Archives

News

Sororities: see for yourself

March 31

Everyone knows the stereotypes of a sorority. However, few around this campus actually take the time to find out what a sorority really is before they cast their own judgment. The Panhellenic system on this campus means sisterhood, philanthropy, encouragement, social activities, support, and a network of friendship that lasts a lifetime, way beyond the four years you spend on campus. At Tufts, a university that prides itself on creating a diverse campus of global students, a sorority is the best example of where this actually occurs. Each of the houses on this campus has a strong, diverse sisterhood with multiple talents, smart women, and innovative ideas. All three houses come together to create an amazing Panhellenic organization that not only fosters each individual chapter but develops and maintains a sense of unity that at times seems to be lacking on this campus.A sorority is more than a social organization where you "buy your friends." It functions as a home for so many of us who are far away from our own homes. It is a place where you are positively encouraged to explore your dreams and to face your challenges. It is a place where you can excel in leadership and learn commitment. It is a place to meet friends you would never meet sitting next to in class or in your dorm. It is a network of people who are there for you no matter what the circumstances and in the end will never question you. It is a place where you will create memories that will last forever. The Panhellenic system makes the individual sororities on our campus strong organizations as well as a place where we join together and develop a Tufts spirit. Together, we create a network of 200 friends to make Tufts a special place. We work together to raise money for national organizations that do research to combat breast cancer, heart disease, and arthritis. We convert our houses into haunted houses and open them to children in the surrounding community, trick-or-treat for canned goods, and participate in community walks and runs to support charitable causes. We do this all while enjoying ourselves. We also sponsor fun, social activities open to the entire campus like IGC Formal, club nights, and Flashdance, an 80's theme party. Our network is one of many smiles on the walk to class, another person to study with, a place at Tufts where the light we have inside us can shine and we can truly get the most out of our Tufts experiences. In the Spring, Rush is a week where first-year women have the chance to learn about the Panhellenic system and to find out for themselves about sorority life. Rush started this past Sunday with Panhel Day in the Campus Center. It was an event in which women had a chance to register for Rush and to attend panels on academics, philanthropy, and social life. It was an opportunity for the three houses to show our unity and to share our reasons for deciding to get involved in Greek life. The rest of Rush gives women the opportunity to learn about the different houses and in the process learn about themselves - who they are, the environment in which they best fit, and which values are important in their lives. Each woman who goes through Rush leaves with a positive experience and can make the best decision for herself.It is not about the stereotypes society holds; it is about individual choices and about where each student feels most comfortable. We encourage any woman rushing to be herself, to act naturally, and to be honest. In the end, any one of the three houses in our sorority system offers a woman a place where she can grow and see the benefits of being part of this unified network. Rush is the opportunity to break down stereotypes and find out more about the Panhellenic system. It opens a door to a much more gratifying experience that allows women to find a home on this campus where they can share their experiences and create new ones. As a Panhellenic system we work together to make sure that Greek life is a positive experience and that the effort put into it is rewarded. Emily Kretchmer is a senior majoring in international relations. She is vice president of Rush for the Panhellenic Council. Mary-Beth Harty is a sophomore who has not yet declared a major. She is president of the Panhellenic Council.

---

News

Even with Messier, Rangers still mediocre

March 31

The week following the all-star game marks the start of serious playoff talk in the NHL. Yet, no one will be talking about the New York Rangers. The Rangers are 22-29-4 with one overtime loss on the year. Their 49 points are ten behind the Boston Bruins for the eighth and final spot in the Eastern conference playoffs with 26 games remaining. Ten points would certainly not be insurmountable if New York was playing well and the Bruins poorly. Unfortunately for New York fans, the inexperienced Bruins are showing newfound vigor under coach Mike Keenan while Ron Low's Rangers look old and confused. The Rangers began their season solidly enough, winning 14 of their first 25 games. Coach Low may even have believed he had inherited a team ready for revival. The Rangers were fast on their skates and scoring a large number of goals per game. Goalie Mike Richter was soon to be healthy soon and veterans Brian Leetch and Theo Fleury looked as good as ever. Plus Mark Messier was back. The Rangers even had the league's best power play through their first 34 games. Despite their early success, it did not take Ron Low long to realize that the Rangers winning ways were only temporary. The Rangers do not play defense. Even while they were winning, their defense was atrocious, and they relied on defeating opponents in shootouts rather then concentrating on improving their defensive inadequacies. Now it is almost certainly too late to rectify the problem. The Rangers are an old team, and their quick start was in large part due to the fact that their old legs were fresh. Now that weariness has set in, the Rangers veteran scorers can no longer account for four or five goals a game, and the team lacks the physical conditioning and experience to begin winning low scoring games. The Rangers rank last in the NHL in goals against average. The team has also compiled a 6-11-3-0 record over their last 20 games and at one point this season had a nineteen-game stretch in which they went 3-13-2-1. Frustration has begun to set in. Ron Low lost patience with his players following last Tuesday's 6-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres in which the Rangers were embarrassed in nearly every aspect of the sport. The following day Low held a 90-minute practice in which he did not cease screaming at his players on the ice. Low even reminded his team that last year's general manager and coach (Neil Smith and John Muckler) had taken the blame for the team's poor season and been fired. He shouted, "Who are you going to blame now?" at his squad full of overpriced veterans. The team responded with a 4-2 win over the Florida Panthers last Friday and a 1-1 tie against the New Jersey Devils on Sunday. The tie could be viewed as a victory of sorts considering New York has not defeated New Jersey since 1997. The Rangers are 0-14-8 versus the defending champions over the past four years. Despite the two respectable games since Low's tirade, the Rangers still have a long, long way to go. They registered only one shot, going 0-6 on the power play Sunday. They only have six power play goals in their last 27 games, and their lone goal Sunday came from their lone star this season, as Theo Fleury netted his 30th of the year. The Rangers are not without hope for the future; they do have Fleury and a talented young nucleus to build a contender around. Ranger management needs to swallow its pride and begin the rebuilding process around Fleury and young talents such as Manny Malhotra. The young skaters just need ice time. Yet as the NHL's trade deadline draws near, the Rangers will have a difficult time unloading their expensive veterans. Rumors are circulating that GM Glen Sather will try to trade goalie Mike Richter and forward Petr Nedved. Ranger fans can only hope that he does so, and that the Rangers receive promising young talent in return. If they continue to try to win now instead of dumping their veterans while they still have some value, the Rangers will become the Baltimore Orioles of hockey, and struggle for years to come. But if they are able to add a few more youthful skaters to the mix and are farsighted enough to allow the youth they have to gain some experience this season, the New York Rangers will have an excellent shot at the playoffs in 2002.

---

News

Comeback Kid

March 31

For Republicans, the political scene gets sweeter by the day. Clinton can't stay out of trouble, Bush can't get into trouble, and Reagan is making an important resurgence, laying claim to his rightful position in history. The parallel timing of Clinton's very public decline and Reagan's low-key ascension has left Bush free to lead without intense scrutiny and distraction. Let's take stock of the past five weeks:After eight years in office - years that laid the base for the current economic expansion and general American morale boost - Ronald Reagan is solidifying his position amongst the most influential men in US history.A Gallup poll released Monday found that 18 percent of Americans consider Reagan "the greatest United States president," ahead of Kennedy (16 percent), and Lincoln (14 percent). Clinton received a paltry nine percent. This marked a huge jump for Reagan, who ranked fourth last year, well behind JFK, the former number one vote recipient. Reagan's resurgence in popularity did not happen by accident. His heightened reputation is the result of a national refocusing on his presidential vision, coupled with the acknowledgement that he brought eight years of dignity to the White House - dignity absent during the Clinton era. Popular historians are helping to build a legacy for Reagan that will be hard to surpass, at long last including information about his impact on American politics and his positive contributions to world security. While some argue that Americans who answered the poll were simply showing respect for the aging former president - Reagan is 90 years old and recently suffered a broken hip - Reagan's high polling numbers reflect the reality that he helped free the world from the grips of communism and strengthened American hegemony, both militarily and economically, in the process. Reagan's impact is much more than a laundry list of foreign-policy accomplishments. Even Clinton learned political lessons from Reagan. When Clinton announced in his 1995 State of the Union address that "the era of big government is over," it was an admission that Reagan had shifted beliefs by moving the focus from government to people. Today, politicians talk about the size of a tax cut, not whether to give one - a testament to Reagan's vast political impact. As Reagan makes a historical resurgence, however, Clinton falters - a result of his failure to learn Reagan's sense of decorum. Upon his departure, Clinton was rightfully lambasted for taking an obscene pile of political gifts - with a hefty price tag - proving once again that he has no capacity for shame. Just a few hours later, a firestorm broke out over his inconceivable pardon of fugitive Mark Rich, a man who has been on the run for more than 15 years. Suddenly, one year of intense legacy building was ruined and for the first time, nothing Clinton said seemed to help. Clinton gave back many gifts, paid for others, but newspapers still commented on the lack of class he showed upon his exit. With his wife becoming a senator, taking pricey items from political donors showed little tact, not to mention political forethought.The Mark Rich pardon, far more damaging to his legacy, spiraled out of Clinton's control. Everyone - including his principal defenders - seems to have questioned the pardon of a fugitive, evading justice in Switzerland, who hid more than forty million dollars from the government and never stood trial. The point of a pardon is to wipe clean the slate of someone who has served his debt to society - an authority that is sacred and which requires much care. But this pardon comes with an odor of money wafting through the air - money that Rich's ex-wife gave for Clinton's presidential library. The Clinton presidency ended the way that it conducted itself through the last eight years - with little dignity, not interested in what others thought. Clinton's arrogance, not his achievements, is what will likely be remembered when Gallup conducts its poll, 12 years from now, asking who people think was America's greatest president. On account of his hubris, Clinton will not share Reagan's fate of having pundits and historians vindicate his actions. In the midst of this legacy hoopla, moreover, George W. Bush, whose intellect is the subject of many late night TV jokes, has opened his presidency with incredible political acumen - showcasing his ability to use "niceness," much like Reagan, to placate even his most ardent opponents.Bush's top strategist, Karl Rove, has worked out the schedule brilliantly. Bush started with visits to key Republicans and Democrats, showing through action his commitment to bipartisanship. The Bush team has garnered bipartisan support for his tax cut, a long overdue reduction. Bush has even signaled a willingness to work on issues ranging from campaign reform to social security to a prescription drug benefit program. All of this, and an anti-ballistic missile shield, have shown Bush's moderate, right-leaning, agenda. More importantly, Bush has managed to avoid the minefields that plagued the first weeks of many previous presidents. In short, Bush has had a very successful start because he, unlike Clinton, learned both of Reagan's lessons: dignity and political shrewdness. Republicans have waited eight years to regain their position atop the political spectrum and in a short time have been handsomely rewarded. Leaving aside the fact that Republicans now control both houses of congress, the majority of governorships, and the presidency, they also hold public opinion. As the founder of modern conservatism enjoys a rebirth, the self-proclaimed "new democrat" founders - leaving one to ponder the identity of the real comeback kid. All the while, Bush sails along uninterrupted. A beautiful day - if only it could last.

---

News

The Traveling Lush

March 31

Guys wearing Abercrombie freak with girls in XOXO, huge athletes mack on blondes in bright red halter tops, and somewhere by the bar there is a set of twins in schoolgirl outfits that may or may not have been hired for the evening. We felt like Jennifer Grey in Dirty Dancing, stumbling upon an entire sub-culture of naughty dancing and cheap clothing. The place is Who's On First, and the kids are the type who watch MTV's Spring Break religiously, re-creating the sense of no-holds-barred sex, sweat, and beer just minutes from Landsdowne. And they do this every weekend. Perhaps I'm being a bit melodramatic; perhaps the transportation disaster that preceded our arrival at the bar romanticized our first impressions. Suffice it to say that upon our entrance - fashionably late at 1 a.m. - the party was still going strong and would continue to do so for the next hour, until we closed the place down. Granted, we only witnessed the end of the evening, the culmination of hours of drinking and a week spent in anticipation of Saturday night out. But you've got to wonder what could possibly lead up to a scene like this, where the room buzzes with sexual energy and everything is so... sticky. It felt like living in a world of network television only to suddenly discover cable. Maybe it's a good thing we only spent an hour in the bar - there was a serious risk of sensory overload. Deep breath. Let's start from the beginning: the line to get in. Yes, at 1 a.m., there was still a line to get in the door, so you'll want to bring your winter coat. Later, you can ditch the jacket at the coat check since you'll need both hands for dancing, and you'll get very, very hot. Rumors of a $12 cover had been circulating throughout the evening, so when we discovered that the price for an eye-opening evening of hip-hop and techno was a mere $5, we willingly offered up our wrists to receive the green band of acceptance. And man, oh man, what $5 will buy you! Drinks are fairly priced and made strong. The staff at Who's On First knows who comes to the bar, and why. On Saturday nights, it's mostly students looking to drink and hook up... and young ones. When it's 18+ and no one at the bar is checking wrist bands, you're sure to find the overzealous underagers who, though painful to talk to and dance with, do wonders for the energy level.You'll notice two things upon descending the flight of stairs into oblivion: the dance floor and the bar. You'll notice these two things because they're the only things in the room. If you're not dancing, you're drinking, and if you're not drinking chances are you won't be dancing any time soon. You could try to do both, but as I said before, you'll probably want both hands free, whether it's to fend off would-be suitors or to flaunt your... assets. The music is loud enough so that you won't have to be bothered with conversation or thought. From techno to house to rap to hip-hop, everything is danceable and... loud. And no introductions are necessary - choose a good-looking partner and start freaking. They'll respond, I guarantee it. If you feel uncomfortable with that route, try recruiting a friend. And who knew people could get that low to the ground? Is it legal to do that in public? Do those two know each other? The dancing here is something else - whereas usually guys need only step foot on the dance floor to get in the mix, at Who's On First, they dance just as well if not better than the girls. I'm embarrassed to admit that, though I thought I was doing an okay job of assimilating, I was approached by one Northeasterner and "taught" how to dance. From the basics - we're talking "one, two, one, two." The faithful rhythm once so successful at frat parties (do they even exist anymore?) and places like The Kells and Jose MacIntyre's failed me when I needed it most, and evidently I looked in need of some private tutoring. When the Shaggy turned to techno and my tutor told me to "Act like you're on E, ya know?" I decided to leave the jumping around to him and use my newfound skills on another partner. And another partner was readily had, thanks to the girl:guy ratio, which was severely in favor of the fairer sex.Blinded by flashing colored lights, deafened by a gigantic sound system, and crushed by gyrating bodies, I decided I'd been missing something key in my college experience: the hardcore party. Who's On First is in a class all to itself. It's completely sketchy, and rather than creating false pretenses to conceal the fact that a Saturday night is all about drinking and hooking up, this bar flaunts it, encourages it, pressures its patrons to perform. These are the people who study socializing instead of Sociology, herpes instead of History, and the Language of Love instead of English. And, on a Saturday night, no one really cares if you can discuss politics and recite formulas. All they really want to know is, do you wanna dance?Who's On First 19 Yawkey Way, Boston (247-3353). The Traveling Lush Says: Not for the timid, leave your inhibitions at the door.

---

News

Exploding beer bottles and dead dotcoms

March 31

"LET'S KILL SOME O' THESE MOTHAF-KAS!" Giants safety Shaun Williams's thoughtless ejaculation, aimed at the not-yet-victorious Ravens, resounded from the speakers of millions of television sets worldwide as he stormed onto the field just before the kickoff of Super Bowl XXXV. There's no question about it: the Super Bowl is America's most promising opportunity to market itself to the world, and the merging of the arts realm with America's diehard capitalist spirit always results in some very interesting commercials and celebrity performances. At this time of year, 'interesting' doesn't necessarily mean cheap, with advertisers having paid up to $2.3 million for every 30 seconds of airtime. Tufts students thought many of this year's ads were both humorous and successful, like the numerous spots Anheiser-Busch, this year's biggest advertiser, supported. In one act, an afro-sporting man named Cedric is romancing his date in front of a roaring fire. When she asks for something to "cool this fire down," he excuses himself and steps into the kitchen. There, he picks up a Bud Light in each hand, performs a victory dance, and returns to serve his date - only to watch the shaken-up bottle explode in her face. "I really loved that one. I'm sure that happens way too much every Friday night," sophomore Eric Mitton remarked. Another popular Anheiser-Busch ad poked fun at last year's successful "Wazzzup!" campaign. In "What Are You Doing?" a group of affluent, tennis-playing, sweater-wearing white boys sip imported beers and ask each other, well, "What are you doing?" The cast of "Wazzzup!" watches in horror. E-trade, one of the few dotcoms that supported last year's Super Bowl that hasn't yet folded, brought the world a handful of new spots, two of which were absolutely hilarious. In one, a monkey wearing an E-trade shirt walks sullenly through a post-apocalyptic landscape of abandoned buildings - the remains of the offices of failed dotcoms with fictitious names - like pimentoloaf.com and eSocks. When a wrecking ball tears through the fa?§ade of one of the buildings, chunks of debris fall to the ground. Among the wreckage is that annoying pets.com sock puppet - badly torn and covered in dust. The monkey gazes at his fallen comrade and sheds two tears. "Invest wisely," says the narrator. Perhaps this move was somewhat arrogant in the wake of so many dotcom failures, but who would not laugh at the death of that damned puppet? In another E-trade spot, the company takes advantage of Matrix-style special effects. A daydreaming, overweight bank security guard attacks would-be robbers by rising into mid-air and pummeling them with kicks. He then gravitates back to the ground, bounces off a wall, and finishes them off. The guard wakes up in a daze, unable to answer a patron's question. E-trade's message: Why deal with people when you can deal with your computer? Pepsi also contributed a number of effective spots. In one, a Pepsi machine at a highway rest stop peacefully weathers the four seasons next to a Coke machine. A would-be patron approaches the Pepsi machine, only to have it disappear underground before he inserts his dollar. As the camera reveals a prison across the way, the inmates gleefully exclaim, "We got it!" In another Pepsi spot, chess master Garry Kasparov defeats a computer at a tense match, then declares that computers are nothing but machines. He leaves the room to get a Pepsi - but the computer uses security cameras to monitor his every move. The Pepsi machine he patronizes blasts a can into his stomach, knocking him down an elevator shaft. "Your move," the machine says on its digital display. "It's scary - the Pepsi machine is now Big Brother," said freshman Jack Grimes II, laughing. Yet another Pepsi shot portrayed Bob Dole walking along a beach, flirting with beautiful young joggers in bikinis. Just when the audience expects him to reveal that Viagra has made him "more vibrant" - as it has in the past - Dole reveals that Pepsi is his secret elixir. The former presidential candidate, operating in this unusually self-deprecating manner, elicited many laughs. The show also had its smaller successes. Frito-Lay brought back model Ali Landry, who stunned boys nationwide when she appeared in the company's "Laundromat" ad and caught 3-D Doritos in her sultry mouth. In this year's Super Bowl spot, she challenges a pitching machine at a tennis court. The tortilla chip she puts in it hits her with such force that it knocks her out cold - and leaves an orange triangle of flavoring on her forehead. In a hilarious spot for Snickers, a street-corner salesman offers stress relief dolls that say things like "Your sister's pretty" to customers that willingly smash them. The message: If you're looking for something to crunch, it should be a Snickers bar. At the end of the piece, a man specifically requests a doll that says "Don't worry; that happens to lots of guys." Not all this year's commercials were equally impressive, though. Grimes offered his thoughts: "The commercials of years past were surprising because they were something new. Now they're trying to recreate that spontaneous feeling that can't exist anymore." Wireless service provider Cingular, in an apparent attempt to get its name out, annoyed and alienated audiences. Some of its spots were cute, but none was so discomforting as one that featured an autistic artist. His speech was so incomprehensible that the commercial required subtitles, and he painted awkwardly with a brush strapped to the top of his head. He referred to himself as a "gimp," and a "fighting spirit," but the monetary motivation behind the commercial left a sour taste in some viewer's minds. "It got your attention, but it seemed like blatant commercialism," said freshman Maya Messina. "Buy a cell phone, support a gimp." Similarly confusing were ads sponsored by Accenture, a consulting group, previously known as Anderson Consulting, that desired to publicize its recent name change. The company used potentially relevant scientific possibilities - like the advent of virtual surgery - to grab the audience's attention, but neither offered a consumer product nor entertained the millions that watched. "They weren't funny, and I don't care about Accenture," Mitton remarked. "They should only sell commercials to beer companies from now on." Very luckily, only one company - Frito Lay - offered a Palm Beach County Canvassing Board joke. Still more interesting than the commercials was the show's ten-minute halftime show. Ben Stiller, in a prerecorded skit, acted as the Halftime Show Coordinator, working hard to get Aerosmith and *NSYNC ready for the show. "That 'N-Sucked," he critically shouted at the five-piece boy band as they rehearse. Saturday Night Live alums Adam Sandler and Chris Rock also joined in the skit. Onstage, things got even more interesting. Aerosmith and *NSYNC played a medley of their most popular songs. The show culminated in a performance of Aerosmith's timeless hit "Walk This Way" - performed not only by Aerosmith itself, but by the incredible dancers that are *NSYNC, Britney Spears (who wore a sock on her arm to complement an outfit tighter than Christina Aguilera's pants), and rappers Mary J. Blige and Nelly. Adding to the show's celebrity status, Sting, Ray Charles, and the Backstreet Boys all appeared before kickoff. Despite the celebrity entertainment (or was it lip-syncing?) and the occasional football footage, Super Bowl XXXV's true stars were, as expected, the commercials. Not all were spectacular, but they certainly kept millions entertained for the duration for the three-hour affair. The game's outcome may not have lived up to Shaun Williams's expectations, but many of this year's Super Bowl commercials certainly lived up to theirs.

---

News

Reflecting on Black History Month

March 31

The eldest child of nine, born to former slave parents, self-taught and schooled amid coalmines rather than books. Under these conditions the Father of Black History, Carter Godwin Woodson arose, earning his title in 1926, when he created America Negro History Week. Through research, Woodson discovered that many significant black accomplishments were not granted sufficient attention in American history books. Eighty years ago, a week of February was set aside as a period to remember African-American achievements. Woodson chose February's second week to commemorate the birthdays of Fredrick Douglass, a strong abolitionist, and Abraham Lincoln, the author of the Emancipation Proclamation. Gerald Gill, associate professor of history, has also noticed the under-representation of African Americans in the US education system. "I was never exposed in school texts or assignments to any prominent African Americans other than Booker T. Washington or George Washington Carver," he said. Gill's father and aunt, who both attended segregated schools in Virginia, told Gill about prominent black historical characters such as Fredrick Douglass. "From my aunt I learned of Paul Robeson, from my father I learned of the Negro Baseball Leagues," he said. It wasn't until 1976 that Black History Week became Black History Month. The week was simply not enough, say those who remember the stark absence of any college courses related to the contributions of black Americans. At Lafayette College, which Gill attended as an undergraduate, courses teaching black history or literature were nowhere to be found. According to Gill, the question of the relevance of black history is complex; he believes that the field of African-American history should form a part the so-called "Grand American Narrative," depicting prominent blacks as both active in their endeavors to transform the past, as well as limited by the constraints of racism and oppression. "African-American history allows students to consider the meanings of accepted precepts such as freedom, liberty, and opportunity, especially when these principles were historically denied to African-American men and women," he said.Throughout February Tufts will sponsor a program of guest lecturers that will include Pearl Robinson, director of international relations and a political science professor, and Jennifer Eberhardt of Stanford University in a seminar entitled "Embodying Race." Other activities for Black History Month include presentations by musical ensembles and a film series. Despite the program's ambitious goal of educating a range of students, the impact on campus has sometimes been disappointing. Some suggest that poor advertising limits student participation. "The [flyers for] a capella groups seem to be more prominent than [for things] I consider to be more important, such as Black History Month," freshman Nicole Frattaroli said. One sophomore agreed, mentioning that even though she was in the gospel choir as part of last year's Black History Month program, her fellow students were uninformed with respect to the purpose of their presentation. Some, especially among Tufts' sizable pool of international students, have never heard of Black History Month.Some students who do participate complain of burnout, Gill said, since the program is so extensive. Nevertheless, he remarked, many members of the community welcome the invitation to participate and seem appreciative of the events. An event celebrating the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. kicked off the month in Goddard Chapel. Dana Chandler, professor of art, music, and African-American studies at Simmons College, was the guest lecturer. One of Chandler's themes was the number of blacks in American prisons, which he called a "long-term holocaust." Chandler said that integration is improbable for blacks and whites, a contention with which some students disagreed. But there were feel-good moments as well, including an emotional, inspirational reading of original poems by junior Alwin Jones and freshman Chinua Thelwell. Mel Bernstein, vice president of arts, science and engineering, also shared his reflections on Martin Luther King, Jr. The loss of John F. Kennedy tested democracy, he said, but the loss of Martin Luther King, Jr. "tested our soul."

---

---

News

Eastern bracket should be easy win for Duke

March 31

Blue chips:Duke The Blue Devils secured their number one seed after routing North Carolina (UNC) in the ACC finals on Sunday by a 79-53 margin. After consecutive wins over Maryland and UNC, Duke seems poised for another Final Four appearance. Always a strong NCAA Tournament team, the Blue Devils will have to overcome injuries to team leaders such Jason Williams (sprained ankle) and center Carlos Boozer (broken foot). This leaves Duke in danger in the depth department, which could make the team slightly vulnerable to strong opponents as it travels deeper into the tournament. Boston College After winning the Big East tournament by running away from Pitt, the Eagles have proven they're worthy of the third seed given to them by the selection committee. While the team features dynamic shooters in Troy Bell and Ryan Sidney, its lack of size will pose problems when matched up against bigger, tougher opponents.Kentucky While Kentucky is probably the weakest two seed in the tournament, the Wildcats are always strong in the postseason. After winning the SEC eight out of the last ten years, the Wildcats reigned as champions again on Sunday, crushing Ole Miss. 77-55. But with six freshman on their team roster, Kentucky lacks postseason experience, a factor that will may a large effect on the potential Final Four run.Cinderella Teams:IowaThe recently red-hot Hawkeyes got an automatic bid into the tournament after winning the Big Ten conference. After losing guard Luke Recker at midseason, Iowa seemed to fall into a slump. But the team turned it around in the conference tournament and, with Recker's return from a broken kneecap, could present Kentucky with a tough second round match-up.HofstraWinning the American East conference, the Hofstra Pride take the nation's longest winning steak (eighteen games) into the tournament. Despite losing speed (literally, in the person of Philadelphia 76ers guard Speedy Claxton) when last year's seniors graduated, this year's team is deeper and more balanced in its scoring attack. This could give the Pride an opportunity to upset UCLA in their first round match-up.Players to watch:Shane Battier, DukeWith the loss of Williams and Boozer, the Blue Devils will have to rely heavily upon this senior forward. After the season Battier has had, this should be no problem. Battier ended the regular season with the credentials to be player of the year, averaging 19.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks. Both a defensive and offensive threat, he will be the Blue Devils' go-to player in March.Earl Watson, UCLAWatson is, without a doubt, the Bruins' best player. A leader on and off the court, the senior comes off his best regular season at UCLA. Watson scored 20 points in a road win at rival Stanford while scoring 19 against the Cardinals in a home loss. Making big plays and distributing the ball well, his performance in March will have a tremendous impact on UCLA's run in the tournament.Troy Bell, Boston CollegeAfter winning last year's Big East Rookie of the Year award, Bell contributed more consistently to the Eagles' offense this season. Scoring in the double digits against every Div. I team he faced, the sophomore earned the conference co-Player of the Year award, sharing it with Notre Dame's Troy Murphy.Summary:Duke's major weakness this year has been defending against quick point guards, and because of this, UCLA's Earl Warren could present the Blue Devils with a challenge. But despite this weakness and the loss of several key players, the Eastern bracket contains the least depth of any in the tournament and should be an easy win for the Blue Devils.

---

News

Three new senators, CSL member elected with low turnout

March 31

After a day of light crowds at the polls, four new student leaders were elected yesterday to voice their opinions and lobby the administration. Juniors Erin Ross and Scott Pherson and sophomore Josh Gold were elected to the Tufts Community Union (TCU) Senate in competitive races. Sophomore Zaki Raheem was selected to a seat on the Committee on Student Life (CSL). Only about 300 votes - approximately 6.5 percent of the undergraduate population - were cast in the CSL race, according to ELBO Treasurer Valentino Caruso. Just over 150 voters participated in each Senate race. The newly elected student leaders will serve out the remaining two-plus months of the terms their predecessors - who all left Tufts for the semester - did not complete. Annual regular elections will be held in April for the 2001-2002 academic year. Ross, who was a senator her freshman and sophomore years before going abroad this past fall, said she is excited to be back on Senate. "I have a new perspective and I am excited to work with my friends again," she said. Ross plans to return to the Senate Services Committee, which she chaired during her sophomore year. "It's what I am familiar with," she said. She also hopes to continue work on establishing anonymous AIDS testing for students. Though official numbers were not announced, ELBO chair Shane Mason did say that the second junior senate seat was a "remarkably close race," while the other two elections "weren't really that close." The CSL election could have happened last semester, but due to a short-staffed Elections Board (ELBO), no contest was organized. Junior Tal Unrad vacated the seat after studying abroad this fall, and he unsuccessfully re-ran yesterday. Raheem hopes that his objectivity will be an asset to the CSL. "I want to be able to look at both sides fairly when making a decision," he said. All students were eligible to vote in the CSL election, while only sophomores and juniors could vote for their class senators. ELBO members said they had anticipated low voter turnout. "Their terms will last all of two months. People don't think it is a big deal," Mason said. "Also, considering there were only 15 people at the candidates forum, I was not surprised at the extremely low turnout." Some students who tried to vote were unable to do so. ELBO advertised polls to open at 11 a.m. in Dewick, Carmichael, and the campus center. While Carmichael's polls opened on time, the campus center booth was not manned until 11:30 a.m., and election workers were not present in Dewick until nearly 1:00 p.m., well after the peak lunch crowd. Mason attributes the closed polls to a lack of manpower. "We had trouble getting people [to run the polls]," he said. "I had read about elections in the newspaper, but when I was at Dewick for lunch, there wasn't anybody manning a table. I wasn't going to be around at dinner, so I lost my chance to vote," sophomore Erika Robbins said. Some students were unaware that a special election was taking place, while others did not know what the purpose of the elections was. "I don't even know what the elections are for," freshman Lauren Lerner said. Other students were aware of the election but chose not to vote because they were unfamiliar with the candidates and the issues they supported. "I'd vote if I knew who they were, but I don't," sophomore Kathryn Price said. Even students who did know the candidates by name said they had no idea what agenda they were actually voting for. "I voted for my friends of course," sophomore Lynelle Cortellini said. When asked if she knew what they would do in office she replied, "Not really." Some students were well informed, however, and did vote eagerly and early. "If every student can express their opinion, the people elected will be more adequate for the job," freshman Karyn Blaser said. Other students based their choices on candidate information sheets at each polling station, while still others voted to pass the time while waiting for friends at dinnertime in the Dewick lobby. "I wanted to be rebellious so I went ahead and voted," freshman Richard Kalman said. The Senate is hoping to drastically increase turnout in future elections by bringing the polls to each student's computer. Senator Andrew Potts, who is heading up this project - called Tufts Polls - is convinced elections will be online soon. "It will be ready for April. I am confident," he said. Senate President David Moon is excited about having a full Senate with new perspectives. "It's great to have some fresh blood on this body, especially around midyear," he said. "Sometimes we get into a routine, so new thoughts and perspectives can reinvigorate the rest of the body." The TCU Senate represents student interests to the administration, faculty, trustees, and alumni. Through its treasury operations, the Senate also oversees the distribution of the Student Activities Fee to the various student organizations on campus. The CSL is a joint student and faculty committee that deals with complaints about student life, as well as hearing appeals of TCU Judiciary decisions. The five elected undergraduates in conjunction with the rest of committee also hear complaints against student organizations, except fraternities and sororities.

---

News

Bridget Jones vs. the Smug Marrieds

March 31

Welcome to the world of Bridget Jones, where each day is consumed by losing weight, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and an unending preoccupation with being a 30-something Singleton. Set in London, Helen Fielding's Bridget Jones' Diary chronicles the daily life of a single and self-conscious female for a year, beginning with her New Year's Resolutions, which range from "reduce circumference of thighs by 3 inches" to developing "sense of self as woman of substance, complete without boyfriend." In case you haven't noticed yet, this is not a novel for guys. With references to Cosmopolitan magazine, the intricacies of throwing a successful dinner party, and "emotional f-kwittage," it's definitely geared towards women and their insecurities. By the same token, you could argue that the novel isn't even for girls- the main character, after all, is a woman in her early thirties whose biggest concern is the search for a suitable husband. But Bridget Jones is so endearing that it is easy for women of all ages to relate to her laments over being single. Told from the perspective of the protagonist, the novel presents a series of plot twists that manage to turn Bridget's life upside down, starting when she falls in love with her dangerously seductive boss, Daniel Cleaver. Her mother suffers a midlife crisis and becomes involved with a swindler from Portugal, Bridget leaves her job in publishing for a career as a reporter/researcher for a television program, and eventually finds a man who meets the criteria of being a "responsible adult." For an American, one of the most delightful things about Bridget Jones' Diary is Fielding's use of British lingo. An apartment is a "flat," the bathroom is "the loo," and a cigarette is called a "fag." It takes a little getting used to at first. By the end, you'll hear Bridget's voice in the back of your head complaining about her overbearing mother and, chances are, you'll hear it in a British accent. It adds an element of authenticity to the novel, especially when she swears about her morning laundry crises and grumbles about having to attend parties where most guests make up the "Smug Marrieds" portion of the population. Our heroine is supported by a group of equally flawed and funny friends, all of them 30-something and single. Sharon is the most vehemently feminist of the bunch, constantly ragging on men and parading her theory that "women are only vulnerable because we are a pioneer generation daring to refuse to compromise in love and relying on our own economic power." Like every single woman, Bridget has a supportive gay male to help her through her dating issues. Like Sharon, Tom is also full of theories - according to him, "homosexuals and single women in their thirties have natural bonding: both being accustomed to disappointing their parents and being treated as freaks by society." Jude is the final installment in Bridget's circle of friends. She is dating "Vile Richard," yet another man who fears commitment and therefore allows her to fall into the category of (more or less) single. The three sympathize with each other's romantic woes over huge amounts of alcohol while boosting each other's self-esteem in grand "We hate men!" fashion. Surprisingly enough, the reader does not tire of Bridget's rants over the difficulties of losing weight ("How is it possible to put on 4 pounds in the middle of the night? Could flesh have somehow solidified becoming denser and heavier?") or the way she keeps track of the number of lottery tickets she purchases versus her net profit. There isn't a single place where the novel sags or loses steam. Bridget continually reveals more of herself through the course of the year, drawing the reader in to the point of no return. She's comical from start to finish, and effortlessly holds one's attention. So what if this book isn't for the boys? Once in a while girls need a reminder that it's okay to drink too much and to fall for the wrong guys. Bridget Jones' Diary reassures us that in the end, we'll manage to have all the answers and even find the right man.

---

News

The 'Kingdom Come' cocktail

March 31

One of the most troublesome problems with the transition of a play from stage to screen is that the writer and director of the motion picture attempt to change the play into something that it's not. Kingdom Come, which opens today and stars the somewhat eclectic cast of LL Cool J, Whoopi Goldberg, and Jada Pinkett-Smith, is the perfect example of this phenomenon. The film is based on David Dean Bottrell and Jessie Jones's original play, Dearly Departed, Kingdom Come. Though Bottrell and Jones adapted their work for the screen themselves, director Doug McHenry's attempt to convey its original purpose falls far short. The movie centers on the Slocombes, a hideously stereotypical southern African-American family, and its ordeal over the funeral of its clan patriarch, Papa Ray Slocombe. Mama Ray Slocombe (Goldberg) is trying to keep her family together almost as desperately as Goldberg tries to show some semblance of her usual acting talent. This isn't easy, however, as her two sons, Ray (LL Cool J) and Junior (Anthony Anderson), are at odds with each other and their wives (Viviva A Fox and Pinkett-Smith, respectively). The calamitous clan is rounded out by Ray's sister, a shrewd stereotype of the devout southern Baptist widow named Auntie Ray (Loretta Devine), and her son (Darius McCrary), who is the epitome of the hip-hop gangsta wannabe. As the film progresses, the actors are forced to compete with one another for screen space and time, and the end result is that none of the characters are given any depth whatsoever. From Pinkett-Smith's obnoxious shrew of a jealous wife to LL Cool J's melodramatic recovering alcoholic mechanic, they're horrible cardboard cutouts, lacking any sort of perspective or true characterization. Goldberg might have been able to add color to the film if she'd had more than five lines with which to develop Mama Ray, but she quickly fades into the background as the bickering between the other characters grows. The poor development of the characters, however, is the least of the film's worries. During the course of the movie, the style shifts dramatically from that of the cheap, mass-produced comedy to that of the overdone, pathetic melodrama. Within the first 15 minutes alone, the plot rockets from a somewhat funny slapstick piece to a rather poor attempt at an overemotional tearjerker. The movie begins with an argument between Auntie Ray and McCrary's young "homie" over radio stations; of course, she would prefer overblown televangelist gospel programs, and he would rather blast generic gangsta rap. In the end, the radio breaks, and "the lord has the knob!" while "Satan has the car keys!" As the audience settles down, expecting an endurable and mildly entertaining joke-fest similar to the recent string of what professional critics have deemed "modern blaxploitation comedy" (i.e. 2000's Big Momma's House and 1999's Blue Streak), movie watchers are rudely thrust into a sad scene of Ray sitting on a plastic child's swing set in his mechanic's jumpsuit, chugging malt liquor out of a paper bag and recounting the tale of how his wife recently miscarried their unborn baby into a fried chicken bucket. The arbitrary switching between gag-humor and overcooked melodrama continues throughout the entire film, culminating in the funeral services, during which an obvious but poignant reuniting of the family is dispersed by the preacher's (Cedric the Entertainer, a modern black Baptist version of The Princess Bride's lisping vicar) sudden bout of explosive diarrhea at the pulpit. All in all, the strange mingling of two extreme and unrelated genres, combined with the poor characterization and minimal acting (even on the part of good actors, such as Goldberg) leaves a bad taste in the mouths of the audience, or at least in the mouths of those who stayed for the entire film.

---

News

The Bush Administration: An environmental hazard

March 31

Environmentalists have not failed to take note of the united, anti-environment front which the Republican Congress and Republican president are building in Washington. Displaying increasingly antagonistic partisanship, environmentalists and corporations are waging a war - against on our own territory. President Bush's environmental proposals, when combined with the extremist views of his cabinet appointments, could turn out to be a environmental train wreck. Ironically, the nickname "train wreck" was given to the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission (TNRCC), after George W. Bush replaced its executive committee with three ultra-conservatives who have close ties to agricultural chemical companies. This was one of Bush's first actions as governor of Texas. Knowing W.'s track record in Texas, environmentalists were not surprised to see his anti-environmental agenda being put into motion in the first few days of his presidency. Sneak a peak at the president's desk and you may find the memo: "Note to self: Undo or illegitimate the last few preservation acts established by Clinton." On his to-do list, there's a triumphant check. Three days before his departure, Clinton designated eight regions of the US and the Virgin Islands as National Monuments, protecting them from corporate and residential development. But among these areas, Clinton failed to include among them the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in Alaska, an area highly coveted by the oil industry and highly cherished by environmentalists for its extensive caribou population, diverse wildlife, and pristine condition. With gas prices soaring and black-outs in California, American politicians are searching for a popular answer to our energy crisis. President Bush and his cronies see ANWR as this short-term solution, and are incorporating into their energy legislation plans to drill in the refuge (AP, 2/6). However, while politicians appease the public demand for domestic oil with promises of a crude bounty from ANWR's wells, they neglect to tell us that the estimated 7.7 billion barrels of oil would probably satiate the US oil need for a mere six months (Miller, "Living in the Environment") and that it will take 40 to 60 years to recover the total amount (www.anwr.org). What will be the state of the energy crisis in 40 to 60 years? Who knows! Bush insists that drilling in ANWR can be done in an environmentally sound manner, and The New York Times recently ran an article on new drilling technology which is more environmentally sound (1/30/01). But drilling for oil has greater impacts than just the land the rig is on and a hole in the ground. There is the chance of oil spills while the oil is in transport. And although Bush will be the first to point out the 735,000 jobs which drilling in ANWR could create, he never mentions the impact this kind of migration will have on such an undeveloped area. Certainly the 735,000 people are not going to commute.There are other significant flaws in the energy legislation, which is predicted to be enacted in 45 to 60 days; the Republican bill supports a revitalization of nuclear energy sources. Environmentally, nuclear energy is a giant disaster in decay, with the persistent health hazards of exposure to radiation and plant meltdowns, the disposal of heated water produced during its creation, and the disposal of hazardous radioactive waste. To breathe life into this dying monster would be a mistake.At the root of the problem is consumption. America uses energy at a rate which is detrimental to the environment and the economy. The black-outs in California are a perfect example. A move needs to be made towards conservation and alternative energy sources. These arguments are at the very bottom of Bush's list. Bush is concentrating his efforts on streamlining and expanding the oil and coal industries, and plans to use a portion of the profits from ANWR to fund research and development. How very ironic. Our rapid consumption of energy is having a global effect. The existence of Global Warming is no longer debated in scientific circles; instead, people are looking for solutions. We will not find them in our nation's leaders. Bush does not support the Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty in which nations pledge to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. He opposes the treaty, "because it is ineffective, inadequate, and unfair to America" (www.georgewbush.com).Bush would rather hand over responsibility to individual corporations to reduce their carbon emissions, by giving them tax breaks. In contrast, Tufts has taken the responsibility upon itself, and, under President DiBiaggio's leadership, the University has pledged to fulfill the requirements of the Kyoto Protocol by 2012.Attorney General John Ashcroft's appointment is an offense to almost all human beings, but environmentalists in particular. He has voted against bill after bill responsible for funding environmental programs, including the Clean Water Action Plan and toxic waste clean-up. His has cast a vote for legislation which would prevent the EPA from enforcing arsenic standards for drinking water! What kind of a politician blatantly permits heavy metals in the drinking water of his constituents?Bush's Secretary of Agriculture, Ann Veneman, is also a cause for concern. In her private law practice, she has defended the interests of miners and loggers, who benefit economically from lighter environmental laws and fewer protected areas. She has also opposed the ban of a harmful pesticide, methyl bromide. According to the Sierra Club, "she told farmers and ranchers that they would no longer be subjected to 'unnecessary and burdensome' government environmental and safety protections under a Bush administration" (www.sierraclub.org). If these appointments are not enough to appall you, take a look at Gale Norton's Spencer Abraham's, or Christin Whitman's records. You will find them all controversial from an environmental standpoint. There are other issues as well, including Bush's support of the FTAA, which could open both Americas up to the environmental deregulation and devastation which NAFTA has caused in North America alone. Bush's pro-life stance could cause population increases which only exacerbate all other environmental problems. The list goes on and on. It is amazing to me that one man can care so little about a world that he, like any other, must share with the rest of us. Some believe that W. is flexing his muscles to shut up the people dwelling on the validity of his suspicious election still stuck on the fact that Gore really should have won the election. An op-ed in The New York Times ("Smog and Mirror," 1/31) accuses W. of flaunting his anti-environmentalism simply to anger moderates. If that is the case, I suppose he's finally done something well.Former President Bush. campaigned as the "environmental candidate," criticizing then-Mass. Governor Michael Dukakis for his inability to clean up the Boston Harbor. Bush, Sr. is well known for the Clean Air and Water Act, a critical piece of legislation for the environmental movement, which was passed in 1990 during his term. In contrast, The Sierra Club has opposed all except one of George W. Bush's cabinet appointments. G.W. mocks the low-impact hiking motto of "Take only memories, and leave only footprints," with his own version: "We can do both - taking out energy and leaving only footprints." Environmentalists, and all those who care about our surroundings, have their work cut out for them.Call, write, and e-mail your senators and tell them to save the places you value. We are going to have to fight to save our ground.Keryn Bromberg is a junior majoring in biology and environmental studies. She is the former co-chair of Environmental Consciousness Outreach (ECO).

---

News

Fencers fight through exhaustion

March 31

In any sport, there comes a point at which a team reaches a state of exhaustion. With competitions against some of the top schools in the country for four of the last five weekends, coupled with a 15-hour drive to Virginia prior to its last meet, a lethargic Tufts women's fencing team seemed pass that point last weekend. Tufts made the trek to Virginia to take part in the NEIWFA (National Intercollegiate Women's Fencing Association) Championships, its final team competition this season. While Temple University, a perennial powerhouse, dominated the tournament, the Jumbos were able hold their own and escape with a fourth place finish, despite a fairly frustrating afternoon. The tournament was set up in the same format as the New England Championships, in which each team gets an A, B, and C fencer for each weapon for a total of nine fencers. Tufts found itself at a severe disadvantage early in the competition, when freshman foilist Emily Finn was issued a black card for unsportsmanlike conduct, after throwing her mask to the ground in frustration. The card removed Finn from the competition and negated all of her wins on the day, leaving the squad with only eight fencers for the remainder of the competition. "We really didn't keep our focus very well this weekend," coach Jason Sachs said. Despite the loss of Finn, the foil team was able to turn in an impressive effort, finishing fourth among the 15 foil teams. The epee squad likewise turned in a very impressive performance and finished the afternoon in fourth place. "It was a very stressful competition, but we managed to pull it together," senior epeeist and captain Amy Dickinson said. Dickinson carried the epee team with a solid 10-4 showing. Also turning in impressive performances were freshman Diedre Brown and sophomore Frances Harper. While the sabre team had been one of the Jumbos strongest assets earlier this season, over the past two weeks it has seemingly collapsed in the face of the pressure of big tournaments. Just as the sabre team did not perform well under the pressure of the New England Championships, it was unable to stand up to the stresses of a large tournament in an unfamiliar setting, and finished in a disappointing ninth place. "Our skill level is definitely there," Sachs said. "We need more in the way of heart, courage, and perseverance." Individually, the Jumbos placed four fencers in the tournament finals. Sophomore foilists Lisa Gruender and Kim Harbin both qualified for the finals, finishing in fifth and eighth place, respectively. Sophomore sabreist Mika Mutoh also qualified, and was able to take out one of the Temple fencers. Not surprisingly, Dickinson, who went in with the fourth seed, also made it to the finals, and fought her way to the final four fencers, three of whom were from Temple. She finally lost in a close bout, and ended the tournament in fourth place. "I was very happy with the way I fenced this weekend," Dickinson said. Although this was the last team event for the Jumbos, they will send a number of fencers to the regional NCAA qualifiers next weekend. The fencers will face extremely talented competition from some of the top schools in the nation, such as Yale and Johns Hopkins, in its attempt to qualify for the national meet. But Sachs said he is confident in Tufts' chances. "I feel that a few of our fencers have an outside chance at qualifying," he said.Of these fencers, Dickinson probably has the greatest chance of qualifying, based on her season record and her experience at the event last season. "I know I can do it, because I was so close last year, and I have improved this season," Dickinson said. "It's mainly a matter of handling the pressure, and I'm confident that I can do that."

---

News

World civilizations requirement unlikely to change

March 31

Though it has been discussed for an entire year, the Committee on Curricula will most likely not propose any changes this year to the one credit World Civilizations requirement, according to committee members. The decision comes in the wake of student and faculty input and a suggestion to add a diversity focus to the requirement. Discussion about the effectiveness of the requirement stemmed from a faculty meeting last April on the foundation and distribution requirements. Many professors commented that the World Civilizations requirement is too broad and easily can be filled with courses that do not give students an in-depth look at other cultures. But after gathering opinions throughout the year, the Committee on Curricula determined that the current requirement is adequate, according to Steven Hirsch, who co-chairs the Committee on the World Civilizations Requirement. During this year's discussions, a proposal to add a diversity option to the World Civilizations requirement was put forth by Tufts Community Union (TCU) Vice-President Eric Greenberg. "There's been a demand for [the diversity option] for the last couple of years," Greenberg said. "Especially with the hate crimes that occurred on campus this year... we need to put it into the curriculum." Supporters of incorporating a diversity option to the World Civilization requirement say it would expose students to other cultures without adding another requirement for liberal arts students. While the Committee on Curricula believes that taking a diversity class would benefit students, most members say the world civilizations requirement is the correct place for this option. The committee "did not want to make an alternative to the World Civ. requirement," Hirsch said. "The committee is not finished, but [some members] do not feel that World Civ. and diversity are the same thing." Instead, committee discussion is focusing on how to use the frame of the foundation requirements so that both the World Civilizations and language requirements give students the intended global perspective. "The committee is considering the language about the purpose of the requirement. It's looking at the way the requirement is geographically and culturally important," Hirsch said. Some faculty members, such as Associate Professor of History Jeanne Penvenne, say the requirement is fine the way it is. Though Penvenne sat on the committee this semester, Penvenne missed most of the discussion while on sabbatical the previous year. Back at Tufts, she is telling her colleagues that there is no need for change. "My New Englander component says 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it', and my African historian component says, 'if you put a lightening rod up, evil intentions will quickly flock to it,'" she said. "Both of those components say leave the World Civ. requirement right where it is." To other faculty members, the requirement does not seem useful. "In the years since the World Civ. requirement was originally introduced, it has been so watered down as to make it practically meaningless," said Steve Marrone, a history professor. "It's easy to imagine that in many cases students satisfy the technical obligations for World Civ. without learning much about either the diversity of the world's cultures or any specific non-European, non-USA culture in particular." But Hirsch maintains that the requirement is valuable and flexible and does not burden students. "Students, during their four years, should be exposed to a cultural tradition outside their own cultural tradition," he said. He did say, however, that the purpose of the language requirement should be more clearly elucidated. If the student-faculty committee decides to write a proposal, it will present its findings to the Liberal Arts and Jackson faculty meeting on May 7. Implementing any change in Tufts' requirement structure has not been an easy task, according to Greenberg. "A race and diversity requirement concerns political issues because of the subject matter," he said. "The faculty, no matter what you do, whenever you play around with classes, they get worried that it'll take away from their classes somehow."

---

News

Brav's viewpoint accurately captures Korean issue

March 31

To the Editor:Ehren Brav's viewpoint on Tuesday does justice to the issues facing the two Koreas and the two Kims - as the Presidents of North and South Korea are known here. I am serving with the US Army about 11km south of the DMZ and in all my daily interactions, the overwhelming desire to see the Sunshine policy work and reunification achieved can be detected everywhere. From individual local civilians to the Korean soldiersserving alongside Americans in the US army, there is pure excitement about the future prospects for peace here. Those interests correspond well with American interests, and we should take our lead from the South Koreans on this issue.

---

News

Martin no-hits Mass. Maritime for eight innings in 17-3 Jumbo win

March 31

The men's baseball team unleashed the perfect storm on the Buccaneers of Massachusetts Maritime Academy with a 17-3 victory yesterday afternoon. Sophomore Dave Martin pitched eight innings of no hit ball, giving up only one run on a walk, a hit batsman, and two sacrifices in the second inning of the game. Freshman Randy Newsom pitched the 9th inning for the Jumbos, giving up the only Buccaneer hit of the game, a double by junior shortstop John Muldoon. It was a good game for the Jumbos at the plate as well as on the mound. Sophomore shortstop Brian Shapiro knocked in seven runs on two doubles and 4-6 hitting, and Dan Callahan added four hits and four RBIs of his own. In the eighth inning, freshman catcher Greg Hickey hit a solo home run, the first of his college career. Tufts jumped right on the Buccaneers in the first when Shapiro's single plated two runs. The lead became 4-1 in the third inning, an inning in which the Jumbos stole four bases. One of those stolen bases was a theft of home by sophomore second baseman John Herbert. The Jumbos got four more runs off of the Mass. Maritime starter, sophomore Bob Buker, but the offensive fireworks really began when the Bucs went to their bullpen. Sophomores George Scharrenweber and Ryan Meehan and junior Joe DeMelin gave up nine more runs during the final two innings. Overall, the Jumbos pounded out 20 hits, including five doubles. It was the third win in a row for Tufts, which moved its overall record to 5-5-1. The Jumbos have a busy weekend ahead with four games against Wesleyan. On Saturday, Tufts will play the Cardinals in a home doubleheader before traveling to Middletown, CT to play two more games against Wesleyan. Mass Maritime was heading the opposite direction as the Jumbos entering this game. The Buccanneers were swept by Fitchburg State in a doubleheader on Saturday and the loss to Tufts drops its overall record to 3-6 heading into a game against Mass. Pharmacy.

---

News

Proposal to create 'professors of practice'

March 31

A proposal to be voted on by Tufts' faculty would allow the University to hire experts to teach at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the Graduate School of Engineering, creating professors out of professionals to give students a real-world perspective on their academic studies. The position, which could later be implemented at the undergraduate level, would bring instructors who, though not trained in pedagogy, have a wider scope in the practical applications of their field of study. "The basic rationale and purpose is to combine academic-based teaching with practice-based teaching," said Robert Hollister, dean of Tufts' graduate school of arts and sciences. If approved, the proposal will call for professors of practice to be hired as early as next fall. But faculty members must first approve the plan, and the date of their vote has yet to be determined. "I'm hopeful that both graduate schools will approve the proposal," Hollister said. Professors of practice would sign a contract for a maximum of five years. There would also be an associate professor of practice position analogous to the current associate professor position. According to Hollister, however, there are currently some questions over the positions of non-tenured professors at the University that faculty feel need to be dealt with before more non-tenured positions can be created. "In general, there has been very positive feedback, but the proposal has also triggered response from people asking whether we can create this new position unless we're also doing our best to improve existing non-tenure track faculty positions," Hollister said. "We are trying to make progress concerning that issue." Hollister suggested a number of possibilities to improve the employment conditions of non-tenure professors, such as proposing better academic appointments, issuing longer contracts, and giving more job security and better titles to these faculty members. "We are trying work out improvements in the system that preserve and sustain the basic criteria of practice-based teaching," Hollister said. "These things work only if we come up with an approach that the whole faculty will approve of. It's a complication, but it's a good complication." Although the proposal calls for the hiring of professors of practice for the graduate schools, the position could be added to undergraduate departments if it proves successful. Some faculty are excited about the possibilities that the new position may bring to undergraduates. "It's a good opportunity," said John Macdonald, chair of the music department. "The music department is interested in the concept." Professional musicians could be brought to Tufts to teach music classes or coach performance groups. The Experimental College has long employed professionals to teach courses in their areas of expertise. But Hollister said that there is a difference between Ex College instructors and 'professors of practice'. "The proposed position would be offered to people who have had extensive experience," he said. The quality of the professors at Tufts affects students' decisions to matriculate, and Dean of Admissions David Cuttino said that professors of practice will reflect well on University academics. "This is an effort to be able to encourage the best talents to that students will benefit from teachers who can provide encouragement in their interest and research," he said. "It is an additional model, an effort to make a step forward that will benefit students and the University."

---

News

Two-and-a-half hours of nonstop laughter

March 31

Some people just have that "je ne sais quoi" thing about them. And Dame Edna Everage, the alter ego of actor Barry Humphries, is certainly one of those folks. From the minute that she walks out onto the stage of what she calls the "tucked away Wilbur Theatre," one knows he or she is in for quite a treat. If you're looking for a politically correct show, you've come to the wrong place. If you're looking for what might quite possibly be one of the funniest shows to hit Boston in years, you need go no further. Besides being an international housewife, megastar, chanteuse, investigative journalist, advisor to British royalty, spin doctor, and icon, the Australian Dame Edna boasts of yet another gift. "I have a special talent for laughing at the misfortunes of others." At first, Dame Edna is a bit much to take in. A special video montage that gives us a sense of her international fame prepares us for her entrance. We see her chatting with the likes of Lauren Bacall and Gloria Swanson. With her shock of purple hair, glitter-spiked eyeglasses, and hot pink dress, she looks every inch the Dame that she claims to be. She dramatically struts onto the stage, singing a witty number, and dancing with two Rockette-like dancers that she calls her "Ednaettes." But her singing and dancing are only mere accessories to her real act. This is not a show where the audience is going to be a passive participant. Dame Edna simply does not intend to do a two-hour improv show without getting to know her audience. The Dame marvels at the "socioeconomic ethno-gender spectrum" of the audience. She makes sure to remember the "paupies" up in the balcony, and she is clearly sympathetic to their plight. "I'll wave up at you every now and then," she says to them. She names a group of people sitting in the right balcony box as "the mutes" when they don't respond to her jolly hello. For the rest of the show, she addresses them only in American Sign Language. The people in the left balcony box are the "parakeets," as they enthusiastically echo her hello when she talks to them. Dame Edna proclaims that "One of the advantages of a democracy is that you can have a slave class with a clear conscience." She proceeds to cross-examine a couple in the front row named Tobias and Kristen. She asks them who is taking care of their little child at home. The couple tells Dame Edna that "Anora," is taking care of their little angel. "And where is Anora from," asks Dame Edna. "Guatemala," the couple responds. "Ooooohhhh," says Dame Edna, clearly concerned. "Are you sure your baby is alright?" she asks them. Later in the evening, she calls the babysitter at home in front of the entire audience. "Anora, this is Dame Edna," she says to the Caribbean babysitter. "Yeah, I know it's you, Dame," replies the quick babysitter. Dame Edna would have loved to have had a longer chat, but Anora had to get back to the baby. "Your phone call woke her up," she told Dame Edna. The Dame did talk about herself a bit, but she was interested in getting to know her audience members - intimately. She has a ball with a young girl named Marisol, who has a tattoo of the sun and sea on her lower back area. "Marisol," Dame Edna muses. "That sounds like something you'd get in a drugstore. Can I have some aspirin, some toilet paper, and some Marisol?" She has absolutely no qualms about asking audience members detailed questions about their lives and homes. Poor Marie, mother of six from Dorchester, gets the third degree. Dame Edna asks her where she lives. "I live in a two-family house," says Marie. "Does the other family mind?" asks Dame Edna. In another classic moment, Dame Edna senses that one of the couples is hungry and orders an entire meal for them from Maggiano's Italian Restaurant. Later in the show, the food arrives and Dame Edna makes the couple come on stage. She remarks on how the waiter even included "a lovely Chardonnay from Edna's valley." "Do we really have to eat this?" asks the woman. "Eat, Eat," says Dame Edna. "I'm beginning to sound Jewish," she tells the audience. What is so refreshing about this show is the sheer genius and comic wit of Dame Edna - she can come up with a clever retort for just about anything. She is able to laugh at herself and especially the plights of others. Give her a topic and she can talk non-stop for 20 minutes about it. For example, she has a ball making fun of the elderly. She picks out an old man from the audience, calling him "Senior." She then breaks out in a shtick about how all elderly people want to do is go on cruises and then they end up wasting their children's inheritance. The thing to do, she tells the audience, is to sit them down on a bed, put a sun lamp over them, and cover them with sand. "This is the cheap way," Dame Edna proclaims. She clearly revels in giving the audience useful advice. Many of Dame Edna's jokes are excessively edgy and some of them verge on being cruel. She proclaims to have "diplomatic immunity, " and delivers her droll insults in a fun-loving manner, lessening their sting. She also caters her show to a Boston audience, including references ranging from Jane Swift to Mother Goose - a move that the crowd clearly appreciated. There was one moment during the show when Dame Edna's dialogue bordered on bad taste. She made fun of a woman named Cybil who was on stage for a costume procession of audience members dressing up as the Queen, Fergie, Prince Charles, and Prince Williams. Dame Edna took a Polaroid picture of the two of them together, and then told Cybil, "You can show this to them at Weight Watchers." Even though the joke was funny, it was a bit cruel considering that body image can be such a sensitive issue. Everything about Dame Edna was simply over the top. The audience found themselves singing along to a catchy tune called "Friends of Kenny," a homage to her gay son and the gay members of the audience. At the end of the show, Dame Edna and her Ednaettes passed out gladiolas to the audience. Gladiolas, she tells the audience, are her favorite flowers. She asked certain members of the audience holding gladiolas, to shake them and see how long they could vibrate for. One gladiola-holder managed to make his gladiola shake for at least a minute. "I didn't know they could go for that long," Dame Edna remarked. The whole audience joined Dame Edna for a sing-along to the chorus of a ridiculous number about waving the flowers. "Everyone's holding my favorite flower. Come on possums, swing your gladiolas,'' she sang. Dame Edna once remarked that intense embarrassment is one of the closest things to pleasure. And she has no qualms about making fun of people, but that's all part of her magic. This show is so absurdly fun and ridiculous that you'll find yourself laughing non-stop. So, come on, possums. Head on down to the Wilbur and grace the Dame with your presence. We Bostonians should be grateful that we finally stole her away from Broadway.Dame Edna will be playing at the Wilbur Theatre until March 11.

---

News

ResLife releases housing lottery numbers

March 31

Students who plan to live on campus next year expressed a mix of emotions as lottery numbers for housing were posted online late Wednesday afternoon. While the lottery was no different from those of past years, student discontent on the housing crunch was evident - especially among sophomores, who are not guaranteed a room on campus for their junior year. Lottery numbers are generated by a computer system that randomly assigns numbers to all undergraduates, regardless of their housing plans. This system is particularly stressful to sophomores, some of whom find that their numbers are too low and must then look to alternative options such as culture houses or - more frequently - off-campus housing. "I didn't wait [for the lottery] because I didn't expect to get housing on campus, and I didn't want to not have a place to go. I was really lucky because I got a really horrible lottery number, and I don't know what I would be doing right now if I had waited," sophomore Sharon Milewits said. Many of those studying abroad next year are relieved they do not have to deal with the hassle of finding housing in the area. "My lottery number was 26th from the worst, so I'm definitely glad I won't be here to have to deal with that, otherwise I'd definitely be living in a tent on the quad," said sophomore Robina Bhasin, who plans to study abroad for the full year. Juniors-to-be who have arranged to study abroad for only one semester, however, do not enjoy the same luxury, due to ResLife's elimination of fall-only housing for next year. "When we heard that only 20 percent of juniors would be able to live on campus, we started to look for off-campus housing," sophomore Allison Luhrs said. Though some juniors are concerned, not all students are unhappy. Among those pleased with their plight were the winners of the Leonard Carmichael Society's annual housing raffle. The contest awards one member of each class with the highest possible lottery number for his or her year. The raffle netted over $2000, all of which will be given to charity. "We got the top ticket, and we're glad the homeless shelter got the $400 we pitched in for it," said freshman Bobby FitzPatrick, who plans to room with winner Alexander Bailey and their friends in a quad in West Hall next year. Sophomore Diana Cohen was equally alleviated to have won the raffle. "If we hadn't won, we would have all been freaking out about finding off-campus housing, because we are all going away in the spring and didn't want to have to worry about subletting and all that," she said. The Office of Residential Life is organizing a number of events to assist upperclassmen in finding housing off campus. An off-campus housing workshop sponsored by ResLife was organized last night in hopes of providing some direction for juniors- and seniors-to-be who have not yet finalized housing plans. "The workshops, along with the off-campus housing enlistment will be helpful.... We're doing lots," Residential Life Director Lorraine Toppi said. The Office of Residential Life does not anticipate any substantial changes in the housing selection process this year. Any changes in the number of rooms available, as well as statistics on juniors' chances for obtaining on-campus housing, will be released closer to the week of the selection process, scheduled to begin for the general pool of students on Monday, March 26.

---

News

The Red Telephone calls on self-made techniques to get things done

March 31

Upon moving to Boston in 1995, The Red Telephone, fresh out of the University of Vermont, hit pay dirt - a contract with Warner Bros. A record deal on the mere basis of a demo tape. It's an American Rock dream of sorts, one that low-profile acts struggle to reach, and that most never accomplish. It was also a mixed blessing that almost ruined the band. The Red Telephone, which earlier this month released Cellar Doors, its second LP, had ventured into Boston to find a community of peers and fans that would embrace what it was trying to put out - a hybrid of dreamy, atmospheric rock with Beatles-esque pop. Its four members arrived with a passion for the band, and a passion for the music. So when Warner Bros. Records picked them up, it seemed an ideal opportunity to do what they loved, while getting paid and residing in a media-soaked spotlight. Instead, the opposite happened. "We kind of went into a black hole for a while," said Matt Hutton, the group's lyricist, vocalist, and guitarist. "We kind of got swept up in the idea of being big-time. It's like doing a deal with the devil, you know? We didn't entirely know what we were getting into." This unfortunate deal forced the band (Hutton, along with guitarist Sean Toohey, drummer Mark Britton, and bassist Pat McDonald) to work on the often-sluggish pace of the record label's time rather than the rapid-fire pace by which young, new bands usually hope to move. "It takes a while to get through it all," Hutton said. "You negotiate a contract that seems pretty good, and then suddenly after getting signed, time really slows down. The pace of a major label is slower than a band naturally goes. Rather than [putting out a record] every 6 months, it's every two or three years." This meant that the band couldn't tour constantly, and couldn't release records at its own will. Its name - which wasn't yet a familiar one in Boston - could not become widespread. All of The Red Telephone's efforts had to be spent in the studio, producing an album that the record company would deem marketable. The band worked on this effort for about a year, under the management of a man who Hutton says "didn't know what he was doing." The record company nixed the final product, and the effort went down the drain. "That was like a whole year wasted," he said. They then made a second attempt at the same album, and The Red Telephone's self-titled debut was released in the summer of 1998. "We were pretty happy with it," Hutton said. But they were apparently the only ones, as the record company essentially marketed the album in a way that no one could find it. It wasn't advertised, wasn't pushed on the radio, and wasn't publicized at all. "By contract they had to put it out, but they weren't interested. They cared about the new Cher record, or the new Madonna record. It's all about the money," Hutton said. "The music industry has become a lot like the stock market... and this is not a good thing. Radio is controlled by corporations, and the records that get pushed are the ones that are heavily promoted. Even if you're on a label, you won't get played. It happens to a lot of bands...the bands you don't hear about," he laughed. The band then decided to part ways with what once seemed to be the deal of a lifetime. It broke its contract through a mutual agreement, and was then left to fend for itself in a city where it had yet to establish a heavy fan base. "When most bands go through that, they break up. But we had all this music we wanted to play, and nobody had heard it, and we just thought we'd do it ourselves." About the time that The Red Telephone decided to independently make its success, a new media outlet - Internet-based marketing - started to skyrocket in popularity. Through personal Web sites, bands are able to sell records, keep in touch with fans via mailing lists, and announce tour dates - basically a self-made publicity tool. The Red Telephone picked up on this idea, and www.redtelephone.com was born. The band then went back to basics in order to create last year's Aviation EP. Using the same method employed to create the original demo that seduced the big-time execs, it worked in its own rehearsal space, and mixed in a bigger studio to produce a five-song album that band members felt truly defined The Red Telephone. "You have this illusion that you get into a big studio with a big producer and things will be great. But it was taking the magic out of it, whatever that magic was, whatever it is... it came out again when we were banging away ourselves. That's where the Red Telephone sound comes from."Aviation was released in February of last year on the band's independent label, Raise Giant Frogs. "It's basically a label of music for music's sake." As for the name, Hutton just laughs. "It's like, 'Why would you raise giant frogs? Why not?'" Cellar Songs, the full-length follow-up to Aviation, was released in similar fashion earlier this month. This method of self-made success that the band still uses involves personal grunt work. It hires someone to publicize, to get its name out, and to push its music on the radio - there is no manager or record company to get in the way. "When we were signed, we didn't have to work day jobs, but other than that, it was pretty alienating," Hutton said. "Now, it's like a fun project we're working on together. And we have a whole slew of bands we can be a part of that we weren't when we were signed. It's kind of like you're the teacher's pet. No one wants to hang out with the band that's signed, because we don't have to work." Now that the pesky management business has been pushed out of the way, The Red Telephone can fully concentrate on the unique sound that distinguishes it from other young bands in Boston's music scene today. It's a sound that brings to mind bands such as Radiohead, or other mood-inspired rock music with a psychedelic edge. But instead of completely delving into this style, The Red Telephone adds its own pop-sensibility, one that gives the music an attainable and likeable edge. The unique style, which begins with lyrical paintings composed by Hutton, comes from a tight collaboration by all four of the band members. "The kinds of emotions I like to express are a little bit more complex than happy or sad. There's so much gray area...there's melancholy and a sort of fantastical quality, but always based in real feelings. But I've always found that the melodies capture the feeling you get across. The lyrics, to me, can become second, and they tend to come second." After Hutton has written the words and the melody, the rest of the band steps in to compose the songs' "atmospheres," the element that Hutton feels defines The Red Telephone's general feel. The members' individual talents all combine to form songs that represent not only a musical message, but also a cohesive band personality. "The focus has always been on well-written songs that capture a certain feeling, a certain atmosphere... a dreamy, sublime feeling is something we do aim for," Hutton said. "Sean's guitar style is very atmospheric and brings a style to the music. The rhythm section is also very into capturing a sort of atmosphere or a moment. I might have written the song, but we're all creating the song." The Red Telephone's collaborative efforts can be seen this Saturday, Feb. 3, at The Middle East Upstairs in Cambridge. The show is part concert and part CD release party for Cellar Door, and will feature various artists including openings by Longwave (out of New York City) and Fooled by April. The Red Telephone will hit the stage around 11 p.m., followed by Meghan Toohey.

---

News

Hockey breezes past Lebanon Valley

March 31

Perhaps the best way to judge a team's heart is to witness its response to a tough loss. Some squads cower in the face of adversity while for others it provides the fuel for future success. After a disappointing 5-4 loss to a mediocre Worcester State team on Tuesday, (a loss that occurred on the heels of the Jumbos' triumphant overtime win at the previously undefeated Johnson and Wales) Tufts answered with a resounding 5-2 victory against Lebanon Valley. "We should not have lost the Worcester game," said defenseman, tri-captain Dan Mahoney. "They play with a real sit-back style, even a little cheap at times, but it was a game we shouldn't have lost. We all got together and re-focused. It was a big win for us. These types of wins show you what you're made of." In winning, Tufts handed Lebanon Valley its second league loss of the season. The Brown and Blue improved its record to 11-3 overall, and 9-1 in the ECAC. "Lebanon is solid, they are a good team," Mahoney continued. "They have a lot of quickness but we really shut them down." Two Jumbos provided the catalyst for the thumping. The first was freshman goalie Ben Crapser, who struggled early this semester after a brilliant December, but has returned to his pre-break form. In the win, Crapser tallied forty saves. "Ben was on his head at times last night," Mahoney said. "Forty saves is incredible. A lot of their shots were from the perimeter, but there were times when he made some fantastic stops." The other catalyst was the always impressive junior Jason Boudrow, who lit the lamps twice in Tufts' four-goal second period, and also added an assist. Boudrow's offensive numbers are so high that his three-point effort actually brought down his scoring average. Other Jumbos had standout offensive performances, too. First-year sniper Pat Byrne continued his torrid campaign with a goal and two assists. Key contributors Natan Obed and Rob LaQuaglia rounded out the scoring for Tufts. Perhaps the best news from the game was the improved play of Tufts' much-maligned defensive unit. "[The Blue Line] had some tough times at the beginning of the semester," Mahoney said. "Our play in the defensive zone is really getting better. Last night we hustled and won battles for loose pucks, which is what we need to do night in and night out." Playing a big role in the victory for the first time was an excited and substantial fan base. "Oh man, the fans were great," said Mahoney."We prefer to play at Harvard, which is a much smaller arena. It's weird to play at B.C.; the place is so big. It seems eerily silent. The fans last night brought some intensity and helped us a lot." The Jumbos return to action on Tuesday night when they visit UMASS-Boston and look to end January on a winning note.

---