Archives

News

Fans should give new Indigo Girls CD another listen

March 8

After more than twenty years of making music together, the Indigo Girls have developed a formula from which they seldom stray. Though, like all admirable artists, they have certainly experimented and grown from one album to the next, Emily Saliers and Amy Ray know what their musical strengths are and are wise enough to employ them on each of their albums. Known for their eloquent lyrics and graceful vocal harmonies, the duo delivers a wide array of songs on their ninth studio album, "All That We Let In," that demonstrate their talent as singer/songwriters. The new album follows a familiar formula in terms of its execution, and the two women share the compositional load: Saliers contributes six songs and Ray five. As usual, Ray's compositions are more rock-oriented and driven, while Saliers' tend to be smooth and flowing with an emphasis on ear-pleasing melodies. One thing is certain about this album: it deserves a second listen. "All That We Let In" can be disappointing at first, even (and perhaps most of all) for the enthusiastic Indigo Girls fan. At first, the album appears to be proof that the Girls' seemingly never-ending well of creativity has dried up. One might dismiss the lyrics as clich?©d and the greater part of the songs as a failed attempt at musical expansion. However, the more of a chance one gives it, the more this album seems like a success. As usual, the Indigo Girls deliver a mix of songs that demonstrate their knack for instrumentation. Both Saliers and Ray contribute solid guitar and mandolin playing. Their remarkable talent for writing vocal harmonies plays a large part on this album as well, which is no surprise. It must be noted, however, that for the most part, the lyrics on this release do not compare to the brilliant writing on past albums such as "Rites of Passage" and "Swamp Ophelia." While the Girls focus again on their persisting themes of love, loss, and political expression, the songs on "All That We Let In" fail to convey their messages in the graceful-yet-pointed way that is characteristic of past releases. Perhaps the problem is that a devoted Indigo Girls fan must let go of his or her desire that every new album be a re-creation of some of the duo's finest work of the past. To those of you out there who have been listening affectionately over the years, I say this: We must let go of the notion that upon popping in the newest Indigo Girls disc, we will hear the mysterious percussion introduction of "Galileo" or the bright first chords of "Closer To Fine." Listeners will have to brush off certain moments on the album when the lyrics seem contrived and overstated, such as the chorus of "Come On Home" ("Come on home/The team you're hitched to has a mind of its own") and the entirety of title track "All That We Let In," which loses its meaning in uninteresting lyrics and downright corniness. This being said, there are certainly bright spots on the record that outshine its low moments. The first song "Fill It Up Again" is catchy and worthy of head-bobbing, it is sure to fall into the category of classic Indigo Girls sing-along tunes. "Dairy Queen" brings us Amy Ray at her finest, and the song is a shining example of her ability to compose driven songs that are both moving and powerful. On the last track, "Rise Up," the duo incorporates a piano part that works successfully to create an almost Elton John-esque mood. Overall, the newest Indigo Girls release is a success. It comes with a bonus DVD that gives listeners a taste of what they can expect at a live performance: a pair of vocally-blessed friends in worn-out t-shirts and blue jeans who care more about global justice and getting you to vote than impressing you with fancy clothes or fashionable hair-cuts. Of course, they can also play a mean 12-string.

---

News

By the numbers

March 8

This installment of "By the Numbers" looks at the MBTA's history, focusing in particular on the recent increase in crime and cost. 107 Years since America's first subway (the Green Line, between Boston Common and Boylston) was established >175 Towns and cities within the MBTA service district >225,200 People who board the Green Line daily (the most heavily trafficked Rapid Transit line) 55,900 People who board the Blue Line daily (the least heavily trafficked Rapid Transit line) >125 Violent assaults on the T in 2002 152 In 2003 41% Increase in arrests by MBTA police between 2002 (893) and 2003 (1,265) 186 Arrests made by MBTA police so far in 2004 >0 Murders on the T in 1999 1 In 2000 1 In 2001 1 In 2002 3 In 2003 $4 billion MBTA's budget gap for 2004 $1.25 Current cost of one T token $1.00 Cost of one T token in 2003 $.85 Cost of one T token in 1999 $721,464,871 MBTA expenses in 1991 $1,176,737,159 MBTA expenses in 2004 (projected) $120 million Cost of replacing the T's current token system with a reusable "smart card" system (planned for the end of 2004) The statistics cited above come from the Associated Press, The Boston Globe, BostonChannel.com, MBTA.com, and The Daily Free Press.

---

News

Despite long layoff, the Sopranos are back in business

March 8

Francis Ford Coppola's notorious flop, "The Godfather, Part III," began with a slow montage of shots of the Corleone family's dilapidated Lake Tahoe mansion. The house, once host to festive parties and scores of gangsters, was now barren: a victim of years of ignorance and a shadow of the mob's once intimidating physique. The scene was harrowingly bittersweet; it brought back fond memories of the first two films while simultaneously setting the tone for the rest of the movie. Only five minutes into the film, Coppola's audience had immediately reconciled the sixteen-year gap since "The Godfather, Part II." David Chase, creator of HBO's "The Sopranos," has channeled the same muse with the opening sequence of the premiere episode of Season 5. Much like their North Jersey house, the Soprano family is broken, Tony and Carmela are separated while Meadow and A.J. play the dutiful roles of difficult children. The material symbols of Tony's mind and body are in shambles. The swimming pool which was home to the flock of ducks that gave Tony such joy in Season 1 is covered and unused. The barbeque grill that he used as a gathering point for his family and "family business" is corroded and in pieces. Most importantly, the newspaper, which Tony would grab each and every day in his robe and pajamas, is carelessly left in the middle of the driveway. With just a few simple overhead shots of the House the Mob Built, the crew behind "the Sopranos" has beautifully pieced together the emotions of the past four seasons and established where the characters stand as Chase leads the charge of the show's penultimate season. The entirety of the non-whacked cast is back in full force, replete with f-bombs and instinctive bouts of violence. Tony (James Gandolfini) still stands as the boss of the New Jersey crime family, but now he must deal with the "Mafia Class of '04," a mishmash of former mafia hoods now out of jail after serving their time for convictions from the 1980s. Many are looking to jump back on the wagon, much to the chagrin of the current made men. Christopher (Michael Imperioli) and Paulie Walnuts (Tony Sirico) have resolved their petty feud that had been brewing since season four, but not before murdering a helpless waiter who asked for an explanation regarding a $16 tip for an $1100 meal. Uncle Junior (Dominic Chianese) is becoming increasingly senile even while under Tony's close watch. And Johnny Sack (Vince Curatola) is trying to strengthen his hold on the New York crime syndicate underneath the nose of his aging boss Carmine (Tony Lip). Now separated from his wife and family, Tony seems to be content and comfortable with the situation. Carmela (Edie Falco), meanwhile, is left to cope with her moody, drum-banging, teenage son A.J. (Robert Iler) and his emotional instability. Carmela's fight between her indoctrinated dependence on her husband's dirty money and her own ethical ideology is bound to be a central topic of this season, and can only be exacerbated by her reliance on Tony's weekly monetary support. The genius of Chase's show is its exceptional timing and juxtaposition of scary and comedic situations. While Christopher and Paulie are whacking an innocent waiter, A.J. is in tears over a black bear in the Soprano backyard. There is a surreal nature to each episode, creating the atmosphere that nothing projected on the screen can possibly be real. But the writing, acting, and overall production are so sharp that everything seems authentic. The world of "The Sopranos" has finally returned after no new episodes in 2003. It takes a master such as David Chase to pick up all the pieces and plotlines of a show with such a long break between seasons, and he has done so with great expertise befitting the awesome cast. Tony Soprano may have a broken life, but his show is clearly in tip-top shape.

---

News

Making drinking a cultural event

March 8

Most college students do not get the chance to enjoy both great drinks and great art, all at the same time. So it is convenient that on the first Friday of each month, Boston's beloved Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) brings the two together in an exceptional fashion. The monthly "MFA First Fridays" tradition brings regular patrons and new visitors alike to the distinguished halls of the famous museum to enjoy an evening sipping cocktails, surrounded by art. Upon entrance, the divine ambience of the MFA's greatest hall promises an exquisite event. Hosted in the William I. Koch Gallery of European painting, the monthly soirees offer music, tapas, drinks, and a fashionable crowd for reasonable prices: $5 a drink, and $4 a plate for appetizers. Four cash bars conveniently scattered across the second floor wing lend noise and merriment to defy expected museum etiquette, and a centrally located table serves fine hors d'oeuvres. As it is constantly dominated by a seemingly endless line of hungry visitors, however, the highly acclaimed food is usually only accessible to the very patient. Music always adds a unique element to the evening, and this past Friday, the event's organizers strayed away from the expected string quartet or harp player and opted for a DJ. At first, the notice of Michelle Branch's voice amidst the refined setting at the MFA was a bit distracting, but after a few whiskies, R. Kelly's all-too-familiar "Step in the name of love!" was surprisingly pleasant. Although there wasn't any stepping, the dance floor did see a bit of use when the more crowd-appropriate "Dancing Queen," came on. Despite a dominance of older couples, the crowd at the MFA is usually attractive and fun. Undoubtedly, the most visible (yet rarest) attendants are youthful college students, who dress up for the occasion. Tufts sophomore Sahajbir Brar, whose family members are avid collectors of British painting, described the MFA scene as "sophisticated, classy and entertaining," calling it "a far cry from the rowdiness of a college campus." The elaborate gallery is a vast departure from the graffiti-ed walls of a frat house basement or the elaborately gaudy interiors of Boston's nightclubs, and the long stretch of European painting that almost rises to the high ceiling gives the Koch gallery a regal feel. Rhode Island student Amara Davis said she felt like she was in a "great palace" "Soon, the crowd will part and bow as the king and queen make their way past," Davis said. "First Fridays at the MFA" is a fine prelude to a Boston evening for the cultured college student. It offers a superb retreat away from college life. The disappointment is that the party comes to an abrupt end at around quarter to nine, so it cannot alone satiate one's appetite for Friday night social festivities. But the event still makes for a remarkable evening, mixing and mingling with friends and acquaintances in the shadows of great works of art, and provides art lovers with an opportunity that should not be missed. The Museum of Fine Arts will be hosting their next event on the first Friday of April, again be in the Koch gallery. Evenings at the MFA start at 5:30 and admission is free with a Tufts ID. Drinks range from four to six dollars and the appetizers are four dollars per plate.

---

News

Ruttenberg leaves void for Bram and Perahya to fill

March 8

Tennis teams around the NESCAC are no doubt pleased David Ruttenberg graduated from Tufts in 2003. The former captain of the men's tennis team finished his career with a 41-21 singles record and was the glue that held the Tufts team together on and off the court during his senior season. The Jumbos, meanwhile, will have to adjust to life without their former team leader. In practice, Ruttenberg consistently trained harder than anyone else. His work ethic gave the team a source of inspiration, and provided an exemplary model for the underclassmen. "He always worked like a dog in practice and during matches," senior captain Jonathan Bram said. Other players echoed Bram's sentiments. "We will not be able to replace his leadership, and, to be honest, we are not even trying to, because I don't see anybody on the team who can do that," junior Rifat Perahya said. On the court, Ruttenberg deflected pressure away from his younger teammates by occupying the opponents' number one seeded singles players. Although he finished with a disappointing 5-8 singles record last season, rising stars such as Perahya and Bram flourished in the number two and three slots, respectively, combining for a 17-13 record. Repeating this success could prove difficult this year as the duo moves up to number one and number two without Ruttenberg leading the pack. The loss of Ruttenberg will also change the doubles groupings for the team. The Ruttenberg and Perahya combination finished with a 24-10 record in their two seasons together. Perahya and Bram will now make up the number one doubles team while junior Adam Yates and sophmore Ben Alexander will occupy the number two slot. Ruttenberg's skills will be sorely missed this season. Among his most dominant strengths were a blazing serve and an impeccable net game. "His serve was incredible but his game at the net was probably the best in the NESCAC," Perahya said. "He had hands like pillows."

---

News

Students react to Martha Stewart verdict

March 8

Martha Stewart's conviction on Friday sent a message to many that white collar crime can result in prison time. For others, it was simply the next chapter in the torrent of high profile corporate scandals that have swept the nation over the past few years. The case focused on Stewart's sale of ImClone stock in Dec. 2001. Stewart was convicted on four of five charges raised against her: one count of conspiracy, two counts of making false statements and one count of obstruction of agency proceedings. The court dropped the most serious charge -- that Stewart dumped her shares with the intent to manipulate stock prices -- on Feb. 27. For college students, often painted as the nation's most fervent idealists, the exposing of so much greed and deceit has made some more cynical, and others more watchful. Though students joked about the way Stewart might fix up her cell, many felt her prosecution was just an example of a larger crackdown on white collar crimes. "I think [the verdict is] fair, but I think at the same time insider trading goes on all the time and she was really pilloried for doing something a lot of people do," said first-year graduate student Caroline Sunshine. For some students the verdict was representative of a wider trend in America today. Echoing the "two Americas" sentiment of former presidential candidate John Edwards, senior Fred Hartman said, "This entire situation brings attention to the widening gap between the rich and the poor in America; ultimately it shows how greedy we have become in America, as a society." Hartman said Stewart's conviction would motivate him to participate in the upcoming presidential election. Senior Michelle Le said recent scandals will make her more ethically conscious when she enters the work force. "Though business is always about the money, I don't think business should be lawless," she said. "People are more on their toes nowadays with the fear of being charged with criminal activity." At Tufts, where many followed the case of former Enron CFO Andrew Fastow, (LA '83) students fear ambitious environments can contribute to greed. "Everybody tries to be that top one percent. These people are role models, and it gives everyone a bad name," sophomore Ann Stevenson said. "With all the corporate scandals it has just made everyone a little more reluctant to trust business leaders," senior Fred Hartman said. "Overall, that's a bad thing because business leaders are really leaders of our society." For senior Steve Bleiberg, high profile trials help to level the playing field. "People who committed crimes are actually getting in trouble," Bleiberg said. "That's a wonderful thing. It's good for business." Bleiberg said students should differentiate between greed and ambition, and focus more on personal responsibility. "There's not enough emphasis on the individual, in terms of rights and responsibilities," he said. "People don't think what morality needs for themselves." Some said suggested a greater focus on ethics in college education. Students cited social justice courses and business ethics classes offered by the University as ways that students can be challenged to think of these issues while still in college. Senior Tim Nelson said there would be less need for individual targets if there were changes in the classroom. "The more knowledge people have about what's right and what's not, there won't be as much of a reason to target one particular person," he said. Others said while the University's strict plagiarism policy encourages them to think about ethical issues, most values are already formed by the time students reach college. "I feel like it's common sense," junior Cecilia Dos Santos said. "If you don't have it, you don't have it and taking a class on ethics isn't going to change who you are."

---

---

News

Does anybody really understand the meaning of diversity and tolerance?

March 8

Clearly, there are a lot of people out there who don't understand the meaning of diversity and tolerance. Unfortunately, quite a few happen to attend our prestigious university. And lately, diversity and tolerance have become part of a feeling of negativity that is gaining strength on this campus. What I wish to do is point out the misunderstandings about the D&T combo that have become evident over the past few weeks. First off, let's try and define diversity. Grouping together a bunch of definitions on dictionary.com, I'd say that diversity is the existence of a state of hetereogenioty at a particular point. In other words, diversity is when some part of something is a whole lot different. At Tufts, where diversity seems to be the University's favorite advertisement, there are indeed differences wherever you look, whether it exists in the form of nationality, religion, race, political views, interests, etc. Alas, the world isn't a perfect place, and diversity is to blame. After all, if everybody were exactly the same, there'd be nothing to fight about. And if there were something to fight about, it would be because some difference had arisen (I dare you to try and think of a contradictory example). It doesn't mean that diversity has to result in fighting, but that fighting occurs out of some difference. So basically, since diversity exists on this campus, just like everywhere else in the world, there will be some occasional fighting. And guess what? That's normal! Lately, I've noticed that a few people who oppose same sex marriage don't seem to grasp this concept. They claim that because most of the people on campus think that they're being a homophobe, a religious zealot, or just an idiot, diversity isn't being applauded (tolerance has also gotten thrown into the mix, which I will address later). Actually, opposition to their point of view exists because of diversity of opinion, sexual preference, politics, and the like. If diversity were not held in high regard at this university, would it not be true that views in opposition to those in seats of power would be silenced? Think about it: what if President Bacow decided that sexuality should never be discussed openly, for example. I know, I know, there'd be protests, but the point is that there would be no open discussion of sexuality. The fact that there is open discussion of sexuality on campus does not indicate that Bacow thinks that sexuality must always be discussed openly; otherwise, those who oppose open sexuality would not be allowed to respond in the way that they have over the past couple of weeks. There are two very different sides here, both of which have made their opinions public, and this is due to Tufts' acceptance of diversity. So where does that leave us on the gay marriage thing? Basically, both sides need to understand the other, since I don't see either lightening up any time soon. If I understand correctly, those who oppose same sex marriage find it immoral, with most of the roots stemming from religious doctrine, or believe that it will undermine society somehow, which angers the opposition, which believes that it does not separate church and state or that there are no logical grounds for their argument. They believe that a group of citizens is being denied a basic right, which is forbidden under the Constitution, and this angers the other side, for if their opposition stems from religion, which to many is the most important aspect of life, then there does not need to be any logical reason why same sex marriages should not be allowed; it is the way that God wanted it to be, so how can anybody argue against that? If both sides understand these premises, then they come to realize that their view runs into a brick wall on the other side. But does that mean that diversity is not being appreciated? No, this argument is not really applicable here, since either side already feels somewhat oppressed by the existence of the other. It is not a matter of diversity, which allows the existence of varying sides. Either opinion cannot yield to either side; both must be singular in their existence, which eliminates diversity from entering into either side's mind. It's a little confusing, and I'm not sure if I completely understand the philosophical implications of what I just said, but let's put it this way: if someone says, "Isn't it ironic then, that in a community such as Tufts where diversity and tolerance are applauded, my beliefs about homosexuality will be seen as unfair, narrow-minded, and discriminatory?" then diversity is not really in any danger here. Diversity is what makes people think that such beliefs are unfair. I just can't stand seeing people using the diversity issue as a protective cloak any longer; if you have your opinion, voice it, and appreciate the diversity that you will experience when people come knocking at your door. But I haven't forgotten about tolerance. I'll make it brief: the belief that homosexuals should not be allowed to wed is completely intolerant. That's all that it is: pure intolerance. Whatever your reasons or justifications, the view is founded on the intolerance of homosexual marriage. Intolerance isn't always a bad thing; I'm quite intolerant of pick-pockets, and so is the government, which is why pick-pockets are arrested. So intolerance, in some form or another, is necessary to a functioning society. The infringement of a particular view on another person's life is what causes conflict. I do not tolerate Nazis, and they do not tolerate me, so we arrive at a crossroads. However, I do not think either side here misunderstands the other (if there's a Nazi out there who disagrees, then please get in touch with me). The idea that Tufts is a place of pure tolerance is pretty na??ve. Tufts does not tolerate people who do not tolerate people. That's why we have a bias response team, which intolerates intolerance. Get it? So saying that opposing a personal view is a defamation of Tufts' tolerance is, indeed, very narrow-minded; it doesn't matter what opinion is at stake. In closing, it should be obvious that there is going to be much heated debate over not only same sex marriage, but other issues that will surely come, especially in an election year. Both sides need to understand each other, but that doesn't mean they have to tolerate it. The fact that both sides exist is a sign of diversity, which does not require tolerance in order to exist. So don't try to hide behind them if somebody thinks that you're wrong. Joshua Cohn is a sophomore majoring in Music.

---

News

Opening doors for everyone

March 8

There are legitimate security concerns on the Tufts' campus, and care should be taken in changing student access to University residence halls. Students at Tufts are fortunate that, unlike Boston University and other schools in large cities, we do not need security guards on duty all hours in our dorms or have to sign guests in and out. But incidents in campus residences and in the athletic facilities are evidence that Tufts does face some safety issues. The safety and comfort of students should take precedence over ease of entry into dorms in which students do not reside. But concerns that a universal fob will decrease safety are a Trojan horse to tank the proposal. Far from a safety risk, the fob can actually make Tufts' campus safer. First, if every student -- or every student who still lives in campus housing -- has a fob, then students can be more aware of random people attempting to "piggyback." Residents of a dorm will know that all other students have fobs and are able to open the door themselves. Second, the program should be rewritten so that it keeps a record of entry into dorms. Police will be able to have a record of where and at what time a student entered a dormitory in case such information is needed. Students at Tufts are aware of both the pros and cons of changing the system to offer universal access. Setting up the system so that it does not allow entry into other dorms at night will provide an element of protection from other students. Occurrences of vandalism, stalking, and drunken confrontations with other students are far more likely to happen at night than during the daylight hours. The universal fob system will also encourage students to stop in and visit their friends in other dorms, a social skill that needs to be promoted as much as possible at Tufts. A universal fob system will almost certainly benefit the student body. The Daily encourages Director of ResLife Yolanda King and Director of Public Safety John King to work to implement this new and beneficial system.

---

News

TCU Senate approves $66,000 Lunder Fitness Center upgrade

March 8

An anonymous donation will lead to new technological equipment in the Lunder Fitness Center in Gantcher Gymnasium, but the gift came with a price. The donor offered to give $58,000 toward new equipment, but he attached an unusual stipulation. Before the school could receive the money, the Tufts Community Union (TCU) was required to allocate $8,000 to "ensure student body's excitement" towards the project. After a heated debate, the Senate approved the monies with a vote of fifteen to six, with funds coming from a student activity fee budget surplus. Discussion at the meeting focused on whether the Senate should be using monies usually given to student organizations toward funding equipment purchases. Some senators thought the money should come from another source. "The student body should be proactive and if they want it, we shouldn't just write a check for eight or ten grand for them," freshman TCU Senator Andrew Caplan said. TCU Historian Jeff Katzin suggested that money should come from the administration, but TCU President Chike Aguh said this was not feasible. "I saw Bacow on Friday and he said 'no,'" Aguh said. "The Student Activities Fee doesn't have the objective to pay for services costs," TCU Associate Treasurer Cho Ling said. "This might be a thing we regret giving money to because it's a lot of money and it's against our policy." "It's not the student 'make-Tufts-better fee,'" Senator Joe Mead said. "Take the donor out of it. Would we normally give $8,000 for these renovations? For us to pay this is absolutely absurd." Despite the strong feelings of some to hold the money, the majority felt that the opportunity was too good to pass up. Senators thought it was a good way for the donor to figure out whether the student body truly wanted an improved fitness center. "At the end of the day we have to consider what will make the quality of life better," Senator Rafi Goldberg said. "I believe this will." Caplan called the motivations of the donor to question. "For me, if you give a donation, give a full-hearted donation," Caplan said. Senators also debated whether the gym renovations, which include additional televisions with channels not offered in the dorms, would benefit the school. "$66,000 on entertainment while we work out?" Katzin said. "I don't need to be entertained while I work out." Freshman Senator Jamil Ludd disagreed. "The TVs will have ESPN," he said. "Watching sports often gets you pumped." Fellow freshman Senator Zach Landau compared spending the $8,000 to past Senate projects. "This investment affects all students, kind of like the campus center patio," he said. "We gave the Concert Board $18,000 for a one-day project, and this will be permanent." Other Senate members found it impossible to make a decision because it was unknown what students truly wanted. "You're assuming everyone wants it [money for the equipment]. Why don't we ask other groups on campus whether they really want the equipment?" freshman Senator Simon Sassenberg said. "That way, we can gauge interest and be fiscally responsible." To be sure about student opinion, some senators suggested that the TCU Senate wait a week to make a decision as to whether or not they should spend the $8,000 necessary to receive the anonymous donation. "We need to think about this. It should be tabled," sophomore Senator Jos?© V??zquez said. Sophomore Senator Jonathon Gais said the anonymous donor had given more in the past and wanted work to be "done yesterday." "If we table it a week, we might lose the money," Aguh said. "We know what students want, and it is more equipment." The money will be taken from the Student Activities Fee surplus as soon as the donation is made.

---

News

Tufts community responds to new

March 8

Students must still wait to receive emergency contraceptive pills, heightening even further the sense of urgency which surrounds the notion of "emergency" contraceptives. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) postponed the approval of Plan B, a brand of emergency contraceptive, for sale over-the-counter in February. Conservative members in Congress lobbied that that Plan B would encourage sexual promiscuity, after an FDA advisory board recommended that Plan B be sold. Last month, the FDA concluded that more research needed to be done on the drug's effect on 16- and 17-year-olds before allowing it to be sold. The FDA said that the postponement of the decision was not politically motivated. Plan B is the only emergency contraceptive -- or "morning-after" pill -- seeking approval to be made available over-the-counter. At Tufts, females, especially those who have had previous experience using the pill, support the measure. "I can imagine that a lot of the anxiety I endured while I waited to have my prescription filled would have been alleviated if I had been able to simply walk to the nearest pharmacy and purchase the drug," one junior, who wished to remain anonymous, said. Junior Natassia Pura agrees. "I believe the [morning-after] pill should be available over-the-counter; waiting for a prescription defeats the purpose of a fast emergency contraceptive," she said. According to Health Services, emergency contraception is often provided to Tufts students. Even on Sundays, when Health Services is closed, a clinician is on call and can be reached through the Tufts Police from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. "We gladly give it to students," Tufts Health Services Nurse Manager Kathy Savage said. "The sooner it is taken the more effective it is, and so the sooner it gets to the public the better." "I think that it should be available as quickly as possible. If you need a prescription for it, by the time you are actually able to get in touch with your doctor and get the prescription, it may be too late," junior Emily Kaplan said. The drug decreases in efficacy the longer one waits to take it, and doctors recommend using emergency contraceptives within five days of the sexual encounter. Because the drug is time-sensitive, health professionals support the change from prescription to over-the-counter access. The FDA's decision to delay the over-the-counter sale of Plan B comes in the wake of a growing political debate around whether or not the pills should be made so readily available to the general public. "I think what bothers a lot of conservatives is not just the increased promiscuity, it's that sex is removed from consequences, and hence, from responsibility," senior Travis Rumans said. "I think that they are rightly concerned with the decline of responsibility in this generation." Some conservative lawmakers believe that allowing greater accessibility to the pill could lead to an increase in unsafe sex and sexually transmitted diseases, especially in teens. Plan B proponents believe that wider access will prevent about half of the 3 million unplanned pregnancies that occur each year. "This is not the abortion pill; it is a drug that is safe. It has very low side effects and hopefully it will lead to fewer abortions," Savage said. Despite his personal beliefs, Rumans said that precautions may be necessary in today's society. "You might want society to conform to an ideal, but it's not hypocritical to have safeguards in place when they fail," Rumans said. Savage expressed doubt regarding the extent of students' knowledge of the pill. "This is not the abortion pill; it is a drug that is safe. It has very low side effects and hopefully it will lead to fewer abortions," Savage said. Emergency contraception pills are stocked in the Health Services Office and are available to students for $10. Students are able to purchase the pills directly from Health Services for up to five days after intercourse. On December 16, 2003, members of the FDA's Reproductive Health Drugs and Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committees voted 23-4 in favor of a measure to provide Plan B in a non-prescription setting.

---

News

A universal fob system in the works

March 8

Students may soon be able to enter dorms all over campus without help from their friends. "I think a lot of people agree that this would open up community on campus," Tufts Community Union (TCU) freshman senator Andrew Caplan said. The idea of a universal fob system had been discussed in the TCU Senate for a few years, he said. Caplan decided to pursue the project earlier this year and met with Director of Public Safety John King and Director of Residential Life & Learning (ResLife) Yolanda King. "Neither were about ready to endorse the program immediately, but [said] it was potentially feasible," Caplan said. The TCU senate then included a question about the universal fob on its Senate survey to find out whether on-campus students would be in support of the change. An overwhelming 81 percent of the approximately 1250 polled students supported the idea. "Students would be able to have visitors, and residence halls also [routinely] have functions and meetings," Mr. King said. "It's a matter of convenience and a practical issue." After further discussion with Caplan, Ms. King plans to conduct a separate survey to further assess students' preferences before deciding on whether or not to implement the change. "The members of the Housing Committee from the Senate have been meeting with me to create another fob survey that will go out to all residential students to see what interests exist around having a universal fob," Ms. King said. "As we continue to consider this as a community, we must maintain the safety, well being, and security of all students." Freshman Allison Preiss does not believe that an increase in vandalism would directly come as a result of the implementation of a universal fob system. "If the concern is theft or vandalism, there's no difference between being in someone else's dorm and being on a different floor of your own dorm," she said. "[If you live on the second floor of Tilton], anything that could happen in Houston could happen on the third, fourth and first floors of Tilton." Ms. King did not believe that the universal fobs would represent many new safety concerns with regard to dorm access, and said that "tailgating or using the phone" enabled students to get into highly trafficked residence halls regardless. Freshman Caroline Pronovost also pointed out how the universal fob could offer greater security for those outside. "If someone feels threatened on campus they have no quick refuge unless they are near their own dorm," she said. Freshman Manka Angwafo, however, was concerned about the implications of a universal system. "I think it lessens the security -- you can't tell who is a student and who isn't anymore," she said. "It's just nice when only the people in your hall can enter. Some freak is going to use his fob to stalk people." Caplan did say that the fob system would not be universal around the clock, but would switch back to the dorm-specific system sometime during the night. Fobs were originally implemented as a pilot program in South Hall for more convenient residence hall access. "The whole point was to make it easier and quicker to get in the dorms as a safety precaution," Caplan said. Ms. King said that the Committee of Public Safety originally decided on a fob for dorm entrance rather than a swipe card. "It's been a great success, the system is very reliable," he said. "The fobs don't really break or wear out." Following the South Hall pilot, JumboFob systems were added to 13 additional residence halls. The remaining half of Tufts residence halls still do use fobs. Making the fob system universal would represent a minimal cost, Caplan said, and would only involve reprogramming the system. ResLife also anticipates adding fob systems this summer to some of the larger residence halls on campus, including Haskell and Carmichael. Harvard has a universal access system for all dorms for much of the day and night, according to Harvard freshman Stephen Dewey. Freshmen may enter any other freshman dorms and any upper-class residence halls, but upperclassmen may not enter freshman dorms. "It's definitely a good idea," Dewey said. "It's good for social life and [is] convenient." Dewey does not feel particularly threatened by the arrangement. "There's no reason why freshmen from other dorms are any more threatening than freshman from your own dorm." Additionally, further technology provides a greater precaution: because access is granted through students' ID cards, Harvard keeps a log of who swipes in where. In this way, said Dewey, police were able to catch perpetrators of several sexual assault violations that occurred this past fall.

---

News

Three new pairs searching for some chemistry

March 8

Driven by the depth of last year's singles players, the Tufts men's tennis team earned a 7-6 record in 2003, finishing fourth in the competitive NESCAC conference and 21st in the nation. The doubles team did not play poorly, but it certainly did not excel, compiling a record of 22-24. Four of Tufts' seven losses in 2003 came at the hands of teams ranked in the top 16 in the country. This year's rankings place 2003 NESCAC champion Williams at number two in the country, Middlebury at number four, Bowdoin at 13, and MIT at 16. These four teams handed the Jumbos consecutive losses in 2003 proving the difficulty of Tufts' schedule. This year, the team will rely on a core of four veterans and two rookies in three completely new combinations in an attempt to strengthen the Jumbos' doubles play and enhance the team's chances of beating out its NESCAC rivals. One obstacle to this improvement will be the loss of David Ruttenberg, who graduated last spring. In 2002, Ruttenberg joined freshman Rifat Perahya to form a doubles team that would remain together for two years, amassing an impressive record of 24-10 while playing in the first doubles spot. While last year the pair's play resulted in a record of just 8-7, the duo occupied opponents' strong first doubles teams, allowing the third position doubles pair of then-junior Jon Bram and then-freshman Jon Rubenstein to cruise to an 11-6 mark. "Loss [of Ruttenberg] affected the team big time." Perahya said. "He was a very solid doubles player so we are forced to create new doubles teams for this season." Coach Jim Watson has elected to pair Bram with Perahya, breaking up last year's successful third team of Bram and Rubenstein. So far, the move seems to be working out well. "I've been playing a lot of doubles with Rifat [Perahya] and there seems to be major chemistry between us with me playing the backhand side and him on the forehand side," Bram said. Bram also praised Perahya's calmness on the court in juxtaposition to Bram's self described more intense style. "It's good for a doubles team because he calms me down well." Perahya has proven himself to be a bona fide NESCAC stud, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2002 and All-NESCAC honors in 2003. Bram contributed a 7-8 record at second and third singles, in addition to his winning doubles record with Rubenstein. Rounding out the doubles teams will be two pairs consisting of an experienced doubles veteran and an incoming freshman. Rubenstein will pair up with freshman lefthander Sean McCooey, while junior Adam Yates, who played to a 3-9 record at second doubles last year with graduate Danny Lang, will join hard serving freshman Corey Keller. If the Jumbos are to continue to improve in the national rankings, these three new duos will quickly have to find their chemistry.

---

News

A professor follows his own beat

March 8

The chaotic sounds of sirens, propellers, and electric bells rang through the ears of a teenage Paul Lehrman the summer that he was first introduced to composer George Antheil's famous "Ballet Mechanique." Although such sounds may not be what the typical person conjures up in his head when thinking of music, Lehrman, currently a member of Tufts music department, thinks otherwise. For the past several years, he has been working on creating a documentary film to explain the phenomenon behind Antheil's work. A controversial early twentieth century composer, many critics deemed Antheil's music noisy and cacophonous. Lehrman's film debuted in Trenton, N.J. last March. The task of making the film was actually the offspring of a much greater task. In 1998, Lehrman was asked by music publisher G. Schirmer to help realize the original, never-performed version of George Antheil's 1924 "Ballet Mechanique." The original score called for technology that did not exist at the time, such as high tech pianos and a music publisher. It also called for unconventional noisemakers, including sirens, electric bells, and propellers. Using his extensive knowledge of Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI), Lehrman was able to electronically convert the original composition to sixteen synchronized player pianos, something that Antheil was unable to do back in 1924. "I'd been working with MIDI and computers for twenty years," Lehrman said, "but this was the first time that I actually got to do something historical and reach into the last century ... I got to rescue a piece of music." Lehrman was only five years old when he began taking piano lessons. Born into a musical family -- his with a composing brother and a violin playing father -- music has always been at his core. At one point, Lehrman could play a total of seventeen instruments. "I played rock, folk, jazz, classical, I sang in choirs, I sang solo," Lehrman recounted. Lehrman spent his high school summers at the University of Vermont Summer Music Session, a music camp where, in addition to having the time of his life, one of his teachers familiarized him with a variety of percussion ensemble pieces, one of which was "Ballet Mechanique." He had no contact with the piece, however, until twenty years later when he began to work on bringing it to the concert hall. "I thought about [the piece]," Lehrman said. "It was kind of just lying dormant in the back of my mind all those years." After high school, Lehrman studied electronic music composition at Columbia University for two years until he decided to take a hiatus. When he returned to school, he attended SUNY Purchase, where he got his B.F.A. in orchestral performance as a bassoonist. Lehrman was a member of the faculty at UMass Lowell for several years before he was recruited by music Professor David Locke for the Multimedia Arts Program at Tufts, and in 2000, he joined the Tufts faculty. Currently, Lehrman is teaching a class called "Electronic Musical Instrument Design," which is offered through the music department, but is cross-listed as a class in the Mechanical Engineering Department. "I love Tufts," Lehrman said. "I love the students here, the attitude here, and the support ... my favorite thing about Academia is bridging the departments." In addition to being a lecturer, Lehrman is also a journalist, and writes a monthly column for Mix Magazine. Some of his recent topics have been issues such as vocal synthesis -- the idea of computers replacing singers, "why the world is so loud," and copyright infringement involving file sharing programs such as Napster. He has also written free-lance articles on the topic of "Ballet Mechanique" for other music magazines including Wired and Electronic Musician. In total, he has published over 500 articles in the last twenty-five years. When Lehrman is not teaching, writing, or working on one of "Ballet Mechanique's" many performances (since its debut in 1999 at UMass Lowell, it has been performed at over six venues worldwide), Lehrman spends his time composing. He has composed music for various television documentaries, and in April, he will be performing an improvisational piece called "I dig a pigmy" at a sampler with other faculty members. Lehrman completed his documentary, entitled "Bad Boy Made Good," about "Ballet Mecanique" and its composer, which has received much acclaim, last March. After the premiere in Trenton (Antheil's hometown), Lehrman showcased his documentary at a film festival in New Haven, Conn, where it won first prize. Modestly, Lehrman joked about his win. "The winners were decided by audience vote, which means my mom probably voted fourteen times," he said. "Bad Boy Made Good" premiered at Tufts last month. The film, which was written and produced by Lehrman, was directed by Ron Frank, an award-winning documentary filmmaker in Los Angeles. A number of Tufts faculty and students, including professor Howard Woolf and graduate student Don Schechter, were involved in producing the documentary.

---

News

Zoein sisters qualify for Nationals

March 8

The Tufts' women's fencing team has an undermanned roster and receives little recognition both on-campus and on the national collegiate scene. But that didn't stop the Jumbos from sending two fencers to the NCAA National Championships. Following strong showings at last weekend's NCAA Regional Championships at Columbia University, sophomore Kat and freshman sister Louisa May Zouein will advance to Nationals, to be held at nearby Brandeis University in two weeks. Kat placed fifth overall and Louisa May was seventh out of a field of approximately 35 sabrists. While Tufts sent two athletes to Nationals as recently as last year, when Kat Zouein and then-senior Kasara Williams qualified, this year is unprecedented in how young the Jumbo contingent will be-- a fact that bodes extremely well for the program's future. "As a young team, we're going to get better, and it will definitely be fun to watch," sophomore Julia Shih said. The Brown and Blue contingent at Regionals included representatives from all but one class, which is another promising sign of the team's future potential. Simply qualifying for the regional competition is difficult, but six Jumbos made the cut, including first-year fencer, freshman Katie Mueller, an epeeist. Senior co-captain Talia Alexander also qualified in the epee, senior co-captain Christina Zahara and Shih in the foil, and the Zouein sisters in the sabre. No one had an easy weekend, as regional competition is of a level considerably higher than the typical regular-season meet. "All in all, it's a tough day not only because it's long, but also because these are the best fencers in the region," Zahara said. "It's not like other competitions where there's more of a mix. You have to be on from the start; otherwise you're screwed and don't move up." At Columbia, athletes fenced in pools to determine who would graduate to the second round and who would be eliminated. For Tufts, only the Zoueins and Shih advanced. "This is the most stressful event of the year for fencers," coach Jason Sachs said. "As you get closer and closer to your goal, the pressure wears you down more and more." He said that maintaining concentration amid the pressure is one of the greatest challenges of the regional meet. "If you lose your concentration or give in to your emotions, you are done for, not just for the day, but for the season," Sachs said. "There is no team to hide behind, just a person who is out there trying to beat you and go on. You have to control yourself, understand and beat your opponent at the same time." Sachs said that the stress of a day at Regionals, "ages a coach by at least two years," but he was pleased with his team's results. "I am so impressed [by] these girls' ability to persevere through obvious difficulty," he said. Shih was eliminated after the second pool, finishing 20th overall. Last year, she didn't make it out of the first round, so she was excited to meet her personal goal of advancing this year. "This tournament has the best of our region, so I knew I was going to have a very difficult day," Shih said. "I was really happy that I [made it out of the first round]. It was a nice end to the season." NCAA qualifications are based on a combination of factors, with 40 percent of the scoring derived from regular-season victories against strong opponents, and the other 60 percent from the athlete's performance at Regionals. Both Zoueins entered Regionals with strong rankings based upon regular-season success against some top-notch schools. For instance, winning just one of three bouts against a strong opponent from St. John's helps an athlete's ranking far more than going three-for-three against a lesser opponent such as Wellesley. According to Sachs, many of Tufts' opponents this winter were chosen in order to provide the Zouein sisters with high-level competition to bolster their NCAA rankings. "This year's schedule was designed for their qualification path," Sachs said. "The team had to fence some extremely hard schools to get Kat and Louisa their rankings going into regional qualifiers. So they have their teammates to thank for their rankings." Louisa May Zouein had some close calls on her way to securing a berth at Nationals, and according to her sister, "just about gave the whole team a heart attack." Sachs explained that when 15 remaining sabrists were cut down to ten for the finals, Louisa May had the same number of wins and losses (1-3) as two other fencers. "In football, it's a game of inches, [but] in fencing, it's indicators. Indicators are based on hits scored and hits received," Sachs explained. "Louisa made it into the last round by an 'inch.'" In other words, over the course of her bouts, Louisa May had scored just one more hit than the athletes she was tied with, and therefore advanced, while the other fencers were eliminated. "She went up and the other two did not," Sachs said. "She will be at Nationals and they will not be, simple as that. The entire year -- all the hours [and] years of work -- came down to one touch."

---

News

Education Briefs

March 8

'The Passion' puts elementary school teacher in hot water Ronald Anthony, a teacher at Malcolm X Middle School in Washington, D.C., was placed on paid leave after allegedly showing some of his students portions of Mel Gibson's controversial new film, "The Passion of the Christ". At least 16 students viewed clips from the film, which violently depicts the final hours of Jesus Christ before dying on a crucifix. Interim Superintendent for the District of Columbia Public Schools Elfreda Massie said that Anthony would not resume teaching until a full investigation regarding the incident was completed. Anthony apparently told school officials he chose to screen portions of the film because it tied in with material students were reading in their textbooks at the time. It is still unclear how Anthony obtained a copy of the film, which has not yet been released on VHS or DVD. Recovering addict students find increasing support in colleges Following a growing trend in colleges throughout the country, an increasing number of schools are starting to implement programs designed to help recovering alcoholics and drug addicts in college Rutgers University was once the only school in the nation with such a program, though now more than a half dozen, including Texas Tech University and University of Texas at Austin, are implementing programs. Although in many schools there are programs designed to reduce binge drinking and drug-related vandalism, there are not necessarily enough resources for actual addicts. A 2002 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration survey found that an estimated 686,000 adults aged 18-25 received treatment for substance abuse problems over the past year. UCLA administrator arrested for selling human cadavers Henry Reid, head of the cadaver research program at the University of California, Los Angeles, was arrested Saturday on suspicion of grand theft. Employees at the university allegedly sold donated cadavers and body parts to researchers for profit, which is illegal despite the lightly regulated market. Reid has been placed on leave, a school official said. Before his arrest, Reid oversaw the university's Willed Body Program, which receives about 175 human cadavers each year for teaching and research purposes. There has been increasing pressure in recent years from relatives who claim bodies were not disposed of properly. Although many medical schools have begun phasing out the use of human remains for research and teaching purposes, there is still a high demand for human body parts and tissues in biomedical and other commercial fields. Reid has been detained on $20,000 bail in Los Angeles County Jail, and is scheduled to be arraigned today. -- Compiled by Patrick Gordon from CNN.com and The New York Times

---

News

Megerle departing as head coach

March 8

Gravity and the sunrise have been just about the only two things more certain over the past 33 years than coach Don Megerle's presence on the pool deck alongside the Tufts men's swimming team. During his tenure guiding Tufts' winningest team, over a span that has seen eight different US presidents dating back to Richard Nixon, Megerle has won two NESCAC Coach of the Year awards, five New England Coach of the Year honors, and has seen his swimmers excel in regular and post-season competition. The sun may be setting on Megerle's colorful career with the Jumbos, however. The first-ever Master Coach at Tufts does not plan to return next season to coach the team he has guided for more than 30 years. Megerle has coached the team since former coach Ed Reed's departure to Brown in the spring of 1971. "I just happened to walk in at that time. The whole job process was done on the phone," Megerle said. "I came out for an interview, I wanted it, and it was a done deal." But despite the role chance played in Megerle's hiring, there is no luck in the amount of success Megerle and his teams have had in and out of Hamilton Pool. Hard work and a nearly military-esque coaching style have helped him build a successful program. Megerle's intense coaching routine included arriving at Tufts before 4 a.m. most days. He was heavily involved in his swimmers' lives and felt maintaining a close relationship with the team ensured success in the pool and beyond. Megerle was highly concerned about the prevalence of alcohol and drugs in college life, and often recommended reduced eating routines for swimmers prior to important meets in hopes of faster times. The coach will leave Tufts with a 267-81 overall record. Over the past five years alone, the Jumbos have a 39-7 dual-meet record, yielding a .848 winning percentage. Tufts has held steady or moved up in the NESCAC championships standings in each of the last three seasons, finishing third this year. Further, the Jumbos have had numerous selections to All-NESCAC teams and have sent swimmers to multiple NCAA national meets. This year, Tufts will send its 200 yard freestyle relay team to represent the Jumbos at NCAAs. Megerle's departure comes as a surprise to many, who viewed the veteran leader as a stalwart of Jumbo athletics. The exact terms of the departure are unclear, and according to both the men and women's swim coaching staffs, he could be returning after a yearlong sabbatical. During next season, he also may still have a role with the team. Having coached for so long, Megerle insists he needs the time off. "It's just time for a break," Megerle said. "I want these swimmers to see for themselves, and I know they will, that they can, and will, succeed here with someone else." Nancy Bigelow, the women's swimming coach and personal friend of Megerle's for 28 years, supports his decision. "Don's passion for his job and his athletes is evident to all who know him," Bigelow said. "He puts his heart and soul into everything. He gladly shares his knowledge of the sport, and has graciously shared his time." Megerle won NESCAC Coach of the Year honors this year for the second straight season. Announced last week at the NESCAC Championships at Bowdoin, the award adds to Megerle's collection, which also includes the five New England Coach of the Year selections, the Tufts University Distinguished Service Award in 1996, and an upcoming Award of Service from the Jumbo Club, a distinction usually granted only to alumni. Megerle also was the recipient of the Dick Steadman Award, presented to him by the executive board of the College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) in 1991. He also received the Paragon Award from the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1999, and is poised to win the Bethany Distinguished Alumni Service award from his alma mater, Bethany College, in April. Further, Megerle serves as secretary of the CSCAA and organizes both men's Division I and III national meets. This season, the team's third-place finish at the NESCAC championships was the highest position Tufts has seen in recent years, which Megerle attributed to the swimmers. "The team this year was very mature; they knew what to expect," Megerle said. "There were no mysteries, and [the swimmers] knew exactly what they were going up against." Still, regardless of his success, Megerle doesn't heap praise upon himself. Instead, he says it is he who is thanking all of his swimmers and fellow swim coaches for their contributions as he prepares for his departure. "It's important to thank people, you should never forget how you got to where you are, because you didn't get there alone," Megerle said. "Somebody, something, some group, your family, someone helped you to get there." Swimmers agreed, saying it was Megerle who helped them get to where they are today. "Coach is absolutely amazing," sophomore swimmer Steve Ward said. "This is only my second year [on the swim team at Tufts], but the difference he has made on my swimming and on me as a person [makes it] seem like the time I've known him has been a lot longer."

---

News

Defending homosexuality using the bible

March 8

While reading Lydia Claudio's opinions about God's view on homosexuality as a sin (printed on Tuesday, March 2), I became curious about her interpretations of the rest of the New Testament. Lydia is clearly quite familiar with the New Testament, as she quoted several excerpts from it in order to support her opinion that God condemns homosexuality. The New Testament is a collection of letters and documents written thousands of years ago by people who assume authority based on their assertions that they have conversed with God. Lydia's viewpoint leads me to believe that she takes to heart all of these people's statements. As Lydia so clearly stated in her viewpoint, the New Testament includes many "standards of conduct" that God requires of us, in addition to His disapproval of homosexuality. Many of these "standards of conduct" focus strongly on the status and acceptable behavior of women A writer in the Pastoral Epistles commands: "Let a woman learn in silence with full submission. I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she is to keep silent" (1 Timothy 2:11-12). Furthermore, Paul, one of the greatest authority figures of early Christianity, bestows his belief to readers of the New Testament that "women should be silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be subordinate, as the law also says ... For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church." (1 Corinthians 14:34-35) However, if these remarks are to be taken literally, then why are many women vocal in churches throughout the country? Why is it that they are allowed positions of authority within the church? Paul additionally asserts that "man was not made from woman, but woman from man. Neither was man created for the sake of woman, but woman for the sake of man." (1 Corinthians 11:5-9). As a woman, I wonder if Lydia passively accepts statements made thousands of years ago that women are subordinate to men, that they must remain silent and submissive, and that they were created for the sake of men. As a baptized and confirmed Christian, and as a woman, I do not accept this. If I refuse to accept these statements in the Bible, then I feel free to do the same in regards to statements condemning the act of homosexuality. Christianity preaches that we should not judge one another. Yet if we condemn homosexuality as a sin, are we not judging them? Homosexuality is a lifestyle which people do not choose, but are born into. How can we denounce the way a person is born, while at the same time claiming that we are not judging people? As a Christian, I believe that I can communicate with God independently of the Bible. Not everything stated in the New Testament requires a literal interpretation. I do not believe that God loves all His children except those who were born as homosexuals. The God I know loves all His children indiscriminately. Interpretations of the Bible have been the causes of wars, bigotry, and hatred for too many years. I pray that one day Christians will learn to heed their own advice, and cease to judge those with differing lifestyles and beliefs. I pray that Christianity focus itself more on love and respect, and less on the "wrong opinions" of those of other faiths. Amanda Bell is a sophomore with an undeclared major.

---

News

Miracles and matters of fact

March 8

All historians do write with an agenda, as Adam Mueller pointed out last week ("Historians cannot take Bible as true history," March 4). In fact all writers have an agenda when they write. It would be rather odd to sit down to pound out random letters on one's keyboard. The real question is always what the agenda is, particularly in matters of proposed fact -- is it to tell truth, or to tell lies? "Agenda" is itself a neutral word, but with a (sometimes sinister) connotation of withholding or distorting the real truth. This is often the sense of "agenda" attributed to the authors of the Bible. Last week my intention was not to present a full defense for the Bible as a true depiction of history. All I intended was to think through a particular objection -- that the New Testament (NT) was really just cobbled together in the Middle Ages by some European power cabal. Adam Mueller was right to respond that I had not gone far enough. Even if I did show that one book of the NT, the Gospel of John, was written at least a decade before 100 A.D., I have not shown a few crucial things: Did John, the friend of Jesus, write it? Did he intend to tell the truth? Did he succeed? As for the first, the book itself claims to be written by an eyewitness, a disciple of Jesus, and while never giving his name, uses the (modest) "pseudonym", "the beloved disciple." The context in which the name is used in the events depicted, compared to the other Gospels, suggests the "beloved disciple" was indeed John, son of Zebedee. But we don't have to have the Bible tell us that. One of the first Christian pastors, Irenaeus of Lyons, France, around 180 A.D. writes simply, "John, the disciple of the Lord, who also had leaned upon his breast, had himself published a Gospel during his residence in Ephesus in Asia." Dozens of these early pastors, from the first hundred or so years after Jesus, are some of our best witnesses that the NT we have now is authentic. If you put all their quotations of the NT together, you would get a copy missing only a handful of verses. Was Jesus the Messiah? Was he the Son of God? How would we know unless we had evidence? John is simply saying, "yes, and here's the evidence," as any witness would try to report what he had seen. How do you someone was or wasn't in the Air National Guard, for instance, unless someone produces evidence for you to believe? Some would say that John is not trying to tell the truth, but only a story, like a fable or a fairy tale. While it is true that someone who tells a fable is not a liar, someone who tells a fable as if it were really true fact would be a liar. But John writes these stories as if they were real events. And so does Luke, and Matthew, and Mark in their Gospels. If they were liars then they were very good ones, for thousands of people believed them. But they were also very foolish liars, for their lies only got them hunted down and killed. While we can imagine someone dying for something they believe to be true, who would ever die for something they knew to be false? It is easier to believe that these men wanted to write the truth with no distortions or cover-ups, especially when they themselves come across in their own works as cowardly, bumbling, and arrogant. They faithfully record their embarrassing squabbles, slow-wits, and abandonment of Jesus at the very end. Some cannot believe that the Gospel writers intended to tell the truth because the Gospels contain miracles. Miracles, they say, cannot be true, so the Gospels must be a story or a lie. But this is odd reasoning. Imagine a president who, upon receiving a report on climate change, dismissed it on the spot. Imagine if his reason for dismissing it was that it had evidence of global warming in it, and he didn't believe that global warming existed. Wouldn't that be rather foolish? Mr. President, we would say, you cannot dismiss evidence because it doesn't match your conclusion, you have to make your conclusion based on the evidence. And the same is true here, isn't it? The Gospels claim to be historical documents. We cannot dismiss them as such because they contain historical events that we, sight unseen, don't believe can exist. Did John succeed in telling the truth? Historians don't have to say, "we don't know". The events John records are easily corroborated by Luke (c. 70 A.D.), whose work is so packed with historical references (Tiberius, Qurinius, Pontius Pilate, etc) it is a one of those most reliable ancient documents around. Many of us have no doubt taken a political science class and read Thucydides' History, written c. 400 B.C.. We have no problem treating it as reliable history, even though our earliest actual manuscript is from 900 A.D. -- a gap of 1,300 years. The earliest actual copy of Luke we have is c. 200 AD, a gap of barely over a hundred years. We can take it as reliable history before making any judgment on the truth of the theological claims within it. We don't need to "just unconditionally trust" here, especially if we are Christians. Faith does not mean believing in something you know is false. Hinduism doesn't need a founder. Buddhism doesn't need the Buddha. But without a historical Christ there is no Christianity. "Christianity" means "God entered human history as a man, lived among us, died and rose again". If it happened in history, then there can be good evidence for it, just like any other event. And there is good evidence for it. Those who seek it will find it. You don't need to check your brain at the door.

---

News

Jumbos look to boast strong singles squad

March 8

With all but two starters returning, the men's tennis team looks to improve on last spring's 7-6 performance, and appears to have the firepower at singles to get the job done. Although they will miss their departed seniors, namely former co-captain David Ruttenberg, the Jumbos expect to succeed with a deep and capable lineup. Taking over for Ruttenberg this season at first singles is junior Rifat Perahya. A 2003 NESCAC All-Conference First Team selection, Perahya played mostly at second singles last season with one appearance at first singles, where he handily defeated Brandeis number one Tomas Wallenberg, 6-1, 7-5, in the season opener. Overall, he finished 2003 with a record of 10-5, including a mark of 8-2 in dual matches. Perahya is not concerned about making the jump to the number one slot this season, as he is familiar with much of his opposition. "Most of the league's other number ones graduated," Perahya said. "So I will be playing the people I played last year [at second singles], and I was able to beat most of them, so I think I can do well." Following Perahya in the lineup at second singles will be senior captain Jon Bram. With a 24-16 career mark to his name, Bram enters 2004 as the elder statesman on the Jumbos, and he has the experience of a 6-8 campaign last spring at third singles to his name. Bram's one appearance at second singles last season also came in the Brandeis match where he was victorious 6-3, 6-1, over David Block, bringing his overall 2003 record to 7-8. He will team with Perahya this season at first doubles. Bram is quick to emphasize the depth that surrounds him in the lineup this season. "A lot of spots are still up for grabs," Bram said. "Because our two through six guys are all very close in ability." Look for junior Adam Yates and sophomore Ben Alexander to also play important roles in this year's lineup. Primarily playing fifth singles, Yates amassed a 10-7 overall record including an 8-4 mark in dual matches. Generally in the sixth slot, Alexander coasted to an overall mark of 13-4, picking up only one loss in dual competition. Yates and Alexander will likely occupy the third and fourth positions to begin the season. An area for potential concern this year is the Jumbo's somewhat peculiar schedule where they open the season at Bates before spring break, a time usually reserved for practice and conditioning. While this will certainly accelerate preparations, Bram is confident in his team's abilities. "All of the guys on the team have a good work ethic," Bram said. "So we should be able to manage just fine." Coming off a somewhat disappointing season, the talented Jumbos are ranked only 24th nationally and seventh in the Northeast. The team's expectations are far greater, however, and the Jumbos are confident that they will prove their worth to the rest of Div. III. "I think we should be ranked higher than 24th," Perahya said. "With the additions to our lineup, we can do much better this season."

---

News

Team fails to produce additional qualifiers at ECAC's

March 7

The men's track and field team finished fourth at the ECAC Championship over the weekend, and still didn't get the kind of results it was hoping for. With one last chance to send individuals on to the upcoming NCAA National Championships at University of Wisconsin at Whitewater, the Jumbos failed to produce any new qualifying times at the ECAC's on Friday and Saturday at Bowdoin. Despite running tired, not competing in eight events, and approaching the meet from an individual rather than a team outlook, Tufts still placed fourth out of 36 schools. Only Cortland (92), Bates (82) and Springfield (59) finished ahead of Tufts (56.5). Despite the impressive team result, the Jumbos were still disappointed with their failure to qualify runners. "Unfortunately, we just couldn't get anyone in," coach Connie Putnam said. "Nothing really went as well as we would have liked." The closest the Jumbos got was in the 55 meter hurdles, where junior Nate Thompson placed second in the finals, finishing in a career best 7.77 seconds and just missing the provisional qualifying time of 7.74. Thompson was disqualified in the long jump due to a foul, but teammate freshman Fred Jones finished second with a jump of 22 feet, 7.75 inches, and also captured first in the triple jump with a 46-02.5. Still, neither was his best leap. "He was basically warming up for next week," Putnam said. Junior Ray Carre ran to a fifth place finish time of 50.68 in the 400m and sophomore Pat Mahoney placed sixth in the 800m with a time of 1:57.12, but both fell short of qualifying. "Pat still ran a pretty good race," Putnam said. "It was really busy with everyone making moves, but he did a good job navigating traffic." In the 1500m, sophomore Matt Fortin finished third with a time 3:59.33, which was a career best, but "nowhere near what we had hoped he would run," Putnam said. Further down, junior Nate Brigham (4:04.88), sophomore Kyle Doran (4:06.27), and junior Brian McNamara (4:08.51) finished 13th, 15th, and 16th, respectively. Doran's race was particularly disappointing, as he had hoped to improve upon his provisional qualifying time of 3:54.91. "He never got involved in the competitive part of the race," Putnam said. "He got stuck back at the beginning and then he didn't have anything left." "I wasn't feeling too good going up to the line, and then I got caught in the second and third lane for a lot of the race," Doran said. "It was rough, but I'll be ready to go next weekend if I make it." In the 5000m, sophomore Matt Lacey finished sixth in 15:05.98, freshman Josh Kennedy placed seventh in 15:25.66, and junior Mike Don, battling a cold, placed tenth in 15:58.17. The Jumbos did not quite get the race they had hoped in the 4 x 400 meter relay, where the squad of freshman Nate Cleveland, sophomores Trevor Williams and Pat Mahoney, and junior Ray Carre finished fifth (3:23.89) but failed to improve upon their provisional qualifying time of 3:18.7. The distance-medley relay team of McNamara, Carre, junior Aaron Kaye, and Fortin were the only Jumbos the entire day to produce a qualifying time, locking up third place with a 10:11.6. However, it was not as fast as the 10:09.5 qualifying time produced last week with McNamara, Carre, Cleveland and Fortin, and Putnam will apply to NCAA's with the latter foursome's time in order to heighten the Jumbos chances of qualifying. In the weight throw, junior Dan March failed to improve his qualifying time, throwing 51-10.5. In the pole vault, sophomore Seth LaPierre tied for sixth with a 14-05.5. He cleared at 15-1, but his hand knocked the bar as it left the pole. Freshmen Dan Jones, Scott Merrick, Dan Sullivan, and anchor Kaye finished eleventh in the 4 x 800 (8:05.5), while Merrick and Jones also competed in the 1000. "We were so fired up last weekend," Putnam said. "This weekend, we were digging from the start. We fell into a hole and we just looked tired and had trouble getting going. Everyone has a day like that; it just seemed like a lot of the guys had that day this weekend." As a result, there are no new qualifiers. Provisional qualifiers Brigham in the 5000m, Doran in the 1500m, Jones in the jumps, March in the weight throw, and the DRM and 4x400m relay squads will have to wait until tonight to find out if they will move on to Wisconsin on March 12th and 13th. Jones seems a near lock in the triple jump, with Brigham having the second best chance. "But right now, all we can do is wait," Putnam said.

---