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TUFTSDAILY.COM
Ornstein travels back 28 years, draws elections parallels CIRCLE recieves grants from CNCS
by Rachel Dolin analyzing fluctuations in politi-
Daily Editorial Board by Nate Breg
Contributing Writer cal participation, according to
Peter Levine, director of CIRCLE
American Enterprise Institute Tufts’ Center for Information and director of research at Tisch
Resident Scholar and CBS News and Research on Civic Learning College.
analyst Norman Ornstein spoke and Engagement (CIRCLE) “We are very interested in
in the received two grants totaling close inequality,” he said. “People who,
Coolidge to $700,000 last month to conduct for example, go to college are
R o o m research on the political partici- more likely to participate [civi-
last night pation of different demographics cally]. That’s mostly a reflection of
a b o u t and promote online civic activ- social class.”
the 2008 ism. CIRCLE will also use the grant
presiden- The Corporation for National to build an interactive Web appli-
tial elec- and Community Service (CNCS), cation for examining U.S. Census
tion, a the largest federal organization data on civic participation,
race that dedicated to supporting service although the center will subcon-
he said represents a “public desire and volunteerism with grants, tract the actual construction of
for change” but is strikingly simi- provided CIRCLE with the funds. the application.
lar to the 1980 campaign. CIRCLE, a civic-participation Levine said that the govern-
Ornstein began his talk, “An research group housed in the ment, membership organizations
Election of Change: How Much, Delphine Thierry/Tufts Daily Jonathan M. Tisch College of and volunteering college students
What Kind, What Consequences?” Normal Ornstein compared the current cycle to the 1980 race. Citizenship and Public Service, could all use this information to
by outlining the current politi- received $128,000, to be put figure out whom to target when
cal landscape, which has seen erendum allowing the country to Reagan (R-Calif.) ran against toward measuring civic participa- encouraging voter turnout.
Democratic presidential nomi- TiVo through the coming year — Democratic incumbent Jimmy tion levels within certain demo- “The voting rate among Tufts
nee Barack Obama jolt ahead of just push that button and be done Carter. graphics and $570,000 to build students is going to be pretty
Republican rival John McCain in with the Bush administration, be “In 1980, we had another elec- a social networking application high, and among Medford stu-
the polls amid the recent eco- done with the Congress, move on tion of change, [with a] public that that will connect civically engaged dents, it’s going to be very low,”
nomic downturn. — I think it would have gotten a had had its fill of Jimmy Carter’s people. he said. “Tufts students should be
Ornstein explained that with 98-percent vote to move on and presidency by the time we had CIRCLE will analyze data from trying to increase voting rate off-
Americans’ economic “safety net” get off to the next chapter in our moved into the final stretches of the U.S. Census and surveys from campus.”
having been torn apart by the lives and in our country’s future.” that campaign,” he said. various non-profit and for-profit He added, “That’s the reason
financial collapse, voters now feel While the concept of “change” In the current race, the polls organizations to compare levels for this research, so that you
an even more urgent need to put has become a rallying cry on both have remained strikingly stable of civic engagement between understand the problem and
the country back on track. sides of the presidential race, since each major candidate chose social groups. guide your action.”
“The public desire for change Ornstein said the general election his nominee, with the selection The study is still in its plan- The project reflects Tufts’
was vivid,” he said. “This was an field is a blast from the past, so to of Gov. Sarah Palin (R-Alaska) as ning phases, but it may examine emphasis on students becoming
election of change. If, a year ago, speak, resembling the 1980 cam- factors including race, age, immi-
we had been able to have a ref- paign in which then-Gov. Ronald see ORNSTEIN, page 2 gration status and education in see CIRCLE, page 2
Obama spike is Tufts looks to clarify guidelines Levine said the project
would build a user interface for
Facebook.com and MySpace.com
based on the idea that “networks
are more valuable the more peo-
ple on them already,” Levine said.
predictable ACCESSIBILITY
continued from page 1
completely.”
The question of accessibility at
using software called YouthMap.
YouthMap allows users to sub-
“We have no interest in compet-
ing with large existing networks.
us an indication that we could not Tufts stretches beyond the West mit data on civic activists and the We’d rather just plug in.”
ornstein do the work without doing a much construction, Roberto said, add-
continued from page 1
Republican vice presidential nomi-
nee representing “one significant
greater volume” of renovations,
Vice President for Operations John
Roberto said.
ing that the dormitory is “only the
first project that [is] impacted.”
Accessibility concerns will be
Díaz: Art cannot be rushed
blip,” Ornstein said. Sen. Obama In response, Tufts reduced the a part of any and all future con- DÍaz own,” he said. “But as an artist,
(D-Ill.) has had about a three- or scope of the project, looking to struction and renovation projects continued from page 1 you want nothing more than time
four-point lead in national polls renovate West without exceeding around campus. does not relate to anyone in the to work on your art.”
since the Democratic National the threshold that would man- This past summer, Tufts suc- comic series turned Hollywood But Díaz also concluded that
Convention at the end of August, date full accessibility, Roberto said. cessfully renovated Metcalf Hall, hit, the book has yet another level there are limits to the amount of
according to Ornstein. These smaller renovations were adding an access ramp at the of meaning. art one can produce. He asked
The 1980 race featured similarly completed over the summer. front entrance and three acces- These elements came togeth- the audience members whether
close polling numbers, Ornstein Subsequent renovations that sible bedrooms and one acces- er with others in Díaz’s attempt they really wanted their favorite
said. would have become necessary sible bathroom on the first floor. to target a broad audience and authors to write a new book each
“And yet, with that enormous include “requiring the facility to be Construction teams also improved speak directly to the reader with year. “Do we even have that many
desire for change, and a president accessible from the exterior, either accessibility in South Hall bath- “Oscar Wao.” readers? I think we should limit
whose approval rating rivaled that through a ramp or a lift, and full rooms, according to Roberto. “Audience is fundamental, and authors to one book a decade,” he
of [President] George [W.] Bush -— accessibility to all floors within the While the university is ready I think about it a lot,” he said. said.
down in the 20s — Ronald Reagan, building,” Roberto said. for future projects on campus to “You got to remember that the Although students were eager
the principle challenger, through Accommodating these require- receive the same scrutiny that the audience is a very dynamic part to ask him questions, after his talk
July, August and September and into ments would have entailed the West plans, Tufts is still in the pro- of being a writer.” Díaz told the Daily, “Young people
October in the Gallup Poll ranged implementation of an elevator cess of determining whether the He noted that in a structur- don’t need any words from me.”
between having a three-point lead system with access to all floors and accessibility rule is being interpret- al sense, the novel is extremely According to Díaz, “Adults spend
to being down by a point because the installation of handicap-acces- ed correctly. complicated. “I had a sense that I all their time giving f--king advice
Americans looked at a challenger sible toilets, sinks and showers in Tufts is advocating for a more wanted to write a book that only [to young people]. I have some
and saw an actor … that knew noth- the bathrooms. holistic approach to regulating progresses by digging deeper into advice for adults: to spend more
ing about the world at a time when Building the elevator shaft accessibility accommodations. the past,” he said. time with young people.”
the world was a dangerous place.” would have been a complex pro- “The university is committed Díaz said that it took 11 years Ruben Salinas-Stern, director
But after the only debate of that cess, requiring either a sacrifice of to fully complying with appli- for him to write the book, explain- of the Latino Center, which co-
election, held on Oct. 28, Reagan space in the floor plan or an addi- cable regulations but believes ing that art cannot be scheduled. sponsored the event, said Díaz is
finally convinced Americans he tion to the building. … compliance should be based “Guys, the weirdest thing about a great role model for all students,
could lead — the same thing that “Lift options have been explored upon the percentage of all acces- writing a piece of art is that you but especially for Latino males
is happening now, Ornstein said. preliminarily,” although either sac- sible rooms available in all build- cannot pencil that s--t the f--k and for “folks who have had to
The scholar called the recent spike rificing space or building an addi- ings, as opposed to the percent- in,” he said jokingly. “It resists us. deal with being the smart ones in
in Obama’s numbers, in which his tion would be costly compared to age available in any single build- I picked a book that wanted to their community.” He also noted
Gallup Poll lead over Sen. McCain a standard plumbing renovation, ing.” Tufts’ Senior Counsel Martin resist me every step of the f--king that not many Latinos have had
(R-Ariz.) has poked into the double Deferred Maintenance Program Oppenheimer told the Daily in an way.” the honor of winning the Pulitzer,
digits, “predictable.” Manager Rudi Pizzi told the Daily e-mail. Another reason for the pro- which Díaz earned this year.
During a brief question-and- in an e-mail. Pizzi added that the If a review confirms that the reg- tracted process was that “the Salinas-Stern said Díaz's book
answer session, Ornstein addressed total cost of such a renovation can- ulation is based on the percentage book needed compassion,” some- is “wonderful.” The author “really
the diverging campaign styles not be determined “until the final of all accessible rooms on campus thing Díaz feels he did not have speaks to experiences [about]
of Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.), scope of the work is defined.” rather than in individual buildings, enough of. “It’s like when you date identity and masculinity, be it the
who he characterized as having a Tufts is only required to bring Tufts will have considerable free- someone and you aren’t human immigrant experience [or] mov-
“George Steinbrenner approach” the building into line with MAAB dom in planning new renovations. enough for them,” he said. “What ing from a poor, working-class
and Obama, who he said chose regulations if it conducts signifi- Oppenheimer also said that a keeps us from creating is that we background to the university,” he
inexperienced people but put them cant construction on the building, taskforce has been working over haven’t become the person to cre- said. According to Salinas-Stern,
in appropriate niches, delegat- which predates the board’s rules. the last 18 months on the issue ate that art.” “If you’re Latino at Tufts, it’s diffi-
ing his subordinates into one the The planned renovations to West of increasing handicap-accessible Díaz noted that his “typical, cult to find professors, courses or
best-run campaigns in American exceeded two thresholds set by the space on campus. typical, working, poor, immigrant books that focus on your experi-
history. “It has become very clear board in terms of cost and area According to Roberto, finding background” forced him to learn ence.”
that McCain can’t run much of renovated. a working interpretation of the how to work. “I work like a f--king The event had a number
anything,” however, as he has Part of the problem lies in the regulations is a primary concern. beast,” he said. “I went to Cornell of sponsors, including the
run a top-down organization that vague interpretation of the regu- In the future, it will be important grad school and worked three Department of American Studies,
has altered its message everyday, lations, according to Roberto. “If to determine “a balance between jobs.” the Arts, Sciences and Engineering
Ornstein said. we do a whole building, then the maintaining our facilities and He said that this aspect of his Diversity Fund, the Latino Studies
This was the inaugural speech whole building is brought up to meeting the spirit and intent of the personality can conflict with his Minor, the Africana Center, the
in the Frank C. Colcord Lecture code,” he said. “The issue comes law,” Roberto said. artistic side since it forces him Women’s Center, the Association
series, which is sponsored by the when you’re doing less than a full The original, full project is still to hurry things. “If I don’t work, of Latin American Students and
political science department and renovation. What does the code pending review by the MAAB, Pizzi I can’t afford medical insurance the Latino Men’s Group. It was
the Jonathan M. Tisch College of require you to do? That’s what said, and may go forward at a later [or] pay my mother’s rent. I’ve part of the Latino Center’s Latino
Citizenship and Public Service. we’re trying to understand more date. got other concerns other than my Heritage Month programming.
Features
3
tuftsdaily.com
by Charlotte Steinway
Daily Editorial Board
Oh ... hey
This is the second article in a two-part
series examining the disparities in essay-
writing styles in nations around the world.
I
The first installment explored the American t’s Tuesday afternoon. You’re walk-
model in comparison with those of other ing across the quad. You see a famil-
countries. This article focuses on how iar face, but not that familiar ... oh,
Tufts provides writing support for interna- wait! It’s that friend of a friend (of a
tional students, as well as the difficulties friend?) you met last weekend during
American students who study abroad face a rousing game of drinking-Spoons.
when writing. It’s that girl from your freshman year
Writing styles, citations and structures Creative Writing class. It’s someone’s
can be as diverse as the languages in which boyfriend/roommate/secret crush/wil-
papers are written. Because the standards derness freshman for whom you have a
of intellectual honesty can vary sharply secret nickname that has replaced his
from nation to nation, some international real name in your brain. Do you say hi?
students may be immediately put at an If you go to Tufts, then the answer is
academic disadvantage upon coming to Dilys Ong/Tufts Daily probably no.
Tufts, especially when they are put in a The common space in Olin plays host to a wide variety of international and American stu- The politics of the casual greeting
class with a professor who is unaware of dents trying to hone their foreign language skills. here at Tufts are ridiculous. Should I
such variances. say hello? Will she say it first? Does this
“Sometimes students are penalized even English courses geared towards interna- per se; a lot of times it’s about the struc- person even remember me? No, she
if their English is perfect and they have tional students at Tufts in lieu of the tra- ture.” definitely does. But will she pretend
the right idea because they are writing in ditional English 01 and English 02 geared Even if students do choose to forgo the like she doesn’t? Or maybe she actually
an atypical style for the United States,” towards American first-year students. English courses, there is another form of doesn’t. Is that even the same girl? Was
Director of the Academic Resource Center While those courses are aimed at com- support available to struggling students: she too drunk to remember? Was I? Did
(ARC) Carmen Lowe said. “Unless [profes- bating the discrepancies in structural the graduate writing consultancy program, I just detect a flash of recognition in
sors] have a background with international essay models and academic honesty, a faction of the ARC. her eyes? And the worst: OMG, did I
students or have studied abroad, they most Lowe explained they often aren’t effective Jenny Lenkowski, a first-year gradu- just become that person I hate for not
likely would not be aware that there are because they only draw a very small pool of ate student in biology, works as a writing saying hi when she clearly knows me by
huge cultural differences in terms of writ- students. consultant and specializes in cases of pla- not saying hi when I clearly knew her?
ing.” “Very few students take those classes,” giarism often unknowingly committed by On rare occasions, this phenomenon
Instead of putting the responsibility on she said. “A lot of time, if [an international international students uninformed about is due to actual memory failure. There
the professor to teach the international student has] scored very high on a stan- the American system of academic honesty. is this one guy (I’m sure you don’t
student the American model, Tufts offers dardized test, they assume their English is Lenkowski often approaches such cases know who you are) that I have met
a number of other options — from writing fine — they can communicate with their by first trying to gain a better understand- and talked to a total of six times. For
tutors to introductory English classes — to roommate, they’ve watched a lot of English ing of the culture that the student came the longest time I thought I had fallen
help the students in question. language television, and then they write from. victim to the old Tufts socially awkward
Lowe, for example, prior to being the their first paper, and they are not under- “A lot of it is trying to understand the blow-off, but upon meeting him time
Director of the ARC, formerly taught standing why they’re getting such a low number six, I realized that even after a
English 03 and English 04, which are the grade. [But] it’s not about language skills, see ESSAYS, page 4 solid total of 20 minutes of face time,
he really and truly does not remember
Jumbos studying abroad may be shocked by new writing styles Health risks
ESSAYS
continued from page 3
you write yourself a little note
after a sentence if you have to cite
but in those countries, it just
means being rigorous, and hold-
studied abroad in Spain through
the Tufts-in-Madrid program last
leave admin.
cultural differences — when you’re
taught by a form of rote memori-
zation, it’s also a form of respect,
it, and it may seem like a simple
thing to do, but if you’ve never
done that before, it actually takes
ing high standards,” Lowe said.
“I don’t think some country’s cul-
tures would be even supportive
year, encountered a situation sim-
ilar to the one Lowe described.
“In Spain, they put less empha-
wary of beds
because people know where these a lot of practice.” of the idea that we should make sis on structure and organization: TANNING
ideas are coming from,” Lenkowski Even aside from adjusting to resources available to students.” They allow for more flexibility continued from page 3
said. “If it’s not in their native lan- the basic essay requirements and In fact, it is those rigors than they do in the American ver- the pro-radiation UV Foundation,
guage, [often] students think, ‘Why academic practices, many inter- emblematic of other cultures, as sion of essay writing,” Nascimento there is a vitamin D deficiency
put it in my own words if they national students must adjust well as the differences in general said. “In the U.S., we’re often epidemic in the country because
already say it so well?’” to differences in the American writing structure, that tend to taught that in an essay, we have to of misinformation about UV’s full
Lenkowski explained that as teaching process and classroom represent the biggest challeng- re-state people’s ideas in a differ- range of effects.”
a consultant, she tries to incorpo- structure. It can be an adjustment es to American students when ent way and draw our own con- “People are afraid to leave their
rate citation into the basic habits of to a system far less intimidating studying abroad. clusions from them, whereas in houses without putting on sun-
struggling students, so they can then and controlled than the one of “Many students who study Spain, it’s acceptable to just rear- screen, but there are a host of
move on to fix simpler problems, their home country. abroad are more concerned about range the ideas without adding a health problems associated with
like those with essay structure. “I know that the international their language skills, like their personal take on them.” vitamin D deficiencies including
“The important thing here in students who come to Tufts from vocabulary and their grammar, Senior Natalie Miyake, who also internal cancers, osteoporosis, and
the United States is that you cite France are often astonished that but when they get there, they are studied abroad in Madrid during multiple sclerosis. Dermatologists
sources to give people credit for professors are so accessible here, confronted with this dramatically her junior year, shared a similar don’t look at all the health prob-
their ideas and their words,” she that there are tutors, and that different style of writing — which example from her experience. lems you can avoid with UV,”
said. “So [our job] is to incor- tutoring is free — because our can be the structure of the ideas, “I went in to ask my professor Shepherd said. Lichtenfeld’s arti-
porate that into what students educational philosophy is based or they way in which you are sup- about formulating a thesis, and cle questioned the validity of the
do. That’s another part of it — on being supportive and encour- posed to present them — whether she said, ‘You don’t need to think UV Foundation’s published works,
because Americans have been aging, where in some countries, you’re supposed to be direct or of it like that — you can think largely funded by the Indoor
doing this kind of thing for so their model is to humiliate people indirect and flowery,” Lowe said. of it more like an investigation,’” Tanning Association. Those who
long, [it] comes really naturally; — we would consider it ‘mean,’ Senior Victor Nascimento, who Miyake said. profit from the tanning industry,
though, seem to have no problem
subscribing to the assertions.
“There are some people who
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tuftsdaily.com
E.V. Oh No
psychedelic rock to new heights
I
by Josh Zeidel can’t stand Rachael Freaking Ray.
Daily Staff Writer Fortunately, there is a large group of
people who back me up on this. Web
Can psychedelic rock be revived? Does sites have been devoted to people’s
progressive rock have to be overbearing? If deep-running hatred of her, like rrsux.
a guitarist leaves a power-trio group, is it com. While I am not an avid visitor
of the site, there are numerous things
Secret Machines about RFR that really get me going.
The Secret Machines Here are my Official Top Five Reasons
Why I Can’t Stand Rachael Ray:
5. The perkiness and that voice: This
is one of her most talked-about traits,
World’s Fair/TSM Recordings
with due reason. Rachael Freaking Ray’s
amazon.com
still the same band? Self-described “space incessant perkiness seems to be a force
rock” group The Secret Machines attempts Secret Machines proves that photoshopped cubes can be great fun. How’s that for psychedelia? of its own — a nonstop barrage of her
to answer these troubling questions on their crazy smile, flailing arms and really,
third, self-titled album. with unapologetic force, the listener gets an the darkly plodding “The Walls Are Starting really bad puns. And that voice! If you
Formed in Dallas in the late ’90s, the band accurate sense of the album’s overall sound: to Crack.” Both songs start out reserved and watch “30 Minute Meals” carefully, you
relocated to Chicago and then New York, a driving rhythm section, topped with swirl- unassuming, but build artfully into massive can chart the decline of her voice into
releasing a handful of EPs and two decently ing layers of overdriven guitar and synth, and and epic conclusions. In “The Walls,” the mind-numbing oblivion. In the first few
received albums: “Now Here is Nowhere” polished with bassist Brandon Curtis’ irrever- band fittingly pays tribute to their psyche- seasons of the show, she had a toler-
(2004) and “Ten Silver Drops” (2006). In 2007, ently surreal vocals. delic/progressive forebears like Pink Floyd able voice. Then, out of nowhere, this
The Secret Machines performed with U2’s The album progresses in the same vein, and Radiohead with an extended noise sec- high-pitched, shrill … thing … came
Bono on the “Across the Universe” (2007) with the religiously themed “Last Believer, tion dead in the middle of the track. But the into existence. Her voice managed to go
soundtrack, following a stint in 2006 as the Drop Dead,” a track that refuses to fit its lyr- resolution, which kicks back full force into up an octave and about 100 decibels in
opening band for the Mexico leg of U2’s ics into lines of logical length. But the words’ the song’s relentless rhythm, saves the track the span of a month. And, the other half
Vertigo Tour. purposeful disorganization fits the song’s from falling off the brink of psychedelia into of the time she barely even has a voice!
The group’s present effort, “Secret delightfully controversial speculation: “So vast, pretentious chasms of noise-rock and Some episodes of her show she is so
Machines,” was leaked in September, and look a little bit further down/ Who’s that sound collage. raspy you can’t even understand what
officially released Oct. 14 on TSM Records/ man there, wearing that thorny crown?/ Ultimately, “Secret Machines” might she’s saying. This is probably due to…
Worlds Fair. The album is notable in that it’s Look a little bit further down/ I wonder come across sounding a little too abstract 4. The ridiculous number of things
the band’s first recording to feature new gui- what he’ll do, when every last believer has for its own good, with its unrepentant use she does: Rachael Freaking Ray writes
tarist Phil Karnats. Even so, it remains true to dropped dead.” of effects and noise and the majority of for her magazines. She has a daytime
the band’s prior style with a sound that’s not Sprawling psychedelic instrumental its songs lasting longer than five minutes. talk show. She has four Food Network
quite as large as The Who or Zeppelin, not breaks get taken to a whole new level on the But the band can nearly pull it off without shows. She does commercials. She
quite as endlessly trippy as Roger Waters and nearly eight-minute-long “Have I Run Out.” seeming too overbearing thanks to its talent does constant public appearances. She
not quite as goofy-indie as The Flaming Lips. The Secret Machines can almost pull it off for combining heavy, pulsing rhythms and seems to come out with a new cook-
“Secret Machines” blasts off with a with a message as inspirational as: “Have hypnotic melodies. One has to at least give book every five to six months. Granted,
stomping, no-nonsense introduction that you seen the writing on the wall?/ It says ‘we the group credit for having the gall to try to the woman probably has a small army
very faintly resembles the opening of Led can win, you gotta believe, that’s all.” This resurrect psychedelic rock. And sure, maybe of employees working for her, but still.
Zeppelin’s iconic “Immigrant Song.” This overly ambitious effort, however, just does some songs sound too similar to others on Rachael Freaking Ray needs to decide
pounding opener, “Atomic Heel,” showcases not quite fit in the first three tracks of this the album, but this can be forgiven. In a what she is: cook, travel guide or writer.
the band’s knack for arrangements that meld eight-song album. world where progressive-rock aspirations Her latest endeavor is Nutrish, a line
extended instrumental sections with other- But never fear: The Secret Machines are all too common among indie bands, of dog food (in regards to the name,
worldly vocals and power-pop hooks. When restore the listener’s faith with the syncopat- The Secret Machines has managed to find see number three). Some people might
the trio hits the infectious, catchy chorus ed, sweet sentiments “Now You’re Gone” and its own consistent and unique sound. look at this list of accomplishments and
say, “Wow, that’s impressive. What a tal-
ented woman.” No. Wrong. She overex-
tends herself, resulting in the creation
Movie Review Theater Review of numerous products without any of
Representatives from Health Services, Thursday, 10/23 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Alcohol and Health Education, the F.I.T.
program and the Office of Student Affairs Friday, 10/24 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m
will be in attendance to participate
in the conversation. Hodgdon Hall Lounge
Schedule an appointment TODAY: www.Tuftslife.com
Students, faculty members, and staff *Positive ID Required*Drop-ins are welcome!*Free food!
Captured
Head of the Charles Regatta . Cambridge,
Mass. . Oct. 18-19, 2008 . Photographs by
Annie Wermiel . Sasha Beausset . Laura Schultz
Sasha Beausset
Tuesday, October 21, 2008 The Tufts Daily Captured 9
annie wermiel
Laura schultz
EDITORIAL
THE TUFTS DAILY Blurring the lines
Robert S. Silverblatt Harvard Law School recently the top and bottom of the class will still School X. That’s because more Harvard
Editor-in-Chief announced that it will be moving to be significant, although less so. More Law students will look roughly the
Editorial a modified pass-fail grading system importantly, it will be incredibly hard same on paper, and absent adequate
starting next fall. Law School Dean to distinguish between the top students means of distinguishing between them,
Rachel Dolin Managing Editors Elena Kagan said that the change was and decide who really is the best of the they will all look more appealing than
Kristin Gorman motivated by a desire to “promote best. Perhaps most notable, though, is their counterparts from other schools.
Jacob Maccoby Editorial Page Editors pedagogical excellence and innovation what will happen in the middle, since Perhaps this is a sad commentary on
Jason Richards and further strengthen the intellectual “Low Pass” bunches together the range law firms’ attitudes in general, with
Giovanni Russonello Executive News Editor community in which [Harvard Law stu- from B- to D — quite a span. their insistence on looking at brand
dents] live.” Harvard’s new system will Many have suspected that Harvard’s over an actual person, but Harvard’s
Sarah Butrymowicz News Editors closely resemble the ones used at the decision was motivated by admissions: move does nothing but encourage that
Pranai Cheroo
Nina Ford Yale and Stanford law schools. Apparently, a significant enough num- philosophy.
Ben Gittleson While Kagan professes that “peda- ber of students began passing over The move is a no-brainer for Harvard.
Gillian Javetski gogical excellence” is the major con- Harvard in favor of other upper-eche- Not only does the administration please
Jeremy White
tributing factor in Harvard’s decision, lon law schools (i.e. Stanford and Yale) its students by creating a less-pressured
Alexandra Bogus Assistant News Editors we suspect reasons less scholarly were that adopted pass-fail grading systems. environment and encouraging aca-
Michael Del Moro also at play. The move seems to be Harvard’s way of demic freedom, but it also eliminates
Carrie Battan Executive Features Editor The new system, which consists of pandering to its prospective already- the one “advantage” that the competi-
four distinctions (Honors Pass, Pass, set-for-life law students. tion had.
Jessica Bidgood Features Editors Low Pass, Fail), would create a student The move undoubtedly will help The real problem is that, while it
Robin Carol body with less-differentiated grades. Harvard’s future alumni find jobs when makes it harder for individual Harvard
Kerianne Okie
Charlotte Steinway While the stated reasoning is that it they enter the job market. Top law students to stand out, it also makes it
would create a less stressful environ- firms always seem to have a preoc- more difficult for students from other
Sarah Bliss Assistant Features Editors ment — and it undoubtedly would cupation with Harvard Law students law schools to get noticed ahead of
Meghan Pesch
— one cannot help but think of the and now, in the absence of hard and Harvard Law graduates. Harvard Law
Mike Adams Executive Arts Editor unintended (or perhaps intended) con- distinct grades, they will have even students will probably love the new sys-
sequences. Grades will become some- less of a reason to seek out the inevita- tem. We, however, are not so enthralled
Jessica Bal Arts Editors
Grant Beighley what hollow; the difference between bly more qualified graduates from Law with its potential to hurt the little guy.
Sarah Cowan
Catherine Scott
DON WRIGHT
Emma Bushnell Assistant Arts Editors
Matthew DiGirolamo
Jyll Saskin Executive Op-Ed Editor
Thomas Eager Executive Sports Editor
Sapna Bansil Sports Editors
Evans Clinchy
Philip Dear
David Heck
Carly Helfand
Noah Schumer
Scott Janes Assistant Sports Editor
Jo Duara Executive Photo Editor
Alex Schmieder Photo Editors
Laura Schultz
Rebekah Sokol
Annie Wermiel
James Choca Assistant Photo Editors
Emily Eisenberg
Aalok Kanani
Meredith Klein
Danai Macridi
Tim Straub
PRODUCTION
Marianna Bender Production Director
Emily Neger Executive Layout Editor
Kelsey Anderson Layout Editors
Leanne Brotsky
Jennifer Iassogna
Julia Izumi
Amanda Nenzen
Andrew Petrone
Muhammad Qadri
Daniel Simon
Amani Smathers
Steven Smith
Katie Tausanovitch
Adam Raczkowski Executive Technical Manager
Michael Vastola Technical Manager Off the Hill | Northwestern University
Hena Kapadia Online Editors
Minah Kim
Matt Skibinski New Media Editor
Joe the Plumber steals Joe Six-Pack’s thunder
Kelly Moran Webmaster Bentley Ferraina Joe Six-Pack doesn’t even like hockey. Now you’re in a unique position
Daily Northwestern But they say you’re the new me to ask the voters and the candidates
Caryn Horowitz Executive Copy Editor now. That’s great. I was really just a to follow your lead and to hear each
Grace Lamb-Atkinson Copy Editors Dear Joe the Plumber, voiceless symbol for politicians and other out. You’ll probably do more
Michelle Hochberg I heard a lot about you during last columnists to exploit. You’re the real interviews in these next two days
Ben Smith week’s debate. Maybe you’ve heard of deal. Right now you represent every than Palin will do during the entire
Christopher Snyder
Elisha Sum me. My name’s Joe Six-Pack, and I’m Jane Doe, John Q. Public and Joe campaign. Tell them that Joe Six-
Ricky Zimmerman the man. I was the most important Schmo ever mentioned, and you have Pack is tired of hearing all the bitch-
guy in America until you came along something most Americans feel they ing and moaning and name-calling.
Brianna Beehler Assistant Copy Editors
Casey Burrows with your blank gray T-shirt, blank lack: a voice. Before you become just another foot-
Alison Lisnow shaved head and easily-exploitable I saw that video of you talking to note on Wikipedia, remind the can-
Rachel Oldfield story. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), and I didates who they’re fighting for right
Mary Jo Pham
Lily Zahn I was that blank dude once. I liked what I saw — not what Obama now. We’re, in fact, not just Joe Six-
remember when all the politicians said but what you did. You entered Packs. We’re not unengaged. We’re not
talked about ol’ Joe Six-Pack. Hell, that conversation knowing you’d vote uninformed. We’re not uneducated,
it was just a couple weeks ago. Back for Sen. McCain (R-Ariz.) no matter unsuccessful or unaware. We’re unim-
then I was an American worth fight- what. Obama probably couldn’t tell pressed. A lot of us don’t know who
BUSINESS ing for. I’m that middle-class, mod- you anything to win your vote. But we’re for right now because we don’t
Malcolm Charles Executive Business Director
erate white male with a chip and a you weren’t Palin-esque about it. You know who’s for us.
gun on his shoulder. I have a pick- listened to Obama. You gave him a Well, you know who you’re for. You
Dwijo Goswami Receivables Manager up truck, 2.5 kids and apparently a fair shake. Here’s a man who told you support John McCain. You don’t like
Brenna Duncan Head Ad Manager
drinking problem. But I also have a something you didn’t want to hear. taxes, and he sounds like he doesn’t
hard time making ends meet. I want He was honest and forthright with either. You’re voting with your wallet
The Tufts Daily is a nonprofit, independent newspaper, pub- to send those 2.5 kids to college so you, and he wanted to make sure you and selling your vote to the highest
lished Monday through Friday during the academic year, and they don’t become Junior Six-Packs. knew where he stood. Maybe you bidder. That’s the American dream.
distributed free to the Tufts community.
And according to Gov. Sarah Palin disagreed with him, but was he the
P.O. Box 53018, Medford, MA 02155 (R-Alaska), I pal around with hockey monster the McCain-Palin campaign Sincerely,
617 627 3090 FAX 617 627 3910
daily@tuftsdaily.com moms, whatever the hell those are. described? Joe Six-Pack
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Tuesday, October 21, 2008 The Tufts Daily Op-Ed 11
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12 The Tufts Daily Comics Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Crossword
Doonesbury by Garry Trudeau
solutions
www.marriedtothesea.com
SUDOKU
Level: Pretending not to be hung over at brunch with the folks
NESCACs are up Hopkins runs for a personal record to add to solid showing
next for Jumbos WOMEN’S XC
continued from page 16
Tufts received a big lift from senior Amy
Hopkins, who ran for a personal record on
spots, coach Kristen Morwick had the oppor-
tunity to race several of her potential No. 6s
is hard to push through, and it’s even harder the course to grab 10th place with a time of and No. 7s together this weekend. Sophomore
Men’s XC to push yourself through when you’re alone. I 23:33.1. The race marked a huge improve- Elana Davidowitz and senior Veronica Jackson
continued from page 16 was happy with the way I performed; I’m really ment for Hopkins, who finished over a minute pulled through to take the spots, posting clips
guys passed us during the middle of the trying to learn how to focus and push myself behind Wilfert in last weekend’s race but came of 24:48.6 and 24:57.1 respectively.
race that I think we should have stuck through things.” in less than 18 seconds behind her teammate “Pretty much four through seven, myself
with.” Sophomore Amy Wilfert followed up with Saturday. included, are going to be a big influence,”
With the split events at Williams, Tufts another strong showing in the No. 2 spot, “Going into it, I had that focus of really just Hopkins said. “The rest of us are really going
opted to put its stronger runners in the clocking in at 23:15.4. But the Jumbos will trying to stay up with [Wilfert],” Hopkins said. to determine what happens in the end. It’s
longer race. need more than their one-two punch to keep “I’ve been very close to her in workouts, and I definitely comforting to know that along with
“[It was] based on who was probably them up MIT, whose top seven runners each had the confidence that I could definitely do Elana and Veronica … Anyone can really step
continuing with the season,” Carberry said. finished within a minute of one another. it on the race course. My main focus was just up.”
“Who is going to go and race at NESCACs, “The biggest difference between us and going out strong and from the start sticking “I think those six and seven spots are going
as well as our regional meet, those were the them is just that they have depth and, more with her and kind of not letting the course to have to work to close some gaps, but I think
guys who were in the 8k for the most part, importantly, they have people that are running bother me. the girls that are going to be filling in have a lot
and the younger guys [and] the guys whose in groups,” McNamara said. “If one group gets “It was nice this weekend to really make of potential to improve, and I think they will,”
seasons are ending pretty soon were in the ahead of one of our runners that sets us back a some improvements, especially going into the McNamara added.
5k.” lot of places. That’s something we’re really try- championship season where there will be big- The Jumbos will now get a break before
The team ran a strong race on the course ing to work on right now. ger fields and more runners,” Hopkins contin- heading to Bates for NESCAC Championships
and will return there Nov. 15 for the NCAA “What they basically want to do as a strategy ued. “It’s good to know that we’re on kind of an on Nov. 1. With five of New England’s top six
New England Championship meet, where is kind of get groups of runners to position upswing and that I can help be a part of that teams competing, the race will likely have a
they expect to go all-out at the more critical themselves in spots between our runners to and influence everyone else to believe that significant impact on at-large bid selection.
meet. break up our runners more and create bigger everyone can push up just a little bit more to “[Earning a bid] is not going to be easy, but
“We weren’t looking to win [the meet] gaps,” McNamara continued. “If you’re basi- close the gaps.” if we work hard in the next couple weeks and
— we were just looking to go out and kind cally letting a group of MIT girls get ahead of Behind junior Lisa Picascia in fourth and place well at NESCACs, if we [are competing
of preview the Regionals course,” Carberry you, it’s not only going to distance you from freshman Anya Price in fifth, the Jumbos also for] an at-large bid, they’ll really look at us and
said. “Nick and Jesse were tempo-ing for your own teammates, but it’s going to discour- got strong races from their No. 6 and No. 7 consider sending us as a team,” McNamara
the most part, and the rest of the guys we age you and set you back, so it’s a combination runners in their first 6k of the season. With a said. “It’s going to be interesting to see how
wanted to see stay in a pack for the major- of a couple of things.” number of Tufts runners competing for the things play out.”
ity of the race and then break off a little
bit.” SCHEDULE | Oct. 21 - Oct. 25
“What we set out to do was run pretty tue wed thu fri sat sun mon
conservative for at least for the first half
of the race and more than anything else
get a feel of the Williams’ course, since Football at Amherst
1 p.m.
we’ll be there in a month for Regionals,”
Welch said. “Given that those were our
goals going in, I think it all went very well.” Field Hockey at Trinity
The Jumbos will travel to Bates for the 12 p.m.
NESCAC Championship Nov. 1, but for
those not competing at that meet the Women’s at Trinity
NESCAC Open Invitational takes place at Soccer 12 p.m.
two days prior at Wesleyan Oct. 30.
“We are right now right where we aim
to be,” Welch said. “It’s a tradition that Men’s
vs. Wesleyan at Trinity
Soccer 7 p.m.
we’re getting to used to after the last few 12 p.m.
years, where we are sort of the underdogs
going into the postseason, but that’s a posi- Cross
tion that were used to and position from Country
which we’ve had success … Leading into
NESCACs, we’re looking to surprise some at Conn. College Hall of Fame Hall of Fame
people and start to bring together all the Volleyball 7 p.m. Tournament Tournament
workouts and training and races that we’ve at Springfield, Mass. at Springfield, Mass.
run in preparation for these next couple
big meets.” at New England
Golf Championships
“I think we have as good a shot as any-
one out there,” Carberry added. “We’re a
considerably young team, and we’ve got Women’s
Crew Head of the
a lot of room to grow in only a few short Fish Regatta
weeks.”
StatISTICS | Standings
Field Hockey Women's Soccer Men's Soccer Volleyball Football NCAA Div. III Field Hockey
(11-0, 7-0 NESCAC) (7-4-0, 4-3-0 NESCAC) (6-4-1, 2-4-0 NESCAC) (21-1, 7-0 NESCAC) (3-2, 3-2 NESCAC) (Oct. 14, 2008)
NESCAC OVERALL NESCAC OVERALL NESCAC OVERALL NESCAC OVERALL
W L PF PA Points (First-place votes)
W L W L T W L T W L T W L T W L T W L W L
Trinity 5 0 125 82 1. Bowdoin, 635 (28)
Tufts 7 0 11 0 0 Williams 7 0 0 11 0 0 Middlebury 5 1 1 8 1 1 Tufts 7 0 21 1
Amherst 4 1 115 73 2. TCNJ, 573 (3)
Bowdoin 6 1 11 1 0 Amherst 6 0 1 8 1 2 Williams 4 2 1 7 3 2 Wesleyan 7 1 18 5
Colby 3 1 55 90 3. Messiah, 536
6 1 10 1 0 2 0 6 4 2 Bowdoin 4 3 0 6 4 0 Amherst 5 1 16 4
Trinity Middlebury 5 Middlebury 3 2 175 130 4. Ursinus, 519 (1)
3 0 Conn. Coll. 6 2 15 9
Middlebury 5 2 9 2 0 Bowdoin 3 2 2 6 2 3 Trinity 4 3 0 9 Tufts 3 2 124 84 5. Tufts, 499
Williams 3 2 16 10
Amherst 4 3 8 4 0 Tufts 4 3 0 7 4 0 Amherst 3 3 1 7 3 1 Williams 3 2 129 96
Middlebury 3 3 8 9 6. Johns Hopkins, 479
Williams 3 4 6 5 0 Trinity 3 4 0 7 4 0 Wesleyan 2 2 2 4 5 2 Hamilton 2 3 79 90
Bowdoin 3 4 14 12 7. Middlebury, 443
Colby 2 5 5 7 0 Wesleyan 2 4 1 6 4 1 Conn Coll. 3 4 0 5 6 0 Bowdoin 1 4 113 167
Trinity 2 6 11 10 8. Lebanon Valley, 405
1 6 5 7 0 4 1 5 1 Wesleyan 1 4 73 75
Bates Colby 1 5 1 4 6 1 Colby 2 5 Bates 1 5 12 14 9. Salisbury, 393
4 1 Bates 0 5 50 151
Conn Coll 1 6 4 7 0 Bates 1 6 0 4 7 0 Tufts 2 4 0 6 Colby 0 6 9 12 10. Rowan, 346
Wesleyan 0 7 2 9 0 Conn Coll 0 6 1 4 6 1 Bates 2 5 0 7 5 0 Hamilton 0 7 8 17
NCAA Div. III New England
G A Pts G A Pts G A Pts Offensive Kills SA Rushing Att. Yds. Avg. TD Women's Soccer
T. Brown 15 2 32 J. Love-Nichols 4 1 9 D. Schoening 5 1 11 S. Filocco 172 23 W. Forde 132 655 5.0 6 (Oct. 14, 2008)
R. Coleman 3 1 7 D. Joyce-Mendive 162 0 K. Anderson 27 108 4.0 1
A. Russo 9 8 26 S. Nolet 3 3 9 1. Williams
B. Helgeson 122 1 D. Ferguson 8 66 8.2 0
M. Kelly 9 2 20 C. Cadigan 3 1 7 M. Fitzgerald 2 1 5
C. Updike 122 5 2. Amherst
B. Holiday 4 3 11 F. Gamal 2 3 7 A. Lach 1 3 5 K. Denniston 103 14 Passing Pct. Yds. TD INT
A. Maxwell P. DeGregorio 1 3 5 3. Springfield
M. Burke 4 1 9 3 0 6 L. Nicholas 101 1 A. Fucillo 60.4 923 9 3
M. Scholtes 2 4 8 B. Morgan 2 0 4 P. Doherty 2 0 4 4. Bowdoin
C. Spieler 57 17
I. Lewnard 3 0 6 W. Hardy 1 1 3 M. Blumenthal 1 1 3 Receiving No. Yds. Avg. TD 5. Tufts
T. Guttadauro 2 1 5 A. Michael 0 3 3 B. Green 1 0 2 Defensive B Digs D. Halas 20 248 12.4 6 6. Wheaton
L. Griffith 2 0 4 A. Puttkammer 1 0 2 N. Muakkassa 0 1 1 N. Goldstein 0 339 S. Black 13 295 22.7 1 7. Western Conn. St
D. Feiger 22 231 8. Middlebury
M. Ripecky 0 223 Defense Tack INT Sack
Goalkeeping GA S S% Goalkeeping GA S S% Goalkeeping GA S S% T. Reynoso 34.0 0 0 9. Wesleyan
S. Filocco 19 213
M. Zak 5 21 .808 K. Minnehan 3 15 .833 P. Tonelli 2 16 .889 C. Spieler 3 188 T. Tassinari 31.0 2 0 10. Eastern Conn. St
K. Hyder 3 5 .625 H. Jacobs 4 23 .852 D. McKeon 10 47 .825 A. Kuan 0 85 R. Crisco 31.0 0 2
14 The Tufts Daily Sports Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Tufts in Oxford:
Thursday, 10/23 at 6:00 pm
Dowling Hall 745A
Flu Shots will be given Tufts in Chile:
Tuesday 10/21/08 11-2 Tuesday, 10/28 at 6:00 pm
Dowling Hall 745B
@Health Service
124 Professors Row in Conference Room Come learn more about the programs!
Be prepared: Have ID, wear short sleeves. http://uss.tufts.edu/studyabroad
Tuesday, October 21, 2008 The Tufts Daily Sports 15
Football Analysis Jeremy Greenhouse | Follow the Money
spring season, which includes dual matches “It’s the best conference in Div. III, so we The format of the event featured a series ing match point in the doubles contest before
against NESCAC foes. can expect some stiff competition. We have of best-of-three battles in which teams of two losing in a third-set super tiebreaker.
On top of the necessary experience gleaned a good team. It’s just hard to be recognized players competed against each other in two Playing in the Chris Davis draw, the tandem
from autumn play, starting a season with a nationally when you rank in the middle of singles matches and one doubles match. of Hoguet and freshman Katie Pritchard won
couple wins can get the momentum started your division.” With two of their top players, sophomore its first three matches, knocking off counter-
for later on, and that’s just what the team did “Our competition is very good, as we saw Julia Browne and junior captain Meghan parts from Mount Holyoke, MIT and Trinity.
this fall. Tufts swept both Salve Regina and at Bates and the ITAs,” Rosen said. “It will be McCooey, away at Nationals, the Jumbos Meanwhile, freshman Nat Schils and sopho-
Babson 9-0, while also sending players to a challenge, but it will only make us better.” boasted a tournament squad that included more Edwina Stewart teamed up to reach the
a pair of more-individualized tournaments: Fortunately, the Jumbos will be able to four freshmen, two sophomores and junior second round of the Gail Smith draw.
the ITA Regional Championships and the practice during the winter at Tufts’ indoor Laura Hoguet. Only Hoguet had appeared at The final Tufts entrant was sophomore
Wallach Invitational at Bates. facilities in the Gantcher Center. Not only will NEWITTs before. But the Jumbos’ inexperience Hillary Rosen, who was paired with sopho-
“Overall, I thought our season was pretty they be expected to hit daily, but they will also didn’t prevent them from competing well more Katy Hallinan of Simmons in the Chris
successful,” Rosen said. “In our two matches work out with trainers to stay in peak physi- against the strong competition at the event, Davis draw, where the pair reached the final
versus Babson and Salve Regina, we beat cal condition, as Eng is stressing fitness this which drew teams from 25 schools from one 16.
them decisively and that really set the tone season. The players will also look to improve of the most competitive regions in the nation. The tournament marks the end of the fall
for us.” on some of the flaws they identified during “It’s actually kind of nice that we have such season for the Jumbos, who will now take
“We showed a good amount of inten- the short autumn season. a young team because they don’t necessarily the next five months off in preparation for the
sity and focus,” coach Doug Eng added. “The “We need to work on our defensive abili- know what an Amherst or a Williams is and longer, more competitive spring campaign.
team just needs to build and come together a ties,” Eng said. “We have a lot of good players, how good they are,” Mills said. “They don’t The positive results from the weekend send
little more.” but they don’t have the technique that some have this preconceived notion that we’re play- the team into the winter on a high note.
Coming into the season, the biggest ques- of the best players have, so we need to work ing such a great team when they go into a “I think they should be feeling very, very
tion mark was doubles. Tufts fell in a number on that. Also, we need to improve on our vol- match … It’s just great to see them compete confident going into their offseason training
of close matches last year due in large part leys. We have to start learning how to attack so hard and so well against these top teams at given how well this season ended,” Mills said.
to mediocre play from doubles teams, but and go from the baseline to the net.” such a young age.” “But they still know that they can get better
this year is a different story. After the first two Still, the Jumbos will enter the winter off- Tufts’ No. 1 duo of freshmen Jenn LaCara and that they’re going to have to work for
duals, the Jumbos’ doubles teams are unde- season expecting solid results this spring after and Jen Lavet made a run to the Round of every match. We have a confidence, but we’re
feated. a sound showing during fall competition. 16 in the Gail Smith draw before falling to not going to be cocky about some of these
In singles, the team looks to carry on its “The spring should be good,” Rosen said. Amherst’s No. 2 team, consisting of freshman successes we’ve recently had.”
tradition of strong play and expects to com- “We have one of the best teams we’ve had Laura Danzig and junior Jill Wexler, 3-0. But the
pete with many of the tougher divisional since I’ve been on the team, and we’re all Jumbos didn’t surrender without a fight, hold- — by Sapna Bansil
rivals, especially after impressive play in the really excited to play.”