The crime statistics for the 2003 calendar year, recently released by the Department of Public Safety, show a significant increase in campus burglaries.
The party scene at Tufts sucks. I wouldn't be surprised if half the freshman class transferred after this semester due to sheer boredom. And you know what, I really wouldn't blame them. The sad truth is that party-minded Tufts students have nothing to do on the weekends, and if you think about it, not giving kids a place to go on the weekends to drink is more dangerous than sensible.
The use of art as a device for social progress and change is not a novel idea here at Tufts. Last year, productions such as "The Vagina Monologues," "Corpus Christi," "A Piece of My Heart," and "Uncommon Women" were successful in spreading awareness and promoting student involvement. The new student group Rat-a-TAT, an organization dedicated to advocacy through art, looks to expand that theatrical niche.
During the daily bustle of classes and homework, Tufts students seem secure and confident about their life in a world landscape now marred by the fear of terrorism. Most are more worried about upcoming mid-terms than the possible date and location of another attack.
Dodgeball is swiftly gaining popularity across the country, and now it has found its home at Tufts. Anyone who has been to the gym recently has most likely noticed the numerous flyers featuring Ben Stiller flying through the air to make a diving catch to advertise the sport. The new intramural league, founded by freshmen Chris Severino and Jordan Thomas, is a testament to the growing popularity of dodgeball.
I'm stuck in a bad place. No, not outside a nightclub with Ray Lewis, I'm talking about the Thursday paper. Every week, by the time Thursday rolls around, other columnists have taken my stance.
Before Sept. 11, aside from reinstating the military draft, nothing could have been considered more suicidal for a politician than an attempt to raise the price of gas or to get Americans to conserve energy.
Easily accessible residence halls, predictable schedules and limited campus security makes the Tufts campus a prime area for stalking and
Set amidst the lush California vineyards, fine wine and haute cuisine practically play supporting roles in Alexander Payne's new film "Sideways."
Senior Joshua Hsu, a member of the Tufts University Rugby Football Club (RFC), suffered major trauma to the head during a match on Saturday, October 9.
Gortzounain took this photo soon after arriving in Kabuye, Rwanda, in November, 2003. In his room there was no electricity during the night so he used candlelight. Behind the candle are greeting cards on banana tree bark from the nuns who Gortzounain stayed with. After writing in his journal, he snapped this shot.
Tufts physicists collaborate on Big Bang experiment Two groups of Boston researchers are collaborating on a project to recreate conditions that existed for a "fraction of an instant after the Big Bang," according to The Boston Globe.
Last night the Residential Quad was filled with euphoric hordes of Red Sox Fans. The past three times the Red Sox won, Tufts students lit a bonfire, with groups of students coming from all of the Uphill residences to celebrate. This time, however, the Uphill celebrators were joined by their Downhill peers. Smoking cigars, jumping up and down, hugging each other and roaring; they were too happy to even form words.
Ah marriage; that ubiquitous social institution that is at the same time simple and elusive, natural and abnormal, and in light of last spring's famous Massachusetts supreme court ruling, controversial. But while most people only recently began to ponder the merits of this pervasive tradition, Stephen Sondheim weighed in on it over 30 years ago. Such is the subject of "Company," a now classic American musical playing in the beautiful new Boston Center for the Arts until Nov. 13. While somewhat of an anomaly for the modern-leaning SpeakEasy Stage Company, don't call this musical out-of-date. Twenty-dollar student rush tickets provide a cheap opportunity to experience a funny, smart and decent quality show whose perspective is just as fresh as it was when it first premiered in 1971. A set that looks like a cross between "Star Trek" and "Hollywood Squares" provides a clever backdrop to a series of vignettes depicting the stream-of-consciousness of a lonely Robert (Michael Mendiola) during his 35th surprise birthday party. The party, attended by several married couples, causes Robert (or Bob or Bubi) to brood over his status as a SWM. A split-level performance area allows Robert's different memories to flow into each other seamlessly. The lighting works extremely well, with different squares lighting up depending on where each scene is located. And just as human thoughts occur in no particular order, neither does this story. Historically, with "Company," Sondheim shepherded the American musical into a new era of sophistication. The lack of chronological order, or plot for that matter, caused it to be wildly different and revolutionary in the '70s, before which most musicals were all about big costumes, big sets, and simple direct stories. But this musical goes beyond the precedents it set; it offers perceptive and nuanced observations about the intricacies of relationships. As Robert philosophizes and prods his memory for past experiences with his different married friends, each experience comprising a different scene, the audience, too, learns something. In one particularly funny scene, a conservative middle-aged Jenny (Kerry A. Dowling) and her husband, David (Will McGarrahan) join Robert in some jovial pot smoking. Jenny is a convincing first-timer who relishes in her light-headedness by blurting out frequent expletives. Her husband engages in some wishful thinking, asking his wife, "Don't you wish you were single again, even for an hour?" Jenny's response: "No ... But maybe for two!" In another hilarious scene, Robert witnesses his friends Sarah (Julie Jirousek) and Harry (Jerry Bisantz) demonstrate their sometimes-venomous competitiveness when they try to knock each other out with amateur karate moves. Robert uses such scenes to rationalize not getting married, but even though each couple makes no bones about their often hilarious marital problems when they're with him, it's also evident that they really cannot live without each other. A relationship is about give and take, compromise and companionship, and, according to them, it's worth it. Robert tries dating a few girls, including a funky New Yorker named Marta (Sara Chase, also the best singer in the musical) and a ditzy flight attendant (Stephanie Carlson), but how can Robert succeed in a relationship if he cannot take his loneliness seriously? Catchy songs, some of which have become standards in the American songbook ("Being Alive," for example) provide Robert and the audience with a mixture of advice and therapy. A small ensemble accompanies him perfectly from the back corner of the stage, often making up for the occasional faulty falsetto or off-pitch actor with amusing call-and-response licks. But while some members of this particular cast probably wouldn't make it past the first round of "American Idol," most of the acting is convincing, and small dance numbers punctuate certain scenes with energy. Michael Mendiola does very well as Robert: he has a Hugh Grant-ish air about him, which bodes well for his lead as introspective bachelor. Likewise, lively local star Nancy E. Carroll is a natural as Joanne, a cynical, sarcastic sage who has a heart-to-heart with Robert over a stiff drink and a famous song ("The Ladies Who Lunch"). So, what of Robert - and marriage? One scene, added to 1995 revivals in New York and London, speculates about Robert's possible homosexuality, which would provide an easy explanation to his relationship troubles. But Stephen Sondheim does not like easy explanations. Robert's sexuality remains ambiguous - as does any final verdict on marriage, for that matter. But who cares? According to Sondheim in a 2000 New York Times Magazine interview, "We were talking about somebody unable to make an emotional connection. Period. It's about how difficult it is to live with somebody." And, as Robert might attest - the difficulty of living without somebody.
Each year that I have been at Tufts, the same debate has occurred in one form or another on campus. An activist group makes irreverent chalkings, said chalkings are deemed offensive/profane/abusive/improper, chalkings are erased and debated, and there are no consequences because of the protections of free speech and vagueness of any behavior codes provided by the University. So, last week, was anyone on campus surprised by the "profane" chalkings all over campus in support of Coming Out Day? Or even by the erasure of some of these chalkings and following hubbub? But what was surprisingly unclear was Dean of Students Bruce Reitman's measure of profanity, in that the random pattern by which chalkings were erased seemed to focus more on the subversiveness of the messages, not their profane content. The chalkings were not done by one individual. While individual chalkings which may have crossed the invisible "line of propriety" may have been done by one person, the style, tone, and content of chalkings varied all over campus. It could be argued that nearly all were profane or offensive, but isn't that the point? Coming Out Day is a day of celebration. But it is also a day of social activism. While many can celebrate being "out" in the liberal, tolerant atmosphere of Tufts University, there are many all over the world who cannot. In fact, there are many students at Tufts who are struggling to admit their own sexuality to themselves and others. Even some students who you and I may label as "out" because of their activities on-campus may be completely closeted to their families, prospective employers, or professors. Social activism is offensive by definition. It is offensive to the dominant viewpoint it is attempting to change. If activists fail to offend anyone with their message, then there is probably no need for the activism. The chalkings on the night of Coming Out Day do not exist merely to inform people of a rally the next day, but rather to affect change in the way people on campus think about sexuality and those who identify differently. By blanketing the campus in references to homosexuality, bisexuality, and transgenderism ranging from the absurd "Queer bikes" to the more real "Proud to be a rug muncher," chalkers aim to desensitize people to different sexualities. And most students on campus recognize that, as they laughed at chalkings on Wednesday morning. The chalking deemed most "profane" by Reitman and others on campus was located outside of Bendetson Hall, home of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Admissions is often the 'target' of social activism on this campus, and rightfully so. From the Tufts Students Against Discrimination (TSAD) sit-in takeover of Bendetson in fall 2000 to last spring's actions of the Student Labor Action Movement at April Open House, students know that Admissions is the public face of Tufts University. The Office of Admissions determines what aspects of Tufts to present to future students, shaping the future of our school. Unfortunately, the individuals who work in the Office of Admissions do not necessarily represent the ideals and values of the greater Tufts community. Though many are no more than a few years older than the undergraduate population, most did not attend Tufts and thus have little vested interest in the Tufts community, except a professional one. Therefore, only the least controversial, most superficial, PR-friendly version of Tufts is presented to prospective students, a system which has only increased since the retirement of Dean David Cuttino and subsequent appointment of Dean Lee Coffin. I do not expect, nor do I desire, any clarification on "profanity" at Tufts. The more specific we get in our restrictions of speech, the narrower we make the intellectual debate and conversation at Tufts. However, I gather that what is "profane" outside Bendetson may be held to a different standard than profanity anywhere else on-campus. So what was the offending chalking? According to Reitman, the chalking said, "A lot of gays work in Admissions." Is this statement true? Yes, which certainly does make a difference, particularly since it is common knowledge to any of the hundreds of students who volunteer or work in the office, as well as numerous students who dealt with the office before enrolling at Tufts. Would this count as profanity in most peoples' eyes? No. In fact, several openly LGBT staff members have commented that they do not understand what the big deal was. Did it 'out' specific individuals? No. In the context of all the other chalkings on campus, did this chalking stand out at all to the majority of passersby? Again, no. Some argue that one's sexuality is a private matter, protected by sexual harassment policies. In serving as the public representatives of the University, individuals lose some of their privacy. But no individual was targeted by this chalking and no normative judgment was passed on homosexuality or even on the Admissions Office as a whole. If the chalking had said, "Catholics work here" or "Whites work here", would any one have shouted "profanity"? Religion and race are considered just as protected in the workplace and at the University as sexuality, but society is much less open to non-heterosexual identities. If anything, the reaction to the chalking in front of Admissions proves how necessary it was. The concept that labeling gay people as gay is profane goes against the key theme of Coming Out Day: pride. Fortunately, many faculty and staff members acknowledge how great an impact they can have on students struggling with their sexuality and lead lives out and proud, thought it may be more difficult than the alternative. These adult role models are far more representative of the values of our University than those who aim to keep "profanity" at bay.Adam Pulver is a senior majoring in community health and political science. He can be reached via e-mail at Adam.Pulver@tufts.edu.
Silly student, Trix are for ... kids? Not necessarily. If you like to eat Trix in the morning and they start your day off right, then Trix are for you, too. Sure, there are better choices to make if you want a healthier meal in the mornings; however, the worst thing to eat for breakfast is nothing. This is because breakfast refuels the body after a night's sleep. By the morning, your body is in a fasting mode and that first meal of the day literally "breaks the fast." Let's say the last time you ate something at night was at 10 or 11 p.m., which oftentimes is the case with late night studying, partying, etc. The following day, you don't eat breakfast because you think you're not hungry and instead wait until noon or so to eat. 13 or 14 hours have now passed with nothing in your system. Your poor brain is deprived! And your body has to work extra hard now to break down any stored carbohydrate or turn fat or protein into a usable form for your brain to function. As a result, trying to concentrate in class, on reading, or anything else for that matter, becomes extremely difficult. According to the ADA, FDA and other organizations, breakfast improves concentration, problem-solving ability, mental performance, memory and mood. Those who don't eat breakfast often show signs of irritability, restlessness, decreased attention span, decreased ability to concentrate, fatigue, nausea and headache. Most likely, you'll be at a disadvantage if your classmates have eaten breakfast and you've gone and only had a cup of coffee in the morning. The extra caffeine, sorry to say, won't suffice like a meal would. And since you are, at heart, competitive Tufts student, you know you like it when you're at the top of your game. Well, your buddy next to you thinks faster, clearer and has better recall than you since he ate his Cheerios this morning. At the other extreme, although any breakfast is better than nothing, try not to hurl doughnuts or pastries into your mouth very frequently, since they are high in empty calories, sugar and fat. If you have a doughnut for breakfast, you probably won't feel full for long since they lack the nutrients the body really needs. Just like with other meals, try to eat a variety of foods, including grains (breads and cereals) proteins (meats, beans, and nuts), fruits and vegetables, and milk, cheese, and yogurt. Some good breakfast choices are whole-grain cereal with a banana and skim milk, eggs with whole-wheat toast and half a grapefruit, or even a flour tortilla filled with cottage cheese and fresh fruit. There is also hot cereal, such as oatmeal or cream of wheat, and some added dried fruit or nuts on top may be all you need to keep energy levels high throughout the day. Or, have a whole-grain slice of toast or bagel with some cottage cheese. These are all meals you can create in the dining halls here, and the Commons at the campus center make scrambled eggs and omelets. As far as more traditional morning meals, the dining halls alternate between French toast, waffles, or pancakes (try wheat or whole-grain varieties), and there is always cold cereal and milk. Start your day with a bowl of cereal, and you're more likely to get all the nutrients you need because most cereals nowadays are fortified with many vitamins and minerals. Yet, the best breakfast cereals are those rich in fiber. All-Bran and Grapenuts are two cereals in the dining halls that are great choices because they are low in sugar and the fiber slows down the digestive process, warding off hunger pangs. If you can stomach a bowl of All-Bran or Grapenuts with nothing else, power to you, but it may taste better to put these cereals into yogurt with fresh fruit and nuts. That's a great breakfast because now you're getting many food groups into one meal, and in very healthy forms. Another good reason to eat breakfast is that you have a better chance of reaching the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables a day if you start early. People who eat plenty of fruits and vegetables have a lower risk of heart disease, cancer, and other chronic diseases. Even if you're short on time in the morning, make it a priority to eat breakfast. Not only will it help you maintain the energy needed to stay awake during morning classes, you'll also be less tempted to overeat at lunch. Some people believe that skipping breakfast may help them lose weight. Think again! Skipping meals often leads to overeating later in the day. It's much easier to control weight by eating smaller meals and snacks more frequently. Whatever your choice, eat something. If you think you're fine without any breakfast, just try changing it up for a week and I'm sure you'll notice a difference. You will definitely perform better with some fuel in your system. If you don't crave breakfast foods, have a sandwich or leftovers like pizza, pasta or rice. Then at least you'll keep your eating patterns stable and stimulate your body's metabolism throughout the day. When Tony the Tiger says, "They'rrre grrreat!" maybe he isn't so far off.Senior Marissa Beck, an English major, works with the Strong Women program as an assistant manager and personal trainer for the Tufts Personalized Performance Program. Contact her at Marissa.Beck@tufts.edu. This column is written in conjunction with the Balance section of The Tufts Daily.
An early prototype of the proposed missile defense system was successfully tested just a few months ago, and presently its production version is entering service. This marks only the early state of the vastly expensive and resource intensive investment in ballistic missile defense. The policy of this administration is admirable in its intent, but questionable in its object. Missile defense is a funny thing. If it does not work, it will be a huge waste of money, time and effort. If it does work, it could be massively destabilizing. It could frighten opponents that America, in its confidence of surviving a nuclear strike, will feel confident about delivering one. Keeping such a defense exclusive to the United States homeland would also make its allies nervous about whether they could rely on the support of the United States when they would no longer be similarly situated in relation to nuclear threats of a ballistic delivery nature. Furthermore, with the end of the state-actor level Cold War and commencement of the current war, with non-state actors playing protagonist roles, it seems odd to emphasize the necessity for such a defense system. It pays then to take a closer look. A missile defense policy must be predicated on three levels of validation. To begin with the fundamental policy challenge is to ask, "Defend against whom?" In the post-Cold War era, there remain nuclear "rogue" states, but they do not present a ballistic nuclear threat on the scale or with the same propensity as did the Soviet Union. The current threat from non-state actors is unlikely to manifest in ballistic missile technology. Indeed, a rational assessment of their tactics would suggest that they would employ other means of delivery, assuming they acquire nuclear weapons worthy of their characterization as unconventional in tactics and asymmetrical in threat posture. The second level is empirical - "Will it work?" To be useful as an operational, it should be able to detect and destroy sufficient numbers of attacking missiles in order to 'defend' the homeland. At this point, the technical empiricism gives ground to the fiscal empiricism - "Can America afford to make it work?" The answer in the immediate term, given deficit financing on a grand scale, is probably yes. Of course, the piper will have to be paid someday in real dollars. All this leads to the question "Does America need this?" The answer, I think, is no. Not only is there variable confidence as to whether the technology is reliable, but even if it were, it is still highly debatable whether a complete defense is possible. Even if it is, in an optimistic scenario, such completeness is only in relation to missile-delivered nuclear threats. It fails to address the current model of an opponent: the terrorist who is more likely to use less-orthodox means to perpetrate a CBRN attack (chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear), such as a large suitcase, for instance. Several queries naturally arise. Is such a defense stabilizing or destabilizing? Will the technology be shared with America's allies? Is the missile defense system the old story of politicians and generals expensively preparing to fight the last war? Perhaps the paradox can only be resolved if it was posited that the current administration intends missile defense as preparation for the next war - yet another war of choice to finish other 'uncompleted' business. These valid questions need to be confronted by the voting and paying American public. Missile defense is like a clock ticking away time measured in dollars, each hour marking rising levels of international anxiety. It should also stimulate anxiety among a seemingly oblivious American public. Before it chimes its tune, it should be asked, "For whom the bell tolls?"Devadas Krishnadas is a MALD 2005 candidate in the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.
ABC's new show "Lost" is hitting it big with both viewers and television critics alike. At first glance, it's easy to be skeptical about this plane-wrecked saga; after all, who really wants to watch "Castaway" week in and week out? But J.J. Abrams, the genius behind similar ABC drama phenomena "Alias" and the now-retired WB college drama "Felicity," continues to demonstrate that he is arguably one of the best television producers in the business. What saves this series from being a pointless experiment in marooned survival is its deep investigation into human relationships. That each character has a fully fleshed out personality and past draws you to them - and there are plenty of them to keep our attention. While 48 survivors of the plane crash are on the island, we are only really integrated into the lives of about 15. The cast is full of talented actors, ranging from experienced entertainers to also first time series actors. Matthew Fox (of "Party of Five" fame) plays Jack, the only doctor on the island, who unintentionally becomes the leader of the survivors. Evangeline Lilly plays Kate, the now typical beautiful costar who has an immediate (and apparently mutual) attraction to Jack. However, this is not your typical flirtation; within the first three episodes of the show we discover through flashbacks that Kate has a tumultuous past. She was on the fated flight from Australia in handcuffs and being escorted back to the United States by a U.S. Marshal as a dangerous and wanted criminal. Lilly plays Kate with enough toughness to be make those memories believable but without losing our sympathy or Jack's interest. Her situation adds another mysterious twist because the flashbacks do not divulge what exactly she has done. All of the characters are strong and fully fleshed out, but the real star of the series is Jack. The rest of the stranded passengers constantly turn to him as a source of strength, and with each episode he seems to be physically bearing the brunt of their needs more and more. Jack is also the center of some bloody operations and rescue missions, as the show does not spare the viewer from the gruesome scenes that would realistically occur after a plane crash. Instead of focusing on the gore, however, the plot introduces ethical twists that test our own established opinions of morality as we sit safely on our couches. Adding to the gruesome aftermaths of the plane crash is the presence of a mysterious animal that mauled a character to death in the first episode and continues to be a threat to the rest of the characters. And then there are the quirky twists that keep viewers guessing. The mysterious appearance of a polar bear on the tropical island, and one character's miraculous healing from his former paralysis are just a few of the incidents that provide plenty of fodder for ABC website feedback forums. There are many more complex and diverse characters with modern and realistic problems: among Jack and Kate's fellow survivors are a Korean couple who struggle with significant language barriers between themselves and the other passengers, an eight-months-pregnant, single-mother-to-be, as well as a child whose mother recently died and is beginning a new and rocky relationship with his father, played by Harold Perrineau (who appeared in the second and third Matrix films.) Other characters include Sayid (Naveen Andrews,) an Arab man who deals with race-related suspicions, and Charlie (played by former hobbit Dominic Monaghan,) a washed up rock star doing what appears to be his last stashes of heroin. Hurley (Jorge Garcia), an obese man, is one of the most likable characters on the island, with a refreshing lack of reference or negative attention to his weight. Terry O'Quinn shines as Locke, an older man who is complicated and mysterious, and appears to have been paralyzed in the flashbacks before the crash. With "Alias" on hiatus until January, J.J. Abrams and fellow creator Damon Lindelof ("Crossing Jordan") can focus their complete attention on developing "Lost." That intense focus is felt in the individual episodes with the writers seeming to have a tight rein on the characters, completely controlling and developing their situations. Abrams, in particular, is an absolute master at stretching the plot to its fullest potential. At the same time, he does so without showing his full hand. It's more than enough to keep me, and over 11 million other viewers, faithfully tuning in every Wednesday, for once enjoying the feeling of being "Lost."@jump:see 'LOST', page XX@conthead:Complex and diverse characters flesh out the "Lost" cast@contjump: 'LOST'@contpage:continued from page 5@pullquote: "Instead of focusing on the gore, however, the plot introduces ethical twists that test our own established opinions of morality as we sit safely on our couches."
With the biggest race of the fall season this coming weekend, the Tufts men's crew gained more experience on Sunday at the 2004 New Hampshire Championships Regatta. The two eight boats finished ninth and 16th from a field of 31 open entries and 12th and 21st out of 48 total entries. Each race in the fall is a three-mile long race, which differs from the shorter 2000-meter races in the spring. "I think both boats raced well, but both teams had setbacks," junior captain Ben Harburg said. The ninth placing boat consisted of seniors Andrew Mueller, Alex Moerlein, and Robbie Goldstein, juniors Mark Roberts and Jeff Burke, and sophomores Jeff Vanderkruik, Nick Haslett, and Benjy Tarshis. "We got off to a slow start, but caught up with Colby," Vanderkruik said. "We held them off through the middle mile, but it was a big disappointment when they passed our boat and ended up finishing ahead of us." Colby is one of the NESCAC teams the Jumbos have seen a few times this fall. Despite being passed by Colby, the boat had a strong finish as it passed one boat and made contact with another, attempting to pass them as they finished the race. While the ninth finishing boat finished in the top fourth of the competition, the 16th-place boat ran into trouble in the last 200 meters of the race. The boat was sandwiched in between two other boats, causing the oars of each boat to become intertwined and forcing the Jumbos to be boxed in. "We were unlucky because we bumped another boat and had to stop for 10 to 15 seconds," sophomore Alex Argyros said. "Besides this, I think we were very stable though and had a good pace." This happened not only once, but twice, causing the boat to lose significant time. "I think the boats would have finished closer in time, 10th or 12th, if the boat wasn't impeded with the accident and the clash didn't occur," coach Jay Britt said. "This was a good lesson for the coxswains. Anytime we can gain experience, it's a good thing." The second boat consisted of senior Andy Pelkey, juniors Ben Harburg and Jordan Chiu ('07), and sophomores Nick Walker, Tim Pineau, Mike Abare, George Kourdon, and Alex Argyros. This boat actually ended up beating the UMass-Amherst boat, which was the boat they clashed oars with. "It was frustrating because in the last two minutes we couldn't finish the race the way we wanted," Chiu added. "But it gave us the adrenaline rush to beat the team we were tangled with." Incidents like this are not typical but do happened due to the twists and turns in the individual rivers. The Tufts novice eights finished 22nd and 24th in a field of 26 college entries. Tufts did not race any boats of four. "We had lots of improvements from the last two races over the past weeks." Vanderkruik said. The Tufts crew has treated the past two races as practice races for this Saturday and Sunday, when the Jumbos will race in the Head of the Charles, the most anticipated race of the fall season. The teams will compete in two races, the college eights and the club eights. For this race Britt has decided to change up the boats, making one boat faster than the other. This differs from the other two races when he essentially wanted to have two equal and balanced boats. The goal of this race is to improve upon last years results and improve the squad's standings leading into the spring season. On Saturday the team will race in the club men's eights as members of the Mystic Valley Rowing Association. The next day the Jumbos will race in the college eights; this boat will be the stronger of the two.
The first annual Tufts Harvest Food Festival will bring students locally grown and organic foods in Tufts Dining Halls this week. Organizers kicked off the festival last night by showing the documentary film "Supersize Me." Other events throughout the week will introduce new locally grown and organic products and highlight the ones that are already available on campus. "We have vendors coming to both Carmichael and Dewick and the campus center representing various organic and natural food products," Dining Services Nutritionist Julie Lampie said. "They're going to be sampling some of the products that we currently buy and some that we don't." Amy's Kitchen, Annie's Homegrown, Stonyfield Farm, and Steaz Green Tea Soda are just some of the companies that will be exhibiting and sampling their foods. Lampie said that the event will also highlight the benefits of buying locally grown foods. "In addition to being responsible by buying locally, we feel that if you have less traveling involved with produce, that it's going to retain more nutrients," she said. It is difficult to offer locally grown produce during the school year at Tufts, Lampie said. "The problem with sustainable agriculture in Massachusetts is that when you come to the fall, you're limited as to what you can provide." The Harvest Food Festival will offer squash and apples, two of the major locally grown crops this time of year. "Very little else is available," Lampie said. "We're going to do a make-your-own caramel apple using apples that are locally grown." The apples will be from Connemara House Apple Farm of Danvers, Mass. Connemara House provides most of the pears and apples served on campus. Buying locally grown and organic foods also give students an opportunity to try more nutritious foods. "There are eight companies in America that dominate between 50 and 75 percent of the market, and these companies supply junk food that is making it harder for people to stay healthy," said Jim Tillotson, a professor at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. Tillotson said students are more likely to eat healthily if such options are available. "Every morning, when I go to lecture my students, what greets me is a Coke machine and a vending machine full of snacks," he said. "When companies like Coke and Pepsi supply 75 percent of soft drinks, a national liking for these products is developed. Restaurants will supply what the public wants, and the public wants sweet, salty, fatty tasting food," Tillotson said. The Harvest Food Festival will give special publicity to locally grown and organic foods that are already available on campus. Some new healthy options, including cereals, trail mixes, nuts, and organic frozen yogurt, have been available in the Jumbo Express convenience store for the past month, which was previously stocked exclusively with junk food. "They have been selling very well," Lampie said. "I am always on the run, so it is easier for me to have a snack in my room while I am doing work rather than go to Dewick, where I socialize and have the chance to go up for multiple courses," freshman Leslie Neems said. Director of Dining Services Patti Lee Klos said Tufts dining halls offer a variety of choices and that "no food is bad, and all things can be taken as long as it is in moderation." "I'm proud [of] the dining program at Tufts because I really feel that we have enough of the right kinds of foods for all different people," Klos said. "Anywhere you go, there will be eating issues, and there is junk food everywhere. Unfortunately Tufts is not immune to these problems and environments, but we do offer enough options to be conducive to health." Neems said she appreciated seeing nutrition facts in the Dining hall and added that she would like to see them for things like salad dressing or cereal. "The dining hall is definitely a good place to eat," sophomore Derek Rice said. "I think it's really cool that it isn't just fried food and pizza." The Harvest Food Festival is sponsored by Tufts Food Awareness Project (TFAP), a partnership between the Center for International Environmental and Resource Policy, Tufts Institute for the Environment, and Dining Services.
