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August 31

8Ball, Lay It Down, VirginAgnosticFront, Dead Yuppies, EpitaphAtombombpocketknife,God Save The ABPK, Southern Beachwood Sparks,Once We Were Trees, Sub PopBubba Sparxxx, Dark Days, Bright Nights, InterscopeCharlotte Church, Enchantment, ColumbiaAlice Cooper, Dragontown, SpitfireDave Matthews Band, Live In Chicago 12/19/98, RCAJesus Jones, London, KochLit, Atomic, RCAPulley, Together Again For The First Time, EpitaphShaquille O'Neal, Presents His Superfriends, Vol. 1, TraumaVarious Artists, Listen To What The Man Said: Popular Artists Pay Tribute To The Music Of Paul McCartney, OglioYoko Ono, Blueprint for a Sunrise, Capitol

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News

Administration looking for alumni commencement speaker

August 31

As Tufts celebrates its sesquicentennial anniversary, the administration is looking for an alumnus to deliver the keynote commencement address in May. Though celebrity speakers have highlighted past commencements, this year, administrators say is important to connect the graduating class to others who have studied at the University. "I think it would be terrific if we had an alumnus give the commencement address," President Larry Bacow said. "I am confident we will have an outstanding graduate of Tufts address the senior class." Director of Alumni Relations Tim Brooks said that since 2002 marks the University's sesquicentennial, a speaker connected to Tufts is more desirable than one known for his or her name. "Because this is the 150th anniversary of the institution, I think the goal is to highlight alumni through the whole process," Brooks said. But Brooks is unsure whether the administration will solicit recommendations from students and faculty or use a theme, such as significant contributions to humanity. He declined to speculate on who the administration might eventually choose. Listing famous alumni would "be like grabbing into a bag of nails," Brooks said. During his two years at the University, Brooks said that he usually receives hints about the commencement speaker by February or March. Last year, the administration waited until March before officially announcing that Jim Lehrer, the host of the PBS news program that bears his name, would speak at commencement. The University will likely find it hard to match the caliber of last year's speakers. In addition to Lehrer, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan addressed graduates of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. Ambassador to the United Nations' World Food Program George McGovern, Director of the National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) and for the National Institutes of Health Judith Vaitukaitis, Boston Globe business and economics columnist David Warsh, and Daniel Federman, a senior dean at Harvard, addressed Tufts' other graduate schools last May. The previous year, comedian Bill Cosby delivered the keynote address to students graduating from all of Tufts' schools. This spring's commencement with be the 145th in Tufts history. Though the University was founded in 1852, the first commencement was not held until five years later.

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News

Sixers still looking for the answer

August 31

The 2001-02 NBA season is a shade over one week old, and the defending Eastern Conference Champion Philadelphia 76ers are still searching for their first win. On Monday, the injury-riddled Sixers, playing without starters Allen Iverson and Eric Snow, and last year's Sixth Man of the Year Aaron McKie, dropped to 0-4 after an 87-77 loss to the Indiana Pacers.A year ago at this time, it was a different story in Philadelphia. Coach Larry Brown's team jumped out of the gates to a franchise record ten straight victories en route to a 56-win campaign. Now, even with a lineup that features an imposing frontcourt of Derrick Coleman and Dikembe Mutumbo, the Sixers can't seem to buy a win. On Monday night, the same evening that their Eastern Conference Championship banner was officially raised to the rafters, the Sixers cut a 48-39 halftime deficit to just three points early in the fourth quarter. Coleman, who finished with 25 points, scored six straight to bring the score to 69-66. After two straight Indiana Pacers baskets, Coleman brought his team back to within five when his dunk made it 73-68. But the Pacers put the game out of reach after Philadelphia was whistled for its second three-second technical and Coleman was slapped with a technical of his own for disputing the call. The second half collapse has become a trend for the Sixers, who were within five points of the Dallas Mavericks in the fourth quarter of last Thursday's 99-92 loss. Only two nights later, it was the Washington Wizards playing spoiler, embarking on a 31-5 run after the Philadelphia led 53-52 in the third. The Wizards came away with a 90-76 victory. But the second half collapse wasn't the only reason things went wrong against Indiana. Mutumbo, the only starter healthy from last year's team, accumulated three fouls by the end of the first quarter, forcing him out until the second half. With the center on the bench, the Pacers outscored the hosts, 32-20. Mutumbo finished with just three points and six rebounds.Granted, it's early. And once Iverson, Snow, and McKie are back, the situation will surely improve. But if the rest of the Sixers can't find some way to gel soon, they may be in too deep a hole by the time things finally do start to turn around.Even so, the Philadelphia faithful should rest assured. The Sixers started out 0-3 two seasons ago, and ended up with 49 wins and a playoff berth which took them to the conference semifinals.While the 76ers have struggled, the perennially cursed New Jersey Nets have climbed to the top of the Atlantic Division with a 3-1 record. Although a 3-1 start is by no means eye-popping to most NBA teams, it is for the Nets. In fact, it has only been matched twice in the team's 25-year history: 1997 and 1984. Both times the Nets went on to make the playoffs. And in '84, they actually won a series, beating none other than the Sixers in five games.Last year, New Jersey sunk into a familiar pattern, losing 345 player games to injury or illness and finishing sixth in the Atlantic with 26 wins.But this year's Nets have looked impressive (and not to mention healthy) in each of their three wins, first topping Indiana by ten at home, then hanging on against the Boston Celtics, 95-92, and then picking up another home win against the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday, 95-85. Charlotte and Indiana were both playoff teams last year, while the Celtics were on the bubble.So what is their secret? Well, its actually not a secret at all, but rather the addition of one man: Jason Kidd.The Nets swapped floor generals with the Phoenix Suns in an offseason blockbuster deal, as Stephon Marbury headed to the desert and Kidd migrated to Jersey. So far, the move has paid off, with Kidd averaging 14.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 8 assists per contest and picking apart opposing defenses with ease. Marubry, meanwhile, has been his usual dominant self in Phoenix.Can this 3-1 start legitimately be considered a good omen, or is it just a case of long overdue good luck for the Nets? Though it' s too early to tell, for now, things look pretty good in New Jersey.

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News

For Bacow, a semester of watching and listening

August 31

Since former MIT Chancellor Lawrence S. Bacow became Tufts' 12th president almost four months ago, he has spent most of his time listening to the students, faculty, and staff that comprise his new home."If I am going to be an effective leader, I need to know Tufts well," Bacow wrote in a Daily viewpoint Sept. 6. "I have spent the past few months visiting with faculty, staff, trustees, and students to get their perspective on the challenges we face."After spending most of his time on Tufts' campuses, Bacow embarked on his first lengthy road-trip as president in November. In one week, he visited London, New York, and Atlanta to meet alumni, donors, and others connected to the University. He began another tour to meet alumni in other US cities after Thanksgiving.As he became more intimate with his new home, Bacow started to develop a mission for the University. At the meeting with the Board of Trustees, he said Tufts needs to generate more support for faculty salaries, increase financial aid for undergraduates and graduate students, and better integrate its seven schools, which are dispersed across three Massachusetts campuses.

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News

Bacow set for presidency

August 31

Tufts' president-elect, Larry Bacow, will assume the presidency on Sunday with little fanfare but heightened speculation as to his vision for the University. The executive committee of the Board of Trustees selected Bacow last May. The presidential search committee screened candidates for eight months before selecting Bacow. The committee was comprised of student, faculty, trustee, and alumni representatives, who reviewed more than 100 applications before narrowing the list to four finalists. Bacow served as chancellor of MIT for three years, overseeing student life, campus development, international initiatives, among other responsibilities. Bacow instituted unpopular changes to MIT's residential life system in the wake of fraternity pledge Scott Krueger's alcohol-related death in 1997. Among the changes, Bacow prohibited freshmen from living in fraternities. Though critical of Bacow's decisions, MIT Sigma Phi Epsilon brother William Fournier said the former chancellor was always willing to discuss his policies. "Bacow was more than willing to talk to us and try to pitch his plans," Fournier said. "He tried to work closely with students." Bacow said that he will not be able to please everyone as president, but he added that Tufts does not need the sweeping changes instituted at MIT, partly because many of the reforms are already in place. "Tufts students have a much stronger sense of community. Our students have a common residential experience," he said. The president-elect, who moved into Gifford House on August 15, has formulated general priorities to realize the University's full potential and to improve Tufts' finances and national visibility. Bacow said that University fundraising depends on attracting the best faculty and students - changes he will address in the long-term. He did say, however, that the costs of supporting faculty while offering more competitive salaries presents a financial challenge. "Resources are important," Bacow said. "Raising additional resources will be a large part of my job." To integrate Tufts' various academic programs, Bacow hopes to make the graduate schools a "powerful reality" for undergraduates. In an interview with the Daily, he said he hopes to increase research opportunities for undergraduates at the graduate schools. For the first few months, Bacow said he will not make many decisions. Meanwhile, he has plans to speak with faculty, staff, and students to better understand the community he will oversee. "Right now I am heavy on the learning curve... I'm doing a lot of listening," he said. "Some decisions won't wait for you to become educated. For those you look to the people around you." Following the Bacow appointment, Tufts lost a handful of high-level administrators. But Bacow said the changes were part of the "natural course" and he did not initiate them. Leading the exodus was Mel Bernstein, the former vice president of arts, sciences, and engineering, who left for Brandeis University. The vice provost and associate dean of students were among other administrators to resign. Whether these positions will be filled is unclear. In a June 29 letter to faculty and staff, Bacow said he is considering a "reorganization." Saying that "uncertainty can be difficult," he promised not to prolong the restructuring period, but added that he wants to address the vacancies cautiously. "I want to leave sufficient time to consult with the faculty about both the structure of Arts and Sciences and Engineering administration and how best to fill the open leadership positions," the letter reads.

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News

Still unnamed psych building and JumboFob hit campus

August 31

Students returning to campus this fall were greeted by a new building and, for one Tufts residence hall, a keyless entry system. The four-story, as yet un-named psychology building and the introduction of JumboFob to South Hall were the University's latest facilities enhancements. The University began construction on the 28,000 square foot building last fall and opened its doors to students and faculty in September. Known around campus only as the "psychology building," a generous donor could have it wear his or her name. So far, the development office has not found any such person or persons. Administrators have not decided when and if the new JumboFob wireless entry system in South Hall, which allows students to enter the building by swiping a small plastic keychain-like device in front of a sensor, will be expanded to other residential buildings. Students, however, have responded to the new system positively.

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News

Kelley rumbles into history books

August 31

With 11:10 to play in the fourth quarter on Saturday, coach Bill Samko's team opened up a 17-0 lead over the visiting Middlebury Panthers. Barring some unforeseen, disastrous collapse, the Jumbos had guaranteed themselves a 6-2 record and sole possession of third place in the NESCAC. Tufts had already done everything it needed to do to secure a win: taken advantage of turnovers, made big plays on special teams, and kept the Middlebury offense out of the red zone all afternoon up to that point. But there was still one item left on Samko's agenda. Junior running back Keven Kelley, who late in the second quarter became the first Jumbo to surpass the 1,000-yard mark since 1988, needed just 31 yards to break the school's single season rushing record. Paul Dresens, also the last to run for over 1,000 yards, rewrote the record books in '88 when he finished with 1,070. The yard countdown had already begun in the press box, but official word had not reached the sidelines until injured junior starting receiver Matt Cerne - who served as "stat runner" for the day - relayed the information to the coaching staff. Knowing the record was within reach, then, offensive line coach Mike Browne held an important meeting with his linemen. "He said, '[Kelley] needs 31 to break the record, let's go get it for him right now,'" Samko said. So, after the Tufts defense forced Amherst to punt after a three and out, the Jumbo offensive unit took the field with 9:24 to play on a mission: give Kelley the ball and open holes for him so he can get yards. "It was part of what we were trying to do anyway," Samko said. "It wasn't like we were stepping out of character. We wanted to try to control the ball and keep it down at that end of the field, generate a couple of first downs, and take some time off the clock." Samko made it simple: the next ten straight plays were all Kelley handoffs. But the process didn't seem so simple up in the press box, where excitement and tensions clashed as 20 pairs of eyes were glued to #24 in the final phase of his quest.On his first two carries, Kelley plowed his way for a total of six yards. Now he had 25 yards to go, and a pivotal third and four situation to get his team out of. Freshman Jay Casey took the snap, placed the ball squarely in Kelley's hands, and after a ten-yard gain, the Jumbos had a first down.This time, it was injured starting quarterback Scott Treacy, also a junior, serving as the stat runner. Treacy arrived in the press box seconds later for the update. Fifteen to go. Back to work: Kelley got wrapped up and held for just a yard. Then on second down, he broke for six before he was brought down. This set up another third down (three yards to the first down marker), with the record again in jeopardy, as Kelley needed only eight yards to secure his place in Tufts football history. Again, Kelley came through, this time for four yards. Just four yards to the record book.Another carry for Kelley yielded just a yard before a setback occurred: Kelley was thrown for a two-yard loss. The margin was back up to five. After another two-yard run followed by a Tufts timeout with 4:05 showing on the clock, Cerne was motioning to the press box. His inquisitive looks were unheeded, however, requiring the street-clothed Jumbo to hop the fence and again make his way to the box where his question could be answered. Three yards to go.This time it was fourth and nine when Kelley took the handoff from Casey and weaved through tacklers on the right side. He dragged Middlebury players with him to the first down marker and beyond, for an 11-yard gain and a new Tufts single season rushing record of 1,079 yards.Mission accomplished.Five and half minutes and 39 yards after the countdown began, Kelley had the record, and the Jumbos were again in scoring position. After another five plays and a 25-yard Howie Rock field goal, the lead had ballooned to 20-0.Appropriately, Kelley came out of the game and was treated to a host of cheers from teammates and coaches on the sidelines. When the official announcement was made, he received a standing ovation from the crowd. "Setting the record is a testament to the offensive line and everyone that blocked for me," Kelley said. "And also to the coaches for giving me the ball." "Keven Kelley had a great, great year," Samko said. "But I still don't look at Keven as a superstar necessarily. He got a lot of that done because of the guys up front doing it for him."In reality, the record was just the icing on the cake to an already savory season. And fittingly, the final push was accomplished through an all-out, team effort.

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News

International students receive little financial aid

August 31

Your heart pounds as you carefully open the envelope. You pull out the official-looking letter, and the first thing you see is "Congratulations! Welcome to the Tufts University Class of..." You breathe a huge sigh of relief and maybe even jump for joy. But your excitement fades when you realize that you have not been offered financial aid. For foreign students, this scenario is all too common. Sophomore Myra Valenzuela - who is originally from the Phillipines but lives in Rome - said she "didn't bother" to apply for financial aid when she sent in her Tufts application."They don't give aid to international students. My brother studied here, and he said it was pointless. I didn't even consider it," she said. Eugenia Vandoros, a sophomore from London, also chose not to apply for financial aid. "I knew they didn't give much money," she said. Vandoros, a member of Tufts' International Club, mentioned that one of the club's goals is to raise money for international students. The club has established a fund devoted to this cause.Many students criticize Tufts for being "stingy" in its aid packages to American and international students alike, but few understand how aid money is actually awarded. Director of Financial Aid Bill Eastwood admits that Tufts does not have a need-blind admissions process - that is, Tufts does consider a student's ability to pay when making admissions decisions.According to Eastwood, however, Tufts' does not consider financial need as much as students think. "In practice, Tufts has been pretty much need-blind the past few years," he said. "We just let the applications roll in, and if a class is a little too expensive we do some fine-tuning."Tufts' officials claim that admitted students are given full eligibility for aid. In other words, students whom the University decides to admit are generally given full aid - assuming that need can be demonstrated. A second round of students are offered admission on the condition that they can meet costs."A lot of schools [who identify themselves as] need-blind do not guarantee that they will meet full need. Some schools may accept more 'needy' students, but the aid package may be insufficient for the student to accept admission," Eastwood said.Tufts' financial aid policies apply to both American and foreign students. Eastwood admitted, however, that Tufts awards "very, very limited aid to international students." "Three years ago, it was none. In the past three years, we've had six to eight students given full aid packages who come from countries where the economy is such that they couldn't come here without financial aid," he said. According to Dean of Admissions David Cuttino, Tufts administrators are aware of the lack of financial aid to foreign students and are working to correct the problem. "The percentage of financial aid that goes to foreign citizens is less than one percent. International students must compete for a limited amount of foreign aid, based on need," Cuttino said. He added, however, that even limited offers of financial aid from Tufts should serve as incentives for foreign students to apply. "The first challenge is to do a good job meeting the needs of admitted students. Then we go back to students who applied for financial aid, and we tell them they must demonstrate the ability to meet their full costs [in order to be admitted]," Cuttino said. "Foreign students are first considered for admission, then for aid. The current expectation is that they have the ability to afford transportation and living costs."According to Cuttino, about 19 percent of the Class of 2005 is composed of foreign residents or US citizens with permanent overseas addresses. Of that group, about 20 percent requested financial aid. Cuttino did not saw how many students demonstrated need or how many actually received aid.Over 40 percent of all Tufts students receive some type of financial assistance, whether it is in the form of state or federal assistance, loans, University grants, or work-study programs."US citizens and permanent residents are able to use federal resources and University resources [to fund their educations]. Foreign students are unable to do that," Cuttino said.Cuttino spoke of a recent initiative at Tufts aimed at attracting more funding for international student aid. According to Cuttino, Tufts is working with the International Board of Overseers, benefactors, and alumni to increase aid to foreign citizens.Dean Cuttino said that Tufts' ability to advertise even a low level of financial assistance widens the range of students who apply. This year's entering class hails from 43 different countries - a stat that, according to Cuttino, "improves the quality of the Tufts experience."

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News

My kind of job security

August 31

What's the best job in sports? A first base coach in baseball has little pressure. An NFL punter seems like a cozy spot, or a third string quarterback. There's not a lot expected out of a middle reliever in the big leagues. Of course, head coach at a Division III school's not a bad racket either. Think about it. You're head coach of the sport you love. You get to deal with kids who are intelligent, love the sport enough to play it without incentives or pipe dreams of a pro career, and you make enough money to live a comfortable life. Oh yeah, you have pretty nice job security. In the 20 years that Athletic Director Bill Gehling has been at Tufts as both a coach and administrator, he has never seen a coach get fired for not winning. And that doesn't mean coaches here haven't won. Tufts is far from residing in the basement of the NESCAC, but it's not exactly the toast of the conference either. There have been Tufts teams that have spent some serious time looking skyward in the standings, but all their coaches have lived to tell about it. And maybe that's okay. Maybe it is good that at Tufts, coaches aren't so pressured to win that they have to buy cars for recruits or take tests for star players. Maybe it's nice to live in a sporting environment where winning isn't the end all. But where do we draw the line between creating a positive, healthy environment, and rolling over to competition? "I don't want to understate the importance of winning," Gehling said. "But it is important to put winning in perspective. For us, striving to win is more important." It's a thin line Gehling draws, the difference between winning and striving to win. It is the same message that is printed in his department's mission statement, but what does it mean? How does it affect the coach, and how does it affect the players? Finally, how does it affect the fans? For coaches, it is probably positive that their performances as members of the athletic department are not evaluated solely on winning percentage. Rather, Gehling looks at a number of other aspects when evaluating his staff. He looks at how the players on the coach's team are doing academically and socially. He takes into account the coach's professionalism on and off the court, whether the coach is a team player in the department, and whether the coach is always trying to improve. "Personally, I've never felt pressure from the athletic director to win," men's basketball and golf coach Bob Sheldon said. "They put pressure on me to do the right thing, graduate kids and things like that. Pressure to win comes from me and the players. I think that's the way it should be." For the players, this attitude of striving to win being more important than winning itself is two-sided. On one hand, it allows players to keep up with the rigorous demands of being a Tufts student and a Tufts athlete because a coach can allow more flexibility for a player. On the other, though, it can promote mediocrity, as players realize that no matter how the team finishes one year, the personnel will be the same next season. As fans, we would probably like to see some coaches get fired. Don't take this the wrong way, there isn't a list of coaches that should be shown the exit. I think, though, that the firing of coaches and the hiring of a few more competitive coaches would improve the athletic department. In this case, though, the sentiment of the fans must take a backseat. Sure it would make things more interesting if coaches were at risk of losing their jobs, but it wouldn't make Tufts a better place. Some teams would win a few more games, which would be appreciated, but Tufts would lose its special status as a haven for those passionate about both school and athletics. In the end, it would tip the balance too much in favor of athletics, an ailment of most Division I schools. We may not compete in the big time, and we may not even beat Williams very often, but at least we can call our players "student-athletes" and not feel ashamed. "We could fire coaches, but that's the problem with Division I," Gehling said. "Then you get coaches behaving in a way that's not what Tufts is about." In this matter, the athletic department is right. It understands that Tufts should always strive to improve, and that it's demoralizing for players and fans to lose on a consistent basis, but nevertheless winning is not everything. It comprehends these things and works to make sure that the department doesn't become complacent and at the same time doesn't emphasize winning over providing student-athletes with a quality education. Just because the women's soccer team finished second in the nation last year doesn't mean Gehling wasn't working over the summer with coach Martha Whiting to find ways to further improve the program.At the same time, though, Gehling realizes that his coaches are dealing with student-athletes, not paid athletes, on a campus that doesn't have to win basketball games to feel better about itself.And in the end, that's the way things probably should be.

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News

Degrading women is not an issue of defending speech

August 31

Anyone who attended the forum between Tufts Feminist Alliance (TFA) and Delta Tau Delta (DTD) should have been able to listen to what both sides were saying. TFA explicitly wanted to avoid censorship and did not even want to make it a first amendment issue. In fact, TFA recognized it was indeed DTD's right of expression to make a degrading poster. No one is trying to claim that DTD's posters were in violation of any constitutional privilege. The purpose of the forum and TFA's complaint was to explain how these posters contribute to an atmosphere of discomfort and insecurity. The point was to help students see how when women are used or objectified to sell a product or event, they become dehumanized and are taken less seriously. Can anyone be surprised at the perpetuation of restrictive gender stereotypes when all you need to sell a product is a pretty face and a nearly bare body? In his Nov. 27, viewpoint, "The Tufts Feminist Alliance picked the wrong fight," Mr. Dainoff says: "The more often people use the word 'rape' in situations as these, where it is clearly inappropriate, the less seriously it will be taken in a time of serious need... mere offense does not warrant the claim that these posters contributed to 'rape culture.'" However, Mr. Dainoff, the word rape is not only appropriate here, it is rape's crucial relevance to the poster which must be made clear. It is important that the serious idea of rape and a rape culture be associated with these images so that people can understand the consequences of using these representations of women in this way. When women are used as clever marketing techniques, they require less respect and less recognition. They become usable objects, selling pleasurable products, most often for male consumers. One of those products is their own sexual submission, as suggested by images similar to those used by the Thai Club and DTD in advertisements for club events. A woman using her body - or moreover, a male group deciding to use that body - to sell a product or event is degrading and creates an atmosphere where women's appearances are constantly scrutinized and criticized. Women become mere tools and products themselves.This contributes to a culture of rape, a culture where abuse and objectification become more acceptable. The fact that so many people think TFA's argument is ludicrous shows how accepted this culture of objectification has become.To quote Mr. Dainoff again, "Perhaps if advertising is an issue that TFA would like to take up, why not hold a forum on the abundance of alcohol, cigarette, and clothing ads that use sex and sexual references to sell products?" Well Mr. Dainoff, TFA did hold that forum. It was held on Oct. 30, 2001 and it was called "The Naked Truth." National expert Jean Kilborne came and spoke for over an hour about how women's bodies are used in mainstream media to sell everything from alcohol to cigarettes to clothing to fitness equipment. Or Mr. Dainoff, if you missed it, I would recommend checking out Kilborne's video, "Killing Us Softly 3," as it communicates the same message that she brought to Tufts just a month ago. TFA was not trying to deny the presence of these ads in popular culture. But, as Ms. Kilborne said, challenging the entire advertising industry is quite a paramount task. Her efforts, as well as the efforts of TFA, were intended to educate people about the underlying messages these advertisements send. Furthermore, since it was DTD that used these images, to whom else should TFA have brought this complaint? Should TFA have protested Maxim magazine, whose copyright restrictions were probably violated by DTD's rush poster? These posters were not in violation of the first amendment's protection of free speech, and TFA never made that claim. The only people to bring up the free speech issue has been you, Mr. Dainoff, and other students at the forum not representing TFA's position. Of course there are those who will ask, "Who can decide what is offensive?" I understand that if any person who was offended by any poster could immediately take that poster down, we would soon end up on a bare campus. I would not want this and I know that is not what TFA wants. However, the same free speech that protects a person's right to make an offensive poster also protects a person's right to voice her complaints. The point was just to communicate the sexually demeaning message that these posters send. No one is accusing DTD of violating free speech. No one is calling DTD bothers rapists. Finally, Mr. Dainoff asserts that TFA should "reprioritize its goals...rather than continue attempting to fight un-winnable battles." Mr. Dainoff, do you expect TFA to consult you on the winnablity of the battles it fights? Some of the most implausible victories for many groups in history have been considered "un-winnable battles" by some cynic in the crowd. For the TFA, this has been a battle of education. Hopefully, the TFA has been able to raise at least one person's awareness about this issue. Whether or not the TFA changed anyone's mind or convinced anyone is not an indicator of victory or defeat. The only un-winnable battles are the ones we choose not to fight. Emily Rhodes is a sophomore intending to major in psychology and minor in urban studies.

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News

Fashion as art

August 31

The '20s and '30s are remembered by most as the years of the First World War and the Great Depression: years of suffering, deprivation, and death. In the midst of the hardships, however, certain so-called "frivolous" institutions continued to operate. Indeed, fashion magazines such as Vogue and Vanity Fair published regularly during the two decades of rations and stinginess. While fashion publications found their content colored by world events, they still aimed for the glamour, style, and beauty that was absent from daily life. The publications' success in perpetuating ideals of elegance and grace is reflected by the current photography exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), The Look: Images of Glamour and Style. The exhibit comprises a collection of the work of George Hoyningen-Huene and Horst P. Horst, as well as a selection of works by their contemporaries and followers. The art of these two close friends was influential in shaping the prevailing visions of beauty, glamour, and fashion during much of the 20th century. Huene - a native of Russia who lived in Paris the majority of his adult life - captured the cosmopolitan world of fashion and celebrity during the '30s through his photography. Friends with an eclectic mix of the rich and famous, Huene's celebrity portraits were published in both Harper's Bazaar and Vogue. The published images of such notable personalities as Coco Chanel, Salvador Dali, Jean Renoir, and Andre Derain would have been popular regardless of style. However Huene's photographic artistry adds a dimension of classic elegance and luxury to the portraits, still obvious to today's viewer. Indeed, despite the often simplistic composition and clean geometry of his prints, it is apparent that Huene was heavily influenced by ancient Greek sculpture and architecture; several of the images involve casts of classical sculpture or reproductions of old-master paintings, while evening dresses were arranged to echo the graceful draperies of Greek sculpture. Such careful attention to detail contributed to Huene's use of the fashion photograph as an artistic statement. The images created by both Huene and his friend Horst were labors of love. Each shot involved careful adjustment of both pose and lighting, as demonstrated in one photograph of a robed woman who appears to be running mid-air, suspended against a black background. Meticulous in his efforts to re-create the tragic glamour of a Grecian woman, Huene spent hours posing the model's dress so it would fall so as to give the appearance of motion. Indeed, without the aid of light meters, current rapid shutter speed, or new technological gizmos, the photographers still managed to produce flawless, crisp images of elegance and style. While the two photographers both created beautiful images of high quality with a similar mood, as Huene's protege, Horst - a German architect by training - had his own distinctive style. Horst is known for his theatrical use of lighting and his respect for both classic art and Surrealism. He not only studied both in the studio of LeCorbusier and in the portrait gallery of the Louvre, but was also a great admirer of Dali. Indeed, included in The Look are several of his compositions involving unexpected objects, as in "Barefooted Beauty." Further, the many images of Horst incorporate an emotional atmosphere not present in the compositions of Huene. Where Huene encouraged the use of socialites as models, Horst preferred professional models. He developed partnerships with several, as reflected in the intimacy of several images. In one such image, titled "The Mainboucher Corset," Horst captured the poignant vulnerability of a woman undressing. Taken just before leaving Europe to escape World War II, Horst's photograph of the removal of a corset reveals female beauty from a different perspective that is nonetheless full of grace and elegance. As in all of the exhibit, the image is one of glamour and style - one worth more than just a "look." The Look: Images of Glamour and Style will run at the Museum of Fine Arts through Jan. 6.

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News

Men's XC cuts down Williams, wins Jumbo Invitational

August 31

Putting their entire lineup into a race for the first time this season, the Jumbos dispelled any questions about their team's strength, decisively taking their final home meet - the Jumbo Invitational - at Grafton on Saturday. Nearly as significant as the victory was Tufts' ability to defeat conference rival and arch-nemesis Williams, which has handled the Jumbos for years. "We've had them in our sights for a long time but just haven't been able to get a foothold against them," coach Connie Putnam said. "There were definite frustrations on our team for never beating them." In its final home race, the full Jumbo lineup overcame its past frustrations against Williams and accomplished a milestone for Putnam's cross-country program. Tufts was able to pull off the victory despite nagging injuries to sophomore James Lamoureaux and a slower-than-normal performance from senior co-captain J.R Cruz. Without large point contributions from two of their strongest runners, the Jumbos relied on the younger runners to assist with the scoring. Tufts had 31 total points, significantly better than Williams' 48. The team ran well together as a pack, accomplishing its goal of staying together at a steady pace throughout the run. "We wanted to go out conservatively and not go all out on our first mile," Cruz said. "That's always the strategy at Grafton because otherwise that first mile will kill you." Despite staying conservative in their running style, most of Tufts' participants improved their times on the Grafton course from an earlier race at the beginning of the season. Seven of the team's runners finished in the top 15 and the Jumbos were successful in running as a group. Senior co-captain Ben Smith led his team, running to a second place finish in 26:20.08. "Ben ran an amazing race," Cruz said. "He really looked strong out there." Closely following Smith was freshman Nate Brigham, who passed Cruz late in the race to finish in fourth place. Senior Jason Mann offered another standout performance, finishing in ninth place with a time of 26:58.2, and proving to his coach that he has recovered from hernia surgery last spring. After a slow start to the season, Mann demonstrated that he is back to his top form. "He showed he's back," Putnam said. "That's no surprise to me because he's one of the toughest kids I've ever coached." At this point in the season, the Jumbos have surpassed expectations. The co-captains credit the team's success to the coach's new training program, which they say gives a longer rest between races. "Every single one of those guys feels healthier now than they did last year at this point," assistant coach Pete Loeb said. Throughout the season, Tufts has split its team into two groups - "the Tusks" and "the Trunks" - running only one group per race while giving the other group a weekend of rest. The Jumbo Invitational was the first event in which the team ran as a whole. Entering a two-week period of training, Tufts will be running back-to-back races for the first time this season to prepare for back-to-back postseason races. Running the entire roster not only demonstrated depth in the Jumbos' lineup, but it also gave many of the younger runners a chance to compete against the stronger runners for spots on the higher team. At the Jumbo Invitational, many younger runners, such as freshmen Yee-Huang Chen (27:39.3) and Aaron Kaye (27:44.6), proved that they are ready to compete against stronger competition by challenging the more seasoned runners. "A shake-up like this was good for us," Putnam said. "To have people moving back and forth within groups is the nature of competition." The Jumbos will again place their entire lineup in a race on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Williams in the Fall Foliage Frolic. But this time, the team won't be looking to win the race, but instead use the event as a tempo run to help younger guys keep up their pace. Tufts is also looking ahead to the All-New England's, which will take place in two weeks. The Jumbos have never placed higher than tenth at this meet, but Putnam said he hopes that this time around his team will grab a spot in the top ten and set another milestone. "We aren't thinking about beating other teams this time," Putnam said. "We just want to take our place in the top ten New England programs."

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News

Crew Team Shows Strong Outing at Textile Regatta

August 31

The men's crew team displayed strong rowing at this Sunday's season opening Textile Regatta at Lowell, Mass, as both boats - the open four and the club eight - finished tenth in their respective races, and turned in impressive times. This marks the third consecutive year that the Jumbos finished within the top ten in their opening race. The men's lightweight four squad, consisting of junior Max Bernstein, seniors Shane Black-Macken, sophomore John Goulet, junior James Winkler and junior coxswain Sarah Dale, placed tenth out of 25 boats with a time of 21:13. Gunnery School Crew ended up winning the race with a time of 21:22. In the men's club eight, the Tufts crew finished tenth out of 30 boats. Seniors Rajeev Marreddy, Chris Mitchell, Nate Swinmburne, juniors James Burke, Brandon Dickason, Joe Spataro, Ryan Steeb, sophomore Rob Goldstein, and coxswain Beth Grosart turned in a time of 19:13, right behind last year's winner UMass-Amherst, which finished in 19:09. "I think we did pretty good," coach Ben Foster said. "We are right where we should be at this point in the season". In the club four race, the Jumbos found themselves gaining on Fairfield University throughout most of the three-mile race. Though never passing Fairfield, Tufts maintained a comfortable cushion in front of Boston College, which they beat by over nine seconds. The eights race was much closer, with Tufts and Wesleyan barely trailing UMass-Amherst, last year's winner, for the majority of the race. But towards the end, Wesleyan made a move and nearly passed Tufts on the last stretch to the finish line. The Jumbos clung on to tenth place, however, edging the Cardinals by two seconds. Though the Jumbos finished in the top of their field in the club eights, Sunday's performance was not as good as last year's, when they finished sixth. Only one boat was raced in last year's opening regatta. In line with this, the Jumbos' opening race drew mixed reactions from various members of the team. Though coach Foster feels the Jumbos are on par for training and improving for the more important spring season sprints, other rowers believe that last year's team chemistry needs some improvement. "The race was somewhat disappointing," Goulet said. "I expected a better performance from us. However, I think we are still feeling things out. We haven't rowed together in a while, and its tough to say how quickly we will get back in form." Foster and new assistant Jeff Lindy, a recent Tufts graduate, have been running extensive practices thus far. Despite the fact that almost all of last year's team returned for this season, the oarsmen are still shaking off some early-season rust. Many have not rowed with each other for a while, and coach Foster has moved some team members to different spots than the previous season. "Fall season is more focused on preparation," Foster said. "The team that rowed the fours and eights was not our best lineup. We're just trying to figure out where our strengths are and improve upon that." Many members on the team also feel that the Jumbos are making good progress for spring. This year's squad is physically larger and more in tune to apply its strength to the ergs of the water. The big question this early in the season is how quickly it can develop team chemistry. "Sunday's race was frenetic, but overall a good performance," Marreddy said. "Besides some technical work on the water, we are steadily improving and are on our way to having some good races." Mareddy and the Jumbos will look to test their progress again when they compete on Saturday, Oct. 13 at Manchester, NH for the New Hampshire Championships.

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News

Boo!

August 31

Halloween makes me sick. Weeks before the holiday makes its haunting arrival in our homes and streets in all its ghoulish glory, waves of nausea pass through me like a specter through solid walls. It is as if I've consumed a bag full of Charleston Chews and followed it with a dozen rolls of Necco wafers. My illness has nothing to do with plastic-pumpkin-bucketfuls of scary Snickers, grotesque Gobstoppers, and shocking Sugar Babies. What ought to be a wonderful holiday, glowing with frightening fun in my youthful soul like a perfectly carved jack-o-lantern, is horribly marred, like a warm mushy Milky Way, by a long history of hideous costume experiences. Of course, there have been other factors: incidents from my past that have contributed to my loathing Oct. 31. There was that one time my brother convinced me that pumpkins were living animals and that when I carved them, the inside pulp was their blood and veins; I cried and he took the mess and rubbed it in my face. There was that time I got upset after watching Nightmare on Elm Street one evening; my father tried to comfort me: "Don't worry Rob, Freddy only goes after nice little Jewish boys from New England once they've fallen asleep, oh wait, never mind...Well, good night then." And of course there was that dream I had in which I - an interplanetary explorer of the 22nd century - happen upon a planet ruled entirely by those scary M&M cartoons from TV commercials, those damned dirty candies. Once in their evil clutches I become their slave and am forced to carry out endless backbreaking, soul-deadening tasks to serve their every whim. In all honesty, though, the endless stream of costume debacles has gotten to me over the years. I can't remember one single positive Halloween outfit I've worn in my lifetime. The continued extreme disappointment has been scarring. (Not scarring as in a mark left on your skin from a past injury, but scarring as in permanent mental damage caused by a traumatic social experience leaving the victim, me, forever unable to deal with certain commonplace public interactions without going totally nuts.) Maybe I just haven't thought them through entirely, but my costumes inevitably fail miserably, leaving me, the young impressionable human creature behind that miserable failure of a facade, sad and dejected. What have I been thinking? PAISLEY GHOST (1986) - I just wanted to be a ghost. Not a terribly difficult request, is it? But of course, the few white bed sheets at the Lott household were either in use, dirty, or too nice to cut eyeholes in. So my mom found what she claimed to be the next best thing: a green, paisley-patterned sheet. I really don't think I looked anything like a ghost, and if I did, it was one of the extremely style-conscious, non-threatening sort. HAPPINESS (1991) - I was a really joyful 11-year old. I went up and down the street all smiley and in bright clothing. I sang, danced, clapped my hands, and shook my head furiously with joy and pleasure. Of course, in retrospect the idea seems to have been a little too intangible and heady for most candy-giving adults.Man: And what are you supposed to be? Some kind of idiot?Woman: No, honey, I think he actually is mentally disabled. Poor kid. Just give him some Twizzlers and he'll go away. TELL-TALE HEART (1994) - This year a friend and I got interested in the work of Edgar Allen Poe. My buddy dressed up like a raven, all in black with wide wings, sharp talons, and a menacing beak. He would walk up to everyone's doors and say, "Nevermore." Everyone got it right away and thought he was sooooo clever, giving him extra candy and a pat on the feathers. I went as the titular disembodied organ from what is perhaps Poe's most famous and chilling short story. I covered myself in a gooey red blood-like substance and attached what appeared to be a number of severed arteries all over myself. I walked around and said, deeply, "thump thump thump," you know, like the guilt-inducing beat of a bloody heart buried deep beneath someone's floorboards. CLOCKWORK ORANGE (1996) - I had just seen Kubrick's film version of A Clockwork Orange and was convinced I had to go dressed up as one of those ultraviolent droogies searching for some real horrorshow fun. I spent a good month or two searching for the perfect codpiece to match the ones they wore in the film. Of course, before I knew it the evening had arrived and, having spent so much time on only one part of my costume, I had nothing else to go with it. So what, I thought. Right? I went out there wearing my every day jeans and a sweatshirt with this tremendous white shiny round cup over my yarbles. I don't know if they were having trouble making the connection to the film or what. Either way, I just felt like a big dick. MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGER (2000) - So, had I gone dressed up as a Power Ranger in '96 I probably would have been right on target. Had I gone in '98 people may have thought the costume was a bit dated and I was a bit weird. But of course here we were many years after the fact and, as the latest, coolest way to go these days is retro, I thought my costume would elicit laughs and smiles, warm memories and wistful daydreams of years past. No such luck. Most people couldn't figure out what exactly I was. Those who could usually responded only by asking me if I realized that "those Ranger dudes had long dropped off the cultural radar a good three or four years ago?" "Retro, baby, retro!" I'd respond, "Ain't it cool?" I'd ask. Evidently, the answer was no. So what is a seriously disturbed young man to do when this holiday of goblins and werewolves spooks and howls its way into our thoughts during the days preceding the 31st? I think I will shut off my lights, refuse to go out trick-or-treating, bury my head below my paisley-patterned pillow, and just hope that none of those sugary sweet, disgustingly cheery, candy-grubbing youngsters comes rapping, rapping at my chamber door. I won't take it. Nevermore.

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News

Women's swimming gets out of blocks fast

August 31

The women's swimming team improved its record to 2-0 with a 157-143 victory against Boston area rival, Wellesley, last Wednesday. After beginning its season with a decisive 193-106 win over Clark on Nov. 17, Tufts continued its winning ways beating Wellesley on the road. "It was an awesome meet," senior tri-captain Miranda Eagles said. "Beating Wellesley is a big deal. For some reason [with Wellesley], it always gets personal behind the blocks. Wellesley is the meet we always get pumped for and I know that Wellesley gets pumped for us." Although victorious in the end, the Jumbos had to fight for every point. The meet was the first real test for the team this season, and the end result came down to the final few races. The win was satisfying for Tufts swimmers, serving as taste of redemption for the Jumbos who fell to Wellesley 140-160 last season. "The meet was really close," Eagles said. "It was a real challenge. Everyone on the deck was cheering. It was so great to see the team so positive and upbeat."The win, which came as no surprise to coach Nancy Bigelow, gave the coach an opportunity to see her team swim in a competitive setting. "Everyone swam well," Bigelow said. "I think everyone went into the meet with a relaxed state of mind. Coming back from a break, it is important to remember how to compete. Also, many of the freshmen [to me] were just times on a sheet of paper, so it was good to see them swim for the first time in a collegiate meet."This season, the Jumbos hope to capitalize on the strength of their returning swimmers, as well as the promise of the incoming freshman. One of the primary goals of this season is to improve upon the team's standings at the NESCAC championships, an event that came into existence last season. Tufts finished seventh out of the eleven competing teams, a place upon which Bigelow thinks the team can improve."I think we will be a stronger team come championship time," Bigelow said. "If the returning swimmers compete as well as they did last year and if the freshmen compete as well as they practice, I think we can improve our finish." To make the necessary adjustments, Tufts will rely on solid performances from sophomore Kierstyn Thayer and juniors Emily Gordon and Maurisa Riley. Also, a key return for the team will be sophomore Mika Sumiyoshi. Sumiyoshi is coming off a standout freshman season for which she earned All-American honors. Promising additions to the team this season include freshmen Erica Weitz, Kate Sweeny, Sarah Ferranti, and Katherine Ferguson. The Jumbos will also look to their diving team to have another strong year. Returning divers include juniors Lauren Reveley and Angela Russo, as well as sophomore Beth Wecksell, who came in ninth place at the NESCACs last year. The nine departing seniors from last season left a large gap for the swimmers to fill. The loss of Kristin Horton will be particularly difficult to overcome. She was the team's dominant breaststroker and her career at Tufts included two trips to Nationals, as well school records in the 50, 100, and 200-yard breaststroke. The three senior captains - Eagles, Vollero, and Sarah Hertzog - have stepped in to fill the void. They say they are focusing their leadership this season on encouraging team unity, a difficult task for such a large team and a challenge the team confronts every season. "We have a large group this year," Bigelow said. "We have to work hard on being a unified team. The swimmer in lane one doesn't see the swimmer in lane six until they are in the locker room. "It is that time out of the pool that the team needs to bond. It puts everyone on the same page and makes everybody excited to be a part of the team." The captains are confident in the capability of the group to pull together. "It's awesome to see how fast the team has become cohesive," Vollero said. "It's great to see everyone getting along and supporting each other so early in the season." Although swimming and diving appear to many as individual sports, Vollero dispels the notion. "Everyone works hard and puts their own time in, but it is inspiring to see the work other people put in," she said. "It makes you work harder because you don't want to disappoint the team." The Jumbos have many weeks of hard work ahead. Their most difficult competitions are during the latter part of the season, meets against such teams as Bates, MIT, Brandeis, and the always-impressive Williams. "Everyone is working hard," Bigelow said. "We have a long way to go, but we have a lot of time. I'm excited for the season and I'm excited to see how well people are going to do."

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News

Learn how to drive stick

August 31

Postmodern theatre can both mirror society and reexamine it in a new light, either accurately reflecting people and events or challenging the culture's preconceived image of itself. While there are no simple answers in life, theatre can provide a new perspective. Jennifer Bien, student director of this fall's Pen, Paint, and Pretzels major production, recognized the postmodern novelty of Paula Vogel's How I Learned To Drive and presented her show to the 3Ps board. Now, she and the cast are busy rehearsing the 1998 Pulitzer Prize-winning play, set to open Nov. 8 at the Balch Arena Theatre. "It was a show I've been in love with for years," said Bien, a senior. Vogel's play centers on the main character Li'l Bit as she recounts the tale of her life growing up in a small, rural town. It follows her relationship with her uncle Peck, who teaches her how to drive and then becomes her intimate partner. While the relationship implies hefty baggage, the play's strength lies in the realistic treatment of pedophilia and incest along with an unconventional storytelling sequence. "I thought she dealt with the subject in an interesting, accessible way," said Bien. "It is a story about survival, learning to overcome, and love." While not everyone experiences such childhood abuse, most anyone has had experiences that may relate to the story. In this play, the author focuses on a character who, despite having had a troubled past, has dealt with it and moved forward. Li'l Bit becomes a highly respectable woman rather than an object of pity. "We are hoping to speak to people who are survivors of any type of trauma," Bien said. Still, the audience receives no simple answers from How I Learned To Drive's script because Li'l Bit's forbidden relationship with her uncle seems fated at times by its circumstance. Vogel echoes the postmodern sentiment "there is no clear answer, only the glaring question" in brave theatrical style. As a director, Bien has the task of transforming the words from ink to live voices in order to create her own interpretation of Vogel's work. Bien decided to direct after spending most of her time in the fine arts, where she did everything from painting to acting to design-making. "Being a director gives me ultimate creative control and lets me pool all my fine arts talents and background," she said. She draws inspiration from theatre masters like Sam Shepard and Edward Albee but also notes the large influence of film on her directing. In creating stage pictures, Bien is most concerned with aesthetics. "I like to think about what an audience wants to see," she said. Even though Bien takes creative control in the overall look of the show, she knows better than anyone the importance of the actors and technical crew. In her own words, "I'm leading a team of talented players." Certainly, the actors in this production are tackling some challenging roles in this production. Junior Sarah Kauderer will be portraying the role of Li'l Bit. "It is one of the most challenging because of the many ages I play," Kauderer said, "the journey [of the character], and the things she must experience." Playing opposite Kauderer, Graham Outerbridge will be taking on the part of Uncle Peck. His character will also be a difficult one to portray. "I hope people can get past the molestation," Outerbridge said. Other members of the cast include Meg Hammer, Ann Blumenstock, and Sam Rivers, who comprise the Greek Chorus that provides the narration of the play between scenes from different parts of the theatre, a technique taken directly from the ancient Greeks. According to Hammer, "Chorus members play many different parts and it's a challenge." In addition to the actors, the crew contributes a lot to the overall production, especially in this particular show. "It is extremely metaphorical," said set designer Annie Cardinaux. "Driving is used as a metaphor for a sexual relationship." Keeping in mind that several scenes take place in the car, the set designers got hold of a '60s style car. Cardinaux elaborated, "The car will be put on a platform in section two and behind the car will be a slide projector screen showing road signs to give the effect of driving." However, that level of creative ingenuity didn't satisfy the production's crew, who wanted to turn the Balch Arena Theatre into an interactive setting. Along the walls of the theatre, there will be metaphorical road signs pertaining to the play. As patrons enter the theatre, there will be two television screens with running video to set the scene. One will have a drivers' education video and the other will have an educational video on family sexual assault prevention. The goal behind all these extensions of the set is to heighten the full experience. Those involved understand the play's subject is taboo but feel strongly about putting on the show. When the novel Lolita was first published in the 1950s, it was banned in the United States because of its pedophiliac themes. Almost 50 years later, the Vogel play How I Learned to Drive won the Pulitzer Prize while dealing with the same topic. In today's theatre, life's truths can be presented without censure and more importantly, without simplification.This postmodern tradition will continue next month right here at Tufts, because, in the words of actress Kauderer, "It shows us what we are and what we can do."

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News

Bookstore under new management

August 31

After a multitude of logistical problems in Tufts' Barnes & Noble-run bookstore, the company has replaced the administrative staff with the task of improving stores. The new managers arrive among a flurry of student and faculty frustration with the bookstore. Some students say they cannot find their course texts, and some professors allege that the bookstore ordered the wrong books, the wrong number of books, or did not order books at all for their classes. They all point to high textbook prices and low "buy-back" rates as additional sources of discontent. Provost Sol Gittleman said he hears many complaints from the faculty he oversees. "There is some significant unhappiness with the bookstore," Gittleman said. More experienced management could improve service and the new bookstore manager Ron Gill said the online textbook reservation system will streamline the time-consuming process of ordering books. The new system allows students to preorder books online. "You don't have to wait in line," Gill said. "It works exceptionally well at various Barnes & Noble-run bookstores." But professors do not submit their lists early enough for most students to reserve their books. Gill is working on a presentation for faculty that will address the benefits of the option. Online reservation would also raise the returns that students can receive on buyback. If the bookstore staff knows far enough in advance which and how many books are needed for the next semester, it can offer higher rates for students selling back books. Reserving books is a faster solution to finding texts, said sophomore Yakhira Encarnacion. "If [professors] preordered enough, we wouldn't have to wait 'till God knows when," she said. "They should take advantage of it, only good things can come out of it." Poor customer service is another aspect that will be addressed by the new management team. History professor Daniel Mulholland was one of the professors who complained to Gittleman about the difficulty he experienced with the bookstore. Mulholland registered his books in early May, and the bookstore put in the order on July 13. He was told in early August that one of the books he requested was out of print and no used copies existed. Though Mulholland found 15 used copies of the book through an online search, he decided to order a substitute from Barnes & Noble. The bookstore ordered a book by the same title as the one Mulholland requested, but the book was by "an entirely different author and entirely different publisher," he explained. "[The class is] not going to be able to read the book," Mulholland said. "I'm not sure what I'm going to do." Gill said the bookstore has experienced problems this fall because the new management team is getting adjusted. Mulholland complained to the provost about the lack of response from the bookstore. "I told him I'd never seen such incompetence in the bookstore before," Mulholland said. "The bookstore, in the past, has been pretty good. There have been times where they've been pretty responsive." Students have expressed similar complaints. "Judging from my experiences with classes right now, teachers didn't order enough [books] or the bookstore ordered the wrong ones," said junior Diana DeLuca. Manager Ron Gill said he will cooperate with faculty to work out kinks after "rush" period when most students purchase their books.

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News

Shopping Malls

August 31

Whether you're shopping for your best friend's birthday gift or a special something for yourself, everyone enjoys a trip to the mall now and again. Luckily, Boston has eight unique malls to suit even the most finicky shopper's needs. From big names to big bargains, the Daily gives you the low-down on the biggest spots in Boston to shop.Just a T Ride Away...Cambridgeside Galleria100 Cambridgeside Place Cambridge, MA 02141-2218(617) 621-8666 Located off the Lechmere T stop, the Galleria is Boston's least pretentious and most affordable mall, making it an ideal spot to shop for students on a budget. With over 100 stores, each of the mall's three levels is filled to the brim with shopping mall staples such as Old Navy, Olympia Sports and Bath and Body Works. The Galleria is also home to the largest Gap in the Boston area. The Galleria goes beyond the traditional food court to satisfy the appetites of its shoppers. With restaurants such as Houlihan's and The Cheesecake Factory, this mall is not just a great place to shop, but a great place for dinner as well.Copley Place100 Huntington AveBoston, MA 02108(617) 369-5000 For students watching their wallets, the Copley is strictly Look-but-don't-touch. Accessible either by the Orange or Green lines, this all is one of the most upscale the city has to offer. Take a quick glance at the mall's elegant design (think fountains and marble) and you'll understand. Stores like Neiman Marcus and Tiffany & Co. are beyond most students' budgets. But that doesn't mean you should steer clear of the Copley altogether - in addition to Gucci and Armani Exchange, the mall features a few shops that are relatively more wallet-friendly such as J. Crew and Banana Republic. Your eating options range from a quick pretzel or frozen yogurt to a more elaborate meal at Legal Seafoods the Palm Restaurant. Like most of what the Copley has to offer, it all depends on what your budget (and your conscience) will allow.Prudential Center800 Boylston StreetBoston, MA 02199 Conveniently located next door to Copley Place, the Pru is a must for anyone in need of a genuine shopping spree. While the mall has an array of Copley-esque upscale shops like Saks Fifth Avenue and Crane Company Paper Makers, there is an even wider selection of lower-budget stores like Lechters, Dapy and The Orignal Levi's Store. The aisles of the Pru are chock full of carts and kiosks carrying everything from jewelry at Silver Trends to cigars at The Humidor. No mall is complete without a food court, and the Prudential Center's is one of the most comprehensive. Your options range from Chinese at Panda Express to Cajun at Big Easy Cajun to salads and sandwiches at Everything Yogurt & Salad Caf?©. Whatever you choose to nosh on, the service is speedy - the Pru doesn't leave its shoppers hungry for long.The Mall at Chestnut Hill199 Boylston St (Route 9)Chestnut Hill, MA 02467(617) 965-3037 The Mall at Chestnut Hill is accessible by public transportation, but it will require a little additional effort - from the Kenmore T stop, you still have to take the #60 bus which leaves you at Bloomingdales, a three minute walk from the mall itself. If you're up for the trek, this mall is definitely worth the effort if you're looking to spend big bucks. It has one of the widest selections of home decorating stores of any mall in Boston - you can choose from April Cornell, Domain, and the ever-popular Crate and Barrel. Even the mall's health and beauty offerings are upscale. Don't expect to find Bath and Body Works here - the Mall at Chestnut Hill is all about stores like Crabtree & Evelyn and Origins. For shoppers with a sweet tooth (or looking for that perfect gift for someone who does), the Chocolate Dipper is a must. Don't let these stores scare you away - if you're strapped for cash, you can always find a steal at Filene's or head over to mall favorites such as the Gap or Eddie Bauer. A Bit of A Drive...Natick Mall1245 Worcester St., Ste. 1218Natick, MA 01760(508)655-4800 If you have access to a car and prefer major chains to obscure names, the Natick Mall and its 170 stores is just a quick drive away. Department stores are well represented at this mall with Macy's, Lord & Taylor, Filene's and Sears. The rest of the Natick Mall consists of the big name stores you'd expect to see - you'll find everything from Abercrombie to Banana Republic at this mainstream mall. For those of you in search of shoes, you'll find just about everything you need here - shoes stores range from FootLocker to Aldo to Payless. While you'll be hard pressed to find an upscale eateries like those in Copley, you certainly won't starve at the Natick Mall. The food court here is comprehensive, ensuring that even the most finicky eater will find something to munch on. Your options include Au Bon Pain, McDonald's, and Haagen Dazs for dessert.Burlington Mall75 Middlesex St., Ste. 1Burlington, MA 01803(781) 272-8667 Located approximately twenty minutes from campus, the Burlington Mall is one of the largest malls around, and even has a few stores you won't find anywhere else. International cosmetics and perfume store Sephora calls the Burlington Mall home to its only New England location. Also worth a stop is renowned chocolatier Godiva where you can purchase a small box of truffles for your sweetheart...or yourself. Looking to redecorate your dorm room or house? Head over to Pottery Barn or Crate & Barrel for knick-knacks. The Burlington Mall is the only place in Boston where you'll find the infamous Rainforest Caf?©. If you don't have time for a sit-down meal, you can always head over to the mall's trusty food court and pick up some Chinese at Master Wok or a sandwich at Quizno's Classic Subs.In Search of A Bargain...Wrentham Village1 Premium Outlet Blvd.Wrentham, MA 02093(508) 384-0600 Wrentham may be a bit of a drive (count on at least a 40-minute ride), but you certainly won't regret it. Shoppers can easily devote an entire day to this premium outlet mall. With 130 different stores, you can stock your closet and redecorate your house without wiping out your wallet. The list of designers is endless at Wrentham Village - you'll find just about everyone here, from Calvin Klein to DKNY to MaxMara. Via Spiga, Cole Haan and Charles David are just a few of the stores that sell brand name shoes at reasonable prices. No one comes close to Wrentham Village when it comes to housewares. You can find an array of designer home fashions from the likes of Ralph Lauren, or pick out gizmos and gadgets for your kitchen at Williams-Sonoma Marketplace. Shoppers beware - it's slim-pickings in the eating department at this outlet supercenter. Don't expect much more than pizza and Mrs. Field's cookies.Worcester Common Outlets100 Front St.Worcester, MA 01608(508) 798-2581 Despite the smaller scale of this outlet shopping center, Worcester Common Outlets will make the hour-long drive worth your while. While you'll have fewer stores to chose from, you'll feel somewhat less overwhelmed. The biggest attraction here is Off 5th, the Saks outlet. The store has just about everything you'd find at the retail store without the formidable price tags. Other big-name stores include The Sports Authority, Bed Bath & Beyond, Bass, and London Fog. Unlike Wrentham Village, you'll have several options to satisfy your appetite. If you're looking to take your time, head over to Applebee's. If a quick bite is more your speed, you can choose from Au Bon Pain, Panda Express, or Subway.

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News

Attack on Taliban is warranted

August 31

In response to Bethany Arrand's Viewpoints opposing retaliation for the attacks on the US ("Don't Kill For Me", 9/25/01): I would like to point out that the US has not declared war against Afghanistan, we are not "demanding that the Taliban abandon its own religious principles," and we are not all crying for a bloodbath. Our government, along with many other countries, realizes that it would be futile to bomb Afghanistan and to just wage war against the entire country. It is not Afghanistan we are after - we are after the perpetrators of the attacks and have declared "war on terrorism." This will not be a war where we just bomb Afghanistan and throw our troops in there to kill innocent people. This will be a long drawn-out secretive operation in which our CIA and FBI gather information on terrorists and stop them before any more extensive damage can be done. Maybe you don't care about being safe and protected and maybe you don't mind if your loved ones are killed by these terrorists, but I, like most people living in this country, do not want to live in fear for our lives. The US is not trying to flex its muscle; rather, our government is merely trying to protect its citizens. I'd also like to emphasize the point that this is not a religious war. I think that Afghanistan should keep that in mind as well. The US does promote freedom of religion and we are not trying to take away their freedom. The US, along with many other nations, just wants to see that justice is served and that nothing like this ever happens again.Sae-Hee WilliamsFaculty Assistant, Sociology and Anthropology Office

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News

Klezperanto fusion makes you shake your booty

August 31

Go see the group Klezperanto perform and your first response will be a strong desire to find cover. When band leader Ilene Stahl whips out her clarinet and tightens her focus on some nonexistent object in the distance, you'll wonder what exactly is rattling around up there in her head. Soon the band starts off at breakneck pace, she swings her instrument around with deliberate laziness as if waiting for her target to make a mistake, carelessly exposing the slightest vulnerability. Her eyes start to burn, her face reveals a manic expression, as the usually pleasant countenance melts away. Suddenly the moment strikes and before you take the fraction of a second necessary to realize it, she has already let loose. The notes fly sharp and quick from the end of her weapon, spraying anyone insight with an unrelenting stream of some emotion that, in its ability to so fully penetrate its victim, would best be likened to a fusillade of bullets. Take cover, indeed. Of course that's just your first response. I promise before the night is over you'll find yourself dancing on the tables, flying legs and flailing locks. The music is so energetic, so full of life and joy you will have no choice. The band, which on the surface can be described as performers of Klezmer music, considers itself a fusion band that melds styles from disparate traditions - Latin and funk, zydeco and blues. Klezmer music is defined by some as "Jewish jazz," but it would be more aptly described with a few more terms. In the liner notes to the Boston area's self-titled first album, Stahl gives it a try: "dance music from the eastern European Jewish tradition...influenced by Romanian, Greek, Turkish, Polish, Moldavian, Ukranian, and Gyspy music, each style of which was blended with the sounds of Jewish cantorial music from the synagogue." Klezperanto, which often performs in the area, has succeeded admirably in capturing the creative complexities of their live set in the studio. Insert the CD into your stereo and you can almost see Stahl and her band mates wailing about in a frenzied dance of improvisation and musical storytelling. Each track is an exemplary piece that unfailingly allows the musicians to reveal their individual talents. Even more impressive though, is an uncanny ability to bring these individuals together. Accordion, drums, banjo, stand-up bass, trombone: it is as if someone closed his eyes and pointed wildly at a catalogue of musical instruments and threw a few together randomly. But the result impresses - amazing unified works that in their elaborate layers leave listeners both dumbstruck and full of joy. Brandon Seabrook's furious, teeth-clenched, banjo technique, and occasional exploratory electric guitar ramblings are at once confusing and amusing, adding still more texture and freeing goofiness to the whole work. Conventional wisdom tells you that it shouldn't work out. But guess what? It does. It does, thanks to Mark Hamilton with his full, winding trombone, Grant Smith's delicate, but far from simple drumming, and musical Director Evan Harlan's lovely sweet accordion tones that sonorously emanate from those oh-so plastic keys below his fingers. The CD features bassist Mark Hamilton though his spot in current live shows was recently filled by Jonti Siman. Each member has been, at some point in his or her life, connected to Boston's New England Conservatory, and most of them were, or are still, part of the famous Klezmer Conservatory Band. One of the nation's premier groups of its kind, the Conservatory Band was founded in 1980 by NEC instructor Hankus Netsky - a modern day Klezmer Godfather of sorts - just as an American Klezmer renaissance had nearly hit its peak. Klezperanto offers a swift kick in the toches to the solid conception of Klezmer music that has laid its roots and grown strong over the past two decades. The band offers Klezmer takes on traditonal Spanish tunes, and country interpretations of traditional Klezmer tunes, just to name a few of its original arrangements. Each track succeeds in carefully building up expectations and then maniacally tears them down. The first track, "Diddley Shiddley," may sound like the soundtrack to Fiddler on The Roof, but before you know it, Klezperanto has flown off into another world: is this Balkan brass? Zydeco dance? Ska? The answer: all of the above. "A Night in Tunisia" offers a fresh look at the jazz standard, while a few classics like "Rozhinkes Mit Mandlen" (Raisins and Almonds) suddenly feel alive and sweet, as delicious as your grandmother's matzo ball soup in September. Tunes like "I Drink to Forget," "Garsona" (The Waitress), and "Kosher Kabana" cleverly unite humor and passion to create tunes that leave your heart pumping and your mind reeling. You've got to think about this music. Do so, and you'll realize how each well-wrought creation has a life of its own. That impulse to get up and dance the night away is no mistake. As a listener you want to share in the energy of these songs, to join in that party. Put on your hats, throw the confetti, and kick your heels in the air. It's quite a shindig they've got here and you're invited Mazel Tov!Visit the band's website www.klezperanto.com to find future shows or to purchase Klezperanto.

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