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Pop goes the future

August 31

Pop genres you might know: Britney is pop; Depeche Mode is electro-pop; Matchbox 20 is pop-rock. One you might not: Stereolab, apparently, is future-pop. Don't know the music? Not a shock. Talk about a group with a cult following: you won't find a single Stereolab single on the radio. Many people seem to recognize the name - Sound-Dust, released earlier this month, is the group's 14th album- but if you actually know the music you're a rare breed. For those not in the know, there's a lot to listen for and a lot to appreciate. Intricate arrangements and a veritable (though often artificial) orchestra of instruments give Stereolab the potential to create complex songs and sounds that no one else would consider. It's original, yes, but it's not that the group's work is irreproducible. On hearing parts of Sound-Dust, you might wonder why no one else has thought of doing this before. Ultimately, that's what makes Stereolab so avant-garde: The band makes music that many other people could have made, but haven't: Stereolab creates quasi-futuristic pop music - future-pop, if you will - that is self-consciously futuristic without taking itself seriously. Think of '60s pop: Tommy James and the Shondells come to mind, as do ? (literally "Question Mark") and the Mysterians. With the pop end firmly in mind, try to imagine those bands thrown forward 60 years or so. Futuristic can mean many things; don't expect the postmodern depth and intensity of recent Radiohead albums. Sound-Dust is too happy to be intense. Its cheeriness isn't evident at first, as "Black Ants in Sound Dust" and the first two minutes of "Spacemoth" are minimalist and pure. Wait for the latter to get rolling, however, and you can't help but picture happy folk (all in pigtails and overalls) skipping down grass-lined cobblestone paths and bopping from side to side. Maybe you're starting to think that Sound-Dust is weird. You're right. At the same time, Stereolab's music is undeniably interesting. With instruments varying from tack piano to organs to electric harpsichord, there are sounds here that you're not accustomed to hearing in any kind of electronic music. The French touch is evident - especially once you notice some of those pesky French lyrics (which, apart from everything else, also sound pretty cool). The melodies pass from the background to the foreground, from vocals to synthetic bells, from electronics to guitars. Stereolab is so easy to listen to that it's addictive - it doesn't follow a trend that's easy to classify. Sometimes you want to listen to music and sometimes you don't. When you don't, listen to Stereolab.Sound-Dust is quiet and light enough to make good background music, but just being unobtrusive isn't much of a merit. Instead, its tone is so optimistic and forcefully cheery that it gains its own kind of intensity. Surely people this frighteningly happy must have something to say... or at least something seriously wrong with them. There is a hint of madness in songs like "Gus the Mynah Bird" and "Double Rocker," especially when some lyrics actually sound like "happy happy happy happy happy love." There are some slightly less happy moments here and there - usually due to lower vocals like those in "The Black Arts" - but don't expect floor-cracking beats or mournful ballads. Not surprisingly, the happiest moments are also the most inspired on the album. The grin-filled climax of "Spacemoth," the second track, speaks volumes for the rest of Sound-Dust. Stereolab's style and strength is futuristic pop, and the best pop is happy pop. No point fighting what works.Sound-Dust has its flaws - no one can be that happy all the time. If you want music for a party, or music for a date, or music for playing videogames, Stereolab isn't it either. Start popping Sound-Dust into your CD changer and your friends are going to give you some puzzled looks. No one may be offended, but people won't know what to think either. Stereolab is future-pop, and if you haven't noticed, the future isn't now. That fact shouldn't stop you from enjoying it, though, whether in a solitary room or on headphones. If people don't feel the groove, don't make them. Shut out the noise and let Stereolab pour on some relaxation. Stereolab, Sound-Dust, Elektra Entertainment, 3.5 stars

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News

What Should We Do Now?

August 31

In every debate involving the September 11 tragedy, it seems as if the keyword has been "rationalization." Members of the media have basically tried to make excuses for the terrorist actions. "Well, we (USA) are basically the terrorists of the Middle East, so this must be a cry for help," is a common statement made by those who have little comprehension of world affairs. People have gone so far as to say that the US is an oppressive regime. Hopefully, all the people who say this will go to Afghanistan and try to get their articles published. Then they'll realize what an oppressive regime really is. However, what bluntly needs to be said is: US foreign policy is not the cause of this situation. The cause are the terrorists who have been taught their whole lives that their actions are just. These terrorists need to be taught the error of their ways, and they need to be struck down. Don't misunderstand me. I'm not some vehement gung ho American who would like to see the people of Afghanistan nuked. Civilians should not be punished. It would be wrong to attack US citizens for the actions of their government, and the same should apply to Afghanis. Don't think the US doesn't have any dirty secrets, either. The US even funded Bin Laden in the 80's to oppose the Russians. This is yet another reason why action should be taken. We got ourselves into this mess, we need to get ourselves out of it. We have made some mistakes, and these are only a few examples. I assure you, almost every nation on earth has done such things. However, nations have to do what they need to do to survive. I'd rather have the United States of America as a world power than the Taliban. Besides those who blame foreign policy for the recent events, there are many other groups who have a variety of other theories. For example, there exists the conspiracy theorists. Say what you want, but I find them amusing. I'm sure you all have seen the "faces in the smoke." Then there's the entertaining as always Reverend Falwell, who claims that God struck down on the people of the United States. Next there are those who claim that Bush and the GOP perpetrated the attack to gain their absurd 90 percent approval rating. Listen, I know you people don't like the guy. Sure, he's not that smart nor do I think he should be in the White House, but he's not, by any means, the reincarnation of Satan. The GOP has enough scandals of its own to worry about without this one. Lastly, there are the vehemently anti-semetic "Zionists are racists" fanatics who claim that Israel was behind this. Apparently, after consulting a piece of dry wood with their theories, these people think the Mossad did this to drum up pro-Israeli support. Believe me, there's already enough pro-Israeli support. They have managed to present some good evidence. Get this: it seems as though the hijackers were of Middle Eastern descent. Dear god, Israel is in the Middle East! Of course the hijackers were Middle Eastern, they were from Afghanistan, Iraq, etc. But what about the supposed 4,000 Israeli WTC employees who didn't show up for work that day? Let's see, the Israeli government managed to alert all 4000 of these people of the impending doom and nobody else found out. They all kept it a secret and nobody objected to these actions. That, coupled with the fact that the entire story was the work of a tabloid Libyan newspaper, seems to be enough to negate this story. Those that blame US foreign policy tend to point out that the US is an imperialistic nation, but I haven't seen any colonies being formed recently. Foreign policy is just the scapegoat. Maybe the terrorists antipathy grew because the US supports Israel. Bin Laden's hate surely stems from the US's actions in Saudi Arabia during the Persian Gulf War. He considers the presence of US soldiers in Saudi Arabia a desecration of holy land. What were they supposed to do, let Kuwait be attacked? If they would have done that, the same people who are complaining now would be complaining that the US let the people of Kuwait die. But they didn't. The United States opposed Saddam Hussein and his genocide geared towards Islamic Kurds and Shiites. The problem itself is radical Islam, and the extremists who alter the words of the Koran to allow for violence. These people hate America, not because of foreign policy, but because of our secularism and our freedom. The holy soldiers cannot come to grips with the modern world, and they plan to kill those of us who have. Look at Afghanistan. This is a country where women are killed for showing their skin. This is a country where there are currently foreign aid workers on trial for trying to convert Muslims to Christianity. The regime in Afghanistan has been using soccer stadiums to execute mass amounts people. When questioned about these practices, an Afghani official commented that if they want them to stop using soccer stadiums as a place for executions, then they should have given them enough money for soccer stadiums and places of execution. A regime like this does not deserve to exist and must be removed from power. So what's to be done? Do we greatly modify our foreign policy? I don't think giving the terrorists exactly what they wanted would set a good precedent. Every psycho around the world would then attack United States citizens. Do we drop our alliance with Israel? Israel is the only westernized democratic country in the Middle East. It is important for the United States to maintain an alliance with Israel, to keep a foothold in the Middle East for freedom and democracy. What is the solution? Plainly, violence. And I'm not talking about Bubba and Cletus running around attacking anyone who resembles someone of Afghani descent. These people are despicable and should be locked up. No, I'm talking about showing these terrorists that their actions will not be tolerated. People say war never solves anything. It stopped the Nazis. Is the world going to sit back and let another Hitler take power? Frankly, even if some evidence turns up that proves Bin Laden was not, in fact, involved, I don't think anyone would really mind him being killed. After all, he is still responsible for hundreds of other deaths, even if you think his participation in this particular event was questionable. The Taliban must be brought down as well. These leaders have the nerve to offer the United States ultimatums and threats. They have Bin Laden in custody. It is obvious that they are aiding him, and by doing so, have sealed their own demise. A full scale war is not necessary, however. Instead, I support Colin Powell's plan for a limited military component. There should be targeted strikes on the infrastructure of the Taliban, and all its military institutions. The US should also use its other tools, those of the financial, political, and diplomatic aspect. The actions of the military should not be to cause civilian casualties. The US is already trying to help the citizens of Afghanistan, as President Bush has already promised 100 million dollars for aid to Afghani refugees. Compassion is being shown to these people, but when dealing with terrorists there should be no mercy. What can the US hope to accomplish? For one, the destruction of the Taliban could lead to a more moderate ruling government in Afghanistan. The US will also show that it does not tolerate terrorism. With bin Laden's death, funding will be cut short to his followers, and hopefully when the head of the snake is cut off, the body will wither. If it saves us from one terrorist attack, it is worth it. Most importantly however, is that there is no other choice. The Sept. 11 act of terrorism is beyond reason, beyond explanation. Malice and hatred are too weak to describe it. This is not the "chickens coming home to roost." These people have destroyed the lives of their own people, and they wish to do the same to the rest of the world. The most alarming thing is that we cannot give the terrorists anything they want. We don't know what they want. Other terrorist groups like the IRA and Palestinian bombers have goals. With this, there is no cause and there is no agenda. It is pure hatred. These people have only fanatical religion. They are doing nothing but obeying what they interpret to be their god's word, so why would they listen to our words?@s:The US to take action against the Taliban

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News

Volleyball finishes season with 20 wins for first time since 1998

August 31

The women's volleyball team defeated the MIT Engineers (3-1) on Thursday for the first time since 1997. The victory also marked the first time the team has won 20 games in a season since going 20-15 in 1998. Tufts finished the regular season 20-11, ranked fourth in the NESCAC (7-3). Although the team's goals for the season were to finish with 20 wins and place third in NESCAC, players were not disappointed with the fourth place finish. "I am actually happy where we are," coach Kris Talon said. "It was disappointing to lose to Wesleyan and Colby over the season because I knew we could beat them," she said. "We had an opportunity to be 9-1 and we didn't capture it." Tufts had lost to MIT twice this season, so Wednesday's victory against the Engineers (28-7) was much-needed for players looking to prove that Tufts was the better team. Tufts won in four (30-26, 30-28, 21-30, 30-14), but its success may have come because MIT lacked two of its best players - one from injury and another for personal reasons. "MIT was without a couple of its greatest players," coach Talon said. "They are a very short team. We played better and benefited from the height advantage, but it would have been better to beat MIT while they were at full strength." "We knew they were playing without two key players, but I still think we outplayed them," freshman Carie Fowler said. "We were working really well together in practice and it showed on the court. We are a close team that feels comfortable playing together." Tufts was also handicapped entering the game. Co-captains Jess Stewart and Megan Pitcavage were suffering from the flu and did not practice in the week leading to the match. This may have affected Stewart's attacking game, but didn't seem to hurt Pitcavage's play. Stewart recorded 15 kills, half the team's attacking errors (4), and a disappointing .135 attacking percentage. But Pitcavage pummeled the ball with eight kills, no attacking errors, and a .362 attacking percentage. The Jumbos ended the regular season on a strong note and players say they ready to carry that momentum into the postseason. This weekend, the Jumbos will compete in the NESCAC Championships at Middlebury, a single elimination tournament. "There is no room for let downs," Talon said. At 8 p.m. tomorrow night, the squad begins its postseason play against Bates, a team Tufts has not lost to since September of 2000. This season, the teams squared off in the second round of a NESCAC weekend and the Jumbos came out with one win in five games. The match saw a lot of back and forth action, but Tufts took the final game 15-10. In the contest, Stewart paced the team with 22 kills, two service aces, and 18 digs. "We have a much more well rounded team," Talon said. "They have an inexperienced setter, as do we. But we have a much stronger middle, both offensively and defensively. So we will go after their weakness from the beginning." Tufts expects to play with a healthy squad, as there are no reports of injury or illness among its players. "This is my first trip to the Championship," freshman setter Rebecca Schaevitz said. "I am more excited than nervous. As long as we keep our energy up, we will have no problem defeating them. But, they are a team that will come and get us if we let ourselves go down." If the Jumbos are able to pull out a win, they will play the winner of Wesleyan-Middlebury on Saturday in the Semifinals. The Championship round will be held late Saturday, with the winner advancing to Nationals.

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News

What I know of Afghanistan

August 31

I am an international student of Canadian citizenship. However, I am also the daughter of an Afghani Muslim mother and an Eastern Orthodox father. When I was three years old, I moved to Toronto, and I have been there ever since. I never thought my ethnicity was of real importance because I was fortunate enough to be raised amongst many different types of people. My world was disrupted on Sept. 11, 2001. Since that day, where I come from has become an important matter. This is not just my issue, but something being faced by all individuals of a similar complexion. We have been questioned about our loyalty to the United States, directly or indirectly. Furthermore, we are often treated as though we do not share the grief of ordinary Americans. I can assure you that this is not the case. My brother lives in the East Village in New York City, approximately a 30-minute walk from the World Trade Center. He is a graduate student at Columbia and is attending NYU. My uncle and cousins are American citizens and have been living in the States for 20 years. So how do you think I felt? I was scared, saddened, and shocked. Why would anyone want inflict pain and suffering on innocent people? You do not have to be an American to suffer with Americans. Nevertheless, I am also angry because some individuals are having difficulty understanding that it is possible to be Middle Eastern and love the Western world. It is possible to be Middle Eastern and feel pain when watching people fall from buildings. I, like many Middle Eastern students at our institution, feel somewhat torn about what should happen in retaliation. On the one hand, I feel something must be done to show that terrorism will not be tolerated. On the other hand, I ask, is it just to inflict pain on innocent people because they share a common ethnicity or religion with the perpetrators of this crime? It seems that at times we react to situations irrationally - allowing our gut feelings to cloud our judgement. It is my hope that if I provide you with some information about my family and where we come from, you will be able to answer these questions in an educated manner for yourself. My mother lived the first 17 years of her life in Kabul, Afghanistan. She was the eldest of five children. All of the children in the family attended a coeducational institution. They all wore western-style clothing and studied English in school. However, times were very difficult, and my grandfather, who held a political position, sent all of his children to universities in foreign countries, where they were able to earn scholarships. My mother went to Yugoslavia, one of my uncles to the American University in Beirut. The United States was not viewed negatively amongst the majority of Afghan people. Many Afghans dreamed of a life in the Western world, where there were far more opportunities - free education, abundant amounts of food, and peace. As much pride as Afghans had for their country, their ambitions were to leave the poor nation and the violence wrought by the Soviet Armies and tribal fighting. Afghanistan was once a beautiful nation with a rich countryside and lush mountains populated by citizens who valued education, religion, and family. All this changed with the Soviet invasion in 1979. The US financed the purchasing of military equipment by a political party known as the Taliban. The Taliban along with other Afghani groups, with the help of the United States, eventually forced the Soviets out of Afghanistan in 1989. Unfortunately, Afghanistan was left a shattered country plagued with poverty, political turmoil, and an uncertain future. The US along with others failed to acknowledge that the Afghani people needed help to rebuild their nation. It seemed as though the Americans thought once the Soviets were no longer in Afghanistan all would be well. This was not the case. For the last 12 years, Afghanistan has been having a civil war. The Taliban, made up of Muslim extremists, has been battling with the Northern Alliance. In 1996 the Taliban gained power over Afghanistan. Since then, the Afghani people have endured endless suffering as the rest of the world watches. Afghani women have been stripped of basic human rights. Woman are unable to wear clothes revealing anything more than their eyes and are not allowed to attend school. Anyone who opposes the Taliban is brutally murdered. Virtually every member of my extended Afghan family had left Afghanistan for the West before the Taliban came into power. And for those who stayed, it was not by choice but rather due to financial reasons. All these events have lead up to the current situation in Afghanistan. As we all know, United States has started air strikes, which will most likely last a week or more. As stated by The New York Times on Oct. 8, 2001, the air strikes are targeting, "Al Qaeda training camps and Taliban airfields, air defenses, and communication and command centers across the country." The goal of the air strikes is to weaken the Taliban, enabling the Northern Alliance to overthrow the party that has declared a holy war against the US alongside bin Laden. To offset the inevitable damage they are to inflict on the innocent people of the country, America has promised $320 million in food and medical supplies to the Afghani people. I am not sure if this will help. Will these people be able to receive aid from the US? Just how many civilians will die in the air strikes? And will anyone care? I am grateful that the Taliban is finally being challenged and that perhaps one day the Afghan people may find the peace, equality, and opportunities they have been deprived of for so many years. The US says it will not abandon Afghanistan after the air strikes have ended and hopefully that holds true. There have also been promises to help rebuild the nation. If these things are accomplished, the United States will receive the gratitude of the vast majority of the Afghan people. Of course, if any nation had shown more concern in Afghanistan before now, perhaps much of this horror could have been prevented. As I watch my 80-year-old grandmother on the sofa, her small brown eyes locked on the television watching the images of her homeland in flames, I ask myself what she must be thinking? Is she remembering climbing the lemon trees in her backyard? Or praying at the local mosque crouched alongside her mother? And it hurts me to think that some people believe that Middle Easterners are happy about what has happened. My grandmother and all the Afghani people I have encountered in my life have been people of principle - people who do not believe in violence, people who pray five times a day for peace on earth and happiness for all. The reason I agreed to write this article against my family's wishes is so the Tuft's student body can understand, and perhaps empathize with their Middle Eastern peers. I also feel that it is important to recognize that the issue of terrorism is as simple as it appears to be. In order to prevent future acts we must all come together and ask ourselves why other nations feel threatened by the United States? And how can the US alleviate these nations' fears? Most of all, we shouldn't forget that there are people just like us in Afghanistan, who do not deserve our scorn, but rather our prayers for while our nightmare is ending, theirs continues. Sara Markovic is a sophomore who has not yet declared a major.

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News

Text of the pledge by Peace and Justice Studies pledge

August 31

A Response and Pledge from the Tufts CommunityAs members of the Tufts community we: -express our dismay at the large loss of innocent life, our compassion for the suffering endured by the families and friends of the victims, and our own sense of violation brought by the criminal attacks on September 11; -urge that the search for justice be focused specifically on the perpetrators of the crime itself; -urge that the search for justice avoid the unwarranted and dangerous targeting of entire religions, nationalities, and other social groups; -will support only a search for justice that respects our historical commitment to civil liberties, due process, and diversity. At a time when the issue of security and feelings of vulnerability are especially acute, we are aware that some members of our community do not feel safe. Arabs, Arab-Americans, Muslims, and those mistaken as being from the Middle East have been targeted by hostile comments and hateful messages from others on this campus. These acts of demonization are real threats to those who receive them and to all who support civility, democracy, and peace.In response to the tragedy, we shall participate in the healing process and do whatever we can to provide support for those in need. We will offer alternatives to measures that perpetuate the cycle of violence. And we pledge ourselves to respond directly to any violation of tolerance and mutual respect that may occur within the Tufts community.

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News

Kelley caps off comeback by breaking rushing record

August 31

Ending a two-year hiatus and topping Tufts single-season rushing record of 1,070 yards, junior running back Keven Kelley capped off his return in the final game of the season against the Middlebury Panthers last weekend. He rushed 136 yards to give him 1,079 on the season, topping Paul Dresens' 1988 record of 1,070. "It felt really good," Kelley said. "I didn't really expect to come in after two years off and even come close to breaking a record."Among his 136 yards last weekend was a 16-yard touchdown run, as the Jumbos defeated Middlebury 20-6 to finish the season third in the NESCAC at 6-2. The yardage countdown began at 9:24 in the fourth quarter when coach Bill Samko gave the ball to Kelley for ten consecutive runs. With an 11-yard run Kelley clinched the record. "Everyone was really rooting for me," Kelley said. "It was great that the coaches had that amount of faith in me to give me the ball so many times."It was pretty hard not to think of the record going into the game," he continued. "Coach [Mike] Browne constantly reminded me how many yards I needed to go...and he let everyone else know too. He was really pushing for me."Kelley led the NESCAC conference in yards rushed per game. He averaged 134.9 yards, almost 20 more than any other player in the league. He also led the NESCAC with his eight running touchdowns on the season. "His return to the team this year shows his natural ability," senior teammate Shane Waldron said. "He can take time off, and not only come back in, but break records...he is obviously a gifted athlete." Because of his stellar performance in the season finale last week, Kelley was named NESCAC Offensive Player of the Week for the second time this season. Looking at his accomplishments, it is a bit surprising to note that Kelley in fact did not start for the Jumbos. Junior Chuck McGraw typically started the first series and Kelley got in for the majority of plays thereafter. "Keven is a player who we can always count on for every play," Waldron said. "He makes 40 good plays a game and is always out there. Nothing negative happens whenever he touches the ball."Breaking records is no new feat for Kelley, as he broke several in high school. Kelley, who began playing football at age nine, currently holds the career record and single season record for rushing yards at Natick High in Natick, MA, totaling 3,000 career yards, and a high of 1,300 his senior year. Kelley was heavily recruited his senior year by schools such as Boston University, Northeastern University, and University of Rhode Island. Although he was enticed by scholarship offers that were difficult to pass up, Kelley and his parents decided that he would benefit from another preparatory year. After completing a postgraduate year at Holderness Academy in New Hampshire, Kelley looked more closely at NESCAC colleges."When you grow up and realize that you aren't going to be a pro athlete, you see that other things are more important, like academics," Kelley said on his decision to attend Tufts over schools with more prestigious football programs. He also recognized that he would benefit from a smaller school, with a smaller football program, as he could earn playing time his freshman year. Kelley's first season at Tufts was an impressive one, as he earned significant playing time on a team that went 7-1 on the season. Kelley was also a member of the baseball team that spring. However, due to academic ineligibility, the promising sophomore returned to Tufts in the fall of 1999 without football on his schedule. "I missed it a lot my sophomore year," Kelley lamented. "I'd played football my whole life, and it was always such a big part of me... sitting out was really tough to take." Unsure of whether or not he wanted to continue pursuing a degree at Tufts, Kelley decided to take a year off to decide if and where he would study the following year. He assumed a position at Dover-Sherborn Academy, where he worked and helped coach football and baseball. Fortunately for Samko and the Jumbos, Kelley decided last winter that he would return to Tufts in the fall, and would suit up for the 2001 season. "He came right back in and didn't miss a beat, both in terms of football and in being a part of our class again," Waldron said. The sociology major intends to play football again next season, where he is again expected to be a crucial part of the Jumbos' lineup. Kelley will not, however, play baseball this spring. "I just enjoy football more," he explained. "I guess I'm better at to too...I really like the physical aspect of the sport - you can let all of your aggression out." An individual season such as 2001 will be difficult for Kelley to match next fall; however, he does not feel overly pressured to turn in a repeat performance. "As far as records go, I just want to be a part of a successful, winning season, and to get my degree," Kelley said. "If other things happen, then it's just an added bonus."

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News

My aching back

August 31

As Week Four of the NFL season approaches, look at the backfields from some of the top teams in the league. A few star running backs are missing. Football, being a violent game, will cause injury. But rarely does the injury bug bite one position so disproportionately. Only three weeks into the season, five running backs - all Pro-Bowlers at some time of their careers - are already sitting on the sidelines in expensive suits. And that list doesn't even include Baltimore Ravens running back Jamal Lewis, who is out for the year. It all started after the first week, when Denver Broncos back Terrell Davis had to undergo surgery on his bothersome right knee to remove debris and reduce swelling. That injury came as little surprise, as Davis, who rushed for over 2,000 yards in 1998, missed the most of the 1999 and 2000 seasons recovering from a torn ligament in the knee. The Broncos weren't overly bothered by the loss, however, as they plugged 1,000-yard rushers Olandis Gary and Mike Anderson in his spot. Davis hopes to come back for Week Five. Similarly, the Seattle Seahawks have a solid replacement for their injured starter Ricky Watters. Shaun Alexander, a second year running back from Alabama, will fill in for Watters, which is fine with coach Mike Holmgren because Alexander is the long-term running back in Seattle. Even with Alexander, Watters, who will be out six to eight weeks with a sprained shoulder, is still a substantial loss. He is the only running back in NFL history to have 1,000 yard seasons with three separate teams - the San Francisco49ers, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Seahawks. The Seahawks and Broncos are lucky to have suitable replacements. The Atlanta Falcons, on the other hand, aren't so deep. Atlanta running back Jamaal Anderson, who tore the anterior cruciate ligament of his right knee in 1999, sustained the same injury on his left knee last Sunday. Two torn ACL's in three years is as unlucky as it comes, but Anderson claims that he will not retire and will instead make yet another comeback. In the meantime, the Falcons must rely on the services of Maurice Smith. The inexperienced back did rush for 80 yards and a score in last Sunday's win over the Arizona Cardinals, but the Falcons can't forget 1999, when they went 5-11 without Anderson. The Jacksonville Jaguars are in a similar tight spot as their All-Pro but oft-injured back went down again. Fred Taylor, who has been injured in each of his four years in the league, collapsed untouched from a groin injury on a run during Week Two. In his place, Stacey Mack ran for 80 yards and a score. Mack is in his third year out of Temple, but this will be the first time he sees action as the starting running back. Jacksonville will need a strong performance if it wishes to stay atop the AFC Central. Finally, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be without the services of speedy tailback Warrick Dunn for three to four weeks with a sprained right foot. The Bucs rely more heavily on the run than almost anyone in the NFL, so losing Dunn will cause problems. It should allow Pro-Bowl fullback Mike Alstott more touches, though Alstott is a one-dimensional, bruising-type runner. Without Dunn, Tampa loses all flare and excitement from its offense. Other than Alstott, Aaron Stecker and Rabih Abdullah will see time at tailback. The two have combined for 14 attempts and 32 yards in their careers. With these injuries in mind, it might be wise for Eddie George, Edgerrin James, and Marshall Faulk to be cautious in the coming weeks. The injury bug is on the prowl.The good, bad, and ugly from Week ThreeThe good The good news is that the league brokered a deal with the National Automobile Dealers Association, which means that the Super Bowl will still be held in the New Orleans Super Dome, just one week later, on Feb. 3. Further, the wild card week will not have to be eliminated from the playoffs. It also means that if you were planning a road trip to the NADA convention, you're going to have to move everything up a week. The New England Patriots looked good on Sunday, beating up on the Indianapolis Colts 44-13. The Pats ran two interceptions back for scores. Don't look now Drew Bledsoe (0-2), but Tom Brady is undefeated. And speaking of undefeated, the only AFC team without a loss - the San Diego Chargers.The bad We're just going to keep putting the Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys here until they get a win. It's amazing how two owners, Dan Snyder and Jerry Jones, could ruin two once-proud organizations. The two teams have accounted for five Super Bowls since 1987, which could be more than the number of wins they account for this season. The ugly Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher.

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News

Tufts earns money to study shrimp

August 31

With federal spending expected to reach $2 trillion in the coming fiscal year, it is no surprise that universities across the country continue to lobby heavily for a piece of the economic pie. But because of intense competition for federal academic grants, some schools, including Tufts, are searching for easier ways to get their money.Tufts will receive part of a $4.2 million pork-barrel expenditure to study shrimp aquaculture. The federal funding, like all pork-barrel spending, did not require any type of academic approval. These funds typically go to congressional pet projects in representatives' home states.While many college administrators say the congressional earmarks are essential to their research goals, some schools say they are uncomfortable receiving unregulated funds. A recent article in the Boston Globe noted that while Harvard University will receive $19 million in pork-barrel funding for the coming fiscal year, Harvard administrators insist that they do not lobby for the money. According to Tufts' President Larry Bacow, Tufts receives the majority of its federal funding from a competitive peer review process. "Our faculty routinely compete for such funds and do very well based on the strength of their scholarship," Bacow said. "Our scholarly reputation," he said, "is based on the strength of our faculty and their research, not on our capacity to influence congressional appropriations." Most money that does come to the University from direct appropriations is used for construction projects, according to Vice Provost for Research Peggy Newell, who said she could not recall the last time Tufts received earmarked funding for research prior to the shrimp project. "Congress may have had a desire to help the shrimp industry," said Newell, who called the earmark "an unusual case." Most shrimp consumed in the US is imported, and America has a $3 billion deficit in its domestic shrimp industry. The $4.2 million that Tufts is to receive will not go directly to the University, nor will Tufts see most of the money. According to Dr. Acacia Alcivar-Warren, associate professor of environmental and population health at the School of Veterinary Medicine, the funding is intended for the Oceanic Institute, a private organization in Hawaii that lobbied for the money. Tufts is one of six institutions involved in the center's US Marine Shrimp Farming Program, and will receive just $250,000 for its role in mapping the shrimp genome. The Globe article said Tufts would receive the full amount, a statistic that Warren says is inaccurate. "Someone told me, 'Dr. Warren, you complain you have no money, but you just got $4 million!'" Warren said. The question of whether the US government should focus on earmarks rather than a stricter, more focused funding system such as National Science Foundation (NSF) grants is becoming a contentious issue in Washington. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) is at the forefront of the opposition. The NSF, one of the country's largest sources for research and education grant money, reviews 30,000 proposals annually, but awards just one-third that number to new proposals. This intense competition makes earmarking more attractive. Economics Professor Gilbert Metcalf said that research earmarking has its flaws, but that it should not be regarded as government waste. Having spoken to many congressional staffers - those most knowledgeable about the issue - Metcalf says that the earmarking process can be as rigorous as peer review. And even peer review may not be completely free from non-academic considerations, he said. "Politics is always at work," he said, "there's no getting around it."Objection to pork-barrel funding is not a cut-and-dry issue, says President-Emeritus John DiBiaggio. DiBiaggio said that "evolving institutions," which he described as young schools without a prominent reputation, are ideal recipients of earmarks. Although such schools may not have the reputation to secure lucrative grant money, DiBiaggio said that earmarks could help boost them to a more national position.Tufts was one of the first clients of the lobbying firm Cassidy & Associates in the 1970s. When Democrats were in control of Congress, including ten high-ranking Massachusetts congressmen, area universities were able to acquire ample earmark funds. Although Tufts partnered with a new firm two years ago, Boston University has signed with Cassidy to handle its earmark procurement. A BU spokesman told the Globe that through the University's lobbying, former President John Silber helped make BU a nationally competitive school.But DiBiaggio said he does not believe that earmarking is the best solution. "It's a delicate issue," he said. "I find myself in a quandary over it, since I do believe in a legitimate peer review process."Metcalf agreed. "Earmarking is a trend that we should try to fight. It would be a valuable step for Tufts to lobby for a set of procedures for peer review," he said.

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UCCPS to host fair of community groups

August 31

The University College of Citizenship and Public Service (UCCPS) will host a Community Opportunities Fair today from 4 to 6 p.m. to search for new community service projects. Omidyar Scholars, who receive substantial grants from the college, are required to complete annual community service projects. UCCPS administrators hope the fair, to be held in Dowling Hall, will give scholars ideas for projects due in the spring. The fair is open to Omidyar Scholars only. They have invited community organizations to come for the two hours and speak about what they do so that scholars can choose whether they would like to work with them. "It is an outlet for us to be able to take part in some of their projects," Omidyar Scholar Leslie Wang said. More than 40 community groups, ranging from Project Soup, which addresses homelessness and hunger issues, to the Asian American Civic Association, which assists immigrants adapt to life in the US, were invited to the fair. Though UCCPS officials are unsure how many organizations will attend today, Wang said she hopes that other community groups will learn about the fair by word-of-mouth and show up. Wang is among a minority of scholars who have already identified their primary projects. She is working with a program called "Building Bridges," in Chinatown to mentor school children. Scholars must submit a one-paragraph project proposal by next Monday that outlines how they will fulfill the community service component of the Scholars program. "This is a unique opportunity for Omidyar Scholars to connect with community organizations in Medford and Somerville and understand the areas where assistance is needed," a UCCPS press release stated. The UCCPS describes the Omidyar Scholars as its "signature program" and hopes that by singling out a small group of student leaders, the college can build active citizenship on the Hill. eBay founder Pierre Omidyar (LA '88) and his wife Pam (LA '89) donated $10 million to the University to start the college in 1999. The couple earmarked part of their gift for the Omidyar Scholars program. At the time, Pierre Omidyar said that programs such as the scholars effort create a "leveraging effect" and inspire others in the community to become active citizens. "Not only are you going out there are doing public service, but others are seeing it and seeing how easy it is," Omidyar told the Daily last November. In promoting active citizenship, Omidyar foundation applies business practices to the nonprofit world. Representatives from the Omidyar Foundation regularly meet with UCCPS administrators to monitor its progress "We want to make a measurable difference. In order to do that, you have to be accountable, and the people you give money to have to be accountable," Mrs. Omidyar said in 1999.

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Pat McGee Band to headline Fall Rock Show

August 31

Tufts will rock in Homecoming celebrations this year with grassroots princes the Pat McGee Band and up-and-coming singer/songwriter Howie Day. The annual Fall Rock Show will take place in Dewick-MacPhie Hall on Thursday, Oct. 24. Fall Rock Show selections are made by the student-run Concert Board, co-chaired by seniors Aaron Wright and Christian Trentacosta. Plans for the show began as early as this summer, when the pair received a list of possible acts that fell within a realistic price range for the group's budget. "These were the best choices that fit within our budget, and we're really excited about them," Wright said. Concert Board is responsible for four major concerts a year: the fall show, a rap show, a jazz show, and the year's major-name draw, Spring Fling. The show typically draws up-and-coming bands that do not yet have national prominence. Acts usually have an extensive touring schedule and cult college followings. Past rock show headliners have included Dispatch, They Might Be Giants, and Fastball. "We're not going to get a huge name. We get the kinds of bands that would play at The Orpheum or The Somerville Theater," Wright said. Virginia's six-man Pat McGee band was founded five years ago. It is a touring band by definition and practice, and performs its fusion of rock, folk, and harmony-saturated bluegrass music at over 250 concerts a year. "I've seen them maybe 12 times," said Wright. "They're a great live act." The band's first CD, Revel, was released in 1997; General Admission, a live disc, was released one year later.Day, who said Wright is "one of the biggest touring acts of the Northeast," was the recipient of this year's "Outstanding Debut Album" Boston Music Award for his latest release, Australia. He has spread his special brand of pop-acoustics through extensive touring with the likes of Jewel, Sister Hazel, and Guster.The Fall Rock Show will take place on Thursday, Oct. 24, at Dewick MacPhie Dining Hall. Doors will open at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 and go on sale on Tuesday, Oct. 16. A valid Tufts ID is required. - Sheryl Gordon

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Artistic alumnae fill Aidekman

August 31

"Monopochess" would be a good way to describe the flavor of the installation that greets you on your entrance into Tufts' Sesquicentennial alumnae exhibit. Monopoly houses grace a giant, mirrored and matte chessboard. Fish heads and bread loaves are gathered in piles around the board and scattered over it, and rows of heads stare angrily over at houses gathered on the opposite side. Ann Sullivan, a student employee at Aidekman, wonders what it could mean. We discuss: Battle over the American Dream, or longing for Jesus as the real estate agent savior, supplying them not only with endless supplies of bread and fish, but the perfect house? For this exhibition, Tufts called on artistic alumnae who graduated from the joint MFA/Tufts program to submit five of their best pieces created in the past 24 months. Chosen as judges were Edmund B. Gaither, director of the Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists, Elizabeth Stevens, manager of collections at the Salander-O'Reilly Gallery in New York, and Miles Unger, contributor to the New York Times. They looked at more than 500 entries to come up with just 45, enough to fill the halls of the Tufts Gallery and more. Although most of the artists selected were graduates from the MFA program, there were a few exceptions. One artist, Philip Arcidi, graduated from the engineering school and innovated his way into the exhibit. His paintings are intaglio, usually made by raising strips on metal. Arcidi substituted plastics instead, melting them and then dribbling ink over the paintings. The result is layers of ink drawings that look like nightmarish black and white cartoons, insubstantial monsters with gaping jaws bear down on tiny poodle-like figures scurrying across the paper. A favorite of one of the students working there, "Beach Status," portrays the bust of a woman who appears to be wearing a bikini. But upon closer examination it is the only tan lines from a bikini. The woman is represented with sagging lines, neck, thick thighs - but her breasts remain erect. There is another installation piece on the exhibit's top floor, created by the South African artist Sophie Ainslie. The work, called "Labyrinth of Commercial Prophets," is made of a half-rolled up floor carpet made out of chicken wire, and the holes are stuffed with junk mail catalogues. It's one of many commentaries, so popular among contemporary artists, on the US of Advertising. This is Ainslie's second recent exhibit at Tufts. The last one consisted of multiple copies of these pieces hung from the ceiling and slowly spiralling in mid-air. There are two video installations, one on the top floor and another on the lower floor of the exhibit. The first, Confessions at a Military Camp is a five-minute video on the joys of independence, narrated by a high voiced black and white cartoon girl who ruminates on whether 'tis better to be a "Prophet from another world," or learn to go with the flow and take your own showers. She suddenly turns colors at boot camp, probably created with the good-smelling Magic Markers that we all used to love in grade school. The drawings flow into each other, as well as the voice, which narrates in one long sentence until the end. Watching this film is something like watching a five-minute animated version of Ulysses confessed by a Southern eight-year old on Jerry Springer. The other movie, White Flight, shows a couple driving through the snow and arguing. It is a shorter, silent film interrupted only by a climactic burst of noise. Another highlight is an oil piece "Untitled" by Carlos Stuart. One might name it "The Mad Bus Ride," as a huge white figure stands behind a yellow bus, holding it up off the road; black figures dance and sing inside the bus while it is driven by a white figure. Its New Orleans-reminiscent feel is expressed by the choice of colors and material: red, black, yellow, bits of oil sticking up out of the painting, a thick layer of raw thoughts jumping out at the viewer. Other paintings and sculptures include "(Snake) Belly," a magnified view of a man's huge Buddha belly, smooth and hairless with a faded snake tattoo; "Magnetolectric," a color ink drawing of a bunny rabbit in a dress, surrounded by blood-red guns pointed at her; and "Dimensed Lines in Search for Meaning and Tumesence," mixed media that features red and green worm-blobs swarming together on the canvases. John Anderson's work includes a wooden band of left hands hanging together from a lavender canvas, creating shadows that bring the hands together in a permanent hand-shaking. Don't miss the series of Seuss-like sculptures, all spikes, brushes, and thimble handles with names like "Brush Off," "Don't Turn Me On," and "Turn Me Around." The exhibition, which runs until Dec. 9, offers a wide variety of painting and sculptural styles, though most with a contemporary feeling or commentary. So celebrate the Sesquicentennial this Homecoming weekend, and thee to the Gallery to see the green hanging bead tree. I'll let you discover just what exactly that is for yourself .

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Nuts: the 'new' nutritional superstar

August 31

People have held back from eating nuts because of their high fat content, but the type of fat in nuts may be precisely the reason people should be eating more of them. Experts have always known that nuts are chock full of vitamins and minerals. But new research suggests that eating nuts also has the power to reduce waist sizes and prolong lives. As the number of Americans who struggle with weight loss continues to grow, so does the number of us who will die from a diseased hearts. Nuts, the nutritional superstars, can help you live longer, keep off extra pounds, and provide you with the nutrients necessary for optimal health. Here's how:Do your heart a favor: Go Nuts! A condition largely influenced by diet, heart disease will eventually kill more than a third of us, according to current statistics. Foods consumed today and throughout our lives will determine whether we will succumb to heart disease in the future. The good news is that people may lower their risk for heart disease by 25 to 39 percent if they eat a serving of nuts five or more times a week, according to a recent study published in the Tufts Nutrition Reviews journal. As you may already know, not all fats are created equal. The kind of fat we want to avoid - saturated fat or "bad" fat, found in meats, cheeses, and whole milk - can increase our risk for heart disease. But nuts are filled with "healthy" fats called mono- and poly- unsaturated fats, which may actually be essential to heart health, according to research led by Jose Ordovas, Chief of the Nutrition and Genomics Lab at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center at Tufts. Dr. Ordovas's work shows that diets high in "healthy" fats like those found in nuts may significantly benefit the heart by lowering blood levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and raising levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of heart disease. But high levels of HDL cholesterol may protect the heart and lead to longer, healthier lives. The heart-healthy components of nuts do not stop there. Nuts also contain a variety of other nutrients that may help ward off heart disease. Nuts are high in soluble fiber that may help lower blood cholesterol levels. Almonds, peanuts, and hazelnuts are especially high in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that is thought to protect blood vessels from damage by free radicals. Peanuts and hazelnuts are high in folate, which lowers blood levels of homocysteine, a compound linked to heart disease risk. All nuts provide copper, which is an essential mineral that helps to maintain good cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure. And many nuts, including peanuts, almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts, are high in the amino acid arginine. New research shows that arginine may play an important role in fighting heart disease. Arginine is converted to a compound called nitric oxide in the blood, which works to widen arteries and lower blood pressure, possibly preventing fatal heart attacks. Eat nuts to slim down? Numerous studies have demonstrated the potential for nuts to help people achieve and sustain their weight-loss goals. Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital and the Harvard School of Public Health compared the effects of two weight-loss diets, both with the same number of calories, but with different amounts of total fat. One diet was low in fat (about 20 percent of total calories from fat) and the other diet was moderately high in fat (about 35 percent of total calories from fat). The people on the moderately high-fat diet consumed primarily 'healthy' fats in the form of nuts, avocados, and olive and canola oil. Although both diets produced similar weight loss results initially, the people on the low-fat diet began gaining weight after 6 months and weren't able to stick with the diet. But people on the moderate fat diet were able to stick with the diet and keep the weight off, even after two and a half years. This suggests that 'healthy' fats (mono- and poly- unsaturated fats) may help people keep weight off. Keep in mind that nuts, like all foods high in fat, are high in calories. The dieters in these studies were likely eating less of something else (cookies) to compensate for the calories coming from the added nuts to their diets. But you can and should indulge in nuts without feeling guilty - just don't eat a whole jar. Other research suggests that nuts help people consume fewer calories throughout the day by reducing snack cravings. A recent study at Purdue University shows that a snack of peanuts or peanut butter kept people's hunger satisfied for over two hours on average, whereas low-fat snacks such as rice cakes kept their hunger satisfied for only half an hour. Most dieters opt for lower-fat snacks because they are generally lower in calories, but this approach may actually hinder their weight loss efforts by encouraging them to overeat later on. Researchers hypothesize that nuts help stave off hunger because of their high fiber, fat, and protein content; these nutrients act to slow down the digestion process, which causes a longer lasting sense of 'fullness.' The thought is the more satisfied you are, the less likely you are to overeat. This challenges the belief that all high fat foods will ruin your diet.What else do nuts have to offer? Just one handful of any variety of nuts provides a good source of protein, potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorous, zinc, and thiamin. Additionally, nuts are high in phytochemicals and phytosterols, which may have cancer-fighting properties. Almonds, Brazil nuts, and pistachios are particularly good sources of calcium. And peanuts and pistachios provide a good source of B vitamins, essential for energy production, protein metabolism, and the synthesis of red blood cells.The bottom line: Not all fat is bad. "It is clear that we could all benefit from eating more 'healthy' fats such as those found in nuts," Dr. Ordovas said. "In fact, most Americans need to eat more healthy fats in order to protect their health." In short, eat fewer foods high in saturated or "bad" fats such as red meat, full-fat cheeses, cakes, cookies, pie crusts, donuts, and other baked goods, and eat more foods high in "healthy" fats such as nuts, avocados, and canola or olive oils. You will be doing your heart a favor and may even experience better weight control. Here's to nuts, and here's to good health!Marin Thompson is a Human Nutrition student at Tufts

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Women's basketball playing before familial fans in New York

August 31

This weekend the 1-1 women's basketball team will travel to New York City to participate in the Manhattanville Alumnae Tournament for the first time. Due to some schedule changes, coach Janice Savitz added the venue to give the team a chance to face strong competition outside of New England. The four-team tournament will feature three New York based teams - Manhattanville College, Saint Lawrence University, and the City College of New York. Tufts' first opponent, Saint Lawrence, should provide its biggest challenge of the year, as the Saints are ranked fifth in the nation by D3hoops.com. Over the past three seasons, Saint Lawrence has compiled a 70-17 record and at 3-0 this year is seeking its fourth consecutive NCAA playoff berth. Two years ago, the team reached the "Elite Eight," and last year won the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association. The Saints finished last year third in the nation in Division III in scoring defense, allowing just 48.4 points per game and were second nationally in field goal percentage defense, allowing the opposition to hit just 30.5 percent of their shots from the field. The Saints have outscored opponents 198-136 this season. Facing Tufts will be the first time the Saints face a New England team this year. Through two games, Tufts has played relatively well, defeating Johnson and Wales 84-66 two weeks ago and losing to a tenacious Babson team 85-71 on Tuesday. Juniors Emily Goodman and Erin Harrington have led the charge offensively with 16.5 and 16 points per game, respectively. But the Jumbos have relied upon many scoring options, with seven players averaging over five points a game. Every player on the roster has at least one basket. Tufts is looking to improve upon last year's 14-9 record and to advance past the first round of the NESCAC tournament. Although important NESCAC play does not begin until Jan. 19, this tournament should provide Tufts with an opportunity to tune up for the more competitive games in the future. "For right now and down the road when we are playing conference opponents, it will be a good experience for the team," Savitz said. Manhattanville College and the City College of New York should not be quite as competitive as Saint Lawrence, but will give Tufts a change of pace. The 1-0 City College of New York finished third in its division last year and is led by junior guard Lauren Gargill, who has tallied 1,141 points in just two seasons and is on pace to shatter school and conference records. The host Manhattanville College has struggled in the early goings this year, dropping to an 0-5 record. Last year, the Valiants finished 12-12 and made their first appearance in the New York State Women's Basketball Tournament since 1986. Goodman and her family, who live close to the tournament site, will host a team dinner during the two-day tournament. Therefore, despite playing four hours from Medford, the Jumbos should still have a loyal fan base at the event. "[Five] of our players are from New York and New Jersey so it will be a nice opportunity for their families to watch them play," Savitz said.

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Tufts' medical school rank rises

August 31

The Tufts University School of Medicine rose four places in US News and World Report's 2002 medical school rankings, which were released in mid-August. But administrators did not celebrate the announcement, saying the improvement from 41st to 37th on the 50-school list holds little significance.US News divides the nation's 125 medical schools into two lists based on research and primary care characteristics. Tufts is tied with Boston University for 37th on the research list, which weighs "research activity" as the second-most influential factor contributing to the school's overall quality.Both lists use many of the same characteristics to rank schools, but the "primary care" list factors in the percentage of M.D.'s that enter primary care residencies rather the amount of research dollars awarded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).Despite Tufts' rising ranking, administrators last week downplayed the list's importance. Both medical school Dean Dr. John Harrington and Provost Sol Gittleman said that US News cannot rank schools with sufficient objectivity because of the intangible indicators that are ignored in the study. Although Harrington and Gittleman said they would prefer not to see Tufts' rank drop, they both agree that rising or falling a few places does not indicate anything about the school. "Is there a difference between 41 and 37?" Harrington asked. "No. There is also not a difference between ten and 41, would be my bias."According to Harrington, moreover, the US News ranking gives too much weight to an institution's financial resources. "If you were a Marxist," he said, "this would be a class struggle." Factored into the research ranking is the sum of grants the National Institute of Health (NIH) awards to a school and its affiliated hospitals. Other characteristics include reputation, student selectivity, and faculty resources.US News acknowledges that its rankings do not measure all aspects of what makes a quality institution. On its website, the magazine writes that the data incorporated in its studies "can never substitute for an in-depth examination of the scope and breadth of a program."US News editors say they change the ranking methodology from year to year to increase the quality of the system and discourage readers from tracking schools' ascents or descents over time.But according to Gittleman, the methodology changes to ensure that each year's rankings will differ enough from the previous years to make readers buy the magazine. Calling the system "suspect," Gittleman said that the medical school admissions office did not experience a change in the quality or quantity of applications. Few, if any, "bad" medical schools are left in the country, Harrington said, pointing to an early 20th century study called the Flexner Report that rated existing medical schools with an "A", "B," or "C"; researchers recommended that "C" schools close immediately. Of the surviving schools, Harrington said, US News' top 50 are simply the "cr??me de la cr??me." Tufts may rise even further in the rankings next year because of a research building being constructed at the medical school campus in Chinatown. The Jaharis Family Center for Biomedical and Nutrition Research, a $64 million project, will give the school more space and resources for research.

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Women's season ends sooner than expected

August 31

The women's soccer team's 2001 season came to an early end yesterday after a 3-1 loss to Amherst in the first round of the NESCAC Tournament. The loss was the second of the weekend for the Jumbos, who fell to the undefeated Williams Ephs 3-2 on Saturday. Tufts closes out its season at 8-7, including a 5-4 conference record. "It's hard to lose," coach Martha Whiting said. "We wanted to win, but it's sad more because it's over, and we just like playing together. We're sad not to be able to see each other every day." Sunday's game started off well for the Jumbos, as junior Elizabeth Tooley notched her third goal of the year in the third minute when she chipped the ball past Amherst keeper Brooke Diamond. But Tufts did not hold the edge for long, as the Jeffs answered with a goal of their own just two minutes later. Senior tri-captain Cathy Poor pounded a shot off the crossbar, and freshman Tracy Montigny was there to put in the rebound to tie the game at one. The teams remained deadlocked at one for nearly 60 minutes, as play shifted back-and-forth across the field. In the 62nd minute, Amherst inserted freshman striker Lee-Jay Henry, who scored the game-winner against the Jumbos in the regular-season match-up, to boost their offensive firepower. The speedy rookie played the role of Jumbo-killer yet again, finding the net twice within three minutes of entering the game. Montigny assisted both of Henry's goals, which came just 69 seconds apart. Henry and Montigny are tied for second behind Poor as the team's leading scorers. "She doesn't have a lot of skill, but she's really strong, very fast, and very athletic, and she just busted away from our defenders," Whiting said of Henry. "And to be honest, our defenders were a little beat up." Tufts played much of the game without sophomore back Abby Herzberg, who came out bothered by a groin injury. Junior Cara Glassanos, who had missed the previous two games with a shin injury, came in for Herzberg. Freshman Catherine Benedict played a strong game despite a pulled hamstring. Down 3-1, the Jumbos stepped up their attack for the remainder of the game but could not crack through the Jeff defense. "It was one of those games that's just a battle. I looked at the clock with about eight minutes left, and I thought that we still had a chance to get back in it," Whiting said. "We were getting chances, and we pressured them a lot, but it just wasn't meant to be." Despite the loss, Whiting was proud of her team's play, especially that of the six seniors. "It was a great game," Whiting said. "The seniors played their hearts out. They were just phenomenal. It was like they were possessed." With the win, Amherst improved to 9-4-1 and moves on to face the Middlebury Panthers next Saturday at Williams. The Panthers beat Trinity twice last weekend to advance to the second round, while Bowdoin topped Bates 3-0 in the third game and will face Williams. In Tufts' Saturday game against Williams, the Ephs jumped out to an early lead in by converting on a breakaway in the 14th minute. Senior Marlene Bonasera took a pass in the middle of the field from sophomore back Kristen Van Woert, raced through the Tufts defense and sent a shot in off the left post. Tufts did not suffer a letdown after the goal, however, instead charging back down the field and evening the score a mere 27 seconds later. Sophomore Jess Trombly sent a pass back from the end line to senior Becky Mann, who fired the ball at the goal. Williams keeper Abigail Jackson blocked the shot but sent the rebound to Jumbo midfielder Elizabeth Tooley. Tooley slipped a pass to senior co-captain Lynn Cooper in the middle of the box, and she fired it home to tie the game at one. "At the beginning, I thought they felt as though they were just going to come out and beat us," Whiting said. "And then I think they realized that they had to work to beat us." The two teams fought back and forth through the remainder of the period, with each putting together strong attacks but neither able to capitalize. The story remained the same through much of the second half, as the defenses held strong despite continued pressure from both sides. Schanfield made a number of great saves in net for the Jumbos to keep the score even, earning praise from her coach and teammates. "Mara was phenomenal today," Whiting said. "She kept us in the game at certain points. She was very confident today, coming out for balls, calling for it, directing her defense. I could just feel the confidence coming off of her." The Jumbos finally broke the scoreboard silence in the 73rd minute. A Tufts player was fouled near the Ephs' end line, which resulted in a free kick that played like a short corner. Junior Alle Sharlip sent a chip shot over the Williams keeper to the far post, where classmate Brenna O'Rourke was there to head it in, giving Tufts a 2-1 lead. "It was one of our better games," Cooper said. "It felt good. It was a good, clean, hard game." Tufts kept up the pressure following the goal and threatened to add to the lead. But it was the Ephs who struck next, as junior Stacey Starner received a header in the box from Van Woert with just under ten minutes to play. Narrowly escaping an offsides call, she stepped forward and sent the ball past a diving Schanfield into the lower right corner of the net to tie the game once more. The Jumbos pulled together after the goal, and with both teams refusing to budge and the clock winding down, the game seemed destined for overtime. But with 30 seconds left, Williams had another break go its way. Freshman Emily Driscoll got a piece of a Tufts attempt to clear the ball from its box and sent it up into the air. Forward Lindsey Dwyer caught the ball on the way down, and headed it to sophomore Claire Samuel on the left side. Samuel placed a shot into the upper right corner to give Williams a 3-2 edge with just 24 seconds remaining. "Everyone hates to lose, but I feel worse for the players right now, because I know how hard they fought," Whiting said. "I watched them for 90 minutes just work their hearts out. I feel bad it had to go this way for them, because they really did such a great, great job, and I'm just so proud of the way that they played." With the win, Williams improved to 13-0 on the year, cementing its perfect regular season mark. As the number-one seed in the conference tournament, the Ephs got Sunday off, and will host the semi-final and final rounds next weekend. "Sometimes a team has a year, and I think maybe it's their year," Whiting said. "Certain things went their way. They had a call that could have gone either way on the offsides on the second goal. But we definitely battled. It just wasn't meant to be."

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Don't Kill For Me

August 31

"I've never felt this patriotic," said my friend Erin, "The footage makes me sad every time I see it replayed, thinking of the people in the planes... I need closure. [I need] vengeance." "Justice will be done," said President Bush, as American flags pop up like mushrooms after rain. Go USA! Let's kick some ass! When Bush called for "justice," like Erin, he actually meant "vengeance." He meant, "Let's go find whoever did this, and mess him up real bad! That'll learn 'em!" And most Americans seem to agree with him. As of Monday morning, polls indicated that the approval rating for military action is as high as 91 percent. In a "democracy," that much agreement is just plain scary. I'm scared, real scared. The line from patriotism to jingoism is very fine, and when it's crossed, we forget that citizens of other nations are people; rather, innocent people. The 150,000 refugees who are now fleeing for their lives, desperate to clear out of Afghanistan's major cities, didn't even elect their own government. The Taliban may be responsible either for the attacks or for sheltering Osama bin Laden, which by Islamic tradition, it is bound to do. It seems, for a nation that prides itself on religious freedom, interesting that we're demanding that the Taliban abandon its own religious principles. However, Afghani citizens shouldn't die because their non-elected government is, by US standards, "evil." Their lives are just as valuable as anyone else's, and if we bomb Afghanistan, every citizen who dies there will be somebody's mother, son, sister, cousin, lover, or friend. The attacks last week were so heinous that many Americans feel that a few deaths in a faraway country are a necessary price to pay in order to assure domestic security in the future. Americans are angry, hurt, and scared of further attacks. The common reasoning goes: If we don't retaliate, then the world will see that we're vulnerable, and we'll be attacked again. Or, as my friend Marcus says, "Either you eat the bear or the bear eats you." Another line of "reasoning" evokes the Old Testament and says, "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth - my dead (insert brother, friend, mother, or coworker here) needs to be avenged." I'll address the second attitude (the "justice = vengeance" position). First, those of you who are chanting "retaliate!" are calling for a lynching - you want to exchange death for death, blood for blood. This is an understandable, but primitive and cruel, compulsion. One only needs to look at the situation in Israel to see that violence is a cycle; each side continues to retaliate for the retaliation, for the retaliation, for the retaliation, and so on. In addition to the practical concern I just mentioned, there is also the moral aspect to consider, which is this: calling for war makes you just as evil as the perpetrators of the airplane attacks. Why? Because you want to kill innocent people, just like they did. We use the word "war" instead of "mass murder," but the fact is, we can't bomb Afganistan without killing innocent people, so murder it is. To this, my friend Marcus said, "Well, they should leave Afghanistan," but the borders to Iran and Pakistan have been closed, and a massive internal refugee crisis is no picnic itself. As for the "eat the bear or the bear eats you" attitude, this is the same desire for ultimate security that Hobbes described so long ago. The idea is that survival in today's world has become so shaky that we need a leviathan (any government with a 90% approval rating is veering towards leviathan, or in other words, fascist, status) to protect us. Well I for one am willing to accept some insecurity, if that's the price to pay for freedom. I don't want to live in a society where only 10% of the population dares to challenge the government's decisions. If forgoing a war on Afghanistan means that potential terrorists think we're weak, so be it. If I or someone I love dies in a future attack, so be it. Yes, I'm willing to die for my beliefs, which are threefold: One, that it's wrong to kill; two, that it's wrong for a huge powerful country to bomb a smaller, poorer one; and three, that instead of diving into bloodthirsty jingoism, Americans should be asking themselves, "What is it that we're doing wrong, that has caused someone to hate us so much?"

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News

American Civil Liberties Union chapter coming to Tufts

August 31

Tufts will soon add to its legacy of campus activism when it welcomes a chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), an organization that protects the Bill of Rights in courts, state and federal government, and through public education. The Tufts chapter will join ACLU Massachusetts, one of the group's largest state affiliates. Freshmen Jeff Finkelman and Rachel Tabak are bringing the ACLU to campus and will hold an organizational meeting in the campus center tomorrow night. "I think it is high time such a chapter existed at Tufts," said philosophy Professor Norman Daniels, who will serve as the club's faculty advisor. "In the context of new threats to civil liberties in the aftermath of Sept. 11, it is important for a group to stimulate deliberation about these issues." But the idea for creating a Tufts chapter of ACLU was conceived before the Sept. 11 attack. Finkelman, who was active in his high school ACLU chapter, said he was surprised to learn that it did not already exist on campus when he arrived at Tufts. He discussed his vision with Tabak, who he met on a pre-orientation FOCUS program through the Leonard Carmichael Society, and the two have spent the past few weeks brainstorming ways the group can make an impact at Tufts. The Tufts chapter of the ACLU is one of many cropping up across the country. While the organization has been prevalent at law schools for a number of years, undergraduate chapters have only recently become commonplace. Aside from Tufts, Northeastern University is amongst the schools in Greater Boston that are in the beginning stages of forming ACLU chapters. "Many colleges are seeing a need to have these chapters not only to educate, but to promote activism," said Nancy Murray, director of Bill of Rights Education for ACLU. "It's hard to get a lot of this information, and I applaud the students getting this out there." Murray said that the lack of undergraduate chapters is largely a result of wavering student interest. "What tends to happen with student chapters is that they ebb and they flow, depending on the enthusiasm of the students," she said. "I think at a time like this when we are all living in fear but at the same time faced with having to balance our own constitutional rights and protections it's a wonderful thing to do," she said.

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News

Three games you gotta watch

August 31

Baltimore Ravens (4-3) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-1) Sunday 1 p.m. When you looked at this game on the schedule at the beginning of the season, you thought it would probably serve solely for the Ravens to move further ahead in the AFC Central standings. It's just the opposite, though, as the Steelers, one of the most surprising teams in a surprising year, have a chance to further separate themselves from the defending champions. If the Steelers are going to win this game, it will be because they have something the Ravens desperately lack - a dependable running back. Baltimore still has a great defense, but Pittsburgh has a pretty good one as well, yielding only 10.8 points per game. The big difference could be Jerome Bettis, the Steelers' brawny back. Though the Ravens historically do a good job against Bettis, he's having one of his best seasons in recent memory, and could propel Pittsburgh to a prestigious position in the Central.Cleveland Browns (4-2) vs. Chicago Bears (5-1) Sunday 4:15 p.m. Who would have thought these two teams would be a combined 9-3? Nobody, but that doesn't matter now, as two of the stingiest defenses in the league square off on Sunday. The Bears give up around 12 points a game, three better than the Browns, who will be aided by the return from injury of defensive lineman Courtney Brown. The shock in Chicago is not the defense, but the offense, which has been just good enough to give the Bears five wins. In his past two games, running back Anthony Thomas has rushed for 315 yards and two touchdowns. His former classmate at Michigan and current teammate, wide receiver David Terrell, caught two touchdown passes in last week's overtime victory over the San Francisco 49ers. If the Browns win and the Steelers lose, there will be a tie in the AFC Central, while a Bears victory could create a comfier cushion in the NFC Central.Denver Broncos (4-3) vs. Oakland Raiders (5-1) Monday 9 p.m. Two great offenses and two average defenses square off Monday night with divisional implications on the line. None of that might matter as much as personal rivalries, since Broncos coach Mike Shanahan has a vendetta for Raiders' owner - and Shanahan's former boss - Al Davis. The Broncos have won the past six games over the Raiders, as well as 11 of the last 12. But in the past, the Broncos weren't playing against the best team in the AFC, which is what the Raiders are. Denver's defense has been susceptible to the big play all season, which is not a good thing when going against receivers Jerry Rice and Tim Brown. This game could hinge on which Denver team shows up in Oakland. Will it be the team that looked like high schoolers against the Kansas City Chiefs earlier in the season, or the team that usually whips the Raiders?

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News

Shreve's 'Pilot's Wife' hits the mark

August 31

For an aspiring novelist, Oprah's Book Club is a dangerously capricious monster: the talk show tie-in casts the spotlight on eight to ten books a year, bringing their authors fame and wealth while simultaneously paying no attention to the hundreds of other books published every year. Tufts upperclassmen will likely recall the recent success had by lecturer Andre Dubus III when his third novel, House of Sand and Fog, was added to the club's reading list last November. But Dubus is not the only writer with a Tufts connection to have been honored by Oprah's Book Club. Anita Shreve, a graduate of the Jackson College class of 1969, received the same honor in March 1999 when the club paid tribute to The Pilot's Wife, her sixth novel. Set in coastal southern Massachusetts, The Pilot's Wife tells the tale of a woman coping with the tragic loss of her husband - as well as the discovery that her marriage's foundation has been all but eaten away by his string of lies. Shreve's tale begins with a knock on Kathryn Lyons's door at three in the morning: "She heard a knocking. And then a dog barking. Her dream left her, skittering behind a closing door. It had been a good dream, warm and close, and she minded." As Kathryn wakes, she immediately understands the significance of the thumping: her aviator husband, Jack, has died in a crash. The horrific news is the story's opening and the start of Kathryn's ordeal. Within hours, her quiet, suburban home becomes the focal point of a media frenzy desperate to siphon off information about the captain of Vision Air Flight 384. Robert, who initially delivered the news of her husband's death, is a pilot union executive who quickly enters Kathryn's life, advising her on how to deal with both the situation and the press. Robert, recently divorced and once an alcoholic, adds fuel to the mysterious fire that burns throughout The Pilot's Wife. Why is he consistently in the picture, and what are his hidden motives? Is he suspicious of Jack, falling for Kathryn, or both? Shreve provides only some of the answers. And while they are shocking enough, it's the lingering mystery surrounding Robert that keeps the gears in the reader's head turning well after he or she has finished the book. While Shreve uses the length of the novel to bring Kathryn Lyons to life, the portrait of daughter Mattie is particularly brilliant. From her lilting, awkwardly diffident speech to her love for the ska band Less Than Jake, Mattie seems a true-to-life teenage girl, haplessly and joyfully discovering the impending threat of college, love, sex, and popularity until her father's death shatters her world. When the press speculates that the plane crash was a suicide, we see Mattie thrown into a maelstrom of confusion and resentment. As the mystery around Jack Lyons's death grows deeper, Shreve uses flashback chapters to shed light on Kathryn's marriage. Written in the present tense (as opposed to the novel's general past tense), these chapters begin with Jack meeting Kathryn in the pawnshop where she was raised by her grandmother after her parents drowned. Shreve goes on to detail Jack and Kathryn's marriage, Mattie's birth, and the purchase of the home in which much of the novel takes place. As the marriage is further chronicled, the reader watches it slowly lose its luster. And after Kathryn puts together the clues, her suspicions about her husband's lack of commitment gain legitimacy. Shreve sets up a predictable climax, yet delivers the story brilliantly, with an air of mystery that keeps pages turning until Kathryn discovers Jack's secrets. Throughout the book, Shreve's portrayal of human emotion is dead-on and beautiful, uninhibited yet artfully restrained, helping the reader to feel what Kathryn feels. But it is after she reveals the truth about Jack that the book's pace begins to lag. Kathryn slowly begins to deal with the knowledge the reader knew was coming all along. Still, the unsolved mysteries about Robert drive the reader to finish the book, and we see Kathryn return to Mattie and her grandmother. Shreve's female perspective dominates the entire book with its unrestrained realism. The Pilot's Wife is laden with richly developed female characters, from Kathryn herself to her grandmother, Julia. Her old age never once prevents her from remaining a failsafe pillar of strength for both Kathryn and Mattie. It is this maturity that all of Shreve's women characters possess, to varying, but always increasing, degrees. Overall, The Pilot's Wife is well written and an incredibly fast read. The novel isn't as time-consuming as a War and Peace and won't detract from all-important class preparation time. Best of all, it's a free read for Tufts students: this Oprah's Book Club selection is available at Tisch Library.

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News

Sources say Golden Light to get first chance at joining MOPs

August 31

Golden Light will be added to the Merchants on Points (MOPs) program pending a meeting between Director of Dining Services Patti Lee Klos and the Davis Square eatery, according to sources close to the negotiation. At a meeting with members of the Senate services committee Wednesday, Lee Klos said the University is still deciding between Golden Light and Rose's, both Chinese food restaurants. But Senate Services committee chair Ed Schwehm said that Golden Light will now be given the choice to accept a MOPs contract. "Patti Lee Klos is meeting with Golden Light and showing them the contract. If they accept, then they will be the new MOPs vendor," Schwehm said last night. In an 857-student survey conducted last month by Dining Services, students voted overwhelmingly in favor of Rose's over five other restaurants interested in joining MOPs, which allows students to use points and dining dollars to purchase fast food on delivery. Rose's received 289 votes, while Golden Light came in second, with 106 votes. While Tufts first approached the survey's winner, Schwehm said Rose'swould not extend its hours past its 11 p.m. closing time. Since the MOPs program takes effect at 7 p.m. each night, students would be left with only four hours to place orders at the restaurant. Golden Light, however, stays open until 2 a.m. on weekdays and 2:45 a.m. on weekends. Services committee member Josh Belkin said that hours of operation were an important consideration. "Students are going to kick themselves if they find out they can only order until 11," he said. The restaurants' hours were not included on the survey. The University began seeking a new vendor after Urban Gourmet decided not to renew its three-year MOPs contract this summer because of infrequent payments from Tufts as a source of strain. The Near East Caf?©, Espresso's Pizza, and Wing Works are the program's other participants. Students are impatient for the fourth vendor, according to Belkin. He fielded many questions about the topic during an open forum with senators in Dewick-MacPhie Dining Hall on Tuesday. "At this point a lot of people I know are getting frustrated that we still don't have a vendor," Belkin said. Klos said she would like to have a vendor contracted within the next few weeks, not only to satisfy student demands but also for the sake of the new restaurant. She said that Tufts-generated business would decrease greatly during winter break, giving the new vendor time to get comfortable with the program before students return in January. "It's a big business step," Schwehm said. Dining Services charges a 15 percent commission on all MOPS purchases and the restaurants are only reimbursed once or twice a month.

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