Archives

News

Alum responds to protestors at Bush speech

March 5

I was disappointed (but hardly surprised) to read accounts of the "protest" against President Bush's participation in the Fares lecture series. How curious that those who purport to be the champions of open mindedness, racial and cultural sensitivity and gender neutrality are the first to make every effort to quash any idea that does not conform to their own. How can anyone simultaneously desecrate this nation's symbol while running for cover behind the first amendment of the document it represents without recognizing the inherent hypocrisy of their actions? These are not voices of dissent, but infantile cries for attention. I say I'm not surprised because almost exactly 20 years ago, I watched these same idiots shout down Henry Kissinger for the crime of accepting an invitation to speak at the Fletcher school. Never mind what he might have had to say, it surely wouldn't have conformed with the leftist world view required by his detractors. None benefited that night from his perspective, whether or not they agreed with it, as Mr. Kissinger declined to continue his address rather than suffer the indignity of being peppered with profanity. No one was exposed to the thoughts and opinions of a man who, for better OR worse, had a hand in shaping late 20th century history. No one, pro or con, would ask a question about his role in the Viet Nam conflict, normalizing relations with the world's most populous nation or the machinations of the Nixon Administration. Thank heaven we were kept safe from exposure to what ever horror might have emanated from this man's mouth. So the next time your $30,000 per year education affords you the privilege of hearing first hand the thoughts, opinions and perspectives of a person who has likely accomplished more than you ever will, borne responsibilities that you will never know, faced decisions that impact an entire nation, if not the world, shut up and listen. Then, by all means, ask difficult, pointed (and hopefully intelligent) questions. You may not agree with the answers, but you'll most assuredly learn from them. Isn't that why you're there in the first place? Lon Swain (LA '84)

---

News

New production turns Barnum into a theater

March 5

"No one can understand this play until they see it," said cavewoman Heather Vergo. This is true. Pastoralia, sophomore Marc Frost's adaptation of a George Saunders story, is a bit complicated, very funny, and undoubtedly "quirky." The play, which is staged in Barnum 008, is about a future in which corporations dominate the job scene and "sympathetically" control their employees' lives. The plot takes place in a living theme park with historical exhibits ranging from Jesus Christ to our area of focus, the cave men. The corporate environment is most similar to that of the film Office Space. Characters spend their days, from 9 to 5, trying to get by in any way they can and dreading any looming "staff remixing" within the company. The two cave people pass the time in an observable cave environment in which they are not allowed to speak English or interact with park guests, and must live generally pre-civilized lives. Their only contact with the outside world is via fax. And at the end of the day they are to fill out "partner evaluation" forms. This is where most of the drama stems. Throughout the play we are introduced to a colorful array of characters including the Voice of Administration, a giddy business executive, and Marty, the owner of one of the park's concession stands. We also meet those characters who are passing through the park and who generally have, less than kosher interactions with the cave people. Frost's adaptation is warm, funny, and examines where we've come from and where we're going. The characters are at once exaggerated and authentic. The space is intimate and fitting for the piece. By all means, the show is definitely different than anything you may have experienced in the Balch Arena Theatre, but its content and execution are refreshing. Saunders is a witty, straightforward and funny writer and Frost's adaptation retains the best of his writing in his thorough adaptation and direction. Students involved in the production have described the experience as far from any other here at Tufts. Sophomore George Rausch has enjoyed working with a director who is also the writer, and said that Frost "really knows what he's talking about." But it is important, he says, to make the distinction between an original play and an adaptation. Frost, having adapted the play, took very few liberties with the story and "sometimes gets a little touchy about it." Even as a cast member, Rausch isn't really sure he understands the play, but seeing it, he says, "You feel something; you just can't quite put your finger on it." Another cast member, Vergo, describes the writing as "brilliant," and says it's great to be able to work directly with the writer because he knows what he wants and has a good grasp on the characters. Other cast members are excited about making use of a new space and discovering new ways to put on theater. Pastoralia is Tufts' first student production to make use of the undiscovered space in Barnum 008, as well as the debut production of a new student theater group, the Bare Bodkin Theatre Company. This first production of the new group will be the catalyst for getting the new company up and rolling. After proposing the show at a 3Ps' meeting and being beaten out by Black Comedy, Frost decided the show needed to go up, in spite of this setback. "It spoke to me, in that it needed to be staged," Frost said. "So I did, but it hasn't been that easy." Sponsored by 3Ps, Frost and Bare Bodkin were able to reserve a found-space for the show in Barnum. The show is independently funded, as funding came from soliciting donations and ads for the playbill. 'Pastoralia' will be staged in Barnum 008 on Saturday night at 6:30pm and 9:30pm. Admission is free, but donations are accepted and appreciated.

---

News

Seniors to celebrate with 'world famous scorpion bowls'

March 5

As seniors prepare to descend upon the Hong Kong in Harvard Square tonight for Senior Pub Night, we thought we should give you the lowdown on where we will be going to celebrate 100 -- more like 70 -- days before graduation. This three tiered bar, with a slight taste of ghetto flavor, is located at 1236 Mass Ave. Since the unfortunate closing of the Crimson, this place has become the hot spot for finding Harvard nerds and jocks alike. During the daytime hours, the Hong Kong is nothing but a restaurant offering the perfect combination of chicken fingers and the "world famous scorpion bowls." If you miss a meal here during the daytime hours though, don't fret. This restaurant is open until the bar upstairs closes, so if you get a case of the ravaging drunken munchies you can just walk downstairs for a sampling from the menu. Fair warning though, hold your breath if you plan on using the restaurant bathroom -- trust us. If you're looking for more of a liquid diet, bypass the restaurant and head up to the second floor. This is where Hong Kong's main bar is featured. You can grab a booth here and sample that "world famous scorpion bowl" in which they so nicely put a variety of small plastic animals for your hunting pleasure. If you want to make a game of it, you can become the animal that you've chosen from your bowl and hunt down your Ivy League prey. Or on nights like tonight, you may have a better chance at a Jumbo love match. Once you have a few drinks and scorpion bowls in you, you'll be ready to climb another set of stairs to make your debut on the dance floor. Drink up before you head upstairs though, because the bar by the dance floor has a much more limited selection than the second floor bar. So now you're out on the dance floor breaking out those moves we know you've been practicing in the mirror. The floor is a pretty good size and offers a variety of dance partners to chose from ranging from the ghetto thug to the preppy jock to the kid who will come up to you because his nerdy friend with the glasses in the corner has a crush on you. After a dance partner has been secured, the Hong Kong third floor DJ offers a variety of chart topping music from techno to hip hop to Madonna -- so you can break it down. As the night goes on, the dance floor often gets crowded so secure a spot early for your last minute attempt to burn spring break calories. Unless you plan on going on Tufts night, whereby you had to pay for your pub night ticket, the Hong Kong charges no cover. And if you're not 21, don't worry, the Hong Kong isn't too strict about the identification it accepts either. One difference we noticed between the Hong Kong and our previously surveyed bar, the Rack, was the age demographic of its patrons. A less professional crowd gathers here, seeming more like a college party than a Boston bar. The one difference is that this bar will also include that sketchy man with a beer belly who looks about 50 and stands in the corner checking you out. Don't worry, he's harmless. For those of you who were lucky enough to secure one of only 350 tickets offered to our class of over 1000 students, hold on to your ticket stub so that you can claim your "free gift" that you paid $5 for, on Friday at the Campus Center. To all the single ladies attending, you know the guy you've wanted since freshmen year will be there. Make like the animal in your scorpion bowl and hunt down your prey. This is one of only a few Senior Pub Nights left, so make the most of it at this popular Harvard drinking hole.

---

News

The Return of Toad

March 5

Last Saturday I was finally able to break a vicious, vicious, cycle. In the past I've been getting really into bands only to find they've broken up (or had otherwise stopped touring). It started with the Presidents of the United States of America, then Sublime, then Ben Folds Five. It was as if my developing more than cursory knowledge of a band caused "artistic differences." This pattern threatened to repeat itself with Toad the Wet Sprocket which had long been broken up before I bought Dulcinea last year. Fortunately (and surprisingly) the group got back together, if only temporarily, for one last tour. I, and the rest of the crowd at the sold out show, were more than grateful. The show opened with the Boston-based band Wheat, who I unfortunately missed. I was informed that before the show club managers pointed out all the exits of the club, a ripple of the Rhode Island nightclub tragedy felt here in Boston. Next was Bleu, another native son of Boston. The set got off to a rough start. "I've broken a lot of strings," Bleu told the crowd after the first song, "but never of the first chord." Nonetheless, the rest of the set went smoothly and he was even able to get some energy out of the 18+crowd. He was even able to impress the significant number of late 20s and older members of the audience, at least enough for them to hold off on their trip to the bar for a minute. Versatile in sound, Bleu at times calls to mind a happier, accentless Silverchair. In the song "I'm Doing Alright," his sound is reminiscent of bluesy vintage rock a l?  Van Morrison. In between you have the kind pop/alt-rock that peppered the late 90s (e.g. Third Eyed Blind, Vertical Horizon). Aside from a fun sing-a-long and good use of a dramatic pause, what distinguished Bleu from the numerous similar sounding bands was his stage presence. The stories he tells and his sense of humor make Bleu is one of those rare artists you would enjoy listening to talk or sing. A production note or both Bleu and Toad the Wet Sprocket: this show had the best lighting I had ever seen live. It was tailored not only to the particular song, but to the artist as well -- all this without blinding, dizzying, or causing headaches for the audience. The low hum of chatter between sets was broken by loud cheers as Toad the Wet Sprocket casually made their way on to the stage. Lead singer Glen Phillips addressed the crowd with a simple "hello" which was received with more cheers. The energy level had seriously spiked in the room, even the most nonchalant of grown-ups were visibly excited. Before a constructed night sky in lights the band launched into "Something's Always Wrong." The songs were played with studio perfection with the voices of Phillips and guitarist Todd Nichols blended harmoniously. The crowd would have put a room full of Dashboard fans to shame as they sang along during the Dulcinea-heavy first half of the set. "You're an amusingly happy group of people," said Phillips during a long applause break after "All I Want" (Which is how you know Toad the Wet Sprocket if you think you've never heard them). Two of the highlights came from people who weren't members of the band. During one of the earlier songs friend of the band, Tig Pena, provided percussion with a tambourine and ended the song by playing the drums along with the drummer Randy Guss. The group was also joined by slide guitarist Johnny Hawthorn, who played an outstanding slide guitar solo during "Walk on the Ocean." (Information courtesy of a self-proclaimed, "band ambassador," Joe Lyons). The group took time to showcase their other projects since 1998. Phillips took the stage alone and did a cover of Paul Newman's "Political Science" and a song from his solo album. In turn Nichols and bassist Dean Dinning, who formed the band Lapdog, played two songs from their album with Nichols doing the lead vocals. "Walk on the Ocean" was the first and predicted encore. The show closed with a surprising second encore: the song, "I Will Not Take These Things for Granted." A fitting ending for a band in what might be the autumn of its career.

---

News

Poolhall Junk

March 5

Much of Poolhall Junkies illustrates what is wrong with Hollywood today. Like so many other films, it has this enthusiasm running through it, which seems to regard its salvage of tired, worn ideas and recycled plotlines as legitimate. The film stars Mars Callahan, Christopher Walken, Chaz Palminteri, and Clint Eastwood's daughter Alison in yet another take on the seedy underworld of gaming. This time, however, the central focus is on pool and not cards. While previous films like 'Rounders' have succeeded, 'Poolhall Junkies' doesn't. The action concentrates on one great pool player who just can't find his niche. In essence, 'Poolhall Junkies' is a film about a compulsive gambler who has managed to overcome his obsession, but is drawn back into the world of pool-shooting when he needs to try to save someone close to him. Sound familiar? Well, it should. 'Poolhall Junkies' is nothing more than a montage of other films. There is a high-stakes game of pool with lives and fortunes hanging in the balance. There is the girlfriend who loves her man, but fails to understand why her man loves pool. There is even the clich?©d house party complete with Ben Savage (Boy Meets World) miserably attempting to flirt with girls. Some people may find the film entertaining and fun, but I didn't. Just because it admits that it doesn't take itself seriously, doesn't mean it can get away with being lame and only mildly amusing. Many first time directors have made great films and Mars Callahan fails to understand this. His desire to be so cool, so slick, and so capable comes off as being second rate and second hand. The film seems likes it's on speed, but without the velocity. Between the many different plotlines and the incapacity to create connectivity, the film sputters along about as fast as its conmen try to sound. Unfortunately, Chaz Palminteri fails to rescue the film. While many of his typecast, hoodlum roles carry weight, his pool shark hustler comes off as inadequate and boring. The presence demanding attention that Palmenteri once had seems long gone. His thug Joe is miserable in comparison to Sonny, his brilliant, self written role as a Bronx mob boss in 'A Bronx Tale'. Scenes with Callahan donning a t-shirt with the word 'hustler' across his chest in front of his mentor turned competitor (Palminteri), appear to highlight the impotence in Palminteri's character. The saving grace of the film, as he is in many others, is Christopher Walken. From the second of his entrance with an off-screen line ("I'm gonna step outside and get some smog") you appreciate his contribution to the film. Walken saves this film and as always he does it with style. He plays a retired millionaire who likes to spend money. And while the film falls short on many accounts, it is great watching Walken devastate Palminteri with one look and a smile. His charisma and his penchant for his chutzpah is the only reason anyone should see this film. Walken makes a bad script great just by getting camera time and he manages to steal the film without being in more than four scenes. While 'Poolhall Junkies' does contain some great pool shots, they are nothing spectacular when compared to ESPN nine ball championships. 'Poolhall Junkies' is less than mediocre and its conclusion, complete with a high stakes pool game, fails to resemble anything even close to a climax. While the characters of 'Poolhall Junkies' might be playing for their lives, they might as well be playing over a couple of beers.

---

News

E-mail 'boss' gets on student nerves

March 5

The "big boss" has inundated inboxes with virus-ridden e-mails because the University's antivirus software failed to protect Tufts e-mail accounts. The e-mail worm, known as Sobig, has circulated through the University's network for the past two days, infecting Windows computers when users open attachments to e-mails from big@boss.com. When users open the attachment, the virus sends messages to e-mail addresses it finds on the computer, according to Symantec, an internet security company. MacOS, Linux, and Unix computers are not affected. Although Tufts' e-mail servers are equipped with antivirus protection which would supposedly protect against such infections, the system does not block the Sobig messages. "[It] is a known issue with the antivirus software vendor Tufts uses," said a Tufts Computing and Communications Services employee, who asked to remain anonymous. Normally, he explained, "a virus would have been picked up and the infected payload file stripped off the e-mail." As a stop gap measure, Tufts servers are rejecting all e-mail received from big@boss.com. The virus is officially named W32.Sobig.A@mm, and the e-mails' subject lines include "Re: Movies," "Re: Sample," "Re: Document," and "Re: Here is that Sample." Symantec upgraded the virus threat from low to moderate on Jan. 13 because the worm became more widespread. According to Symantec, moderate viruses can proliferate quickly, but are reasonably harmless and easy to contain. If users delete the e-mail without opening the attachment, their computer will not be infected. The Symantec website offers a removal tool for computers that have already been infected. To prevent the spread of similar virus worms, students should "look at the header info of the e-mail and if it is from a person who you don't know, don't open it, especially if it contains random file attachments," said the TCCS employee, who also suggested using an antivirus e-mail package.

---

---

News

Seven Questions with Emily Goodman, Erin Harrington, Sarah Conlon, and Hillary Dunn

March 5

Full names:Emily Goodman, Erin Harrington, Sarah Conlon, and Hillary Dunn Birth date:1981 Zodiac signs:a group of waters Nicknames:hdawg, emmy, sarbear, E, Sexy, Nora, Bitch, and Killah Favorite athlete:Tufts former standout shooting guard Meghann Gill- love you meg! I was once again haggled, harassed, and even propositioned by the women of the Blue House on the corner of Belleview and Boston Avenue. This time their motives were to be featured in Seven Questions. I turned down their sexual advances, but did invite them to answer Seven Questions. Erin Harrington, Sarah Conlon, Emily Goodman, and Hillary Dunn are housemates and friends. All readers might recognize Dunn as the point guard of the women's basketball team, but you older cats might recognize the other three because they were members of the team last year. While Dunn finished her career in a Tufts uniform, Harrington, Conlon, and Goodman decided to play their senior seasons in the less stressful intramural leagues. While the furniture is quite comfortable, the kindness they extend to random vagrants who want to crash in their living room is even warmer. I caught up with these four fighting over the last beer in the refrigerator, so naturally Seven Questions followed. 1. Three of you left the NESCAC to compete in the intramural program, is the competition any stiffer than the Connecticut College team you lost to, two seasons ago? As Coach Sheldon said earlier this year, some people are just meant to be intramural all-stars. Something you, Elliott, have no chance at. 2. Jumbo is the school mascot; does the Blue House have its own mascot? Well we do have a particular blow-up doll, Dick (pictured above), who has been with us since sophomore year. He's hanging from a closet, and has been known to wear clothing people have left at our house. When we first bought him, he wasn't quite "all there", but we've taken care of that. 3. Sarah, when are you going to hook up with my cousin? Never -- any blood relative of yours is probably infected too. (We know it's more than "just a rash") 4. Since three of you stopped playing ball, did you find anything better to do with your time this winter? We're all 21 now, so we've been out and about. We've also made some new friends, Trista, Joe, and Simon. 5. As graduation approaches and you prepare to leave Tufts, what is the one thing you will miss most? Emily: "NO turkey" at the campi Erin: sketchy guys at Nick's Sarah: The Expresso's Delivery Car that whistles and neighs at pedestrians Hillary: Lucia, the hot sandwich lady 6. Now that basketball is over for all of you in the house, how do you plan to keep in stellar shape? Our motto has always been, "Fight the Bulge, F*** more." 7. Are you going to have a ceremony at the end of this year to remember the Blue House? If so, what are you going to do? Clean it, something we haven't done in two years. (If you come visit, watch out for the scum under the toilet -- IT'S ALIVE!) --by Elliott Wiley, Jr.

---

News

Less Bush and more EPIIC

March 5

Mr. Bush's speech last Thursday was not the best we have heard, to put it kindly. He was evasive, ambiguous, and vague, not unlike most politicians, in all honesty. But worst of all, he failed to share with us any moderately valuable insights about the current situation in the Middle East, which is what at least some of us were expecting. If the stated purpose of the Fares Lecture Series on the Middle East is to promote greater understanding between the United States and the Middle Eastern nations, George H.W. Bush's speech did little to achieve that. Don't get me wrong, I think it is great that world leaders such as him come to our campus. Being exposed to them is a rare privilege for most college students in this country, not to mention the rest of the world. However, bringing Bush Sr. this year accomplished nothing except making some of us feel good about ourselves. Ahh -- we say -- former president Bush is coming to our campus, aren't we so special! We hear the name of our school mentioned in the evening news and we feel something closely resembling pride. But that's it. As students we learned nothing, nil, nada. Actually, political science and IR majors did get a first-rate lesson on how to talk without saying anything, undoubtedly a useful skill in the political arena. But other than that, the educational value of this year's Fares lecture left much to be desired. Rodolfo Alborelli, a Tufts senior who attended the lecture put it this way: "Bush didn't give us anything to work with...where were the details, the policy recommendations? There was no substance. Talking about hope and peace is nice, but we knew that already." I couldn't agree more. Now, having said that, there is absolutely no excuse for the tasteless protests that took place during the lecture. We were all betrayed by some of our fellow students, who decided that rudeness and vulgarity were more effective for their alleged cause than politeness and civilized debate. They are dead wrong. Many of us felt shame. Eric Mitton wrote an eloquent Viewpoint this Tuesday ("Shameful attention-mongering" 3/4/03) about this disgraceful event and I would encourage everyone to read it. Whether we like it or not, the behavior of these students reflects badly on all of us as a community, and we must not tolerate it. These individuals made a disservice to the anti-war movement and to Tufts as a whole. Just when I was about to give up all hope I was quickly reminded that intellectual sterility is not endemic here at Tufts. The annual EPIIC symposium just happened to begin the day following Bush's dry lecture. Thankfully, the symposium was a completely different academic experience. I was happy to attend some of the discussions that took place on a variety of subjects related to this year's EPIIC theme: sovereignty and intervention. The topics covered in the symposium were of imminent relevance to today's world and they ranged from humanitarian intervention to genomics. This forum provided an opportunity for students from all fields to learn more about their particular interests. For the most part, the participants had interesting and valuable insights to share with their fellow panelists and with the audiences. As I listened to some of them I really felt that I was actually learning from their ideas and experiences. Anyone who attended the discussion of the Arab-Israeli conflict for five minutes learned a whole lot more about the Middle East than someone who listened to Bush Sr. for a whole hour. Furthermore, the educational value of this symposium is greatly enhanced by thoughtful exchanges between students and panelists. Any student with a specific question can approach anyone in the panels in a much more interactive and academic environment. The students and professors who help make this symposium a reality every year should be praised. Indeed, they are a shining example of what college students should strive for. The Tufts community should be proud of this effort, as well as encourage similar ones. Tufts will be better off with more EPIICs. Mr. Fares should be commended as well. Few people have dedicated so much energy and resources to make Tufts a place of academic excellence. His annual lecture series does provide a great opportunity for the Tufts community to engage in thoughtful analysis of the Middle East and its old problems. However, bringing former president Bush turned out to be a bad idea. There is not much we can do about that now, but we should be sure to make better use of Fares Lecture Series in the future. Tufts will be better off with fewer Bushes.

---

News

Majors week aims to help sophomores declare major

March 5

With just six weeks left before registration for fall classes and the deadline for sophomores to declare a major quickly approaching, Tufts departments are holding open houses this week to help students make decisions. The department open houses, part of Majors Week, provide an opportunity for students to talk to faculty members, learn more about specific departments, and get course offering information for next fall. Many students have already put substantial thought into their major (or majors), but the open houses can help students define their interests more clearly. "I think it's a good time to get [students] thinking and starting to focus," Director of the International Relations Program Christian Zehl-Romero said. Although Majors Week can be helpful to sophomores pressed to declare soon, faculty and students agree that talking to peers, taking classes in a department, and forming closer relationships with faculty are the most influential factors in choosing a major. Majors Week attempts to foster student-faculty contact by creating a more social setting at the open houses than exists when students visit professors during their office hours in order to make students feel more comfortable about approaching faculty. It is much easier to get to know professors in this setting than one-on-one, one student said. Giulia Lang, a sophomore majoring in Chinese and International Relations (IR), agreed on the importance of forming close friendships with faculty. Although she found the open houses helpful in facilitating these relationships, she thought the process of getting to know professors should begin much earlier. "I think there should be more faculty-student contact. Freshman year it should be made clearer how important [this contact] is," she said. The five most popular liberal arts majors are Biology, Economics, English, IR, and Political Science. Of these majors, the Economics Department and IR program have recently seen significant increases in the number of majors in these departments. Over the past ten years, there has been a 60 percent increase in the number of students majoring in economics, according to Professor Gilbert Metcalf, the Economics Department's chair. This year the department will graduate 250 students. The increase may be due in part to the fact that "students believe an Economics degree can help them in the job market," Metcalf said International Relations has also seen significant growth and last year, there were 540 students who had declared a major in IR, including sophomores, juniors, and seniors, according to Zehl-Romero. Growth in interest can be attributed to the high quality of the program, she said. "[The IR program] is highly rated outside Tufts, and quite frankly, quite a large number of students come [to Tufts] with the intention of doing IR," Zehl-Romero said. "I think fewer of them change their minds [as opposed to students who choose other majors]." Whatever their plans for declaring a major, this is very important time for members of the class of 2005. "Sophomore year is a point when you are realizing what it means to be an academic," Lang said. "Either you are really burnt out, or you are very stimulated and ready to take off."

---

News

Men swimmers finish third at NESCAC Championships

March 5

Described by coach Don Megerle as the "true spirit of Tufts University," the men's swimming team had a truly spiritual experience over the weekend at the NESCAC Championships--meeting its goal of a third-place finish in the 11-team NESCAC conference tournament, breaking four school records and earning Megerle his sixth Coach of the Year award. At the Championships, Williams enjoyed a home-pool advantage and won the NESCAC crown. Though Amherst was considered by many to be the favorite coming in, the Lord Jeffs did not see the same sort of time improvement that the other top schools in the conference did, and any hopes for a perfect ending to their undefeated season were shattered. The Jumbos, however, were thrilled with their third place finish, as they beat out the defending-champion Middlebury squad. "I was definitely impressed with the team," freshman Jonathon Godsey said. "We achieved what we had hoped to achieve in earning third place." The final team standings were relatively close, with Tufts (1,443.5) trailing Amherst (1,551) by just over 100 points and Williams pulling ahead of the pack by less than 75 points (1,624.5). Middlebury finished fourth with 1,300.5 points in a rebuilding season after losing a strong senior class from last year. Tufts' athletes on the 24 man roster, including four divers, competed all weekend in their quest to break through to the NESCAC elite. Cheered on by their numerous teammates who had traveled to Williams for support, the Tufts team (shaven and rested for the meet) relied more on its depth than on any individual show-stopping performance. Consistently earning points in most events was the key to the Jumbos' success. In fact, no Tufts' swimmer finished first in any of the weekend's events. Although there were no individual wins for Tufts' swimmers, there were many impressive performances over the weekend--including four separate events in which Jumbos' met national B qualifying times. Meeting the national B marks enters the swimmer in a nationwide pool of athletes hoping to get an invitation to compete at the Div. III Nationals, to be held at Emory University from Mar. 20-22. Only a certain number of national B qualifiers will actually be invited to compete at the Nationals. One such qualifier was freshman Jonathon Godsey, whose poise over the weekend contributed handsomely to the team's success. Godsey's time in the 100 backstroke on Saturday was good enough for second (52.38 seconds) and was under the national qualifying B mark. Godsey also came in second on Friday in the hotly contested 50 backstroke event, touching the wall at 24.16 seconds for a new school record. The Dallas native's weekend was not over though as he finished third in the 200-yard backstroke on Sunday with a national B qualifying time of 1:54.08. The squad's focus is on the team concept -- one of the team's major themes since day one - -was evident over the weekend as the team thrived in the relay events. On Friday, both the 200 freestyle relay team (1:25.24) and the 400 medley relay team (3:30) set new Tufts' records. And on Sunday, the 400 freestyle relay team posted another Tufts' record -- this one good enough to make the national provisional (B) qualifying cut (3:07.62). Though a national bid for this time is unlikely as only eight teams nationwide are able to compete at Emory, this school record was a top-15 time nationally in Div. III. Senior tri-captain Ed Edson was a member of all three record-breaking squads. "We were pretty close to breaking every relay record," Edson said. "We peaked perfectly right at the right time. Our freshman class really stepped it up a ton and helped to improve our depth." Sophomore Seth Baron also met national B standards for his effort in the 200 butterfly, finishing fourth with a final time of 1:55.78. Perhaps freshman Brett Baker, who starred in the 100 individual medley and both the 400 medley relay and freestyle relay, summed up the weekend best when he said "We swam out of our minds." Lost in the weekend's commotion was the naming of NESCAC Coach of the Year -- an honor that was bestowed upon Megerle. Though eager to side-step the limelight and give credit to the "kids," Megerle has been the glue behind the Tufts swimming program for over 30 years and his decisions these past weeks on how to configure the championship roster seemed to be another indication of his pool IQ. A five-time New England Coach of the Year (1979, 1989, 1991, 1994, 2000), this is the first time Megerle has earned the NESCAC award. "Though this is the sixth time I've won the award, this is one of the most satisfying ones because we were up against some pretty good teams this year," Megerle said. "It was a great honor." "He definitely deserved it," Godsey said of his coach. "Without his planning or insight I don't think we could have done we did."

---

News

Student Advantage and a variety of transportation options helpful to students returning home for Spring Break

March 5

Throughout your elementary, middle, and high school years, transportation to and from school was most likely simple: all you needed was your backpack and a bagged lunch and you'd be taken to school in a matter of minutes by a big yellow school bus with a driver who never asked for a tip, ticket, roundtrip fare, or passport. For college students, making the trip to or from school is not so clear-cut. The frequency with which students make this commute as well as the type of transport they use to do depends largely on the distance between Tufts and home -- wherever that may be. Many students who hail from the Boston area, other parts of Massachusetts, or areas in nearby states cite taking a bus as the most popular and sensible way to travel home. If the trip between home and Boston takes around two to four hours by car, that trip via a Greyhound Lines bus will typically take between three and five. "If you live anywhere in the Northeast, the bus is a great way to get home," freshman Aaron Banks said. Banks considers the bus to be an optimal way to travel because "it's cheap, runs on time, has more character than a plane or train, and you're sure to run into kids from your high school that are going home from other Boston schools." Banks, who hails from upstate New York, arrives home in approximately three hours and forty-five minutes using a Greyhound bus. The cost of the trip for him is $30. A bus trip costs even less when coupled with a Student Advantage card, which costs $20 per year plus $2.50 shipping and handling. With this card and membership, students receive discounts at all kinds of businesses (including Foot Locker, Barnes & Noble, and Tower Records) in addition to discounts on various modes of transportation. Greyhound offers Student Advantage members a 15 percent discount on walk-up fares to thousands of destinations nationwide. Also available to Student Advantage members is a Spring Break deal: travel round-trip anywhere in the US starting at $98, according to the company's website, www.studentadvantage.com. Some students who live in New York take advantage of an even cheaper choice: Fung-Wah buses, which offer $20 round-trips from Chinatown, Boston to Chinatown, New York. Those students for whom the trip home from Tufts takes four or more hours most commonly travel using trains and planes. If freshman Craig Kelly were to drive home to his home in Philadelphia, PA, it would take him around six and half hours. Since traveling by car is not an option to Kelly because freshman cannot have a car on campus, Kelly chooses to take the train rather than a plane. A six-hour car-travel trip can take anywhere between five and eight hours on the train, depending on how many stops the train makes along the way, says Kelly. "Although it's a longer ride [than a plane ride would be], it's safer, less of a hassle, and I can plug my laptop in and watch movies," Kelly said. The train service that Kelly and most other students rely on is Amtrak, which, like Greyhound, participates in a myriad of student deals. The most popular is the Student Advantage Membership, which, according to the Amtrak website, www.amtrak.com, saves members "up to 15 percent on most rail fares anywhere Amtrak travels." Many students, such as freshman Jeffrey Katzin, prefer flying than taking a train. Katzin, whose home is in Jericho, Long Island, says he takes a plane because it is "faster, more convenient, and with student rates on the US Airways Shuttle, it is realistic in terms of cost." The student rates Katzin refers to are not specific to US Airways; rather, similar special student rates are offered by many airlines. Shuttle flights, also offered by many airlines including Delta, are ideal for students traveling from Boston to other cities such as New York and Washington, D.C.. [US Airways Shuttle Smart Packs offer a 25 percent discount on round-trip tickets to these destinations.] The US Airways Shuttle Smart Pack gets you four round-trip tickets for the price of one. It is valid for travel in either direction with no restrictions on day or time. In addition to the Shuttle Smart Pack, US Airways is the official airline partner of the aforementioned Student Advantage. For Student Advantage cardholders, US Airways Shuttle prices range from $115 to $180, depending on which round-trip package is chosen. Moving further away from Tufts, the choice between modes of transportation narrows down to the point where taking a plane is the sole plausible action. If freshman Lisa Miller drove home to Denver, Colorado, it would take her over thirty-six hours. Because the trip to Denver, or any comparably faraway destination, is costly and time-consuming, airline choice can be tedious and is largely a matter of opinion. Miller, who has taken flights home and back several times, finds United to be "the easiest airline to use, with tickets usually no less than $300 and the flight taking around four hours." Whether students travel by bus, train, or plane, student deals are often available to them. But some lucky students aren't in need of such deals. Namely, those whose home is close to the University campus can rely on the traditionally accepted childhood alternative: having their mother come pick them up when it's time to go home.

---

News

Intramural soccer kicks off with tight games

March 5

The Intramural Soccer season has finally kicked off after months of intense round-the-clock training. Hundreds of half-drunk, half-athletic men and women took to the indoor fields to take part in what was expected to be the most competitive season in the sport's illustrious history. So far, it has lived up to its billing. Last year's champion, Bombshell, was looking to defend its title but already has run into trouble after losing its first game of the season to Team Haskell 3-2. While other teams might be troubled at such a rough start, Bombshell is confident that it can rebound. "I'm not worried about the rest of the season," senior Stan Drozdeski said. "We are full of Russians who grew up on soccer. We will rule this league like communism ruled democracy." Similar sentiments of pride were expressed by a group of freshmen claiming to have what it takes to destroy the league. Despite having only played one game, which they won 4-2 against Zeta Psi, the Alkies are already sensing the league is theirs for the taking. "I'm still amazed at our victory," freshman David Donatelli said. "I can't believe that we were that drunk and still won by two goals." "I wasn't even at the game," freshman teammate Ian Beam said, "but I know we rule over Zeta Psi." Assuming that they are still breathing at the end of the week, it seems that Drunkies' chances look strong for the remainder of the season. The league is so intense that even those not on a team are getting into trash talking. "I'm a free agent coming off of the swimming season," sophomore Jono Perry said. "I trained with Cobi Jones in the off-season and have already been offered 200 dollars by an undisclosed team. I know whatever team takes me will take home the gold." Despite the pride expressed by some, there are others that feel their teams need to make adjustments quickly. ZBT has dropped its first two games of the season, making a combined 0-4 record in intramural basketball and soccer. However, it is not necessary to dwell on this disappointing and unfortunate statistic. Another team that is looking to right its quickly sinking ship is the Rabid Wombats who have suffered extremely close losses to Tappa Kegga and the Mad Cows 7-0 and 8-2, respectively. While staying close throughout the first five minutes of both contests, the team eventually realized that they were overmatched and looked for inspiration elsewhere. "I suggested whipping off our shirts to distract our all-male opponents," senior Kelley McMorrow said. "Despite heavily considering the idea, our team decided in the end that we might be disqualified for illegal play. Otherwise we totally would have done it." While the quality of play is not always superb as indicated by such victories as 13-5 by Simon From England and 9-1 by the Slackers, at least the team names have brought a certain flavor to the league. Crowd favorites seem to be Lookin' To Score and the STD's, who have been attracting flows of people to the games. With such strong crowd support behind them, it is not surprising that they both have jumped out to early victories. And if you are looking to be a fair weather fan, Fletcher Futbol, Team South, I-House, and The Beers are among the leaders of their respective divisions. Play continues this week with the remainder of the league taking to the fields on Sunday.

---

News

Carceo's unselfish play led hockey team

March 5

As an athlete and leader, senior co-captain Mike Carceo has left an indelible mark on the Tufts hockey program during a crucial growth period. Saturday night's loss in the NESCAC playoffs marked the senior's last game in brown in blue, and closed one of the most successful careers a Jumbo has ever had on the ice. The forward assisted on Tufts' only goal against the undefeated Middlebury Panthers, in what was perhaps an appropriate finale to his time with the Jumbos. Carceo has notched 87 assists in 93 career games, the fourth highest total in school history. He has also scored 55 goals, amassing a total of 142 points, placing him sixth on Tufts' all-time scoring list. "I love setting up people more than I like scoring," Carceo said. "I just love passing the puck to someone and having them bury it in the net. I don't think there's any better feeling than that." Coach Brian Murphy believes Carceo's unselfish play provides an irreplaceable dimension to the team. "He scores but can also move the puck around," Murphy said. "He's somebody who's a terrific athlete and brings a lot of different things to the table. Mike skates well, he shoots the puck well, he sees the ice well, and he's got the intensity that you need." Murphy continued, "He came in as a highly-touted recruit, and he's delivered on what we expected. He's been an offensive threat since his first day here, and he's also really improved his defense and his physical game. He's gotten stronger and that's really how he's taken his game to the next level." Last year, Tufts' hockey team moved up to the NESCAC league, which is considered the premiere Division III conference in the country. As expected, the transition season was difficult, and the Jumbos finished with a losing record of 6-17. But junior co-captain, Carceo's leadership and consistent work ethic were keys in maintaining team morale throughout the difficult season. "He kept us together last year during some of the most discouraging games I have ever played in," junior forward Timm Schatz said. "When we all see Mike fighting for every chance, it picks the whole team up." Murphy called Carceo "instrumental in keeping a young, struggling team together last year." "Mike kept the guys going and kept them being positive and focusing towards getting better," Murphy said. "I think that the job he did last year was really the most important thing he's done since he's been in the hockey program here at Tufts." This winter, the Jumbos' improvements on the ice and on the scoreboard were notable, resulting in a 7-11-4 record and Tufts' inaugural appearance in the NESCAC playoffs. The squad was mostly composed of underclassmen. "I think the young players this year looked to Mike and to Chris [Martin], the captains, and followed their lead," Murphy said. According to Schatz, the consistent example set by Carceo is something that will be missed by the team. "He's the guy we have all looked to for a long time," Schatz said. "It's hard to replace someone like that." Carceo has turned in many strong performances on the ice, but both he and Murphy cited last season's Connecticut College game and this winter's Hamilton game as two of the best Carceo has played at Tufts. His performance in the Connecticut game on November 30, 2001, earned him the title of NESCAC Co-Player of the Week. Carceo netted the game-winning goal and notched three assists in the Jumbos' first NESCAC win since joining the league, and their first defeat of the Camels in seven years. This winter, the Jumbos defeated Williams and Hamilton College, both for the first time since varsity ice hockey was restored to Tufts in 1986. According to Murphy, Carceo "played very well on both ends of the ice" against Hamilton. "He's the kind of guy who is always going 100 percent no matter the situation," Schatz said. Carceo got involved with organized hockey when he was 12 years old, but has "always skated and played pond hockey." By his senior year at nearby Belmont High School, Carceo was the captain of the soccer, hockey, and baseball teams. In hockey, he is Belmont's all-time leading scorer. As his time at Tufts winds down, Carceo says he hopes "to have as much fun as possible for the next couple months and to enjoy it all while I can." The Economics major is currently searching the job market, and with the help of an agent, he is also exploring the possibility of playing hockey in Europe for a year or two. Regardless of whether Carceo's future will include more competition on the ice, it is certain that his impact at Tufts will reverberate through future seasons. "Mike has clearly been one of the best players ever here at Tufts," Murphy said. "His legacy will be one of consistency and commitment, but most importantly, of leadership. He really kept the guys together last season. When Mike graduates, his legacy will be seen in our younger players who have had a chance to learn from him. Despite all the points and everything else, that's going to be what he leaves with the program."

---

News

Kendall/MIT

March 5

Some days, a girl just doesn't feel like herself. Upon waking, she knows that she is, in fact, in her room. Yet it's odd and misshapen, perhaps like something out of a Bizarro Universe. Such is Kendall. It's there alright. But, you wonder if you really are --- maybe you're not. Maybe you took the wrong exit when waking that morning and traveled to some alternate world made of cement slaps that stick out from the ground like awkward monopoly houses and bookstores that only sell books about quantum field theory and molecular hydromantics. Or, maybe you just go to MIT. Sixth stop: Kendall/MIT Arriving on a cold, wet, and rather dismal Saturday afternoon I set out to uncover what made Kendall tick. Now, if I took a little break to sit in the corner of the COOP at MIT (3 Cambridge Center #10; 617 499 3200) and read about Sarah Michelle Geller's exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly about why, oh god, why this is Buffy the Vampire Slayer's last season, well, so be it. Yet somewhere in the middle of her dishing about what it felt like to be Mrs. Freddy Prinze, Jr., I came to a stark realization: I could not write an entire column about me wishing I was Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Thus, I lugged myself to the checkout counter and heard odd words escape from my mouth, "Hi, I'm a, uh, a prospective student? Can you tell me if there is anything to do here." There was no double take. Someone actually though that I was that math-tastic that I could attend MIT. Cool. And, once I elaborated that by "anything to do here" I meant "like for fun," we were on our way talking about the glories of life at MIT. Yet, since I had already played the "let's pick a school out of a hat and transfer there" game, I decided to find The Garment District. Located a few blocks away, I was amazed to find that the mysterious District (200 Broadway; 617 876 9795) was not a district at all -- but a mere two-story shop! Disappointment was not the least of my sentiment. My mind went through stages of shock, disgust, and oohhhh, that is one nice green feather boa. For while the first floor was literally a sea of clothes that people were wading in (for $1.50 a pound), the second floor displayed vintage clothes from multiple eras as well as silly hats and sunglasses. All around me, girls were clothed in 70's style mini-dresses, while guys wore tight jeans; it almost felt like a night at ATO. In terms of eats, Kendall Square has some good options. Thai's (1 Kendall Square, #300; 617 577 8668), a -- yes you guessed it-- Thai restaurant was quiet and hospitable and certainly a top choice. Yet, while their entrees certainly were inventive and delicious, one including: pineapple, peas, shrimp, crabmeat, caramelized onions, among other tasty ingredients, it did cost $15.95. And, as I've discussed before in previous columns, I am a lazy cheapskate. Next door, as I'm sure all you mysterious film minors know, is the Kendall Square Cinema (245 First St. #1; 617 494 9800). A smorgasbord of indie goodness, currently it's a home to such masterpieces as: City of God, Talk to Her, The Pianist. They're great. Do not delay. Go see them. Plus, if you go on St. Patrick's Day, you could even have the opportunity to visit the "Official St. Patrick's Day Headquarters" across the square at Doyle's Irish Pub (1 Kendall Square). There you can find such great Irish classics such as Paddy the Greek (Salad) and if you're still hungry, there are always the great Celtic proverbs on display, such as "Beauty does not boil the pot." For our health's sake as meat eaters, let us hope that electricity does. Sadly, although there were a few festive shops and eateries spotting nearby streets, the atmosphere at Kendall pretty much resembled that of a happening math convention. The literary world ceased to exist, instead pseudo-math book stores ran rampant with pained names such as Quantum Books (4 Cambridge Center; 617 494 5042). In terms of currency, while they did take greenbacks, they preferred this weird money, called tech-cash. Meanwhile, I nearly ran over a thin tallish fellow wearing a shirt that said, "Yes, I really am a rocket scientist." The place was dead. Grey, depressing, one of the main streets was called Broadway, which only further mocked the atmosphere. I scrambled back on to the T and gave a sigh of relief, thankful that no one had ever given me a copy of The Math Book for Girls & Other Beings Who Count when I was growing up.

---

News

Strong independent assertive female seeking a man of quality

March 5

So my mom ordered me a T-shirt with the quote "A man of quality is not threatened by a woman for equality" boldly plastered across its chest. She somehow got on the mailing list for this catalogue selling exclusively female products -- we're talking feminist bumper stickers, magnets, mostly stuff I would rather laugh at than actually own. But this month, the T-shirt caught my mom's eye and she's sending it my way -- as a message from mother to daughter, perhaps words of wisdom and comfort, or just another pj top, I'm not sure. The point is, as corny as it may be, and while it may stick out in my closet crammed with a compilation of pants from my semester abroad in Florence, my florescent yellow Nappy Roots T-shirt, and last years punk Halloween costume, I truly can't wait for the UPS guy to ring my bell and bring me my T. I am ready to walk around campus wearing the shirt, even if it means layering long underwear underneath or waiting until spring to pull it out. In fact, for a girl who has been accused of being too assertive, too independent, and too vocal, (believe me, my high school classmates I'm sure would say... "Excuse me, but did you just say Laura 'self-sufficient and confident' Vichinsky? Are you sure we're talking about the same person?") the shirt probably couldn't be more aptly suited. I do not know what happened to me after I got to college, and especially since going abroad, but all of a sudden I know what I want and what I think -- not really a radical idea, but wave-making nonetheless. Not only that, but I've come to the sad realization that, apparently, being a girl and being assertive is a combination that a) puts you in the spot light b) can either be really liked or really disliked and c) is something some people cannot handle. Again, I am struck with the bubble of innocence I must have been living in my entire life. Is it possible that knowing I like sex, being loudly disgusted by the discrimination occurring in our health care system, and fighting with my hands in the air and my chest out, are all characteristics that could actually be construed as not only negative but also something to stay away from? If you hear me arguing about the offensive nature of racist jokes, or you read my thesis on the tobacco industry and how it targets women and you call me ridiculous, it is hard for me to not come to the conclusion that you're threatened. I swear and curse, watch romantic comedies and trip over my feet (anyone seen my broken thumb this week, looking lovely in a make-shift cast?), vote pro-choice and love dancing alone in my room to Britney Spears. It honestly should not be hard to reconcile my campaign to get elect a Jewish black woman president with my account at Central Square's Hubba Hubba. I should not have to choose between being someone who wants to kiss you and more five minutes after I meet you, and someone who wants to raise my kids with a feminist Passover hagada. Not only that, but I am going to keep my last name when I get married. I have been Laura Vichinsky for my entire 22 years of life; my middle school teachers remember me that way, I wrote my first Letter to the Editor of the Oakland Tribune with that name, and love it that my friends call me Vichinsky. A harmless fact? Apparently not, or at least according to the guys I date. My last night in Italy with my boyfriend, over a seemingly romantic dinner of red wine and pasta, ended in a bitter fight over the discussion of keeping my last name -- and we were never even going to see each other again. I am slowly learning the hard way that while we have amazing technology, the ability to fly across the globe, and have people living past 90, I am still going to get crap for being the person I am. So back to the T-shirt. Yes. I like it. Maybe I will wear it with the button I saw online which shouts something to the tune of how you call me a feminist because I have opinions that differentiate me from a doormat. Laura Vichinsky is a senior majoring in clinical psychology.

---

News

NLRB should not grant graduate student unionization

March 5

With the pending decision from the National Labor Relations Board in regards to the unionization of Tufts graduate students, time has come to reevaluate whether or not unionization is a wise move. After nearly two years of efforts aimed at unionization, it appears that the members of the Association for Student Employees at Tufts (ASET) have been moving in the wrong direction. President Bacow's opinion that graduate students would be more successful in getting their needs met without unionization is right on target. Unionization of graduate students would create yet another layer of red tape that would hinder, rather than help, the communication process between graduate students and the University. Traditional organization (not unionization) would be an effective, non-combative tool in dealing with graduate student issues, whatever they may be. In the end, graduate students simply need to be united, not unionized. On a related note, if the members of ASET feel that there is a dire need for a negotiating body, then where is the proof that they have been unsuccessful in using the tools and organizations that already exist? It does not seem that all of the graduate student resources have been exhausted to the point that would necessitate unionization. The idea of a union of graduate students undermines the very essence of being a student, as opposed to becoming a member of the regular workforce. Graduate students, though employed, are at Tufts to do research and to assist in teaching, while they study. No part of the decision to become a graduate student at any university is based on the fact that it would be a good way to make ends meet. Undertaking graduate school is a noble calling, but it is also unfortunately and inherently, a financial strain. Still, that hardship does not mean that graduate school should start to look like a workplace, as opposed to an academic institution. The issues that ASET intends to pursue through unionization are issues that are central to employees as a workplace, not to students at an academic institution. Using ASET's logic, it wouldn't be out of the question to say that undergraduates who have to take out loans and on-campus jobs to make ends meet could also unionize. Of course, this wouldn't make sense to anyone, since students are Tufts are here to be students, and not employees. They are here to develop rich academic relationships with full professors, not to be employed by them. They chose to study at a university before entering the workforce, and this implies certain lifestyle differences and even sacrifices. Unionization efforts at other schools, including Cornell, have already been struck down, even before a formal decision by the NLRB, and the same may happen at Tufts. The period of waiting and preparing for whatever decision is reached is an opportunity for the graduate students here to explore other avenues for negotiation with the University, if negotiation is even critical at this juncture. This is a time to reflect on the role of the student as a person with academic responsibilities and privileges, and not as a full time employee. This is Tufts Univ., not Tufts, Inc.

---

News

Portrait of a Young Artist: Marilinda Garcia

March 5

This week's Student Artist is Marilinda Garcia. She is in her second year as a double-degree student at Tufts University and the New England Conservatory of Music, where she studies harp with Ann Hobson-Pilot of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. She has played the harp for nine years. Since beginning her harp studies with Stephanie Curcio of Stratham, NH, she has accrued an impressive performance resume. Overall she has more than 300 public performances to her credit. While in high-school, she was Principal Harp for the Greater Boston Youth Symphony Senior Orchestra, Boston, MA, for three years, after previously being Principal Harp for the Greater Boston Youth Symphony Repertory Orchestra. She was Principal Harp in the 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001 New Hampshire High School All-State Orchestras, and has been a guest soloist for the Timberlane Regional School Orchestra in Atkinson, NH, the Lakes Region Philharmonic Orchestra in Concord, NH, the Gordon College Symphony Orchestra and the Merrimack Valley Symphony Orchestra in Andover, MA. Through Marilinda's participation in various orchestras she has had the opportunity to tour many foreign countries and perform under the baton of conductors, such as, Federico Cortese, Keith Lockhart and Stephen Lipsitt, in venues, such as, Boston's Symphony Hall, Wang Theatre and Esplanade Hatch Shell, New England Conservatory's Jordan Hall, and Harvard University's Sander's Theatre. The Daily was able to catch her for an interview. Daily: Why did you first start playing harp? Marilinda: Really the only reason I started the harp was as an alternative to the piano -- which I quit because my older brother was better at it than me. Daily: Normally, when you play harp, do you get a lot of blisters on your fingers? Or is it only when you rock out? Marilinda: I have calluses (not hideous ones, pretty unnoticeable), so I typically only get a blister occasionally, from over practicing or "rocking out." It can be bad though, once I was doing a concert series, got a blood blister the first performance and ripped it every concert consecutively. It hurt and I had to clean my harp off afterwards -- pretty gross. Makes you get pretty creative with the "Liquid Band-Aid" stuff, too. Daily: Personal question: can you play "Stairway to Heaven" on the harp? Marilinda: It is possible to play "Stairway to Heaven" on the harp, so I can. I just haven't [yet]... sorry! Daily: What is your favorite type of music to play? And to listen to? Marilinda: I most enjoy playing classical and Celtic music on the harp. I must say I like listening to music of most every genre. I go through these cycles though. Recently, I've been on a Andrea Bocelli, Vertical Horizon, Bach, Lauryn Hill kick (that's what's currently on my playlist, anyway). Daily: Is it your goal to play professionally in an orchestra? Marilinda: That is most assuredly my goal right now. I love playing with orchestras. Period. Daily: At the end of a great concert, do you ever get the urge to pull a Pete Townshend and just smash your harp to pieces? Or a Hendrix, and light it on fire, and then smash it? Marilinda: I have never, ever had that compulsion after a great concert. Now, after a not-great concert, I have indeed entertained the thought.

---

News

TuftsLife pledges continued operation after founders' graduation

March 5

Despite the impending loss of its co-founders, co-presidents, and executive board, TuftsLife.com -- a web site that many faculty, current, and prospective students have called an important resource -- has pledged to continue operating next year. Additionally, conflicts that the website has experienced with other organizations are not impeding the TuftsLife's transition of power from old hands to new. TuftsLife's popularity has grown quickly since its inception in the fall of 2000. The site was originally created by seniors Mike Masterman, who created the code and formatting for the site, and Eric Satler, who assisted with non-technical aspects. Dean of Students Bruce Reitman said the service was "vital" and beneficial to the Tufts community. But while Satler said at a recent recruitment meeting that TuftsLife's mission is "to provide information for delivery which serves the Tufts community," the workings of the organization itself is a bit more mysterious, with information on the organization less accessible. Satler and Masterman ignored repeated requests for interviews and those members of TuftsLife who were contacted refused to go on the record about their involvement with TuftsLife. According to one TuftsLife member, the organization is "decentralized," and primarily meets in small teams, instead of in its entirety, to work on new features or projects for the website. The general interest meeting this spring was only attended by those members who were part of the recruitment group. Some complaints about interaction with TuftsLife have come from student organizations. As a TCU-recognized organization, TuftsLife is required to let all Tufts undergraduates participate in running the website. However, there is no Senate bylaw requiring TuftsLife to treat every student organization the same or to have a stated policy concerning event or announcement submissions, TCU Senate Historian Allison Clarke said. Radix came in conflict with TuftsLife when the site refused to post an announcement about an upcoming submission deadline. "My experience has been that they're terse and unwilling to help at best, and completely unresponsive at worst," Radix executive board member Dan Barry said. TuftsLife has an "inconsistent" policy, Barry said, and has allowed certain organizations to post announcements while limiting others. Barry also criticized TuftsLife for being impersonal. "Anything involving a personal level of interaction has been disappointing, to say the least," he said. Some have questioned TuftsLife's spending as well. The group's budget -- funded by the TCU Senate -- has been about $2,000 for the last two academic years. The majority is spent on web-hosting fees, but TuftsLife also budgeted $400 for promotional pens. The events section, a major feature of TuftsLife, has become a source of debate. Although the site attempts to list all events occurring on campus, many are often excluded. This is because the TuftsLife system relies on a member of the organization to submit the event to the website. In fact, many administrators and faculty members have suggested developing a University calendar that is more comprehensive than the one that currently appears on TuftsLife. Chairman of the Task Force on the Undergraduate Experience Gilbert Metcalf said he had received many requests for the creation of a campus calendar, and that the Task Force's final report would "probably" include a proposal to create one. "We need a system that looks at all bookings and gives someone planning an event a view of the calendar that suggests when there are few conflicts. I don't know that anyone is currently working on an active calendar of that sort," Reitman said. Although TuftsLife is not a part of the University's website, tufts.edu, some administration offices have worked with TuftsLife to offer new services. The Department of Public Safety contacted TuftsLife during last month's snowstorm "in an effort get the information out to the community...to get their cars off the roadways, helping us to clear the streets and prevent us from having to tow vehicles," Tufts Police Department Captain Mark Keith said. TuftsLife appropriates $400 of its budget towards a development fund -- to be used at the site's discretion for these types of new projects. "Due to the dynamic nature of our organization, new projects may arise at any time," the 2003 fiscal year budget reads. In previous years, the money was used to launch the site's mobile phone and personal digital assistance (PDA) versions. Spending under the development section must be submitted to the Senate for approval and reimbursement. Though it is against TuftsLife's policies to discuss future projects, a few upcoming changes to the site were mentioned at the meeting, Satler said. The group currently has meetings to revamp the "Campus Guide," which provides information on all student organizations and buildings. Other proposed changes include placing sensors around campus, which will show the location of the campus shuttle, the "Joey." The Office of Student Activities' list of student organizations is part of the Campus Guide information on TuftsLife. The data is available from both the Office of Student Activities and TuftsLife web pages. Joint projects through TuftsLife and the larger campus community have not always been successful. The TCUJ spent time last year trying to develop a way of having organizations reapply for recognition online, TCUJ Chairman Adam Biacchi said. The plan was ultimately dropped because "none of the J had any technical know-how to make it work," he said. For now, the successful transition of power from old TuftsLife leaders to new is paramount. Reitman recently met with Satler. "I was interested in knowing if there were concrete plans for the continuation of TuftsLife," Reitman said. Thuy M Le was recently named as a TCU signatory, giving her the power to submit receipts for reimbursement from the Senate. Satler also hinted at the recruitment meeting that in the future, the organization's structure will include a greater distribution of responsibilities. Reitman was ultimately convinced the organization's future would be secure even after the departure of its founders. "Mike and Eric told me that there are many underclassmen who have become involved and plan to continue the effort," Reitman said. TuftsLife currently claims to have 16 active members. Many students are counting on TuftsLife to continue. "[Without TuftsLife] how would I get dining hall menus," freshmen Ryan Sopelsa said. "I would be lost trying to access various sites like Blackboard and SIS."

---

News

Grad student unionization movement awaiting a decision

March 5

As graduate students await a decision from the government's National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) about the legitimacy of graduate student unionization, members of two opposing groups at Tufts are continuing to raise awareness about the issue. Grad students at Tufts voted on unionization last April, though the NLRB immediately impounded the votes to prevent them from influencing the Board's subsequent hearing on the matter. The government hears most of the grad student unionization cases, according to Kendall Wolf, a member of the anti-unionization group Why Have a Union at Tufts (WHUT). Although they are not willing to make any certain statements, Wolf and fellow WHUT member Jason Walker suspect the motion was defeated. The University administration has taken a firm stance against unionization. In a statement on Tufts' website, President Bacow said "there is nothing a union can add to what graduate students can do for themselves, working with the university." Not much has happened since the University appealed the decision to create a union at Tufts last spring, according to Joe Ramsey, president of the pro-unionization Association for Student Employees at Tufts (ASET). "We are expecting an NLRB decision sometime this semester, hopefully," Ramsey said. Though a decision could be announced soon, grad student and union organizer Carl Martin said that getting new people interested and involved in the cause is paramount. "We can't just wait around for a decision from the labor board," Martin said. "We have to keep campaigning on campus to organize and spread involvement for a union here." It is especially important to spread awareness since many students are graduating and many new grad students are matriculating into Tufts graduate programs, Martin said. Tufts unionization advocates have been working with the United Auto-Workers, which filed a petition with the NLRB on behalf of the Medford/Somerville teaching and resident assistants in Nov. 2001. Some organizers have criticized the choice of UAW as an ally. "U Penn's choice of the American Federation of Teachers makes much more sense," Wolf said. The unionization efforts have also tended to exclude certain students, specifically those in the hard sciences, economics, and engineering, he said. Another criticism is that the unionization movement went too quickly. "They shot themselves in the foot," and by working with the UAW, they negated the possibility of having an independent Tufts union that would put their issues first, Walker said. The organization movement began in Nov. 2001 when Martin inquired into the issue along with other grad students. "My father was in a union, so I was familiar with them," Martin said. Martin was also involved with the Tufts janitors' Sept. 2001 movement, which he says got him interested in labor justice. Graduate teaching assistants (TAs) are currently allotted only four years of teaching in their department at Tufts, which is one of the policies pro-union grad students hope to fight. "The teaching and research we do is directly related with paying [teaching assistants'] bills," Martin said. "There are simply a lot of grad students who have to do the best they can with little or no funding." Similar unionization initiatives at other universities have failed in the past, such as the union movement at Cornell that "was defeated... even before an NLRB decision," Walker said. But graduate students at Penn and Tufts are in a similar position in the unionization process. Elections were held on the issue at the end of last month, and, according to a Daily Pennsylvanian exit poll, the union organizers seem to have won. The NLRB is hearing an appeal from the administration, however, and will release the votes as soon as a decision is reached. The NLRB has also impounded the votes of graduate students at Columbia and Brown. The Columbia Spectator reported earlier this week that now that President Bush has finished his appointments to the NLRB, the unionization process should begin to move along as the board goes through a backlog of cases. The new appointees will give a more conservative slant to the hearings but that will not make much of a difference, Walker said.

---

News

Fiatarone Singh details her groundbreaking research on aging

March 4

Many University students harbor lofty ambitions of effecting change -- be it social, environmental, or physical -- that will in some way improve the lives of others. Dr. Maria Fiatarone Singh, a professor at The University of Sydney and a Tufts faculty member, is an individual who has actually done so: Singh has conducted groundbreaking research that has helped to improve the mental and physical health of the elderly. In addition to her ongoing research projects and professorial duties, Singh serves on the Advisory Board of the Keiser Institute on Aging and is the founder and executive director of the non-profit Fit For Your Life Foundation, Ltd., which aims to increase the mental and physical health of older adults. She has also written a book entitled Exercise, Nutrition and the Older Woman: Wellness for Women Over Fifty. Singh, who will be giving a speech sponsored by Tufts' Matthew and Brenda B. Ross Initiative on Aging on Mar. 6, from 4-5 p.m. in Cabot Auditorium with a reception to follow, spoke to the Daily about her research, its implications, and gave advice to University students. Daily: I understand that you worked in conjunction with researchers at Tufts University to study strength training's potential benefits for the elderly. What did this research entail? What did you conclude by way of this mutual research effort? MF: I have been a scientist and faculty member at Tufts since 1987 and continue to hold a visiting scientist position in the NEPS lab, as I have ongoing collaborations with many colleagues at the HNRC. I began working with Bill Evans on the concept of progressive resistance training in the frail elderly in 1987. We thought that the idea that older persons could not respond to high intensity strength training the way younger, healthier individuals did was a myth, not evidence-based. So I conducted the first trial of this form of exercise in nursing home residents of average age 90 [86-96] in 1990. The results of this study indicated that skeletal muscle was able to adapt to this kind of exercise even at this very advanced age, despite severe frailty and multiple chronic illnesses. These individuals more than doubled their muscle strength and significantly increased the size of their leg muscles. Improvements in gait and balance were seen as well. Since then, these findings have been expanded to large diverse populations of older individuals with many different kinds of syndromes. The publicity in both the popular media and the scientific community generated by this research has really changed many people's perspectives on the plasticity of the aging process, and the potential for ameliorating degenerative changes of aging and disuse. Daily: How and when did you first become involved with Tufts? Do you plan to continue working in conjunction with Tufts faculty and researchers in the future? MF: I came to Tufts and Harvard in 1987 after I finished my Geriatric Medicine Fellowship at UCLA, in order to combine geriatric practice with research into exercise, nutrition, and aging. I have worked continuously with other Tufts investigators since that time, and continue to do so, in the areas of longitudinal changes in body composition and function, malnutrition in the nursing home, vitamin E supplementation, and chronic infection, exercise and chronic renal failure, and other areas. Daily: Tufts is a university that heavily encourages research among its undergraduate and graduate populations. How do you feel that researching enriches the University experience? What makes it so valuable? MF: Once you have done your own research, you have a much greater understanding and appreciation of the scientific endeavor and an ability to read scientific findings with a critical eye, which is so necessary for interpreting and building on the findings of others. Even if one is not going to spend a career in research, the knowledge of the scientific process is helpful for organizing and managing many other kinds of pursuits. Daily: As a geriatrician, your area of study does not necessarily seem directly related to college students. What implications does your research have for Tufts and other college students? MF: I would say that the study of aging has implications for virtually every field that students might pursue, be it philosophy, political science, nutrition, or something else. The demographic imperative means that the aging of the population will significantly impact on how nations function in the future and decisions we make in all areas of our lives. The way in which we care for the most vulnerable members of our society, which certainly includes the very old and frail, may be the prime measure of our development as compassionate and moral societies. Daily: What spurred your interest in exercise and aging? MF: Watching Jack LaLanne on TV with my grandmother as a small child. Her dedication to exercise and good nutrition as a means to preventive medicine, even as a layperson with no medical background, had a profound influence on my career decisions. When she broke her hip and suffered at the hands of a medical system ill equipped at the time to deal with geriatric syndromes and complicated patients, it cemented my desire to create a better kind of medical care for such patients. Daily: How do you recommend that students with similar interests proceed? MF: Create your own path, whether in medicine, nutrition, exercise, or related fields. You can find a way to improve things that you see are missing if you commit yourself to it. Daily: What are some similarities and differences between your experiences at Tufts and the University of Sydney? MF: I am in an Exercise and Sport Science School within a Faculty of Health Sciences [allied health professionals] in Sydney. This is quite different than my role in the Division on Aging at Harvard as a geriatrician or as Chief of the NEPS lab at Tufts. However, I continue to work to integrate the fields of exercise, nutrition and aging for the purpose of optimizing health and functioning in old age. Daily: What has been your career's crowning moment so far? Is there a discovery that you're most proud of, an initiative that you've found exceptionally fulfilling? MF: Nothing is quite as satisfying as helping to give back strength to a 100-year- old person so that they can walk more independently and with perhaps less fear of falling, and rely less on others to help them. Daily: If you could give one piece of advice to the Tufts student body, what would it be? MF: Always dream of a better world, and then try to create just a little piece of it.

---