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Blood drives should continue

April 29

Blood seems to be a pretty big deal these days. We're spilling it in Iraq, baseball players aren't letting theirs get tested, and we might not even be able to give it on this campus. If the Leonard Carmichael Society (LCS) is not allowed to continue its blood drive on campus it would be an enormous shame. There are dozens of statistics that can be cited here, but what is important is that there are accident victims, cancer patients, and wounded soldiers that need blood. The argument boils down to the fact of whether or not homosexual men are being discriminated against. Clearly if they are, then a program such as this one should not be allowed under the discrimination policy. Allowing the drive to happen by adding exemptions to the nondiscrimination policy will only weaken the policy. This however, is entirely irrelevant. Clearly the word discrimination has many definitions, (including ones with positive connotations), but the best I could find was this one from Princeton's Cognitive Science Laboratory. Discrimination is "unfair treatment of a person or group on the basis of prejudice." Gay men are not being discriminated against. Any judgments are being made based on risk factors, and the safety of transfusion recipients, not prejudice. The Red Cross and the FDA have no prejudice against certain behavior, merely the risks it entails. It is a matter of safety. In the interest of protecting the safety of both the individual and the population, precautions do need to be taken. The FDA should be taking as many precautions as it possibly can to prevent blood born diseases. When you are staring down a syringe ready to receive the blood from someone you've never met, any rational patient is going to want as many layers of protection as possible. Thursday's editorial ("Red Cross policy not discriminatory") brings up the subject of discriminating based on nationality. In addition to the West African countries, anyone who has spent significant time in Western Europe cannot give blood. Sitting in "McDo" on the Champs Elys?©es in Paris, one can order as many chicken nuggets as one wants and not even touch the Big Mac which the FDA considers to be at risk for Mad Cow disease. Yet even so, the individual is at greater risk for contracting the disease and not allowed to donate blood. This is 'discrimination' based on nationality. It's not the specific 'behavior' of eating the Big Mac, it is merely being French or British. This is also against the nondiscrimination clause of the university. Even without engaging in this dangerous behavior, one is prevented from donating blood, for a good reason. Testing blood is not fool proof. Whether a machine can perform a test in 15 minutes or 24 hours it doesn't make a difference. As Dr. Jorge Rios stated in Wednesday's article ("LCS blood drive at risk"), there have been cases of diseases transmitted within the last two years. This is some serious shit. It may be true that most gay men are in fact engaging in sex with other men, and thus all disqualified from donating blood. And thankfully, many of these men do not have AIDS or HIV, but most British citizens do not have mad cow disease. Though the Red Cross only lists about seven types of behavior that put someone at risk for HIV and AIDS, there are dozens of other types of behavior that can also put someone at risk. These are merely the most statistically likely. In a game where you're dealing with millions of pints of bloods, I believe in odds. Being denied the ability to give blood is not something that makes anyone feel great. It can be embarrassing and humiliating. But giving blood is not a god given right. There are many ways an individual can help patients without giving their blood. If a noble event could not continue because of these complaints I will be disappointed. Blood is a much needed commodity, and methods applied in drawing the blood are meant to safeguard the population, not discriminate. Justin Craigie is a sophomore majoring in Political Science.

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News

In Case You Missed It: Captain Blood

April 29

This is the last in a bi-weekly feature on movies: "In Case You Missed It the First Time." This week, it's 1935's pirate-caper "Captain Blood." Long before there were apocalyptic blockbusters dependent on bank-breaking budgets or murderous rampage flicks with death tolls higher than your average action film fan can count, pirate movies ruled the seas. The genre has been in decline for years. ("Pirates of the Caribbean" was the first of the genre to break even at the box office since the 1960s, but that might just be because the last pirate film before that was Geena Davis' supremely hideous "Cutthroat Island.") Nevertheless, old swashbuckling classics still provide hours of lighthearted entertainment from an era when men were men and women were tavern wenches or the Governor's closest relations. "Captain Blood," one of the earliest excursions into the genre, is one of the best. It stars an extraordinarily young Olivia de Havilland and an amazingly blond Errol Flynn, whose perfect hair and shining teeth never seem to get in the way of swinging on ropes or dueling dastardly Frenchmen to the death. Released in 1935 and based on a Rafael Sabatini novel published in 1922, "Captain Blood" spends a good deal of time justifying the title character's turn to buccaneering. Peter Blood (Flynn) is introduced as an Irishman, a doctor, graduated from the Trinity College in Dublin (as he takes great pleasure in reminding us), until he has the misfortune to get caught by the King's guard while aiding a wounded soldier who had been injured during the Monmouth Rebellion. Blood, who enjoys quoting Latin and would like nothing better than to return home to tend his geraniums, hardly seems the type to become a pirate. He is put on trial alongside the other members of the rebellion, and though the leaders all manage to buy their way out, the good doctor proves to be too adept a speaker. After making a mockery of the head judge, he and the other less financially-able men are sentenced to a lifetime of slavery in Barbados. Despite the moral overtones and the overenthusiastic philosophical speeches that Blood delivers as a matter of habit, the film possesses every hallmark that has come to mark the best swashbuckling movies. Blood falls in love with Arabella Bishop (de Havilland), the Governor's beautiful niece, and when he finally turns pirate after being mistreated by a cruel owner, he names his ship in her honor and goes rampaging up and down the Spanish Main. What follows is a lively piratical romp through the Caribbean, the likes of which even Captain Jack Sparrow would envy. Blood and his men battle dastardly French pirates and their villainous nemesis from Barbados, all in the name of the King who has turned his back on them. The later swashbuckling sequences more than make up for the lack of action early on in the film, and even the obligatory love story can't detract from the heart-racing adventure. The role of Peter Blood was actor Errol Flynn's first major part, though he went on to star in "The Sea Hawk," "Against All Flags," and the original 1938 version of "The Adventures of Robin Hood." Flynn is from a time when action heroes were expected not only to look good while skillfully slaughtering legions upon legions of villains, but to be able to stop and muse philosophically when the camera angle called for it, and there's none better at it than Flynn. In "Captain Blood," he is at his pedantic best, whether he's musing on the meaning of life and the ultimate goodwill of mankind in his cabin alongside his beautiful captive or giving a rousing speech to his men that immediately boosts morale so high that his every sentence is punctuated with rousing cries of "Huzzah!" The movie is also one of director Michael Curtiz's early works in English. Curtiz, a native of Hungary, had already made a name for himself in Europe and went on to direct many of Flynn's later films. His first venture into the pirate genre is amazingly well done, and the fight sequences in "Captain Blood" hold none of the "same-sailor-falls-off-the-boat-five-times" shortcuts that plague later buccaneer movies like "The Crimson Pirate." "Captain Blood" is everything that a good pirate movie should be. It has thrilling sword fights, daring ship-to-ship battles, handsome pirates, dastardly villains, and maybe a little bit of romance thrown in for good measure (not to mention, not even a hint of Orlando Bloom). Tie on your bandanna, adjust your eye patch, ready your cannons, and get set for one of the best swashbuckling adventures of all time.

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News

An R&B regular finally makes it big

April 29

Mario Winans is the biggest R&B star you never heard of -- until now. A member of the legendary gospel singing Winans family, the singer's 1997 debut met an uninterested public. But with the power of P. Diddy and Bad Boy records supporting it, Winans' latest album "Hurt No More" isn't being slept on; the album entered the Billboard charts at the number two spot. It turns out that Winans' transition from gospel to hip-hop inflected R&B proves to be a great career move. The success of the latest album finally gives Winans the shine he wanted since entering the R&B world in the mid-1990s. "Hurt No More" sold 222,000 copies in its first week with the breakout single "I Don't Wanna Know" leading the way. Where has Winans been all this time? He's been behind the scenes producing for top-tier R&B singers like Mary J. Blige. He also had great success in 1995 when he produced R. Kelly's multi-platinum, self-titled third release. Even so, producing alone left this born singer unfulfilled. Winans' voice may quickly become well-known in the mainstream with "I Don't Wanna Know," but many contemporary R&B fans already have his polished tenor stuck in their heads. Winans has been present on songs like the popular P. Diddy track "I Need a Girl Pt. II." He is also been featured on songs with Tamia, Mr. Cheeks, Queen Latifa, and Benzino. Winans is able to do creative things with an old beat on his sing, "I Don't Wanna Know." The song uses a sample of Enya's "Boadicea" popularized by the Fugees with their hit "Ready or Not." It's never a bad idea to use a beat your listeners are familiar with, but Winans' context of a lover's betrayal makes the beat new. "Hurt No More" isn't a completely commercial release. Winans did his producing in the mid-90's when R&B was at its silky finest, before crossover appeal, and when the biggest stars found their musical inspiration in hip hop and not in pop music. "You Knew" is one of the best examples of Winans' throwback style. After the obligatory Notorious B.I.G. voiceover and the counterpoint with Slim (from the group 112), Mario takes over the track. The bass line is static and Slim's painfully high pitch serves as a great variation. This song is truly from another time, but it should be welcomed in 2004. "Disbelief" is in the same vein of simpler rhythm. Winans' voice shines on its own. This track comes later on the album as the lyrics start to shift to the joy of finding a new love. The sincerity of the lyrics makes Winans' gladness contagious. "Pretty Girl Bulls**t" features the flow of Foxy Brown, and she does kill the track. Fox takes her style back to '96, continuing the older feel the album sometimes sports. The track is a traditional R&B and hip hop collaboration with a twist: a man sings the hook while Foxy spits the lyrics. The only track that might leave listeners unhappy comes in the middle of the album. "3 Days Ago" isn't so much unpleasant as it is confusing. The song never really finds itself by changing from a ballad to rock with touches of folk. The music swings violently, and it's hard to imagine anyone enjoying the song as a whole. Saying that Mario Winans found himself on his second release would be lying. He has had his style down since his 1997 debut. Winans inherited a great voice, but decided to take it in a different direction. Gospel music doesn't offer the kind of exposure "Hurt No More" is already getting, and its attention is well deserved.

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News

Tufts Blood Drive

April 29

Sexual orientation often defines the direction of one's sexual interest. Obviously, gay men often engage in sex with other gay men. Yet, I am fully aware of Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) and other similar organizations. Thus, it would be unjust to correlate orientation with sexual behavior at all times. Any reported statement to the contrary was taken out of context. I, however, relate my sexual orientation with my behavior. That defines my identity. Others have similar experiences, some do not. Yesterday's editorial ("Red Cross policy not discriminatory") stated "Gay men who do not have sex with other men are eligible to donate blood." In other words, "It's O.K. to be gay -- if you're celibate." Love the sinner, hate the sin. I am a healthy, HIV negative male. I view the FDA-mandated Red Cross policy with contempt because it is flawed and embodies various contradictions. It punishes healthy, HIV negative gay and bisexual men (and women having sex with bisexual men) for the "greater good" while straight men engaging in unsafe anal sex with multiple female partners would remain eligible. Which type of behavior is riskier for the donor pool? Meanwhile, a 2001 poll conducted by the Advocate, a gay news magazine, found that 31 percent of gay men surveyed admitted that they had lied to the Red Cross about their sexual history in order to donate blood. In the end, however, the blood is still tested extensively. The Red Cross, via the FDA, should adopt a new policy which encourages potential donors to be more upfront about their sexual histories -- LGBT or not. Meanwhile, the current blood drive policy is incompatible with Tufts' nondiscrimination policy. The Leonard Carmichael Society, operating with the student activities fee that I pay, sponsors the drive in University facilities. This is unacceptable. If Tufts is committed to equal opportunity, it will not sacrifice any of its students for a "greater good," no matter what it is. Therefore, LCS should muster the extra effort to coordinate a successful blood drive in the future -- off-campus. Matthew Pohl LA '05

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News

Tufts summer program facing cancellation

April 29

Thirteen Tufts students have found their summer plans in disarray after the Director of the Institute of Global Leadership announced the temporary suspension of the TILIP program last week. Program Director Sherman Teichman informed students in Tufts Institute for Leadership and International Perspective on April 20 that the program will be suspended indefinitely due to lack of funds. Problems with funding for this summer's program first became apparent on April 15 after a meeting planned for that day with the program's Chinese counterpart was postponed to April 15. Issues revolve mainly around the construction of a financial package suitable for both parties of the program. "It's the equivalent of companies merging together," Teichman said. "I alerted the students as soon as I knew of the circumstances," Teichman said. "They had to be freed to plan alternative summers for themselves." Broader financial problems with TILIP began to emerge last year after the SARS epidemic forced the program to change its program. The participants went to New York City and Washington, D.C. instead of going to China. "It was a very powerful year for the Chinese students," Teichman said. "But for some of the [Tufts] students, the disappointment was too profound." Teichman said that this unexpected program resulted in greater expenses as living costs in the U.S. are higher than that of Hong Kong. The repercussions of last year's event are now falling upon this year's group of participants. Absence from Hong Kong last summer also means the Institute's has lost many of its relationships with financial sources. "There are a number of donors from Hong Kong who give us a good amount of money," senior Meena Sharma, a TILIP 2003-04 participant said. "There's earmarked money for students coming to Hong Kong. We didn't have the opportunity to [access that] money [this year]," she said. "The fact that we were away for a year, and the fact that politics have changed, [is forcing us to face] external realities," Teichman said. Work is ongoing to ensure that the TILIP program gets back on track for both this year and into the future, according to Heather Barry, Associate Director of the Institute of Global Leadership. "We're concerned [TILIP] may not happen, but we're working to make sure that it does," she said. "Should the program not happen, we could provide money [that we already have]," to provide other options for the participants. Teichman stressed that TILIP has not given up. "This is not an epitaph for the program, it's a serious bump in the road," he said. "SARS gave us a curveball. Now we have to learn how to hit the knuckleball." "Last year's program was finally decided on June 24," he said. "We are almost two months ahead of the curve, which is why I remain completely optimistic." Aside from the primary goal of reestablishing the program, the Institute is investigating opportunities for individual research and internships in Hong Kong. "We're asking the students to send us e-mails of all their resumes so that we can send them to internship providers in Hong Kong," Teichman said. TILIP has been holding year-long programs since 1998 that, according to its website, "are leading the way toward building lasting bridges between cultures." Through the TILIP program, 13 Tufts students travel to Asia to work with 13 students from the University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Peking University for a cross-cultural experience. In the past, students met in Hong Kong in July for team-building exercises. Tufts students then participated in research and internships for eight weeks in a one-on-one setting with a Chinese student. By summer's end, the participants would return to their respective universities, keeping in touch to create an international symposium usually held at Tufts. "By fostering cross-cultural exchanges between American and Chinese students both in the workplace and in academic settings, TILIP prepared me to engage in contemporary issues and future developments with an informed understanding of Chinese perspectives," senior and 2003-04 TILIP participant Abdul Farah said in a program evaluation. Students and administrators continue to stress TILIP's importance and remain optimistic about its future, despite the program's dire financial situation. "We [the participants] all agree that that TILIP is too important a program for Tufts to lose," junior Chris Roughton said. Roughton had been accepted into this upcoming year's program. "China is becoming a world power, both economically and politically, and TILIP provides Tufts and Chinese students the opportunity to work together cross culturally and build relationships that will help in the future."

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News

Faculty approves tenure changes

April 29

Professors trying to gain tenure now has the option of demanding their case be heard by the faculty Tenure and Promotions Committee. The previous guidelines allowed the committee to postpone its vote on applications in order for the candidate to collect stronger supporting evidence. The change gives a candidate, whose application has been tabled, two weeks to veto the committee's decision and force the committee to examine his or her case. The proposal was approved unanimously at last week's faculty meeting. "In the past if we voted to table, our decision was not subject to review," economics professor George Norman, the chair of the committee, said. "It was felt that the candidate should have the right to demand a decision." Professors come up for tenure in their sixth year at the University. If the application is not approved by the committee, the candidate is given a grace year to look for a job at another school, after which the professor must leave. Tabling was only allowed for cases being considered ahead of schedule or for promotion from associate to full professor. "The committee can't table a case that comes up when it has to," Norman said. Physics professor Roger Tobin, another member of the committee, said the change was a response to professors' suggestions. "A few faculty had expressed concern, although there has never been a problem, that there was not review and that no one but the committee had any say," he said. "If a candidate wanted a decision, the candidate should have the right to do that." Norman said the committee accepted the faculty's advice despite being content with the previous guidelines. "It is useful to have [tabling] in certain circumstances [where] this really might influence the committee's decision," he said. "The Tenure and Promotions Committee felt that it should have the right to table without review." "We are committed to faculty and feel that we should respect the faculty's wishes," Norman said. Political science professor Elizabeth Remick, who was granted tenure last year, said the changes are part of a broader effort to redefine the tenure procedure. "The other issue with the changes is the idea of raising the standards for getting tenure," she said. "I think that is what a lot of faculty are uncertain about. Anytime there is a new administration and there is some uncertainty about what the administration will do, but I think the administration is working to clarify these standards," Remick said. Remick said, "life is very uncertain for untenured faculty. The stakes are very high, and it is a very stressful and difficult time." She said that "student evaluations matter a great deal even in deciding if a junior professor gets to keep their job." The procedural changes have yet to be tested, Remick said. "It's hard to comment on the changes because a lot of the faculty are unclear about what they are."

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News

Editors Weekend Picks

April 29

AMAN GUPTA -- Softball Team at Williams College - The Jumbos haven't lost a NESCAC game in three weeks, and haven't surrendered a NESCAC title in four years. Tufts softball is finally playing Tufts softball, and with former head coach and heated rival Kris Herman on the opposite side of the diamond, there is absolutely no way those two streaks are ending anytime soon. The Jumbos tee off against the Purple Cows at 2:30 in Williamstown today in the first round of the NESCAC softball playoffs, and look to see junior ace Caroline Grieco pitted against Williams sophomore Clara Hard. Coming off her no-hitter and near perfect game in her last NESCAC game, Grieco will surely be dominant once again and silence the Ephs noisy bats. Yes Williams and Hard have dominated this season, and yes the Jumbos have been a bit shaky against dominant pitching, but Tufts has extra motivation this year, more than just defending their NESCAC crown.Prediction: It's going to be a pitching duel for the ages. Coach Cheryl Milligan will be out to prove herself as a head coach, and her team will come out on top in the end. Final Score? Tufts 2, Williams 1. JESSE GERNER -- Terry Francona vs. Curt Schilling -- two weekends ago against the Yanks at Fenway, Curt Schilling was pissed. Wednesday night against the D-Rays at Fenway, Schill was pissed again. Why? Because he was pulled by Sox skipper Tito Francona after putting in solid outings and holding leads both times. But last Thursday night in Toronto, Schill was yet again pissed, though this time it was after giving up a grand slam to a career .250 hitter in Jays shortstop Chris Gomez, just the 53rd homer in his 12-year career. What's my point? Schilling has every right to be mad at getting pulled - no pitcher likes getting the hook while working with a lead - but Schilling needs to know that, as dominant and awesome a pitcher as he is (hell, he's a god to most Sox fans), this is not a one-man show (see Philadelphia Phillies, circa 1990s). He has to trust Tito, who is the reason he chose to come to Boston.Prediction: Sure, Francona made a big boo-boo by not yanking Mr. New England Maple Cheddar Sandwich after Toronto tied the game 3-3, but it might work in the Sox' favor. It could wake up the entire team -- including Tito -- and make them realize that the Sox have a bullpen that has been, well, ridiculous (hey Grady, you hear that?), and show that it's a team effort and everyone has a part to play. Rather it now than in September. Give Terry a chance, he knows what happened last year.KRISTY CUNNINGHAM -- Men's Lacrosse vs. Spring Fling -- The men's lacrosse team squares off at home against Conn. College at 1 p.m. tomorrow. At the same time, the Sugar Hill Gang should be playing on the President's Lawn as part of Spring Fling. The lacrosse team is poised to make a run for the NESCAC championship and, with a win over Conn. College and a lucky Middlebury loss to Bates, could even host the league championship tournament. The question is, what event will Tufts' lacrosse fans choose? Spring Fling debauchery, or a chance to see the Jumbos in action?Prediction: Spring Fling will probably win this one if for no other reason than the fact that once you're in, you can't go out, watch the game, and come back. Tufts' fans still could catch a lacrosse game at home this weekend, however, if the Jumbos host round one of the playoffs on Sunday.

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News

The march for women's lives

April 28

Let's just set the record straight -- the March for Women's Lives this past Sunday was the largest and most amazing march for women's rights in history with an official count of 1,150,000 registered marchers. Women, men and children of all ages, races, and creeds from 52 different countries rallied against the Bush administration's 205 legislative actions that limit the choice of women around the globe. What was it like to be part of this historic event? Energizing and passionate? Exhausting and frustrating? The one hundred and sixty Tufts students who were there may all have different answers and certainly all had different reasons for attending. Coming from a fairly non-political upbringing, I was nervous that I might lack the public action experience needed for this big of an event. But I knew that I had to be a part of it, hoping that the solidarity of the March would strengthen my pro-choice convictions and resolving that in the very least I would get to tell my daughters and granddaughters, "I was there." More than one hundred powerful and passionate leaders spoke throughout the day, their pro-choice messages reflecting their varied experiences. Hillary Clinton proclaimed that the most important march was not this one but the one to the polls in November. Billie Avery praised the Women of Color organizations for expanding the March's focus to encompass the entire spectrum of women's health care, economic, and social needs. Frances Kissling spoke out for the liberal Catholic majority against the continuing anti-woman actions of the papal hierarchy. The organizations like the Medical Students for Choice, our next generation of abortion providers, asked for more public support because only one fifth of medical schools teach abortion procedures. During the actual march, the energy of the million participants soared as chants were called out, songs were sung, and signs were waved. Many choice supporters lined the March route, cheering us on, some creatively displaying their messages with costumes and banners. The anti-choice presence was smaller than I had anticipated, dotting the sidelines in small, silent groups. One large stage of anti-choice activists lined Pennsylvania Avenue, screaming out to us with speakers, reminding us about our doomed fate. Although friendly chatter with other marchers easily blocked their voices out, their presence alone was enough to send some anxiety through the crowd. A few of the marchers, including a large group representing the Socialist Workers' Party, seemed eager to engage in a harsh exchange of words with these anti-choice groups. This ignited passion and anger that set them apart from the majority of calm, hot pink emblazoned masses of marchers. Still, watching them jump around and lead loud cheers, I began to wonder, am I angry enough about abortion issues to be marching? Although my Catholic identity holds many reservations about abortion itself, my social justice beliefs have convinced me to support choice. And yet I struggled to define my personal beliefs when I noticed anti-choice signs stating "Choose Life" and "Women deserve better than abortion" because I did not fundamentally disagree. What then makes me so different from them, to choose the opposite side of the fence? (Literally, as fences and police separated marchers from protesters.) The March for Women's Lives was not simply a "pro-abortion" event and yet that debate drew the dividing line between marchers and protesters. I was marching for more than simply "choice"; I was marching in recognition that women are individual and intellectual moral agents who must be respected and trusted to make up their own minds about their bodies. I was marching to demand that the definition of women's (and families') health means more than just physical but also emotional, mental, social and economic health as well. I was marching because women do deserve better than abortion, we deserve freedom, equality, access, and social justice. I was marching because for women to choose life at all, they must be allowed the freedom of choice to begin with. In the seemingly black and white battle over choice, either you are for it or you're not; but even among those of us who have chosen a side, many shades of gray still exist. Just after I passed the stage, I overheard a middle-aged marching mother explain to her slightly uncomfortable and confused pre-teen son that "sometimes it is hard to be an activist." I recognized those same emotions and was more than happy to take comfort in this bit of motherly wisdom. On the long bus ride home, I reflected on my experience at the March for Women's Lives and the rollercoaster of emotions I had felt throughout the day. As I expected, the huge mass of supporters and the power of the speeches had reinforced my pro-choice beliefs. But I never could have predicted that it would be the uncomfortable, confused part of the day that would helped me to most clearly define what pro-choice meant to the activist in me. I hope my fellow Tufts marchers were also able to gain such a powerful experience from the March. Plus, either way, we still get to tell everyone, "We were there."Lauren Dunn is a senior majoring in Comparative Religions.

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News

Bye-bye, bad governments

April 28

On April 12, 2004, a viewpoint entitled "Europe must take the initiative against terrorism," appeared in the Tufts Daily. Mr. Exadaktylos wrote a scathing review of Spain's domestic politics, and demanded anti-terrorist initiatives from Europe. However, I would like to present a different perspective. Here is everything in a nutshell for those who have not been keeping up to date with international events: Opinion polls in Spain showed that more than 80 percent of the Spanish people opposed a war in Iraq. Prime Minister Aznar chose to go to war anyway. Massive anti-war demonstrations occurred. The commuter trains in Spain were bombed during rush hour by terrorists just before Spain's parliamentary elections. Hundreds were killed and thousands were wounded. The Popular Party (the incumbents) blamed the attack on the separatist Basques group E.T.A.. E.T.A.denied any involvement in the attack, and al-Qaida claimed responsibility. In addition, police found evidence to suggest that al-Qaida was responsible for the attack. The Socialist Party won the elections. First of all, let us ascertain the duties of a democratically elected government. In a democracy, elected officials are given power by the citizens so that they can serve as representatives of those citizens. As such, it is their duty and sole purpose to reflect the interests of those citizens. The will of the citizens has to be the will of the government. Now let us look at Spain. 80 percent of the citizens opposed a war. The government went ahead with the war. In this case, the government was clearly not representing the will of the citizens. A possible counter to this would be to say that the citizen's will is not in accordance with his own best interests. If so, then a dictatorship and not a democracy would be the optimal form of government since the dictator would always be free to override the will of the citizen with the dictator's own will, presumably in the citizen's own self-interest. Since I doubt that anyone would claim that dictatorships are better than democracies, I can only conclude that it is a universal truth that citizens always will things which serve their own interests (although this is probably an oversimplification.) Second of all, the Popular Party in Spain lied to its citizens. In not taking responsibility for their own policies and in trying to shift the blame of the attack to local separatists, they have revealed themselves to be an untrustworthy and irresponsible government -- a government willing to blame innocents to further its own cause. From the points I have outlined above, it is pretty apparent that the Popular Party in Spain had failed as a democratically elected government. It had failed to represent the people, it had failed to be honest to its citizens, and it had failed to take responsibility for its own policies. Fortunately Spain, like all functional democracies, has a way of dealing with failed governments: they don't get re-elected. But Spain's withdrawal from a destabilized Iraq is problematic. In his article, Mr. Exadaktylos proposes that we "make them equal interlocutors," the "them" referring to the other Middle Eastern nations. However, the problem is that we have already shown them that we are not equals. We have taken away their sense of security. They know that America can just attack unilaterally without provocation at any time to remove their governments. Such a powerful and seemingly malicious stranger can never be seen as an equal or trusted partner. Some people might say that America did not attack without provocation. Iraq might have possessed W.M.D.s, was an ally of al-Qaida, was in violation of U.N. resolutions, and was a cruel dictatorship. I cannot help but digress here to address this issue. It is wrong to think that Iraq deserved to be neutralized because they might have developed W.M.D. technology, and thus were a potential danger. To punish people based on a perceived future dangerousness is just wrong, since by a similar principle, we can justify the incarceration of ethnic groups which possess a future dangerousness in their statistically-shown predisposition towards crime. (Disclaimer: I do not believe that any such inclination towards crime is inherent. Rather, I think it is usually a result of socio-environmental factors - but I still remain somewhat bigoted, I guess.) It is wrong to claim that Sunni-majority Iraq under the Baath party was an ally of the Shiite-majority al-Qaida. The Sunni and Shiite Muslims are traditional rivals or enemies. To have made such a blatantly false claim about Iraq's possible allies shows either the extent of the Bush administration's ignorance or dishonesty. It is wrong to attack a country simply because it violated U.N. resolutions. The resolutions are there merely as guidelines and not as do-or-die rules. If they were do-or-die rules, there are other countries, such as Israel, which have had problems complying with U.N. resolutions. But is it justified to use force to depose a cruel and inhumane foreign government? By a similar principle, an alien race could make contact with us, annihilate the White House, leave our country in chaos, and then tell us that democracy is a cruel form of government and that we should follow some hive-mind instead. Which we would obviously think is wrong. The standard of living in Iraq has dropped ridiculously since the war. Once one of the more prosperous nations in the Middle-East with a relatively highly educated populace, it has been reduced to near total anarchy. Casualty figures are also misleading because although there have not been a lot of civilian deaths, there has been a lot of crippled civilians with amputated limbs due to the nature of the munitions used. The war in Iraq might result in a larger drop in net happiness than Saddam's reign if it had been extended. Sure, things might get better, but things might have become better even with Saddam around (since his dynasty would have ended eventually.) That digression aside, the point remains that Spain was justified to choose a government which is more appropriate for itself. Europe does not need spineless and shortsighted leaders who simply side with whichever country seems to be strongest. Europe, and even the rest of the world, should learn a lesson from Spain; if an elected government does not fulfill the needs of the voters, out they go. Such a peaceful transition in government contrasts sharply with the violent transitions that are often forced upon weaker nations by stronger nations seeking to install a puppet government.Richard Huang is a junior majoring in Quantitative Economics and Philosophy

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News

Colleagues write in defense of King

April 28

The recent public debates over difficulties in the Office of Residential Life and Learning (ORLL) have raised concerns for many of members of the Tufts professional and administrative staff. We would like to share a few of our thoughts. Everyone, at times, has complaints about ORLL. This is not new. The very nature of the office's responsibilities means that individuals might be unhappy with their housing, roommate assignments, waiting lists, or other situations. These difficulties, and many more, are what ORLL encounters when trying to house 4000 students every year. Furthermore, each of us has had personal grievances with our employers and sometimes with employees. A seminal question is how do leaders and representatives of the University effectively contribute to change and negotiate conflict? Character assassinations of particular individuals, namely Director Yolanda King, seem to be the currency of the recent assessments of ORLL, as opposed to an attempt to effect change. Additionally, it has become increasingly clear that student leaders (e.g. RAs) have difficulty separating their roles as students from their roles as leaders. Residential Assistants (RAs), as members of the ORLL staff, are not simply students; they are also charged with certain responsibilities to ensure the safety and welfare of all members of our community. To this end, the most recent statements in the Tufts Observer that RAs are not being allowed simply to be "primarily students" seems to neglect the conditions of a campus community where difficulties must be negotiated. For example, we work with students in all areas of student life, and while we promote education and awareness around alcohol issues, for example, we also know that consistent policies across the campus are needed to ensure that under-age students are not drinking and those of age drink responsibly. This is not an arbitrary policy, but rather a measure to make certain that we comply with the law and promote responsible behavior with regards to the use of alcohol. In other words, we as members of the Dean of Students (DOS) staff attempt to provide the best services possible, disseminate information, respect the privacy of students and also follow state and federal guidelines. In the on-going discussion of ORLL, some RAs have vacillated between the role of employee AND the role of student. They go back and forth between being upset about changes in their job description as employees and the belief that as students they have a right to complain about ORLL. There are channels for RAs to discuss their concerns. The students in question not only chose to bypass these systems, but seem to believe that they have a right to be RAs and not adhere to the responsibilities of being RAs. It is important to remember that all employees who do not like their jobs have the option of talking with supervisors, friends and colleagues to get advice on how to make things work or of resigning. One can try to resolve conflict with open dialogue. When doing this, one may have to look at one's own behavior or expectations and consult with others rather than trying to get one's way by publicly embarrassing or degrading individuals. It was stated by some RAs that ORLL used to operate like a "family" ("RAs speak out against Residential Life" April 21). Our response is that ORLL is not a "family"; it is an administrative office with designated responsibilities that directly impact the safety and welfare of students. In the same article, some RAs also compared Director King to the previous person in her position who "was like a mother." This comparison does not discredit Director King; in fact it serves as a testament to the level of professionalism put in place by her. The fact that employees have moved on since Director King came is completely expected. We have all had to restructure particular aspects of our offices, and turnover is a result. We as members of the DOS staff were hired with mandates, and we often follow through with changes that are needed to serve all members of our community. We participate in public forums and on-going debates. We are often willing to meet with students to assess and explain issues, but this does not always mean that we will or are at liberty to amend our mandates to accommodate select individuals. We applaud Director King for her dignity under duress and for her ability to attempt to effectively bring consistency to a program that has lacked a cohesive structure. Despite unrelenting attacks, she has not lowered herself to the level of some of her employees. She has maintained an ethical and professional demeanor throughout this process and has not "leaked" information to the press or attempted to malign anyone's character. We are colleagues of Director King and we have not found her (as she was described by an RA in the April 21 article) to be hostile, "militant," or angry; nor have we noticed that she has a "huge temper." We have found that she takes leadership roles, is firm, and is willing to talk through many of the negotiations and difficulties that we, employees of the University, encounter on a daily basis. Director King had the unfortunate assignment of taking over an office that had interim leadership for almost three years, and she was asked to make many changes in ORLL by the University. Apparently, some of her employees did not like those changes. That is fair, and we encourage open dialogue about these matters rather than character assassination. We hope that other members of the ORLL staff will understand that we write this letter not only in support of our colleague, but to highlight that we as members of the Tufts community seek to educate and to support leadership at all levels that will negotiate difficulties with accountability and professionalism.Margot Abels, Director, Alcohol and Drug Prevention Programs Peggy Barrett, Director, Women's Center Michelle Bowdler, Director, Health Service Veronica Carter, Judicial Affairs Officer Lisa Coleman, Director, Africana Center Jane Etish-Andrews, Director, International Center Jodie Nealley, Director, Student Activities Office Marisel Perez, Associate Dean of Students Ruben Salinas Stern, Director, Latino Center Jonathan Slavin, Director, Counseling Center Todd Sullivan, Director, Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Dona Yarbrough, Director, LGBT Center Linell Yugawa, Director, Asian American Center

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News

Missing its Central Perk

April 28

With only two episodes left and its place in the television hall of fame is cemented, but like so many shows before it, "Friends" appears to be signing off a little too late. "Friends" has been a fixture of NBC's Thursday night line-up in its ten season run. The show has inspired haircuts, fashion trends and board games. But irregardless of the cultural phenomenon "Friends" has created, the show is still a success based on the strength of its actors and writers. The series has managed to consistently deliver laughs and even, in some cases, tears. Enduring a host of weddings, births, break-ups, make-outs, hirings and firings, "Friends" has found ways to play out the same stories while keeping them fresh and funny. That is, until this season. Thus far, the final season of "Friends" hasn't exemplified the cleverness that made the program a hit. Instead, it has relied on tired plots and the same old zany mishaps, like in one recent episode, when Monica (Courteney Cox-Arquette) and Chandler (Matthew Perry) decide to pretend to be a reverend and a doctor in order to appeal to the potential mother of their adopted baby. These cases of mistaken identities and well-meant deception might be enjoyable in small doses, but by now, they just come off as stale and hackneyed. At the beginning of every show, the audience knows that some easily avoidable problem will arise, and even though it is completely fixable, it will somehow be made worse before finally being resolved with hugs and kisses. The plotlines of the remaining friends have been equally dull. Recognizing that Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) has been distractingly irrelevant in the past few seasons, the writers teamed her with a significant other in Paul Rudd's character of Mike. While the presence of Rudd, fresh off his "Celebrity Poker Showdown" success, provides many laughs, the match has merely given more time to an unfunny Phoebe and contrived storylines. The supposed highlight of this season thus far has been Phoebe and Mike's marriage, but at this point, with four marriages already under the show's belt, Phoebe's exchange of vows just seems like another stunt to spice up the show and grab ratings. After experiencing a character renaissance a couple of seasons back when he started to fall for Rachel (Jennifer Aniston), Matt LeBlanc's Joey has once again reverted back to being a supporting character, too often played off as a dim-witted cartoon (as when he believed he had learned French, but had merely mastered the art of gibberish). We might be interested in Rachel as she raises an infant if we hadn't already seen it before with Ross (David Schwimmer) and his son Ben. Which brings up an interesting question: what happened to Ben? It's like Ross completely forgot that he has another child. As for Ross himself, he has deteriorated into a sometimes moping, frequently pathetic, and occasionally foppish caricature. The core of the show still is the Ross-Rachel relationship. Their on-again, off-again love affair has provided many of the show's most memorable and poignant moments -- after one of their break-ups, they both stared into the rain despondently as U2's "With or Without You" played in the background. "Friends" can still redeem itself for a sub-par year if the final episodes wrap up this saga in a satisfactory -- not sugary -- manner. As the finale nears, Rachel is heading to a new job in Paris with her daughter, Emma. Most likely Ross will follow in her wake, and after some drawn out sequence where he gets lost or sidetracked or thrown in jail, he'll dramatically confess his love for Rachel and they'll live happy ever after. Meanwhile, Joey will move to L.A. and Chandler and Monica will become Mom and Dad in the suburbs. If the denouement treats the Ross-Rachel relationship with dignity and care and lets the jokes come from the strengths of and interaction between the characters, then "Friends" just may exit on a high note. However, if NBC trumps out a parade of guest stars and puts the characters in terribly trite situations, then the finale will likely be a disappointment. Whether or not the final two episodes live up to previous standards, the audience will laugh anyway because it's "Friends" -- it has been ingrained in us to laugh at it. Hopefully, though, "Friends" can manage a conclusion worthy of its golden years. And thanks to upcoming years of reruns, the familiar faces and characters will always remain dear "friends."

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News

Backstrom slams 3 home runs against Babson

April 28

Freshman designated hitter Kyle Backstrom exploded for three home runs -- the first of his collegiate career -- and drove in all but one of Tufts' tallies in a 9-4 victory over Babson on Tuesday. "Kyle was amazing," senior co-captain Adam Kacamburas said. "He was just in the zone." The young slugger now leads the Jumbos (16-11) not only in home runs but also in the RBI column with 26 and in slugging percentage with .582. He is currently batting .354. Tuesday's win extended Tufts' winning streak to four, while Babson (22-14) fell off the win-wagon after a seven game run. The fact that the victory was by no means a blowout made Backstrom's performance all the more impressive -- and crucial. "He picked us up on a day when we needed him," coach John Casey said. "He's one of those guys who's capable of just carrying you on any given day." Backstrom broke Tufts out of a scoreless deadlock in the top of the fourth with his first homer, a three-run blast over the left field wall. Sophomore Matt Clement and freshman Bryan McDavitt both scored on the play, after reaching base on a pair of solid singles. In their next ups, Babson creeped the score up to 3-1, but Backstrom answered in the top of the fifth with another towering shot out of the park, for two runs. McDavitt had added his own RBI earlier in the inning, with a sacrifice fly to right field. Though the Beavers trimmed their deficit down to 6-3 in the sixth, a three-run seventh for the Jumbos gave the visitors a comfortable cushion. Backstrom lifted one over the left field fence to send McDavitt on his second free trip around the diamond that afternoon, and also plated Kacamburas with the hit. Backstrom finished the day 4 for 5. In the only at-bat that he did not convert into a hit, Backstrom's shot barely failed to clear the center field wall and was fielded by Babson's Chris Mearn. While no official records have been kept on the matter, it is possible that Backstrom's three-homer game is unprecedented in Tufts history. Neither Casey, who has been at the helm of the baseball program for two decades, nor Sports Information Director Paul Sweeney could remember another player duplicating Backstrom's feat. Whether or not it's a university record, Backstrom's performance will likely settle itself in Tufts baseball lore. "I don't remember anyone hitting three, that's pretty good," Casey said. "None of the three were even close. He swings hard when he gets up." Amazingly, Backstrom said he does not consider himself to be a major power hitter. He also estimated that he only hit six or seven home runs during his high school career. "I don't swing for the fence," Backstrom said. "I call them 'home runs by mistake.' I try to hit line drives and if they happen to go over the fence that's good, but I'm not used to hitting them that often." Unsure of how to explain his phenomenal afternoon, Backstrom said he was just 'having a good day.' "Some days you just see the ball better than other days," Backstrom said. "I was sitting back looking for something to hit and I guess I felt good [Tuesday]. You just have to hit the pitcher's mistakes." The plate experience that he's gained this season definitely affected Backstrom's breakout performance too, he said. "I think it's just seeing more and more pitches and more and more different types of pitchers, and just getting more comfortable at the plate," Backstrom said. "I go up there now and try not to think so much. I try to hit the ball where it's pitched." While a three-homerun game is not likely to be repeated by any Jumbo in the near future, Tufts does need to be in top form this weekend against Bates. Only a three-game sweep of the series will earn the Jumbos a berth in the upcoming NESCAC tournament. "Let's just hope [Backstrom] continues this weekend," Casey said. "I was impressed [Tuesday]. He just swung the bat really well." "We made the plays we should have and we played solid defense for the most part, but the story of the Babson game was Backstrom's offensive explosion," Kacamburas echoed. "That is what we're going to have to do from here on out to win the big games." After returning from the Friday-Saturday Bates series in Lewiston, Maine, Tufts will face off against Babson again this Sunday, at home at 1 p.m.

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News

Silence is golden

April 28

"Be careful not to bite through the fork." No, this wasn't a warning to an overzealous diner at Dewick, but a rehearsal note to a mime preparing for performance. Hype, Tufts University's only mime troupe, will hold their annual spring show in Cohen Auditorium at 9 p.m this Sunday. Hype sets mime skits to contemporary music, using the art's traditional physical theatrical techniques to tell stories. Highlights of this spring's show include the story of a feuding husband and wife, set to the overture of "The Fantasticks," the tale of a disgruntled dog owner who will stop at nothing to ensure dog show victory (Beck's "Loser"), mixed-up nursery rhymes (Peter Gabriel's "Salisbury Hill"), and the soap opera dramas of a middle school homeroom (The Cure's "Friday I'm in Love"). Senior mime Lily Ladewig described the creation of each skit as a "collaborative process". Mimes begin the semester with rehearsals working on technique and by simply listening to music for skit ideas. By the end of the semester, these ideas become fully realized in the theater. Hype, the only college mime troupe in the Boston area, is in its seventh year. It was founded by students who had mime training, but since then, technical knowledge of the performance style has largely been passed down from generation to generation within the group. Hype recognizes that not everyone may immediately appreciate what their art form. The recent "Starsky and Hutch" movie popularized mocking mimes but Hype works to innovate and modernize miming. "We know that mimes are considered un-cool by the general population, but we're doing our part to make them cool," Ladewig explained. But Hype is not what you might expect from a mime troupe. These Jumbo mimes break through the stereotype of the panhandling street performer, updating the mime image for a modern generation. Although they wear traditional white face paint, their presentation is very different from their artistic predecessors. "We're trying to bring this art form off the street," explained junior mime Kevin Miller. "We're not invasive... people tend to be bugged by street mimes. We give a different kind of performance." By using contemporary music and situations, Hype connects the mime art form with its spectators. Skits in recent years have been set to songs by such diverse artists as Mason Jennings and the Streets. The music to which Hype sets its skits is definitely part of the troupe's appeal. The skits also make use of settings near and dear to Jumbo hearts, moving beyond the "glass box" that mimes are traditionally stuck in. Last semester one skit dealt with a conflict between two roommates in Tilton Hall. Mime is a different kind of drama than theatergoers may be used to. Miller emphasized the unique relationship that mimes have with their audience. "There's a need for the audience to have an active role in the show that you don't get in other kinds of theater," he said. "The audience has to have an active imagination." Ladewig explained that this power was what drew her to Hype in the first place. "I was blown away by the fact that the mimes could go onstage without [anything] and tell a story." Hype is entirely student directed, acted, and produced. They present two shows a year; in addition to their spring show, Hype teams up with Cheap Sox, Tufts' improvisation troupe, for "CheapHype" in the fall.

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News

Seven Questions with Thomas Mulcahy

April 28

Full name: Thomas John MulcahyNickname: Touchdown Tommy Two Chips, Tommy Ballgame, Pouce ManHometown: Ossining, NYBirth date: December 18, 1981Zodiac sign: SagittariusFavorite athlete: Dave Frew It's been a good ride, but excluding Commencement Issue madness, this is probably the last 7 Questions by Elliott Wiley, Jr. For this reason, this week's 7 Questions has to be with a real athlete, the athlete's team has to be good, and the athlete must be a captain. Senior midfielder Tom Mulcahy of the men's lacrosse team easily fits the criteria. Mulcahy has played in every game this season for the 12th ranked Jumbos, scoring a little, but mainly taking pride in his short-stick defense. Although Irish, Mulcahy has managed play sober in all games this season. While this stat definitely contributes to the team's overall success, it has not helped him score with the ladies in comparison to roommate Anthony Shropshire. I caught up to Tom using his lacrosse stick as a pooper scooper to practice ground balls, so naturally 7 Questions followed.1. How do you explain the team's rise from (7-8, 3-6 NESCAC) in your freshman season to its current National ranking?Honestly, it is the direct result of endless hard work on the part of our coaching staff as well as each player on the team. And whenever you have group of such good looking dudes who use their sticks so well, you can't go wrong.2. What does it mean to be a team captain?Being a team captain is an honor I take very seriously. It is a lot of responsibility keeping everybody focused and fired up for each game. But when it comes down to it, Elliott, it's the Tufts Lax Groupies. Ladies can't resist a Jumbo in the Brown.3. As a midfielder, do you enjoy playing offense or defense more?Offense is for guys like Bryan Griffin, Devin Clarke, and Mike O'Brien who need to get their name in the paper. I am more of a blue collar guy so I will have to go with defense. Scoring is nice, but protection is always equally if not more important.4. I thought Zeta Psi was the lacrosse frat, how did you end up pledging DU?I will admit that it was a tough decision. Both fraternities have their good points but the decision ultimately came down to the people. How could I pass up an opportunity to witness, first hand, the savagery put forth by Pete Walls, the 55-year old trapped in Ed Casabian's body, and the intensity with which Justin Kelley attacks life.5. What's it like living with Anthony Shropshire?The ooze dripping from the walls is tough to get used to at first, but after a while you don't even notice it. It also is tough being under the Irish curse with the LD flying around everywhere but I have gotten used to that too. All in all I appreciate the savageness that Anthony has bestowed upon me, so it has been a good experience.6. Who is the most unsung hero on your team?This is a tough question because we have so many younger guys this year that have been working so hard and contributing to the team in ways no one hears or reads about. If I had to choose one, though, it would definitely have to be Alex Besdek. His knowledge of trees is second to none and his contributions to our round table discussions are invaluable.7. Is there a way the team can win a NESCAC tournament title and if so, what intangible will make it possible?This, on the other hand, is an easy question. I have no doubt that the NESCAC tournament championship will be ours. Just look at the facts: if Jesse Miller can get a date, then we can definitely win the NESCAC Championship.-- by Elliott Wiley, Jr.

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News

Tufts' Catholics suffer from Archdiocesan financial woes

April 28

Financial problems from within the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston have led to the sale of the Catholic Center at 58 Winthrop St. and increased student activity fee funding for the Catholic Community at Tufts (CCT) According to Catholic Chaplain Ann Penick, the Archdiocesan real estate office has been negotiating the sale of the Catholic Center building with the University. "Tufts has made an offer to buy it, the purchase and sale agreement is currently on hold, not because of Tufts, but because of the Archdiocese." "I know the University has interest in the property," University Chaplain Rev. David O'Leary said. According to O'Leary, the University and Archdiocese were in negotiations, but he was unsure the cause of hold ups in the negotiation process. "Is [the sale] on hold or is it just posturing?" he asked. "You wait to see who blinks, that's how real estate is done," O'Leary said. Penick said that if the University is able to purchase the building, there would be a discussion about who would be responsible for much-needed repairs. "The Archdiocese can't pay for [the repairs] now," Penick said. "It doesn't have the money to put into the Catholic Center." Selling the Catholic Center would alleviate some financial pressure from the Archdiocese. "If Tufts would purchase it, we would be allowed to stay here, but in effect it would be sort of like leasing the space from Tufts," she said. "In other words, even though Tufts would own the building, Tufts would not be sponsoring the Catholic Center. That would be under the auspices of the Archdiocese." The Archdiocesan real estate office fielded all press inquiries to spokesman Rev. Christopher Coyne, who was unavailable for comment as of press time. The CCT, a student-led group separate from the Catholic Center, has also had to grapple with cuts in funding from the Archdiocese. "We're becoming more responsible for upkeep and programs that are co-sponsored by the Catholic Center," CCT President Anna Brennan said. "The Archdiocese of Boston isn't able to co-sponsor us as much as they used to." For that reason, the CCT requested more funding from the Tufts Community Union (TCU). According to Brennan, over the past four years the CCT's budget has been between $4,000 and $4,500. This year, after seeking to double their funding, CCT was allocated $7,500. "We have the most number of students in our religious affiliation on campus," Brennan said. "We pay for all the supplies and everything that's used to run masses at Tufts." Penick said that budget problems within the Catholic Church have left the Archdiocese scrambling to pay for campus ministry programs. The closure of St. Ann's University Parish in Boston, which serves Back Bay and Fenway colleges such as Northeastern and Emerson, is almost certain. Prior to Tufts, Penick most recently worked as a pastoral associate at St. Ann's. The most recent Annual Catholic Appeal -- an Archdiocesan fundraising campaign -- is especially focused on campus ministry. "There is an energy in campus ministry that is very exciting," Archbishop Sean O'Malley told the Pilot, the Archdiocese's official newspaper. "To see young people who are beginning to form their own personal philosophy on life and God is a part of that." O'Leary said the closure of St. Ann's and the possible sale of the Catholic Center were related to the financial pressures of the Archdiocese. "It's all part of a master plan," he said. The Archdiocese of Boston has been working to pay $135 million worth of debt -- $90 million of which was due to a settlement with 550 clergy sexual abuse victims. The recent $99 million sale of 43 acres of church land to Boston College helped to pay down that debt. In March, O'Malley outlined guidelines for the reorganization and closure of local parishes. Over 357 parishes would be affected, whether by closure or accepting new members from closed or consolidated parishes. Sacred Heart church on Winthrop St. in Medford, across the street from the Catholic Center, is one of the parishes recommended for closure.

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News

Red Zone: What college is all about

April 28

Maybe it's my old age, or maybe it's the fact that I'm a cocky bastard, but I feel like now that my four years here at Tufts are pretty close to being done, I've become relatively wise in the ways of the world. Or maybe not the world so much as college. Or at least Tufts. Or maybe I don't really know much of anything. But whatever. I've learned some things at Tufts, believe it or not, and I've learned that there are certain things from the last four years that I know I'll always remember; and there are certain things I'll probably forget as soon as I get across that stage in May. And I've learned that the things I won't remember include whether I got a B-plus or an A-minus on my midterm, or what that C I got did to my GPA. And I won't think about whether or not I should have stayed in that night to study an extra hour for my quiz the next day, or whether I should have skipped that concert to finish my reading. No, I won't remember any of that stuff, I can assure you. I've got much better things to remember. I'll remember not doing my work on a cold Saturday so I could drive to Wellesley with Munch and Ethan to watch the Walpole Rebel football team and drink the world's worst hot chocolate before heading back to Walpole for some of Mama Machunski's steak tips and chicken. I'll remember heated games of Looney Tunes Basketball and Mario Kart races with Joe and Nick and Atherton, not to mention the Rocky marathons. I'll remember J.R. nailing me in the nuts with a snowball at about 2 a.m. in the middle of a snowstorm. I'll remember every Warren Miller and TGR movie. I'll remember Mets-Yankees, World Series, Game Five, at Shea Stadium with Boca, and I'll definitely remember having a test moved to eight in the morning so I could make it to Yankee stadium to see the Red Sox play the Yanks in Game One of the ALCS, again with Boca. (I'll also remember that the Red Sox won that game behind a brilliant performance from Tim Wakefield, but who's counting...) I'll remember those Celtics playoff games at the Fleet Center with my brother, especially when Pierce hit that three against the Sixers. I'll remember showing up at Fenway for a Red Sox game with my brother, only to discover that it was fan appreciation day, meaning we got to walk around the field and shake hands with the players and coaches. (I have to remember this one because, naturally, I didn't have a camera that day.) I'll remember taking that road trip to Bowdoin with Ethan and Manali to cover about 700 games that were taking place there that day. I'll remember everything I ever did with Aly. I'll remember one legendary Junction concert at DTD. I'll remember falling 10,000 feet through the air in 30-degree weather on that skydiving trip with Ellie and other TMCers freshman year. I'll remember every sports department chill fest. I'll remember every one of my three wilderness orientation trips, but especially A1 2003. I'll remember eight crazy laps at this year's naked quad run. I'll remember my late nights spent in the basement of Curtis Hall, and all the people I worked with. I'll remember winning 12 consecutive games of beirut last year with Fowler. I'll remember Amanda's incessant laughing. I'll remember taping that ridiculous TV show every week with Colin and Elliott, wishing that it didn't have to go on the air, but still being glad I got to do it. So what the hell is my point, other than to give shout outs to my friends in my last column? My point is that I'll remember way too many things to list here, and not a single one of them involves any kind of grade that I ever got or didn't get on anything. Of course your classes are important, and of course you should work hard and do well in them. But (to turn myself into a clich?©) college is what you make of it -- no more, no less. You could argue that classes are the least important part of the college experience. I won't do it here, but you could if you wanted to. In 25 years I probably won't even remember any of the classes that I took, but I'll remember my friends and the things we did together. It might not seem like it right now, but skipping that day of studying to take a road trip with your friends will probably be one of the best things you could ever do. So if you have a few years left here at Tufts, live it up. Skip class to go see a Red Sox game. Sacrifice that A to go play in the snow. Go crazy. Fall in love. Have your heart broken. I promise that you won't regret it.

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News

Successfully slimming down Somerville and shaping it up

April 28

Obesity is today's public health crisis -- something on everyone's mind. The media overflows with advertisements for new weight loss programs and diet fads. But even amidst this craze, childhood obesity is sometimes overlooked. Experts say that the number of obese children in America is rapidly rising. According to the American Obesity Association, from 1976 to 1980 approximately 7 percent of children (ages 6 to 11) were obese. From 1999 to 2000 this number increased to 15.3 percent. This growing problem is leading researchers -- including those at Tufts -- to try to curb childhood obesity. In efforts to combat obesity, Dr. Christina Economos, a professor at Tufts' Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, started an environmental strategy program for children based in Somerville. In September of 2002, the Center for Disease Control awarded Economos a grant to fund her program, "Shape Up Somerville: Eat Smart Play Hard." The project, though still rather new, has been successful. Economos said she never dreamed that her project would succeed so quickly over a two year span. "I was hopeful,"she said. "Whenever you write a grant you invest a lot in it and you have big dreams. But I don't think I ever expected in the short period of time for people to latch onto the concept so fast." According to Economos, the aim of Shape Up Somerville is to better the community itself. "It's a community based environmental approach to childhood obesity," she said. "Our interventions are going on at the homes, before school, during school, after school, the community, and we're really making an attempt to work with the restaurants." Shape Up Somerville's main focus is children -- specifically first to third graders in public schools. After extensive research in May 2003, Economos and her team gathered preliminary data showing that over 40 percent of children in Somerville were overweight. Thus, the program divides child intervention into early morning, during school, and after school to influence every part of the children's days. This intervention includes encouraging children to walk to school. In an effort to augment the level of physical activity in the community, Economos implemented a "Safe Routes to School" project. "We're trying to get parents to walk their kids to school and make the environment safer," Economos said. "We're working with police, with urban planners, etc. We're not just telling parents to do it [walk their kids to school] but making it safer so they will do it." Economos, who also teaches the undergraduate introductory Nutrition course at Tufts, involved her students with the "Walk to School" campaign. Students visited Somerville schools to inform parents about the importance of walking to school. The students held signs advocating walking to school. "It was interesting to see drivers' responses to us," sophomore Lea Napolitano said. "Some people responded positively -- nodding their head in approval or giving a thumbs up; others just read the sign. But I think the few times we did it, it has brought awareness to drivers." During school hours, Shape Up Somerville is divided into two components: the classroom and food service. Economos attributes the success of the program to the way the two components work together. "I think the curriculum the children are getting in the classroom supported by the changes of food service have showed the children how education and practice work together," Economos said. Shape Up Somerville works with the school to make menu changes to try to implement healthier food and train staff in nutritional education. This has had positive results. Helen Berry, whose daughter attends Somerville's Kennedy School, believes that Shape Up Somerville's change of food service has been beneficial. She had always packed her daughter healthy snacks -- a rarity among elementary school students. "It's positive reinforcement," Berry said. "Now when she [her daughter] brings healthy snacks to school, kids don't think she's different." In the classroom itself, teachers implement a nutritional curriculum created by Shape Up Somerville. In September and January, over 90 teachers endure training then use what they learn in a weekly 30 minute interactive lesson. "It's the classroom teacher's responsibility to teach health education," Economos said. "So we wrote a curriculum for them that focuses on healthy eating and active living." Teachers who have gone through the training say that it was helpful "I thought they were fun, interesting, and very informative," said Julie Spector, a kindergarten through second grade teacher at the Kennedy School. She added that the nutritional curriculum benefits the students. "My students loved this program," Spector said. Another goal of Shape Up Somerville is to work with restaurants in order to encourage them to offer healthier food. "If kids are going out with their parents and getting this meal that's big they're going to replicate it at home," Economos said. "That's what they're expecting to be a meal. Because we eat out so much in this country we need to have healthier options available." The restaurant project is led by Citizenship and Public Service Scholars junior Zach Baker and senior Corey Probst. The two students have tried to get restaurants to offer healthier options and join the Shape Up Somerville program -- offering lower-fat options and reasonably-sized portions. In the past two years, they have succeeded in getting four restaurants to become Shape Up Somerville approved: Picante Mexican Grill, Soleil Cafe, Mt. Vernon Restaurant, and What's Cookin'. Despite these accomplishments, this aspect has proved the toughest for the Shape Up Somerville team. "We have not been able to show the restaurant owners that the demand exists in Somerville for healthier menu options," Baker said. "If we could involve students, faculty, parents, children, and other community members in asking for healthier options whenever they eat at a restaurant in Somerville, restaurant owners may be more willing to participate in Shape Up Somerville." Baker, however, does believe that the future is promising. "We have laid the foundation for about two years at all of these restaurants and I think next year will be very successful," he added. "We also hope to involve the community members themselves in a grassroots movement to create a demand for healthier menu choices."

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News

LCS blood drive at risk

April 28

The Leonard Carmichael Society (LCS) may have violated Tufts' nondiscrimination policy during the recent blood drive hosted in Hodgdon and Carmichael Halls this year. Senior Matt Pohl, founder of Emerge -- the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) political activist group -- brought a complaint to the University on Tuesday, claiming that the American Red Cross blood drive discriminates against homosexual and bisexual men. The complaint stated that any event bearing the University name or sponsored by University funding is not allowed to discriminate based on sexual orientation. The Red Cross donor survey currently prohibits men who have had sex with other men since 1977 from donating blood because it considers them at an increased risk for transmitting disease to recipients. Pohl said that his frustration with the Red Cross' policy is based on principles, and that he has nothing against LCS or the Red Cross. "Tufts University has a comprehensive nondiscrimination policy that specifically prohibits discrimination on basis of sexual orientation, which includes bringing in an outside organization to use facilities," Pohl said. The Dean of Students Office did not return several phone calls Wednesday. Dr. Jorge Rios, associate medical director for the New England Red Cross, defended the rule, saying there is hard evidence to back up the decision. "The reason behind it is affirmed in data from 2002 where 70 percent of new AIDS cases are due to either men having sex with other men or drug use," he said. The Red Cross' position is that it must allow as little risk as possible. Rios said they use as many layers of protection as possible to protect recipients of donated blood. "There is a need for a safe blood supply and no one wants to get HIV as a result of transfusion," he said. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandates the Red Cross's policy, the organization said. "We have to follow this rule, just like we follow all rules," Rios said. At this point in time LCS is awaiting decisions from the administration before taking any further steps. Blood Drive co-Coordinator Dan Keesing said that "we need to hear from the administration before we make any more decisions." LCS co-President Andrea Daley said that "we understand where [the LGBT community] is coming from and we are not trying to ignore them. We want to find some way we can all be proud of the outcome." Rios emphasized that this is not an outdated concern alleviated by testing. "A patient was infected with HIV through a blood transfusion as recently as last year; therefore we still need multiple layers of protection," he said. One of the important distinctions in the policy is whether it discriminates based on orientation or based on the individual's behavior. "Ultimately the rules serve a purpose; there is a correlation between getting HIV and engaging in these activities, this is not based on sexual orientation," Rios said. Pohl disagreed with this, as he believes that behavior is a defining characteristic of sexual orientation. "Sex is a behavior, people identify their orientation by the sex they engage in," he said. After LCS notified the Red Cross of the controversy, they said a representative responded with suggestions for how to deal with concerned students. According to LCS members, the representative also said that they are looking to meet with administrators at Tufts to better educate them on the subject. Pohl emphasized that he is not trying to stop blood drives, and merely wants to maintain the integrity of the diversity policy. "By no means am I the Wicked Witch of the West. ... I want to see [blood drives] succeed but I don't want to diminish humanity of LGBT students," he said. Pohl said his intentions are to create dialogue and possibly national change. "I hope the Red Cross and FDA would take notice as we are a major research university." Dialogue was indeed sparked, as only a few hours after Pohl sent his complaint to the LGBT listserv Tuesday morning, senior Adam Pulver responded with a critique. Pulver reacted mainly to the way Pohl attacked the policy by defending many of the Red Cross' motions. Pulver's e-mail stated, "Being gay is not what the Red Cross blood drive takes issue with. It is a specific behavior which increases risk. If you have not had sex with a man, you can give blood, no problem." Pulver was highly critical of Pohl's motion and said of the e-mail, "it was a reaction to his methods; we don't want to be the gay who cried wolf." "When rights are violated, I am going to take any and all possible actions while keeping mind and ears open," Pohl said in response to Pulver's comments.

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News

Frank McCourt speaks on education, teaching

April 28

Pulitzer Prize-winning memoirist Frank McCourt combined his own experiences with poverty and years of teaching with a charming wit to captivate listeners at his lecture at the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum on Monday night. McCourt, the popular author of a memoir entitled "Angela's Ashes," spoke about his teaching career in New York City's public schools. He also discussed his forthcoming memoir, "Teacher Man," which is due out later this year. Though he was born in the United States, McCourt moved to Limerick, Ireland at a very young age. In his first autobiography, "Angela's Ashes," McCourt gave a stirring and biting review of his childhood, years that were filled with hunger, alcoholism, a harsh Catholic diocese, and religious tensions. "Angela's Ashes" left off with McCourt in his late teens. His story picked up in "Tis," a memoir that chronicled McCourt's early years in New York City. The author will soon add to his the set with "Teacher Man," due out in November. While McCourt's later works have received less critical acclaim than his debut, audience members at Monday night's forum made it clear that the author has retained a dedicated following that will return for his third installment. As one elderly woman gushed into the microphone during the question and answer segment, "I love you. You are courageous. Will you sign my book?" McCourt seemed experienced at dealing with such devotion. McCourt kept an audience made up of both college students and older fans laughing throughout the discussion. The author opened Monday night's forum with the story of his first job in the United States, working at New York City's Biltmore Hotel. While in New York, McCourt "became very Irish." He spent time sitting in bars and drinking fifteen-cent beers, until the owner of the bar tossed him out and told him not to come back until he had read Samuel Johnson's "Lives of the English Poets." McCourt subsequently discovered the New York Public Library and became a voracious reader, eventually setting him on the path to become an English teacher. McCourt first taught at the McKee Vocational High School, set in a dangerous neighborhood on Staten Island. The author said that he was ill-prepared for the challenges of teaching high school English in such a harsh environment. In what would become a thematic message of the evening, McCourt simply stated that in response to these hardships, "the only solution is to stay in the classroom year after year after year." Having interacted with an estimated 11,000 students, McCourt has developed many of his own theories about education. He fleshed out several of these during the event's question and answer session, emphasizing the importance of giving power to teachers. "Most of the people supervising [schools and teachers] aren't qualified," he explained. "The teachers in the trenches are paid less than some jerk drawing up the spending list at the board." The audience, filled with educators, responded enthusiastically to these remarks. In his most vigorous emotional show of the evening, McCourt blasted today's education culture, stating that it revolves around testing, medicating, pre-kindergarten, and corporate schools. "The politicians come in with all the answers. Do they consult with the teachers? No!" Despite the hardships that today's education system faces, McCourt still treasures the classroom profession, stating that "[teachers] are the ones dealing with the richest material in the country: kids."

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News

Teams feeling the end of the year stress

April 28

This is crunch time. Late nights spent studying for finals, writing papers, preparing for presentations. These high pressure situations have come to define a college student's last few weeks on campus each year. Everything is going well until finals come around and then, suddenly, the success of your entire semester comes down to a few opportunities. In this way, the National Hockey League and college seem very much alike. The remaining playoff contenders are facing their toughest tests of the year and each subsequent game becomes more and more important. Win or go home. Play mistake-free or you will lose. Some teams (San Jose Sharks, Tampa Bay Lightning) are passing with flying colors, while others (Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings) just don't seem well-prepared. The next few days will determine which teams pass and which ones fail. First, let's start with the teams who offer the best models for grace under pressure -- a trait most of us could use right about now. In what many experts saw as an unfavorable match-up for the Sharks, San Jose was forced to the play the red-hot Colorado Avalanche in the second round. After hearing of the match-up, most Sharks fans surely trembled as memories of Game Seven against the Avs two years ago replayed in their heads. The Sharks, though, haven't paid much mind to the experts or to history, jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the Western Conference Semifinals. Veteran Vincent Damphousse and goalie Evgeni Nabokov (who has been hotter than thefacebook.com lately) have been outstanding for the Sharks, whose gritty yet quick style of play has kept Colorado frustrated. The Lightning are also looking good so far in the second round, leading their series with the Montreal Canadians 3-0. Tonight's Game Four in Montreal could be the Canadians' last of the season (ESPN, CBC, 7p.m.). It seems as though the Habs just didn't have anything left in the tank after their grueling seven-game series with the Boston Bruins serving as a reminder that one should never underestimate the importance rest has on performance. The Lightning have been winning in large part because of the play of Vincent Lecavalier, who has five goals in the three second-round games (including one in game three with 17 seconds left to force OT). As for disappointments, both the Maple Leafs and Red Wings seem to be faltering in the second round after looking good in the first. Both of their series are far from over (Calgary leads the Red Wings 2-1 and Toronto is trailing the Philadelphia Flyers 2-0), but most NHL observers expected better showings. If these teams are eliminated, their failures can be partly attributed to running up against great goaltending. Flames goalie Miikka Kiprusoff has not missed a beat in the postseason after contributing all regular season long -- Detroit just hasn't been able to figure him out. Additionally, Flyers' goalie Robert Esche has proven his many critics wrong, making very few mistakes between the pipes against both the New Jersey Devils and the Maple Leafs. Now, for the much-anticipated predictions. First, to tie up some Inside the NHL loose ends: this reporter went five for eight in the first round, impressively picking four of the series with the correct number of games (including a courageous Montreal-in-seven pick... was there ever any doubt?). You have to like the Flyers coming out of the East. They have all the ingredients -- hot goalie, physical toughness and skill -- to finally make it to the Stanley Cup Finals. The West, it seems, is much more open. With both the Sharks and the Flames threatening in their respective series, an all small-market team Western Conference Finals seems plausible (though I happen to think that the Red Wings will end up beating Calgary). The Sharks, though, seem like the team of destiny this year and it's hard to envision their magical season coming to an end before an appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals. So, who will win the whole thing? I don't know if I'm completely prepared to answer that question, but I will leave you with a declaration of unprecedented candor: GO SHARKS! Don't let finals worry you. Watching professional hockey players struggle with playoff pressure helps to relieve college stress. Regrettably, this is the last Inside the NHL of the school year, but it's been a pleasure serving you. Enjoy the rest of the playoffs and join me in spending the summer rooting against a lock-out.

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