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Students adjust religious values to accommodate college life

Most students probably do not arrive on the Hill their freshman year expecting to be enveloped in religious fervor. Indeed, popular perceptions of college hedonism don"t seem conducive to quiet spiritual reflection, and students suddenly confronted with the vast array of new cultures and beliefs in college are often thought to leave behind any spiritual notions imparted on them by their upbringing.

Jumbos' hopes dashed in NCAA Elite Eight

Tufts' volleyball team has lived a Cinderella-like story all season long. But in the end, the slipper just didn't fit.

Salis-buried: Minus head coach and star midfielder, Tufts falls in Final Four

Thumbnail optional | MIT graduate student dies, another goes missing but is found

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has had a troubling last two weeks, mourning the death of graduate student Kabelo Zwane. Another graduate student, Guangtau Cong, went missing last Monday but has since been found.

No Holtz barred:

Third-year East Carolina Head Coach Skip Holtz picked up plenty of hardware in earlier endeavors before moving to his current location. Holtz enjoyed success at South Corolina under current Head Coach Steve Spurrier, and also helped lead the Fighting Irish to a 21-2-1 record as a coordinator. His units were ranked third nationally in total offense (470 ypg) in 1992 and ninth nationally in scoring offense (36.6 ppg) in 1993. Prior to his stint in South Bend, Holtz helped lead Florida State (1987-1988), which racked up a 22-2 record, won Sugar and Fiesta Bowl titles and obtained a No. 2 and No. 3 national rank. Holtz is all about winning, and he brought that mentality with him when he jumped on board at East Carolina. After inheriting a program which had gone 3-20 in two consecutive years prior to his arrival, Holtz has navigated the Pirates through the stormy waters of failure to post back-to-back winning seasons (7-6, 7-5). This is a first at ECU since the 1999 (9-3) and 2000 (8-4) campaigns under Steve Logan. In addition to posting consecutive winning seasons, Holtz has guided the Pirates to two consecutive bowl appearances. The last time ECU played in back-to-back-to-back bowl games was in 1999, 2000 and 2001, when it posted a 1-2 record. "[Holtz] is a great coach," Boise State Head Football Coach Chris Petersen said. "He has had a lot of success wherever he goes and he has brought that with him and installed his system and it's working. We'll be facing a very tough team, there's no doubt about that." When ECU meets No. 24 BSU (10-2 overall, 7-1 WAC) in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, the Pirates (7-5 overall, 6-2 C-USA) will be facing their third nationally-ranked opponent of the season. The Pirates have already lost to No. 9 Virginia Tech (17-7) and No. 10 West Virginia (48-7). Heading into the Hawaii bowl, BSU has won 14 of 15 games against current Conference USA members. The Broncos own 5-0 and 4-0 marks against UTEP and Tulsa, respectively. They have also battled SMU (2-0), Marshall (1-0) , Southern Miss (1-0) and Rice (1-1). Before ECU closed out the regular season, senior Chris Johnson rushed for a game-high 155 yards and two touchdowns. He was also on the receiving end of one of three Rob Kass touchdown strikes to lead ECU past Tulane University 35-12 in Conference USA action. The win enabled the Pirates to finish their league slate at 6-2, which marked the highest win total since ECU officially joined the conference in 1997. "They have shown consistent improvement. "They come out and play hard. They're physical and they don't give up. That is what makes them dangerous," Peterson said. The Pirates trailed Tulane 7-6 early in the second quarter, but ECU would go on to outscore the Green Wave 28-6 for the win. "We know they'll be tough and give us all we can handle," BSU running back Ian Johnson said. "They're a good team. They play in a good conference and we know they'll be up for the bowl game." Prior to the start of the 2007 season, ECU's schedule was ranked as the fourth most difficult in the country by www.Rivals.com. Four teams (Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Southern Miss and Houston) participated in bowl contests last season. Each of those four games were played in September. October didn't shake down much easier. ECU had match-ups against Central Florida (who led the East Division prior to the game), UTEP (led West Division prior to game), BCS member North Carolina State and their divisional nemesis University of Alabama-Birmingham. "They have played some tough teams and I think that gives them a lot of experience that will help them in big games," BSU senior safety Marty Tadman said. "It should be a good match-up because both teams play really well in big-game environments." The Hawaii Bowl will mark the first meeting between BSU and ECU. The Pirates currently own a 24-28 (.462) record when meeting current 1-A opponents for the first time, including having won nine of their last 13 series openers. "I'm really looking forward to the challenge. "It will be two really good teams going after each other. Our challenge will be to stay focused and play hard as a team and finish the season on a good note," Tadman said. When ECU heads to Honolulu, Hawaii for the bowl game, the trip will officially go down in the record books as the longest voyage (4,862 miles) ever made by the Pirate's football program. "Both programs will be making a long trip and I think both will really just be looking forward to getting out there and getting the game under way," Petersen said. "We're ready and we're excited. It will be a great experience."

French consulate relocated to Boston

In Christophe Guilhou's office, a portrait of the French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, hangs on the wall, a gold-fringed French flag stands next to his desk and there's an elegant, classical bust on the windowsill. But the view outside Guilhou's windows isn't of the Champs-?‰lys?©es; rather, it's of a busy, downtown Boston intersection.Since arriving here in August as the newly appointed consul general of France in Boston, Guilhou has called Boston his home. In his long career in the French government, Guilhou has found himself in offices across the globe, overlooking cities like Abu Dhabi, Damascus, Geneva and, of course, Paris.While Paris remains the primary center of the French government's work, Guilhou, from the start of his career, had a decidedly international vision."I didn't imagine myself going to France, studying France and settling in the same place for 40 years with the same bakery ... and having the same neighbors," Guilhou said. "I love Paris, but at the same time I'm very happy being here and discovering [this] country."In his new role as leader of the French community in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, as well as the primary business and cultural representative between New England and France, he is just beginning his discoveries.At 47, Guilhou has lived in more places than most people ever hope to visit. His father was the French diplomat and Ambassador to Costa Rica, and as a result, he grew up with multiple homes in countries all over the world, some of which have included France, Spain, Italy, Costa Rica, Tanzania, Chile and Nigeria.After his intercontinental childhood, Guilhou developed an interest in international affairs and pursued a degree in political science at Paris' prestigious Sciences Po.In addition to taking an interest in political science, Guilhou said he "was fascinated by the Arab world and ... by Africa," which is why he also pursued Arabic and Swahili degrees at l'Institut National des Langues et Civilisations Orientales."I have contracted a kind of virus," Guilhou said, reflecting on his childhood experiences with a smile. "I like to travel, and I like to know people and to understand [them]."His career has certainly allowed him that opportunity. Over the past decade and a half, Guilhou has served in France's African Department, the United Nations and the French Embassies in the United Arab Emirates and Syria. He has also held posts in the French Ministry of Health and French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Most recently, he worked at the United Nations in Geneva.Although Guilhou has held many different positions in widespread locales, he has enjoyed them all and said comparing the posts would be very difficult."Each one is a singular posting. You cannot compare Boston to Damascus because the issues in Damascus were very different. I love Damascus, I love Abu Dhabi, I enjoyed Geneva and I think I will be very happy here in Boston, but I wouldn't compare," he said."And why did I end up here in Boston? It was a personal choice. It has to match with the Ministry, but I wanted specifically to come to the U.S. because I think that the history of the U.S. ... is very interesting ... I came precisely because we have an excellent relationship between the two countries."Guilhou said he was most intrigued by the Northeast."I was very interested by New England and by Boston, specifically, because I think that Boston is a place like no other in the world where you have that concentration of knowledge and of expertise," Guilhou said."I wanted to be part of that; I wanted to bring my contribution and the contribution of my country to the movement and the innovation that takes place here in Boston and in the region."As consul general, Guilhou's job is to look after the French community, he said."The French community is about 10,000 people, but it's a very integrated community that poses no problem."Another one of Guilhou's main priorities is fostering cultural cooperation. He has worked hard to "to enhance the cooperation between [American] universities and research centers [and] their counterparts in France."Guilhou's appointment in Boston was also important to his family life. "It was the best opportunity to be here with them. I wanted them to share with me that new experience in the United States and in New England."Guilhou's wife, Nargues, was born in Iran and also works for the French Foreign service. The two met during their studies at Sciences Po in Paris.Their three children all attend the French school in Boston and have spent their childhoods moving with Guilhou wherever work took him. However, his eldest daughter, Roxanne, is nearing university age, so it "is the last chance to be the five of us together," he said.Boston is proving to be a fine home for the consul general and his family, who are all enjoying the lively character of their new neighborhood in Cambridge."It's not only about steel, concrete and glass; it's a very good combination," Guilhou said of Boston and its diverse neighborhoods. Guilhou is not yet sure where his next diplomatic appointment will be, but he suspects it might be back in Paris.

Shoppers can hand over old clothes, not cash, for designer brands at new Davis Sq. store

Davis Square is undeniably the one-stop shopping locale for Tufts students, and when there's a need to splurge on something unnecessary without breaking the bank, the numerous thrift, consignment and vintage fashion stores in the area certainly come in handy. Tufts students are not the only ones who have picked up on the square's success, though, which is why Buffalo Exchange decided to join the neighborhood and opened up a new store on Elm Street last month.The store is most aptly characterized as a chain thrift store. It started in Tucson, Arizona and has spread across the country, mainly clustering in West Coast locations but slowly branching out through the South, Midwest and East Coast states as well. The chain's most recent opening in Davis Square has seemed to continue its success, bringing in a host of students and Somerville residents to sell and shop there.Maggi Windsor, Buffalo Exchange's Boston manager, explained that the chain sets itself apart from other nearby thrift stores by purchasing clothing, shoes and accessories from customers directly, right as they bring in their unwanted goods. Many other thrift stores and consignment shops either accept donations only or pay people only once their clothing has been sold."There's nothing around here like [Buffalo Exchange], where we actually give you cash that day. We buy it straight out," Windsor said. "You don't have to wait for your clothes to sell."All clothing brought into the store is appraised by a store employee, at which point the seller has the option of either receiving 30 percent of the offered price in cash or 50 percent in store credit. All items must be in good conditionThe new store occupies the old Hollywood Express lot, quite a large space compared to some of the cramped stores around Davis. With two floors, there is a substantial enough space for women's clothing and shoes, as well as a small section on the ground floor dedicated to menswear.Upon walking into Buffalo Exchange, there is a massive amount of clothing hung and piled onto the racks, which only continues downstairs. The store has something for everyone, as long as customers are willing to dig a little to find the perfect item.And it's no mystery as to how the store amasses its large collection."We're always buying clothes. There's never a time in the day when we're not buying clothes," Windsor said.This constant influx of goods not only means that there is a great variety of styles for customers, but also that items are sold for quite a bit lower than the retail price.Within the thrift store community, however, Buffalo Exchange's move to Davis Square has caused a bit of an uproar. The corporation thrift store, which earned over $3 million in 2006, has certainly upped the competition amongst local businesses such as Poor Little Rich Girl and Artifaktori. The Goodwill Store of Somerville, known for its cheaply priced items, is also located only a few doors down the street.Still, there are subtle differences between all of these stores that might alleviate worries. Artifaktori deals predominantly in vintage and retro items, while Goodwill accepts donations without the payoff (or the selectivity) of Buffalo Exchange.Poor Little Rich Girl, however, does pay people who want to sell their goods, but on a consignment basis. While the consignors working with Poor Little Rich Girl only receive payment upon the sale of their items, they receive 40 percent of the selling price in cash.Meredith Byam, the owner of Poor Little Rich Girl, was a little wary when Buffalo Exchange first opened almost directly across the street, but she took a positive stance when asked about it."People who do not know of Poor Little Rich Girl but know the Buffalo Exchange name will travel to Davis and discover my store," Byam said. "People who like to spend the afternoon vintage or secondhand shopping will be more apt to go to Davis knowing that they can hit up more than one or two stores at once."Byam added that she believed the two stores have a different clientele, especially after having built up a solid standing with residents of Boston and its suburbs since opening in 2002. She also mentioned that Poor Little Rich Girl has won the Boston Magazine "Best of Boston: Consignment" award two years in a row and is soon opening a second branch in Cambridge due to success and high demand.The fact remains that Davis Square continues to grow in popularity and add stores that cater to a younger crowd. Byam insisted that Davis Square is the place to be for her consignment store and any other business looking for students."I chose Davis Square because I lived right down the street and I loved the square! I thought it was a lovely vibrant neighborhood that really appreciates and supports local business," she said.

French consulate relocated to Boston

In Christophe Guilhou's office, a portrait of the French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, hangs on the wall, a gold-fringed French flag stands next to his desk and there's an elegant, classical bust on the windowsill. But the view outside Guilhou's windows isn't of the Champs-?‰lys?©es; rather, it's of a busy, downtown Boston intersection.

French consulate relocated to Boston

In Christophe Guilhou's office, a portrait of the French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, hangs on the wall, a gold-fringed French flag stands next to his desk and there's an elegant, classical bust on the windowsill. But the view outside Guilhou's windows isn't of the Champs-?‰lys?©es; rather, it's of a busy, downtown Boston intersection.Since arriving here in August as the newly appointed consul general of France in Boston, Guilhou has called Boston his home. In his long career in the French government, Guilhou has found himself in offices across the globe, overlooking cities like Abu Dhabi, Damascus, Geneva and, of course, Paris.While Paris remains the primary center of the French government's work, Guilhou, from the start of his career, had a decidedly international vision."I didn't imagine myself going to France, studying France and settling in the same place for 40 years with the same bakery ... and having the same neighbors," Guilhou said. "I love Paris, but at the same time I'm very happy being here and discovering [this] country."In his new role as leader of the French community in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, as well as the primary business and cultural representative between New England and France, he is just beginning his discoveries.At 47, Guilhou has lived in more places than most people ever hope to visit. His father was the French diplomat and Ambassador to Costa Rica, and as a result, he grew up with multiple homes in countries all over the world, some of which have included France, Spain, Italy, Costa Rica, Tanzania, Chile and Nigeria.After his intercontinental childhood, Guilhou developed an interest in international affairs and pursued a degree in political science at Paris' prestigious Sciences Po.In addition to taking an interest in political science, Guilhou said he "was fascinated by the Arab world and ... by Africa," which is why he also pursued Arabic and Swahili degrees at l'Institut National des Langues et Civilisations Orientales."I have contracted a kind of virus," Guilhou said, reflecting on his childhood experiences with a smile. "I like to travel, and I like to know people and to understand [them]."His career has certainly allowed him that opportunity. Over the past decade and a half, Guilhou has served in France's African Department, the United Nations and the French Embassies in the United Arab Emirates and Syria. He has also held posts in the French Ministry of Health and French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Most recently, he worked at the United Nations in Geneva.Although Guilhou has held many different positions in widespread locales, he has enjoyed them all and said comparing the posts would be very difficult."Each one is a singular posting. You cannot compare Boston to Damascus because the issues in Damascus were very different. I love Damascus, I love Abu Dhabi, I enjoyed Geneva and I think I will be very happy here in Boston, but I wouldn't compare," he said."And why did I end up here in Boston? It was a personal choice. It has to match with the Ministry, but I wanted specifically to come to the U.S. because I think that the history of the U.S. ... is very interesting ... I came precisely because we have an excellent relationship between the two countries."Guilhou said he was most intrigued by the Northeast."I was very interested by New England and by Boston, specifically, because I think that Boston is a place like no other in the world where you have that concentration of knowledge and of expertise," Guilhou said."I wanted to be part of that; I wanted to bring my contribution and the contribution of my country to the movement and the innovation that takes place here in Boston and in the region."As consul general, Guilhou's job is to look after the French community, he said."The French community is about 10,000 people, but it's a very integrated community that poses no problem."Another one of Guilhou's main priorities is fostering cultural cooperation. He has worked hard to "to enhance the cooperation between [American] universities and research centers [and] their counterparts in France."Guilhou's appointment in Boston was also important to his family life. "It was the best opportunity to be here with them. I wanted them to share with me that new experience in the United States and in New England."Guilhou's wife, Nargues, was born in Iran and also works for the French Foreign service. The two met during their studies at Sciences Po in Paris.Their three children all attend the French school in Boston and have spent their childhoods moving with Guilhou wherever work took him. However, his eldest daughter, Roxanne, is nearing university age, so it "is the last chance to be the five of us together," he said.Boston is proving to be a fine home for the consul general and his family, who are all enjoying the lively character of their new neighborhood in Cambridge."It's not only about steel, concrete and glass; it's a very good combination," Guilhou said of Boston and its diverse neighborhoods. Guilhou is not yet sure where his next diplomatic appointment will be, but he suspects it might be back in Paris.

Serious or silly: October's many meanings

October is a busy month. The calendar bursts with events devoted to raising awareness, showing appreciation and emphasizing issues on a national scale. October is dedicated to many serious issues: It is Latino Heritage Month, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Gay and Lesbian History Month, National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and National Crime Prevention Month, to name a few.

French consulate relocated to Boston

In Christophe Guilhou's office, a portrait of the French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, hangs on the wall, a gold-fringed French flag stands next to his desk and there's an elegant, classical bust on the windowsill. But the view outside Guilhou's windows isn't of the Champs-?‰lys?©es; rather, it's of a busy, downtown Boston intersection.Since arriving here in August as the newly appointed consul general of France in Boston, Guilhou has called Boston his home. In his long career in the French government, Guilhou has found himself in offices across the globe, overlooking cities like Abu Dhabi, Damascus, Geneva and, of course, Paris.While Paris remains the primary center of the French government's work, Guilhou, from the start of his career, had a decidedly international vision."I didn't imagine myself going to France, studying France and settling in the same place for 40 years with the same bakery ... and having the same neighbors," Guilhou said. "I love Paris, but at the same time I'm very happy being here and discovering [this] country."In his new role as leader of the French community in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, as well as the primary business and cultural representative between New England and France, he is just beginning his discoveries.At 47, Guilhou has lived in more places than most people ever hope to visit. His father was the French diplomat and Ambassador to Costa Rica, and as a result, he grew up with multiple homes in countries all over the world, some of which have included France, Spain, Italy, Costa Rica, Tanzania, Chile and Nigeria.After his intercontinental childhood, Guilhou developed an interest in international affairs and pursued a degree in political science at Paris' prestigious Sciences Po.In addition to taking an interest in political science, Guilhou said he "was fascinated by the Arab world and ... by Africa," which is why he also pursued Arabic and Swahili degrees at l'Institut National des Langues et Civilisations Orientales."I have contracted a kind of virus," Guilhou said, reflecting on his childhood experiences with a smile. "I like to travel, and I like to know people and to understand [them]."His career has certainly allowed him that opportunity. Over the past decade and a half, Guilhou has served in France's African Department, the United Nations and the French Embassies in the United Arab Emirates and Syria. He has also held posts in the French Ministry of Health and French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Most recently, he worked at the United Nations in Geneva.Although Guilhou has held many different positions in widespread locales, he has enjoyed them all and said comparing the posts would be very difficult."Each one is a singular posting. You cannot compare Boston to Damascus because the issues in Damascus were very different. I love Damascus, I love Abu Dhabi, I enjoyed Geneva and I think I will be very happy here in Boston, but I wouldn't compare," he said."And why did I end up here in Boston? It was a personal choice. It has to match with the Ministry, but I wanted specifically to come to the U.S. because I think that the history of the U.S. ... is very interesting ... I came precisely because we have an excellent relationship between the two countries."Guilhou said he was most intrigued by the Northeast."I was very interested by New England and by Boston, specifically, because I think that Boston is a place like no other in the world where you have that concentration of knowledge and of expertise," Guilhou said."I wanted to be part of that; I wanted to bring my contribution and the contribution of my country to the movement and the innovation that takes place here in Boston and in the region."As consul general, Guilhou's job is to look after the French community, he said."The French community is about 10,000 people, but it's a very integrated community that poses no problem."Another one of Guilhou's main priorities is fostering cultural cooperation. He has worked hard to "to enhance the cooperation between [American] universities and research centers [and] their counterparts in France."Guilhou's appointment in Boston was also important to his family life. "It was the best opportunity to be here with them. I wanted them to share with me that new experience in the United States and in New England."Guilhou's wife, Nargues, was born in Iran and also works for the French Foreign service. The two met during their studies at Sciences Po in Paris.Their three children all attend the French school in Boston and have spent their childhoods moving with Guilhou wherever work took him. However, his eldest daughter, Roxanne, is nearing university age, so it "is the last chance to be the five of us together," he said.Boston is proving to be a fine home for the consul general and his family, who are all enjoying the lively character of their new neighborhood in Cambridge."It's not only about steel, concrete and glass; it's a very good combination," Guilhou said of Boston and its diverse neighborhoods. Guilhou is not yet sure where his next diplomatic appointment will be, but he suspects it might be back in Paris.

Reduced portion size is a part of nutrition initiatives in dining halls

 As part of an ongoing effort to create healthier food options for Tufts students, Dining Services has reduced the sizes of entrées offered in dining halls in recent years.

Sarabande dancers remain 'In the Moment'

"Synchronicity," the immaculate coincidence of movement, a perfect harmony of action, is a rare occurrence that happens either by chance or through exacting efforts. Incredibly, Tufts' repertory dance ensemble Sarabande's show, "In the Moment," achieved this immaculate integration of physical movement. The show ran yesterday and will run again this Saturday, Nov. 21.

Top Ten | Things we are not thankful for

Turkey Day break is just around the corner, and we're planning on stuffing our faces a week from now. Before we dig in and count our blessings, we'd like to take a moment to note the things we won't be recognizing as we say grace. The following are like the nasty leftovers you found in the fridge — from last Thanksgiving. 10. Common Decency: Sometimes we just want to bleep this bleep-ing piece-of-bleep set of societal boundaries until they go the bleep away. How much bleep-ing better would that sentence have been without all the bleep-ing censorship? 9. Swine Flu: This is undoubtedly the least kosher epidemic ever. And its name raises some fairly awkward questions: Did the first patients catch it from a pig? If so, what the heck were they doing to said pig? 8. Damien Hirst: "Artist?" More like "Fartist." This guy stinks. While his work may be controversial, it isn't good: a real shark in formaldehyde, a platinum skull covered in diamonds, paintings of dots. My kid could do that. Well, except for the shark and diamonds thing. 7. Thanksgiving Football: We'd rather watch our favorite shows. 6. Jeff Dunham: Even though all of America is going ga-ga for his Comedy Central show, we still hate ventriloquism. And racists. And Dunham is both.

Drinking culture takes center stage at meeting

Dozens of students, staff and administrators grappled last night with the question of alcohol abuse on campus, discussing why it is so prevalent and how things might be changed.

Community organization encourages spending in local businesses

Many students gravitate toward Starbucks to satisfy their coffee cravings, but a recently formed alliance of local businesses, including Dave's Fresh Pasta and Redbones BBQ, urges members of the Somerville community to head to local cafés and businesses instead of national chains. The alliance is Somerville Local First, an organization that aims to keep consumer dollars in the community.

Slideshow | Tufts volleyball & field hockey advance in the NCAA Tournaments

Interactive Map | Police Briefs

View Police Blotter - Dec. 8, 2009 in a larger map

Senate pushes for comprehensive changes to drinking policy, culture

In passing its alcohol resolution on Sunday night, the Senate delivered a wide-ranging proposal that sought not only to lessen the severity of the university's alcohol policy but also to confront what senators and administrators consider to be an increasingly dangerous drinking culture.

Police Briefs

Balloon boy Tufts University Police Department (TUPD) officers responding at 5:13 p.m. on Nov. 13 to a fire alarm in a dormitory room in Tilton Hall found a substantial amount of illegal substances.