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Duquette, Lilly receive awards

August 31

Tonight, Kristine Lilly, a star of the United States women's soccer team and Dan Duquette, executive vice president and general manger of the Boston Red Sox, will be presented the Tufts University Athletic Department and Jumbo Club's 2000 Distinguished Achievement Award. The award was created in 1987 to annually recognize outstanding contributions to sports by individuals with a New England identity and has been given to such greats as Boston Celtics' legend Red Auerbach and figure skater Nancy Kerrigan in past years. "It's nice to be recognized, especially with the people that have won this award over the years," Duquette said about receiving the Distinguished Achievement Award. "Some great people have been recognized in this fashion and it's an honor to be with them." Tonight's ceremony will take place in Cohen Auditorium, beginning at 7:30 p.m., and is open to the university public. Duquette is from Dalton, in western Mass., where he grew up a Red Sox fan. He graduated from Amherst College in 1980, playing baseball and football while there. Duquette started his career with the Milwaukee Brewers, becoming the team's scouting director in 1986. He then became vice president and general manager of the Montreal Expos, putting together a fine group of players that had the best record in baseball at the time of the 1994 strike, at 74-40. Duquette joined the Red Sox in 1994 and has helped rebuild the franchise, which was struggling considerably at the time of his arrival. Since he become Boston's general manger and executive vice president, the team has been among the best in baseball, and Duquette has drawn praise for his decision-making as well as his ability to make a move that may be unpopular for the best interests of the franchise. For Duquette, being general manager of the Red Sox has been the culmination of a lifelong dream. In a business where just getting a job is challenging enough, Duquette managed to run the franchise he rooted for as a child. "It's a great thrill to align my aspirations with my childhood dreams," he said. "It's very rewarding to come to work at Fenway Park every day." Duquette has done everything possible to make the most out of his dream job. He drew fire for letting Roger Clemens and Mo Vaughn, fan favorites, leave via free agency, but it appears that both of those moves have paid off in the long run, freeing up enough money for the Red Sox to get better, more productive players. Not surprisingly, under Duquette the Sox have put together one of the best records in baseball over the last six seasons. They won the American League East in 1995, made the playoffs in 1998 and 1999, advancing to the American League Championship Series last year. The team was in contention for a playoff berth this year as well, but fell just short. "Having a contending team in Boston makes the summers go a lot quicker," Duquette said. "People in this city measure time by how the Red Sox do." The fact that the Red Sox are deeply embedded in the culture of their city, however, does have its downside considering the microscope that everyone on the team is under. For Duquette, that involves speculation on an alleged rift between him and manager Jimy Williams, and calls for the trading of volatile center fielder Carl Everett. "We're in a major media market, and the day-to-day interest of the fans is a challenging aspect of managing this franchise," Duquette said. "There is an intense bond between the Red Sox and their fans, and I'm trying to meet their desire for a World Championship. But with so much at stake, you have to try to keep things on an even keel." Lilly, a Wilton, Connecticut native, graduated from the University of North Carolina 1993. The left-footed, left-sided midfielder for the US National Team is still a presence in her hometown, running the Kristine Lilly Soccer Academy every summer in Wilton. Lilly, who led UNC to four National Championships, was named Most Valuable Player of the NCAA Championship in 1989 and '90. As a 20-year-old, she was a member of the US Women's World Championship Team, which won the first FIFA Women's World Championship in China in 1991. Lilly debuted with the U.S. National Team on August 3, 1987, in the team's 16th match ever, at the age of 16 years and 12 days, making her the second youngest player ever. Since then, Lilly has made a name for herself with the US Team, playing the most international games of any player, man or woman, in the world. She was instrumental in leading the United States to its memorable World Cup victory in 1999. Lilly was named Most Spectacular Player in the 1999 World Cup Final, in which the US defeated China, 5-4. She headed away a corner kick that would have given China a 1-0 lead and had gotten past goalkeeper Briana Scurry. Lilly also participated in the 2000 Olympics, helping the US to a silver medal and led the team to a World Cup in the first ever tournament in 1991. Lilly's 86 goals in international competition are third all-time for the US, behind only Mia Hamm and Michelle Akers, and her 62 straight starts two years ago set a national record. She has participated in 87 percent of the National team's matches. Also to be honored are seven former Jumbos who graduated last spring. Matt Adler, who played for the soccer and lacrosse teams, will receive the Clarence "Pop" Houston award as the best male athlete. Caitlin Murphy, who starred on the track and cross country teams, earned the Hester L. Sargent Award as best female athlete. Mike Andrews of the football and basketball team will receive the Rudolph J. Fobert Award for success in multiple sports and in the classroom. Cross country and track runner Cindy Manning will be named the female recipient. Gerry Topping of the football team and Zaina Al-Awadi will be presented the Murray Kenney Awards for positive attitude and persistence. Finally, former Daily Editor-in-Chief Jordan Brenner will receive the Tim Horgan Award as the top student sportswriter.

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News

Two college favorites together

August 31

If you didn't already know that Ryan Miller, Adam Gardner, and Brian Rosenworcel of Guster are Tufts alumni, most of the campus could probably fill you in. For this reason, it may be hard for some Tufts students to realize and accept that the rest of the world does not consider Guster to be a headlining act. At Thursday's concert at the Providence Civic Center, the band could only play a brief 40-minute set to warm up the crowd in preparation for the Barenaked Ladies. There were, however, a surprising number of actual Guster fans screaming along to each song. Rather than trickling in and ignoring the opening band - the standard tactic at concerts - people had already filled most of the stands by the time Guster started up. Judging by the numerous Guster shirts on fans, it seemed that some of them had come for the opening act and not the headliner at all. Although Guster was only able to nail the highlights of its playlist in the allotted time slot, they certainly were good notes to hit. For those uninitiated into the band's local fan base, the night served as an excellent introduction to its hallmarks. The three men on stage preserved all the high-low dynamics and expressive emotions found on their recordings. Most of the night's material came off the band's most recent album, 1998's Lost and Gone Forever, including "Barrel of a Gun" and the melancholy epic "Either Way." Guster has had few songs reach the radio, but it did manage to slip in two commercial favorites: the percussive "Airport Song" and the eminently singable closer for the show, "Fa Fa." In the break before the Barenaked Ladies took the stage at 8:30 p.m., one might have marveled at the age range of the audience. Both BNL and Guster have reputations as "college bands," and much of the crowd certainly fit into that demographic. However, there were numerous people in their thirties or forties, some with toddlers tagging along. Something about BNL's comical, harmless image appeals to a greater range of people than one might expect. The billowing sheet that had hung behind Guster for the first hour of the show was whisked away, revealing one of BNL's obligatory sets - this one an inflatable, clown-like head reaching to the ceiling of the arena. As always, the stage was full of ramps and video screens, giving the band members both room to dance around and the means to pull various stunts throughout the night. The band strove to please, hitting the audience with fresh material from Maroon and enough classics to keep them quiet and content. New songs like "Too Little Too Late" and "Falling For the First Time" contained enough of the smiling, confident BNL style to get the crowd jumping, even if few of them seemed to know the words. Predictable screaming reactions came when the band played radio singles like "Pinch Me," "One Week," and "The Old Apartment," which found sorority girls and inebriated middle-aged women convulsing (or "dancing") in the aisles. With their excellent sense of stage performance and timing, these crowd-pleasers would follow up skits or ballads to get the audience shaking again. BNL concerts are known not only for their enthusiastic performances and fans, but also for their humor. While one band member took a few minutes for a solo performance onstage, the video screens would show the others sitting around backstage in bathrobes, smoking cigars. A staple of such concerts is the band's "pop medley" routine. In Thursday's concert, BNL covered everything from Britney Spears to Eminem - complete with a quasi-intimidating Ed Robertson in a black stocking cap. At one point, the band told the crowd that it had something special planned. "Lock the doors," Robertson ordered, "we're going to play every song that we've ever done." The group then launched into a medley of its own music, playing or singing a few lines from songs off of every single album without a single pause or silence. The evening's most memorable moment came during the band's unending fan-favorite, "If I Had $1000000." During one of the vamps in between verses, Robertson came up to the edge of the stage to talk to a woman in the audience. "You've been singing along into your cell phone all night," he said, and he took it away. Robertson then proceeded - in the middle of the ongoing song - to chat with the woman on the other end, spinning out a story about how her friend had been arrested and her phone confiscated. The audience loved it, in no small part because the woman on the other end could not have had any idea who she was talking to. Every band gets an encore nowadays, and BNL finished things up with a new song, "Go Home." The audience refused to get the hint, though, and kept pounding the floor and screaming furiously until the band came back out for one last number. The Ladies wound things down with the bitter, plaintive "Call and Answer" and were done, leaving behind the giant inflatable head and an arena full of satisfied people of all ages.

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News

Cruz takes Tufts cross country by storm

August 31

Junior J.R. Cruz was somewhat of an afterthought during his freshman year as a cross country runner at Tufts. This didn't sit well with Cruz, who had been a dominant athlete in high school, and so the youngster dedicated himself to regaining his lost star status. After a productive sophomore year, Cruz has finally blossomed into the number-one runner on a men's cross country team that once again expects to go to the National Championships. Interestingly, Cruz had only planned on running track and field at Tufts, and joining the team took some convincing from coach Connie Putnam. Putnam told Cruz that cross country would put him in much better shape for the track seasons. Similarly, Cruz, the captain of his high school soccer team, only started running in high school because he was trying to stay fit for soccer. While he was the tenth man on the team during his freshman year at Tufts, Cruz' real strength was as a middle-distance runner for the track team. Cruz ran a two-minute 800 meters in his first track meet as a freshman. Though the time was impressive for a freshman, it was a tremendous letdown for a runner who had reached 1:57 in high school. During his senior year, Cruz was part of the 4x800 team that won the New York State Championships. "I really struggled in track [my freshman year]," Cruz said. "I think I gained a lot of weight during freshman year. I stayed up late, didn't eat right. I got too lazy. I wasn't doing well, so I didn't care." However, instead of giving up on running, Cruz used his disappointment as motivation. Rather than spending the summer lounging about, Cruz dedicated himself to a rigorous training regimen. He decided that to make cross country his number one priority, and by the end of the summer, he was running between 50 and 70 miles a week. "The summer between freshman and sophomore year, I trained like crazy," Cruz said. "My goal was to be in the top ten [on the cross country team]. I ended up being top seven." Despite his strong showing as a cross country runner during his sophomore year, when Cruz returned to the track he continued running middle distance. After a few races, Cruz decided to give up middle distance for good and focus on the 3K and the 10K. Last winter, he qualified for the ECACs and Div. III New England's in them, as well as Division I and Division II New England's in the 10K during the spring, a trend he hope will only improve. "I think I can qualify for Nationals in the 10K [this year.]," he said. But before Cruz starts thinking about track, he wants to finish up what has been a breakthrough cross country season. Cruz has finished first on the team in four of the six meets in which he has run. In the two races he didn't lead the Jumbos pack, he placed second behind senior Dave Patterson. "I trained like crazy [during the summer]," Cruz said. "I started out at 70 miles per week and got up to about 90. So the way I have been racing is not a surprise, but it is nice." With his success in races, Cruz has found himself in an unfamiliar position as a leader of the team. The leap is quite remarkable for Cruz, whose older teammates nicknamed him "Speechless" during his freshman year, because of his soft-spoken, seemingly aloof manner. "I was really shy during freshman year," Cruz said. "I was going through the motions." Surprisingly, Cruz has grown to enjoy his new leadership position. "I like playing a little leadership role," Cruz said. "If I can be a leader I have no problem with it." Many of the leadership responsibilities that Cruz has taken on involve interacting with younger runners. In order to promote team unity, Cruz and other top runners try to get the team to hang out separate from practice, and encourage the younger runners to keep up with the more experienced runners during practice. "I love the freshmen," Cruz said. "When I was a freshman, we never really hung out with the older guys. [This year's freshmen] feel really comfortable around us." For the remainder of the cross country season, Cruz hopes to continue adding to his growing collection of impressive performances, and intends to use last week's knee injury, which forced him to miss NESCACs, as motivation. "One of my goals this season was to be All-NESCAC, and I was really mad that I didn't run," Cruz said. With his knee healed, Cruz has his sights set on the ECACs, to be held this weekend, the New England National Qualifiers, and Nationals. "Obviously, to have the team qualify for Nationals is the number-one goal," Cruz said. "I want to be all ECAC. I want to win [ECACs] as a team and we want to improve on our ninth-place finish at Nationals last year."

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News

Dispatch riding strong after four albums

August 31

After performing to a sellout crowd at the Somerville Theater just under two weeks ago, Dispatch stormed back into town yesterday to perform for another sellout crowd - this time in Tufts' own Dewick-MacPhie Hall. The Middlebury, Vermont-based trio has been canvassing the Northeast in support of its fourth album to date, Who Are We Living For. Composed of instrument-swapping members Chat "Chay" Urmston, Pete Heimbold, and Brad "Braddigan" Corrigan, the reggae-funk-rock group arrived on campus Wednesday afternoon to sound-check before Dewick opened its doors for dinner. Somewhere in between the tuning of guitars and the serving of Wednesday night ice cream, the band found time to talk. "Tufts always seemed like a natural go-to for us," said Urmston. Dispatch has been playing at private preparatory schools and colleges in the Northeast since its inception five years ago, but Wednesday night's show was its first visit to Tufts. Though the group is currently opening for The Samples, the band points out that they'd rather be headlining all the time - even if at smaller venues. "There are just some problems with opening...it's not the philosophy we want to be a part of," said Corrigan, alluding to some friction that has arisen between the road crews of the two bands. "There are just some tensions that don't need to exist," added Urmston. Despite these difficulties, the band is quick to point out that opening for a more recognized band does have its advantages. For one thing, Dispatch has been able to play in larger-sized venues with better acoustics than college gymnasiums and dining halls. Within the past week, Dispatch has played abbreviated sets at the celebrated Irving Plaza in New York and Avalon on Lansdowne Street, clubs that Corrigan called "the best you can imagine." After completing two more dates with The Samples, the band will continue to build its fan base, grassroots-style. Next weekend they'll appear at Williams College for the fifth year in a row. All 1,500 tickets for the show have already been sold. "A lot of colleges think they have to bring in a $25,000 act, hoping they can get someone to draw a crowd," noted Corrigan. "Last year, Holy Cross must have paid $15,000 for Better than Ezra. We opened for them, and half the crowd was there to see us." "That was the problem at the Samples shows: we outdrew them," said Heimbold confidently. Despite the band's ability to draw fans to its live shows, it hasn't sold more than 40,000 copies of its four records combined. Does the band think the Napster revolution is hurting them? Absolutely not. "For a live band, it's the dream," said Corrigan. Recently, the band played a show at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania. Though the Keystone State is a little bit out of the band's traditional stomping grounds, the crowd there was ready. "Now people know the music and the words, and they're waiting," said Corrigan. "It's awesome with a capital A." The previously quiet Heimbold agreed. "Before, the problem was with the record companies; they were the ones controlling the music. Now, the listeners decide what they want to hear." So if the band's live work is so well-recognized, why did it recently change its name from One Fell Swoop to Dispatch? "There was a band in St. Louis with the same name," according to Heimbold. "An alternative country band." Despite the name change, the band's work has remained consistent over the past five years. With an increasingly positive reputation as a great live band and talent agents from several corporations seeking to represent them, Dispatch is and will continue to be a band to keep your eyes - and ears - on.

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News

Sweet Dreams

August 31

I am suffering from a recurring nightmare. Most people have scary dreams in which a monster attacks them, or where they are abducted by aliens, or where they show up in class wearing nothing except dirty socks. Some Jumbos have recently reported dreams where they are trapped in a room with a drunk Colin Powell as he rattles off his list of accomplishments and compares himself to George Marshall. Being an odd guy who is highly concerned about biological terrorism and the perils of rapid globalization, I have been having a nightmare about something more frightening. I have visions of an event that promises to undo life as we know it. That's right folks, I keep dreaming that the food chain reverses itself. A total chaotic reversal: plants snack on people, squirrels attack bears, and anteaters are freed from their extraordinarily limited diet and begin eating everything. Basically, the reversal drags the entire globe into anarchy. The dream starts off innocently enough: I am walking down Main Street, USA (which I have noticed is closely modeled after Woodstock, VT, a quaint little New England town which I frequented during my more frivolous days) as people go about their business on a sunny spring day. Mothers are strolling their infants along the sidewalk, pushing their carriages up to storefront windows to peer at the merchandise with titles like "Vermont Flannel" and "Creamery Ice Cream." Some older children are playing in a park adjacent to a babbling brook. No one seems to notice me, nor do they pick up on the fact that I am in my pajamas and am not wearing any underwear. Then again, how would they know I have no underwear on? I take a deep breath and feel the pristine country air flow through me, literally, due to the absence of undergarments. I begin wondering how I got here and how I am going to get home without a car, money, and normal clothing. I say to myself, "Don't worry, Andrew, you'll figure something out, maybe this is only a dream." As I am standing on a corner pondering my predicament, a man in a dark gray suit sporting sunglasses and a Secret Service-style earpiece walks up to me, leans in close, and whispers in my ear: "It's happening." A wave of panic sweeps over me and I feel that I know exactly what he is referring to. Then I hear a dull roar and a woman's cry for help. I turn to see a dandelion leap out of the ground, dragging oversized roots and a ton of soil with it. It expands and devours a horrified elderly lady who is sitting on a park bench sipping some iced tea. The children in the park begin screaming and running as birds of various species attack them from above, including seagulls, which for some reason are in Vermont on this day. I dart into the town's bookstore, where an author is signing his book entitled: The Coming Food Chain Reversal. He is a slender man with a sullen, pale face that seems to retreat into itself. He smiles and, pointing to the mounting chaos outside says to me, "This should help sales a bit, don't you think?" Then a squirrel who is smoking a cigar calmly opens the bookstore's door, stands on its hind legs, and says in a British accent, "It's about bloody time!" before slamming the door shut and attacking an elderly man who is attempting to enter the pharmacy across the street. "Don't eat me, I'm old. I can't even vote properly, I'm sure I'll taste bad," the man says. "Tough titties," the squirrel replies before biting in. I close my eyes and hear sirens and screaming and chopping and chewing and burping. I open my eyes again to see people running and being attacked by chipmunks. Some people try to drive away in their SUVs, only to be stopped by a roadblock comprised of police officers being held hostage by a gang of starving beavers. I smell death, but am suddenly hungry for some plankton. I understand that I have fallen precipitously to the bottom of the food chain. I wake up. Why, you ask, am I divulging my recurring nightmare in this column space? Because it is frickin' weird, that's why. People say that all dreams are representative of something. If it is true that dreams reflect some version of reality, then what should I make of this one? Should I be worried that the food chain is going to reverse itself one day? You're damn right I should! I even have shoddy evidence to support my point. The magnetic polarity of the earth has reversed itself numerous times throughout history, a fact that can be found in the geologic record. (Paula Abdul should have titled her song, "Opposites Attract Although Sometimes They Switch But Remain Opposites So Thus They Still Attract"). Sure, this happens on a gradual basis, but maybe the food chain is undergoing subtle changes as well. In my opinion, there is a precedent for monumental reversals. Last month, I turned on the Learning Channel at 2 a.m. after asking myself the question, "What does the Learning Channel show at 2 a.m.?" and was treated to a special on the nation's "Best Kept Secrets." According to the program, the nation's best-kept secret is the fact that, with the consent of the highest levels of the Executive Branch, the US Navy has been training dolphins as fighting machines. The Learning Channel reported that the Navy has trained dolphins to sweep harbors for mines and spot and kill enemy divers. According to the show, whenever the President goes on a boat, the Navy releases dolphins to hunt and kill anyone attempting to harm the President from under the water. Now, is it that much of a stretch for the dolphins to have a taste of their kill? A little nibble perhaps? The reversal could start right there, in the water with a Rambo-like Flipper who goes back and tells his friends that people taste like chicken and that they are missing out on all the fun. I am especially concerned about my dream because of what it is doing to my daily life. I can't look at a squirrel without thinking of the aristocratic specimen in my dream. I am terrified of dandelions, and of New England towns, and particularly of dandelions in New England towns. Dreams have an effect on people; they skew the concept of reality. You know what I mean. When you have, shall we say, a "stimulating" dream starring a certain someone and you run into that person the next day, there is a little voice in the back of your mind that urges you to say, "I had sex with you in my dream last night. It was wonderful." Well, I see a crow and want to say, "You ate a young boy in my dream last night. It was horrible." I see a dandelion and want to scream out, "Why did you eat that old lady? She didn't do anything to you!" The other day I saw a beautiful woman and shouted, "I want to dream about you, not about food chain reversals! Make me dream about you!" After she slapped me and called the police, I ran away and stopped for a moment near the statue of Jumbo the elephant. I could swear he spoke to me. He said, "Someday young Jumbo, my descendants will eat you. Mark my words, I was burned, you will be eaten, all of your classmates will be eaten. It's not just me that thinks so. We all know, all the plants and animals know. We're just waiting for the right moment. Sweet dreams young man... sweet dreams."

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News

Men's swim team makes splash in first meets

August 31

The men's swimming team posted impressive times two weeks ago in two decisive victories over Clark University and Bridgewater State to inaugurate its season. However, the Jumbos' first real test will be on Thursday against the Babson Beavers. "Neither of these two teams is really good, so this isn't really a good indication of how we're doing," coach Don Megerle said, referring to Tufts' first opponents of the season. The Jumbos stomped the Clark University Cougars, 225-95 on Nov. 18 and two days later, they handed Bridgewater State's Bears a 165-96 defeat. While the Jumbos didn't face much competition from either team, they still produced some great performances, especially from some key freshmen. "Tyler [Duckworth]'s 200-yd. breast was really quite impressive in the second meet," Megerle said. Duckworth, a promising freshman, improved to a 2:14.49 in the meet against Bridgewater after swimming a 2:16.54 in the 200-yd. breaststroke against Clark. He placed first in the event in both meets. Other swimmers dramatically improved their times as well. Freshman Aeric Solow posted two first place finishes in the meet against Bridgewater, in the 200-yd. individual medley and in the 500-yd. freestyle. "Solow's 4:56 in the 500-yd. free was a good time for us," Megerle said. Solow's 4:56.81 in the 500-yd. freestyle was almost nine full seconds ahead of second place finisher, Tufts' senior and tri-captain Nic Anderson. Anderson swam a time of 5:05.68. Anderson's 2:03.45 in the 200-yd. butterfly earned him a first place finish against Clark. He also placed first in the 200-yd. freestyle against Bridgewater with a time of 1:48.85. Coach Megerle was also impressed with his swim. "Anderson's 200-yd. fly time was real good," he said. Sophomore Ed Edson had a great performance in the Clark meet, with two first place finishes in the 200-yd. and 500-yd. freestyles and a second place finish in the 100-yd. free. "He really had a great race," Megerle said of Edson. Megerle used the two meets as opportunities to try out different combinations for the relay squads. Tufts won the 200 freestyle relay event in both meets. Against Clark, junior John Wu, senior John Gunselman, freshman Jonathan Nichols, and senior Steve Capozzi teamed up to defeat the Cougars with a time of 1:37.90. An entirely different team of senior Chris Panagos, and freshmen Greg Schmidt, Macey Harrington-Woodard, and Sam Burlingame swam a time of 1:38.04 to capture first place. In the 200 Medley, freshman Kaili Mauricio, sophomore Ryan Lahey, and juniors Scott Cohen and Reo Kurosu combined for time of 1:45.3 to capture first place over Clark. Freshmen Aeric Solow and Greg Schmidt teamed up with sophomores Shane Mason and Ed Edson to beat the Bridgewater Bears with a time of 1:46.65. Divers Pat Girvin and David Liebenstein finished 1st and 2nd, respectively, in the 1-meter and 3-meter events against Clark. Senior Girvin scored a 216.65 on the 1-mtr. platform and a 213.3 on the 3-mtr. Sophomore Liebenstein scored a 195.45 in the 1-mtr and in the 3-mtr. he posted a 178.60. Despite the improvements made after the Clark and Bridgewater meets, Megerle does not expect any drastic changes at the meet against the Beavers. "I don't think that we'll swim any faster against Babson, but the meet will be competitive," Megerle said. The Beavers are 2-1 on the season, having finished second to MIT in a tri-meet that also featured the Bowdoin Polar Bears. "They're going to be tough this year," Megerle said. "They have a strong team returning and a couple of really good freshman. And they love to beat Tufts." While the Jumbos own a 2-0 record, they need to enter the Babson meet prepared for a battle to the wall. Tufts will hit the water at 7 p.m. in Hamilton pool on Thursday.

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News

Guitarist Jess Klein tears it up at Somerville Theatre

August 31

Davis Square's Somerville Theatre is often considered one of the best places in town to catch a spur-of-the-moment movie given it's convenient location. This past Saturday, however, the venue transformed itself from a local movie theater to a folk music celebration with singer/songwriter Jess Klein. Featuring songs primarily from her most recent CD release on Rykodisc, Draw Them Near, Jess Klein and her band tore up the stage with some great tunes and gripping lyrics for nearly two straight hours. Special guest Lori McKenna, who will be headlining at the Somerville in February, got the audience geared up for an evening of fabulous folk music festivities. The combination of Jewel-esque finger-picking, a versatile voice, and unique lyrics made for a vibrant opening act. McKenna and her guitar seemed perfectly at home on the Somerville's stage. She told stories while tuning her guitar, making sure that the audience laughed here and there at her anecdotes. Guitarist and singer Meghan Toohey helped McKenna out on a few songs during the 45-minute set. Her electric guitar gave a little extra body to McKenna's acoustic strumming. Some subtle yet striking harmonies helped McKenna's lyrics soar to new heights in songs like "Hardly Speaking a Word." Klein finally took to the stage following a brief intermission. She began the set solo with the title track off Draw Them Near before bringing out the rest of her band - a drummer, a guitarist, and a bassist. The four followed each other's musical lead such that they blended together seamlessly in each song. They reached their height towards the close of the evening's performance with "Goodbye, Goodbye", a song with a driving beat that rocks hard while remaining faithful to Klein's acoustic background. Klein's voice is versatile enough to range from blues--y to soft and sweet to rock 'n' roll. Despite this, she failed to pick and stick to a style in many of the songs. The music got stuck somewhere between acoustic folk and wired rock, and she rarely made the necessary distinction between the two musical genres. Her performance Saturday night faltered as a result. Klein and the rest of the band were undoubtedly at their best when she gave into her musical instincts. She let her acoustic prowess shine through in songs like "Draw Them Near" and the old favorite "Romeo", specially requested by an audience member. She was able to pull off the metamorphosis into rocker chick with the sexy and suggestive "I Sure Would", a tune that proved to be a breath of fresh air after songs like "Open Me" and "I Tried," which struggled in their half-hearted attempts at straying far enough from Klein's acoustic roots to be called rock. There's no denying the talent of this three-time Boston Music Award nominee. The Boston Globe has called her "one of the most expressive and exciting vocalists in town," and her potential is more than evident in this latest collection of songs. Still, Klein appeared to be holding back on stage at the Somerville this weekend, and the audience picked up on it. There was no ignoring the distance that existed between Klein and her fans. Her attempts at humor gave the impression of having been rehearsed backstage and came off as disingenuous, insincere, and unoriginal. The audience ignored them most of the time, with the exception of a forced a laugh here and there for Klein's sake. She lacked the kind of spontaneity on stage that can make or break a folk performance. Despite her less than perfect performance at the Somerville this weekend, Klein is a gem of a musician and songwriter. Her lyrics are powerful, honest, and inspiring. They succeed in conveying their message despite the fuzzy musical style she and the band seem to get stuck in. Jess Klein has the talent and the spunk to pick a musical direction and fly with it, and she's certainly well on her way.

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News

Tufts must understand the TCF's position

August 31

To the Editor: Understanding others has been the greatest challenge in all humanity. I believe that if only you understood where the Tufts Christian Fellowship (TCF) is coming from with its beliefs, there would be neither conflict, nor accusations. The TCF is a fellowship with Christian beliefs and values. Evangelical Christians believe that the Bible is the word of God, and they want to love and honor God by obeying His commandments. Christianity does not rely on popular opinion, or even on the Constitution (we are lucky that, in this country, the Constitution and Christianity are not at war). Christians rely on God and on His word. The Bible speaks clearly and consistently against homosexual practice. The issue is not about discrimination. The TCF welcomes everyone, yet without accepting everyone's lifestyles and beliefs. Please understand that TCF sets a standard for its leaders to preserve the integrity of the Fellowship. The standard is a willingness to submit to the Scripture. That standard is of TCF; every group on campus has its own standards. This university has the authority to disagree with a group's values, even ban any group altogether. It may dictate to people what to think, or even purge itself of the people who disagree with the mainstream. But is that what Tufts University ultimately wants? I come from a country where the government used to tell religious organizations how to think and what to do. There were no alternative views or any questioning. The church was afraid to voice its opinion, being afraid of the tyranny that murdered millions of Soviet citizens. The result was spiritual stagnation! If you want to see spiritually hungry people, go to the remnants of the USSR. Our university has taken pride in its diverse community. But valuing diversity first involves understanding, as well as respect for those diverse beliefs. The real question is whether we will do this, and value the diversity we have attained.Anya Ligai, LA '03

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News

Artists offer glimpse into world of anything goes

August 31

If you're looking to expand your understanding and appreciation of modern art, you can forget about taking the T into Boston. The MFA is now right here at Tufts. Well, sort of. From now until Oct. 1, eight Master of Fine Arts degree candidates in the joint Tufts/Museum of Fine Arts program will be displaying their thesis exhibitions at the University Art Gallery in the Aidekman Arts Center. This year's works feature a wide variety of artistic styles that will capture the interest of any type of person, from the photographer to the sculptor, the musician to the golfer, the film critic to the Internet guru. Sure, those descriptions may seem a bit random, but many of these gallery pieces seem more avant-garde than what one might expect to find at MOMA. "Art is more than Monet and John Singer Sargent," said degree candidate Jonathan Goldman. "Contemporary art is a very real, relevant, and hands-on experience." His exhibit, entitled "Stereotypical Evidence: Documentary Portraiture," offers a glimpse into our all-too-common world of stereotypes and aims to change the narrow-minded ways in which we view others. Goldman's approach to his project is of particular note, as he documents the lives of twenty-five residents in his apartment building by scanning each resident's everyday objects - keys, toothbrushes, watches, for example - and superimposes the images onto a three-page questionnaire his subjects fill out about themselves. Goldman bases his project on the fundamental question, "How do you think people stereotype you?" and uses each subject's answer to the question as the title to that particular piece. The titles, "Way-Too-Happy White Guy" and "Bitch" particularly stand out. In a summary of his work, Goldman writes of his intention to show that "stereotypes and connotations are one-dimensional - people are not." On a similarly contemplative note, Scott Alberg's display, comprised of plasticine (a popular type of modeling clay) sculptures and acrylic paintings on canvas, delves into the complexities of adolescence and identity formation. He states that his work conveys "moments of identification that both form and limit one's identity." The introspective quotes hand-written on the canvas are particularly effective in relaying such a theme. So at a time when we college students are shaping our own identity (some of us seemingly regressing), this exhibit is well worth your time. And don't forget to look underneath the table displayed in his show. You might be a tad surprised. For the moviegoer in you, there is Mia Rosenblatt's two-part exhibit, entitled "Film Frames: Found Footage and Cyclocinema." The former part consists of a series of still shots taken from home movies; the latter involves an interactive bicycle-powered filmmaking and projecting device whose rate of film exposure and projection speed alter according to how fast one pedals the bicycle. What's more, chances to actually ride this device, dubbed "the cyclocineprojector," will be available to all next week. Sarah Wentworth approaches her work, "Surreptitious Installations," by juxtaposing her own picture postcards with those of the prominent art world. "Daily Doorstep" is a piece featuring nearly 600 pictures Wentworth took each morning as she stepped out onto her doorstep to, as she phrases it, "check the day." She began the project in February of last year, snapping one shot per day of a particular image she felt was symbolic in her everyday life as an artist/mother. The show isn't limited to visual art. Most people probably do not associate painting a landscape with the use of sound, but if you're the least bit intrigued, stop by Seth Barger's exhibit featuring "sonic landscape projectors" intended to create an imaginary place for inward solace and contemplation. The sound chamber, a fairly large, enclosed chamber, is a hands-on, or rather ears-on, must. Picture postcards, cyclocine projectors, sound chambers - what could offer the gallery a little extra variety? How about an interactive web site? www.clickonmyheart.com is Daniel Hamilton's creation, which uses the computer as an extension of our bodies. It examines the nature of communication, relationships, and the struggle between finding a deep connection within the machine and existing in the real world. "Art should be an experience," explains Hamilton. "The gallery should expand its walls, and that is what I am trying to do with my work." Justin King's playful sculptures, from miniature toy cars to a Magic-Eye-esque creation made of golf tees, are also in store for you, while Amy Morel presents a series of cross-shaped models - including a bed and a half-bath - that demonstrate the role of religion in her everyday life. By now, the word "random" might be ringing in your ears. Maybe so, but taken separately, each artist's work is a culmination of careful thought, effort, and skill. The exhibit contemplates everything from meditation and religion to bicycles and films, adolescent hardship to the Internet to toy cars - something of significance to everyone. Best of all, it's right here on campus. And it's free. Give it the chance-you just might find that it's more than you'd would expect.

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News

Canada, 'W.,' and Suing Tufts

August 31

If "W." wins the election, two things will happen. First of all, I'm moving to Canada with several hundred of my friends, family, and professors. Even though Canadians have beady little eyes and flapping heads (if you were just offended go watch South Park the movie), they're still a smarter bunch than at least half of this country. They'd never elect a bratty little hypocrite (and newly discovered drunk driver) who can't tell the difference between the Middle East and the Near East Caf?©. So how is Tufts involved? Over a month ago, I mailed in an application for an absentee ballot-well before my state's deadline. I have yet to receive the ballot and I've run out of time to vote for Gore. I live in a house owned by the University, so I still am stuck with the Tufts mail system. In previous years, this just meant receiving mail a week or two after it was sent. This year, when my mail is actually delivered, I usually find it sitting in the mud outside of my house mixed in with plenty of letters addressed to residents in the Chandler House (not my house). I know that my ballot is either on the Tufts mailroom floor or been eaten by the skunks that live next to the house. Therefore, if "W." wins this election, Tufts can expect a federal lawsuit on its hands. So with the money Tufts will pay me for losing my ballot and ruining this country, I will open up a safe haven in Canada. This haven will welcome all Democrats, Republicans, conservatives, and liberals as long as they have half a brain, and have at least some respect, for the environment, common sense, and each other. Four years from now (if we survive that long) "W." need not apply.Don Schechter, LA '01

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News

A fine race to the finish

August 31

Who would have guessed that Decision 2000's most exciting decision would swirl around miscounted butterfly ballots in Florida? That this year's campaign would make history, not for its memorable debates, its ideological meaning, or its charismatic characters, but rather for its electoral stumble-stutter-stretch to the finish? Historic drama to one side however, isn't this latest sensation just the next logical step in a deeper media trend towards dumbing down content and sexing up surfaces? I mean, I'm not one for conspiracy theories, but from the corporate media's viewpoint, this fiasco is practically fit to order. On the one hand, it liberates commentators from the vacuity of their safely selected (and oh so boring) substance, and on the other it allows them to exercise their true talents - manipulating tension, spreading hype, flooding the airwaves with hour upon hour of "expert" testimony, and constitutional minutiae punctuated by down to the wire poll updates in bright red and blue. Who needs content, when the form can be so snazzy?! Yet, as our democratic consciousness metamorphoses into a cross between Keno compulsion and trivial pursuit class (Constitutional edition), I can't but marvel at a cluster of monstrous ironies that somehow have eluded the media's attention:Just think what the season has brought...One the one hand: The defeat of a Massachusetts ballot initiative to channel funds into drug treatment programs, (which numerous studies show to be the most cost-effective way to stop drug use).On the other: The (possible) election of a president who favors not only the bloody and expensive military intervention in Colombia and the million man incarceration of drug users, but who may himself be a former coke-snorter. On the one hand: Presidential debates that excluded Ralph Nader and were sponsored by Budweiser.On the other: The (possible) victory of a candidate who can't spell Ralph Nader, and who's been arrested for drunk driving.On the one hand: The widely aired pleas of retired Floridians, who claim that the confusing format of the "butterfly ballot" has rendered them "disenfranchised." On the other: The success of a Massachusetts ballot initiative stripping prisoners of their right to vote.On the one hand: Rumors that the US itself may need UN observers to sort out exactly what the hell happened in Florida.On the other: The declaration that despite the wholesale massacre of Palestinians by Israeli troops in the occupied territories, the US will veto any UN resolution to send observers or peace-keepers into the West Bank. On the one hand: The Gore and Bush Presidential campaigns spend approximately $300 million in corporate contributions on campaign ads, while party-backed "Get out the vote" programs work night and day to end "voter apathy." On the other: Voter turnout goes up two points; only 49 percent of the electorate decides to stay home this year. On the one hand: Listening to NPR on the way home from school, I am told repeatedly that Americans are deciding who to vote for based on a feeling in their gut. On the other: I start to get a feeling in my gut. On the one hand: I switch stations to AM talk radio and listen as a the host brings some historical perspective to the recent Constitutional Conundrum:"You know you gotta really hand it to the Founding Fathers, man. I mean, here were a bunch of guys that had a vision. They weren't in it for selfish reasons. No way, they came over here all the way across the Atlantic. They were blessed with great natural resources, and hey, you can say what you want about the black-white thing, about them only counting black people as only two-thirds of white people, but they knew what they were doing. They did the best they could. They wrote a Constitution that we still abide by to this day. And now we're the most important and powerful country in the world. You gotta love it." On the other: My gut starts to quiver.On the one hand: The host continues his lessons in political-economy, railing now about "The Red Chinese" and how thanks to Clinton-Gore giving away nuclear secrets, the arms race has been "re-ignited." "We cannot be too careful," he says, "You've got to remember, not everybody out there sees with the same eyes as we do. We like to think everybody's as nice as we are, but, unfortunately, that isn't the case." [No one contests him; apparently whatever eyes he is seeing with, the rest of his listening public shares them.] On the other: I just can't take it anymore, I clutch my gut and vomit over the windshield and blinded, lose control of the car, spinning my way off this American media nightmare. I'm way overfed on this culture where the lack of organized opposition to the substance-free tyranny of our corporate-state is interpreted by pundits and experts alike as definitive testimony to the wisdom and foresight of the Founding Fathers, and the grandeur of our empire... I mean... republic. No matter what issue arises, it's always just more evidence for the fact that nothing is wrong. Nothing is wrong. Our political system is the best in the world. Hold a hand over you hearts and thank your God for the glory of this peaceful transfer of power. Be grateful that we don't have helicopters swirling in the night, rattling off machine gun fire on the White House lawn. Thank your lucky stars we haven't got some wacko seizing power. The wackos, we all know, live elsewhere. The "experts" tell us so. The helicopters and machine gun bullets are for "extremists." Arab fundamentalists. Colombian Narco-Demons. We only sell them the guns. We only train the death squads. We only back the bastards. They're not our problem at all. [Sssnort... ssssnort ....ahhh] Not at all. Spun-out on the roadside, the man with the badge and the gun approaches me...No, sir I have not been drinking, I tell him, wiping my nose and chin. No sir, I've just been listening to the radio like everybody else... Everything's fine. Really. Joe Ramsey is a graduate student studying English.

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News

Where is our polished software?

August 31

Like most college students, I am mildly addicted to the Internet. I have 750 MP3s, receive twenty-five e-mails a day, make lunch plans over IM, and refer to weather.com every morning to decide what to wear. Therefore, when Netscape 6 was released earlier this month I downloaded it almost immediately. Netscape 6 is the first new major version of Netscape to be released in two and a half years. The software possesses several advantages over both its previous versions and the current version of Internet Explorer. The most noticeable change is the ability to customize the look of Netscape with themes in a fashion similar to the way Winamp is customized with skins. The default theme has a sleek, modern look that is sure to raise eyebrows. In addition, a brand new rendering engine called Gecko powers Netscape 6. In English, this means that the browser can load web pages faster than previous versions. However, the shortcomings of Netscape 6 outweigh the benefits. The software is an unfinished product oozing with bugs. Some of the features do not work properly; others cause the program to crash. Almost immediately after opening Netscape 6 for the first time, I noticed that it lacked the smooth feel of a well-polished, professional piece of software. The previous version of Netscape, version 4.7x, is like a worn-in baseball glove. From the easy slip of your hand into the glove's buttery leather to the familiar feel of the oomph as a baseball smacks into the deep-well pocket, you know that your mitt is tweaked and broken in to perfection. Netscape 6 is like a mitt straight of out of the store - before you get to tie it up with a baseball, before you put it under your pillow and sleep on it, and before you drive over it five times with your dad's Honda. I am not complaining because Netscape 6 is a new product that I haven't yet gotten used to, I have no problem adjusting to change. I am complaining because Netscape 6 is unrefined and downright shoddy. A CNet.com review, which confirmed my personal experience, writes that under tests, Netscape 6 "crashed a bit too often." Well, that's just wonderful. I can just picture what would happen if the standards of software spread to, say, the car industry. "Hey Steve, how's your new car, man?" "Not bad. I like it a lot. Only problem's that it crashes a bit too often." "Really? It crashes?" "Yeah, I'll be driving and all of the sudden it'll crash. POW! Like into a tree or something. I wouldn't care so much if it weren't for all the cuts and bruises." The Internet is no longer a nascent technology that merely hosts silly, little websites for companies that want to show off. Just as people rely on their cars to get them from point A to point B, people rely on their e-mail messenger program to communicate and on their navigator program to browse the Internet. There is no reason for our standards for software reliability to be lower than they are for everything else in life. Having taken four semesters of computer science between high school and college, I completely understand that software cannot be 100 percent bug-free. (Hell, half the time I wrote a program, I was lucky if it worked at all.) But I am convinced that software programmers and beta test organizers could work a lot harder. Aside from the major unreliability problems, Netscape 6 touts a slew of "little things" that just plain aggravate me. A quick glance at the 14-page list of known problems (accessible from the Help menu), reveals hundreds of screw-ups, imperfections, and malfunctions. For example, in just about every program I have ever used on my laptop computer, I can scroll by gliding my finger down the right edge of my touch-pad. Does this convenience work in Netscape 6? Not a chance. Another pain is that aside from the loading of web pages, the software is ridiculously slow. From starting up the program to editing my bookmarks, Netscape 6 creeps along at the speed of a sleeping turtle. My biggest complaint is the three-second delay between clicking the button to compose e-mail and seeing the window appear. (Actually, it takes a full six seconds the first time after starting up the program.) This isn't the kind of computation-intensive task that takes time to process. It's a simple e-mail program, it's not calculating complex weather patterns or satellite orbit paths. The compose e-mail window should take a millisecond to appear. The brakes on cars certainly don't take three full seconds to kick into effect! It is inexcusable that a flaw like this could work its way into the final version of a software application. I'm sure there are some people who think that I am being nitpicky. Of course, we could all e-mail and browse the web to our hearts' content with all the little imperfections. But why should we have to? I have chosen Netscape 6 as the focus of this outburst. However, I could have written about many other software applications. Windows crashes, Microsoft Word crashes, and even Winamp crashes on occasion. My CD burner software is so bad that I had to trash 15 CDs last week. The point I am trying to make is that today's software could be much better. People tend to be forgiving of the imperfections because modern computers and software are a new technology. Moreover, because computers offer spectacular and revolutionary features that were never even dreamed of fifteen years ago, it is easy to say, "Hey, we should be thankful we even can do this at all." It is important not to fall into this mentality. In a world of increasing reliance on computer software, we need increasing software reliability. In the mean time, I'll be using the older version of Netscape.Justin Golub is a junior majoring in biology. He is a photo editor for The Tufts Daily.

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News

Unsafe?

August 31

Painting the cannon: an age-old Tufts tradition meant to bring groups together and celebrate the interests they share. A symbol of Tufts spirit. But this past Monday, the cannon once again became a weapon of destruction, intended to destroy a group with the power of an idea. "TCF is unsafe." This concept has been planted in the hopes that it will color the perceptions of everyone who is unfamiliar with the issue to which it refers. This tactic assumes that Tufts students are easily swayed by buzzword laden slander. I will not make that assumption, but will ask the Tufts community to approach this issue with intellectual integrity and respectful openness for all positions. Here is a brief history of the issue to which the cannon slander refers: Last semester the Tufts Christian Fellowship (TCF) was formally accused of violating Tufts' anti-discrimination policy. The complaint was made by a junior in the fellowship who was an active member for the previous three years. She claimed that she had been denied a leadership position for the following year on the basis of her homosexual orientation. A major campus-wide controversy broke out over the issue, seen most notably in a heated debate during a panel discussion on "Homosexuality and Religion" held by the University chaplains. The following night the Tufts Community Union Judiciary (TCUJ) held an unannounced "emergency meeting" and, declaring that a formal hearing was unnecessary, voted 4-1-1 to "de-recognize" TCF, thereby stripping it of its funding and the right to reserve rooms, promote activities on campus, and use the Tufts name. Following an appeal by TCF, the Committee on Student Life (CSL) reversed the decision on procedural grounds on May 16th. Those are the facts of the case, but the truth of the issue has been lost in a tangled mess of conflicting convictions and misunderstood beliefs. Was the student discriminated against? Is TCF bigoted and homophobic? Is it really that simple? The answer is a resounding "no," though the chalkers and painters of the cannon would have you believe otherwise. Toward the end of last semester, the student came to the TCF Senior Leaders to inform them that she was bisexual (which some but not all of the leadership team had been aware of as early as her freshman year) and that her religious beliefs on homosexual practice had changed (practice meaning any active pursuit of a homosexual relationship). She said she no longer believed that homosexuality was a sin or that it should be struggled against, and requested that this change in her beliefs not be a factor affecting her leadership status in TCF. Her expectation was that any problem that arose would be a clear case of discrimination on the basis of sexuality and in violation of the University's anti-discrimination policy. The TCF Senior Leaders discussed the issue for five weeks before deciding that, while her involvement in TCF was certainly welcome and desired, inviting her into a leadership position would require affirming her belief which was not something they could do. Why was this decision made? The simplest answer is that the student was not offered a leadership position because of a significant difference in her religious beliefs on homosexual practice. But this explanation raises more new questions than it answers. What are the expectations of leaders in a Christian community? How and when can different religious beliefs coexist within a religious organization? Why is the distinction between homosexual orientation and practice relevant? These are complex issues with a long history of disagreement that will not be resolved in the remainder of this article. I would like to highlight a few points in the hopes that further dialogue will bring increasing clarity. One: practice vs. orientation. Homosexuality is often referred to as an identity. The Christian belief holds that our identity is found in God alone as creatures made in His image (Gen. 1:27). Because we are sinful beings, there are parts of our "natures" which should not be embraced simply because we have an orientation (or genetic predisposition) towards them. Alcoholism is such an example which most of society agrees on (homosexuality is a far more complex issue, so this is raised merely to illustrate the point, not to form a comparison). Thus it is not sinful to have an orientation towards something sinful or to struggle with it, but to accept it defies God's stated intention for human behavior. Two: non-denominational vs. ecumenical. TCF has no religious denominational affiliation. However, it does follow the "evangelical" (a term unrelated to "evangelistic") Christian tradition which emphasizes the authority and relevance of scripture as divinely inspired and the center of our understanding of God and His intent for our lives. TCF's distinctly evangelical character distinguishes it from other groups such as the Orthodox Christian Fellowship, Protestant Student Fellowship, and the Catholic Center. "Ecumenical" describes religious institutions which are more all-embracing of all beliefs as equally valid and true. Three: Biblical interpretation vs. Relativism. While there are many interpretations of certain passages of scripture as well as general theological doctrines, all interpretations are not equally valid. We do not claim to have exclusive knowledge of what interpretations are correct and which are misperceptions, but we believe that actively seeking the truth and acting on it is an essential part of Christian living. Thus for Tufts to force ecumenical acceptance of any and all interpretations is an act of relativistic indoctrination which violates freedom of religion. So I return to the original question, "Is TCF unsafe?" This allegation is inaccurate, and manipulates a loaded word to exploit the connotations it evokes. The truth is that the student had been a loved and accepted member and leader in TCF for the previous 3 years. Members and leaders within TCF were aware of her struggles with a homosexual orientation and sought to help her in that struggle in any way they could. She was not rejected or discriminated against. When she announced her beliefs on homosexual practice, leadership became a complicated issue, but her membership and involvement were constantly encouraged and desired, even throughout TCF's defaming and de-recognition. I believe this issue presents a unique opportunity for mutually respectful dialogue on a controversial issue and sincere attempts to understand beliefs and perspectives which are radically different from our own. We have a chance to present a picture of Tufts as a place where diversity is more than just a list of statistics. Or we can wage a war of slander and paint the campus with intolerance. I hope there will be many who will enter this controversy with an open mind and a desire for meaningful and respectful dialogue.Jon Crowe is a senior majoring in international relations. He is also a Senior Leader in the Tufts Christian Fellowship.

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News

One can't separate belief from identity

August 31

I am outraged by the TCUJ's ruling which blatantly invalidates our existing non discrimination policy by allowing a group to discriminate against a member based on beliefs rather than identity. It is impossible to draw this line between the two as if they mutually exclude eachother, when what one believes is inextricably tied to who one is. According to Anya Ligai's letter, "the issue is not about discrimination. The TCF welcomes everyone, yet without accepting everyone's lifestyles and beliefs." First of all, this clearly is a case about discrimination. Second of all, she seems to be saying that any person may be a leader in the organization as long as that person keeps her dissenting opinion to herself, possibly negating her own identity in the process. This is not safe and it cannot be allowed on the Tufts campus. Yes, there should be a diversity of voices on campus. Yes, there should be freedom of speech and religion. But, Tufts is a private university with a policy to uphold: that no student should be discriminated against because of her identity, which includes beliefs. If we begin to separate belief from identity, the ramifications endanger every person on this campus. Basically, if you hold a minority opinion, you can be excluded. This is not acceptable, and I, for one, am prepared to fight. I hope you will join me.Sarah Marcus, '02 Member of the Coalition for Social Justice

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News

Asian-American month activities aim to increase unity, visibility of culture groups

August 31

Tufts' celebration of Asian American month kicked off yesterday during an "Empowerment through Visibility" rally on the Campus Center patio. The 12 Asian student organizations at Tufts are attempting to increase their sense of unity and visibility in the community through a series of events this November. Organizers of Asian American month feel that in the past, the Asian-American community has been divided into different culture groups and has lacked pan-Asian events. "I think a lot of times people overlook us and don't really see us as a community. It's important to show them that we do have a voice and we do participate in things on campus and that we are a part of the student body just like everyone else," said Allison Lord, the Student Coordinator for Programming at the Asian American Center. "Asian American month really gives us a chance to vocalize all of our opinions, beliefs and needs and to shows Tufts all we have to contribute." The kickoff event consisted of speeches by students and professors to the crowd about issues such as Asian-American identity, unity, and awareness on campus. "It wasn't really a rally, because rally has kind of a militant connotation to it. It was a gathering and a way to kick off Asian American month," Asian Christian Fellowship member Martin Hsia said. "It was surprisingly well attended considering that it was cold and rainy." "It was the first large pan-Asian event at Tufts, and it was a huge success," Lord said. "I would like to encourage people not only in the Asian community but others to come to our events, support us, and really see what we're about." Nationally, Asian American month traditionally takes place in May, but the Tufts groups chose to hold it in November, taking into consideration May's shortened academic calendar. Throughout this month, the various student organizations and several Tufts departments will be hosting events including a fashion show, karaoke night, movie night, and Asian Community at Tufts (ACT) club night. Also, a food fair will be held in the Campus Center next Monday. The culmination of the month's events will be a culture show towards the end of November. Organizers from the Asian American culture groups on campus hope that the month will serve to unite the members of their groups, many of which represent regions thousands of miles apart, into one community. "One of the important parts about it is to get Asians involved and together so that they can realize that they do have commonalties and share similar experiences," Lord said. Hsia also hopes that the awareness month will encourage Asian Americans to speak out about their experiences with prejudice and stereotypes, especially in light of the recent slew of hate incidents on campus. Organizers hope that uniting the community will foster more collaboration among students and faculty to deal with Asian American issues. There is currently no Asian-American Studies major or minor and there are few classes that deal with Asian-American literature or interests. Hsia said that Asian-American students are concerned about the lack of full-time Asian-American professors as well as a decrease in the number of incoming freshmen who are Asian American. "I think it's important to get more classes so that we can learn our history and so that others can learn our history," Lord said. "We're here, we're not going anywhere, and we're American too." Lord said that coming together is necessary to give Asian Americans weight to lobby for curriculum changes. "We need to unify the group. Once we do that, then we can work on pushing for things that we all need," she said. "It's kind of hard to go to the administration and push for things when you don't have anyone to back you up. But hopefully this month will change that."

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News

Triple-H Ruins Austin's Chances

August 31

For the Iowa State University audience, Monday night's WWF RAW ended its otherwise uneventful program in stunning form. While it looked like The Game and his wife Stephanie would be no-shows, they surprised everybody by arriving late on the scene - a few minutes after 11 p.m. - to affect the final match in a major way. In the featured last bout, which pinned WWF Champion Kurt Angle against wrestler bad-boy Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Game jumped into the ring to influence the outcome. Just as the Rattlesnake applied the Stunner and covered Angle for the pin, The Game ran into the ring to punish Austin. While Stone Cold thought he would win the title, Triple-H responded with a symbolic, "I don't think so!" Upon entering the ring, The Game brutally assaulted Austin, bashing on his head whenever possible. In one exemplary tactic, he suplexed Stone Cold, driving his face right into a steel chair. At the onset of the evening, our favorite wrestler, Olympic hero and WWF champion Kurt Angle, strutted into the ring to address the Iowan crowd. "Oh it's true." Using their "hick-like" reputation as his target, the Olympic champion insulted the crowd for upwards of ten minutes. He teased them, saying that most of their occupations consisted solely of "milking cows or picking corn." In addition to making fun of the crowd, Angle voiced his displeasure for the amount of ridiculous, completely fake, and overblown violent maneuvers in the WWF these days. We have to agree with him on this point. After we saw Stone Cold drop Triple-H and his car 40 feet off a forklift at Survivor Series, and then watched the Game speak from his hospital bed with a mere band-aid on his arm, we felt compelled to lose our lunch. While fans nowadays know that wrestling is fake, this blatant lack of realism should not go unnoticed. It was insulting to see Triple-H perfectly healthy only a day after that dramatic drop. Angle stated that he would retire due to the emergence of such brutality in the ring. Obviously, this entire speech was a load of crap, since Commissioner Mick Foley came to the ring, accompanied by the beautifully big-breasted Deborah, to set up his match with Steve Austin. While some viewers may have predicted that Stone Cold would surely defeat Angle and take the title, such people evidently don't know anything about wrestling. We predict that your Olympic hero will hold the title at least until the next pay per view, Armageddon. In other action, the Rock took on WWF fat-ass Rikishi once again in a battle for possession of the number one contendership. The Rock won by disqualification due to Kurt Angle's interference, but also received his usual post-match beat-down from Rikishi. We don't understand why the popular Brahma Bull gets his clock cleaned at the end of every match, especially from Rikishi, who no one really likes at all. Unfortunately, no other match or storyline warrants mentioning. Other than the main event, the bulk of the program was rather unentertaining. There remains a tremendous rift between the top wrestlers and the subsidiary storylines. The WWF would be better off developing lower stars so that the program as a whole improves. We find ourselves to be mostly entertained in the first and last half hours of the two-hour program, when the top superstars are on the program. With that said, the trials and tribulations of the main storyline provide motivation enough to watch RAW. The new rekindled feud between Austin and Triple-H will surely be awesome. Also, since the Rock defeated Rikishi, he is next in line to challenge for Kurt Angle's title. Throw these two epic clashes in with a little Bad Ass Billy Gunn, the hideous Chyna, the pathetic Eddie Guerrero, some dumb fun with the Dudley's, the Hardy's and the team of Edge and Christian, and the new feud between Undertaker and Kane, and WWF wrestling is definitely worth watching. So remember Smackdown this Thursday at 8 p.m. on UPN, Heat Sunday at 7 p.m. on MTV, and RAW next Monday on TNN - we'll be watching!

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News

Song, dance, and skeletons?

August 31

'Twas a long time ago, Longer now than it seems, In a place that perhaps you've seen in your dreams. For the story that you are about to be told Took place in the holiday worlds of old. Now you've probably wondered where holidays come from. If you haven't, I'd say it's time you begun!

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News

Tufts students among investors confused by volatility in stock market

August 31

With the holiday season drawing near, Teddy Bears are not the only "bears" on the minds of investors on and off the Tufts campus. Business analysts are attributing signs of a slowing economy to a staggering bear market. Declining stock prices, especially in technology stocks, and a lower-than-expected growth rate in productivity are among the numerous attributes characteristic of the nation's bear market. The most hard-hit area of the economy over the past year has been the technology sector. Tech stocks, which make up about 27 percent of the market, were down more than 20 percent on average this year. Many see this year's lackluster performance as especially troubling since tech funds have experienced only two down years in the past 20: 1981 and 1984. Dot-Com companies like Priceline.com and Amazon.com, which flourished in the '90s, suffered a poor start in the new millenium. Priceline.com (PCLN) currently trades at about $2 per share, and is down from its year high of $104.25, while Amazon.com (AMZN) trades at about $26 per share, down from its year high of $113. These lower returns have been disturbing for shareholders considering the market's bullish reputation. "WorldCom's been on a steady decline over the past year," said Tufts junior Alyssa Serian, who owns shares in the company. "It's really frustrating. I don't have very much faith in the stock market as of yet." WorldCom Inc. (WCOM), which currently trades at about $15 per share, has fallen far from its year high of $55 1/8. Technology is not the only sector feeling the effects of the bear market. "Not in the least," said sophomore Christopher Goodchild, a General Motors Corporation shareholder. "Non-tech stocks like General Motors (GM) are feeling the negative effects as well. I've lost a fair amount of money since January." Investors are inclined to agree that a bear market generally affects almost every sector of the economy. The company, which currently trades at about $50 per share, is down from its year high of $94 5/8. Stock analysts generally credit the nation's declining market to two late events: interest rate hikes and political uncertainty. In the sixth successive interest rate hike since June 1999, Federal Reserve Board Chairman Alan Greenspan announced a half-point interest rate hike last May, bringing the federal discount rate to 6.5 percent. Higher interest rates make it more expensive to borrow money, and as a result consumers tend to spend less, decreasing the risk of inflation. The effects of the Fed's rate hikes were not apparent until late in the year however, about the same time students left for college. The Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) - the output of goods and services in the United States - increased at an annual rate of 5.6 percent in the second quarter of 2000 compared to a 2.4 percent increase in the third quarter. Stock market investors often react negatively to uncertainty. Following this year's presidential election, concern over who was going to follow Clinton into the White House damaged an already declining market. The Wilshire 5000 Total Stock Index, the broadest measure of the US market, declined sharply following the Nov. 7 election. "The presidential election impasse is not the only cause but indecision is itself a contributing factor to the decline, at the very least," said Tom Stevens, senior managing director of Wilshire Associates. At the close of the election, the Wilshire 5000 was at 13,403. By Nov. 20, it had fallen to 12,361. On Dec. 4, following Leon County Circuit Court Judge N. Sanders Sauls' rejection of the Gore campaign's request to recount 14,000 votes in Miami and Palm Beach counties, the market began to show signs of revival. Investors found comfort in the idea of a prompt end to the election process and a probable Bush victory. After a speech from Greenspan commenting on apparent signs of a slowing economy the next day, the market rallied even further. Investors interpreted the speech to mean that the Fed will be modifying its policy, and might even lower interest rates at its Dec. 19 meeting. On Tuesday, the Dow Jones industrial average closed ended up, rallying to 10,898, a 337.77-point jump. The NASDAQ Composite Stock Index rallied to 2,889, up 274.05 points. Following Tuesday's rally, market analysts predicted a brighter future for the economy. Brian Conroy, head of listed trading for J.P. Morgan, forecasted a positive growth rate in the market. "The fear of a hard landing may be abating, so investors are gaining confidence in the future,"he said.

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News

Jumbos cement come-from-behind win on Tooley goal

August 31

It's games like this past Saturday's win over Colby that can define a season.

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News

Subway series stinks

August 31

What are the two things sports fans outside the Empire State hate the most? New York and the New York Yankees. I know, New Yorkers, that's hard to believe, but it's true. The Yankees are the team everyone loves to hate, and nobody hates them more then me. What I hate most about the typical New York fan is that they are just that, fans of New York. There is no team spirit, no team pride, and no team. Sure, there are a few die-hard fans out there in Hollywood East, but for the most part the "fans" of New York would be happy to just buy their way into the spotlight. Allow me to provide some examples. Case 1: The New York Jets. In 1995, the Jets finished the season a pathetic 3-13. One year later, an abysmal 1-15. At any given game in the Meadowlands, green was nowhere to be found in the stands. I had the misfortune of attending a game between the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets in '96 but amidst the boos and empty seats lost track of what state I was actually in when there was more applause for Dan Marino and Irving Fryar than there was for the home team. The Jets were the laughing stock of the league, the hapless underdogs everyone loved to laugh at, to point at in disgust and to tell their friends, "Whatever, I'm a Giants fan," or "Hey, they play in New Jersey anyway." But leave it to the fair-weather "fans" in New York to hop on to the J-E-T-S bandwagon as soon as Parcells hopped into town. Now every New Yorker is a Jets fan and the rest of us are still laughing. Just ask any of those Vinny and the Jets guys where they were in '96... whether they admit it or not, they were all Giants fans, and once the Jets start to slide, they will be again. Case 2: The New York Knicks. Wait, sorry, someone call the NBA, Manhattan only has one official team, but ask any Knicks follower after another playoff loss and they'll say they're a Nets fan. Case 3: The New York Islanders. Sure, the Rangers have their following of fans from the old-school ranks of hockey when they were in the original six, but bring a recycled Gretzky to New York in a Rangers uniform and good luck finding one Islanders Jersey in the Big Apple. Case 4: The New York Yankees. Where do I even begin? I know hundreds of New York baseball fans and I can't stand any of them. I know one Yankees fan and one Mets fan; I can't stand them either, but I can respect them because they are part of an extinct and unique breed of true fans. Now the bleepin' Bombers face their urban brethren, the New York Mets, in a battle for one city. New York "baseball fans" can take solace in the fact that New York will win the World Series. I know there are hundreds of you out there who say they are Mets fans and just as many who say they are Yankees fans, but ask any of them the word of the day, and they'll tell you one thing. Ask them what's special about this Fall Classic. Ask them why they're so excited and you'll get the same answer: Subway Series. Never again will I ever use the phrase. In a matter of days it has become the greatest clich?© in the English language and the worst thing that could happen to baseball. Everyone in New York, even those who have never followed baseball before in their lives who probably couldn't name one player on either team with the exception of Derek "I like Skippy Peanut Butter" Jeter, will be glued to Fox come next week. The city will be electric and journalists will rush frantically to be the first to find some new way to fit "subway" into some catchy new title. In a Lexis-Nexis search of only Oct. 18, the phrase appeared 59 times in different newspapers. Meanwhile, nobody else in the country will be watching. New York versus New York. How exciting that must be for everyone in Chicago and Boston and California and Texas and anywhere else in the country. Ah, but I digress. As I watched Game 6 of the ALCS and saw K signs for El Duque in the form of subway cars, I realized how true my point was about the fans of New York. What's important to New Yorkers is not that their team is in the World Series, it's that both NewYork teams in are in the Series, so when "their team" loses, they can say at least the champion is from New York. With this said, can we get rid of interleague play now? The powers that be set-up this ridiculous system so that cross-town rivals in opposite leagues could get the chance to square-off while teams like Boston and Baltimore get a sneak peak at the Phillies and Expos. The Subway Series has happened before. It's nothing new, just rejuvenated. It happened with the Yankees first in 1921 with the cross-town rivals Giants, then again in '46 versus the Dodgers. Then it happened yet again in '98 then '99, and finally we get to relive the magic in 2000. Now the mystique is gone. We've all seen it. It's been done, six times this year alone. New York, get over it. No one cares! We've already seen a double-header in Shea and Yankee Stadium in the same day, we've already heard the hype, we've already had our wish come true - a Mets-Yankees series. And now we've spoiled the fun. Major League Baseball has ruined the surprise, the excitement, the anticipation of New York-New York, and I couldn't be happier. As my friend the Yankees fan told me via email, "1986 was the worst year in baseball because the two teams I hate most were squaring off in October - the Mets and the Red Sox." If you are a New Yorker, it's a good thing Major League Baseball is not set up like the NFL where the championship is played in a neutral city. Can you imagine the New York Yankees and the New York Mets squaring off in Minnesota? If that were the case, all those New Yorkers wouldn't be too happy anymore. As if the world didn't hate the Yankees enough, now this. As Sports Illustrated writer Rick Reilly said in a commentary once, "rooting for the Yankees... is like rooting for Brad Pitt to get the girl or Bill Gates to hit Scratch 'n' Win." Or to put it into more current-day terms, it's like rooting for Gore to run Nader into the ground. Sure, Yankee fans will read this and want to kick my ass because they know it's true. The Yankees have not built a dynasty- - they've bought one. Taking full advantage of the absence of the salary cap (like campaign finance reform for you politicos out there), Steinbrener has managed to stockpile his team with players nobody else can afford. Am I jealous, you ask? In a way. Of course I'd love to have an owner come in and buy the Sox and buy out the league, but then again, I'd feel a little dishonest buying a championship. So as a fan of baseball, I am forced to watch to the two teams I hate most play in the city I hate most, but I am a true fan of baseball and a fanatic Red Sox fan, so by default I must reluctantly root for the Mets because I could never root for the Yankees. But to all you New Yorkers who claim this Subway Series is good for the game, think again. Ask anyone outside your bubble and they will tell you otherwise. Yes, it's great for New Yorkers and New York, but so is Radio City and MTV. I can already see New Yorkers scrambling to get tickets to this year's Super Bowl to see the Jets and Giants face-off in Atlanta. And to those of you who claim to be fans and still rooted for a subway series, I hope you read this carefully. Go Jets, go Giants, go Mets, go Yankees, go Knicks, go Rangers, go Islanders, go Liberty, go home! New Yorkers, you're in the spotlight again now, but this time you're all alone and nobody will be watching. Even Berenson is a senior majoring in political science.

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