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Three games you gotta watch

August 31

Chicago Bears (9-2) vs. Green Bay Packers (8-3) Sunday, 1 p.m. This is a classic rivalry. I had some friends from Chicago, and when we were in Green Bay, they spit on the Vince Lombardi statue outside the Packers' Hall of Fame. A bit childish, I admit, but indicative of the hatred between these teams. Chicago is winning football games in an old-fashioned, Chicago way. Playing stingy defense and running the ball up their throats. The Packers do a little of that - their defense is the sixth best in the NFL - but they don't mind throwing the ball either. Quarterback Brett Favre looked MVP-like last Monday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and will have to maintain that play if the Packers are to claim a share of the NFC Central lead. If the Bears can win they will build a two-game cushion in the Central, and virtually assure themselves a playoff spot.San Francisco 49ers (9-2) vs. St. Louis Rams (9-2) Sunday, 1 p.m. The Niners have lost twice this season. Once was a fluke overtime loss to the Bears, the other was a four point loss to the Rams. At the time, no one thought these two teams would be playing a game in December to decide the conference leader, but the Niners have surprised everyone this year, and they've done so with an offense that can hang with the Rams. Quarterback Jeff Garcia has become one of the best quarterbacks in the league, wide receiver Terrell Owens is probably the best receiver in the league, and while running back Garrison Hearst is no Marshall Faulk, he might be the next best thing. A lot of points should be put on the board, and when you have two great offenses squaring off, turnovers and special teams usually decide the game. The Rams lead the league in turnovers, but the Niners are near the bottom in takeaways. In other words, you gotta watch this game, no one knows what will happen.Cleveland Browns (6-5) vs. New England Patriots (7-5) Sunday, 1 p.m.Both teams are on the cusp of playoff contention, it's just that the Patriots are a little closer to getting in than the Browns. It's not quite a must-win for the Patriots, but it's the next best thing. It is a must-win for the Browns, who would have a hard time bouncing back from a 6-6 record in a competitive conference. New England is high on confidence. The Pats have won two in a row, and six of their last eight, including a 17-16 win over conference-rival New York last Sunday. New England faces two problems on Sunday. First, the Patriots have a pattern of winning two games then losing one. They have won two straight. The second is that quarterback Tom Brady will be facing the fifth toughest defense in the NFL. The Browns yield only 16.5 points per game, and lead the league in interceptions with 25 - seven of those coming in a game against the 0-11 Detroit Lions.-Jon Japha

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News

Women's soccer handles Bowdoin, 2-1

August 31

The women's soccer team capitalized on each of its two corner kicks in the first half Saturday to take out NESCAC-rival Bowdoin 2-1 in a crucial conference match. With the win, the Jumbos improved to 6-3 (4-2 NESCAC) and leapfrogged into second place in the conference, as Bates lost to Williams, Amherst fell to Middlebury, and Trinity defeated Colby. "We played really well today," coach Martha Whiting said. "The bottom line is that all we expect from them is the heart and intensity they showed today, and winning will take care of itself." Bowdoin rebounded Sunday with a 2-0 win over Trinity, while number-one Williams improved to 9-0 on the year with its second victory of the weekend, beating Colby 2-1 in double overtime. Tufts started off Saturday's game well, controlling play through the first five minutes. Bowdoin responded, however, by picking up two quick corners and a generating a few strong scoring chances immediately afterwards. But the Tufts defense held strong, and the Polar Bears were unable to put the ball in the net. Thirteen minutes into the game, Tufts earned its first corner kick of the match. Senior midfielder Katie Kehrberger took the kick and blasted it into the box. Sophomore Jess Trombly followed the ball, redirecting it past Bowdoin keeper Emily Rizza and into the net to give Tufts a 1-0 lead. The goal was the fourth of the year for Trombly, who now leads the team with nine points. After fighting back and forth for the next ten minutes, the Polar Bears responded with a goal of their own. With 20 minutes left to play in the period, Tufts committed a foul near the top of its box. On the ensuing kick, Bowdoin senior Lyndsey Sennott slipped a pass to her right to teammate Alison Lavoie. Lavoie then fired a shot around the charging wall, and just beyond the reach of senior goalkeeper Mara Schanfield to knot the score at one. The two teams continued to do battle as the clock wore down, but it wasn't until the 43rd minute that another ball would find its way into the net. Tufts picked up its second corner kick of the game with 1:40 left in the half. Kehrberger again took the kick, and sent another great cross in front of the net. This time, it bounced around as players from both teams fought for the ball. Tufts freshman Lindsey Wolejko eventually came up with it and rifled a shot through the frame to give Tufts a 2-1 lead heading into the break. The goal was the first of Wolejko's collegiate career, and gives her three points so far this season. "A high point for us was scoring two goals on two consecutive corner kicks, after not converting on about 50 of them," Whiting said. "That was huge for us." The weather was also a big factor on Saturday. A light rain cleared just before the start of the match and left the field somewhat slippery, while the wind picked up as the game wore on and gave Bowdoin a distinct advantage in the second half. "The wind played a big part, especially in the second half," Whiting said. "The team with it at its back was able to pressure quite a bit." Despite having to fight the wind, the Jumbos played hard through the second half. Senior co-captain Lynn Cooper came close to netting her fourth goal of the year just three minutes in when she headed a ball that slammed off the crossbar and over the goal. Tufts put together seven shots in the second frame, but could not capitalize on any of them. Meanwhile, Bowdoin was aided by the wind in keeping up a continuous assault on the Tufts defense throughout the half. The Polar Bears turned up the heat more and more as the game progressed, throwing everything they had at Tufts in an effort to even the score. But the Jumbo defense responded and tightened up against the relentless pressure. In the end, Tufts refused to allow a score despite a number of close calls. "People played hard, especially down to the end," senior co-captain Katie Ruddy said. "Our defense definitely stepped it up. We had energy and showed that we were going to win." Junior defender Cara Glassanos made a number of great stops against Bowdoin runs, heading off attackers on their way to the goal and clearing the ball to safety. In addition, Schanfield performed well in net, fending off shot after shot with spectacular saves. "Cara came up huge a few times," Whiting said. "She never stopped. She's a tough kid, and she got her body behind every ball." With just under eight minutes remaining, Schanfield stopped what seemed destined to be the equalizer. On the last of Bowdoin's ten corner kicks on the day, the Polar Bears unleashed three shots at the Tufts net. Defenders deflected the first two, but the third made its way through and towards the goal. But Schanfield was there, diving on the ball to cover it up just fractions of a second before it would have crossed the line. "It was pretty nerve-wracking back there, but we have confidence in ourselves, and we knew that we weren't going to let them score," Glassanos said. "We have a very strong team, with the freshmen and such a deep bench, and we had a lot of intensity, especially at the end. We're really coming together, and we're in a great position now." Bowdoin continued to pressure down to the final minute, as Tufts had trouble clearing the ball against the wind. But the Polar Bears could not crack through, and the Jumbos earned their first conference victory in over two weeks. "We played much better today," Trombly said. "We came out with a lot of intensity and heart. We didn't give up at the end, and we won." "I was really happy with how we played," Schanfield said. "We had a lot better focus, came out hard, and played a great game." The Jumbos will return to the field on Tuesday to host the 5-3-1 Amherst Lady Jeffs. Although Amherst has been struggling lately and has won just one of its last five contests, it is never a team to be taken lightly, and it defeated both Colby and Bates earlier this year. The Jeffs won the ECAC Tournament in 2000 after a 9-4-1 regular season and have outscored their opponents 21-10 so far this season. "If we play with as much heart as [Saturday] and come out and show that we want it, I think we'll win," Trombly said. "Hopefully this game will show us how we can play." The game starts at 4 p.m. on Kraft Field, where the Jumbos are now 16-1 over the last two seasons.

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News

To the constants

August 31

This winter break means a lot of things. As per usual, for me it means going home to Florida to warmth that I once shunned but now gladly embrace. It means the bittersweetness of seeing a group of old friends that, no matter how long we go without so much as an email, brings me back to high school's fabulous cluelessness the second we see each other. It means sleeping more than five hours a night. And most importantly, for all of us seniors, it means one final month of pure, unadulterated freedom - possibly our last until retirement. Melodrama? Sure. But it's true. This Winter Break means a whole month to sit back and do nothing but reflect on the fact that next year we're going to be thrust into new worlds. It's a tumultuous time of assessment and decision. Either we're in the middle of applying for graduate school/law school/medical school/what have you, applying for jobs, applying for the Peace Corps/AmeriCorps, thinking about applying for jobs, or fielding questions from everyone in the free world regarding our future application plans. This curious inquisition process is a funny thing to watch - by this point, we've learned to smell the question coming. Usually right after: "So you're graduating this year, right?" "Yeah," you answer. Silence. Then there's the intake of air, the searching glance, and another pause. Then they go in for the kill. At this point in the game, people have begun to ask apologetically, even shyly, knowing the absolute loathing with which we will greet their question: "So..." (a pause, they look reluctantly into your eyes) "Do you know what you're doing next year?" (the inquirer then makes a grimace implying that he's been forced to ask you but honestly feels awful about it). And so even those who trick themselves into thinking next year is no big deal at all have the mental strain of dealing with such inquiring minds. Not all of the curious are all that inspiring, either. Telling people you're an English major is definitely a humbling experience. You get the typical, "Oh, so you want to teach, right?" assumptions, to which you must explain that no, actually, you want to go into writing, or publishing, or journalism, or law, or anything else you possibly want to do with your liberal arts degree, because you can. You get your smug grins from the science-y/engineering crowd, with the "I'm glad I'm not you" eyebrow raise. Listen, just say it. "You want to be broke the rest of your life," you ask? And to you all, I say - Absolutely and gladly, to be happy. I have no doubts that this will happen, but I still can't help but want to fend off the future. Because damn it, I'm happy now. Life is static now, in a comfortable, homey, fulfilling sort of way, and it's pretty close to perfect. Here we are in this bubble world, a playland for pre-adults where we live truly privileged lives of minimal responsibility. For four years, we've had the comforts of convenience, education, and opportunities to experience intellects and talents that we'll never have again. Even though it's gone by lightning-quick, it's time to move on once again. But this one is the move. Comfort will soon be yanked out from under us, and we have one last semester to revel in it. Comfort, however, can be attained anywhere. When times they are a-changin', it's time to look toward the things that don't change, and don't go away, no matter how uncertain everything else is. So here's to some constants - my personal constants. The ones that have stayed with me, and will continue to do so whether I'm editing children's books, or freelance writing stories about rainforests. Here's to the ridiculous little things that make me happy when things just won't calm down, things that don't have to do anything but stay there and be themselves. Here's to hair band music, perfectly crafted mix tapes, the Counting Crows, Reality Bites, being a Mets fan, Penang in Chinatown, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, VHS tapes (damn the man), My So-Called Life (wherever you are), Black & Blues/Pluto in Davis Square, Jeff Buckley's "Hallelujah," imdb.com, Douglas Coupland, live concerts, Blue Shirt Cafe, playing skee-ball at Good Time Emporium, piano music, jukeboxes in bars, Guns n' Roses, and Cameron Crowe movies. And here's to some Tufts constants that will stay with me as life becomes ridiculously unstatic, starting on May 19: Metcalf '98/'99 (the best ever introduction to college); School and Society; the co-op in Houston Hall (yes, there is a co-op - look into it); Hodgdon Dining Hall; the times when Brown and Brew has good sandwiches; Campus Center honey mustard; my creative writing professors for giving me something to be proud of and a new passion; the Daily Arts department - a legendary fivesome and family, filled to the brim with "coolness," we rocked it this semester; and wiffle ball on the Residential Quad. It's the artsy things that make it all bearable sometimes, and it's the memories that will make the transition a little less disconcerting. Have a good Winter Break, everyone, and if anyone asks you what you're doing next year, I give you permission to proudly say "I don't know."

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News

Flu bacteria resists antibiotics

August 31

Public health experts predict that this year's flu epidemic may be the worst ever. And while your body's immune system is busy fighting the flu virus so you don't get sick, you're also being attacked by a slew of other germs, both bacteria and viruses, on a daily basis. The flu virus has increased in virulence in recent years, making it stronger and harder to fight. At the same time, strains of common bacterial infections such as strep throat have become resistant to treatment with antibiotics. Many antibiotics, like penicillin, are now useless against infections they once were able to kill. Part of the reason antibiotics are running out of steam is because too many of us rely on them when they really aren't necessary. According to Stuart Levy of Tufts University Center for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics, antibiotics aren't always to be credited for recovery. "Usually when people think they're getting better because an antibiotic has kicked in, it's really because their own immune system has finally killed off enough of the bugs to make a person feel better," Levy said. Considering that the flu virus doesn't have any hope of being treated with antibiotics, and other infections may be able to outsmart antibiotics, your best line of defense against illness is your very own immune system. A properly functioning immune system fights off daily germ attacks before they have the chance to cause any uncomfortable symptoms. But a strong immune system depends on adequate nutrients, and if you're not careful to get good nutrition, your immune system may run out of the ammunition needed to keep you from getting sick. And the same immune system that keeps you from succumbing to colds today will help keep you free of diseases like cancer or heart disease later on. Some of the best tools to prepare your immune system for war are right in the grocery store. Although many factors play in to your ability to fight infections, such as amount of sleep, stress levels, and the use of toxic substances such as nicotine and alcohol, eating certain foods can prevent some of these illnesses from taking their toll and boost your immunity to new heights. Bright colored fruits and vegetablesFoods with bright colors like cranberries, blueberries, tomatoes, carrots, and spinach are high in antioxidants, which protect immune cells from environmental assaults and speed up the production of white blood cells - responsible for destroying foreign viral or bacterial cells. Foods in the yellow-orange color group like oranges, tend to be high in vitamin C, which not only helps stave off colds, but also helps speed recovery. Lycopene, an antioxidant in tomato-based products, enhances the function of white blood cells. And deep orange foods like carrots and sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene, a precursor to the potent antioxidant, vitamin A, which also helps strengthen immune defense. High Quality Protein Is it 'Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever' or is it 'Starve a Cold, Feed a Fever'? Although the actual clich?© that dates back to 1574 is 'Starve a Cold, Feed a Fever,' neither of these two statements is true. Whether you have a cold or you're burning up from a fever, your body is using more energy to fight what ails you. In addition, your immune system depends on a constant supply of amino acids. Thus, calorie and protein needs both increase when you're sick. If you don't take in enough calories or proteins, you run the risk of malnutrition. Muscles are the primary source of amino acids to fuel immune function, even in the first stages of infection - before you become sick. It is important to get adequate protein so that amino acids from your muscles can be spared. When infections invade the body, it reacts by producing antibodies, which are actually proteins, also called immunoglobulins. Antibodies bind with high specificity to infectious agents and neutralize them, break them down, or remove them from circulation. Because these cells are made up of protein, it is important to eat high-quality proteins such as eggs, lean meats, or tofu, for optimal immune function.Vitamin E One in three Americans doesn't get enough of this immune-boosting nutrient. While it has been known for some time that immunity is bolstered by vitamin E supplements in older people, researchers believe that vitamin E can also boost T-cell (immune-mediating cells) and antibody responses in young people under a variety of stresses. According to Tufts scientist Simin Meydani, fulfilling your Vitamin E needs requires a supplement. "It is almost impossible to get the amount of vitamin E necessary for an immune response through food," Meydani said. Meydani recommends a supplement of 200 IU of d-alpha-tocopherol per day. Good food sources of vitamin E include almonds, wheat germ, and dark green, leafy vegetables.Garlic and Onions The folk remedy of drinking the juice of onions for coughs may have been right on target. Researchers have discovered several 'sulfur-containing' compounds in foods belonging to the onion family that may increase the activity of white blood cells and T-helper cells, both essential to a comprehensive immune response. In fact, research shows that compounds in onions and garlic may act as effective body 'disinfectants,' clearing away toxins and germs. Cheap Insurance According to Jeffrey Blumberg, chief of the Antioxidants Laboratory the USDA Nutrition Research Center at Tufts, "taking a daily multivitamin is like cheap health insurance." Unlike single doses of certain vitamins, which may disrupt absorption of other key nutrients and even become toxic, standard multivitamins are generally balanced formulas that can't hurt. If you fall short of any essential nutrient, your immune function will suffer - a multivitamin can help. But, by no means does a multivitamin replace a nutrient-dense diet. As you can see, there are many other compounds in foods that act as key players in immune defense that won't be found in a multivitamin.

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News

Billy Joel to perform at Tufts

August 31

Piano legend Billy Joel has agreed to perform at Tufts' Cohen Auditorium this semester, Concert Board co-chairs Christian Trentacosta and Aaron Wright will announce at a press conference tomorrow. Though he would not disclose the date, Joel's agent, Adam Kornfeld, confirmed tonight that the concert arrangement is definite. Tufts is the only university in the Boston area where Joel will perform. According to Kornfeld, who works for the Artists Group International, the show will be closed to the general public. The concert had been described as an intimate setting where Joel will be able to interact with audience members. It is unclear how tickets will be distributed. Joel released his first classical music album, Fantasies and Delusions, two weeks ago. The Tufts performance is meant to promote his classical work, but Kornfield said Joel will likely cover the gamut of his prolific career. "The reason for this is because of his new album, but the discussion will probably branch off onto other aspects of his career," Kornfield said. In late September, the Daily reported that Tufts had entered a bid, along with 54 Boston-area schools, to host Joel. But at the time, Assistant Director of Student Activities Ed Cabellon said it was unclear whether Joel would choose Tufts. The Concert Board will hold its press conference at 5 p.m. tomorrow in Hotung Caf?©.

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News

A tale of two halves

August 31

It was the worst of halves, then the best of halves. It was a game marked by a faltering, fragmented team, then it was a game marked by a fiery, intense, and overpowering unit. It was a 1-0 deficit to the 13th-ranked team in the country, and then it was a vindicating, 3-1 comeback win over the only NESCAC team that Tufts did not beat last year. But then, that seems to be the norm for the women's soccer team. Game after game, year after year, Tufts has been a team that consistently starts off slowly and struggles through the opening minutes before exploding out of the gates after halftime to dominate the competition. Last season, seven of the 18 goals the Jumbos gave up came in the first 20 minutes of play, while most of Tufts' offensive output came in the second period. "Last year, we seemed like a second-half team," coach Martha Whiting said. "I hope it's not something that's carrying over, but it did [against Middlebury]." In Saturday's game, the Panthers did not get on the board until the 31st minute, but they controlled play for almost the entire first half. The Jumbos, on the other hand, were struggling just to keep their players on the field. By the middle of the first half, the Jumbos were playing without senior co-captain Katie Ruddy, who sat out with an injury suffered against Wesleyan, active leading scorer Lynn Cooper, senior Becky Mann, junior Alle Sharlip - who went on to score twice in the second half - and sophomores Jess Trombly (last year's NESCAC Rookie of the Year) and Becca Doigan. Doigan went down with an Achilles' injury minutes after entering the game, while Mann temporarily lost feeling in her feet, and Sharlip and Cooper were fatigued and getting their usual rest time. Three freshmen helped fill in the open positions, and while they performed well, it was obvious that the players on the field were not accustomed to working together as a unit. "In the first half, we played too much as individuals, and not enough as a team," Whiting said. "We weren't anticipating what our teammates were going to do. We have 22 great individual players on this team, but we won't amount to much if we don't play together." Middlebury took advantage of Tufts' vulnerability and dominated play throughout most of the period. The Panthers got on the board with 13:03 remaining in the opening frame, as junior Leah Cumsky-Whitlock headed in a corner kick from senior Wendy Miner. As the clock wound down, the Jumbos struggled to keep the deficit at one. The Panthers came close to scoring again in the 36th minute, but an inadvertent hand ball in the box by the Middlebury forward stopped a clear run at the Tufts goal, and the scored remained 1-0 at halftime. But as soon as the whistle blew to start the second half, it was obvious that the Jumbos now meant business. "At halftime we talked about what we weren't doing right," Sharlip said. "We lacked intensity and didn't get after the ball." With Cooper, Trombly, Sharlip, and Mann back in the lineup, the Jumbos' play improved considerably, and the team's intensity level skyrocketed. Tufts immediately began a relentless assault on the Middlebury defense that produced three solid scoring chances in the opening five minutes. Ten minutes into the period, the Jumbos netted their first goal of the game. On the score, Cooper sent a feed to Mann, who fired a shot at the net. Middlebury keeper Ali Connolly made the stop, but instantly what appeared to be the entire Tufts team converged around the ball, swarming the goal and fighting hard for the rebound. Seconds later, Sharlip knocked it through the frame to tie the game at one. The offensive did not stop there. Less than two minute later, Cooper battled the ball away from a Panther defender and shot the ball over to freshman Sarah Gelb. Gelb pushed the ball up the left sideline, wove her way through the defense, and launched a shot. It, too, was deflected, but the rebound went straight to Cooper, who tapped it in to give Tufts the lead with 34:27 to go. "Player for player, we're a better team than Middlebury, but we weren't showing it [in the first half]," Whiting said. "We didn't have the mental aspects - intensity, heart, passion. In the second half, it was like something turned on a switch, and we started to play really well." Tufts coasted through the next 15 minutes and add an insurance goal by Sharlip at 63:45. Middlebury put up a stronger fight towards the end of the game, shifting play back and forth, but the Jumbo defense held on for the 3-1 victory. Statistically, the differences between the two halves were staggering. Tufts out-shot Middlebury 24-8 on the day, spurred by a 17-3 edge in the second period. All five of Tufts' corner kicks came in the second half as well. "Every team I've been on has been a second-half team. I don't know, maybe it's me," Cooper joked. The Jumbos will continue to work on raising their first-half intensity as they prepare for Wednesday's NESCAC contest against Connecticut College. Tufts beat the Camels 1-0 last season, with Cooper scoring the game's only goal in the 21st minute.@s:Jumbos step up intensity in second half

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News

The Beatnuts to headline Fall Fest

August 31

With an eventful week of orientation events having come to a close, freshmen accustomed to daily entertainment might soon find themselves asking: What next? An answer will come with this Saturday's Fall Fest, Tufts' traditional September concert, when hip-hoppers the Beatnuts, rapper GZA, and little-known funk rockers Deep Banana Blackout take the stage on the Residential Quad. Tufts Community Union President Eric Greenberg organized the event this summer with a budget of about $20,000. Funding was provided in part by the President's Office, the Dean of Students' Office, Tufts Student Resources, and other student groups. Greenberg said he expects a large turnout at Fall Fest. "I can't wait. It's the 150th anniversary year, and people want to go out for these things now," he said. "People are pumped up in general about going to Tufts events and hopefully that will continue with Fall Fest and throughout the year." The Beatnuts are the headlining act and will perform last. The group's two primary performers, Psycho Les and Junkyard Ju Ju, met in the early '80s in Queens, New York and performed together as hip-hop rappers-come-DJs. They released their first EP in 1993, and have since produced three full-length albums. Take It Or Squeeze, their most recent album, was praised by critics after it hit the racks this past spring. GZA - known to many as Genius - is one of the founding members of the hip-hop group Wu Tang Clan. A New York City native, GZA has released a number of solo albums, but continues to work with Wu Tang as it nears its tenth year of performing. Deep Banana Blackout, which will open the show at 2 p.m., performs a funk rock that, thanks to the group's size, roars with an improvisational complexity and volume not often experienced with such bands. Its latest album, Feel the Peel, was released last month. TCU Vice President Melissa Carson and Treasurer Ben Lee were instrumental in finding and signing the bands, a process that included courting the groups, discussing financial arrangements, and having each group sign a contract. "It comes down to who's on tour and who's available," Greenberg said. As always, vendors will fill the Quad, tempting Fest-goers with their wares. But a college fest in downtown Boston has left most of the event's traditional vendors with commitments elsewhere. For Fall Fest, organizers solicited a handful of alternate organizations to man the tables. The Indian restaurant Diva from nearby Davis Square will be offering free food, along with various student groups, the UCCPS, and Brown and Brew.Fall Fest is free of charge to Tufts students. Students must bring a Tufts ID to enter.

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News

The intricacies of weight-lifting and muscle tone

August 31

Several months ago I decided to lose some weight and begin a resistance-training program to build muscle. I also changed my diet, increasing my protein intake. I have gained back about two-thirds of the weight I lost in the form of muscle. Now I feel "thicker" and stronger, but with less definition than I had before. Is it possible to get more definition without adding more muscle? It is entirely possible to become more defined without adding more muscle. There are two important parts to this - diet and exercise. The dieting aspect of this consists of cutting down slightly on your carbohydrate and fat intake. Keep your daily protein consumption high (a common formula for daily protein intake is 0.7g-1.0g of protein per pound of body weight, depending on the individual). This helps spare catabolism of muscle fiber, thereby causing the muscles to lose mass. The second way to get defined without adding mass is adjusting your resistance-training program. For increased definition, the general rule of thumb is increasing the number of reps while lowering the weight. Also, certain exercises are considered more "cutting." These include flies for chest, cable pull-downs for back, and kick backs for triceps. Make these slight adjustments to your training and diet, and you should see the fat melt away and the muscle remain. With the right combination, you will not gain much mass, but you will gain definition.What is your favorite chest exercise, and why? I have been looking for something different to add to my chest routine. My all-time favorite exercise is the incline barbell press. This chest exercise is a variation on the most popular of all, the flat bench press. Everyone has seen those guys in the gym who lie on their backs all day, pushing up, bouncing off their chest, and pushing up again. The problem is, to develop an aesthetic, muscular chest, it's not logical to do the same chest exercise every day. Incline presses hit the upper pecs mostly, but also involve the shoulders and the triceps more so than your standard flat bench. The upper pecs are often neglected in training, so it can become a lagging body part for many people looking to improve their overall physique. Incline presses can be performed with either a barbell or dumbbells. The bench can be on an incline up to 45 degrees (any higher an incline, and it starts to become largely a shoulder exercise). Sit on the bench, lower back flat. Bring the weight down to the top of your chest, or as far as is comfortable, and don't bounce. Press up slowly. Don't forget to breathe on the concentric and exhale on the eccentric.I have heard that it's important to train your lower back, but I have no idea where to begin. Why is it important? Are there any specific exercises you can suggest? Training your lower back is extremely important. A strong lower back not only prevents injury, it also encourages proper posture and can help you avoid problems associated with poor posture later in life. The lower back is an important stabilizer of your torso, and is as important in keeping your back balanced as your abdominals are in keeping your front balanced. Common lower back exercises are the back extension and the stiff-legged deadlift. The extension is performed on an apparatus specifically designed for this purpose. It consists of a bar under which you place your heels, and a pad for your quads to rest on. In this position, your body is parallel to the floor. Bend at the waist until your body forms a right angle. Now straighten your back, concentrating on squeezing the lower back. This exercise is a common one for beginners. The stiff-legged deadlift is a combination lower back and hamstring exercise. Holding a barbell at your waist, bend slowly forward, keeping the back straight, eyes ahead. Keep the bar in tight to your body, and a slight bend in your legs is acceptable. Lower until you feel a stretch in your hamstrings, then return to the starting position. Particularly in this exercise, improper form can easily lead to injury, so light weight is recommended until proper form is established.

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News

Building a washboard stomach

August 31

What is the quickest and most efficient way of doing crunches? Here is the proper crunch form: Lie on your back, with your knees bent and your legs in the air. Your knees should be bent at a right angle, and your thighs should be perpendicular to the floor. Keep your lower back flat on the mat throughout the movement. Relax your neck, and place your hands behind your head (or, if you find yourself inadvertently pulling on your neck, keep your hands on the sides of your head). Fix your eyes on a spot on the ceiling directly above you and don't lose sight of this point. This helps keep the neck from straining during the movement, and it helps place more emphasis on the abs. Slowly curl your torso off the mat, until your shoulder blades are up. Keeping your eyes fixed on the ceiling, slowly lower. Focus on the contraction of the abdominal muscles. As you squeeze them, picture squeezing an accordion - the image can help maintain tension on the muscles.You know those ads you see on TV advertising the machines that contract your abs electrically while you sit there? Do those work? Using electronic current to stimulate muscle is nothing new. It has been in use for years to help rehabilitate injuries. Neither its use in the fitness industry new. However, with the recent influx of gimmicky ab machines, these contractions are popping with much more frequency. As to whether or not they work, the concept is technically sound. However, electronically stimulating the muscle is not as beneficial as contracting the muscle yourself. Also, there are certain emotional benefits to going to the gym. The endorphins in your brain are reputed to increase after a workout, and that helpful side effect would be sacrificed if you sat on the couch watching TV while a little machine made your muscles twitch. Also to be taken into account is the fact that everyone responds differently to exercise. In other words, if sitting down to a magazine and working your abs appeals to you, give the gimmick a go. But bear in mind that it is just that - a gimmick. So you are much better off getting on a routine and working out the old fashioned way - actually working.What are some ways I can prevent injury from weight lifting? I am kind of injury prone, so I need to be as careful as possible. First, stretch thoroughly before each and every workout. Even if you are doing chest one day, stretch each body part. A good stretching session should take about 15 minutes. Second, perform light warm-up sets before every exercise. Exaggerate the range of motion, and keep perfect form to get your muscles and joints ready for the heavier weight. Always use a spotter when performing heavy barbell or dumbbell exercises. Another important factor for injury prevention is making sure you exercise the stabilizer muscles. You should make sure to do exercises which strengthen the rotator cuff, the back of the shoulder, and the lower back. Also, exercises to strengthen the neck muscles are recommended for injury prevention in a lot of sports. Try to avoid exercises that place your body in precarious or unstable positions, such as really heavy behind-the-neck shoulder presses. For narrow grip bench presses, don't put your hands too close together, as this can injure the wrists and leads to an unstable position. Proper form is obviously important, as improper form often leads to injury. Listening to your body is another key factor in preventing injury. Never work a muscle that is still sore from a prior workout, and never try to work through an injury.

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News

Homecoming to honor presidents past and present

August 31

Tufts' 150th anniversary homecoming will welcome a new president and pay tribute to the last one during an Athletic Department award ceremony and an extended halftime show. At 7:30 p.m. tonight in Cohen Auditorium, former US secretary of energy and Tufts alumnus Bill Richardson will present President Emeritus John DiBiaggio with a 2001 Distinguished Achievement award. The award recognizes "extraordinary contributions to sports by individuals with New England and/or Tufts identities," according to the department. Bill Gehling, Tufts' athletic director, said DiBiaggio immersed himself in Tufts' sports culture. "You'd find him mingling with the crowd at basketball games, talking with students while sipping coffee in the football press box," Gehling said. "He'd come out to practice to talk to our teams. He enjoyed being in our sports environment, and we're thanking him for that as much as for his work with the NCAA." DiBiaggio was a member of the Knight Foundation's blue ribbon Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics, which aimed to end abuses in college sports. He was also a board member of the NCAA Foundation. Richardson played baseball for the Jumbos from 1968 to 1970 and was among the candidates considered for the University's presidency last year. "Richardson's role is to speak a little about John DiBiaggio," Gehling said, adding that DiBiaggio played a role in securing for Richardson his own NCAA award. The ceremony will also honor nine Student-Athlete award winners. During tomorrow's football game, the halftime ceremony will pay tribute to DiBiaggio and his wife, Nancy, and welcome the University's new president, Larry Bacow and his wife, Adele. Various alumni will be dressed as the school's founder, Charles Tufts, during the show to commemorate the University's sesquicentennial anniversary. In previous years, the halftime ceremony was marked by the coronation of the homecoming king and queen. This year's revamped show was designed by Tufts University Spirit Coalition (TUSC) Co-Chair Shelly Gufert said. "It's the 150th birthday of this school and the whole school year, the alumni and student organizations are working to help sponsor events that will boost spirit," she said. "It gives us a reason to go all out and celebrate and then, alumni give more money." Raising money is an important part of homecoming - the annual event is one of the University's most intensive fundraising events. The department of alumni relations expects a high turnout from a range of classes for the sesquicentennial. Although typically the largest number are members of the most recent class, Homecoming Saturday attracts alumni who graduated as early as 1942, according to Tom Williams, a senior alumni relations officer who is organized homecoming events. "Fifty percent of the tailgaters village will probably be from the class of 1975 to the present," he added. "But it's amazing to see how many of the older alumni participate." This year, the new president adds appeal. According to Director of Alumni Relations Tim Brooks, alumni are eager to meet Bacow. Tufts' 4-1 record in football this season - and Tufts' opponent Amherst's 5-0 record - could also attract alumni to the game. Bacow said he is excited to take part in his first homecoming. "I'm looking forward to homecoming because I want to understand and participate in Tufts' traditions," he said. "It should be a great day." The game and awards ceremony are only two of those homecoming traditions. The celebrations began with Wednesday night's Pat McGee Band concert and last night's pep rally at Dewick. Members of the Programming Board distributed Jumbo-stamped megaphones, foam "number one" hands, glow necklaces, bottle openers, bandanas, and blue lollipops bearing the words "Amherst sucks." The Amalgamates, Jackson Jills, and Beezlebubs will sing tonight in Goddard Chapel during their traditional homecoming show, with performances at 7 and 9:30 p.m. The homecoming parade, which starts behind Miller Hall and progresses to the Captain's Gate, will begin tomorrow at noon. The game starts at 1:30 p.m. after a "Happy Birthday Tufts" celebration with cake at the "Jumbo tent" sponsored by the Alumni Association. A men's soccer game against Connecticut College will start on Kraft Field at 2 p.m. For the first time, the floats and parade participants will be asked onto the field for the half-time show. "In years past, it's usually just the crowning of homecoming king and queen," Gufert said. "But this year the participants from the parade are being asked to come back and be a part of the ceremony to take a moment to honor DiBiaggio and Bacow."

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News

Dissent, Patriotism, and the Cannon

August 31

I was disappointed on Friday to pick up a copy of The Daily only to read that pressure is being put on the Tufts Administration regarding an incident at the cannon on Oct. 12. Letters have been sent by frequenters of Frontpage, a conservative website, who have read Joshua Martino's slanderous account of the events surrounding the incident entitled "Tufts University Declares Open Season on Patriots." The thought that such a biased, uninformed column could illicit any sort of response is mind-boggling.Mr. Martino's column is full of factual inaccuracies and misrepresentations. Martino writes, "Common sense says that three students incognito are more guilty than one without a disguise." Common sense? It is tough to be incognito wearing a hooded sweatshirt when that's what you wear everyday. If we do agree that common sense is an acceptable way to view the series of events, I've got some common sense for you. Common sense would indicate that three activists who have shown time and again a commitment to nonviolence would not engage in a fight at the cannon. Common sense would indicate that those with such beliefs who have been trained in nonviolent strategies would not just run up and instigate a physical dispute. Martino goes on to write, "The evidence against the three radicals was overwhelming." It is improbable that evidence could be so overwhelming given that there were no eye witnesses. The entire complaint rested on each party's account of the incident. But wait, "Their [the three activists] accounts of the incident contradicted each other." This is simply inaccurate. The statements do not contradict each other. There are still the police reports. Martino writes, "The police report indicated they had admitted to physically restraining Sam." The three maintain that this was never said. Now, I'm not a believer in conspiracy theory, but when the police admitted in the hearing that they did not follow protocol during the investigation and that they referred to the students as "asses," you've got to start to think. That, coupled with the fact that the police report conflicts with Sam's statement regarding which of the three were involved in physical contact with him, you've really got to start to think. I do not feel like the police were out to get Liz, Lou, and Adam. I don't believe that they had malicious intent. As far as I know they are all good people, but it is clear that mistakes were made in the investigation, one of which was this supposed admission. I find it hard to believe that two activists were able to hold Mr. Dangremond down for one minute, let alone ten. Mr. Dangremond outweighs the two and is a member of the cycling team. I find it hard to believe that three activists committed to nonviolence would abandon their ideology for one foray at the cannon. Despite this, I don't criticize Mr. Martino for feeling the way that he does regarding the particulars of the incident. Like everyone, he is entitled to his view. I do, however, feel that he was wrong to assert various inaccuracies as fact. It is even more upsetting to me that some people would feel so empowered by one biased and factually inaccurate column as to write letters to President Bacow threatening to withhold donations or refuse to send a child here. If you are that enraged by something you read, so much so that you would consider withholding donations or not let your kid go here, look into the situation a little bit more before sending out an email. Don't you owe it to yourself and to those involved? I love America, I always have, and unlike Joshua Martino, I have not found it hazardous to my health here at Tufts. I love the fact that I can be critical of US policy and dedicate myself to improving it. One of the things that I love most about the US is that, for the most part, we have the freedom to disagree. Unfortunately this is not always the case. Throughout history, steps have been taken to silence the voice of dissent. Whether it was Bull Connor, setting the dogs on Black protesters who wanted equal rights, or the National Guard firing on people protesting the Vietnam War at Kent State University, these factions have existed. The article, written by Mr. Martino, concerns me for similar reasons. He writes, "Since the incident at the cannon, I've secretly wished that Sam had fought back. I sure would have thrown a punch for Old Glory (and probably would have been suspended for a hate crime)." It is also hard to imagine how one can reference the virtue of pacifism and then say that he'd like to "have thrown a punch." I'm not a big fan of throwing punches at all, but I'd rather see Mr. Martino throw a punch for what America stands for, rather than a piece of cloth that is supposed to stand for America. The freedom to stand up and criticize the policies of our country without the fear of violent retaliation is a desirable goal. Without that, the idea of freedom is worthless. I think that we are moving in this direction, but an article like Mr. Martino's shows that there is still a long way to go. I respect Mr. Martino's right to disagree with the Tufts Community Union Judiciary (TCUJ)'s decision. For opposing reasons, I too disagree. What I question is his assertion regarding patriotism. It is hard to imagine being patriotic without extolling the virtue that the US is founded on: freedom. Mr. Martino fails to recognize the importance that dissent plays in this virtue.

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News

Jumbos drop two over the weekend

August 31

The hockey team dropped two games on the road over the weekend to continue a three game slide that concluded the 2001 portion of its season. As they head into winter break, the Jumbos rest at 3-5 overall (2-3 NESCAC/ECAC East) with 15 regular season games remaining on their schedule. The squad got a 0-9 thumping by St. Anselm's College Saturday night on the heels of a close 5-7 loss to New England College the night before. "We just came out completely flat on Saturday," junior co-captain Mike Carceo said. "We showed no intensity, so they smoked us and just skated all over us." After the first period, the Jumbos trailed by a dismal six, and sophomore goaltender Ben Crapser got yanked from the game."We played better after that and hung with them for the rest of the game, but it was a little late," Carceo said. The Jumbos faced St. A's in the preseason and fared well. St. Anselm also tied Conn. College Camels Friday night, who Tufts edged out 5-4 last week.The squad was also plagued with injury Saturday night, and three key point scorers went down. Sophomore Pat Byrne separated his shoulder, rookie Gino Rotondi injured his knee, and freshman Brandon Hayes suffered a concussion."Fortunately we'll have some time to recover," Carceo said. The previous night, New England College jumped to an early 2-0 lead, scoring at 4:55 and 10:57 on the powerplay. Freshman Matt Kniaz put the Jumbos on the scoreboard at 15:17 with a shorthanded goal, when he combined with sophomore Timm Schatz for his first goal of the season. Rotondi followed suit less than a minute later and evened the score on another shorthanded goal with assists from Carceo and sophomore Chris Martin. Rotondi has been a key scorer this season, with four goals and 11 assists in six games. The team seemed on fire heading into the first break after Carceo gave the Jumbos a 3-2 lead at 19:05 of the period on a powerplay. Byrne and John Hurd claimed the assist. Carceo, who was named the NESCAC co-player of the week last week, finished up the semester with six goals and 11 assists, leading the team with 17 points. New England commanded the ice for the first five minutes of play in the second stanza, and regained the lead 4-3 with goals from freshmen Adam Wallace and senior tri-captain Pat Bryant. The Jumbos responded with a quick two goals. Schatz led the way at 7:09 with help his earlier counterpart Kniaz, and freshman Brandon Hays scored 13 seconds later with his second of the season. Carceo and Martin dealt the assist. A minute later, New England brought the score to 5-5 as junior Matt Stack scored on the powerplay. The squads were faced with a stalemate in the third until Tufts was called for a five-minute major for cross-checking at 15:40. The Pilgrims were whistled at 16:23, which put the team on even grounds again, however, neither team capitalized and the Jumbos remained shorthanded for the final minutes of play. Bryant finally took advantage of the powerplay with 58 seconds to go for the game winner, and Stack added an empty net goal to secure the win. "We were shorthanded for 29 minutes of play," Carceo said. "They played very well in the third period, but they had four powerplay goals. The penalties just killed us."Though the Jumbos came from behind twice during the match, it could vie with the Pilgrims 51-28 shooting advantage. Sophomore goaltender Ben Crapser who finished the day with 44 saves, defended a tough third period, deflecting 23 goals. Crapser, who splits ice time with senior Ian Kell, holds a 2-2 record in net with 115 saves and a 6.22 GAA.The team is now on a two week break, and will return to the ice December 27. "Over break, we're really going to be working on team defense," Carceo said. "I mean, Friday night we didn't really do anything wrong and you can't really look at Sunday, which was just a debacle. We're just going to keep trying to come together as a team"The squad will face the Middlebury Panthers Jan. 4 and will have home ice advantage for the first four games of the semester.

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News

My kickball summer

August 31

Due to the cold weather this past weekend, I was forced to break out my collection of sweatshirts and fleeces a little earlier than usual. The chilly air was also somewhat depressing and made me nostalgic for summer. Each summer I try to combine two necessities in life - playing sports and earning money. Money of course follows directly behind athletics in terms of importance, but a man does need to survive. Unfortunately I earned no money at HBO, where I interned following my freshman year, unless you count the 500-dollar stipend that the company was generous enough to provide me with. Also, to my dismay I was only able to play competitive sports once a week - on Wednesdays in Central Park, where I played on the human resources department softball team. Let it be known that the $500 stipend was barely enough for me to commute from White Plains to New York. And you can forget about buying lunch. I was forced to brown bag it, which can be quite embarrassing in a work environment, especially when your mother writes Daniel Fowler on your lunch bag. The softball competition wasn't much better - middle-aged men and women are not usually the best athletes. The combination of these two factors, combined with the fact that HBO didn't want me, made it clear that it was time to move on. I found my calling this past summer working at a local day camp for children aged five through eight. I was hired as the sports specialist. I believe that this title entrusted me with the responsibility of teaching the youths how to play sports. But I adjusted the responsibilities slightly and taught them how to lose in sports. From "duck duck goose" to "red light, green light" to "mother may I" and even on to more common sports such as basketball, I was simply one of the best. However, where I shined most often last summer was on the kickball field. Not having played kickball since my days on the black top at Post Road Elementary School, I thought it might be hard to get back into kickball shape after a layoff of more than a decade. As I stepped into the batter's box for my first official at-bat in over ten years, I had the jitters. I should have known better. I had always been a natural kickball player, even hoping that they would develop a professional kickball league when I was a child. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised that my first kick resulted in a home run. For six weeks I was able to relive my childhood dreams. Kicking home run after home run, I was able to inspire awe in the kids whom I had been hired to instruct. Some of my fellow counselors were impressed with my power. I even got the phone number of a female colleague because she was so dazzled by my work on the kickball diamond. Unfortunately, as is often the case in life, with the good comes the bad. About three weeks into the camp came the incident that any athlete knows will happen someday: I let my team down. Playing in the gym because it was too hot to go outside, I booted a fly ball - a sure home run outside - that hit the rafters and landed between second and third. I figured I could definitely leg out a triple. I reached second just as the ball was coming down and a fellow counselor grabbed it. I was going for third. The ball came at me and before I could duck out of the way it drilled me in my unspeakables. More painful than the discomfort from the pegging was the knowledge that I was out. I had let my teammates down. Feeling pretty low (while flicking away a few tears), I struggled to pick myself up off the ground. When I reached a near-standing position, the gym echoed in chants of "Dan, Dan..." I looked up sadly, only to be greeted by the huge smiles from my 12 six-year-old teammates. Suddenly it dawned on me: the kids didn't know the difference between kicking a home run and making an out. I was a hero either way. I realized that life couldn't get much better than that. I was doing what I love, playing sports and getting paid ($8.05 per hour). While I should probably get an internship or some "real job" next summer, part of me wants to return to the kickball field. Playing ball with a group of six-year-olds will do a world of good for anyone's self-esteem.

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News

Tufts grad student detained in Ethiopia

August 31

When Ethiopian-born Solomon Mezgebu arrived at the airport in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Aug. 26, he expected to fly back to the US to continue his studies as a doctoral student at Tufts' School of Nutrition Science and Policy. But immigration officials confiscated the 38-year-old's American passport and told him he could not board the plane. Three weeks later, on Sept. 13, government security agents took Mezgebu to the Maekllawi Prison, which the government designates for "prisoners of conscience." He remained imprisoned for four days before being released on bail. He is not allowed to leave the town in which he lived, according to, Friends of Solomon, a group advocating for his release. Group leaders will not give their names. Little information is available about Mezgebu's current situation, since he is not allowed to leave the small town of Mekelle. Though Tufts and the US State Department acknowledge his detainment, Friends of Solomon has provided most details surrounding his arrest. There is no Internet access in Mekelle, and Friends of Solomon members say the telephone line in his mother's house in Ethiopia was deliberately cut. According to Friends of Solomon, Mezgebu's arrest stemmed from his involvement with the Tigray Development Association (TDA). TDA is an international non-governmental organization that strives to develop the economy of the Tigray region in Northern Ethiopia. Mezgebu was charged with failing to remain in Addis Ababa for the "complete organizational audit" of TDA. Among the association's activities are vocational training and the development of a clean water supply. Supporters of Mezgebu, who have formed the Boston-based group called Friends of Solomon, say that Mezgebu did not need to be present for the government to carry out the audit. Though group members say they had close ties to Mezgebu, they refused to personally identify themselves. Friends of Solomon says that there have been no indication of TDA involvement with any violent or illegal activities. Friends of Solomon said that Mezgebu put his Tufts studies on hold in the spring of 2000 to join the TDA as its chairman in Ethiopia. He accepted the position because he thought he would be able to effect the extensive poverty in the Tigray region. Mezgebu left Boston against the wishes of many close friends and family members in the area, including his wife, Hirut Mulugeta, who works as a medical technician at Boston University Medical Center and lives in Medford. "His own willingness to sacrifice material benefit and to go beyond the call of duty was a continual example to people who knew him closely," Friends of Solomon wrote in a press release. But after spending a year working as chairman, Mezgebu decided to resign effective October 2001 and return to Tufts. Friends of Solomon said that Mezgebu was frustrated because there was little he could accomplish under the Ethiopian government's extensive restrictions. The group also claims that his resignation is what prompted the events leading to Mezgebu's arrest.The Ethiopian government confiscated Mezgebu's cellular phone, laptop computer, and car. His numerous requests for permission to return to the capital city of Addis Ababa - where he could more easily contact American officials - have been denied. Ethiopia has been criticized by the US for its human rights record in the past. On July 3, seven US senators wrote a letter to Secretary of State Colin Powell asking the Bush administration "to press the government of Ethiopia to stop intimidating and persecuting human rights activists, journalists, and opposition groups, ... and make human rights a priority." In April, the leadership split in the dominant party in the ruling coalition. Domestic instability followed, which worsened the human rights situation. The US Department of State advises American citizens "to exercise caution" when travelling in the Tigray region. Several US government agencies have been in contact with Mezgebu, according to Friends of Solomon. But all that Christopher LaMora, a representative from the Consular Office of Press Relations in the State Department, would say is that the US government is aware of Mr. Mezgebu's situation. The office of Congressman Edward J. Markey (D-Malden) said it was aware of the case and was involved. The United States and Ethiopia have no formal agreements pertaining to procedures for the arrest of Americans in Ethiopia. Tufts officials would not comment about the status of the case, but David Hastings, the associate dean at the School of Nutrition Science and Policy, said he was involved with the case.

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News

Volleyball bumps lowly East Nazarene on Tuesday

August 31

After a dismal showing last week, the women's volleyball team earned a 3-0 win in its Tuesday home opener against the Eastern Nazarene Crusaders. The victory pulls the team's record to 9-5, placing the squad one slot above their year-ago record. Coach Kris Talon was not pleased with her squad's 3-0 victory, despite the positive outcome. "It was another disappointing display by us," Talon said. "Overall we are not playing to our potential or even close. The good news is that we are going to get it back this week." Freshman Rebecca Shaevitz agreed. "Our team is struggling," she said. "We have good potential, but we just have to find our rhythm on and off the court." Though the team was unhappy with its performance, the Jumbos were in control the moment they stepped onto the court, defeating the Crusaders 30-18, 30-27, and 30-29. Co-captain Megan Pitcavage led the team to victory, excelling both offensively and defensively, while making minimal errors (14 kills, one attacking error, two service aces, one service error, six digs). "[Megan] Pitcavage had a great match," Talon said. "She saved our offense on occasion." Entering the match, the Crusaders had posted a lowly 0-6 record. In fact, they had only won a single game the entire season. The scores of the final two games, as Tufts narrowly edged Nazarene by only three and one points respectively, were far too close for a Tufts team currently ranked fourth in New England. Contributing to the close scores was Talon's decision to give almost everyone on the team a chance to participate. Freshman Ali Sauer, who has only seen playing time in seven games this season, greatly improved her serving, as well as her overall play. "[Ali] Sauer played great," Talon said. "Her serving has been a struggle, and she served us through to game point in game three." Sauer also had nine kills against only four attacking errors. "When Ali came in she did a good job of executing the plays," sophomore Danielle Cafasso said. "We were struggling in the game and when she came in, she helped to pick the team up with her play." While the win was not as smooth as expected, the team has little time to reflect as they will compete in the Bates Invitational tonight, where they will spar against New England's top competition.

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News

Two Tufts community members mourned

August 31

The homecoming celebrations for the class of 1976 will be clouded over this weekend by the knowledge that at least one of their classmates will never again set foot on campus. Christopher Zarba, a biology major, was aboard American Airlines flight 11 when it crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11. He was 47. The captain of Zarba's flight to Los Angeles was Dracut resident John Ogonowski, who also had close ties to Tufts. Ogonowski, 50, participated in projects at Tufts' Nutrition School. After the attacks, Tufts alumna Barbara Hoye was watching the local news when she saw Zarba's name flash on her television screen among a list of attack victims. Hoye had spent time with Zarba when they were both at Tufts. "He was kinda cute," she said. "He looked like Paul Simon." After Zarba graduated, Hoye and him lost contact, but she recognized his name immediately when it appeared on her screen. "I watch the news like everyone else," she said. "He's a 'Z' so he came at the absolute end of the list, and it really just took me breath away. I knew it was him." Zarba was an accomplished French horn player, and both he and Hoye performed in the concert band. Hoye learned how to play the clarinet from Zarba's father, a music teacher at nearby Waterford High School. Both avid cyclists, the pair were often seen together biking into Boston or the Mystic Lakes. Oftentimes, they stopped at Zarba's family's house in Medford for a meal. "Chris and I hung out for a good two years," Hoye said. "He was a really good friend from a warm and gentle family." For Zarba's father, also named Christopher, the loss came at an especially difficult time. His wife had passed away just three months before, at the age of 70. His son worked for Concord Communications as a project leader where he was known around the office as a soft-spoken hard worker with in-depth technical knowledge. Zarba was travelling to Los Angeles to install the first unit of a health care product he created from scratch. "Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and to his friends," said Concord chief executive officer Jack Blaeser in a press release. "This is a horrific time for the Zarba family, and we join them in prayer." Zarba is survived by his wife Sheila and their three-year old son Christopher. Captain Ogonowski, who joined American Airlines 22 years ago, was neither an alumni nor faculty member at Tufts, but had strong ties to the Nutrition School. He assisted Cambodian immigrant farmers as part of the New Entry Sustainable Farming Project (NESFP), a University project sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). According to the Nutrition School's public relations office, Ogonowski was involved with the project from its inception, three years ago. The USDA's Farm Service Agency asked Ogonowski to make a parcel of land available to Southeast Asian families who wanted to farm. He offered some land on the farm behind his home, creating White Gate, the first all-commercial "mentor farm." There, beginning farmers learned to farm, with Ogonowski overseeing every aspect of the project. More than 2,500 people attended his funeral, including US senators Edward Kennedy and John Kerry. "How ironic the jets were on airlines named United and American," Jim Ogonowski, the pilot's younger brother, said during the eulogy. "United Americans standing tall," he said. "That's what John sees today when he looks down ... our spirit stands unbroken. John would be so proud. "Imagine that - John helping victims of another terror," he said, his voice trailing off. Ogonowski is survived by his wife, Peggy, and three daughters, aged 16, 14 and 11. Peggy spoke to Tufts Magazine, the University's alumni publication; her story will appear in the upcoming issue. According the Department of Alumni Relations, no other members of the Tufts community are known to have died in the attacks.

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News

Phenom & Giddy's Urban Vibez

August 31

Janet Jackson feat. Missy - "Son Of A Gun (The Orginal Flyte Tyme Remix)," VirginTwo of the most successful women in the hip-hop industry collaborate to birth one of the hottest upbeat Janet songs in a good minute. Janet was becoming a bit too "poppy" with her singles and it's relieving to know she's still got the hip-hop edge in her - it would be pretty disgraceful if her brother Michael were coming on harder than she was. It should also be noted that there are two other tight remixes of this track - a P. Diddy Remix and a Rockwilder Remix.Bel Biv Devoe feat. Shaheed Da Poster Boy - "Da Hot Shit," MCA *Phe's Fav*Yes, you read that correctly. It's Ronny, Ricky, and Mike back with none other than 106 and Park's "Freestyle Friday" legend Shaheed Da Poster Boy. With Rockwilda laying down the beats, Da Poster Boy blowing up the intro, and Bel Biv Devoe on the vocals and rhymes, Phenom foresees a successful return for the trio and a promising career for Da Poster Boy.Big Scoob - "Ooh Wee, Fully Blown," *Giddy's Gem*"Big Scoob, who's he?" If you remember Big Daddy Kane, Big Scoob might ring a bell. If you don't know, he was one of Kane's dancers back in the late '80s and early '90s. Now, following the much slept-on remix of "Fiesta" with R. Kelly, Big Scoob drops a hot single laced with horns and catchy lyrics talking about how those hot girls make him go "Ooh Wee."Montell Jordan - "You Must Have Been," Def SoulSince dropping his last album, Get It On...Tonite, not much has been heard from this 6'7" singer. He's finally back with a soulful single, reminiscing about how he messed up with a girl he used to love. Look for Montell's new album, R U With Me, this winter. Latrelle feat. T.I. - "Dirty Girl," Nu America/AristaBabyface's new beautiful and talented female, Latrelle, along side label-mate T.I., intertwines vocals and styles to introduce Latrelle to the hip-hop world. It's always nice to see a hot track drop that also has a good message like this one about a "dirty girl" having nothing on the "clean girl." With a catchy, mid-tempo, Neptunes-like beat, the sassy Atlanta dialect of T.I., and the melodic vocals of Latrelle, this debut single should catch on like a PHEver. A PHEast of New Faces to Ride into November With - So Giddy Up!PHENOM and GIDDY bring you the latest official hip-hop news from the Internet.Dant?© (RCA): Not to be confused with Dante Thomas, Dant?© is a hot new R&B act whose debut album Inferno is sure to cause a stir. Currently his single "Lawdy Lawdy" and its remix featuring Memphis Bleek are receiving sporadic spins for some odd reason, but we assure you that he's one to look out for. "It's a feel good, party-type song about a guy who can't believe how super fine and desirable a young lady he sees for the first time is," notes Dant?©. "At times like that, when a girl looks that good," he adds, "you can get speechless, so 'Lawdy, Lawdy' says it all for you." Nelly, Joe, Jagged Edge producing team Noontime, and All Star are among the many notables Dant?© is working with on his debut album. He defines his music as "R&B with a strong hip-hop edge and a futuristic funk-type feel that's just...well...different." For more info: www.dantedante.com.Petey Pablo (Jive): Another down-south rapper, this time hailing from North Carolina, has an album to look forward to in November. Petey Pablo has already hit us with his first single, "Raise Up," produced by Timbaland. Although this is his first album, Petey has already rubbed shoulders with some of the big names in hip-hop including Missy, Sticky Fingaz, and Busta Rhymes. Petey has also appeared on Mystikal's double platinum Let's Get Ready and Black Rob's "Whoa Remix." While he takes pride in being from North Cacalaca in "Raise Up," the focus of his album does not end there. As Petey Pablo states, "I go everywhere on the album. I talk about everything...I only write what I feel, what I believe, what I have done, or what I want to do." This is a balanced, well-produced album that you should pick up. To learn more about Petey Pablo go to www.jiverecords.com. Rell (Roc-a-Fella): "If That's My Baby, " Rell's debut single from his debut album, The Remedy, is one of *Phenom's Faves* right now. It's got the feel of Jimmy Cozier's "She's All I Got," which was a summer hit. Rell is Roc-a-Fella's only solo R&B artist, complementing the already impressive lineup of rappers that includes Jay-Z, Beanie Sigel, and Memphis Bleek - all of whom all appear on the album. The soulful vibes of The Remedy recall the last Donell Jones album - you can throw it in the CD player and let it play from start to finish. From song to song, Rell takes you on an R&B roller-coaster explaining life's ups ("Cloud Nine") and downs ("Say It Ain't So"), using soothing melodies and smooth instrumentals. Rell's The Remedy has no official release date yet, but you can catch a preview of it at http://www.rocafella.com/rell.htm T.I. (Arista): As Southern hip hop gradually cements its place with the likes of Nelly and Ludacris, another artist by the name of T.I. is ready to stake his claim to the southern hip hop throne. Proclaiming himself "the king of the south," this artist recently released his first single, "I'm Serious" featuring Beenie Man. He describes his first single as being "self-explanatory. The song talks about artists who are in it for the money, which is cool - everybody gotta eat - but at the same time, you don't wanna blow yourself up on hype and waste the public's time. If they're spending money on you, it should be worth it." The album features a variety of producers such as PA, DJ Toomp, Craig Love, Brian Kid, Jazze Pha, and the Neptunes, which contributes to the eclectic sound throughout the album as well as the journey-like feel to the album that T.I. offers. T.I.'s distinctively southern vocals will not leave you disappointed. For more info on T.I., go to www.arista.com.Ram-Z (TVT): All we can say is...what was TVT Records thinking? This group is so hot! The sampler of their self-titled debut album is off the meter with appearances from Drag-On, Fabolous, DJ Clue, and production from Nokio of Dru Hill. Why wouldn't TVT seriously push any of these gems onto the radio? "Let Me be The One," their first single, was promoted like the Diet Coke of singles - one calorie of promotion, not promoted enough. Then, for some reason, the Teddy Riley-produced "Trickin'" was declared the second single - which has nothing on "Open For Your Love," "Lay U Down," or the "Let Me Be The One (Remix)," all of which won't be released as singles. Another track produced by Teddy Riley, "Make Me Say It Again Girl," is set to be the third single. It's a smooth Blackstreet-esque ballad of intertwining falsetto and synthesized vocals - five dollars say it also receives little to no promotion. We urge you to go to http://www.tvtrecords.com/artists/?art-id=216 and hear for yourself the talented trio that is Ram-Z.Dutch & Spade (Untertainment): After being out of the hip hop spotlight for a while, Philly is making a comeback on the hip-hop scene with the popularity of Eve, Beanie Sigel, and, more recently, Major Figgas, of which Dutch and Spade are members. This duo, backed by Lance "Un" Rivera, is ready to cement Philly's place on the hip-hop charts with their upcoming album, For My Family. The duo was initially supposed to have their album released in August but due to the typical record company conflicts has had the release date pushed back. For My Family features guest appearances by Eve and Styles, along with Detroit Diamond. Gilly the Kid, another member of Major Figgas makes an appearance on the album as well. The first official single produced by Rockwilder is "If You Want It," which has received a number of spins in major cities. "Get It Right," featuring Ludacris, is rumored to be the next single. Digga, who helped produce CamRon's S.D.E., also helped produce For My Family. Philly is back, expect it and respect it.

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News

Students, administrators sound off on Observer changes

August 31

What are the chances that you'll read more than the first sentence of this article? Between the classes, sports, and other activities that pack their schedules, many students feel "too busy" to sit down and read entire newspaper articles. One sophomore, who wished to remain anonymous, admits that she generally "reads only the comics and the horoscopes" in the Daily. Even so, The Observer's new bimonthly magazine format has attracted new readers who say its in-depth articles are more appealing."I didn't read [the Observer] often because I figured that the news had already been reported by the Daily," sophomore Debbie Anilionis said. "I'm more likely to read the Observer in the magazine format because [now] I think of it more as in-depth opinions than news."Editors of the Observer hope their new format will offer a much more in-depth look into life at Tufts. Editor-in-chief Mara Vatz said the format will attract more readers. "The Observer will draw a different kind of reader," she said. "One who is interested in the articles rather than the headlines." Provost Sol Gittleman, a longtime fan who has interacted with Observer editors for 40 years, said the first magazine-style issue on Nov. 9 "showed real effort and promise." "The Daily took on a larger role, which left a niche for the Observer. I got in touch with [the editors of the Observer]... and told them to do something in-depth, something more detached and historical," Gittleman said. He described the concept as "a little 'New Yorker' - good writing on good topics. It should educate. [Its stories] can be more complex than the Daily's, which must inevitably, and unfortunately, be superficial because it is a daily paper. [The Observer can cover] stories like the custodian issues... it can give writers a few weeks to write a story and provide more depth." Many students agree with Gittelman, and the Observer's new "niche" in campus media may attract more readers. Junior Abi Mancell, who didn't read the Observer before, said she plans to read it more often because the biweekly format "will be more interesting." But Meredith Gilbert, a junior who lives in a house near campus, is more concerned with keeping up with day-to-day issues than with reading in-depth articles. She says that she reads the Daily to keep herself informed. "[The Daily] is helpful since I live off-campus. I don't see posters on my walks [back and forth to classes] so it helps me to know what's going on," Gilbert said. Some casual Observer readers weren't highly impressed with the new style. Sophomore Naeem Webster used to read the arts and entertainment section of the Observer. While noting that the color cover was "eye-catching," he didn't think the new format was "anything special." "Now that it [only] comes out every two weeks, I probably won't read it as much," he said. Sophomore Matthew Dysart read the Observer occasionally, but said he "never found any [articles] especially interesting," and added that he was unimpressed with the new format. "I had hoped that [with the] new format, [there would be] relevant topics... [it would be] different and interesting," he said. The Observer's new format has received a wide range of responses. But as it has only published one news magazine-style issue thus far, it may take a few months to truly evaluate any changes in readership.

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News

Field hockey ends unfulfilling season

August 31

A disappointing season for the Tufts field hockey team came to a close last Saturday when the women dropped their final game of the season, 3-0, to Williams. The team finished the season with a record of 3-10, (1-8 NESCAC.), marking the first losing season for Tufts field hockey since 1994. The loss was the exclamation point on a season filled with potential, but marred by frustration. The Jumbos began the season expecting to continue their winning ways, especially since they returned 17 of 23 players from a 10-8 2000 campaign. Junior Dana Chivvis had scored 17 goals in her first two seasons on the squad and looked to be an offensive force for Tufts, but only came up with three on the season. A promising crew of freshmen and a successful preseason had the Jumbos prepared for success in their 2001 campaign. But the first three games of the season put on display the offensive woes that would continue to plague the team. The Jumbos were shut out in each of their first three contests against the likes of Bentley, Middlebury, and Wellesley. Tufts did not manage its first score of the season until Sept. 22 at Colby, in a losing effort. The team found itself outscored 8-1 in their first four games, and stuck in a 0-4 hole. On the season, Tufts totaled a meager 12 goals. Last year, it scored 27. At one point early this season, though, the Jumbos seemed to revive their dormant offense. In a conference game against Bates on a turf field, Tufts exploded for five goals, leading to its first and only conference victory of the season. After that game, the offense slipped back into its coma when Tufts was shut out by Conn. College in its next NESCAC match. Although the Jumbos did notch two victories against non-conference opponents (2-0 over Babson and 3-0 over Wheaton), the team could not find an offensive groove against NESCAC teams. Over its next five conference games, Tufts would be shut out four times and score only once. While the offensive numbers put up by the Jumbos were lackluster, the team did was not at a shortage for opportunities. Tufts frequently out-shot its opponents and often was awarded more penalty corners. In a game against Trinity on Oct. 13, the Jumbos were awarded 10 penalty corners to Trinity's six. Tufts also posted far more shots, as Trinity did not put a shot on goal during the entire first half. Despite the numerous opportunities, however, Tufts lost the game 1-0. "I kind of felt like Trinity was the most emotional game," senior co-captain Barbara Szajda said. "That loss meant no NESCAC's. It was more painful, we took that loss a lot rougher." This was typical of many matches, as the team dropped five decisions by a 1-0 score. The defense frequently held games within reach, but Tufts could not seem to find the back of the net. Despite the offensive frustrations, the team did display marked improvement throughout the course of the season on defense. During once stretch, Tufts allowed 12 goals in four games. After working on their defensive marking skills, however, the Jumbos allowed only nine goals through their final nine games. "It showed how much our defense improved," Szajda said. "Our marking got much more tight and organized. The goals that were scored [in final games] were good goals." Next year, the team will be led by Chivvis and Ursula Stahl, a defensive force this season. The Jumbos are hoping Chivvis will return to her 2000 form, when she netted 12 goals. Tufts loses four only four players to graduation. Those players, though, are among the team's best, including tri-captains Christina Orf, Barbara Szajda, and Lindsay Lionetti. Lionetti was the leading scoring for the team this season, with 12 points.

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News

JumboFob zaps students into dorm

August 31

From the rising popularity of Mobil Speedpass to mega-highway readers like Fast Lane and EZ-Pass, everyone is trying to get somewhere quicker. Even the Dowling Hall parking garage gates have a wireless access system for faculty and commuter students. Now, "Proximity technology" has found its way into campus dorms. This semester, South Hall became the site of a wireless entry pilot program dubbed JumboFob by the Department of Public Safety, the initiative's main sponsor. The access devices, which resemble small gray key chains and contain an internal antenna and microchip, have replaced the residents' building entry keys. To gain access to the building's perimeter doors - bedroom doors were not included in the pilot program - the students wave the device in front of a JumboFob receiver and the doors automatically unlock and relock after closing. While the possibility of keyless dorm access has been discussed for years - South Hall was wired for the system when it was built in 1991 - the Class of 2005 was the first to test the limits of the system during last week's Freshmen Orientation. So far, everything has gone smoothly. "It's as close to flawless as you could hope for," said John King, director of Public Safety. According to Public Safety Technical Services Specialist Geoff Bartlett, JumboFob was created to address safety and convenience concerns. The devices are clearly safer - they cannot be copied like regular keys, and can be deactivated immediately if lost or stolen. And the University will no longer physically change door locks each year - those equipped with JumboFob can be reprogrammed from the mainframe computer at Dowling Hall. There have also been some unexpected benefits to JumboFob. The key ring is a non-contact device, so it's extremely durable and will not easily wear out, as a swipecard would. Singing the device's praises, Bartlett told a Daily reporter that the device floats. The system, moreover, records the time each outer door is unlocked and relocked, helping campus police learn when doors are propped open. Although King said he expects any problems with the system to surface in the first few months, he said the test program will run through the spring semester. A JumboFob committee, which includes the Department of Residential Life, the Department of Public Safety, and the Dean of Students Office was created last year to review feedback from South Hall residents and recommend future expansion of the system. Bartlett says that feedback from last year's residents prompted the department to change its plans from a swipecard access device, which would require a Tufts ID for access, to the keyfob. Students already must have their keys in hand to check their mail or get into their rooms, department officials said, so it would be easier for the entry device to be on a key ring. "Students didn't want to use two pieces of technology," Bartlett explained. Although JumboFob has not experienced problems yet, building power outages - a fixture of downhill living in recent years - could cripple the system. Battery backups are currently in place, but the perimeter doors consume a significant amount of power while locking and unlocking. While it is yet undetermined how long the auxiliary power could last (it depends on the amount of traffic through the doors during a power outage), King says that an officer will be stationed at the dorm long before the JumboFobs ceases to function. As for South Hall students, most seem satisfied with JumboFob. Sophomore Tara Heumann said she appreciates the increased security that JumboFob provides. "I like the fact that you can instantly deactivate [the keyfob], and you can't duplicate them," she said. Tufts Community Union Senate President Eric Greenberg, a member of the evaluation committee for the access system and a resident assistant at South Hall, said an expansion of the project to other dorms is likely, given its popularity. "A lot of people want their dorms to be equipped with the JumboFob," Greenberg said. But campus-wide wireless dorm access may not be around for at least a few years. Recent renovations have included the necessary wiring for keyless access, many dorms would need to be updated. Most students, however, say they are willing to wait. "It doesn't make a huge difference," said Tom Dionne, a junior living in South Hall. But, he said, "I think it's really cool."

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