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TIM WHELAN | SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL

April 26

Here it is, folks...my final column for our little rag. I thought I'd at least be shaving every day by my fourth year of college. But since I never actually obtained height, I am leaving you with a few tidbits I actually did pick up along my way. - I have learned that, if you are ever having a bad day, remember this name: Dick Trickle. Always brings a smile to my face. - I have learned that playing two college sports, while attractive on paper and to admissions, is a sacrifice reserved for the select few who have got the onions. - Okay, on the same note, I have learned that playing even one college sport is an endeavor reserved for those same onion-toters. - I have learned that, contrary to what many of us believed would happen, Boston stayed relatively intact following the Curse Busting. Save for some lame "We want Bacow" chants and that one kid who took a swing at the cop, Tufts behaved as I should have expected all along. - I have learned that heaven might just be last Sunday afternoon - 70 degree day, big screen set up outside with the Sox on, wiffle ball, horseshoes and basketball being played all around us, and a girls' tennis match vs. Williams just across the street. And no school on Monday. I know those moments will be few and far between in due time, unless I somehow slip up between now and May 22 and end up back here next year (Yah, College!) - I have learned that, given the right circumstances, Tufts can have school spirit. Flash back to last Saturday when the baseball team had a doubleheader with Bowdoin which coincided with a men's lax matchup with Colby. People everywhere, shifting attention from one to the other, actually cheering at certain spots. By "right circumstances," maybe I mean that it was a beautiful, lazy Saturday in spring, or that there were two teams from Maine who needed a beating. You be the judge. - I have learned that a kid who is a B- waiting to happen on every English paper he's ever written can get published once a week. Whether he should be published or not, again, you be the judge. - I have learned that at a school of 5,000 kids from who knows how many states and countries, my group of friends can still consist of mainly Massholes. Just water seeking its level, I guess. - I have learned that a good Saugus, Revere or Everett reference is always a good idea. Particularly if you know the lay of the land as well as some of us do. - I have learned that were Bob Kraft, Tom Menino and Bob Cousy to have a televised round table discussion, I would buy Tivo just for the event. Some personal faves. Kraft: "We all awwwl Patwiots!" Menino: "Much like a cookie, I bewieve the Yankee dynasty wiww cwumble!" Was he comparing himself to a cookie? I'm just saying... Cousy: "Tommy (as he positions his tongue) the Indiana Pacellls just allen't the same without Ron Allltest." Yeah, the owner of the best franchise in sports, the mayor of the best city in America for my money and the man who invented the "no look" pass ... why am I hating? I dunno, they just talk funny ... - I have learned that the Bruins, and hockey itself, is a non-factor to people on this campus. Yes, I know we are in the full throes of a lockout, but even before, after the B's lost a 3-1 lead to the archrival Habitants of Montreal and dropped their opening round series last year, no one was out for blood. Quick, name the Bruins coach who oversaw the collapse. But poor ole Grady Little doesn't escape your wrath. For shame. - I have learned that there isn't much that brings a smile to my face quicker than seeing Phil Oates after a Celtics win, Ricky Davis jersey and all. - I have learned that nothing brings a disapproving scowl to my face quicker than watching these S's hone their craft: The Schwab, Stuart Scott, Sean Salisbury and Stephen A. Smith. - I have learned that crew kids get up at 5 a.m. You know how I know? Because they love to talk about it. - I have learned that quotes don't get much better than this one from Bobby Knight. "All of us learn to write in second grade. Then most of us go on to other things." If I can't play ball at Texas Tech, what better alternative than to enjoy the closest thing I'll get to a tongue lashing from The General himself? - I have learned that, for every time I watched a Big Ten football or ACC basketball game and thought to myself, "To be a part of that would be awesome," there is no place I would rather be right now than right here. ... Well, maybe Acapulco, but that is for entirely different reasons. Adios, Jumboville ... have fun making your own memories.

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News

Loi To | Social Entrepreneur

April 25

As the weather gets warmer and while classes come to an end, the big finals push begins and seniors scramble to find jobs, award ceremonies are in abundance. On April 13, twelve recipients of The Presidential Award for Citizenship and Public Service were honored for their commitment to active citizenship, leadership and public service. I thought it would be a fitting end to my column to highlight some of the best examples of social entrepreneurship at Tufts. Recipients of the award came from most of Tufts schools and all corners of the public service world. Zach Baker received the award for spearheading "Shape Up Somerville", a local campaign against childhood obesity. Ana Martinez used the foundations from her international relations major to develop an international internship program for Tufts students in Uganda. Melissa Pickering created STOMP (Student Teacher Outreach Mentorship Program), an organization that brings undergraduate engineers into local science classrooms to help teach children about engineering. Tufts Dental School graduate to be, Sam Merabi, received the award for his leadership of CORRECT (Child Oral Rehabilitation, Residential, Education, Counseling and Therapy), a program that facilitates the oral health education of special needs children. The recipients of the Presidential Awards for Citizenship and Public Service are only a few of the remarkable examples of active citizenship at Tufts. But sadly, as the school year ends, even these few recipients are not giving as much credit to them as due. Award ceremonies for great work that take place at the end of the year get lost in the shuffle of the school year's end. I don't think enough credit-or rather publicity-is given to the students, faculty and staff of Tufts for all they have done for the Tufts, local, national and international communities. Yes, you have your award ceremonies, like the Presidential Awards, for the select recipients that have been big blips on the radar screens. But what about giving credit to the students that are stalwart and steadfast volunteers at the local homeless shelter or the students that spend their weekends tutoring local kids in math? The Presidential Awards are a great way for praising individuals that have gone above and beyond what it means to be an active citizen by creating novel programs and initiatives that serve community needs. But there are also other students that are equally deserving of praise for their unyielding dedication to community service. Perhaps Tufts and the administration of the University College can find a way to give credit where credit is due. Maybe moving the Presidential Awards to the fall would give better publicity for the award ceremony to the general Tufts population, so the achievements of these individuals don't get lost in the end of the school year, like the untouched parts at the end of a class syllabus. The Presidential Awards could be a part of a larger celebration of Tufts community member's achievements; maybe there should be a "Service Showcasing" week of sorts that highlights not only the achievements of individual community members but the importance of community and public service. This week could be a way of connecting students, faculty and staff from all of Tufts schools to learn from each other and to learn of the opportunities available to help out the community. Tufts University is often thought of as a school that is devoid of school spirit. I believe this is an inaccurate assessment of the Tufts Jumbo spirit. Tufts is a school full of intelligent and motivated individuals dedicated to the community, however that is defined. What I think Tufts is devoid of is a means to connect the whole community together. I believe that a "Service Showcasing" week and moving the Presidential Awards for Citizenship and Public Service to the fall are small steps our university can take to build a better and more closely knit Tufts community. Next fall as I embark on my last year at Tufts, I'd like to see administrators move forward in taking initiatives that would help build a greater Tufts Community.Loi To is a junior majoring in political science and Russian. He can be reached at loi.to@tufts.edu.

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News

Correction: Tuesday, April 26, 2005

April 25

Due to an editing error, a Viewpoint last week ("Ultimate Frisbee: Ultimately not a real sport," April 21) incorrectly spelled the author's name. It is Marc Langer, not Mark Langer.

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News

New group addresses problems with Greeks

April 25

Through efforts by Tufts Student Services and the University's Greek community, the Greek Working Group has been established in order to address some of the problems plaguing the fraternity and sorority houses on campus.

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News

Greek sham

April 25

The recent creation of a Greek Working Group on campus has been hailed by some in both the administration and within the Greek system as a big step forward for Greeks on campus. Program proponents claim that the new group will serve as an open forum for those both within and outside of the Greek system to talk about various issues affecting fraternity and sorority houses. While such an idea is certainly commendable on its face, in practice the new working group seems like another layer in a largely impotent Greek bureaucracy. If the administration is serious about keeping Greeks on campus and in good shape, it is time for them to take concrete action in that direction. While Director of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Todd Sullivan's arrival at the beginning of the 2003-2004 academic year was supposed to be the start of a new era for Greek relations, the story on the ground has been decidedly mixed. While fraternities and sororities were able to increase spring recruitment last year, Sullivan's office was unable to prevent what may be the beginning of a system-wide meltdown that started on Professor's Row this semester. While it is certainly not Sullivan's responsibility to ensure that Greek men and women are on their best behavior at all times, it is his responsibility to create an environment where sound decision making prevails. To fulfill this obligation the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs has instituted a number of programs, including mandatory new member training, mandatory speakers for all Greeks, and new dialogue initiatives like that of the Greek Working Group. Unfortunately, these measures seem to be much more bark than bite: talking in multiple ways with many different people about problems endemic to the Greek system does not magically make them disappear. Forcing fraternity brothers and sorority sisters to see similar powerpoints about the pitfalls of hazing and the dangers of alcohol will not suddenly transform them into responsible actors. Similarly, the Working Group's goal, while commendable, will not be achieved without a real transformation in the way Greeks are treated on campus. The perception by many Greeks and non-Greeks that the administration is not interested in helping them is real problem on the Hill. Talk is cheap on campus, but real actions taken to assure Greeks of their continued existence at Tufts have not been forthcoming. So long as fraternity brothers and sorority sisters are unsure of what tomorrow holds they will party like there is no tomorrow, with predictably destructive consequences. The bottom line is that most Greeks are unhappy with liberally applied stereotypes that paint them as sexual harassers and problem drinkers. Greeks need to work harder within their ranks to help the loud minorities that do live these roles, but in order to do so they need meaningful support from the administration. So long as Dowling and Ballou continue to treat all Greeks as stereotypes, they are condemning fraternity and sorority members to the dust bin.

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News

Alex Bloom | Philly Phodder

April 25

In the words of The Doors, this is the end. We've reached the conclusion of the semester, and that means it's time to hand out the year-end awards. It's time to thank those individuals who have made it possible for a sardonic fan from Philadelphia to insult and condemn the sports world. It's time for the Philly Phodder's Thank You's, Spring 2005 edition. And we don't need to look any farther than our national pastime. In March, we had the privilege of seeing our own United States Congress investigating whether the record books are truly accurate. Three members of the 500 Home Run Club (McGwire, Sosa, Palmeiro) testified in front of the House Government Reform Committee, broadcast live on ESPN, CSPAN and CNN. It's degrading to think that Congress has to step in and chastise the nation's favorite sport for overstepping it limits. But that's the treat we got to witness. Thank you, Major League Baseball, for reaching an all time low. But none of it would have been possible without you, Jose Canseco. Your love letter to the game that made you rich, "Juiced: Wild Times, Rampant 'Roids, Smash Hits, and How Baseball Got Big," released on Feb. 14, condemned the baseball world and implicated many stars. Now, thanks to you Jose, we can sit back and watch when players like Brian Roberts of the Orioles have hot starts and comment that he must be on the juice. Thank you Jose, for ruining baseball for the fans. Mr. Bonds, I thanked you last winter when secret testimony in the BALCO case made the San Francisco Chronicle. But let me thank you again for your inspiring a Mar. 4 interview with ESPN's Pedro Gomez where you alleged that your head hasn't gotten any bigger and your testicles are the same size. Thanks for removing all doubt big guy (who went from 180 pounds in 1986 to 230 pounds). Once again, seven MVP awards, but like school in the summer, no class. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you baseball's ambassador and greatest player. Thanks, Barry. And finally, I want to extend a thank you to Alex "Dirty" Sanchez, who managed a steroid conviction on April 3, only four days after the season started. And 38 big thank you's go to all 38 minor leaguers who were convicted just two days later. Obviously five months of speculation about steroids in baseball coupled with a new steroid policy wasn't enough to deter you guys from your juicing habits. Big deal though, right? A 10 day penalty isn't the end of the world. Some days you win, some days you lose, and some days you juice. Thanks, guys. Time to move from bulging muscles to bulging egos. I'm talking about the NBA. I have to thank Kobe Bryant and Vince Carter for reaching a new level of selfishness. It's no coincidence that Shaq didn't shake your hand before the All-Star game, Kobe. And it's no coincidence that Phil Jackson publicly condemned you in his book, "The Last Season." And happily, it's no coincidence that the Lakers, now relying solely on you, missed the playoffs for the first time in 11 years. Kobe, thank you for your winning attitude. As for Vinsanity, you're lucky you didn't get traded to Philadelphia. Anybody who has the gall to ...a.) not give their best effort b.) admit it publiclyc.) continue to steal money from adoring fans ...would get lambasted in Philly. We have enough problems with players who don't like to practice ("It's practice" - The one and only A.I.). Thanks VC, for giving it your all. And while we're on the subject of pampered athletes and Philadelphia, let's move to football. T.O, T.O, T.O. I can't say that I didn't see something like this coming. You make $3.25 million this year, but you need more money. Apparently you're unsatisfied with your contract because something to the tune of $50 million over seven years simply doesn't cut it. After all, you "need to feed [your] family." Thank you T.O-your overt greed will hopefully be rewarded with a ticket out of town. You may not have been the player to "get tired in the Super Bowl," but Philadelphia is tired of you. And finally, hockey. Congratulations on becoming the first major sport to cancel an entire season due to financial wrangling and labor disputes. Thank you for disappointing a whole nation of fans (although fan numbers were already dwindling). The NHL used to be a staple in spring for fantastic games filled with jaw-dropping plays, shots, and hits. Now, thanks to commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA executive director Bob Goodenow, hockey is a magnet for criticism and takes multiple hits from people like me. Hey, at least the NHL won't have to worry about ratings anymore. An honorable mention thank you goes to A-Rod. You spent Spring Training fighting off attacks from the Red Sox about being a true Yankee. And not a single true Yankee came to your defense. I find it amazing that people like you even less after hearing that you saved a kid's life. Simply amazing. I want to offer a genuine thank you to the city of Boston. These past eight months have been fantastic for a sports fan between a World Series, a tear-jerking Super Bowl (well, for me- damn Patriots), and an awesome Marathon. And some genuine thank you's go out to my readers, especially my editors at Penn State, Delaware and West Virginia. Thanks fellas. That's it for Philly Phodder until the commencement issue, so it's time for that clich?©d yearbook-style message: Have a great summer.

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News

Marissa Beck | Eat this!

April 25

Hey, now you can have your cake, but before you eat it, too, you might want to think twice before driving to get it! According to a recent study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published in last Wednesday's issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), obesity now ranks as number seven (versus its former second place rank) among the nation's leading preventable causes of death. This means that deathtrap-wise, "car crashes" might actually be ahead of a sedentary lifestyle, excess weight, and a poor diet. Although the CDC is reluctant to make this new number official, researchers estimated the risks of mortality associated with different levels of Body Mass Index (BMI) - a number that shows body weight as it relates to height - and found that those who are obese or underweight still have an increased risk of death. On the other hand, the study found that the group in the moderately overweight category had a lower risk of death compared to the normal group. Why would this be? Most likely because the modestly overweight individuals who fall into the normal-to-high end of the BMI scale have improved eating habits, exercised more and have controlled their blood pressure better than in previous years. Medical care has also improved in recent years, particularly for cardiovascular disease, which may have contributed to increasing life spans. However, a section of the discussion reads: "In many studies, a plot of the relative risk of mortality against BMI follows a U-shaped curve, with the minimum mortality close to a BMI of 25; mortality increases both as BMI increases above 25 and as BMI decreases below 25, which may explain why risks in the overweight category are not much different from those in the normal category." So just because the overweight group had a decreased risk doesn't mean everyone in the overweight group did - the results may be skewed by those people who are in the BMI range of 25. The reference group used in this study is a "normal" BMI (between 18.5 and less than 25). Even if we tend to believe that "normal" may be a drop too low, the "data" used in this study is just that - "data." It is made of real people in the United States with BMI's that fall into that "normal" range. The study found that people who are obese and underweight have higher mortality than those who are in that "normal" range. Recall again that the whole purpose of the study was to measure the amount of deaths associated with being underweight (BMI less than 18.5), overweight (BMI 25 to 30) and obese (BMI greater than 30). "Normal levels" are in between those ranges. But what is meant by "normal"? And how can it be deduced solely from a number when there are so many different body types? After all, some athletes' BMI results would indicate that they are obese, which is surely not the case. We must take into account that the BMI equation was derived in order to correlate with disease risk. BMI is not the end-all. People need to also consider many other tools. Such tools to measure body composition include calipers (skin-fold measurement), underwater weighing, bioelectrical impedance and computerized topography. The only problem is that these methods need highly trained individuals, are not easily available to the public, and are pretty expensive! That's not to say that those within normal range should start scarfing down another slice or two to become "overweight" - remember our new friend, Cookie MoDERATIOnster. But then again, those deemed "overweight" on the BMI scale are not necessarily unhealthy - or even overweight, for that matter! Remember what the BMI measurement actually is. Although it seems as though it's just another outdated tool, the calculations didn't come out of thin air and have been scientifically proven to be estimates. Note, however, that BMI does not take body composition, bone density, muscle mass or body fat into account. The CDC emphasizes the importance of remembering that BMI is just one of many factors related to developing a chronic disease (such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes). Other factors that may be important to look at when assessing your risk for chronic disease include diet, physical activity, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood sugar level, cholesterol level and a history of family disease. The BMI equation may not be perfect, but it is better than using weight alone and is a more viable solution to record an entire population since the only factors one would need are height and weight. While BMI seems to be a less than optimal way of assessing these results, the study recognizes the need for more studies to be done on body composition as well. So, next time you want to chow down at Anna's Taqueria, you might want to consider buckling up first. Oh - and of course, enjoying that spicy burrito! Senior Marissa Beck, an English and art history major, works with the Strong Women program as an assistant manager and personal trainer for the Tufts Personalized Performance Program. She can be reached at Marissa.Beck@tufts.edu. This column is written in conjunction with Emily Bergeron, R.D., the editor of the Daily's Balance section.

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News

Senate chooses new leaders during in-house elections

April 25

It was in with the new leadership and out with the old at this year's Tufts Community Union (TCU) Senate in-house elections. For three hours last night, the members of next years TCU Senate elected their officers for the 2005-2006 school year.

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News

Debauchery and drag in Harvard Square

April 25

There are only so many places a dude can go on a Saturday night dressed in fishnets, a corset and black lipstick and still be considered the coolest guy in the room. But lo and behold, amidst the bars and clubs that normally comprise the night life scene, an enclave of delinquents, derelicts, and drag queens can be found tucked away in Harvard Square. By day, it is nothing more than an innocent little movie house. But by night, Sony Loews Theater comes alive with the cult ceremony of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." For a hardcore "Rocky Horror" enthusiast, the weekly showings performed by the talented Full Body Cast are probably entertaining, if not new. But for the unsuspecting "virgins" in the audience, the "Rocky Horror" experience will be one of the most profoundly disturbing and exhilarating events of their college lives. The evening begins at midnight, with a crowd of jittery "Picture Show" devotees huddled together in the theater's vestibule like a team of athletes anxiously awaiting the big game. Here, virgins stick out like a sore thumb in jeans and sweatshirts, while leather-clad enthusiasts mill about clutching "Bags of Shit" containing the "Rocky Horror" essentials: toast, a newspaper, rice, playing cards, etc., all of which will be used during the performance. Then, like the grizzled veteran coach, Head Techie Tracy emerges from the shadows to give a no-nonsense pep talk that prohibits glass bottles, laser pointers, and having sex in the theater anywhere but in the designated "Sex Row." Welcome to "Rocky Horror." What ensues is an elaborate pre-show ritual orchestrated by the members of the Full Body Cast. Yeah, that's right; when you drop nine bucks for "Rocky Horror," you get more than a movie. Much more. Throughout the evening, cast members berate, engage, and fondle the audience and each other through a complex web of "Rocky Horror" etiquette. First order of business is the sacrifice of a "Rocky Horror" virgin, wherein members of the cast unabashedly select the newcomer female with the biggest breasts and summarily pop her proverbial cherry, though a red balloon squeezed between the legs is mercifully substituted for the real thing. Then comes the lap dance contest, which is basically an excuse for a "Rocky Horror" old-timer to have scores of scantily clad young women - and men - shake their booties in his face for the right to be recognized as the sluttiest dancer in the room and the chance to perform with the cast during the show. And, finally, the movie actually starts. The writers of 1975's "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" could not have envisioned that, thirty years later, their poorly made, soft-porn-style film would have earned the status of cult icon and spawned a series of ceremonial rituals more extravagant than those used to elect the new pope. Yet here it is nonetheless, exposing a whole new generation of fans to the plotless, overtly raunchy spectacle that is "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." The film is a shameless mockery of the archetypical horror film, wherein unsuspecting country bumpkin newlyweds Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (a pre-Oscar winner Susan Sarandon) get lost in the woods one dark, stormy night, seeking refuge in a spooky old castle atop a deserted hill. All semblance of coherent reality ends there, as upon entering the mansion, Brad and Janet find not the expected axe murderer or eccentric millionaire, but a tribe of Transylvanian Transvestites summoned by their leader, Dr. Frank-N-Furter (a much younger, thinner Tim Curry). Frank has called his fellow transvestites to celebrate the unveiling of his newest creation, a Mr. Universe-esque Frankenstein assemblage named Rocky Horror (Peter Hinwood). Apparently, Frank has created Rocky to be a living, breathing sex toy, but Rocky rejects his advances and instead engages in a series of lewd acts with Brad, Janet, and just about every other cast member. The rest of the film is muddled beyond comprehension, as the movie itself is lost in a deluge of tasteless, tactless, but oddly appealing erotica. The chivalrous Brad is soon perverted. Janet's purity is corrupted. Aliens make an appearance, and Tim Curry wears an obscene amount of makeup. Of course, what really adds to the festive atmosphere is the audience participation. The Full Body Cast reenacts, on a makeshift stage, all of the action happening onscreen, while the crowd engages in an elaborate call-and-response interaction with the film. When Brad enters a scene, they scream "asshole;" when Janet skips in, "slut." They throw rice at the wedding, and chuck their burnt bread when Frank makes a "toast" during the dinner scene. And then there's the Time Warp: when the transvestites start boogying to party music in the film, the whole audience floods into the aisles, forms a conga line, and dry humps the person in front of them. When the whole thing is finally over, virgins will come to the ultimate conclusion that they either adore or abhor the "Rocky Horror" experience; there is no in-between. But whatever their decision, no one will regret having done the Time Warp at least once in their lives, and only a true square would not agree that everybody should do the same.

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News

Registration rules hurt some sophomores

April 25

For the first time since 2002, the University's Registrar office has strictly enforced the rule that rising juniors need to declare a primary major and major advisor in order to register for the following fall semester. Some sophomores were initially prevented from registering because of this, but the Registrar re-opened registration for another three weeks. "It has always been University policy that sophomores can't register without first declaring a major - this was just the first time we enforced the policy," Student Services Representative Barbara Clark To implement the policy, sophomores who had not yet declared were not authorized to access the Student Information System (SIS) online. This was not the first time this policy was imposed on the students. According to acting Registrar JoAnn Smith, the previous two years have been the only times the policy was not enforced. "[In the last two years,] we have told students they had to do it prior [to registering,] and tried to enforce it, but didn't prevent them from actually registering," Smith said. "[The decision to enforce the policy] was made to benefit the students." Smith said that she was concerned that if students failed to declare a major, they would not receive the best advising possible on how to fulfill the necessary requirements. She said that there was the concern that these students could potentially be left behind. It is important for students to declare a major on time, according to Chris Nwabeke, sophomore class dean and dean of advising. "We didn't want to allow slack and let students go all the way through to their junior year without having chosen a major and a primary major advisor," he said. In the past few semesters, registration has been re-opened after the initial scheduled times are completed. This year the second registration period will last three weeks. The purpose of having post-registration periods is to help students make adjustments. "[The subsequent registration periods are,] if for whatever reason, students missed their time or suddenly decide, to make last-minute changes, " Smith said. "We're hoping to put an add/drop form online in the future," Smith said. This process may, however, take several years to complete. Certain departments, especially those with upper-level courses in high demand, experienced problems in which many classes were closed out before students could enroll. The political science department was one department affected by this issue. By the first evening of registration, April 6, 21 percent of the classes were closed, according to a survey done by the political science department. The only students who had registered by that point were some of the rising seniors, students abroad, and students in five-year programs such as the Museum School and New England Conservatory (NEC). By the evening of April 12, more than 23 courses offered in the Political Science Department were closed - more than 50 percent of all classes in the department, total. "[Political Science] enrollments have been increasing every year; it's quite a phenomenon," political science chair Vickie Sullivan said.

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News

Cuban roots album is perfect summer soundtrack

April 25

Call it what you will: afro-Cuban jazz, salsa, or Latin music. Either way, the music found on a newly-released compilation of music recorded by Cuban-born musicians living in New York in the '70s is a brilliant blend of big beats, dance grooves and salsa spice. There are some great party tracks here, not to mention that it's a perfect album to listen to when driving to the beach or sitting by the pool this summer. "Son Cubano NYC: Cuban Roots New York Spices 1972-82" is born of the mixed ethnicities and correspondingly mixed music tastes of various Afro-Cuban musicians, particularly Puerto Ricans, that flourished in New York before Cuba established its own recording industry. Henry Fiol, who contributes two tracks to the album, is quoted in the liner notes, "New York salsa is a hybrid. When Cuban music moved to New York it added another flavor." Following a tradition established by early Afro-Cuban jazz greats such as Chano Pozo, Machito, Duke Ellington, Stan Kenton, Count Basie and Dizzy Gillespie, the recordings on "Son Cubano" are a delicious fusion of the classic Cuban folk instincts that they left behind and the dance grooves that were popular in '70s America. The result is nothing short of fantastic. The artists featured on this compilation - Rey Roig, Charlie Rodriguez, Chocolate, Henry Fiol, Lita Branda, Roberto Torres and Fernando Lavoy, to name a few, fit well together without losing their personal touches. Chocolate is one of the best-known of all Cuban trumpet-players, and his sizzling contributions to the tracks "Chocolate EnC7" and "Trumpet En Montuno" are guaranteed to transport you to a far away place, as will Henry Fiol's vocals on "Tiene Sabor" and "Oriente." "Oriente," one of the slower, more meandering tracks on an album filled with fast beats and grooves, is dedicated to, according to the CD jacket, "the music, the beautiful women and the environment of eastern Cuba," where Fiol hails from. Peruvian Lita Branda is more classically Cuban, and will be a favorite for all those who are fans of her predecessor, Celia Cruz. Roberto Torres can single-handedly be credited for keeping the true sounds of Afro-Cuban dance music alive in the States. Torres, who now lives in Miami, helped found the Orquesta Broadway, and his style of singing and arranging remains tipico. His track "Camina Y Ven Pa' La Loma" is filled with solos and dance beats. Another great track is provided by Los Jimaguas - Cuban twins who play the conga and timbale. With a funky piano opening by Dr. Ken Leo Rosa, the song's got some fast-paced jazz that will get you groovin' and movin'. You know something is good when it's met with a cultural blockade - and the distinctly Cuban personality of this music was not at first received with open arms. Remember, this was still the period of the Cold War when Eddie Palmieri, who released the song "Mozambique," was accused of making 'communist salsa' music. Needless to say, the music got little airplay at the time. Luckily this isn't the '50s anymore, (or the '70s, for that matter) so we can now happily listen to these tracks without being a threat to our country. Although The Buena Vista Social Club provided a great introduction to Cuban music in 1997, there's a lot more out there to be heard.

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News

Men's Track | Rain doesn't damper Tufts' times at Dartmouth

April 25

With one meet already cancelled due to rain this outdoor season, the Tufts men's track and field team wasn't about to let the weather ruin their day again. At the Dartmouth Invitational in Hanover, N.H., the Jumbos fought through the rain to record several personal records and qualifying times. "It was horrible weather," assistant coach Ethan Barron said. "The temperature wasn't bad, but it was constant rain." Barron added that the meet coordinators probably didn't think of canceling the meet as it was the last qualifying meet before NESCAC championships for many of the participating teams. As a result of the rain, the track events were kept outside, but most of the field events were shifted indoors. "It's hard for the athletes to run well like that," Barron said. Despite the rain, Tufts performed well in several events. "It's very impressive [to have] so many good performances, especially out of sprinters in weather like that." Sophomore Jamil Ludd ran a personal record 15.53 seconds in the 110 meter hurdles. Sophomore Mickey Ferri ran a personal record as well, finishing in the top five in both the 100 and 200 meter dashes, with times of 11.38 and 23.09 seconds, respectively. In the 400 meter dash, sophomore Dustin Virgilio ran a personal record time of 51.73 seconds, besting his previous record by nearly a full second. Senior Ray Carre also performed well in the 200 and 400 meter dashes. Carre ran a time of 23.01, good for a fourth place finish, in the 200, and a 50.14 second time in the 400, good enough for fifth place. In the 5,000 meter run, sophomore Josh Kennedy won the event with a time of 15:02.10 seconds, a personal record for him. Kennedy also performed well last weekend in the 3,000 steeplechase event. Junior Matt Lacey ran in the 1,500 meter run this weekend to help tune-up for his 5,000 meter race this Thursday at Penn Relays. Senior Nate Brigham and Lacey will run at the Penn Relays because of their times at the Hillside Relays two weekends ago in the 5,000. Brigham and Lacey are currently in first and second place, respectively, in Div. III NCAA for the 5,000. In the 800 meter run, sophomores Nate Cleveland and Ciaran O'Donovan both ran sub-two minute times with a 1:58.89 and 1:59.17 respectively. "The fact that I can run a sub-two in that weather makes me feel like I can really perform next week at NESCACs," O'Donovan said. Barron said that one of the purposes of the event was to give the track team more options for events in which to place athletes for the NESCAC championships next weekend in Waterville, ME. This week the coaching staff will sit down and submit Tufts' placements to the NESCAC coordinators. In Saturday's meet, the coaching staff placed eight runners in the 200, several of whom ran the event for the first time this year. "There was a bit of intrasquad competition in the 200 for bragging rights," Barron said. In the end senior Ray Carre placed fourth in the event and best among Tufts runners with a time of 23.01 seconds, .08 seconds ahead of Ferri. Next week the Jumbos turn their attention to NESCACs, where they will look to unseat reigning champion Williams College. Williams has won the NESCAC championship 11 of the past 12 years. "Basically four teams are vying for NESCACs," Barron said. "Tufts, Williams, Bates and Middlebury" Barron said that, depending on the weather and how the lesser teams do, the Jumbos should have a good shot. "If it was weather like this weekend, the playing field gets leveled. It takes the bell curve of running and squeezes it to make everyone middle-of-the-road runners," Barron said, "If the weather or our efforts make it a meet of guts, then it's about guts and courage, and we've got a good shot of making it out on top." Sophomore Dan Sullivan is confident about Tufts' chances. "It'll be 11 of the past 13 years once we're done with Williams," he said.

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Photo of the Week | Rowing Away

April 25

(Ben Thayer/Tufts Daily) In the pouring rain, Tufts' second women's varsity crew lost their race to Smith on Saturday by 5.6 seconds

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Baseball | Tufts rival Trinity clinches division title after taking series 2-1

April 25

It seemed only fitting, after splitting two games, both decided in the final inning, that the Tufts baseball team and its rival Trinity would go into extra innings in their third and final game Sunday night. Unfortunately for the Jumbos, Bantam pinch hitter Chandler Barnard emerged as the hero with his game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the 10th after the Jumbos failed to score in the first half of the inning. The Bantam's 4-3 victory came on the heels of a 4-1 Jumbo victory in the first half of Sunday's doubleheader. However, with Sunday's win and the Bantams' 6-5 comeback win over Tufts on Friday night, Trinity, at 23-5 overall and 10-2 in the NESCAC, took the series and clinched first place in the NESCAC East. The Jumbos slipped from first place to second with a record of 17-8 overall, 6-2 NESCAC. "It was tough playing away, driving home for Saturday and then back," coach John Casey said, referring to the rescheduling of Saturday's doubleheader to Sunday due to inclement weather. "But those aren't excuses. I thought we played well, we didn't make a few plays when we had to. But we battled hard." In Sunday night's heartbreaker, freshman reliever Adam Telian dropped his record to 1-1 after surrendering the game-winner to Barnard. In three innings pitched, it was the only run he allowed on three hits. Bantam hurler Tim Kiely earned his third win, giving up just one hit and pitching a scoreless 10th inning. Both starters gave solid performances, with Jumbo junior Zak Smotherman going six innings and allowing two runs on six hits and a walk. Smotherman was relieved by sophomore Aaron Narva, who gave up one run in one inning pitched. Trinity starter Joe Westcott went five innings and allowed three runs. Trinity's dominating bullpen tandem of freshman Mike Regan and sophomore Tim Kiely stifled the Jumbos' offense, holding Tufts scoreless over the last five innings. In the fourth inning, the Jumbos put up two runs on singles by senior catcher Greg Hicky and freshman DH Steve Ragonese. Sophomore centerfielder Chris Decembrele added another run in the sixth with an RBI double, increasing Tufts' lead to 3-1, but the Bantams came back with single runs in the sixth and seventh. It may have been Barnard's single that drove in the winning run for the Bantams, but a sacrifice bunt from senior Aaron Goldstein advanced the game-winning run into scoring position. "We left probably twice as many runners on base," senior captain Bob Kenny said. "That was the difference in the third game, the amount of runners we left on base. We had the win in our grasp, but we pretty much gave it away." The first game of the doubleheader also saw strong pitching from both teams. Trinity starter Jon Rappaport may have taken the loss for the Bantams, but he effectively silenced the Jumbos' bats for eight scoreless innings, allowing only two hits while posting five strikeouts and one walk. His bullpen could not bail him out of a jam in the ninth, though, as Kiely allowed one run and two hits in only two thirds of the ninth inning. "[The Bantams] do have some really good arms in their bullpen, but in the second game we came out and hit [Kiely]," Kenny said. "He's really good, he's like Narva -hard fastball and a good curveball you can't even tell he's throwing, but we hit him." Tufts sophomore starter Derek Rice matched Rappaport's strong outing, giving eight scoreless innings, allowing nine hits but striking out five. Sophomore Aaron Narva, 2-0, relieved Rice and earned the win, despite allowing the only Trinity run. Freshman Adam Telian posted his first save. "We pitched well," Casey said. "I was happy with the defense and the infield was outstanding." Hickey, Kenny and sophomore second baseman Brian Casey singled in the ninth. The Jumbos were helped by two Bantam errors. The win was important for the Jumbos, who suffered a close loss to Trinity Friday night. The Jumbos looked good in the opening game, jumping out to a 5-1 lead, but the Bantams staged a comeback that culminated with a game-winning RBI single in the ninth inning by senior co-captain Jeff Natale. "We sat back in the lead," senior captain Bob Kenny said. "We let them back in the game. That was the difference in that game; they gained momentum." Tufts starter Ben Simon held the 5-1 lead entering the bottom of the sixth before surrendering three runs on five hits. Senior Jeremy Davis was handed the loss after giving up a run in his one-and-a-third innings pitched to drop his record to 2-1. "They were three great baseball games," Casey said. "People made plays all over. One team wasn't better. We're still young, and it was a big step forward to play three big games. We can play with them. We should have won, but I still think the kids got confidence from [the games], and hopefully we'll see them again down the road." Trinity clinched their third consecutive division title, but the Jumbos are in a position to earn second place and make the playoffs. They'll be challenged by Bates, the only team with a chance to overtake Tufts for the playoff spot. "We just need to win a couple more to get to the playoffs," Casey said. "And then everyone's equal." The Jumbos will face another NESCAC East opponent, Colby, this weekend.

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Theater Preview | New York City's 'Newsies' carries the banner to Tufts

April 25

The colorful combination of the American dream, the magic of Walt Disney, and the spirit of musical theatre come together tonight in Torn Ticket II's production of "Newsies." Directed by sophomore Brian Smith, the show sets the energetic and heartfelt cacophony of New York City just before the turn of the twentieth century to music, complete with Brooklyn accents, lively dance numbers, and the feel-good fable of a hopeful underdog. Smith makes his directing debut in "Newsies" after adapting the script from the original 1992 Walt Disney movie. He commented that the process of directing has been intense, but said simply of the cast and crew, "We're ready." "Newsies" tells the story of a group of boy vagabonds in 1899 who made their meager living by selling newspapers to the denizens of New York City. The self-proclaimed "newsies" devoted themselves to selling the newspaper of Joseph Pulitzer, the bumbling bad guy in the show. Pulitzer's paper, "The World," is in fierce competition with William Randolph Hearst's paper, "The Journal." When Pulitzer discovers that he is losing sales to Hearst's paper, he decides to raise the distribution price of his papers, making it nearly impossible for the newsies to make any kind of substantial profit. The newsies hold a strike in response, looking for support from their 17-year-old leader, Jack Kelly, who dreams of one day escaping to Santa Fe. The play then plunges into adventure and romance as the newsies try to beat the establishment like big-hearted punk rockers clad in tweed caps and knickers. The play is upheld by its strong ensemble of various characters, ranging from the optimistic newsie Crutchy, who wobbles around the stage playing a harmonica, to the swinger Medda, whose sultry interludes help to evoke the working-class world the newsies inhabit. Supporting the efforts of Jack Kelly is the Jacobs family, which consists of the sweet love-interest Sarah, the lively nine-year-old Les, and David, the brains behind the newsie revolt. Audience members should expect to be in the midst of the tumult when they come to "Newsies." They should anticipate sharing leg room with passing newsies, watching characters hang off of the banisters in authentic street kid form, and shifting in their seats to see Jack and the Delancey brothers run full circle around the arena - after all, news does travel fast. Smith commented that he used the Balch Arena Theater in this dynamic way in order to create a highly interactive show that would connect the audience with the performers. "The show is all about people coming together to achieve something," he said. "I used the space for that reason." When asked about their experience working on the show, the cast was eager to comment on the excitement of bringing a favorite film from childhood to the stage. "There's an expectation you've got to live up to," said freshman Julie Hanlon, who plays little Les Jacobs. "You've got to continue 'carrying the banner,' if you will," she added, in reference to a song from the musical. "Newsies" is about friendship, justice, teamwork and fighting for a cause, themes that give the show a constant heartbeat that actor Doug Foote called, "The triumph of the underdog." "It's the male 'Annie,' but so much cooler," said cast member Katie Clark. "It's about sticking together to change your world."The show is free to the public, playing first at 7:00 pm and again at 9:30 tonight in Balch.

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Brian Wolly| Wolly and the Teev

April 25

Well, dutiful readers, the short life of the Teev comes to a close this week, along with my college career. True, I will be given one last opportunity to speak in the Daily's commencement issue, but this is my last chance to impart some words upon my underclassmen brethren. That sounds pretentious, but bear with me. I've had this column idea brewing in my head for the past six months or so, but I thought I'd holster it until finals once again reared their ugly head. It holds some valuable pieces of advice for anyone else under the spell of broadcast and cable television. Around the 3rd or 4th of December last year, I mistakenly knocked my television remote control behind the bed, amidst all the clutter that belongs in such a place. If you're placing anything under the bed, odds are that you aren't looking to access it anytime in the near future. Such was the case with the space under my bed. Naturally, I burrowed through the catacombs, the boxes and stacks of old history books, but I could not find the remote. For the duration of the semester, if I wanted to watch any sort of programming, I would have to operate my 13-inch television set by hand. But I'm lazy. I'm not going to get out of my desk chair, or arise out of my bed, just to change the channel But that's not to say I'll remain in a vegetative state while the programming goes from watchable to unbearable. Once "Seinfeld" is over at 7 p.m. on TBS, am I going to settle for an hour of "Friends" reruns? Hell no! After "The Daily Show's" moment of zen, will I really want to watch a repeat of last night's episode? Jon Stewart is a golden god, but really, I won't. So in lieu of changing channels by physical exertion or sitting on my butt and watching crap, I simply opted to not watch television. It was a strange sensation, but I did have two twenty-five (plus) page papers due at the end of finals. For a procrastinating fool like me, losing my remote control was perhaps the best thing that could have ever happened. As fellow members of Professor Gill's "U.S. Homefront During WWII" class can attest, I spent almost every hour possible cooped up in Eaton pounding out my paper. I realize that it is quite sad that I attribute my ability to finish my work to losing a TV remote as opposed to my own diligence, but I yam what I yam. A couch potato. There are some important lessons to glean from this experience, however. While the obvious one is to mistakenly lose your remote control, I felt that, on the dawn of a new finals period, I should provide some tips on coping with the allure of the small screen. Cable reruns are by far the most dangerous of all television series. You've seen that episode of "Law & Order" five times before, and you know it's a good one. You even know the patented twist at the end, but you still watch. Why? It's guaranteed to entertain. So Tip #1: If you've seen it before, simply replay the episode in your head at quadruple speed and turn off the channel. With playoff basketball just starting and the Red Sox getting into their comfortable groove of losing to the Orioles and fighting the Devil Rays, televised sports can be a devastating distraction. When it comes to the NBA and the Celtics, tune out until the fourth quarter. For the Red Sox? Normally, I'd advocate just ignoring the game because it's only May and the games are irrelevant. But since Boston fans are irrational, and that's sacrilege, just do your take-home exam between innings during commercials. You already know where to go when your windshield's busted. Avoid any and all marathons. While some of our fellow Jumbos ran 26.2 miles last week, others fell prey to the "West Wing" marathon on Bravo. Who knows what could be aired over the next couple weeks, but with "Pimp My Ride" and "Punk*d" closing in on their season finales, I could easily see some MTV crap-fests being aired during finals. Nothing against Xzibit, whose Cheshire grin is the goofiest part of his show, but it'll be much easier to finish the IR paper when it's not 4 a.m. I, on the other hand, have no will power. Come May 2, my remote control is headed for the dark, gloomy spaces behind my bed. And there it will stay, until Wolly packs up the Teev in the sardine can of a room in Hillsides and readies himself for the post-graduate world. Lastly, it wouldn't be one of my columns without mentioning two words: "Arrested Development."Brian Wolly is a senior majoring in history. He can be reached via e-mail at brian.wolly@tufts.edu.

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News

City Briefs

April 25

Failed deal leaves Somerville with $1 million shortfall A deal to sell a 101 year old school in Somerville to local developers fell through recently, leaving the city with a $1 million budget shortfall, according to the Somerville Journal. The old Durrell School on Beacon Street was supposed to be sold for $1.275 million to Peter Miller and Kevin Douglas, but neither party accepted responsibility for the failure of the deal, and with two months left in the fiscal year, Somerville is "scrambling" to sell the school, according to the Journal. As an emergency measure, an auction of the school is being planned. "If nobody bids on [the school], then we have a problem," Alderman Bill White told the Journal. If the auction fails, city officials fear that layoffs could result. The minimum bid for the school is set at $990,000. "I think people are optimistic they are going to get some bids ... That is good property," White said.Rodent problem in Davis Square According to the Somerville Journal, citizens in and around Davis Square are complaining of rats, raccoons, and possums. "These things are not small," Somerville Alderman John Connolly, who represents the Davis Square area, said. Connolly has asked that the city health inspectors maintain a high level of vigilance over local restaurants for the next several weeks. According to the Journal, however, residents in the area may be contributing to the problem. "They're eating well, [because] people have been a little too lax storing garbage," Connolly said. Somerville Alderman Dennis Sullivan also believes that part of the problem is that residents do not put their garbage bags in containers when they leave them on the street curbs. "On my street in the last two months, I've seen two dead rats I've had to dispose of," Sullivan said. The city has rodent traps in the sewers, but according to Somerville Alderman Denise Provost, there is a plentiful food supply above ground for these animals, reducing the effectiveness of these traps.Farcical 'circus' shut down by fire department The Somerville Fire Department responded to a report of an outdoor fire on Sewall Street last week, and found something that 23-year veteran Lieutenant Buster Siciliano called "a first." According to the Somerville Journal, a man was found juggling flaming sponges. He was accompanied by several other people in "flamboyant" costumes. This type of "open burning" is banned in Somerville. Firefighters informed the man that he would need to cease the activity. "He was a nice guy, but he wanted to keep [juggling]," Siciliano said. "I thought it was amusing, but it's a good thing nothing happened or no one got hurt." The juggler did comply with requests. Only 25 communities in Massachusetts prohibit "open burning" outdoors. Somerville is one of these as a safety measure because of the proximity of the houses to each other.-- compiled by Bruce Hamilton from the Somerville Journal

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Viewpoint | One of Our Own Terrorists Comes in from the Cold

April 25

"What a fix he's in!" I can hear it now. A Miami attorney pleads on behalf of 78-year-old Luis Posada Carriles, who four weeks ago emerged from the shadows to seek political asylum in South Florida. "Protect him from the brutal prisons of Fidel Castro and that Venezuelan Castro wannabe Hugo Chavez [both of whom want him handed over to face murder charges]!! After what this great patriot and freedom fighter has done for the United States, he deserves the Medal of Honor, not extradition!" Indeed, Posada has done a lot for Uncle Sam since the CIA trained him for the abortive 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion of his native Cuba. In the ensuing four-plus decades, both on and off the Washington payroll, he has waged a bloody personal vendetta against the Cuban patriarch, both directly through an endless series of assassination plots, and indirectly through bombings including the 1976 sabotage of a Cuban airliner that claimed 73 innocent lives. In 1985, after bribing his way out of a Venezuelan prison where he had been incarcerated for the Cuban plane bombing, Posada took charge of the Reagan team's contra supply operations in El Salvador. In light of that record, and the precedents set by our current president and his father, which are itemized below, you have to admit that Posada has a case for asylum: * In 1990, after intense lobbying by Jeb Bush - which 10 years later won votes in Miami's Little Havana that would help swing a presidential election - George H. W. Bush Sr.'s Justice Department shut down INS proceedings to expel the most notorious of all anti-Castro bombers, Dr. Orlando Bosch - after the Cuban-born pediatrician served time in Venezuela for co-masterminding the Cubana plane crash. * On Christmas Eve 1992, the same President Bush, then a lame duck, pardoned Iran-Contra conspirators, including former Defense Secretary Casper Weinberger and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Elliot Abrams. In so doing, Bush Sr. salvaged both his hide and the family's good name. Iran-Contra Special prosecutor Lawrence Walsh planned to pressure Weinberger into disavowing Bush's claim that, while Reagan's VP, he had been out of the Iran-Contra conspiracy loop. The pardoned Abrams, who had admitted lying to Congress, is deputy National Security Advisor under George W. Bush. In fact, the Bush Jr. White House has been the nation's leading employer of Iran-Contra conspirators, rehabilitated and otherwise. Recall the brief stint of Reagan's indicted National Security Advisor Admiral John Poindexter. At Bush Jr.'s Homeland Security agency, before press exposure of his brainchild, the Total Information Awareness Project, he put fear in the hearts of privacy-cherishing Americans. And just last week Congress rubber-stamped Bush Jr.'s nominee as National Intelligence Director John Negroponte. As Reagan's ambassador to Honduras in the '80s, the man whose task it will now be to reform the CIA coordinated contra actions in close collaboration with the same CIA and Honduran generals knee-deep in cocaine trafficking and death squad slayings. So it's understandable that Posada - who as recently as August was languishing behind bars for one of his Castro assassination plots when a lame duck Panamanian president ... pardoned him - considers this a good time to hang up his grenades. I believe Posada took the pardon as a signal that - despite what his lawyer might say - he's not in a fix. No, I think Posada believes the fix is in.Jerry Meldon is an associate professor in the School of Engineering.

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Balance | The truth behind the tummy: building strong abs

April 25

In a country where obesity rates continue to rise, the thought of a six-pack should conjure up images of shiny aluminum cans emblazoned with the names of Budweiser, Coors and Michelob. Yet many men strive for that other six-pack, an often-unattainable desire. The infatuation with the perfect six-pack stomach has escalated in the past 30 years to such extreme levels that men are opting to go under the knife to attain some extra "bumps" on their torsos. And this behavior is not only reserved for "real" men. Take the G.I. Joe doll, for example. Created in the mid 1960s, the doll measured 12-inches tall and had a life-like body with no visible abdominal muscles. The look of the doll did not change for about a decade until 1975, when an almost identical doll was introduced with one major change - abdominal definition. In the 1980s, the 12-inch doll was first shrunk down to three and three-fourths inches and then periodically increased in size until the final development of a five inch doll in 1995. Each design change added more muscles and an especially ripped abdominal section. The newest G.I. Joe design would, in real life, have a 55-inch chest and 27-inch biceps, measurements beyond the reach of even the most enthusiastic weight lifter. According to Wayne Westcott, Fitness Research Director at the South Shore YMCA in Quincy, Mass., it matters neither how many hours nor how many thousands of sit-ups and crunches an abdominal enthusiast performs. "Perhaps only 20 percent of males and 10 percent of females have the genetic potential to develop really impressive six-pack abs," he said. The reason for this comes down to that despised three-letter word - fat - and not everyone can lose it in the right places to get visible results. This suggests that the key to visible six-pack abs is to lose the fat that lies between your skin and the underlying abdominal muscle, a task that is easier said than done. One of the most common fat storage areas of the body is the midsection, particularly for men. "Fat is stored in this area, and a relatively large number of fat cells results in a potbelly," Westcott said. He explains further that abs cannot be "spot-trained" by performing thousands of sit-ups in hopes of losing that fat around the stomach. When fat is lost through exercise, genetics determines from which part of the body it is lost. Even getting down to a body fat of 10 percent (which is considered an "athlete's" body), an individual may not lose the fat around the abdominals if it isn't in his genetic cards. Strengthening the abdominal muscles will improve core strength, however, a group of muscles that work together to provide balance and stability. These muscles lie deep within the torso and not only include abdominals, but also the muscles of the back. "The entire midsection should be strong and provide a functional muscular girdle for the internal organs. I believe the oblique muscles are equally important with the rectus abdominis and erector spinae muscles [the back muscles that run along the spinal cord] for midsection integrity and proper posture, as well as physical performance," Westcott said. What's more, Marion Brandon, a clinical psychologist and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, recommends core strength exercises to her patients with low sex drives. "[Exercise] in general promotes a healthy body image which will only reflect positively on one's sexual experience," she says. "Regular exercise also does wonders for people's moods. It can act like a natural antidepressant." No matter what the final goal is - better balance and stability or building a body worthy doing laundry on - exercise is a means to an end. When it comes to strength training there are certain muscle groups that shouldn't be ignored. "I see core strength as anywhere from your hips to your shoulders, including your abdominals, the obliques, the ileus psoas [the muscle that works your hip flexors and your back] and the muscles in your mid and lower back," said Miriam Nelson, Director of the Center on Physical Activity and Nutrition at the Friedman School. Nelson said the simplest way to train your core is by doing abdominal curls and back extensor exercises. Incorporating a Swiss-Ball - those oversized bouncy-balls lying around the gym - into an exercise routine is one way to keep training fun and challenging, she said. "You need to be in good shape to use them, but they're really good for core strength and stability because they cause you to be unstable and force you to use a bunch of different core muscles," Nelson said. As far as the intensity and the time that should be devoted to these muscles, Nelson agrees with the recommendations from The American College of Sports Medicine. For strength training, one to three sets of eight to 15 repetitions of each exercise performed two to three times a week.Howard Goldstein is a graduate student in nutrition communications at the Friedman School. He has a BBA in international business from George Washington University.

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Viewpoint | Beer pong... Beirut... How about Baghdad?

April 25

Yea ... Baghdad. Everyone's heard of it: the place we saved from Saddam; that we're now saving from the insurgents, supposedly bringing democracy to the Arabs. This expedition has lasted two years and counting, and has cost billions upon billions of dollars; the destruction of homes, schools and universities; the loss of thousands of innocent lives. Social infrastructure? There is none. Security? Still not there. And so it continues, we send more troops to protect the other troops ... If you do pay attention to the news, all you'll hear are numbers. Has it hit you? Do we understand what violence of that scale means? What about our fellow young Americans at war, eager to make it through their tours of duty, then hopefully move back home to pursue a college education? How much does it really matter to us? Why would it? After all, we're diligent college students - life is hard enough. We have our own concerns: dealing with the frustration of computer problems, the pressure of school work and housing issues, of emotional turmoil, and of unsatisfied libidos. And when we're done working, we go home, it's the weekend. We have to figure where the party's at, what to wear, how to get alcohol, what strategies to use to get with that girl or guy we've been stalking on The Facebook or AIM. Or maybe it's which club/bar to hit up, and whether or not that fake ID will do the trick. Well, one constant in many of busy lives is BEIRUT. Whether you're international, American, male, female, a freshmen or a senior, you know this game. To most, the word "Beirut" brings up hazy memories of cups and ping pong balls, along with a good deal of beer. How many of you - even for a moment - think of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon? The city that is currently making the news for a messy Syrian pullout that marks the end of a heavily oppressive 30-year occupation. The city that has seen a recent spate of bombings that threatens to destabilize an already fragile situation. But, why, you may ask, should a few deaths here and there, a few more bombs, bother the people of a region in which this is a conceived norm? Well, to a great deal of us Lebanese and Lebanese Americans, this brings back painful memories of a civil war that lasted from 1976 to 1990. Coincidentally, it seems that on this campus, it is also the source of beer pong's alias. The ping pong balls thrown into the cup symbolize the bombs dropped onto the city that was once known as "the Paris of the Middle East." That's fun. During the fifteen year war, Lebanon lost 152,000 people, a quarter of which were children. More than 250,000 of the nation's four million population fled the country. I find it hard to suck in the fact that the United States is so caught up on being politically correct, when naming a drinking game based on the bombing of innocent civilians goes by so smoothly and so frequently. Even more surprising is the fact that this happens at an establishment such as Tufts University, which supposedly has a solid IR department and is one of the few schools that offers a major in Middle Eastern studies. I guess that happens because so few of us realize what Beirut is, or how many people have suffered from that war. I guess so few realize how bad the situation is in so many other countries around the world too. We do after all, live in our little Tufts bubble. So why not just switch the name of the game to Baghdad? I mean, it would be less anachronistic. After all, we Americans are directly responsible for the bombings going on there. And they are going on as we speak. I just think Beirut is now so pass?©, and it never hurts to freshen things up a bit and make them more accurate of our time. A name such as "Baghdad" would simply be trendier, like those Uggs we've been seeing around all winter long. Many of you are probably pretty offended by this Viewpoint. But honestly, that is not my intention, and those of you who know me, know that I still love you very much no matter how often you all play Beirut, an activity in which I myself have taken part. I am neither blaming nor claiming that simply because you play the game, you don't know where and what Beirut, the city, is. I guess in the end, all I am trying to do is to have people consider the fact that, to some of us, calling a drinking game Beirut does not bring such pretty thoughts to mind. In such a situation, the emphasis placed on being politically correct just adds to an already long list of hypocrital phenomena in this country. Hopefully, with a bit of luck, I also hope that in the future, those of you who didn't know before will be saved from erroneously attributing the name of the Mediterranean capital to the frivolous college drinking game. It's quite possible that Beirut, the game, really does have nothing to do with Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. However, I sincerely doubt it, and am still waiting for the exact origin of this nomenclature. Anyway, as bitter as I might sound about it, to any of you who'd like to further discuss the issue in the future, just hand me a beer or two, and that'll usually loosen me up a bit for the chat. Oh, and for those of you who might not know, and in case you do decide to rename the game "Baghdad:" according to the U.S. military, since the beginning of the war in Iraq, an estimated 1,565 American lives have been lost. The estimated total number of Iraqi casualties (just 'cause they are people too) is around 23,000. That's more than four times the population of Tufts undergrads and approximately 12,000 times the number of cups one needs to play a round of Beirut. Cheers.Aline Sara is a junior majoring in psychology.

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