremendous movie-going risk. The Daily recommends that you skip the excursion and rent Scream instead. Bounce Director: Don Roos Starring: Ben Affleck, Gwyneth Paltrow, Natasha Henstridge, and Jennifer Grey It's a tried-and-true fact that any movie starring Gwyneth Paltrow is a chick-flick. Unlike Roos's dark comedy The Opposite of Sex (1998), Bounce falls into the trap of the typical romantic comedy-drama, using fate as the glue that holds the plot together. Ben Affleck stars as Buddy Amaral, a man who's made some mistakes in his life. He switches plane tickets with a man who dies when the plane crashes, and falls in love with his wife, played by Gwyneth Paltrow. She, of course, is the impetus behind his desire to change his wrongful ways ? in short, nothing new in the way of romantic comedies. But let's face it ? Ben Affleck hasn't lost his eye candy status, and the opportunity to see him on screen with former flame Paltrow is certainly intriguing. The Daily says to give Bounce a chance.

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News

As Tufts becomes PCU

August 31

The old liberal adage that "any protest is a good protest" is rearing its ugly head this semester, as this campus endures demonstrations, both in person and through the written word, the likes of which haven't been seen since the Vietnam war. Before this year, loud activism existed, but only in isolated spurts. When Tufts fired its long-time janitorial service a few years back, professors and students marched at Ballou every Monday afternoon in a failed attempt to garner sympathy for the suddenly unemployed. People once protested against sweatshops, tobacco companies, and for better treatment of minorities. In each case, the rallies were isolated incidents that quickly faded from public view. This year, however, there have been five protests, and it's only the middle of the first semester: the rally on social life, take back the night, anti-discrimination, Dewick TVs, and Middle East violence awareness. This striking statistic, along with the topic of the gatherings, is eerily reminiscent of the movie PCU, which details political correctness gone awry. More than a humorous film, PCU makes audiences laugh at the ridiculousness of an overbearing, politically-correct culture. It makes a point that is all too applicable to recent events at Tufts, one that should taught to the reactionary zealots currently engaged in an unending drive for attention. In the film, a bitter, man-hating dean hates anything fun on her campus, and makes rules that clearly discriminate against the male sex and their leisure-time activities (i.e. meeting girls, drinking, partying, etc.) At the behest of campus activists, she pushes the PC envelope further and further, until finally her foolishness grows old and the trustees remove her. If rally organizers continue to be so careless in the number and quality of the battles they fight, the very same fate will fall upon them. The Coalition for Social Justice and Non-Violence has already lent its name to four issues: the Middle East rally, the annual School of the Americas protest, the anti-discrimination rally, and the Dewick TV saga. It isn't totally the fault of these activists that they have become organizers-for-hire, and that the same people speak at every rally. Some blame belongs to the administrators who placate griping students at every turn. While it is hard to believe that Dean of Students Bruce Reitman is thoroughly bamboozled by so many transparent arguments, he and others inexplicably submit at the first sign of discontent. "We understand your concerns," they say (hopefully with a subtle sense of irony), "and we're trying to try harder to try to fix things." This year, as in the past, protests have mostly been a tool of the Left. But now people seem to care less about the message and more about being seen as part of the crowd. At the anti-discrimination rally large amounts of student congregated to speak against "hate" and decry the effects of the TCUJ ruling. If someone took a random sampling of 20 people in attendance, however, it's likely that no two of them would have been able to give a consistent breakdown of the actual TCUJ findings. And, like in PCU, organizers here rarely think before leading large group chants. The organizers of the "anti-discrimination" rally asserted that groups should be punished not only for their actions, but that the University non-discrimination policy should be re-written to legislate against "hateful" thought. When chanting, however, they opined time and again, "hate is hate, crime is crime," seemingly undermining their point that hate, in and of itself, is a crime. They surely didn't mean to separate the two. Yet this rally, forever more known as "generic rally number three, generic message number three million," was good enough to attract 400 participants. The Dewick TVs saga, moreover, could rank amongst the silliest campaigns known to Tufts in recent memory. When dining services put entertainment in Dewick, the Coalition loudly protested that major corporations put the TVs there to brainwash college students. Some even argued that the TVs took away from the social experience of the dining hall. Although, the first thing most people do when going over to a friends though is turn on either the TV or stereo. But the lamest contention was that the TV's were sexist because women in music videos were portrayed in bikinis. That claim is so clearly a stretch that it wreaks of unabashed PC-clouded reason. With such rationale, Tufts should stop supplying cable to dorm rooms - after all, Howard Stern can be seen once a week across campus. Viewpoints, letters to the editor, posters, and chalkings have proven that the thought police are once again hard at work. The same group that organized the above-mentioned anti-discrimination rally is quick to call any disagreement "unsafe." And when people try to discuss sexuality and religion, many are quick to say that the discussion itself is offensive. Anyone who isn't passionate about the issue of minority hiring practices immediately is marked as being insensitive to race. Anyone who doesn't vote simply cannot understand civic responsibility. Herein lies the scariest progression in the chain reaction that will lead to a thought-policed campus, like the one in portrayed in PCU. If unchecked activism endures and politically correct rallies provide the catalyst for a PC snowball effect, protests will soon become prosaic events. At that point, when a real issue comes up, like patent discrimination, no one will listen to the people who served as broken records for any and all left wing causes. It's called credibility, and foolish causes like Dewick TVs eliminates this necessary component of successful activism. Lately, one wonders if these people have ever heard of the word.

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