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Mental toughness saves day for baseball

March 31

Every year, a team can look back on a specific moment and know it was a turning point. Rarely is that turning point so clear so immediately after the fact. The first game of Saturday's double header, the second game of the series with the Trinity Bantams, could very well end up being that moment for the Tufts baseball team. After dropping Friday's game 2-1 in a hard-fought, rain-delayed battle, the Jumbos found themselves down 4-1 as they trotted to the dugout for their half of the fourth. Starting pitcher junior Jon Lee had struggled early, giving up three solo home runs in the first two innings, and the bats had been silent, held to only three runs in the past 21 innings. "There was a collective feeling in the dugout that people had had enough," junior centerfielder and tri-captain Evan Zupancic said. "We had to let people know that we weren't going to get killed on our field. It's not fun to get beat around like that." As one of the more vocal leaders on the team, Zupancic led a movement to get in people's faces and let them know that it was time to step up. It is a testament to this team that it responded when challenged from within. Lacking his best stuff on Saturday, Lee fought on every pitch to keep the Bantams off the board. It worked; Trinity's hitters were quieted as Tufts' began to emerge. "Jon Lee stepped up," Zupancic, who had gotten in the pitcher's face earlier in the game, said. "He came out alright." The Jumbos got a solo home run from junior shortstop Brian Shapiro in the bottom of the fourth to cut the lead to two. Lee pitched one more scoreless inning before the Jumbos began to take over in the bottom of the fifth, scoring two more to knot the game. Shapiro then moved from short to the mound to pitch a scoreless sixth before the Jumbos grabbed their first lead of the game. Momentum had clearly switched sides, and it was the bottom of the order that came through for the Jumbos. Three consecutive singles by the five, six, and seven hitters loaded the bases for an unlikely offensive hero, freshman catcher Bob Kenny. Someone who had earned his spot in the lineup by blocking nearly every ball possible, provided some bonus offense, as he laced a two-run single into left. The Jumbos would not relinquish the lead, or the momentum, as they went on defeat the Bantams in the second game of the double-header to win the series 2-1. The series victory could be enough to clinch the NESCAC East Division, but what stuck in the minds of the players was the way they responded when pushed around. "That was a turning point," Zupancic said. "We had to decide if we wanted to roll over and keep getting creamed and embarrassed. But we decided that we weren't going to take it. We fought hard mentally and came through in the clutch." Perhaps the most impressive fact is who came through in the clutch. It was a pitcher who nearly got chased in the early going battling back to hold Trinity to four. It was a freshman catcher in the lineup primarily because of his defense getting two RBI with the bases juiced. And it was the shortstop, coming in to get the win on the mound. "That's how you judge a team's strength," Zupancic said. "By how everyone does, one through nine in the lineup." The series victory gives the Jumbos a slight cushion in the division, and as huge as the victories were, they weren't quite as important as the mental fortitude displayed by this team. "I'm most satisfied with how we approached Saturday's game after Friday's game," Zupancic said. "It's a testament to how we are as a team, that we could come back from being down and stick together like that." Remarks like that make you believe that this team realizes it has hit a turning point.

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News

Moreau improves to 10-0 as Jumbos beat Salem State

March 31

The women's softball team escaped some April rain showers and a seventh inning rally by Salem State to improve its record to 13-5. The Jumbos overpowered Salem State with two home runs and another strong outing by senior co-captain Jodie Moreau to pick up the 9-5 victory over the non-conference opponent. Moreau, now 10-0, pitched four innings, striking out seven batters, while giving up only two singles to sophomore Kelly Driscol. While Dr. Moreau was taming the Lady Vikings, senior Tiffany Trahan and junior Lis Drake provided the offensive clout to secure the win. Drake launched a three-run bomb in the third inning, and also doubled in another run in the first, driving in Trahan. Trahan added a solo shot of her own to deep centerfield in the bottom of the sixth to give Tufts a 9-3 lead. In fact, offense was never a problem for Tufts as the team recorded 13 hits and every batter reached base. Aside from Drake and Trahan, senior co-captain Emily Ferrazza, freshman Courtney Bongiolatti, and sophomore Deana Davidian each recorded two hits. Each of the three pitchers that the Jumbos faced could not contain the Jumbo bats as runs were scored in all but one inning. Tufts jumped out to a 6-1 lead through four innings and Talon gave sophomore Maggie McClory an opportunity to pick up a little more experience. Salem State clawed its way back into the game slowly scoring two runs in the top of the fifth. McClory retired the side in order in the sixth, but got into a jam in the seventh. With one out and runners on second and third sophomore Kim Kasprzyk smacked her second double of the game, decreasing the lead to 9-5. Freshman Kristen Warren then popped up into a double play though, and the game ended. "It was kind of a boring game," coach Kris Talon said. "We played down to their level a little bit, not that they are a bad team. Weekday home games always have the danger of being played sloppily." Moreau continued her brilliant senior campaign, after being named NESCAC softball player of the week for the second time in a row. So far this year, she has pitched shutout ball in every game she has entered, except against nationally fourth ranked Wheaton where she gave up one run, and Wisconsin Lacrosse when she gave up two. Yesterday, the closest call came in the fourth inning when Driscoll reached third base after singling, stealing second, and advancing to third on a groundout. Checking the runner back to third, sophomore catcher Julie Fox threw a ball which Davidian mishandled, and Driscoll charged home for the unearned run. Aside from that, not one Viking made it into scoring position while Moreau pitched. "Jodie really set the tone for the team," Talon said. A gray-haired Salem State fan might have said it better, though. "That pitcher is pitching too darn fast," said the unidentified spectator. "It's not really fair." Salem State never really had a chance in the game, although the young team featuring eight freshman and no seniors, battled until the end. The win was Tufts' sixth in a row, and the team is currently undefeated in New England play. On Thursday they host a doubleheader against Bridgewater State, a perennial New England powerhouse. Talon was generally pleased but not overwhelmed by the win. "It was a good game," she said. "We had good defense, and we got to put a few more people in the game. It could have been better, but it was not horrible."

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News

Hits and misses

March 31

Gregg KallorThere's a RhythmGregg Kallor4/5 You could have caught jazz pianist Gregg Kallor honing his skills down the road at Tufts' own partner in musical crime, the New England Conservatory, as recently as two years ago. His debut album offers something to please just about everyone. Performing as a trio with drum and bass, the artists slide into the album with slow and delicate bass notes, coaxing listeners inwards. Then deliberate piano assertions underline the pensive reflection that permeates tunes like opener "Voice of Reason" and title track, "There's a Rhythm." Just as soon as the soothing tones have got you feeling cool, the trio turns it up and launches into a hot, let's-have-fun-this-one sort of approach. "On Green Dolphin Street" and "Double Down" meld the forward motion of an almost-funky bass, the light touch of playful drum solos, and Kallor's own purposeful laziness. Hear him smile as his fingers alternately tap, paw, and caress his instrument's keys. -Rob LottTimo MaasLoudKinetic Records4/5 All the prime ingredients are just waiting to be mixed. Timo Maas won fame with his remixes, but this album of original material sees him constructing sound from scratch to great effect. Nothing on Loud aspires to the epic, but given the complexity and appeal of the lengthier tracks - from club-floor punch in "Old School Vibes" to trance in "Manga" to energetic moodiness in "Like Love" - one has to wonder what Maas would sound like if he combined his new work with his mixing talents. In an ironic shift, Maas may find his music being remixed by other people for once; the sounds and beats on Loud would make for some powerful base material. Don't discount the originals, however, and risk missing out on Maas' intelligent writing. A sleek, climactic dance set it isn't, but Loud's strong flavors, varied styles, and careful compositions will please people in the mood to listen rather than shake their troubles away. -Drew Shelton

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News

New chairs for CECA include TTLGBC culture rep

March 31

Senator Gautam Kitchlu resigned as chair of the Culture, Ethnicity and Community Affairs (CECA) committee - a chair he had previously shared with former Senator Pritesh Gandhi- at Sunday night's weekly meeting of the Tufts Community Union (TCU) Senate. Senator Ariana Flores and, in an unprecedented move, Culture Representative Kelly Sanborn were elected to the positions of co-chair in an uncontested election. Sanborn is the culture rep for Tufts Transgender, Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Collective (TTLGBC). While all culture reps are required to sit on CECA, the election marks the first time that a representative has chaired an influential committee. According to Flores, Kitchlu resigned from heading the committee because he has too many other commitments and felt that others would have more time to do a better job. She said that she and Sanborn are fully prepared to co-chair the committee. "Kelly and I were interested, and it just worked," Flores said. She and Sanborn have been involved in CECA's affairs this year and, according to Gandhi, can easily take over the committee. Their new responsibilities include running the Wednesday night Cultural Coordinating Committee (CCC) meetings, where culture groups to come to discuss their needs. Sanborn's election to CECA comes after the Daily reported last week that some senators felt culture reps should not maintain their right to vote in Senate proceedings. While culture representatives cannot serve on Tufts Allocation Board (ALBO) or Elections Board (ELBO), they still maintain a vote in all Senate affairs. If senators were opposed to the election of a culture rep to the head of a committee, though, they did not show their actions Sunday night. No one contested the co-election of Sanborn and Flores, which received small attention when compared to the other events of Sunday's meeting. When asked how the election might change her role on the Senate, Sanborn said the position will "broaden the scope of her job." She added that her role as a CECA co-chair will not take away from her responsibilities to her culture group. Sanborn has been an effective representative for the TTLGBC this year, spearheading initiatives such as gender-neutral bathrooms. Her election to chair CECA expands the ability of culture reps to influence Senate affairs. Flores has been active in representing Latino cultural organizations on campus through committees such as CECA and the CCC. She said CECA is currently working on several projects, including the advent of a Latino Studies curriculum at Tufts and initiatives aimed at greater Asian American Studies options. Additionally, CECA wants to make the procedure for reporting harassment cases "as easy as possible," and to have a forum for improving communications between the administration and the students.Marc Frost contributed to this report.

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News

Vaginas, V-Day, and Vulvapalooza

March 31

Peach, poochy, cooter, powderbox, punani, fanniboo, mushmallow. All words used in place of one that many people used to have much difficulty saying out loud: Vagina. For the second year in a row, The Vagina Monologues opens in Cohen Auditorium this Thursday, marking the worldwide celebration of V-Day. The V-Day movement, according to its website, aims to "mount benefit productions of the Vagina Monologues...to raise money and awareness to stop violence against women." To date, Eve Ensler's work has been at the center of the V-Day movement, which Tufts belongs to as part of the College Campaign. V-Day will sponsor nearly 800 benefit events around the world this year, each production donating money to either international or local charities that work to end rape, battery, incest, female genital mutilation, and sexual slavery. Director Zoe Hastings, who put together this year's show with sponsorship from the Women's Center, hopes to tackle all sides of the issue of violence against women by targeting three diverse charities. Tufts' performance will donate proceeds to RAWA (Revolutionary Afghan Women's Association), EMERGE, a Boston men batterers counseling center, and Casa Myrna Vasquez, a local domestic violence shelter for women and children. "When I got involved last year I realized what an important movement it was," she said. "[This year] I wanted to give back and give people the same experience I had." Hastings hopes that the show will address problems she feels plague college campuses all over the country. "The Vagina Monologues is a lot about just getting dialogue started, because it needs to be," she said. And that's just what the show does by putting one of the most taboo words in the mouths and minds of all who discuss the show, all who see it performed, and all who read its reviews.The Vagina Monologues is based on 200 interviews that Ensler held with women from every walk of life - professional women, mothers, grandmothers, and children, ranging in age from 6 to 72. They discussed how they felt about being women, about menstruation, sex, birth, rape, and life. The interviews also crossed racial and geographic boundaries. The result of these interviews is a series of monologues presented by a 16-member female cast. Sometimes the scenes include more than one actress, each telling a story that knits a common thread among all the interviewees. Some are a single woman's story, and others are conglomerations of common experiences and emotions. There is no starring cast member or feature player, but rather a group of women. All the women in the cast play equal roles, and each cast member dons a black t-shirt with the slogan "Until the Violence Stops" printed in white across the front. The show tackles the issues of secrecy around vaginas, at one moment likening them to the Bermuda Triangle. But overall it seeks to raise awareness about the female body and the female individual, repeatedly raising your discomfort level until it begins to melt away and a transformation takes place. But before the show even hits the stage, Vulvapalooza kicks off the V-Day activities with a huge "Vaginal Extravaganza," invented last year by junior Erin Dwyer. At the free event, various tables will be set up by anti-violence charities, sex shops and women's organizations, and features vibrator auctions and a plethora of information offered by many important actors in the movement to end violence against women. "You have to see it to believe it," Hastings said. And everyone should go see it and believe it. The show as a whole reaches out to both sexes, regardless of sexual orientation or political slant. Artistic director Alissa Kempler said that the show is not about men-bashing but rather a chance for women to claim the vagina as part of their bodies. "Most women don't even realize they are supposed to enjoy sex, and The Vagina Monologues addresses that," she said.Cast member Catherine Diggins said that the show made her feel empowered. "I felt it was very woman friendly," she said. "None of the guys were snickering or putting any of it down. The men seemed to be very supportive and into it." The Vagina Monologues is not a show simply by feminists for feminists, but rather a chance for everyone to become more aware of the secret and often painful life of the woman, and also the triumphant empowerment of talking about what is never discussed - the vagina. Hastings was reluctant to read the script when she auditioned a year before, but she realized through her experience that "other people need to have that transformation, to talk about things that are not talked about." "It's different than anything you've ever seen," she said. "And I think in some way everyone will relate to it because it's a piece that speaks to just about everyone. It's all levels, very multi-faceted, and it's especially worth $5 considering the money is going to charity." So go see TheVagina Monologues and learn a little something about yourself, the women in your life, what you can do to end violence against women, and, of course, a little something about vaginas.

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News

Resident Evil' one of the best Gamecube games to date

March 31

"Scary" movies don't creep me out (and good lord, the big-screen adaptation of Resident Evil certainly didn't creep me out). And until recently I could say that video games didn't creep me out either (with the Playstation One's Silent Hill being the only possible exception). Well, Resident Evil for the Gamecube changed everything. This game is creepy - it's not scary per se but it just has a way of getting under your skin; it puts you on edge. You hear things - creaking floors, thunder, a ticking clock, howling winds, and oh yeah, the moans of rapidly approaching zombies in the dark. Then you see things - lightning flashes through the window, a zombie hunched over your dead friend eating his carcass as blood drips from his chin, a Doberman crashes through a window in a deadly silent and poorly lit hallway. Put these together with jaw-dropping graphics and solid (if dated) gameplay and you have, hands down, the best Gamecube game to date. Gameplay The game begins with a short movie: a helicopter lands in a dark forest, we hear television news broadcasts in the background detailing the recent deaths of entire families in Raccoon City, then a small crew disembarks from the copter. The team (members of S.T.A.R.S., or Special Tactics And Rescue Service) is on the scene to locate an earlier team that was dispatched to the area and has lost contact. They find that the crew's helicopter with its captain dead inside, and no one else is anywhere to be found. Then the crew is suddenly attacked by a pack of wild Doberman, and one member is mauled to death while the rest of the team makes a run for an old mansion in the distance (you first run for the copter but find it's already taken flight). Reaching the mansion safely, Jill and Chris (the game's two main characters) are baffled. What the hell is going on? You'll find out soon enough. First, you have to select whether or not you wish to play as Jill or Chris (it actually matters who you choose as the story for each is slightly different and choosing Chris actually makes the game more difficult). Your main objective: survive. Your secondary objective: investigate this forsaken place. Of course, along your journey you encounter everything from zombies eating your friends, to mutated dogs, man-eating plants, sharks, giant spiders, and other random mutated monstrosities out for nothing more than your flesh. You also find suspicious, and insightful, diaries littering the complex. Nothing is what it seems. Something deeper is definitely going on and it's your job to figure out what. The story is actually quite involved - and quite good in fact - especially for a video game. The story and atmosphere are superb. They're really what make the game work. The control scheme and gameplay mechanics, on the other hand, are actually weaker than I would have expected. The characters in Resident Evil are a bit clunky to control. They're also more than a little disorienting at first and quite annoying even. It does grow on you though, which is something - that means the control isn't truly awful. Just awkward. And the gameplay mechanics themselves are solid but do lack innovation. Buttressed by atmosphere and an engrossing story, Resident Evil easily overcomes what control and gameplay faults it may have. Grade: B-Graphics Ok...ok...ok...So maybe Capcom (the game's developer/publisher) put one over on us and pulled more than a few rabbits out of a hat to get Resident Evil to look THIS good. And sure, it is misleading how good the game looks (more on this in a moment). But at face value, Resident Evil sports the best graphics of ANY video game that I've ever played, bar none. The trick to Resident Evil is that the developers use pre-rendered backgrounds. That is, rather than the Gamecube rendering the environment on-the-fly, the system essentially just loads a picture file that your character (which is rendered on-the-fly) simply walks through. You might think that this would look, well, bad. But it doesn't, Capcom pulled it off flawlessly, and your character blends seamlessly with the pre-rendered backgrounds and rarely does the "blue screen effect" occupy your mind. Of course, the biggest disadvantage to using pre-rendered backgrounds is that it requires the use of a static camera - unlike most games (Metal Gear Solid 2 and another Capcom game, Devil May Cry, come to mind) which render the backgrounds on-the-fly, allowing the virtual "camera" following your character to actually hover above you. And for most games, a dynamic camera is essential, absolutely necessary. In fact, I contend that only with a game like Resident Evil can you do otherwise. Only in a game like Resident Evil, where dramatic camera angles and precise positioning enhance so much of the atmosphere, can pre-rendered backgrounds and a static camera work. In short, the game is beautiful. But do keep in mind that it comes with its limitations - in this case a static camera angle and the occasional obstructed view. A static camera? Pre-rendered backgrounds? It only works with Resident Evil but it does work amazingly well. Grade: ASound The sound in Resident Evil is on par with the storyline and the graphics. From unique sounds each time your foot stomps a different surface (be it wet grass, concrete, wood, marble, shards of glass, or carpet), to detailed weather effects (water falling, wind howling, lightning crashing), to downright eerie music playing in certain rooms of the mansion, the sound in Resident Evil helps create atmosphere just as well as the graphics themselves. You really couldn't ask for much more. The voice acting is a bit weak, but it's a "horror" game. You rarely even get good or even decent actors in most Hollywood "horror" movies. So I can't really complain much, it's average video game voice work - nothing to write home about. But talking isn't Resident Evil's focus, and the eerie sound effects steal the spotlight here. Grade: A- Replay Value: If you enjoy the thrill and the creeps, then you'll play this one time and time again. While the story won't remain fresh, the creepiness shouldn't diminish for some time. Throw in two playable characters with different storylines, multiple difficulty levels, and some un-lockable goodies, and Resident Evil will keep you coming back. As for the first time through, the story will pull you in and the atmosphere will engulf you - you won't want to put the controller down (just ask my friends, they can attest to that). Grade: A- While I actually never played the original Resident Evil, I can say that this new incarnation is definitely worth your hard earned cash. Sporting some of the best graphics ever, atmospheric sound to match them, and an engrossing story, Resident Evil is certainly one of the best games of the past 12 months. And it is unmatched on the Gamecube. Overall: A-@s:'Resident Evil' doesn't get boring

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News

A letter on respect

March 31

I want to add a few questions to President Bacow's plea for civility. Why are you doing this to each other? What has led a small number of students in this community to use language and image so hurtful? Do you enjoy causing pain? Is it that you want to get others to abandon The First Amendment, to push them over the edge in order to make your point?I am getting tired of nastiness, of the smug self-satisfaction some of you enjoy from causing others to wince. This old grandfather is offended by your bad manners to each other and to the rest of the community. Last week, during the dedication of the DiBiaggio chair, I looked at the five outstanding alumni sitting as models for the rest of you and became painfully aware of the civility that marked their lives at Tufts when contrasted to some of you today. Even when I had to walk over Vanessa Kirsch during her protests on South African divestment, she was always civil and civilized. Alan Solomont occupied a building site more than thirty years ago, and he did it with sensitivity for those who disagreed with him.. There were others, too. Dan Marcus championed ideas with a brilliance and high mindedness that gave conservative thought an inspired dignity . Brian Kelly's film reviews were the envy of the campus, the best writing of his and many subsequent generations.Look where we have sunk. From all parts of the political spectrum comes in-your-face venom indifferent to the pain it might cause. Get a little human respect for yourselves and for each other. If you want mine, you all have to earn it.Sol GittlemanThe writer is the provost of Tufts University

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News

Switch from Emerald to Trumpeter commences

March 31

The University began the final stage of the process of converting e-mail accounts from the Emerald system to the web-page based Trumpeter system last week. Seniors, who were able to switch their accounts last week, had the option of staying with Emerald. All other students - including graduate students - are required to make the switch during their respective appointment times over the next three weeks. ITS has received high approval ratings from students who have already switched their account. "It was really easy and they were very helpful," junior Dan Sencabaugh said. "The new format makes more sense." ITS staff also said the transition was going smoothly, even if only seniors and a few juniors have been converted to Trumpeter. Overall, upperclassmen have a limited knowledge of their new, required e-mail system. Sophomore Matt Arnold said that all he knows about Trumpeter is the new email address format, and is web-based structure. "The new firstname.lastname is convenient...other than that, I don't know anything about it," he said. Some found that the e-mail sent out to inform students about the Trumpeter switch did not help to clarify the system. "The e-mail was a bit vague. I found out from friends that I was supposed to come to Eaton to switch my account," Sencabaugh said. At this time, e-mail is the only change being made to Emerald. The system will continue to provide other services for the campus. Among these services include Usenet News, Internet Relay Chat (IRC), and departmental and personal web pages. Once students activate their e-mail account, they are given a sheet from Information and Technology Services (ITS) with their new password, and a web address to pages with more information about Trumpeter. Students are required to have configured their Emerald account's e-mail to forward to their new Trumpeter address before they switch their accounts. Those who wish to have their e-mail forwarded to another account can do so when they switch to Trumpeter, instead of having to go down to ITS building behind Pearson Hall. Trumpeter, which freshmen have been using since the beginning of the year, is modeled after popular email programs such as Hotmail and Yahoo!Mail. It allows students to check their email from any computer with Internet access, unlike Emerald, which required a computer with Secure CRT or a SSH server. Like Emerald, Trumpeter can be configured to work with the Netscape Messenger e-mail program, and can be forwarded to another account. Trumpeter consists of two separate servers: Coral for students and Granite for faculty and staff. The new system will also allow more space for e-mail and attachments, reducing irksome "disk quota exceeded" messages, according to Associate Director of IT Training Kathleen Cummings. Freshmen say they have used the Trumpeter system all year without much hassle. Many say its likeness to Hotmail and Yahoo!Mail makes it easy to master. "I just hate that there isn't an address book...other than [that] it is just the same," freshman Christina Bernadotte said. Tufts Communication and Computer Services (TCCS) hopes to add an address book feature in the future, but is not making any guarantees. Trumpeter is an Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP) server, as opposed to Emerald, which is a Post Office Protocol (POP) server. POP servers store e-mail on a server and copy it onto the computer for viewing. If e-mail is viewed on more than one computer, it will be deleted unless specifically told not to do so. IMAP servers save e-mail on the Internet server, allowing it to be viewed easily from different computers. According to the TCCS website, the IMAP format is "a good fit for our mobile University population." Juniors are allotted to switch their e-mail accounts on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of this week. Sophomores will be allowed to switch between Feb. 20 and 22, and graduate students between Feb. 27 and Mar. 1.

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News

Chemical Brothers fail to find new sound on latest album

March 31

It's been two and a half years since Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons, the UK duo behind techno/house supergroup The Chemical Brothers, have treated us to new studio music. Among the veterans of modern house music, the Brothers have made mainstream audiences pay attention to electronica. Their most widely-known disc, Dig Your Own Hole - by far their commercial pinnacle - showcased their trademark big beat and heavy bass style. The tracks on that album, as well as on the studio follow-up Surrender, are complicated, busy, and expansive. But like most DJs, they couldn't care less about what has made them popular. Rather, they are more concerned with the quest to find a "new" sound. Unfortunately, the Brothers seem to be struggling to find that sound on their newest CD, Come With Us. The one thing that is glaringly missing from nearly the entire album is a good bassline - I remember blowing out some discman headphones because of the bass line of Surrender's "Under the Influence." This album sounds nearly the same on a quality stereo system as it does on a clock-radio CD player: rather bland. Part of what made the previous records so great was that their beats possessed a sense of urgency. It was as if the pair felt they had a responsibility to get the music out there, because it was so fresh. Here, it's as if they're saying, "We were tinkering around with this a bit, listen if you like." There are a smattering of good sequences throughout, but there isn't one song that really feels complete. The opening title track begins luring you into a cosmic funk vibe that builds, and builds, and builds. But the pinnacle never comes. Striking just the right balance between bouncy bass, catchy rhythm, and animated drums is very much an art, and for the first time, the Chemical Brothers seem to be coming up short. At over six minutes, you would think there would be some kind of sonic progression to the album's first single, "It Began in Afrika". But after the rather cheesy vocal repetition of "it began in Afrika-ka-ka-ka-ka...," some now-standard tribal drums, and even samples of jungle cats, all that's left is a rather halfhearted rhythm that's about as innovative as the techno played on Top 40 radio. There are a few songs that stand out among the lackluster. "My Elastic Eye," with its buzzy synth-heartbeat and xylophone-like percussion, sounds like FAO Schwartz in the Twilight Zone, which is actually quite fun. Fellow Brit Richard Ashcroft of the Verve lends his voice to the album's closing track, "The Test." It is essentially a remix of a rock song, in the same vain as some Paul Oakenfold remixes, and very reminiscent of recent Radiohead. This, if anything, is among the musical directions that it would be nice to see the Brothers explore some more, as worn rock conventions could use a good kick in the teeth. The one track that comes close to the upbeat, catchy, dance pace at which the group truly excels is the aptly-named "Galaxy Bounce." Aside from dancing, the one thing that good techno music can always get you to do is drive fast. If this song doesn't make you press your foot a little harder and race down the highway with James Bond in mind, well, then, maybe you don't deserve to have a license. The one thing Come With Us gets points for is that at least it tries to be different, something expected from the Chemical Brothers, and also lacking in popular music. All they have to do is stop trying so hard. Everything previous felt so natural, as opposed to the forced nature of some of this album. We waited a while for this CD, but fans would be willing to wait longer if it meant that Simons and Rowlands could find a way to break the rules again. Everyone's allowed one slip up. As they've assured us in the past, brothers gonna work it out.

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News

Professor, students explore lost theaters of Somerville

March 31

Times may have changed, but Tufts Professor David Guss is working to ensure that a bygone era is not forgotten.Through a multi-faceted project and his new anthropology course, "Theaters of Community and the Social Production of Space," Guss is cooperating with Tufts students and local high schools to study the history of Somerville's theaters. Somerville, one of the earliest East Coat towns and a thriving cultural center, once boasted 14 movie theaters. "Every kid in Somerville spent their Saturday in the theater," Guss said. "The theater created a sense of place. It was a cultural institution where people would interact, creating a vibrant social network." Of the 14 original theaters, only half of the buildings are still standing today. Only one, the Somerville Theater in Davis Square, still operates. Guss said that he has long been interested in how performance, art, and architecture shape the urban landscape, creating or inhibiting a sense of community, identity, and support. His complete immersion in the history of Somerville's theaters began more recently. Guss had done some surface work on the history of theaters around his Somerville home, but his interest was sparked when he found a collection of theater photos from all over the state. With photographs of Somerville theaters in the early 1900s in hand, Guss began to visit the sites where the old theaters had stood. Showing photographs, he would ask, "Where was this building?" Guss received enthusiastic responses from many Somerville residents. People wanted to tell him their memories of the theater, and as they did, he realized the importance of the theater in their lives. Guss said that his project has expanded because of these interviews. "I was invited by the Somerville Museum to do an exhibition of the photographs [and other ephemera] I had collected," he explained. "I wanted to do something more ambitious and more theoretically complex. I wanted to use them [photos, posters, interviews, etc.] to discuss the centrality of cultural institutions." To achieve this goal, Guss has expanded his project. It now has five separate components and involves both the Tufts and Somerville communities. When complete, "The Lost Theaters of Somerville" will manifest itself as an exhibition at the Somerville Museum, a lecture series, a book, an oral history record, and a series of current photographs of the former Somerville theater buildings and sites. Permanent archives will be created in both the museum and the Somerville Library. Guss' course on the subject pairs off enrolled Tufts and Somerville High students to study oral histories through interviews with former theater patrons and personnel. In addition, the students will do primary research and site tours, all working toward the creation of the permanent archives on the theaters at the Somerville Library and Museum. The course is offered with financial support from the University College of Citizenship and Public Service (UCCPS) and under the organizational leadership of Tufts post-graduate student Kathy Stanton. The Massachusetts Foundation of the Humanities, the Somerville Arts Council, and Tufts Provost Sol Gittleman,have also given Guss a wide range of support and expressed enthusiasm for his project thus far. The project benefits those directly involved and the greater community by linking Tufts with neighboring Somerville communities through research and recollection of the past. Guss explained that many in the Somerville community see this project, and particularly the Tufts and Somerville High students involved, as "providing a service by recording this history." He hopes that any student involved will be "enriched by the experience" and, on a larger scale, hopes to give a new slant to film scholarship. Film is usually studied in terms of aesthetics, economics, and spectatorship. Guss wants to help people see the theaters as defining cultural centers and neighborhoods - places where people were socialized and where consensus formed. There has already been popular support, enthusiasm, and press on his project. Tufts students enrolled in the course had their first meeting with the Somerville High students yesterday afternoon. The faculty seems enthusiastic as well. "I give him a lot of credit for having the vision to create a course like this that encompasses so much," Drama Professor Barbara Grossman said.

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Jumbo II to get a facelift after vandalism incident

March 31

After suffering at the hands of vandals, Jumbo II - Tufts' 80-year-old concrete mascot - will soon undergo repairs to her trunk and tail. According to Tufts University Police Department (TUPD) Captain Mark Keith, an unknown person or persons vandalized the statue between the evening of Friday, Feb. 15 and the following morning, throwing what appeared to be cinder blocks at the tail and trunk areas. Jumbo's tail is now completely knocked off and a layer of concrete is missing from part of the trunk, exposing the wire mesh beneath. According to Keith, the police have yet to identify any suspects in the case. The mascot's facelift, which will cost approximately $500 to $700, could begin as early as next week, according to Director of Medford Facilities Ronald Esposito. The work will be contracted out to Your Space, a landscaping company that has worked with facilities in the past. Jumbo II has undergone several coats of paint and one previous tail reconstruction in 1994. "I'd like to know who did it so we can give them the bill," Esposito said. Money for the repairs will come from existing funds for campus beautification. Though facilities does not perform regular checks of campus artwork, the department is responsible for its maintenance. Despite its fragile composition, Jumbo II has proven to be remarkably resilient to wear and tear throughout its 80-year history. The pachyderm statue is actually made of papier-m??ch?© over a wire mesh frame, covered by less than two inches of concrete. It has been moved three times between two states and has little more than a few cracks to show for it. Dedicated in 1993, Jumbo II was a gift from the Tufts class of 1958 on its 35th reunion. It was meant to be a replacement for the real Jumbo, a stuffed elephant that was destroyed when the Barnum Museum of Natural History burned down in 1975. The concrete elephant initially received a mixed reaction from students, but soon became a staple on the Hill, greeting campus visitors from her home in front of the second Barnum Hall. Robert Hale, LA '58, co-chaired the reunion committee that purchased Jumbo II. He has fond memories of Jumbo's journey to Tufts. "We put the thing on a flatbed truck and drove it through the middle of town," Hale said. "You should have seen the looks on people's faces." Jumbo II was transported from its home for over 70 years, Hudson, New Hampshire, to Acton, Massachusetts. After the class of '58 successfully negotiated with the administration to bring the statue to the hill, it was trucked to Medford. The elephant was lifted up 60 feet in the air by crane and lowered onto a specially prepared brick foundation just in time for Homecoming. The administration approved the statue's placement despite worries that students would vandalize it, according to Hale. Although Jumbo II has been the occasional brunt of student pranks - including paintings such as a white heart on its backside - the statue has remained relatively unharmed throughout his eight-year residence at Tufts. Dean of Admissions David Cuttino said the statue commands a certain respect from students. "I think one of the remarkable things is that the statue hasn't been marred more often," Cuttino said. Some in the class of '58 have a different theory. "The fact that it is relatively fragile probably keeps it from getting [purposely] damaged," Hale said. "Look at the cannon. It's so sturdy that people feel they can vandalize it." Prior to its location on Walnut Hill, Jumbo II resided at Benson's Wild Animal Farm in Hudson, New Hampshire. According to Laurie Jasper of the Hudson Historical Society, the statue was dubbed the "lucky elephant" by the park's visitors and it may have been modeled after owner John Benson's pet elephant, Betsy. Children would try to throw pennies on its back and legend had it that a wish was granted to those who managed to do so. Benson's Wild Animal Farm closed in 1987 and its contents were sold at auction. Today, Jumbo II still serves as a good luck charm for Tufts students and visitors. Pennies now rest on the bridge of its wounded trunk, supposedly granting success on exams. The modest elephant, much smaller than the first, 11-foot-tall Jumbo, has become an important part of Tufts' tradition. "This is not any elephant, it's a particular elephant," Cuttino said. "Jumbo II has made telling that story necessary. It's a tradition people can enjoy." Hale is glad that the Tufts community has grown to appreciate the statue. "Jumbo II was meant as a symbol of Tufts' beginnings, its greatness, and its future greatness," he said. "Tell those kids to keep their hands off him," he joked. Hale also hinted at future plans for a Jumbo III. "It has been discussed that at some future point it would be nice to have a more permanent statue. That one's not going to last for another hundred years." A new statue will most likely be on the agenda when the class of 1958 meets for its 45th reunion in 2003. For now, though, Jumbo II will suffice as the closest thing Tufts has to the original Jumbo the Elephant.

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Students voice concern of Staples' environmental policy

March 31

Over a hundred calls were made last Friday by Tufts students to Staples Headquarters in support of the Stop Staples campaign, which has campaigned against the company's environmental policies for the last year and a half. The call-a-thon was sponsored in part by Tufts Environmental Consciousness Outreach (ECO) and by Ecopledge, an environmental organization opposed to Staples' heavy use of disposable paper products. The office supply company, which services Tufts, says it has an excellent environmental record. "Staples is definitely committed to being an environmentally conscious company," Staples spokesman Owen Davis said. Over 300 calls were made from across Massachusetts to Staples headquarters in Framingham, MA - about 130 calls came from Tufts alone. An Ecopledge press release cited the deforestation of the American South - where over "one-third of the trees clear-cut each year go towards the production of disposable paper products" - as the motivation for the campaign. Ecopledge has targeted Staples because they are the fastest-growing office supply company in the US. Ecopledge Field Organizer Cathleen Sullivan said the group's members chose to campaign at Tufts because they felt a Boston-area school would be most effective given its proximity to Staples national headquarters. "We wanted to expand the scope of Boston activity on the campaign... Tufts seemed like it had a lot of potential, but hadn't been deeply involved in the past," Sullivan said. Sullivan has not heard back from Staples about the call-in day, but said the store is beginning to offer more recycled products. She said that the store's addition of Living Tree paper, which uses no wood products, was prompted by the Stop Staples campaign. However, Staples officials say the store has long offered recycled products. "Staples has been leading the industry with its commitment," Owen said. "It's been in the making for many years." According to an Ecopledge press release, less than 12 percent of products sold at Staples are made of recycled materials. Staples maintains that customers can choose from over 1000 recycled products when shopping and that the displays highlight these products to make customers aware of their choices. In addition to selling recycled products, Staples ships all of its products in recycled corrugated cardboard boxes. They also recycle internally over 95 tons of paper used in their offices. In late February, Staples will sponsor a program for customers to donate old computers for organizations in need. Davis acknowledged that Staples has been in contact with a few environmental groups, but said that "the actions the company has taken have been a part of the evolution of the company's commitment." A satirical welcome party for the new Staples CEO will be held today at the Harvard Square Staples location. About five Boston-area schools will participate, including Tufts students, whom Sullivan said "have been the driving organizational force behind the event." She said that college students are vital to campaigns like Stop Staples. "College students are a crucial force of change in this country. As we become full citizens, it is so important to learn our power, to hold corporations and the government accountable to us and the environment."

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News

Weekend Picks

March 31

Elliott Wiley, Jr.Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles, Friday - Sunday at Camden YardsWith the college basketball season over, my weekend picks suffer. I'm an avid college basketball fan, but alas the seasons must and always do change. My hometown team, the Maryland Terps, won it all, so I think it's only right we keep the weekend pick in Maryland. The Baltimore Orioles jumped out of the gates, defeating the New York Yankees on Opening Day. Although the Yankee came back and won the second game, the O's are still tied for second place in the AL East. This weekend, the Boston Red Sox travel to Camden Yards to engage in a three game series with the Orioles.Prediction: The Orioles use their young talent and unpredictable pitching to upend the Bo Sox and steal the series 2-1. Although the Orioles have sucked recently, don't sleep! It's all about youth, Orioles World Series Champions!Daniel FowlerNew York Mets vs. Atlanta Braves, Friday - Sunday at Turner Field After starting off the season with an awe-inspiring win over the perennial powerhouse (yeah, right) Pittsburgh Pirates, New York looked like it was well on its way to a championship season. However, in game two of the series, things went on the downswing for the Mets as a Robbie Alomar error cost them the game. The bad luck continued yesterday in yet another loss to Pittsburgh. I'm not sure what the hell is going on with my Mets, but I do know that if they do not win at least two of three from Atlanta this weekend I am going to bloody someone with my Mike Piazza replica baseball bat. Prediction:Mets win one of three and I attack my housemate (who likes the god awful Reds) with the bat because he dared to root against my team after I explicitly warned him not to do that.Ethan AustinUniversity of Maine vs. Minnesota/Michigan, SaturdayWell it's all coming true. The University of Maine Black Bears are one win away from the NCAA Division I hockey championship. After obliterating top ranked UNH 7-2 in the semifinals of the Frozen Four, Maine is poised to win a much deserved championship, after the death of head coach Shawn Walsh. The Bears will face either Minnesota or Michigan in the final, but in my opinion the opponent doesn't really matter. Maine is on a mission, and nobody is stopping them. If the Bears beat the number one team in the nation 7-2, imagine what they'll do to anyone else.Prediction: Maine's opponent is too afraid to show up. Bears win. All is right with the world.

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News

Hockey team loses fourth straight game

March 31

The hockey team struggled through another rough weekend, losing two road games for the second consecutive week. The team dropped its game against Salem State on Friday night and then fell to Southern Maine on Saturday. Tufts has now lost four straight and has seen its record drop to 4-12 after opening the season 3-2. Overall, the team has lost ten of its last 11 games, dating back to Dec. 4. "Nothing's going right," junior co-captain Mike Carceo said. "We're just struggling in all aspects, offense, defense, everything. It's been a really tough stretch." On Saturday, the Jumbos traveled to Gorham, ME to take on the Huskies, who entered the game at 6-11-1 overall and 4-8-1 in the ECAC East. The two teams engaged in a tight battle early on, but Southern Maine blew the game open in the second period with three unanswered goals and then added another four in the third en route to a 9-3 victory. Southern Maine jumped out to an early lead, with two goals in the first period before Tufts freshman forward Shawn Sullivan made it a game just 18 seconds in to the second period to cut the deficit in half. With the Jumbos on the power play, Sullivan beat Huskie goaltender Matt Collaton for his sixth goal of the season. But that was as close as Tufts would get. Southern Maine answered three and a half minutes later, kicking off a scoring barrage that would last until 12:50 of the third and ultimately result in a 9-1 advantage for the hosts. "We played fine in the first period and the beginning of the second period," Carceo said. "Then we had one of those stretches where we broke down. We can't afford to do that. We could get away with it last year." In what has become a continuing trend, the Jumbos resurrected their offense in the third period, but fell significantly short in their bid for a fourth come-from-behind win of the season. Carceo broke his team's dry spell late in the third when he finished freshman forward Gino Rotundi's pass at 15:48. Rotundi then picked up another assist 46 seconds later when he set up sophomore defensemen Ben Delaney Winn. Sophomore goaltender Ben Crapser started the night in net and made seven saves before he was relieved by senior Ian Kell, who went on to finish the night with 27 stops. Against Salem State, the story was similar for the Jumbos, although the damage was inflicted much earlier in the contest. The Vikings struck first at 13:48 of the opening period on a Mike Veins tally and then added three more scores in the next six minutes to take a commanding 4-0 lead. Tufts would pull to within three midway through the second period, only to watch the hosts mimic their first period offensive explosion as they rolled to an 11-3 win. "It was the same thing as Friday night," Carceo said. "We played with them for the first 12 minutes and then bang, we just broke down." Once again it was Carceo who ignited the Tufts offense, as he scored an unassisted goal 21 seconds into the middle stanza. The goal also marked a personal milestone for Carceo, as he cracked the 100-point barrier for his career. "Considering the game was a blowout, it was kind of hard to feel good about it at the time," Carceo said. "But it's a good thing to have." After another Salem State goal, Jumbo forward Matt Spang cut the lead to 5-2 at 11:38. But the Vikings then initiated their second scoring run to close out the period, racking up another four unanswered goals to push their lead to 9-2 at 19:15. Then in the third, Rotundi scored a shorthanded goal at 1:41, and the Jumbo defense held the Vikings at bay for the next 12 minutes. But Salem would add two more goals before all was said and done to make it 11-3. "We're not scoring enough," Carceo said. "The trend this year has been that if we get two or three goals its not enough, that's not going to do it. We can't let up that many goals as we have been, either." Again both goalies saw action with Crapser getting the start before Kell came in relief after Crapser left the game with a minor groin injury. This time the duo combined for 53 saves and Kell turned back 22 in the third period alone. "The goalies are doing the best they can," Carceo said. "Teams are just getting an amazing amount of shots. If you face 45 shots, a lot of goals are going to go in. There's also been lot of breakdowns in coverage around the net." The Jumbos will be back at home to take on Babson this Friday and will then host UMass-Boston on Saturday.

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News

A beautiful (and terrifying) day

March 31

As I sat eating my lunch in Carmichael on Tuesday, looking through the windows at the clear blue sky, one of my friends approached. As he sat down, he remarked, "Nice day outside, kind of scary." Damn. As he spoke I was torn from my temporary shelter of ignorance, blissfully forgetting the fact that it is not normal for Boston to be 60 degrees in February. "Terrifying," I responded. And so my enjoyable state of naivety ruined, we began a conversation I have had all too often, discussing the dire state of our planet's environment. Being a "concerned environmentalist", I have been inculcated with the forbidding facts of the current environmental situation. In my mind, the most dangerous issue right now is that of climate change, or global warming, because it threatens all forms of life, everywhere on the planet. By now, most know of the causes of climate change: carbon dioxide (and other) emissions lead to a greenhouse effect which causes the atmosphere to trap heat, altering global climate patterns and presenting catastrophic consequences. So why am I so concerned right now?* On Feb. 21 (last week), the Climate Monitoring Branch of the National Climatic Data Center reported: "The nationally averaged temperature was 39.94 degrees Fahrenheit for November through January, 4.3 degrees above the 1895-2001 long-term average...The previous record for the same three-month period was in 1999-2000. Since 1976 the nationally averaged November-January temperature has risen at a rate of 1.2 degrees Fahrenheit per decade." (Quote from "Americans Bask in Record Warmth," Associated Press, 2/21)* 2001 was the hottest year on record, second to 1998. Nine of the ten hottest years have occurred since 1990. ("2001 the Second Warmest Year on Record," ENS, 12/18/01) * Analysis of Antarctic ice sheets shows present-day atmospheric levels of heat-trapping CO2 are 30 percent higher than at any other time in the last 420,000 years and are growing. (Tufts Climate Initiative)* Even if all greenhouse gas emissions were stopped today, it would take 100 years for the climate to stabilize * The only significant world attempt at lowering greenhouse gas emissions, the Kyoto Protocol, which the US has pulled out of, does not even come close to the 70-percent reduction many scientists argue is necessary. But soothsayers have been glooming and dooming since the dawn of the "Green Revolution" in the 1970s, why worry now? Look out the window. But what is even scarier than the picture-perfect spring day in February is the unlikelihood of its cause being solved for several more years. Ehren Brav creatively reminded us once again of where the interests of the current Presidential Administration lie in his Daily column ("A Poor Politician is a poor politician," 2/27). As the President has already demonstrated during his first year in office, he is an avid environmentalist, right up until it challenges the profits of industry. The most recent example of this is Mr. Bush's decision to slash the tax which acts as the primary income for Superfund, the Federal government's answer to irresponsible industrial polluters. (Ironically, such people as Amory Lovins, founder of the Rocky Mountain Institute, have shown that our current economy is currently wasting mammoth amounts of money by maintaining its inefficient practices.) So if the Executive branch, which includes the Environmental Protection Agency, won't calm my fears, who will? One of the few glimmers of hope I have is in the upcoming Congressional election. This is the best time to send a mandate to all those in Washington that something is wrong with this planet and its making us nervous. Thus, I urge all Tufts students to make a commitment to write, e-mail, call, and most importantly vote, either in your home state or here in Massachusetts, and tell your leaders that you do know what is going on and that you want it to become our national policy not to tolerate the destruction of our homes. Furthermore, on an individual level, each of us can make a personal commitment to stop the process of global warming before it really is too late. Each one of us can make a measurable difference with small things. For example, if all Tufts students turned off their computers at night for only six hours, we would prevent 572 tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere each year and save the University over $87,000 (rising tuition costs?)! Perhaps the simplest thing of all, though, is just to become aware of the fact that we really are not supposed to be wearing shorts and playing Frisbee in the middle of winter. Oh, and by the way, it has been snowing since I began writing this Viewpoint. Freaky.

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News

Remembering Medieros

March 31

To the Editor: Many people, when they think of Dave Medeiros, think of a guy who got all the quirky roles in the drama department shows, be it a French physician, a singing and dancing grandpa, or even Elvis Presley. It was obvious that Dave had a lot of fun in these shows, and was a very talented actor, but this was only a single facet of his life at Tufts. As two of his closest friends on campus, we would like to introduce you to the Dave we knew. Dave truly loved kids, and so it was natural for him to become a child development major. This past fall, we got to hear lots of stories about "his" kindergarteners at the Tufts Daycare Center where he worked. Dave is a person who always asked how you were doing and really wanted to hear the answer. When we would call to see how his treatments were going, he always asked us how we were before we even got a chance to ask him. Dave loved cooking, and was always willing to offer advice to us novices. Once one of us asked him for a simple bread recipe and he energetically offered a staggering number of options. After canceling a holiday cookie baking lesson because he was in the hospital, he wanted to mail us cookies over winter break. It was just like him to think of us before himself. No matter how bad things got, Dave always had a smile on his face. To us, these things are more important than the time Dave spent on the stage here at Tufts. They, and the many other memories we have of him, show truly how kind and compassionate a person he was. We hope that sharing a few of our memories with you will help you to begin to appreciate Dave as much as we did.

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News

You've come a long way, baby

March 31

When we try to imagine the folk music of our parents' generation, it's interesting to notice how things have evolved. During their rise in the '60s, folk artists presented themselves alone on stage with only an acoustic guitar and possibly a harmonica to help tell their stories. They strummed their guitars as background to their words without maneuvering them as the creative force of the song - the lyrics did that. Fast forward to the present - more specifically, this past Saturday night at the Somerville Theater. The 12th Annual Songstreet Folk Festival presented six different acts, all supposedly fitting under the category of "folk" music. While none completely fit into the classic mold of a '60s folk singer, many were still highly entertaining and talented. The young, up-and-coming Edie Carey, Magical Blend Magazine's proclaimed "Acoustic White Girl of Soul," was the evening's first performer. While her act consisted of just herself and an acoustic guitar, her style was more musically oriented than the artists of the '60s. The focus was not solely on her words, but the combination of those words with her guitar melodies, creating a fresh-yet-deep result. Carey's funny, cute interactions with the audience and her voice - which could range from sweet to soulful - were the standouts of her performance. Carey was a delight to watch, with her mix of personal and inspirational songs. The mood of the concert completely changed when Christopher Williams stepped on stage, immediately launching into a song played on a bongo-type drum with a toilet brush. After discarding the brush, Williams used both hands to create complex, intense rhythms, still playing background to his beautiful voice. Most of his songs had a spiritual sense to them, though when he switched to acoustic guitar for a few numbers the songs evoked a more classical storytelling style. Throughout the performance, Williams' energy remained high, through his voice, his playing, and his dance-like movements on the stage. His strong voice was most notably exhibited during his a cappella rendition of Creedence Clearwater Revival's "As Long As I Can See the Light." Decked out in long sequined dresses, identical twins Chris and Meredith Thompson included guitar, conga drums, and a flute in their act. The unique duo's songs were fast-paced and intense, and like Williams (who came onstage for one song), had a spiritual quality. Their instrumentation ranged at times from Latin flavored to bluegrass, their dancing and rapid playing once again exhibited intense energy, and their wit was charming - even if you didn't really like the music style. After intermission the mood shifted a bit as Deb Talan took the stage. Her songs varied greatly between acoustic and electric stylings (the great "sin" of Bob Dylan by folk purists during 1965), yet all were very polished and unassuming. Talan had a style all her own. She and co-writer Steve Tanner, who joined Talan on a few songs, had obvious and endearing chemistry as songwriters and friends. Some of their songs were beautiful, sweet love songs, which captured the audience, while some exhibited Talan's ability to rock out and be a bit bluesy. Mary Lou Lord, who hails from Salem, MA, was the artist with a style closest to traditional folk music - up to this point, she was the only one who strummed her guitar as background to flowing, vivid love stories. She allotted much of her set to vocalist Rachel Davis, a girl with an absolutely incredible voice, who sang songs ranging from Robert Johnson's bluesy "Crossroads" to an a cappella rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." Despite a recent collection of critical acclaim, closing act Kevin So, adorned in black leather pants and a sparkly shirt, was fairly weak. Starting out with two extremely fast-paced and energetic songs, the audience might have had a false sense of what he had to offer. Sure enough, So sat down at a keyboard for his third number, singing all too passionately a cheesy, "Let's all get along" type song. So was a charismatic performer, but he not do anything that could be classified as "folk." The terrible simplicity and quality of lyrics was ridiculous. How has this man won so much praise? Granted, his two acoustic songs are pretty good, but if he thinks he's "expanding" beyond the range of folk music by trying to be Bob Dylan (whom he refers to as "my good friend" in one of his songs), he fails painfully. Although the show clocked in at four hours, it was enjoyable to see different styles of music be so well-received by audiences. Look out for some of these artists - this will not be the last you'll hear about them.

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News

Decision on Ghana program expected this semester

March 31

Though it has not been officially reinstated, Tufts in Ghana is accepting applications for the Fall 2002 and Spring 2003 program. The program is awaiting an administrative decision on its future based on the evaluation of an advisor hired last semester. The program was suspended two years ago by former vice president of Arts and Sciences Mel Bernstein after a student was violently raped at the Accra campus in Ghana. The incident was the fourth such rape since 1998. Now, however, the University is seriously considering its restoration, though the absence of Bernstein has complicated the administrative decision-making process. Janna Behrens, who is responsible for assessing the prospects of restoring the Ghana program, said that while the University of Ghana would like to re-establish a relationship, Tufts is approaching the issue with caution. "I believe the administration is trying to be sensitive to the time factor but is taking the necessary time to consider all aspects of my report," Behrens said. "If it is to be reinstated, they want it to be done in the best way possible." Behrens said that the study abroad office accepted applications because the administrative decision might come too late for the admissions process to be completed. "Come the decision, if it is to go ahead, we can't make a rapid recruitment process. It takes time," she said. When students pick up an application, they are made aware of the situation and are told that they should apply to other programs as well. Tufts, in conjunction with the University of Ghana, is conducting a thorough examination of the safety of its students studying in Ghana. At issue is a difference in cultures which some say leads Ghanaians to misinterpret certain behaviors considered normal in the US. In years past, an orientation with police and US Embassy personnel on the Ghana campus has attempted to teach American students how to "maneuver around in the safest way possible." Behrens said that the orientation is probably not sufficient. "We want students to understand how important cultural sensitivity is to having a safe and successful experience," she said. "Life at the University of Ghana campus is very different from life on the Tufts Medford campus. Students must know and respect these differences because it will allow them to have the best experience possible." Senior Carl Nee-Kofi Mould-Millman is from Ghana and knows several students who attend or have attended the University of Ghana. Mould-Millman said that Tufts needs to provide those students who travel to Ghana with a more thorough orientation while concurrently working with native Ghanaian students. "Tufts needs to screen and selectively recruit Ghanaian counterparts in the university who would work side by side with the American students in helping them to get a feel for the culture and become more acclimatized," Mould-Millman said. A reinstated Tufts-in-Ghana would be one of nine study abroad programs sponsored by Tufts.

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A healthier men's basketball team looks to get back on track

March 31

After dropping three consecutive games, two to NESCAC opponents, the men's basketball team is looking to get back on track this weekend with two more conference matchups. On Friday the Jumbos will take on the Colby White Mules, who stand tied with Middlebury for eighth place in the NESCAC, with an 8-10 (1-3 NESCAC) record. Following the Colby game, Tufts will travel to Bowdoin to take on the Polar Bears. Bowdoin is currently part of a three-way tie for first place with Williams and Trinity, and boasts a 13-5 overall record with a 3-1 conference mark. The Jumbos stand alone in seventh place in the NESCAC, with a 10-8 (1-2) record after losing their last three games. Tufts went down hard to Trinity last Friday night, as a tip in with two seconds to go put the Bantams up by one, and fell in similar style to Keene State on Tuesday. However, the Jumbos are confident that the outcome of their last three contests will be a help, rather than a hindrance. "I think it will make us more focused and even better in the clutch," freshman Reggie Stovell said. "Losses like that hurt, but they make you hungry." Tufts has also been ravaged by injury and sickness in the last week, losing junior guard Brian Shapiro for two games with a knee injury and junior point guard Lee Neugebauer due to the flu. These losses come on top of starting point guard, sophomore Phil Barlow's season ending foot surgery. Shapiro is expected to play in Friday's game, while Neugebauer's status is still questionable. "We were seriously undermanned in two of those games, but we still hung in there," junior Kyle Van Natta said. "You just have to try to take the positive from it." The Jumbos will need all the confidence they can muster in taking on Bowdoin on Saturday. The Polar Bears are riding a five-game winning streak, and ravaged first place Williams 84-54 in their most recent NESCAC matchup, handing the Ephs their first loss of the season. Senior Greg Orlicz, who currently averages 14.3 points per game, including 16.8 points in conference play, leads the Bowdoin offense. The Polar Bears also boast last week's NESCAC player of the week in junior Braden Clement. Clement averaged 19.5 points in two NESCAC wins, which thrust Bowdoin into first place. Against Williams he scored 24 points, hitting nine of 12 shots from the field, including six of eight from three-point range. A possible advantage for the Jumbos could be their inside presence. While Bowdoin boasts three players over 6'6", including one at 6'11", none averages more than 16 minutes and three points per game. Meanwhile, Tufts freshman center 6'7" Craig Coupe has begun to establish himself down low, averaging 12.1 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. Tufts will have to exploit this mismatch in order to come away with a win. Before taking on Bowdoin, however, Tufts will first travel further north in Maine to take on eighth place Colby. While boasting a record of only 8-10, the Mules do possess a serious offensive threat with senior captain Damien Stahorn. Stahorn is presently averaging 21.7 points per game, to go along with his 5.1 rebounds. Also leading the way for Colby is junior Kevin Crossman, who puts up 10.2 points per game. "Bowdoin is obviously a good team, but we're really focusing on Colby right now," Van Natta said. "We're concentrating on the task at hand." The Jumbos will have to look to leading scorer junior Mike McGlynn for offense, particularly if Shapiro and Neugebauer are not 100 percent. McGlynn is averaging 17.2 points per game for Tufts, and scored a combined 50 points in the two games last weekend. A healthy Shapiro would ease some of the pressure from McGlynn, as well as add a spark to the offense. Shapiro's absence was evident in the Jumbos' loss to Keene State, as the team was hounded by the Keene State press all night. "It was tough not having [Shapiro] in there when they were pressing," Van Natta said. "We really missed him a lot, but hopefully he'll be ready to go on Friday." Regardless of the status of their injured players, the Jumbos feel they will be ready to go when game time comes. "We've had tough streaks like this before," Stovell said. "Tomorrow at practice we'll try to re-establish some things, and I think we'll bounce back." With only six NESCAC games remaining, each contest becomes more important for Tufts if it wishes to have a berth in the postseason. The Jumbos square off against Colby at 7 p.m. on Friday, before heading south to take on the Polar Bears at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday.

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News

What's the key to a proper rep?

March 31

What is the proper way to do a rep? How fast should I do it? Some people tell me to breathe in as I am lifting, others tell me to breathe out. Which way is right? The most common way to do a rep is at a slow, even pace. Exhale at the top of the movement and inhale during the eccentric portion of the movement. Let's take bench-pressing as an example. The lowering of the weight is called the eccentric phase of the movement. Inhale during this portion. At the bottom of the movement, you can either hold your breath, or exhale evenly during the concentric (pushing) phase of the exercise. Breathing out helps stabilize your torso during the concentric. This breathing pattern should be followed universally. From bicep curls to squats to shoulder presses, a proper breathing technique is extremely important. The second part of completing a rep is the speed. We'll use the bench as an example again. Most people will tell you to lower the weight slowly, maybe on a two or three count (a count is just the number of seconds it takes to complete a portion of the movement), and to press it up at the same speed. However, a lot of people don't realize that mixing up the speed with which you perform reps can have varying training effects and benefits. Doing reps explosively at a faster tempo can help build muscular power and strength. Offensive linemen, for example, would benefit from training this way. Doing reps really slowly is more taxing on the muscle fibers and helps increase muscle density and muscular endurance. Also, mixing up rep speed is a great way to put variation into your workout. If you've hit a plateau with your training, try doing ultra-slow reps for a few workouts, then go back to normal pace. You'll see results.Is it good to combine cardio and resistance training or weightlifting in the same workout? Should I do one before the other? To answer your question simply, yes, cardio and weightlifting can be done in the same workout. As far as the benefit one gets, that depends on one's individual goals. If you are trying to lose fat and tone up, cardio combined with weight training is probably a good choice of workout. Do an intense cardio session followed by some lightweight, high-rep resistance training. Increasing muscle tone helps burn more calories and also adds to the intensity of your cardiovascular workout. However, if you're trying to add muscle mass, the cardio should not be the emphasis of the workout. The weight training should be performed first. Doing cardio before lifting depletes energy and hinders your performance, thereby reducing the work capacity of your muscles. In other words, your weight workout won't be as good. Go through your lifting routine, and finish up with some easy cardio. What should NOT be done is an intense cardio session and weightlifting session every workout. This technique is a sure way to overtax your muscles and leave physical stagnant. Instead, choose one or the other to emphasize every workout.I need to change up my biceps workout. What can I do? Try doing this variation of concentration curls. Grab a relatively lightweight dumbbell in one hand and bend at the waist. Let the dumbbell hang down and rest your other hand on a bench or on your knee. Keeping your elbow as motionless as possible, curl the weight up towards your chest, focusing on squeezing the contraction of the muscle at the top of the motion. Perform this exercise slowly and with concentration, as improper form will have you merely swinging a dumbbell up and into your chest a bunch of times. Repeat motion with the other arm. This exercise is a great way to bring out the peak on your biceps. Still, as mentioned before, proper form is essential, so keep the weight light and the motion perfect.

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