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Volume 124, Number 17 Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 Tuesday, April 6, 2004 Szuminski Makes Padres Team, Missile Review Still On For a Year, ‘Working to Establish a Process’ By Keith J. Winstein no investigation if I hadn’t persist- Is First MIT Graduate in MLB SENIOR EDITOR ed on this for the last three years.” By Brian Loux MIT confirmed yesterday that it It was not clear what federal EDITOR IN CHIEF will investigate a professor’s long- agencies MIT has been working Thanks to a successful show dur- standing allegations of scientific with to permit the investigation to ing the San Diego Padres’ spring misconduct in a 1998 MIT-led proceed. “I don’t know if they’re training season, Jason E. Szuminski study that validated a part of the referring to us or not,” said Lt. ’01 has become the first MIT gradu- military’s national missile defense Col. Rick Lehner, a spokesman for ate to play Major League Baseball. system. the Missile Defense Agency, While he was originally a starting But fifteen months after which commissioned the 1998 pitcher with the MIT club, Szumins- Provost Robert A. Brown decided study at issue and funds about ki will serve the Padres in a relief to begin an investigation, MIT $100 million a year of research on pitcher role. would say only that the Institute missile defense at MIT’s Lincoln “It’s exciting. I’m really glad to “has been working to establish a Laboratory. be here,” Szuminski said. process that permits these issues to “MIT has requested classified Though the Padres went to their be investigated fully and objective- information from the Missile bullpen frequently after the sixth ly. To achieve that goal, MIT must Defense Agency in the course of inning of yesterday’s game, explore with the relevant federal its inquiry,” Lehner said, but the Szuminski was not called upon to agencies the steps necessary to agency’s lawyers were unaware of pitch. The Padres defeated the permit the investigation to pro- any discussions with MIT about Los Angeles Dodgers 8–2. “I’m sure ceed.” how to proceed with an investiga- I’ll get in soon enough. I’m looking MIT spokesman Arthur L. tion, he said. forward to getting in a game,” he Jones declined to discuss whether said. the investigation was yet under Study checked fraud allegations Szuminski is one of only three way or whether an investigative The 1998 study, known as the rookies to join the Padres roster this committee had yet been appointed, Phase One Engineering Team year. Other rookies are pitcher events that MIT’s policies say report, was commissioned by the Akinori Otsuka and shortstop should happen “promptly.” military to investigate allegations Khalil Greene. The average years of Theodore Postol, the professor of fraud in a June 1997 test of the major league experience for the 12 of national security policy who national missile defense system. Padre pitchers is approximate- first requested an independent Two of the five authors — Charles ly 5.92, with veteran David investigation of the study in April K. Meins Jr. ’75 and Ming-Jer Wells leading the bullpen with 17 2001, said he has not been contact- Tsai, the group’s chairman, work years. ed by any investigators. “What at MIT’s Lincoln Laboratory. They Szuminski described interacting they’ve been doing is finding did not return calls for comment. with the veteran players as “help- every reason not to do an investi- The 1997 test they reviewed ful,” saying that he gets along well gation,” Postol said. “It’s absolute- with the team and is able to learn ly clear that there would have been Missile Defense, Page 21 from them. “I just watch how they go about their business … because DENNIS YANCEY — THE TECH at one time they were in my shoes,” Jason E. Szuminski ’01 pitches to a UMass-Boston batter in a 1997 GSC Officer Nominations he said. game which MIT won 9–8. Now, seven years later, Szuminski is set When asked about how he to pitch in the Major League for the San Diego Padres. will face Barry Bonds, a power hit- ter for the San Francisco Giants, We’ll see what happens.” The Padres’ new draftee has head- Conclude, No VP Named Szuminski replied, “Throw him lined the MIT Web site since early By Kathy Dobson three nominations had been accepted strikes … Sinking fastballs are my MIT excited with new celebrity Sunday morning. The homepage STAFF REPORTER with no candidate for vice president. specialty, if a left handed hitter News of MIT’s first major lea- links to an alumni Web site which Nominations for Graduate Stu- Nominations for president, secre- comes up, I’ll throw it to him, guer has created a small amount of dent Council closed at 11:59 p.m. tary, and treasurer have been closed, maybe mix it up late in the count. excitement and pride on campus. Szuminski, Page 12 last night and, as of that time, only while nominations for vice president will be open until elections are held on Wednesday. Counterpoint The accepted nominations of Barun Singh G for president, Lucy Wong G for secretary, and Virgilio Rerecognized M. Villacorta G for treasurer were accepted. Current GSC vice president By the ASA Michael R. Folkert G said that there By Ray C. He are four people who have yet to ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR accept their nominations for officer The Association for Student positions: two for president, one for Activities has granted provisional treasurer, and one for vice president. recognition to the MIT-Wellesley Folkert said that it is common for magazine Counterpoint after tem- candidates to accept their nomina- porarily derecognizing the magazine tions close to the deadline. “Pretty last month, said Kathryn M. Walter much everyone wants to see what ’05, president of the ASA. everyone else is writing in their The rerecognition came after the statements,” Folkert said. ASA reviewed Counterpoint’s updat- The small number of nomina- ed constitution, which clarifies that tions is consistent with past years, the group comprises separate MIT said R. Erich Caulfield G, the cur- and Wellesley chapters, Walter said. rent GSC president. The change also refines the role “In recent years, it is not uncom- of the business managers at MIT mon to have zero, one, two, or three and Wellesley. “They stated what people running for each position,” belongs to MIT and what belongs to Caulfield said, though it is more Wellesley,” she said. “It was more common to have people run than for subtle linguistic changes that made the position to remain vacant. it clear they’re an MIT group,” she said. Elections planned for Wednesday As a separate formal entity from JONATHAN WANG—THE TECH The elections will take place on The Harvard bridge construction sign is hacked by MIT nerds last Sunday night. Counterpoint, Page 18 GSC, Page 11

“Grains of Comics OPINION Rice” cultur- Vivek Rao examines the stress World & Nation ...... 2 al show placed on America’s youth. Opinion ...... 4 visits Walker Events Calendar ...... 9 Memorial. Sports ...... 24 Page 15 Page 7 Page 5 Page 2 THE TECH April 6, 2004 WORLD & NATION Sharon Hints He Has Dropped Iraqi Cleric Fortifies Militia Vow Not To Harm Arafat THE NEW YORK TIMES JERUSALEM In Response to U.S. Warrant Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has suggested that he no longer feels bound by a 3-year-old commitment to President Bush not to harm By Jeffrey Gettleman River, is a picture of what might lie militiamen, in open disregard of Yasser Arafat, the Palestinian leader. THE NEW YORK TIMES ahead if Iraqi security forces are occupation laws calling for private Sharon’s spokesman, Raanan Gissin, said that Israel had no KUFA, IRAQ unable to quell potential insurrec- armies to be be disbanded. At a immediate intention to act against Arafat. But the substance and tim- The Grand Mosque of Kufa has tions. On Sunday, as part of the kebab stand in front of the grand ing of Sharon’s threatening remarks, in an interview published here now become the grand arsenal. uprising orchestrated by al-Sadr, mosque, a man winced as truckloads on Monday, were significant. On Monday, as U.S. authorities hundreds of militiamen took over of armed young men whizzed past. His comments came as Israelis entered the Passover holiday issued an arrest warrant for Muqtada Kufa, driving out Iraqi security Kufa, 100 miles south of Bagh- braced for threatened retaliation by the militant group Hamas for the al-Sadr, the radical Shiite cleric who forces. dad with a population of 110,000, is killing two weeks ago of its spiritual leader, Sheik Ahmed Yassin. set off the most serious insurrection On Monday, blue-and-white Iraqi the first Iraqi city to spin entirely out Gissin said that, with 58 intelligence warnings of possible attacks, so far against the occupation forces, police trucks cruised the streets. But of occupation control. The town is a “The level of alerts is at an all-time high today.” hundreds of his supporters were busy at the wheels were bearded, black- stronghold of conservative Shiite Sharon appeared to be signaling that he felt new freedom to act fortifying the mosque with heavy clad men loyal to al-Sadr. The police beliefs. against Arafat in the event of a devastating terrorist attack. weapons, bracing for a U.S. invasion. stations and government offices are For years, it has been the power Further, Sharon is trying to shore up support among right-wing Al-Sadr has barricaded himself now occupied by al-Sadr’s agents, base of the al-Sadr family, a learned Israelis alarmed by his plan for a unilateral withdrawal from most or inside the golden brick walls, refus- who enforce an austere version of band of Shiite clerics. Al-Sadr’s all of the Gaza Strip and possibly part of the West Bank. At a Cabinet ing to surrender. His militia is prowl- Islam and have even set up their own father, a famous ayatollah, was killed meeting on Sunday, he clashed over the plan with far-right members ing the streets, staring down the religious courts and prisons. The in 1999, along with al-Sadr’s two of his governing coalition. sights of machine guns, building town is basically an occupation-free older brothers. That left Muqtada, fighting positions in and around the zone. now 31, the leader of the family. mosque, the town’s biggest, and “The occupation is ending,” Though al-Sadr is not an ayatol- Blair To Confer With Bush pointing rocket-propelled grenades at vowed Said Sadduck, a 26-year-old lah, or top cleric, he has a devoted the highway heading north — the disciple of al-Sadr. “This is just the following. Part of his appeal is his As Iraq Worries Grow road they expect to see U.S. forces beginning.” youth. The other part is his militan- THE NEW YORK TIMES come rumbling down. U.S. officials, who have accused cy. While other Shiite clerics have LONDON “The only way the Americans al-Sadr of inciting violence and pressed for moderation, al-Sadr has Prime Minister Tony Blair will fly to Washington next week for a will enter this city is entering over unleashing his band of armed follow- openly rejected the occupation. His meeting with President Bush that will be dominated by concern over our bodies,” said Sheik Abu Mahdi ers against U.S. troops, have said newspaper, Al-Hawza, was closed mounting instability and the political transition in Iraq, British offi- Al Rubayee, a commander in al- they will capture al-Sadr when they last week after U.S. authorities cials said on Monday. Sadr’s private army, estimated to are ready. accused it of printing lies that incited The meeting comes at a critical moment for the American-British number in the tens of thousands. “If “There will be no warning,” said violence. That began a cycle of alliance in Iraq as dual insurgencies by disaffected Sunni Muslims, who they come for our leader, they will Dan Senor, a senior spokesman for demonstrations that culminated in backed Saddam Hussein, and militant Shiites flare. Details of the Bush- ignite all of Iraq.” occupation authorities. widespread bloodshed on Sunday. Blair agenda were being closely held, but officials here said it would Kufa, a sandy, palm-lined town Many Kufa residents are dreading What worries many people is that al- focus on how to stabilize the country while seeking to adhere to the along the banks of the Euphrates a showdown. The streets are full of Sadr has followers all across Iraq. June 30 deadline for turning over sovereignty to an Iraqi government. British officials said that Blair’s trip had been previously sched- uled and therefore was not a “crisis” summit meeting on Iraq. But the officials, who spoke on the condition that they not be identified, said Aristide May Be Charged With the sudden surge in violence and instability in the Sunni heartland west of Baghdad and in Shiite neighborhoods and towns would trans- form the meeting into a strategic review of policies toward Iraq. Corruption by U.S., Powell Says Supreme Court Agrees To Hear By Christopher Marquis trafficking or other international has sent more than 800, Canada THE NEW YORK TIMES charges would further inflame more than 400 and Chile more than Drug-sniffing Dog Case PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI political tensions between those 300. Administration officials have THE NEW YORK TIMES Secretary of State Colin L. who contend that he was forced said they expect to cap the Ameri- WASHINGTON Powell said during a visit here on into exile by American troops and can presence at about its present The Supreme Court agreed on Monday to decide whether the Monday that U.S. judicial authori- others, like Powell, who assert that level, and would welcome 2,000 or police need a special reason in order to subject a car they have ties were looking into prosecuting the Americans saved his life. 3,000 troops from other countries. stopped for an ordinary traffic violation to a trained drug-sniffing dog. the former Haitian president, Jean- Aristide, who was flown to the Powell, who came for a one- The case is an appeal by the state of Illinois from a ruling by the Bertrand Aristide, on corruption Central African Republic aboard day visit to show the administra- Illinois Supreme Court. That court found last year by a vote of 4-3 charges. an American-leased plane, has tion’s continuing commitment to that exposure to a drug-sniffing dog, without any particular reason to “There are inquiries being made since returned to the region as an Haiti’s recovery, opposed a request suspect that the car contained drugs, had unconstitutionally broad- by our judicial authorities in the official guest of the government of by the 15-nation Caribbean Com- ened the scope of a routine traffic stop that led to the discovery of a U.S. to see if there is any evidence Jamaica. The return of Aristide, a munity for the United Nations to large quantity of marijuana in the trunk. of wrongdoing on his part,” Powell populist former priest, has unset- investigate the terms of Aristide’s The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1983 that exposure of luggage at said in a joint news conference tled Bush administration officials departure from Haiti. an airport to a trained dog did not constitute a search within the with the new interim prime minis- who are trying to establish security “I don’t think any purpose meaning of the Fourth Amendment’s prohibition of unreasonable ter, Gerard Latortue. and bolster the authority of would be served by such an searches. The canine sniff is in a class by itself, Justice Sandra Day Aristide went into exile in Feb- Latortue’s interim government. inquiry,” he said. “We were on the O’Connor said in that case, explaining that the sniff was less intrusive ruary after widespread violence To help maintain order in Haiti, verge of a blood bath and Presi- and revealing than an ordinary search. and looting here. An American the United States has sent 1,940 dent Aristide found himself in indictment against him on drug troops, the Pentagon says, France great danger.” WEATHER Hint of Sun Situation for Noon Eastern Daylight Time, Tuesday, April 6, 2004

130°W 125°W 120°W 115°W 110°W 105°W 100°W 95°W 90°W 85°W 80°W 75°W 70°W 65°W 60°W By Nikki Prive´ 40°N STAFF METEOROLOGIST O still, spoiled trees, O city ways, O sun desired in vain, O dread presentiment of coming rain That cloys the sullen days! 35°N ◗

— Robert Louis Stevenson ▲

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The low pressure system which brought flurries to the Boston area Mon- ▲ ▲ ◗

day will linger over the Maritime region until Wednesday, keeping skies ▲ 30°N partly cloudy. Temperatures will slowly moderate until a cold front passes through tomorrow, with average highs several degrees below normal for this time of year due to a chill northwesterly wind. April showers will return late in the week, as a new system moves in from the Great Plains, bringing cool temperatures and rain showers possibly turning to snow on Friday morning. 25°N The track and strength of this system are uncertain, so the duration and amount of precipitation are difficult to predict.

Extended Forecast:

Today: Partly cloudy, highs in the upper 40s°F (9°C). Tonight: Partly cloudy, lows around 30°F (-1°C). Weather Systems Weather Fronts Precipitation Symbols Other Symbols Wednesday: Partly cloudy, high around 50 F (10 C), overnight lows Snow Rain Fog around 32°F (0°C). High Pressure Trough - - - Showers Thunderstorm

Thursday: Partly cloudy, high around 48°F (9°C), chance of rain and ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ Warm Front Light Low Pressure Haze snow overnight, low in the mid 30s°F (1°C). ▲▲▲▲▲ Cold Front Moderate Compiled by MIT Friday: Chance of morning snow, changing to rain during the day, high Hurricane ◗ ◗ Meteorology Staff ▲ ▲ Stationary Front Heavy in the mid 40s°F (7°C). and The Tech April 6, 2004 WORLD & NATION THE TECH Page 3

Letter Allegedly from Al-Qaida Bank Of America To Cut 12,500 Jobs in Merger Threatens Spain with ‘Inferno’ THE BOSTON GLOBE Bank of America Corp. plans to cut 12,500 jobs as it takes over By Katrin Bennhold during which at least four suspects The letter said European Qaida the operations of Boston's biggest bank, executives said publicly THE INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE in the Madrid bombings blew them- operatives had demonstrated their for the first time Monday. MADRID, SPAIN selves up, the newspaper ABC pub- strength on March 11 and with an As soon as next week, the bank plans to tell FleetBoston Finan- Investigators on Monday studied lished in its Monday issue a Span- unexploded bomb on rail tracks last cial Corp. employees whether they will lose their jobs. But the a letter purportedly from al-Qaida ish translation of a letter written in Friday. It said its truce with Spain Charlotte, N.C., bank would not say Monday how many of those promising “an inferno” unless Arabic that it had received by fax was over, unless Spanish soldiers layoffs would hit New England. Spain withdrew its troops from Iraq on Saturday. It was signed Abu were withdrawn from Iraq and Though Bank of America has pledged to keep employment lev- and Afghanistan. Meanwhile, the Dujana al-Afghani, who described Afghanistan immediately. els in New England flat in the long term, it plans to shift its workers police reported the arrest of another himself as a member of “al-Qaida If those demands are not met, around and may move hundreds of its other employees to Boston. suspect in the March 11 bombings of Europe.” the letter said, Spain will be con- “In the short term, you'll see employment levels drop, but over of commuter trains in Madrid that A videotape found two days verted into “an inferno and your time they will grow” in New England, said Eloise Hale, a Bank of killed 191 people and wounded after the train bombings had fea- blood will flow like rivers.” America spokeswoman. more than 1,400. tured a man speaking in Arabic Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, She declined, however, to say how long “over time” would be. In France on Monday, special with a Moroccan accent who identi- who was elected new prime minis- But the elimination of 12,500 jobs — about 7 percent of the forces rounded up 13 suspected fied himself by that name and said ter days after the train bombings, banks' 180,000 workforce — is only one cost-cutting measure. In members of a militant Islamic he was the military spokesman of has pledged to pull troops from Iraq the past several years, chief executive Kenneth D. Lewis has group thought to be behind bomb- al-Qaida. He said the March 11 unless the United Nations takes aggressively cut expenses as he worked to boost Bank of America's ings last year in Casablanca, bombings were revenge for Spain's over the occupation force. But he stock price. The bank may apply some of the same strategies to Morocco. military cooperation with the Unit- has also said he favors sending Fleet as it looks to keep its promise of saving $1.1 billion in the After a tumultuous weekend, ed States. more troops to Afghanistan. merger. As it looks to integrate Fleet, Bank of America declined to pro- vide specific information on job cuts, but Lewis has already said SEC Begins Formal Investigation that some of Fleet’s middle managers may be eliminated. In Math, Computers Don’t Lie. of Nortel’s Accounting Practices Or Do They? By Bernard Simon this time,” but that it had been in well.” THE NEW YORK TIMES THE NEW YORK TIMES contact with the commission since Nortel, he said, is reaping the A leading mathematics journal has finally accepted that one of the TORONTO October and was “cooperating benefits of not cutting back on longest-standing problems in the field — the most efficient way to Nortel Networks, the Canadian fully.” research spending during the slump pack oranges — has been conclusively solved. maker of telecommunications When SEC commissioners in the telecommunications market That is, if you believe a computer. equipment, said on Monday that the upgrade an inquiry into a formal between 2000 and 2003. The answer is what experts — and grocers — have long suspect- U.S. Securities and Exchange Com- investigation, the commission then Nortel, which is based in Bramp- ed: stacked as a pyramid. That allows each layer of oranges to sit mission had begun a formal investi- has the power to subpoena docu- ton, Ontario, said in October that it lower, in the hollows of the layer below, and take up less space than gation into its accounting, com- ments and request that witnesses would restate earnings and losses if the oranges sat directly on top of each other. pounding recent uncertainty over testify under oath. going back to 2000, after discover- While that appeared to be the correct answer, no one offered a the company. The questions over its account- ing mistakes in recording some convincing mathematical proof until 1998 — and even then people Shares of Nortel fell sharply in ing come at the same time that Nor- restructuring costs and revenues. were not entirely convinced. trading in Toronto and New York. It tel has seen renewed demand for its Last month, the company said it For six years, mathematicians have pored over hundreds of pages was the most heavily traded stock products. would need to revise its 2003 finan- of a proof by Dr. Thomas C. Hales, a professor of mathematics at the on the New York Stock Exchange, Blaik Kirby, a senior vice presi- cial results again, as well as results University of Pittsburgh. where it closed down 3.7 percent, or dent of Adventis, a telecommunica- for some earlier periods. The com- But Hales’ proof of the problem, known as the Kepler Conjecture, 23 cents, to $6.06. Christina War- tions consulting firm in Boston, said pany then placed its chief financial hinges on a complex series of computer calculations, too many and ren, a Nortel spokeswoman, said that “in terms of their core business officer, Douglas C. Beatty, and its too tedious for mathematicians reviewing his paper to check by hand. that the company would not provide and delivering what their customers controller, Michael J. Gollogly, on details of the SEC’s concerns “at want, they seem to be doing very indefinite leaves of absence. Page 4 THE TECH April 6, 2004 OPINION

Chairman Hangyul Chung ’05 Editor in Chief Brian Loux ’04 Business Manager Roy K. Esaki ’04 Managing Editor David Carpenter ’05

NEWS STAFF News and Features Director: Beckett W. Sterner ’06; News Editors: Kathy Lin ’06, Marissa Vogt ’06, Jenny Zhang ’06; Associate Editors: Waseem S. Daher ’07, Tongyan Lin ’07, Gireeja V. Ranade ’07, Julián E. Villarreal ’07; Staff: Kathy Dobson G, Jeffrey Greenbaum ’04, Eun J. Lee ’04, Michael E. Rolish ’04, Jay K. Cameron ’05, Christine Fry ’05, Sam Hwang ’05, Issel Anne L. Lim ’05, Jessi- ca A. Zaman ’05, Brian C. Keegan ’06, Lauren E. LeBon ’06, Jennifer Wong ’06, Ray C. He ’07; Meteorologists: Samantha L. H. Hess G, Robert Lindsay Korty G, Greg Lawson G, Nikki Privé G, William Ramstrom G, Michael J. Ring G.

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PHOTOGRAPHY STAFF Editors: Peter R. Russo ’02, Brian Hemond ’04, Jina Kim ’06; Associate Editors: Daniel Bersak ’02, Jonathan T. Wang ’05; Staff: Roshan Baliga G, Frank Dabek G, Marcus Dahlem G, Wendy Gu G, Stanley Hu ’00, Scott Johnston ’03, Miguel A. Calles ’04, Jimmy Cheung ’04, Ben Gallup ’04, Letters To The Editor Dmitry Portnyagin ’04, Hassen Abdu ’06, Matt D. Brown ’06, John M. Cloutier ’06, Grant Jordan ’06, Embarrassing intention to make fun of Na Na Keum. I print- Mischaracterization of Stephanie Lee ’06, Edward Platt ’06, Omoleye Roberts ed the text of our conversation verbatim with ’06, Rene Chen ’07. Interview no changes because I do not feel entitled to Pro-Choice Position FEATURES STAFF change other people’s words You are an embarrassment. The inter- Akshay Patil I was dismayed by Adam Kolasinki’s Editor: Akshay Patil ’04; Associate Editors: Tiffany Kosolcharoen ’06; Columnists: Bruce Wu view with Miss Keum in The Tech on Fri- Features Editor gross mischaracterization of the pro-choice G, Kailas Narendran ’01, Ian Ybarra ’04, Mark day, April 2 [“Missin’ Korea”] makes you position in “Untenable Unborn Child Liao ’06, Danchai Mekadenaumporn ’05, Alex sound like a bigot. Let’s see how well you Dichotomy” [April 2]. Although I agree Nelson ’06; Cartoonists: Jason Burns G, Jumaane do being interviewed by a racist in a lan- Fruitful Abortion with Kolasinski’s claim that the Unborn Jeffries ’02, Sergei R. Guma ’04, Sean Liu ’04, Jen- guage you speak poorly. I wouldn’t be sur- Victims of Violence Act sets a precedent nifer Peng ’05, Nancy Phan ’05, Qian Wang ’05, prised if she decides to attend Harvard if she Debate which opponents of abortion will use to Zach Ozer ’07, Dan Scolnic ’07. gets wind of this interview and the true I read Adam Kolasinski’s editorial argue for the personhood of the fetus, I can- motive behind it — to make her look like a [“Untenable Unborn Child Dichotomy,” not agree with his subsequent conclusions. BUSINESS STAFF fool because you are threatened by her April 2]. He spoke more articulately and Kolasinski accuses pro-choice advocates of Operations Manager: Lauren W. Leung ’07; somehow. rationally than I usually hear when people “ignoring” the question of the moral status Staff: Jyoti R. Tibrewala ’04, Lynn K. Kamimoto Your article is nothing but self-indulgent, talk about these issues. He is right — normal of the fetus, but this misses the thrust of our ’05, Chris Ruggiero ’07. sexist, and xenophobic, and I’m really unim- people are outraged when a wanted unborn argument. Supporters of the right to choose TECHNOLOGY STAFF pressed with The Tech for printing it. baby is killed. They have a disconnect when properly focus on the substantial burden I suggest you write an apology to Miss it is an unwanted child. I wish that the dis- that pregnancy imposes on a woman Staff: Daniel Leeds ’05, Lisa Wray ’07. Keum and the MIT community and have it cussion of abortion could be more about this because this is a burden that everyone must EDITORS AT LARGE published in The Tech. sort of thing than about fruitless arguments acknowledge. We do not ignore the moral Senior Editors: Satwiksai Seshasai G, Keith J. Dan Roy ’04 about whose “rights” should prevail. Thanks status of the fetus; we believe that there is Winstein G, Jennifer Krishnan ’04; Contributing Editor’s Response: At no point during the for the editorial. Editors: Jeremy Baskin ’04, Devdoot Majumdar interview or writing of the column was it my Steve Savage Continued Next Page ’04. ADVISORY BOARD Opinion Policy property of The Tech, and will not be returned. The Tech makes no Peter Peckarsky ’72, Paul E. Schindler, Jr. ’74, V. commitment to publish all the letters received. Michael Bove ’83, Barry Surman ’84, Robert E. Editorials are the official opinion of The Tech. They are written The Tech’s Ombudsman, reachable by e-mail at ombuds- Malchman ’85, Deborah A. Levinson ’91, by the editorial board, which consists of the chairman, editor in [email protected], serves as the liaison between The Tech and chief, opinion editor, a senior editor, and an opinion staffer. Jonathan Richmond PhD ’91, Saul Blumenthal its readers. From time to time, the Ombudsman writes an indepen- Dissents are the opinions of signed members of the editorial ’98, Joseph Dieckhans ’00, Ryan Ochylski ’01, dent column reflecting the complaints, questions, and concerns of board choosing to publish their disagreement with the editorial. Rima Arnaout ’02, Eric J. Cholankeril ’02, Ian Lai the readership. ’02, Nathan Collins SM ’03, B. D. Colen. Letters to the editor, columns, and editorial cartoons are writ- ten by individuals and represent the opinion of the author, not nec- OMBUDSMAN essarily that of the newspaper. Electronic submissions are encour- To Reach Us John A. Hawkinson. aged and should be sent to [email protected]. Hard copy submissions should be addressed to The Tech, P.O. Box 397029, The Tech’s telephone number is (617) 253-1541. E-mail is the PRODUCTION STAFF FOR THIS ISSUE Cambridge, Mass. 02139-7029, or sent by interdepartmental mail to easiest way to reach any member of our staff. If you are unsure Editors: Joel C. Corbo ’04, Andrew Mamo ’04, Room W20-483. All submissions are due by 4:30 p.m. two days whom to contact, send mail to [email protected], and it will David Carpenter ’05; Staff: Lauren W. Leung ’07. before the date of publication. be directed to the appropriate person. Please send press releases,

The Tech (ISSN 0148-9607) is published on Tuesdays and Fridays during the academic year Letters, columns, and cartoons must bear the authors’ signatures, requests for coverage, and information about errors that call for cor- (except during MIT vacations), Wednesdays during January and monthly during the summer for $45.00 per year Third Class by The Tech, Room W20-483, 84 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, addresses, and phone numbers. Unsigned letters will not be accepted. rection to [email protected]. Letters to the editor should be Mass. 02139. Third Class postage paid at Boston, Mass. Permit No. 1. POSTMASTER: Please sent to [email protected]. The Tech can be found on the send all address changes to our mailing address: The Tech, P.O. Box 397029, Cambridge, Mass. The Tech reserves the right to edit or condense letters; shorter letters 02139-7029. Telephone: (617) 253-1541, editorial; (617) 258-8329, business; (617) 258-8226, will be given higher priority. Once submitted, all letters become World Wide Web at http://the-tech.mit.edu. facsimile. Advertising, subscription, and typesetting rates available. Entire contents © 2004 The Tech. Printed on recycled paper by Charles River Publishing. April 6, 2004 OPINION THE TECH Page 5 Helping Kids Letters To The Editor, Continued no compelling reason to think the claims of In the case of abortion, the rights of the the fetus outweigh the claims of the mother, mother outweigh the interests of the fetus (if Handle Pressure at least until the fetus develops certain char- any), so there is no logical fallacy there. The acteristics that are undeniable prerequisites real question is why our legal system permits activities to satisfy the Harvards and MITs of for having rights. truly trivial human interests — such as wear- Vivek Rao the world. Judith Jarvis Thomson has argued that a ing fur garments for instance — to win against The fact is that kids these days are growing severe constraint on liberty ought not to be animals’ interests in not being trapped, gassed For those of you who missed it, this past up faster than in recent memory. Levels of pres- imposed on grounds that a woman is not or anally electrocuted. weekend witnessed the professional debut of sure and demands for performance once unreasonable in rejecting, and a woman is The same logic that allows feticide to be 14-year old soccer sensation Freddy Adu. Origi- reserved for adults are now extending to surely not unreasonable in rejecting the claim punished when there is no competing consti- nally hailing from Ghana, the young and sub- younger and younger children. What’s ironic that life begins at conception in favor of the tutional interest at stake should also apply to limely talented Adu has been widely anointed about this striking trend is that our society has very plausible claim that having rights pre- criminalize extreme suffering inflicted upon as the United States’ savior of soccer, with the simultaneously grown more and more con- supposes having interests (a view which sep- animals to satisfy relatively miniscule human ability to transform his sport into the American scious about issues like stress, parental pressure, arates late-term fetuses from newborn cravings. craze it has always puzzlingly failed to be. Adu, and child development. babies). It is ironic that Kolasinski believes Bryan Pease who already earns the highest salary in all of The continued increases in pressure on mod- that the personhood of the fetus becomes Major League Soccer, faces a burden of pres- ern youth in spite of growing awareness that “more apparent” from fetal imaging technol- sure seldom placed on someone his age. such pressure may be detrimental proves puz- ogy “even in the first trimester” when most Offensive Yet Adu’s case reflects a growing trend in zling. Why do we encumber our children with laypeople cannot distinguish between an ape our society, with more and more teenagers and more and more strain and responsibility? Why fetus and a human fetus well into third Generalization children being thrust into adulthood. Faced with do cases of adult rage and overinvolvement at trimester. The question of when a being April 2’s “Sex and the SafeRide” [“Don’t responsibility that belies their age, young peo- youth sports events grow increasingly common acquires rights calls for careful moral Fly Solo: Wingman Tips”] was objectionable ple today seem to spend even as more and more inquiry, and most supporters of the right to in its entirety for its objectification of women a lot less time enjoying experts openly con- choose draw the line well before birth, but and glorification of their “conquest.” Particu- the innocent years of demn such acts? Why positions grounded only in impulsive larly disgusting, though, was its use of the youth, a phenomenon The continued increases in do parents grow ever responses to 3-D graphics or clouded by an term “hos” to refer generically to women. I that at very least more obsessed with instinctive revulsion to violent crimes are not don’t usually support wholesale censorship deserves our attention. pressure on modern youth in grades and admissions, justifiable to the women whose freedom they of every politically incorrect term that might Perhaps the most spite of growing awareness that despite the frequent would restrict. offend someone’s sensibilities, but to refer to publicized example objections of coun- Jason Abaluck all women as “whores” (which “hos” is short comes in the person of such pressure may be detrimental selors and psychia- President, Perspective, Harvard Liberal for, if I’m not mistaken) is possibly the worst LeBron James, the bas- trists? Monthly Magazine kind of degrading generalization of a class of ketball superstar who at proves puzzling. My solution to these people that one can utter. It doesn’t matter if the tender age of 16 discrepancies is hardly it is part of an “old adage” because it rhymes was already drawing some sweeping con- Imaginary Dichotomy with “bros”; it is unacceptable, and The Tech comparisons to legends like Michael Jordan, demnation of pressure on youth. Such a pre- The recent column “Untenable Unborn owes all of MIT’s women and men an apolo- Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird. James has scription would be both naive and unrealistic. Child Dichotomy” [April 2] states that there gy for printing it. since made the successful transition from the Instead, the better approach would seem to is a logical fallacy in new federal legislation Isaac Moses G high school ranks to the National Basketball involve some lessening of the double standards treating feticide as murder when the mother Association (NBA), but how he holds up that face children in modern American society. does not consent, but allowing it in the case against the pressure, hype, and attention that While the pressure they face in certain walks of of consensual abortion. However, there is Crossword Inaccuracy will undoubtedly accompany him throughout life grows by the year, they are still carefully actually nothing inconsistent about this Just to let you know (and whoever you get his potentially illustrious career remains to be hidden from R-rated movies (and, of course, the dichotomy, either in the way the law current- the crossword puzzles from), the answer to 1 seen. Janet Jackson tape) and elementary school edu- ly is applied nor even in the way it should be Down in the March 30 puzzle is incorrect — Dianna DeGarmo is another young phenom cation tends to be rather slow and simplistic. applied. not because the letters were wrong or didn’t who finds herself in the national spotlight. The Though the sex, drugs, guns, and alcohol have A fetus may not be a legal person, but this fit, but because Sikhs are NOT Hindus. 16-year old Georgian is one of the finalists on continued to affect younger and younger does not mean the law cannot seek to protect Sikhism is a distinct religion from both Hin- “American Idol 3,” and singing performances cohorts of children, parents remain overly con- its interests when those interests are not out- duism and Islam, and is the fifth largest world reach the ears of millions of people every week. servative when it comes to discussing such weighed by other concerns. Animals are not religion. The issue of young people facing daunting issues, often leaving kids unprepared for the legal persons, and yet anti-cruelty statutes I hope the fact-checkers will do a better pressure is hardly limited to the exquisitely tal- realities of the world in which they live. prohibit people from intentionally harming job in future puzzles. Thanks! ented, however. Consider the growing obses- The bottom line is that modern society animals unless it is for some socially sanc- Gurukarm Khalsa sion with college admissions. Every year, high places greater pressure on its children (certainly tioned purpose. [Editor’s Note: Our crosswords come to schoolers across the country struggle through not in all areas, but in most), and that is a situa- Further, the psychological harm inflicted us through KRT Campus, a national wire ser- the grueling process, and the pressure they face tion that’s not likely to change anytime soon, on the mother by a criminal who kills her vice for college papers, which receives them from their school, their parents, and themselves regardless of whether people like it or not. fetus without her consent sufficiently justi- through the Chicago Tribune. While we have is rampant. Middle schoolers are enrolling in However, the time has come for adults to accel- fies a category of offense that punishes such reported the error to KRT and they are dis- SAT prep courses and the parents of elementary erate the social, emotional, and even academic an act, even if the fetus itself is not capable cussing the puzzle with the Tribune, we will school children are worrying about whether education of the nation’s youth, enabling chil- of feeling pain at the point at which it is continue to remain at the mercy of their fact- their kids engage in enough extracurricular dren to keep pace with the world around them. killed. checkers.] The Ombudsman Don’t Hide Editors’ Notes; Serious screwup editing letters vey meaning, and if that meaning is best conveyed with a page four. It ran deep inside the paper, sandwiched above the John A. Hawkinson change, the style needs to adapt. Events Calendar; to date it has received no responses. Ironically, both of last week’s issues carried a prominent I shall endeavor to write smaller more frequent columns “To Our Readers:” box asking for feedback on the Events Ombudsman, Page 6 rather than voluminous mammoths like this. Calendar section — at least, it would have been prominent on

INSIDE THIS COLUMN Page 4 THE TECH September 9, 2003 Page 4 THE TECH May 13, 2003 Inside this column ...... 5 OPINION OPINION Don’t hide editors’ notes! ...... 5 To Our Readers Taking Crowding Seriously Chairman The numbers can no longer be ignored. There will be if MIT had thirty extra beds for the Class of 2007, it would remain Jyoti Tibrewala ’04 On Friday evening, The Tech sent a spam e-mail to 28 widely-read MIT mailing lists in an inappropriate recruiting effort. Chairman crowding in Institute dormitories next year. MIT administrators a dangerous proposition to shoot for an incoming class size that Changing people’s letters is a no-no ...... 6 We were wrong to do so. Our e-mail was a gross violation of common courtesy and the Athena Rules of Use, and was far out- Editor in Chief Jyoti Tibrewala ’04 have variously described the extent of this crowding as small exactly equaled the number of beds MIT has to offer. It doesn’t Christine R. Fry ’05 side the behavior of the respectable community institution that we work to be. It will not happen again. and affecting a handful of students. take a statistician to know that the chance of overshooting the tar- On behalf of the paper, we sincerely apologize. Editor in Chief Sidebar: Edits made to Haddad’s submission ...... 6 Business Manager Nathan Collins G Editorial Such statements do not appear get is about one-half. In the present case, MIT chose to set a target Roy K. Esaki ’04 entirely accurate. A quick calcula- that overshot the number of beds it likely had to offer. That choice Jyoti Tibrewala ’04 Christine R. Fry ’05 David Carpenter ’05 Roy K. Esaki ’04 Eun J. Lee ’04 Business Manager tion reveals that there are about 965 spaces for incoming fresh- is strange considering that both Chancellor Phillip L. Clay PhD Managing Editor Chairman Editor in Chief Managing Editor Business Manager Executive Editor Ian Lai G David Carpenter ’05 men next year, and as of last Friday, 1023 prospective freshmen ’75 and Benedict last year pledged to eliminate crowding. UA people on Editorial Board?! ...... 6 Managing Editor have accepted their offers of admission. That number is likely to The Tech is not asking MIT to hire prognosticators, nor are Executive Editor Joy Forsythe ’04 fluctuate — some 200 prospective freshmen have yet to reply, we asking MIT to be ruthless about the size of its incoming Eun J. Lee ’04 and historically 20-30 who accept change their minds and do class. But it is not unreasonable to ask for better planning. Don’t You print it, you fix it…unless you don’t? ...... 6 NEWS STAFF NEWS STAFF News and Features Director: Keith J. Winstein not attend MIT — but the basic truth is that, if we are lucky, the shoot for 1000 freshmen when you have 965 beds. Be realistic News and Features Director: Jennifer Krishnan ’03; News Editors: Jennifer Krishnan ’04, Institute just got thirty more people than it can really house. — and aggressive — about dealing with housing-supply prob- ’04; News Editors: Keith J. Winstein G, Lauren Christine R. Fry ’05; Associate Editors: Lauren That problem is doubled (or maybe tripled or quadrupled) lems. Random Hall’s end-time appears near, and East Campus E. LeBon ’06, Beckett W. Sterner ’06; Associate E. LeBon ’06, Kathy Lin ’06, Beckett W. Sterner because those thirty have to live in rooms with at least one other needs renovations. That means MIT will need other sources of Editors: Kathy Lin ’06, Marissa Vogt ’06, Jenny ’06, Marissa Vogt ’06, Jenny Zhang ’06; Staff: Zhang ’06; Staff: Jeffrey Greenbaum ’04, Kevin R. Lang G, Naveen Sunkavally G, Jeffrey person; crowding will then directly affect a population about 10 housing just to maintain current capacity, and do better than it DON’T HIDE EDITORS’ NOTES! Michael E. Rolish ’04, Sam Hwang ’05, Jessica Greenbaum ’04, Sam Hwang ’05, Jessica A percent the size of the incoming freshmen class. This is the has in the past. Graduate student housing has been undercut by A Zaman ’05, Tiffany Kosolcharoen ’06, Lak- Zaman ’05, Tiffany Kosolcharoen ’06, Lakshmi best-case scenario. If fewer people than normal change their an administration desperate to find beds for undergraduates. The shmi Nambiar ’06, Jennifer Wong ’06; Meteor- Nambiar ’06, Jennifer Wong ’06; Meteor- minds and decide to go elsewhere, or if a significant fraction of rush to populate Simmons Hall on time resulted in a half-com- ologists: Samantha L. H. Hess G, Robert Lind- ologists: Samantha L. H. Hess G, Robert Lind- the 200 outstanding offers are accepted, the affected population plete dorm still riddled with problems that was constructed at a The Tech has run several editors’ notes lately, and I have say Korty G, Greg Lawson G, Nikki Privé G, say Korty G, Greg Lawson G, Nikki Privé G, could reach 10 percent of MIT undergraduates. cost of over $70 million. William Ramstrom G, Michael J. Ring G. William Ramstrom G, Michael J. Ring G, Efren Gutierrez ’03. That prediction is bit dire, and The Tech does not want to Fraternities, sororities, and independent living groups are PRODUCTION STAFF imply that MIT will soon fall prey to locusts and earthquakes. also in need of help, and MIT needs their help as well. Benedict been disappointed with their presentation. In my opinion, if Editors: Hangyul Chung ’05, Kevin Chen ’06, PRODUCTION STAFF Tiffany Dohzen ’06; Associate Editors: Sie Editors: Joel Corbo ’04, David Carpenter ’05; On the other hand, we are concerned that administrators have and others have said the FSILG problem is central to the crowd- Hendrata Dharmawan ’05, Nicholas R. Hoff Associate Editors: Hangyul Chung ’05, Sie Hen- not planned very well. Dean for Student Life Larry G. Benedict ing issue. That’s true. If many of the current crop of affiliated ’05; Staff: Andrew Mamo ’04, Albert Leung drata Dharmawan ’05, Nicholas R. Hoff ’05, Kevin seems to have had a simple plan: target the number of incoming sophomores choose not to leave their dormitories, crowding will something deserves an editors’ note, that means it deserves ’06, Jolinta Lin ’06, Jonathan Reinharth ’06. Chen ’06, Tiffany Dohzen ’06; Staff: Eric J. freshmen to avoid crowding. The target number, incidentally, again worsen. OPINION STAFF Cholankeril G, Anju Kanumalla ’03, Andrew was 1000. MIT has housing problems. Administrators may or may not Editors: Ken Nesmith ’04, Andrew C. Thomas Mamo ’04, Albert Leung ’06, Jolinta Lin ’06, MIT’s plan does indeed seem simple. To paraphrase the jour- have accepted the depth of these problems. They appear not to prominent placement on page four (or perhaps even page ’04; Columnists: Philip Burrowes ’04, Vivek Jonathan Reinharth ’06. nalist and commentator H.L. Mencken, for every problem there’s have internalized the importance of serious, coordinated planning. Rao ’05; Staff: Basil Enwegbara G, Maywa OPINION STAFF a simple solution — a simple solution that’s wrong. After all, even It’s time they do so. Montenegro G, Kris Schnee ’02, Gretchen K. Editors: Ken Nesmith ’04, Andrew C. Thomas one). I do not think italic text at the top of, or within the let- Aleks ’04, Atif Z. Qadir ’04, Stephanie W. ’04; Columnists: Philip Burrowes ’04, Vivek Wang ’04, Tao Yue ’04, W. Victoria Lee ’06. Rao ’05; Staff: Basil Enwegbara G, Maywa SPORTS STAFF Montenegro G, Kris Schnee ’02, Gretchen K. From the Editors Editor: Jennifer DeBoer ’05; Columnists: Aleks ’04, Roy Esaki ’04, Atif Z. Qadir ’04, ters section is sufficiently eye-catching, nor is mention in the Eric Rosenblatt ’04, Phil Janowicz ’05. Stephanie W. Wang ’04, Tao Yue ’04, W. Victo- Dear Readers, Hawkinson, to be our independent reader ombudsman. He can be ria Lee ’06. ARTS STAFF With our unique position at MIT, we are intensely mindful of The reached at [email protected] and will write an unedited Editors: Jeremy Baskin ’04, Allison C. Lewis SPORTS STAFF Tech’s responsibility to serve our readers accountably and to keep column in this paper, serving as our liaison with The Tech’s reader- errata box. Instead, the editors’ note should be placed in an ’04; Associate Editors: Daniel S. Robey ’04, Editors: Jennifer DeBoer ’05, Tom Kilpatrick striving to improve our coverage. Next semester, Christine R. Fry ’05 ship. We expect him to be critical and fair and to call us to account Kevin G. Der ’06; Staff: Erik Blankinship G, ’05; Columnists: O.B. Usmen ’03, Eric will replace Nathan Collins G as editor in chief, but our efforts to when we screw up. Please do not hesitate to contact him about the Bence P. Olveczky G, Sonja Sharpe G, Fred Choi Rosenblatt ’04, Phil Janowicz ’05. deliver a high-quality newspaper will continue. paper. area of its own, similar to the errata box, where it can be ’02, Amandeep Loomba ’02, Bogdan Fedeles ARTS STAFF Here is an update on some improvements we have undertaken this • We have appointed an executive editor with responsibilities ’03, Sonali Mukherjee ’03, Marjan Bolouri ’04, Editors: Jeremy Baskin ’04, Allison C. Lewis semester and are planning for next semester. including staff recruitment, and will step up efforts to attract new staff, Jed Horne ’04, Pey-Hua Hwang ’04, Devdoot ’04; Associate Editors: Daniel S. Robey ’04, • We replaced our “World & Nation” news wire, previously from especially graduate students. A critical shortage of reporters continues Majumdar ’04, Chad Serrant ’04, Petar Simich Kevin G. Der ’06; Staff: Erik Blankinship G, the Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post, with the New York to be the major limitation on our news and features coverage. clearly seen in a casual glance. ’04, Jorge Padilla ’05, Ricky Rivera ’05, Amy Bence P. Olveczky G, Sonja Sharpe G, Aman- Times News Service, which includes stories from The Boston Globe. • We will continue this year’s reintroduced Features Section. The Lee ’06, Jacqueline A. O’Connor ’06. deep Loomba ’02, Bogdan Fedeles ’03, Sonali We plan to bring you better local coverage and selections from The goal is to capture the tenor of what it is actually like to be an MIT stu- PHOTOGRAPHY STAFF Mukherjee ’03, Jed Horne ’04, Pey-Hua Times’ Tuesday “Science Times” section. dent on an everyday basis and to diversify our coverage. This is hardly a new idea. Last term (and prior), The Tech Editors: Brian Hemond ’04, Jonathan Wang ’05, Hwang ’04, Devdoot Majumdar ’04, Chad Ser- • Backing up our longstanding prohibition on news staff involve- • We are pursuing ways to improve our accessibility and respon- Noel Davis ’06; Associate Editors: Daniel rant ’04, Jorge Padilla ’05, Ricky Rivera ’05, ment in the opinion section, we removed the news and features editors siveness to the MIT community, including “talk back to The Tech” Bersak ’02; Staff: Regina Cheung G, Wendy Amy Lee ’06. from the editorial board, the group that writes The Tech’s editorials, in seminars, where readers are invited to discuss and ask questions about Gu G, Jinyang Li G, Michelle Povinelli G, Peter PHOTOGRAPHY STAFF order to remove even the possibility of conflict between editors’ roles the previous month of the paper with the editors. published prominent editors’ notes (see examples on this R. Russo G, Dong Wang G, Xiaowei Yang G, Editors: Brian Hemond ’04, Jonathan Wang in opinion and news coverage on the paper. The Tech is just a student group pledged to find out the truth and Stanley Hu ’00, Eric J. Cholankeril ’02, Yi Xie ’05, Noel Davis ’06; Associate Editors: • We pursued aggressive and repeated followup stories, on issues report it back to our readers. The people who work on it, few as we are, ’02, Scott Johnston ’03, Marissa L. Yates ’03, Daniel Bersak ’02; Staff: Regina Cheung G, such as orientation planning, the reintroduction of crowding, and the live down the hall from you and work on your behalf. We’re proud of Miguel A. Calles ’04, Nina Kshetry ’04, Dmitry Jinyang Li G, Michelle Povinelli G, Dong page and the next). government’s SEVIS international student registration system, in order our reporting this past semester — and proud of our top-ranked status Portnyagin ’04, Benjamin Solish ’04, Dalton Wang G, Xiaowei Yang G, Stanley Hu ’00, Yi Cheng ’05, Annie Ding ’05, Michael Lin ’05, Tim- Xie ’02, Wendy Gu ’03, Scott Johnston ’03, to keep our reader’s questions in the driver’s seat in campus debate. among American college newspapers, judged by the Associated Colle- othy Suen ’05, Amy L. Wong ’05, Hassen Abdu Marissa L. Yates '03, Miguel A. Calles ’04, • We published an address for information about errors that call for giate Press — but our real goal is to earn your respect and deliver qual- I was particularly dismayed by the erratum published on ’06, Matt D. Brown ’06, John M. Cloutier ’06, Nina Kshetry '04, Dmitry Portnyagin ’04, Ben- correction, [email protected], and we conscientiously followed ity news, and we will continue working toward those ends. Let us Colin Dillard ’06, Victoria Fan ’06, Jina Kim ’06, jamin Solish ’04, Dalton Cheng ’05, Annie Ding up on each report. know how we can help. Melanie Michalak ’06, Edward Platt ’06, Omoleye ’05, Michael Lin ’05, Timothy Suen ’05, Amy L. Next semester: P.S. Did we mention we’re desperate for reporters and features March 16 regarding Marc Haddad G’s March 9 piece, Roberts ’06, Benjamin Schwartz ’06, Sandra Yu Wong ’05, Hassen Abdu ’06, Matt D. Brown ’06, • We have asked a fixture in the MIT community, John A. writers? Join us next year or write for our monthly summer issues. ’06, Elizabeth Zellner ’06, Jean Zheng ’06. John M. Cloutier ’06, Colin Dillard ’06, Victoria FEATURES STAFF Fan ’06, Jina Kim ’06, Melanie Michalak ’06, Editor: Brian Loux ’04; Associate Editors: Edward Platt ’06, Omoleye Roberts ’06, Ben- Letters To The Editor “Twisted Logic from the Syrian Ambassador.” I was Veena Ramaswamy ’06, Ricarose Roque ’06; jamin Schwartz ’06, Sandra Yu ’06, Elizabeth Staff: Bruce Wu G; Columnists: Akshay Patil Zellner ’06, Jean Zheng ’06. Rebuilding the Old policy that the Old Man of the Mountain is voiced concern when New Hampshire first ’04, Michael Short ’05; Cartoonists: Jason FEATURES STAFF not a landmark to be left to its own devices decided to restore the monument, not when involved in discussion regarding that erratum, and I had orig- Burns G, Kailas Narendran ’01, Bao-Yi Chang Editor: Eun J. Lee ’04; Associate Editors: Man and completely rebuilding the monument is New Hampshire decides to repair the monu- ’02, Jumaane Jeffries ’02, Lara Kirkham ’03, Brian Loux ’04, Veena Ramaswamy ’06, just following with an already established ment again. Alison Wong ’03, Sean Liu ’04, Nancy Phan Ricarose Roque ’06; Columnists: Akshay In response to Vivek Rao’s column last maintenance policy. Vivek Rao should have George Waksman ’05 ’05. Patil ’04, Michael Short ’05; Cartoonists: Friday, “You Can't Replace The Old Man,” I inally argued that it should have run as an editor’s note, not Jason Burns G, Kailas Narendran ’01, Bao-Yi BUSINESS STAFF would like to offer forth the point that New Chang ’02, Jumaane Jeffries ’02, Lara Kirk- Staff: William Li ’06. or condense letters; shorter letters will be Hampshire’s Old Man in the Mountain has ham ’03, Alison Wong ’03, Sean Liu ’04, Opinion Policy given higher priority. Once submitted, all been synthetically held together for many TECHNOLOGY STAFF Nancy Phan ’05, Josie Sung ’05. Erratum an erratum, so it would receive more prominence. Director: Roshan Baliga ’03; Staff: Frank Editorials are the official opinion of letters become property of The Tech, and Erratum years using anchoring spikes, cables, and Dabek G, Kevin Atkinson ’02, Daniel Leeds ’05. The Tech. They are written by the editorial will not be returned. The Tech makes no BUSINESS STAFF epoxy. Although the original formation was Staff: William Li ’06. entirely natural, the article neglected the fact The headline on a May 6 article [“MIT Issues $250 Million in New Bonds”] transposed EDITORS AT LARGE board, which consists of the chairman, edi- commitment to publish all the letters The note was initially laid out as italicized text under the Senior Editor: Aaron D. Mihalik G; Contribut- tor in chief, managing editor, opinion edi- received. TECHNOLOGY STAFF that without man’s intervention it would two numerals in the amount of an MIT bond issue. As correctly reported in the article, it was Director: Roshan Baliga ’03; Staff: Frank ing Editors: Joel C. Corbo ’04, Joy Forsythe ’04. tors, a photography editor, and an arts edi- The Tech’s Ombudsman, reachable A Friday article [“Passing Rate for have collapsed ages ago. The New Hamp- $205 million, not $250 million. by e-mail at ombudsman@the- FEE Levels Off”] referred incorrectly Dabek G, Kevin Atkinson ’02, Daniel Leeds ’05. shire state government has already set the ADVISORY BOARD tor. tech.mit.edu, serves as the liaison between to the trend in the pass rate on the EDITORS AT LARGE letters section, and I felt as if my argument had been grossly Peter Peckarsky ’72, Paul E. Schindler, Jr. ’74, Dissents are the opinions of signed Freshman Essay Evaluation. Perfor- Senior Editors: Aaron D. Mihalik G, Sandra M. V. Michael Bove ’83, Barry Surman ’84, members of the editorial board choosing to The Tech and its readers. From time to mance on the FEE has remained Chung ’04. will be given higher priority. Once submitted, all letters become Robert E. Malchman ’85, Deborah A. Levin- publish their disagreement with the editori- time, the Ombudsman writes an indepen- roughly constant over the last six ADVISORY BOARD Opinion Policy property of The Tech, and will not be returned. The Tech makes no son ’91, Jonathan Richmond PhD ’91, al. dent column reflecting the complaints, misinterpreted. The Tech’s chairman, Hangyul Chung, (a for- questions, and concerns of the readership. years, but the score of “Intermediate” Peter Peckarsky ’72, Paul E. Schindler, Jr. ’74, Editorials are the official opinion of The Tech. They are written commitment to publish all the letters received. Vladimir V. Zelevinsky ’95, Anders Hove ’96, Letters to the editor, columns, and Saul Blumenthal ’98, Joel Rosenberg ’99, was merged into “Pass” in 2001 when V. Michael Bove ’83, Barry Surman ’84, Robert by the editorial board, which consists of the chairman, editor in The Tech’s Ombudsman, reachable by e-mail at ombuds- editorial cartoons are written by individu- Joseph Dieckhans ’00, Ryan Ochylski ’01, the Writing Requirement became the E. Malchman ’85, Deborah A. Levinson ’91, chief, managing editor, opinion editors, a photography editor, and [email protected], serves as the liaison between The Tech and als and represent the opinion of the author, To Reach Us mer production editor) responded to an e-mail I sent, saying, Satwiksai Seshasai ’01, Rima Arnaout ’02, Ian current Communications Requirement. Jonathan Richmond PhD ’91, Vladimir V. an arts editor. its readers. From time to time, the Ombudsman writes an indepen- Lai ’02, Nathan Collins SM ’03, B. D. Colen. not necessarily that of the newspaper. The Tech’s telephone number is (617) The percentage of freshmen receiv- Zelevinsky ’95, Anders Hove ’96, Saul Blumen- Dissents are the opinions of signed members of the editorial dent column reflecting the complaints, questions, and concerns of thal ’98, Joel Rosenberg ’99, Joseph Dieckhans Electronic submissions are encouraged and 253-1541. E-mail is the easiest way to ing a “Pass,” “Intermediate,” or a board choosing to publish their disagreement with the editorial. the readership. OMBUDSMAN should be sent to [email protected]. reach any member of our staff. If you are superlative score on an Advanced ’00, Ryan Ochylski ’01, Satwiksai Seshasai ’01, Letters to the editor, columns, and editorial cartoons are writ- John A. Hawkinson. Rima Arnaout ’02, B. D. Colen. “I thought editor’s notes were usually italicized — and Hard copy submissions should be unsure whom to contact, send mail to gen- Placement examination was 79 percent ten by individuals and represent the opinion of the author, not nec- PRODUCTION STAFF FOR THIS ISSUE addressed to The Tech, P.O. Box 397029, [email protected], and it will be in 1998 and 1999, 74 percent in 2000, OMBUDSMAN essarily that of the newspaper. Electronic submissions are encour- To Reach Us Editors: Joy Forsythe ’04, Kevin Chen ’06, Cambridge, Mass. 02139-7029, or sent by directed to the appropriate person. Please 66 percent in 2001, 73 percent in 2002, John A. Hawkinson. aged and should be sent to [email protected]. Hard copy The Tech’s telephone number is (617) 253-1541. E-mail is the Tiffany Dohzen ’06; Associate Editors: interdepartmental mail to Room W20-483. putting it in a box of their own like an errata is kinda stupid send press releases, requests for coverage, and 74 percent in 2003, according to PRODUCTION STAFF FOR THIS ISSUE submissions should be addressed to The Tech, P.O. Box 397029, easiest way to reach any member of our staff. If you are unsure Nicholas Hoff ’05, Jonathan Reinharth ’06; All submissions are due by 4:30 p.m. two and information about errors that call for figures provided by Leslie C. Perel- Editors: Hangyul Chung ’05, Tiffany Dohzen Cambridge, Mass. 02139-7029, or sent by interdepartmental mail to whom to contact, send mail to [email protected], and it will Staff: Jennifer Huang ’07, Yaser Khan ’07, days before the date of publication. Sylvia Yang ’07. correction to [email protected]. Let- man, the director of writing across the ’06. Room W20-483. All submissions are due by 4:30 p.m. two days be directed to the appropriate person. Please send press releases, The Tech (ISSN 0148-9607) is published on Tuesdays and Fridays during the academic Letters, columns, and cartoons must ters to the editor should be sent to let- curriculum. The Tech (ISSN 0148-9607) is published on Tuesdays and Fridays during the academ- before the date of publication. requests for coverage, and information about errors that call for cor- and not aesthetic.” year (except during MIT vacations), Wednesdays during January and monthly during ic year (except during MIT vacations), Wednesdays during January and monthly dur- the summer for $45.00 per year Third Class by The Tech, Room W20-483, 84 Massa- bear the authors’ signatures, addresses, and [email protected]. The Tech can be ing the summer for $45.00 per year Third Class by The Tech, Room W20-483, 84 chusetts Ave., Cambridge, Mass. 02139. Third Class postage paid at Boston, Mass. Per- Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, Mass. 02139. Third Class postage paid at Boston, Letters, columns, and cartoons must bear the authors’ signatures, rection to [email protected]. Letters to the editor should be mit No. 1. POSTMASTER: Please send all address changes to our mailing address: phone numbers. Unsigned letters will not be found on the World Wide Web at Mass. Permit No. 1. POSTMASTER: Please send all address changes to our mailing The Tech, P.O. Box 397029, Cambridge, Mass. 02139-7029. Telephone: (617) 253- address: The Tech, P.O. Box 397029, Cambridge, Mass. 02139-7029. Telephone: addresses, and phone numbers. Unsigned letters will not be accepted. sent to [email protected]. The Tech can be found on the 1541, editorial; (617) 258-8329, business; (617) 258-8226, facsimile. Advertising, sub- accepted. The Tech reserves the right to edit http://the-tech.mit.edu. (617) 253-1541, editorial; (617) 258-8329, business; (617) 258-8226, facsimile. The Tech reserves the right to edit or condense letters; shorter letters World Wide Web at http://the-tech.mit.edu. scription, and typesetting rates available. Entire contents © 2003 The Tech. Printed on Advertising, subscription, and typesetting rates available. Entire contents © 2003 The That is wrong. Even if there were such a rule, the format- recycled paper by Charles River Publishing. Tech. Printed on recycled paper by Charles River Publishing. ting and style of the paper are not ironclad. They exist to con- “To Our Readers” from Sep. 9, 2003. “From the Editors” from May 13, 2003. Page 6 THE TECH OPINION April 6, 2004 Editors Should Never Add Text To Letters! Ombudsman, from Page 5 explicit consent. and throw it in as if it were the author’s actual board chose to postpone his election until 3. The additions to Haddad’s column source. March so they could discuss the issue with CHANGING PEOPLE’S LETTERS IS A NO-NO. should not have been made without his explicit 6. In his complaint, Haddad observes that him. I have more to say about Haddad’s piece consent. the specific references to militant groups are “a I am concerned about the potential conflicts and its erratum. Not only was I displeased with 4. Any changes made by editors should at political statement,” and could not “be con- of interest, both when I evaluate each person the erratum’s formatting, but I thought its con- least be well proofread for spelling and gram- strued as editorial clarifications or corrections.” individually, as well as when I evaluate them tent was insufficient. It didn’t clearly explain He is quite right: to single out together. I may have more thoughts to offer on the situation and what actually happened. Page 4 THE TECH October 3, 2003 those two groups by name dra- this subject in the future, but I wanted to get the Chronology: OPINION matically changes the tenor of the word out, since the editors of the paper have • On March 6, Haddad e-mailed his piece to argument, and potentially puts not seen fit to provide this information other-

Chairman [email protected], and clearly identified Jyoti Tibrewala ’04 Haddad at personal risk if mem- wise. Editor in Chief it as a “letter” submission. Opinion Editor Christine R. Fry ’05 bers of those groups take excep- Business Manager Roy K. Esaki ’04 OU PRINT IT YOU FIX IT OR NOT Vivek Rao elected to publish it as a “column,” Managing Editor tion. Y , … ? David Carpenter ’05 Executive Editor and made several edits to the piece, including Eun J. Lee ’04 7. Haddad also observes that I’m upset with The Tech’s news department

NEWS STAFF News and Features Director: Jennifer Krish- adding text in six places. Rao did not contact nan ’04; News Editors: Keith J. Winstein G, the URL added “for more details” over the handling of errata. Perhaps you recall Lauren E. LeBon ’06, Beckett W. Sterner ’06; Associate Editors: Kathy Lin ’06, Marissa Haddad about this, though Rao told me he tried Vogt ’06, Jenny Zhang ’06; Staff: Jeffrey is from a Web site he “does not the lead article from the first issue of term, Greenbaum ’04, Michael E. Rolish ’04, Jay K. Cameron ’05, Sam Hwang ’05, Jessica A. Zaman ’05, Tiffany Kosolcharoen ’06, Laksh- to call and left no message and sent no e-mail. mi Nambiar ’06, Jennifer Wong ’06, Shuai consider a reliable, respectable or “UA Completes Under Half of Fall Projects” Chen ’07; Meteorologists: Samantha L. H. Hess G, Robert Lindsay Korty G, Greg Lawson G, Nikki Privé G, William Ramstrom G, • The edited piece was published on March Michael J. Ring G. impartial source.” You cannot [Feb. 3]? In my research for my Feb. 13 col- PRODUCTION STAFF Editors: Hangyul Chung ’05, Kevin Chen ’06, 9; see the accompanying sidebar for a compari- Tiffany Dohzen ’06; Associate Editors: Sie trust everything you read on the umn that mentioned that article, I concluded Hendrata Dharmawan ’05, Nicholas R. Hoff ’05; Staff: Andrew Mamo ’04, Albert Leung ’06, son of the letter as submitted and the column as Jolinta Lin ’06, Jonathan Reinharth ’06, Jennifer Web. Editors should not rely that at least three of the goals in the table from Huang ’07, Yaser M. Khan ’07, Sylvia Yang ’07 . OPINION STAFF Editors: Andrew C. Thomas ’04; Associate published. Editor: Vivek Rao ’05; Columnist: Philip Bur- upon Google to find them evi- that article were misclassified. One of those rowes ’04; Staff: Basil Enwegbara SM ’01, Gretchen K. Aleks ’04, Ken Nesmith ’04, Atif • Haddad complained on March 10 (specifi- Z. Qadir ’04, W. Victoria Lee ’06, Daniel Bar- dence. was acknowledged in an erratum published clay ’07, Ruth Miller ’07. SPORTS STAFF Editor: Jennifer DeBoer ’05, Phil Janowicz cally about four additions to his piece), and the ’05; Staff: Yong-yi Zhu ’06; Columnists: 8. Most importantly, the Feb. 13 (“coffeehouse re-introduction”), how- O.B. Usmen ’03, Eric Rosenblatt ’04. ARTS STAFF March 16 issue carried this erratum: Editors: Jeremy Baskin ’04, Allison C. newspaper owes Haddad much ever two others (“Nominations committee” and Lewis ’04; Associate Editors: Daniel S. Robey ’04, Kevin G. Der ’06; Staff: Erik In Marc Haddad’s column “Twisted Logic Blankinship G, Bence P. Olveczky G, Sonja more than a simple acknowledge- “Public Relations committee”) have not been Sharpe G, Fred Choi ’02, Amandeep Loomba ’02, Bogdan Fedeles ’03, Sonali Mukherjee ’03, Jed Horne ’04, Pey-Hua Hwang ’04, Devdoot from the Syrian Ambassador” [Mar. 9], the Majumdar ’04, Chad Serrant ’04, Petar Simich ment that a nameless editor acknowledged. I’ve asked the News depart- ’04, Jorge Padilla ’05, Ricky Rivera ’05, Amy Lee ’06, Jacqueline A. O’Connor ’06. sentence “Just this past October, U.S. State PHOTOGRAPHY STAFF inserted some references. It needs ment repeatedly to address these, both in e-mail Editors: Brian Hemond ’04, Jonathan Wang ’05, Dan Bersak ’02; Staff: Regina Cheung G, Wendy Gu G, Jinyang Li G, Michelle Povinelli G, Peter R. Russo Department Coordinator for Counterterrorism G, Dong Wang G, Xiaowei Yang G, Stanley Hu to publicly apologize to Haddad and in person, as early as Feb. 12 and as recent- ’00, Eric J. Cholankeril ’02, Yi Xie ’02, Scott John- ston ’03, Marissa L. Yates ’03, Miguel A. Calles ’04, called Syria ‘a sponsor of numerous terrorist Nina Kshetry ’04, Dmitry Portnyagin ’04, Benjamin for injuring his public image. The ly as March 29. Solish ’04, Dalton Cheng ’05, Annie Ding ’05, Michael Lin ’05, Timothy Suen ’05, Amy L. Wong ’05, Hassen Abdu ’06, Matt D. Brown ’06, John M. Cloutier ’06, From The Editor organizations,’ citing groups like HAMAS and Noel Davis ’06, Colin Dillard ’06, Grant Jordan ’06, Jina Tech needs to explain why injury Finally, News and Features Director Beck- Kim ’06, Melanie Michalak ’06, Edward Platt ’06, Beginning in this issue, there are two perti- Second, in order to stimulate more discus- letters to the editor (of maximum length around Omoleye Roberts ’06, Benjamin Schwartz ’06, Sandra nent changes to the Opinion section which sion and illuminate campus issues, we have 150 words) or full length guest columns (of Hizbollah,” should have been attributed as an Yu ’06, Elizabeth Zellner ’06, Jean Zheng ’06. should be made known. begun to solicit guest column submissions from about 750 words) to [email protected], was done and what steps are ett W. Sterner told me, “I’m not interested in FEATURES STAFF First, guest column submissions will now be members of the administration (with the aid of on MIT or worldly matters. Editor: Brian Loux ’04; Associate Editor: identified by having the author’s name italicized. Professor Paul A. Lagace ’78). To begin this Our goal, as always, is to foster dialogue in Ricarose Roque ’06; Columnists: Bruce Wu G, In addition, on occasions where there is no room collaboration, a column written by Dean Larry the community on issues of importance to MIT editor’s note, as should the URL referenced in Akshay Patil ’04, Michael Short ’05; Cartoon- for a particular letter on this page, those letters to G. Benedict is on the facing page. As always, and the world at large. We’re dependent on being taken to ensure it will not putting in the effort to resolve the issue of the ists: Jason Burns G, Kailas Narendran ’01, Bao- the editor which are placed on the facing page we encourage all interested parties — students, your feedback to make this happen! Keep that Yi Chang ’02, Jumaane Jeffries ’02, Lara Kirk- will be identified clearly as such. faculty, and community members — to submit mail coming. the article. The editors inserted these refer- ham ’03, Alison Wong ’03, Sergei R. Guma happen again. The Tech needs to two or three goals that had unclear status at the ’04, Sean Liu ’04, Jennifer Peng ’05, Nancy Phan ’05, Josie Sung ’05, Qian Wang ’05. given higher priority. Once submitted, all BUSINESS STAFF Opinion Policy letters become property of The Tech, and ences to substantiate the arguments of Mr. Advertising Manager: Aye Moah ’05; Staff: Editorials are the official opinion of will not be returned. The Tech makes no Errata give a full accounting of the end of the article. I believe it would take too William Li ’06, Victoria Fan ’06, Lauren Leung The Tech. They are written by the editorial commitment to publish all the letters ’07, Donald H. Wong ’07. board, which consists of the chairman, edi- received. Haddad without his consent. TECHNOLOGY STAFF tor in chief, managing editor, opinion edi- The Tech’s Ombudsman, reachable changes made to the piece, not large of an effort compared to the relatively Director: Roshan Baliga ’03; Staff: Frank tors, a photography editor, and an arts edi- by e-mail at ombudsman@the- Dabek G, Kevin Atkinson ’02, Daniel Leeds ’05. tor. tech.mit.edu, serves as the liaison between EDITORS AT LARGE Dissents are the opinions of signed There is a lot that that went wrong here! The Tech and its readers. From time to simply the two worst offenses. minor nature of the affair.” Senior Editor: Aaron D. Mihalik G, Satwiksai members of the editorial board choosing to Because of an editing error, the Tues- time, the Ombudsman writes an indepen- Seshasai G; Contributing Editors: Joel C. Corbo publish their disagreement with the editori- day obituary for Institute Professor Emeri- dent column reflecting the complaints, ’04, Joy Forsythe ’04. al. tus Franco Modigliani misstated the day of questions, and concerns of the readership. Background on opinion submissions: ADVISORY BOARD Letters to the editor, columns, and the Nobel laureate’s passing. He died on Wow. That attitude is really shocking to Peter Peckarsky ’72, Paul E. Schindler, Jr. ’74, V. editorial cartoons are written by individu- Thursday, Sept. 25, not Friday, Sept. 26. Michael Bove ’83, Barry Surman ’84, Robert E. als and represent the opinion of the author, To Reach Us Because of an editing error, a Tuesday UA POLITICIANS ON TECH Submissions may be either “letters” or Malchman ’85, Deborah A. Levinson ’91, Jonathan not necessarily that of the newspaper. article about the new MIT Boston Winter me. It’s not as if the news department is being Richmond PhD ’91, Vladimir V. Zelevinsky ’95, Electronic submissions are encouraged and The Tech’s telephone number is (617) Shuttle [“Daytime Shuttle to Start in Anders Hove ’96, Saul Blumenthal ’98, Joel Rosen- should be sent to [email protected]. 253-1541. E-mail is the easiest way to December,” Sept. 30] misspelled the name berg ’99, Joseph Dieckhans ’00, Ryan Ochylski ’01, Hard copy submissions should be reach any member of our staff. If you are of the Graduate Student Council president. EDITORIAL BOARD?! “columns.” The distinction is sharp at the Rima Arnaout ’02, Ian Lai ’02, Nathan Collins SM unsure whom to contact, send mail to gen- asked to go and fact-check everything pub- ’03, B. D. Colen. addressed to The Tech, P.O. Box 397029, His name is R. Erich Caulfield, not R. Eric Cambridge, Mass. 02139-7029, or sent by [email protected], and it will be Caulfield. OMBUDSMAN interdepartmental mail to Room W20-483. directed to the appropriate person. Please The solution to Tuesday’s Chessmate John A. Hawkinson. ends, but somewhat vague and fast-and-loose All submissions are due by 4:30 p.m. two send press releases, requests for coverage, was incorrect. The correct solution is: It has come to the my atten- lished in that story. They were given pretty PRODUCTION STAFF FOR THIS ISSUE days before the date of publication. and information about errors that call for 1. [...] Qd1+ 2. Kb2 Qc1# Editors: David Carpenter ’05, Hangyul Chung ’05, Letters, columns, and cartoons must correction to [email protected]. Let- Sie Hendrata Dharmawan ’05. where the two meet. The Tech (ISSN 0148-9607) is published on Tuesdays and Fridays during the academic year bear the authors’ signatures, addresses, and ters to the editor should be sent to let- tion that The Tech’s sole opinion clear information, both from me and from the (except during MIT vacations), Wednesdays during January and monthly during the summer for $45.00 per year Third Class by The Tech, Room W20-483, 84 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, phone numbers. Unsigned letters will not be [email protected]. The Tech can be Mass. 02139. Third Class postage paid at Boston, Mass. Permit No. 1. POSTMASTER: Please send all address changes to our mailing address: The Tech, P.O. Box 397029, Cambridge, Mass. accepted. The Tech reserves the right to edit found on the World Wide Web at 02139-7029. Telephone: (617) 253-1541, editorial; (617) 258-8329, business; (617) 258-8226, or condense letters; shorter letters will be http://the-tech.mit.edu. Short contributions written in response to facsimile. Advertising, subscription, and typesetting rates available. Entire contents © 2003 The editor, Vivek Rao, is one of the “UA Q&A” column published on Feb. 10. Tech. Printed on recycled paper by Charles River Publishing. items published in the paper are published “From The Editor” from Oct 3. 2003. two Undergraduate Association Worse, that column was accompanied by an under the headline “Letters To The Editor” on (UA) Senators for Burton-Con- italicized editor’s note: “The Tech is currently page four. Longer columns from staff opinion mar errors (e.g.: “stipulated a that Syria”?). ner. The opinion editor selects and edits the discussing with the UA the nature of the dis- writers are published on the remaining opinion 5. The idea that an opinion column must content of the opinion section, and also serves crepancies and will publish errata should the page(s); these carry the byline in roman type state its sources and attribute its facts explicitly to convene and organize The Tech’s editorial article prove to include inaccuracies.” (i.e. not italic). is flawed. Rao seemed to feel that by adding board. It’s grievous enough to decline to affirm the Longer letters that are responding to issues some facts that buttressed claims made, then The membership of The Tech’s editorial fact of errors for which there seem to be no raised in the paper may be printed after page the piece was necessarily made better. That’s board changed on March 14 (for those of you doubt, but it is truly egregious to promise (in four, and can carry a tag “Letter” inset within not always true. who’ve not been closely following the opinion print!) to publish errata, and then to fail to do the first paragraph. “Guest columns” also Certainly it is responsible journalism for policy box). The Tech’s managing board voted so! I don’t understand what Sterner can be appear after page 4, but with the byline itali- columnists to attribute their facts and explain to add Ken Nesmith to the editorial board. thinking. cized, and represent longer column-style sub- the origin thereof, but they are not required to Nesmith is a former opinion editor. Like Rao, In a subsequent e-mail message, Sterner missions that do not meet the opinion editor’s do so in all cases. An opinion column should Nesmith is also involved in student government clarifies that this “should not be construed as a idea of a “letter.” be a persuasive argument, but need not be lit- and the UA—he is the vice president of the blanket statement that I do not follow up on Got that? tered with footnotes following every sentence. class of 2004. errors in the articles. I think that’s clear in gen- (The opinion department announced the I don’t think a statement like “Syria still It’s hard to know exactly how to react to eral, evidenced by the errata we have run, and guest column byline italicization policy on supports militant groups in the region” needs to this. As I understand it, Rao’s affiliation was most recently by my response to the Putnam Oct. 3, 2003, in a “From The Editor [sic]” include a quote from a US government official. not disclosed at the time of his election to the article,” referring to the March 30 errata note. I think this method of designating guest Yes, it can make the statement stronger. But it position in December of 2003. I learned of it in regarding “MIT Takes First Place at Putnam submissions is poor. It’s not explained any- can also change the very substance of the argu- February. Math Test” [March 19]. I’m at a loss to recon- where, and few readers will remember the note ment being made. Nesmith was originally nominated for the cile these positions. from October. The opinion department should It is folly for an editor to presume he knows editorial board at the Feb. 7 meeting of the The Tech’s Ombudsman welcomes your either resume placing a “guest column” inset which fact to add to support a prior assertion in managing board, at which he was not present. feedback, to [email protected]. tag next to guest columns, or should explain a column; it is then even worse to find a URL His affiliation was disclosed, and the managing His opinions are his own. the meaning of the italics clearly, perhaps in the opinion policy box at the bottom of page four.) Columns and letters should be edited Edits made to Haddad’s submission differently: the opinion policy box mentions “The Tech reserves the right to edit or con- Changes made to the Marc Haddad G’s letter published on March 9 as “Twisted Logic from the Syrian Ambassador.” “Strikethru” indicates dense letters,” but the expectation is that removed text, “redline” indicates added text. By my count, there are 8 punctuation/spelling/style corrections, 6 significant additions/changes to the changes will be minor: letters will only be text, 2 grammar changes, 1 condensation for brevity, 1 factual correction, and 1 title clarification, for a total of 19 changes. — JOHN A. HAWKINSON shortened for space; minor grammar, spelling, style, punctuation corrections made; and per- haps potentially libelous claims removed. The new Syrian Ambassador to the U.S., United States, Dr. dent demonstrations against Syrian occupation inside and outside In a column, however, an editor has more Imad Moustapha, spoke on March 2nd 2 at MIT about Middle East Lebanon; maybe we should conclude that Dr. Moustapha only latitude. The editor should help the writer peace, a topic of controversy and contradictions by most any understands the language of force in which he claims he doesn’t shape the argument, make wording changes, account. believe in? believe? reorder sections, and perhaps add text. What was unusual about this talk is that the speaker himself I’d like to remind the ambassador that the reason the Lebanese In both cases, however, the relationship seemed full of contradictions, perhaps more so than the issues he have stopped firing at the Syrian army is because they have already between the writer and editor must be well- discussed. Dr. Moustapha set the tone early on when he started by turned in their weapons at the end of the civil war as provided for understood by both parties. The writer should expressing his admiration for the MIT community, then promptly by the Syrian-sponsored Taef accord Taif Accord of 1990, 1989, understand and approve of all changes the edi- proceeded to insult our intelligence with twisted logic, albeit in a which also stipulated for a that Syria relocate its troops by 1992 tor is making, and should have the opportunity very polite way. Yet since he appeared to be genuinely interested in from Beirut and other major cities to the Beqaa Valley and to decline publication if he or she does not feel dialogue, I would like to give him here the positive feedback he establish a timetable for its complete Syrian withdrawal by 1992. they are appropriate. solicited. Now (see http://www.meib.org/articles/0307_l1.htm for more For the case of letters, the above minor cor- To start with, the ambassador’s claim that Syria is for a peaceful details). Now, 12 years later, this complete withdrawal has still not rections don’t require checking with the resolution of all conflicts in the Middle East is very questionable, occurred. author, but anything more significant certainly since Syria still supports militant groups in the region, some of But perhaps the most blatant piece of twisted logic came in the does. Without question, adding text to a letter which are under its direct tutelage and/or protection. Just this past ambassador’s claim that he was not part of the Syrian establish- requires clear permission from the author. October, U.S. State Department Coordinator for Counterter- ment, as the obvious easy way out of having to answer for all that In a column, however, the line depends on rorism called Syria “a sponsor of numerous terrorist organiza- establishment’s offenses. This attempt at self-exoneration removed the relationship between the columnist and the tions,” citing groups like HAMAS and Hizbollah. And even if any remaining shred of personal credibility that I was still hoping editor. They should have agreed in advance on one is to believe, in good faith, the ambassador’s claims that the for, and I’m sure it failed to pass the Litmus litmus test by anyone what kinds of editing are ok. In no event Syrian regime is now against the use of force, then why is it that looking for signs of real change from the Syrian regime. should anyone be surprised to see what is pub- force and oppression are still being used inside Syria to restrict What the ambassador needs to learn here and convey to his gov- lished under his or her own byline in a news- freedoms and deprive the Syrian people of their basic human ernment back home is that no one is duped anymore by their paper! rights? rights in a situation documented by respected organiza- attempts at putting a friendly face to one a repressive regime. As Hear are the problems as I see them: tions like Human Rights Watch? By the same token, if the Syrian Charles Dickens once wrote: “Charity begins at home, and justice 1. The opinion section needs to do a better regime is against the use of military force in Iraq and Israel because begins next door”, door,” and we are still waiting to see real reform job distinguishing between “letters” and force doesn’t resolve conflicts as the ambassador stated, then why in Syria and a withdrawal of Syrian troops from neighboring “columns,” because they require different is it that Syria maintains an occupation force of roughly 20,000 Lebanon. The failed experience of Iraq’s Information Minister treatment. It doesn’t help that both are e- troops in neighboring Lebanon? Why not 20,000 Red Cross work- Mohammed Al-Sahaf should be the best indication to Dr. mailed to letters@the-tech, so sometimes even ers instead? Moustapha that spin doctors can not cannot hide and twist the truth the editors cannot tell the difference and have The ambassador proceeded to say that his country’s 30-year for very long, and that while America may still buy all get most of to guess (in this case, however, there should long occupation of Lebanon can not be called an occupation, its oil from the Middle East, people can nonetheless easily tell have been no question). because not a single bullet has been fired against the Syrian army when it’s of the snake-oil variety. 2. Marc Haddad’s submission should not since the end of the Lebanese civil war 12 years ago. Apparently, Marc Haddad PhD is a doctoral candidate in Technology Man- have been printed as a “column” without his the ambassador is not impressed by the hundreds of peaceful stu- agement and Policy. April 6, 2004

Page 7

Tr io by Emezie Okorafor

by Brian Loux Page 8 The Tech April 6, 2004

Dilbert ® by Scott Adams

ACROSS 41 Rx approvers DOWN 32 Shell rival 1 Oscillates a tail 42 Field measures 1 Smallest Scotsman 33 Numidian serpent 5 Those opposed 43 “On Golden __” 2 God of Islam 34 Shaving-cream 9 Pats a baby on the 44 Russian ruler 3 Forest space additive back 45 Gets under 4 Smooths wood 35 Initials carved on 14 Actress Raines control 5 John of Monty a seat? 15 Assumed a 46 Safe Python 36 Transfuse reclining position 48 Complex silicate 6 Rowers 38 Indian wear 16 Going on 50 Bank robbery 7 Close by, old-style 42 Video-game 17 Dash 52 Seer 8 Honker company 18 Cogito __ sum 57 Block up 9 Fragrant 44 Try out 19 Empirical 59 Bird perched at substance 47 Stair parts philosopher the bar? 10 ET’s vehicle 49 Slangy officer 20 Footwear on 62 Wipe out 11 Support piece on 51 Burgs horseback? 64 Shawl or cloak a swaying seat? 53 Lace tip 23 Plunk starter? 65 Glorify 12 Hit with a finger 54 Type of fire? Solution, page 12 24 College paper 66 Broadcaster 13 End of the road? 55 Parasitic pest 25 Outline 67 Actress Campbell 21 Zodiac sign 56 Brought to a 27 Road shoulder 68 Cicero’s being 22 Formerly, close 30 Blot 69 Gardening tools formerly 57 Letter starter 33 Cavalryman’s 70 Skyrocket 26 About 58 Opera highlight weapon 71 __ off (annoyed) 28 Umps’ cohorts 60 Nabisco cookie 37 Right on maps 29 Lady’s address 61 Molten rock 39 Uncommon 31 Native people of 63 Observe.

Crossword Puzzle Crossword 40 Actress Verdugo Canada

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Positions Available for live-in Resident Advisors for MIT's Fraternities, Sororities, and Independent Living Groups. Applications are due by April 15, 2004, and are available online at: http://web.mit.edu/slp/fsilgs/ra-application.html

Description: A Resident Advisor is expected to serve as a mentor, guide, and resource for students and to serve as a liaison between the chapter and the Dean's Office. The RA is expected to know and educate FSILG students about MIT policies, applicable Chapter and/or Fraternity/Sorority headquarters policies, and common sense safety practices. Training is provided.

Remuneration: All Resident Assistants receive free room and board. In addition, some organizations may include a small stipend. Each Resident Advisor is furnished with a single room in the chapter facility.

Qualifications: A BA or BS and/or graduate enrollment at an accredited institution are required. April 6, 2004 The Tech Page 9

Events Calendar appears in each issue of The Tech and features events for members of the MIT community. The Tech makes no guarantees as to the accuracy of this information, and The Tech shall not be held liable for any loss- es, including, but not limited to, damages resulting from attendance of an event. Events Calendar Contact information for all events is available from the Events Calendar web page.

Visit and add events to Events Calendar online at http://events.mit.edu Tuesday, April 6 from 7-8 p.m. each week. Great for kids of ALL ages! To confirm family dancing for a given week, and for up-to- date announcements about each week’s dance, see our Yahoo Group at 10:00 a.m. – Undergraduate Admissions Office Information Session (Followed by Campus Tour). Following http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mitfdc/messages. Free for MIT/Wellesley students; suggested donation $1 the Admissions Information Session is a Student Led Campus Tour which begins in Lobby 7. Groups over 15 from others. Room: Lobby 13. Sponsor: Folk Dance Club. people need to make special reservations. Free. Room: Admissions Reception Center (10-100). Sponsor: 8:45 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. – Swing Dancing. Beginners welcome, no partner necessary. free. Room: Student Cen- Admissions. ter 2nd floor. Sponsor: Lindy Hop Society, GSC Funding Board. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. – WHOI Donut and Coffee Hour. Come join your classmates for some post-bus, pre- classes refreshments! Free. Room: WHOI Student Center. Sponsor: WHOI Student Organization. Thursday, April 8 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. – QNN Group Seminar. Ion trapology for scalable quantum information processing. Free. Room: 37-252. Sponsor: Nanostructures Laboratory. 10:00 a.m. – Undergraduate Admissions Office Information Session (Followed by Campus Tour). Groups 10:45 a.m. – Campus Tour. Student led campus tours are approximately 90 minutes long and provide a gen- over 15 people need to make special reservations. Free. Room: Admissions Reception Center, (10-100). eral overview of the main campus. Please note that campus tours do not visit laboratories, living groups or Sponsor: Admissions. buildings under construction. Groups over 15 people need to make special reservations. The Campus Tour 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. – WHOI Donut and Coffee Hour. Free. Room: WHOI Student Center. Sponsor: WHOI begins in Lobby 7. Free. Room: Lobby 7. Sponsor: Information Center. Student Organization. 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. – Opportunities in the Medical Technology Industry: Turning Innovation into Enter- 10:45 a.m. – Campus Tour. Free. Room: Lobby 7. Sponsor: Information Center. prise. Michael A. Mussallem Edwards Lifesciences Corporation Opportunities in the Medical Technology Indus- 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. – The Nantucket Peppermill: Designed and Manufactured in the USA. Tom is the try: Turning Innovation into Enterprise. Free. Room: 26-100. Sponsor: Mechanical Engineering Dept. inventor of the Nantucket Peppermill, a peppergrinder that can easily be operated with one hand. Tom invent- 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. – Excel User Group. Free. Room: N42 Demo Center. Sponsor: Information Services ed it and manufactures it in the USA. He will talk about how he invented it, makes it, and operates a profitable and Technology. small consumer product business in the USA. Free. Room: 26-100. Sponsor: Mechanical Engineering Dept. 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. – Modern Optics and Spectroscopy. Frequency Domain Observations of Electron 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. – STS Brown Bag Lunch Seminar Series — Joe Corn. Cars, Consumers, and Complex- Orbital — rovibrational coupling. Free. Room: 34-401. Sponsor: Spectroscopy Laboratory. Dept. of Electrical ity: Thinking Historically about Technology Users. Free. Room: E51-165. Sponsor: STS. Engineering and Computer Science and School of Science. 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. – English Bible Class. You are welcome to attend this free Bible class led by Barbara 12:05 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. – Mass. Free. Room: MIT Chapel. Sponsor: Tech Catholic Community. Beevers of Baptist Campus Ministry. International spouses are welcome especially, but open to all. Come 2:00 p.m. – Undergraduate Admissions Office Information Session (Followed by Campus Tour). Groups over practice English, ask questions and make friends. Free. Room: W11 Board Room. Sponsor: Baptist Campus 15 people need to make special reservations. Free. Room: Admissions Reception Center (10-100). Sponsor: Ministry. Admissions. 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. – Lunch Seminar. A representative of Maritime Management Consulting will speak. 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. – Human Error, Organizational Factors, and Safety Culture in the Nuclear Power Indus- Free. Room: 5-314. Sponsor: 13SEAS, GSC Funding Board. try. Free. Room: 35-225. Sponsor: GSC Funding Board, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, MIT Student 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. – TechTime: MIT Personal Calendar Quick Start. Free. Room: N42 Demo Center. Chapter. Sponsor: Information Services and Technology. 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. – Fast and Tunable Integrated AC Eletrokinetic Pumping in a Microfluidic Loop. Free. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. – Free Conversational English Class. International students, scholars and spouses are Room: 2-338. Sponsor: Physical Mathematics Seminar. welcome to attend a free conversational English class. Come exchange culture, learn about American culture 2:45 p.m. – Campus Tour. TFree. Room: Lobby 7. Sponsor: Information Center. and holidays and make lasting friends. Free. Room: W11 Board Room. Sponsor: Baptist Campus Ministry. 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. – MITea Time — Culture Exchange — English Chinese Class. Our free English class is 1:15 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. – Special Seminar. I-MOS and its derivaties for Logic and Memory. Free. Room: 34- good for new comers to get start their English conversations in a very friendly environment. It is also good for 401A. Sponsor: Microsystems Technology Laboratories, EECS, Working Group on Support Staff Issues. people who have interest on learning the American culture, American life styles, etc. Lots of interesting topics 2:00 p.m. – An Afternoon with Composer Libby Larsen. Libby Larsen, 2003 recipient of The Eugene McDer- and discussions will be a good start for your English learning. Feel free to come and have wonderful discus- mott Award presented by The Council for the Arts at MIT and composer of the “The Nothing That Is” (2004) sions with our Native English speakers. Refreshments will be served. Free. Room: 36-156. Sponsor: Chinese that will be premiered by the MIT Chamber Chorus on May 8, will speak and answer questions about her musi- Student and Scholar Association, Graduate Student Council. MIT CSSA & GSC. cal career, views and compositions, selections from which will be played from CDs held in the Lewis Music 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. – MTL VLSI Seminar Series. High Frequency Broadband Communications. Free. Room: Library’s comprehensive Larsen collection. Free. Room: Rosalind Denny Lewis Music Library (14E-109). Spon- 50 Vassar St., 34-101. Sponsor: MTL VLSI Seminar. sor: Music and Theater Arts Program, Rosalind Denny Lewis Music Library, Office of the Arts Special Programs. 3:30 p.m. – Varsity Baseball vs. Bates. Free. Room: Briggs Field. 2:00 p.m. – Undergraduate Admissions Office Information Session (Followed by Campus Tour). Groups over 3:30 p.m. – Varsity Softball vs. Babson College (Doubleheader). Free. Room: Briggs Field. 15 people need to make special reservations. Free. Room: Admissions Reception Center, ( Building 10, Rm. 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. – MIT Physical Chemistry Seminar Series, Professor Minhaeng Cho, Korea University. 10-100). Sponsor: Admissions. Coherent multidimensional spectroscopy and polypeptides. Professor Minhaeng Cho, Korea University. MIT 2:45 p.m. – Campus Tour. Free. Room: Lobby 7. Sponsor: Information Center. Physical Chemistry Seminar Series “Progress in the Study of the X-Ray Background” by Prof. Riccardo Giac- 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. – CSAIL Dertouzos Lecture Series. Free. Room: 34-101. Sponsor: Laboratory for Com- coni, 2002 Nobel Prize in Physics. Prof. Giacconi will describe some the research efforts which have recently puter Science. elucidated the nature of the X-Ray background 40 years after its discovery. The resolution of the background in 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. – Nuclear Engineering Dept. Lecture. Seminar on Sonoluminescene - a possible means discrete sources at the limit of both X-ray and optical surveys reveals a rich field of research to be pursued. to attain thermonuclear fusion. Free. Room: 4-153. Sponsor: American Nuclear Society, Nuclear Engineering. Free. Room: 37-252 (Marlar Lounge). Sponsor: AeroAstro, Masschusetts Space Grant Consortium. 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. – MIT Atmospheric Science Seminars. Surface fluxes and ocean coupling in the tropical 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. – spouses&partners@mit weekly meeting: MIT Museum. We will visit “Hub of the Air intraseasonal oscillation. free. Room: 54-915. Sponsor: MIT Atmospheric Science Seminars. Universe: A Century of Flight in Massachusetts.” The MIT Museum marks the centennial of the Wright Broth- 4:10 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. – The Gerald N. Wogan Lecture. Chemoprevention of Cancer: New approaches and new ers’ first heavier-than-air powered flight by spotlighting the work and achievements at MIT and throughout the agents. Professor of Pharmacology, Dartmouth Medical School. Free. Room: 68-181. Sponsor: Biological Engi- state’s aviation industry. Meet in front of La Verde’s in the Student Center at 3 p.m. We will walk to the muse- neering Division, Center for Environmental Health Sciences. um together. Free. Room: MIT Museum. Sponsor: spouses&partners@mit. 4:15 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. – Physics Colloquium Series: “Measurements of Gravity-likeForces at Sub-mm Dis- 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. – PSFC Seminar. What the Quiet Times Tell us about the Storms. Free. Room: NW17- tances”. The Physics Community is invited to a pre-lecture reception at 3:45 p.m. in room 4-339. Free. Room: 218. Sponsor: Plasma Science and Fusion Center. 10-250. Sponsor: Physics Department. 4:00 p.m. – Varsity Men’s Tennis vs. Wheaton College. Free. Room: du Pont Tennis Courts/JB Carr Tennis 4:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. – The Price of Anarchy under Nonlinear and Asymmetric Costs. ORC Spring Seminar Bubble. Series. Seminar reception immediately follwowing in the Philip M. Morse Reading Room, E40-106. Free. 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. – Government Transparency: Are the US and Japan Heading in Opposite Directions? Room: E40-298. Sponsor: Operations Research Center. Free. Room: E38 6th Floor Conference Room. Sponsor: MIT Japan Program, Center for International Studies. 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. – Refugee and Indigenous Rights: A Discussion of Human Rights Issues in Northern 4:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. – Applying the Temperley-Lieb Algebra to the 4-Colour Theorem. Reception at 3:30 Thailand. Sue Darlington, Associate Professor of Anthropology & Asian Studies, Hampshire College Michael p.m. in Room 2-349. Free. Room: 2-338. Sponsor: Combinatorics Seminar. Department of Mathematics. Forhan, Executive Director, Burma Border Projects Josh Rubenstein, Northeast Regional Director, Amnesty 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. – Joint Theory Seminar. Creation of particles, Cosmology and Moduli trapping. Free. International. Free. Room: E38-615. Sponsor: Center for International Studies, Program on Human Rights & Room: Center for Theoretical Physics. Sponsor: Laboratory for Nuclear Science. Justice. 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. – Rainbow Lounge Open. MIT’s resource lounge for lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. – Communications Forum: Movies in the Digital Age. Motion Picture Association of and questioning members of the community offers a place to hang out, various activities, and a lending library America President Jack Valenti presents his views on digital piracy. Free. Room: Bartos Theater, MIT Media during its open hours. Free. Room: Rainbow Lounge (50-306). Sponsor: lbgt@mit. Lab. Sponsor: Communications Forum. 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. – Henry W. Kendall Memorial Lecture. Henry W. Kendall Memorial Lecture: Dr. George 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. – MIT Men’s RUGBY Practice. Ever wanted to learn a cool contact sport? Rugby is a Woodwell, The Woods Hole Research Center “Disruption Climatic and Political - Towards a World that Works. traditional English game requiring good hands, quick feet, and balls of leather. Bring friends, relatives and any- Free. Room: 10-250. Sponsor: Earth System Initiative. Departments of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sci- one interested in learning the fantastic and elegant game of rugby. All ages/ sizes & experience levels wel- ences and Civil and Environmental Engineering. come. Free. Room: Johnson Outdoor Turf. Sponsor: Rugby Football Club, MIT, Edgerton House Residents’ 5:10 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. – Worship Service (Holy Communion). All students, staff and faculty are welcome at Association. our weekly worship service. Free. Room: MIT Chapel. Sponsor: Lutheran-Episcopal Ministry. 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. – Weekly Grad Student Bible Study for Absolute Beginners. Weekly informal Bible 5:15 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. – Wednesday Agape Meal and Footwashing. Holy week event: Agape Meal and Foot- study for grad students; refreshments provided; lgbt welcome. Free. Room: W11-007. Sponsor: Lutheran-Epis- washing. Free. Room: Building W11. Sponsor: Lutheran-Episcopal Ministry. copal Ministry. 5:30 p.m. – Student Vocal Recital. Graduate student Ahmed E. Ismail, baritone, Yukiko Ueno, piano. Works 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. – Budget Proposal and Planning Workshop - studnet groups. The workshop will offer by Britten, Mahler, Finzi, and Vaughan Williams. free. Room: Killian Hall. Sponsor: Music and Theater Arts Sec- tips, recommendations and advice for student groups who prepare group or specific event budgets. Student tion. government funding board representatives (GSC Funding Board, UA Finboard, LEF & ARCADE) will discuss what 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. – General Council Meeting. Room: GSC Office, Walker Memorial (Bldg. 50) Room 220. they look for in good funding proposal requests and give examples of realistic estimates for expenses. Atten- Sponsor: GSC Meetings. dance is strongly recommended, active participants will have an edge at upcoming funding cycles. For ques- 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. – Graduate Christian Fellowship Bible Study. Come join us for Bible study, prayer, and tions, contact [email protected]. Free. Room: 4-237. Sponsor: UA Finance Board, Student Life fellowship! We are currently studying the book of Acts. Free. Room: 66-369. Sponsor: Graduate Christian Fel- Programs, GSC Funding Board, LEF (Large EventsFund), ARCADE (Assisting Recurring Cultural Diversity lowship, GSC Funding Board. Events). 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. – Getting a Job in Business - Primers for MIT Engineers & Scientists. How do you get a 6:03 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. – Weekly meetings. Regular meeting of the core group at muddy charles. Free. Room: job as a VC, consultant, banker, sales rep, or marketing manager? What roles can you shoot for as a BA or Muddy Charles. Sponsor: Techlink. PhD in science/technology? What do each of these people do? What sort of hours do they work? How much 6:30 p.m. – “Forgetting Passaic.” HTC Forum Series. free. Room: 10-401. Sponsor: History, Theory and Criti- money do they make? What sort of options will each career path generate for your future in business? What cism of Architecture and Art. are the keys to success in business straight out of school? MIT SEBC Consulting & Law Focus Group cordially 7:00 p.m. – Weapons of Mass Distortion? Music & Multi-Media as an Antidote to Propaganda! Ms. Dunlop invites you to attend this highly interactive event. This event will be beneficial to engineers and scientists who will perform music & multi-media works by composer Martin Wesley-Smith. Ros & Martin are Australian are considering careers in business. Elad Gil (PhD ’01) has worked with a variety of venture-backed Silicon Val- activists who have for decades been dedicated to the universal struggle forhuman rights. If you can’t imagine ley. He is currently with McKinsey & Co where he works with technology and life sciences companies. While at the clarinet as a “blunt instrument” used in murder and political mayhem — if you haven’t seen propaganda MIT, Elad was the Lead Organizer of the 2001 MIT $50K and the founding President of the MIT SEBC. Free. set to music — if you’d like to meet an activist whose passion for music is inseparable from her compassion Room: 66-110. Sponsor: Science and Engineering Business Club. for those who fight their oppressors — attend this concert! Free. Room: MIT Student Center, Mezz. Lounge 6:00 p.m. – Lewis Mumford’s City and Films of the New Deal. HTC Film Series. Free. Room: 3-133. Sponsor: (3rd fl.). Sponsor: MIT Western Hemisphere Project. Noam Chomsky; MIT Associate Provost for the Arts; History, Theory and Criticism of Architecture and Art. Amnesty International; Cultural Survival. 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. – Start up Clinic. Through our Start-up Clinics, attendees discover how to present a 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. – Meditation and Discussion on the Heart Sutra. Meditation and discussion of one of plan to potential investors. Two pre-selected companies present their business plans and receive feedback the central and perhaps the most popular text in the Buddhist philosophical canon. Free. Room: MIT Chapel. from a panel of experts and the audience over an informal dinner. The key learning points include how Sponsor: Buddhist Community at MIT. plans and presentations are evaluated; what investors and evaluators look for, and how to fine-tune plans 7:00 p.m. – Chi Epsilon Initiation Dinner. Chi Epsilon dinner for current members and new initiates. Free. and presentations. This clinic is most useful for entrepreneurs and companies who are beginning the fund- Room: Kendall Marriott. Sponsor: CEE Administrative Staff. raising process. Presenters must have full business plans. Pre-registration is required for this event. See 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. – Graduate Christian Fellowship Bible Study. Come join us for Bible study, prayer, and website for pricing. Room: MIT Faculty Club, Sloan Building, 6th Floor. Sponsor: MIT Enterprise Forum of fellowship! We are currently studying the book of Ephesians. Free. Room: NW86-560. Sponsor: Graduate Cambridge, Inc. Christian Fellowship, GSC Funding Board. 7:00 p.m. – French Politics in crisis? With protests in the streets, disillusioned voters, the return of the Far- 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. – Chess Club Meeting. A prominent player of the club will talk about some ideas in the Right, and anti-globalization demonstrations, where are French politics heading? A report from the field. Free. opening. Then it will be designated time for play! Free. Room: Student Center, PDR 1&2. Sponsor: Chess Club. Room: Rm 4-270. Sponsor: GSC Funding Board, Club Francophone. 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. – Holy Thursday Mass. Mass of the Lord’s Supper. Free. Room: MIT Chapel. Sponsor: 7:00 p.m. – Chicks Make Flicks: Wendy Chan. Screening of dramatic film, “Dance By Design,” the story Tech Catholic Community. of a young woman who struggles to balance her career as an architect with her artistic ambition to be a 8:00 p.m. – Power of Darkness. Leo Tolstoy’s play directed by Assistant Professor Jay Scheib. $8, $6 stu- dancer. Shot and edited entirely on digital video in the Boston area, the film features original music by dents. Room: Kresge Little Theater. Sponsor: Dramashop. local artists. . free. Room: 6-120. Sponsor: Women’s Studies Program. WIFV/NE, Women’s Independent 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. – MIT Concert Band Rehearsal. The Concert Band, a student-run performance group, Living Group. rehearses twice per week. We welcome students of all levels of musical experience. Free. Room: W20-3rd 7:30 p.m. – Red Sky Morning. A book from Yale University’s Gus Speth, Dean and professor at the School of Floor, 20 Chimneys. Sponsor: Association of Student Activities, Concert Band. Forestry and Environmental Studies, brings together the latest data to show in detail the depth of the global 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. – Underwater Hockey. The MIT SCUBA Club invites all to participate in Underwater environmental crisis. He reveals which agencies are effecting real change and sounds a clarion call for Hockey every Thursday. Underwater Hockey is an exciting co-ed sport played at the bottom of a pool with a renewed focus on environmental policy. Free. Room: 3 Church Street; Harvard Square. Sponsor: Board of short stick and a lead puck. New Players should e-mail uwh-offi[email protected]. free. Room: z-pool. Sponsor: Chaplains. The Cambridge Forum. Scuba Club. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. – Israeli Folk Dancing (participatory). Israeli Folk Dancing Early Teaching at 8 p.m., 9:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. – Coffee Hour. Food and drink - an Ashdown tradition. Free. Room: Hulsizer Room followed by teaching and requests until 11 p.m. Beginners are always welcome. Family dancing usually occurs (W1). Sponsor: Ashdown House. Page 10 THE TECH April 6, 2004

Israel

OTZMA is a 10-month program designed to offer Jewish adults ages 20-25 (college graduates preferred) an opportunity to live and volunteer in Israel in a variety of settings.

This year Combined Jewish Philanthropies sponsored six “Otzmanikim.” Spots are still open for next year and applications are currently being accepted.

For more information, contact [email protected] www.otzma.com *
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EJTI IUUQXFCNJUFEVIPVTJOHJBNTFOJPSTFHVF April 6, 2004 THE TECH Page 11 GSC Elections Slated For Tomorrow Night Hatching a GSC, from Page 1 look at the GSC and to [view it as] their representative body,” Singh April 7 at the monthly GSC general said. Specifically, he said he would council meeting at 5:30 p.m. in 4- like to work on “keeping students 370. Although voting is limited to informed throughout the process as New Venture? the GSC’s outgoing executive com- we do things” and not wait until mittee and dormitory, department, after initiatives are passed to tell stu- and at-large representatives, dents. Caulfield said that he would Singh said one initiative he “encourage as many graduate stu- would like to take is to collect infor- dents to come to the meeting” to mation from the graduate student meet the candidates and give input. body about the “academic side of The elections are a cascading things” such as advisor / advisee process in which candidates that do relationships. not win the office for which they are Singh said he envisions doing running can choose to run for a posi- this through a survey such as the tion that is later voted on. The 2002 Graduate Student Life Sur- chronological order of the elections vey, which he created, implement- is president, vice president, secre- ed, and analyzed when he was tary, and treasurer. chair of the GSC Housing and Both Singh and Wong said that if Community Affairs Committee in Free they are not elected to the positions 2002-2003. The information col- for which they are running, they will lected in that survey had a “pro- Parking! not run for another position. found impact on what we were able If a position remains vacant, to accomplish over the next two Available Now nominations will become open at the years” including rent restructuring, GSC meeting on Wednesday. Folk- stipends, and efforts with other Now! in ert said that if a position is uncon- groups within the GSC, said Singh. tested, the candidate will usually Wong said that her biggest prior- drop out temporarily to let the other ity is to archive meeting minutes people accept nominations to run. from previous years and to “clean up Medford! Singh said he plans to do this if data for future years.” She said cur- the position of president goes uncon- rently “the archives are discombobu- tested. “A contested election is lating.” always better because you can get Wong also said that she would different points of view,” Singh said. like to improve communication Cummings Properties has serviced the needs of growing businesses for between the GSC and the graduate over 30 years. The new Communication common goal student body through campus publi- Emerging Technology Centers The biggest goal that Singh cations, such as the GSC’s publica- program gives them an even greater head start. Advantages such as would like to accomplish if he is tion, the Graduate Student News, elected president of the GSC is to and The Tech. Wong has been the 1,000 SF labs with fume hoods, benchwork and office space nurture improve the communication editor-in-chief for the Graduate Stu- new companies. At Cummings Properties, you’re growth is our business. between the GSC and the graduate dent News for the past year. student body. Villacorta could not be reached To learn more about special programs catering to growing companies, “I’d like every single student to for comment. contact Mike Pascavage at 781-932-7024. Smile cummings.com Diversify Your Portfolio with $1000

Announcing the 2Be Diversity Project

The 2Be Diversity Project is a writing contest open to the entire MIT community. Contestants pick as the topic of an essay some aspect of themselves with which they identify that makes them feel diverse. It’s a celebration of diversity!

 Creativity Break April 7th (14E-304 6-7pm - food)  Essays due April 14th - Email submissions to [email protected]  Awards ceremony April 28th (14E-304 6-7pm - food)

For more details go to:

http://web.mit.edu/ccrr/grants/2Be.html

Sponsored by the MIT Fund, CCRR, AFA, LBGT@MIT, GSC

Organized by Advocates for Awareness Page 12 THE TECH April 6, 2004 Szuminski Criticizes MIT Athletics in ESPN Column

Szuminski, from Page 1 coming through,” said John J. Kogel Caple for an ESPN Page 2 column, However, Szuminski said that true now. It’s in very good hands.” G, an assistant coach for the MIT Szuminski criticized the quality of his comments to Caple were sincere, “We all have things we wish we has kept track of Szuminski’s baseball team. “It gives everyone a the athletic facilities and coaching and also said that, “The school did- had more of,” Barlow said in regards progress since the beginning of bit more hope.” of MIT. “I didn’t go to practice n’t do anything” to alleviate the sit- to MIT’s baseball facilities. Barlow spring training. Additionally, Szu- Kogel, who served as Szumins- much. It was always the ones who uation. “The coach we had was pret- also mentioned that the installation minski headlined the Padres’ home- ki’s catcher on the MIT baseball went to practice who got worse,” he ty bad and they left him there for of a more durable fence and a new page on Sunday as well. team in 2001, said he was happy to said in the column. five years. It was a pretty frustrating bullpen are signs that things are pro- MIT Men’s Baseball coach see him make it. “I hope he will get Barlow, who joined the MIT experience,” he said. gression. However, Barlow did hold Andrew Barlow said that Szuminski some chances [to pitch] in the next program in the fall of 2003, said he Barlow, who became the team some reservations. “Forty sports, has generated such a response few weeks,” he said. could not comment on the program coach in the fall of 2003, said that that’s a lot. Maybe they are spread because “you don’t have a lot of pro before his time. “In his defense, I “now, expectations are far different too thin too often,” he said. athletes coming out of MIT and Szuminski criticizes MIT athletics think it was a bit sarcastic,” said than how [Szuminski] described “I’m disappointed by the fewer other such schools.” Barlow also During interviews with national Barlow. ESPN’s Page 2 is a humor them.” scheduled games due to funding, called Szuminski’s accomplishment media outlets, Szuminski was not column, though it often includes Kogel declined to comment on etc., but I don’t want to say whose “a testament to his work.” often kind to MIT’s sports pro- somewhat serious interviews rele- the validity of Szuminski’s com- fault it is.” Kogel said. “It’s just dis- “It’s a story of the underdog grams. In an interview with Jim vant to the column’s topic. ments, but did say “it is definitely not appointing from our side.”

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 Conducting admissions information sessions

Applications are available in the Admissions Office, 3-108, or the Admissions Reception Center, 10-100, and should be returned no later than Friday, April 16, 2004 This space donated by The Tech

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Information! Meet Faculty! Thursday, April 8 For more information contact Tobie Weiner Great Food! 4:30 - 6:00 pm 253-3649, [email protected] Pre-Frosh Welcome! E53-368 April 6, 2004 THE TECH Page 15 MIT Hosts “Grains of Rice” Culture Show in Walker

The Asian American Association hosted the seventh annual Grains of Rice show on Sunday, April 4. This night of food and performances brought together MIT’s many cultural clubs. In addition to cultural performances by students, guests Vienna Tang and Anyssa Kim con- tributed to the show. Grains of Rice also served a ten-course ethnic meal to attendees.

(Clockwise from Upper Left)

Writer Anyssa Kim gestures for a big, round Buddha during her poetry reading.

Boston University student Alan Batangan keeps two Chinese yo-yos (Tzuh-ling) in the air at once.

Jessica G. Chinsomboon ’07 performs the Sri Vijayan Dance with the Thai Students at MIT.

Members of the Filipino Students Association balance glasses half-full of rice wine in “Bina- suan.”

Rohit Gupta ’05 performs “Noor-e-Punjab” with MIT Bhangra.

Professional recording artist Vienna Teng per- forms a selection from her new album “Warm Strangers.”

Photography by Jonathan Wang. Page 16 THE TECH April 6, 2004

W A N T E D by the Kelly-Douglas Fund World Travelers Excellent Essayists who are juniors who are undergraduates seeking seeking $1,200 grants $800 awards

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Take-out, platters, and catering available. Delivery with minimum order. 15% Discount on $30 (or more) order with MIT ID. Page 18 THE TECH April 6, 2004 ASA Plans To Watch SENIO2004 R E l e c t i o n s Counterpoint Status Counterpoint, from Page 1 The move to provisional recogni- tion replaces the period of temporary, Give Back. Celebrate. Get Involved. the rest of the magazine, Counter- suspended recognition during which point’s MIT group now meets the Counterpoint did not have access to ASA’s 50 percent MIT membership its financial account. This temporary requirement. recognition was to last until April 1. Your classmates want “They’re under provisional The ASA had previously derec- recognition, which we put groups ognized Counterpoint for failing to under for the first year of recogni- meet the ASA’s 5/50 clause, which YOU tion” Walter said. The ASA will requires groups to have at least five check on Counterpoint’s status in MIT students, who make up at least one year before regranting them full 50 percent of the group’s member- to be an alumni class officer! recognition, she said. ship.

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JINA KIM—THE TECH The Undergraduate Association hosted a Subway study break at 11 p.m. yesterday on the first • Established 1881 • floor of the Student Center. This event was the first in a series of events for Undergraduate Appre- ciation Week. April 6, 2004 THE TECH Page 21 Postol Seeks Review Be Cool, Of ’98 MIT-led Study Stay in School Missile Defense, from Page 1 gerated the performance of its sys- tem, but the GAO’s experts did not was supposed to determine agree with Postol’s assessment that whether the missile defense sys- the cooling problem had rendered tem could identify an enemy the sensor useless.) nation’s warhead flying through In February 2002, Brown outer space, disguised among a responded, denying Postol’s New This Year: series of decoy balloons. The test request to review what Brown was initially announced as a suc- called “a government, not MIT, cess. document” but saying he would An engineer fired from TRW commission an inquiry into Summer Resident Inc., a defense contractor that par- whether Meins and Tsai had com- ticipated in building the system to mitted scientific misconduct. He distinguish warheads from war- appointed Professor Edward F. head-shaped balloons, alleged that Crawley ’76, then the head of the Assistant Positions TRW had faked the results, and Aeronautical and Astronautical her allegations eventually led the Engineering Department, to con- military to commission an “inde- duct the inquiry. Benefits pendent review” — the Phase One In MIT’s two-part procedure Engineering Team study, chaired for dealing with scientific miscon-  Free, guaranteed Summer Housing by Tsai. duct, an “investigation” must be  $500.00 Stipend That review, in which Postol preceded by an initial “inquiry” alleges scientific misconduct, fin- that determines whether or not a  Leadership opportunity ished in 1998 with the conclusion full investigation is warranted. that TRW’s methods “are well In July 2002, Crawley conclud- Job Summary designed and work properly, with ed in a draft report that no investi- The Summer RA is a fundamental part of the success in the Summer Housing only some refinement or redesign gation was warranted. “Not only experience. Students hired for this position will be responsible for building required to increase the robustness do I find no evidence of research community in their building, for having a presence in their assigned area, and for of the overall discrimination func- misconduct,” Crawley wrote, The being a resource to students in terms of information about services available to tion.” New York Times reported, “but I students or contacting the appropriate people on campus in case of a crisis. Postol has been alleging fraud also find no credible evidence of in the study almost ever since, technical error.” writing repeated letters to the But after a technical discussion Eligibility White House, Congress, and MIT with Postol, who took strong issue In order to be considered for the Summer RA position, a student must qualify for officials. He stresses that he does with the draft recommendations, Summer Housing under the guidelines set out by the Housing Office (see not want an investigation of Tsai Crawley then reversed himself and Student Life Handbook, page 53). In addition, all applicants must be registered and Meins, the named MIT recommended a full investigation for classes at MIT in the Fall 2004 semester. Graduating seniors will only be authors. “I have no desire to see on Nov. 4, 2002. considered for the Summer RA position if they have been accepted into an MIT anybody punished,” he said in Crawley “said that he could not graduate program that will begin in the Fall 2004 semester. Applicants must 2002. “All they [MIT officials] resolve a number of issues within have lived in an on-campus dorm for a minimum of two years. Applicants must need to do is write a letter to the the scope of the inquiry,” the MIT currently be in good standing both academically and disciplinarily, and must Department of Defense and the statement said. “After a review of remain so throughout the term of employment. Department of Justice.” the report, the provost determined that an investigation into those Investigation requested in 2001 issues was therefore warranted.” Come to an Information Session to learn more :

Starting in April 2001, Postol Jones, the MIT spokesman, said  April 2, 3:00 PM, Student Center, PDR 1 & 2 wrote nine letters to senior MIT Brown had accepted Crawley’s  April 6, 7:30 PM, EC Talbot Lounge officials calling for MIT to repudi- recommendation by January 2004.  April 7, 7:30 PM, MacGregor Dining ate the study, which he says MIT will not give status reports on ignored the fact that the missile the status of the investigation, or For an application and more information, please visit web.mit.edu/residence. defense system’s sensor “produced discuss when it will begin or Questions? Email [email protected]. no usable data” because the sensor whether it has already begun, failed to cool properly. (The Gen- Jones said, but when the investiga- eral Accounting Office, the inves- tion is over, there will be “some tigative arm of Congress, would sort of public notice that there is a later conclude that TRW had exag- conclusion,” he said.

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Members from overall team winners University of Wisconsin at La Crosse cheer on a teammate. Led by sophomore Nina Schubert, the team set a new meet standard on the uneven bars, posting a score of 19.375.

Jennifer E. Sauchuk ’06 leaps in the air during the bal- ance beam competition. Sauchuk tied with teammate Whitney E. Watson ’05 for 26th place with a score of 9.300.

The MIT gymnastics team poses for a team photo during a practice in January at the Dupont Gym. MIT placed sixth out of eight teams during the National Collegiate Gymnastics Association Championships, hosted this past weekend at MIT. The University of Wisconsin at La Crosse won the team competition with a score of 191.25.

National Collegiate Gymnastics Association Championships MIT assistant coaches Jackie Renoni, left, and Jennifer Miller-McEachern, right, congratulate Chandler E. Hatton ’06 after Hatton landed her vault last Friday.

Ashley T. Tran ’07 plants straight up in the air as she competes in the vault. Tran was the highest MIT finisher in the vault, placing 20th with a score of 9.45.

Ashley R. Rothenberg ’05 applies chalk to her hands before competing in the uneven bars. Photography by Stanley Hu April 6, 2004 SPORTS THE TECH Page 23 Losing the Fan Base When Opening Day doesn’t open in the U.S.

Opening Day, from Page 24 about a total disadvantage. Not only did they have to play 81 road quite a hefty sum from this endeav- games, but they had to add another or, but money for the league isn’t a handful of “home” games onto that bad thing.) The game didn’t detract dreadful traveling schedule. How from the American viewers, even if could that team have succeeded? they are die-hard fans of the Skins They were way too tired, they and the 49ers. Being from the were not accustomed to their Washington D.C. area, I did not feel "home" park and it appeared to any resentment from the people or just be a hassle. the press about losing a pre-season Why doesn’t MLB simply move game to Japan. these globalization excursions to the However, as a baseball fan, I do pre-season? I’m sure that the Expos feel resentment at losing my Open- wouldn’t mind playing some games ing Day to them. I did not under- in San Juan over the course of stand why a country so far away got spring; I’m sure that the Yankees the chance to watch the beginning and the Devil Rays would not have of our baseball season. Surely, minded counting those two games in MLB could have made it an exhibi- Japan as training. That way, we can tion game, and the fan base for not only bring American baseball to Hideki Mastui would have been just those that might not otherwise have the same. (Let’s be honest, nobody an opportunity to see it, but we can at the park was there to see the D- also appease the American fans. STANLEY HU—THE TECH Rays, or the other Yankee players. I love Opening Day and I just Midfielder Kelsey M. Presson ’05, left, prepares to shoot past two Smith College lacrosse defend- Just remember that roar after Mastui want to make sure that it stays the ers during MIT’s 13–4 victory on Saturday. hit the two-run homerun.) Not only way it has been. After all, we don’t does doing this detract from the tra- open our football, basketball, and ditions of baseball, but it makes it hockey seasons outside the Ameri- difficult to even watch the game; can time zones, do we? To move who gets up at five in the morning Opening Day would be just as bad Grudge Matches Fill NHL Playoffs here anyway? as moving the Super Bowl. But at Another globalization issue that least for now, I’ll pretend like those Hockey, from Page 24 has stabilized the Toronto line along knee, but if he returns, look for him bugged me was how the Montreal two games never happened and that with the quiet signing of Calle to be there for them in the clutch Expos played half of their home this week is the official start of still upset about their victory over Johansson. Joe Niewendyk has done (plus, with the adornment of Marvin games in San Juan last year. Talk baseball. the Leafs last year, and had really more than play a sensible game; the Martian on his mask, he’s got to hoped they'd face Ottawa in the first he’s also done wonders with Toron- be the coolest goalie in the league). round so that whichever team won to’s younger players. In the net, Ed Ottawa has rearmed as well, picking would be severely depleted due to Belfour is one of the few experi- up solid defenseman Greg de Vries Face Recognition Difficulties? injury. Oh well. enced playoff goaltenders in the in addition to an already great Have you ever failed to recognize family or close friends? Goaltending is key. Jersey in six. league today. However, few teams defensive duo of Zdeno Chara and Do you have trouble learning to recognize new acquaintances? are as susceptible to injury as the Wade Redden. Picking up sniper These are some of the telltale signs of Prosopagnosia— Maple Leafs (4) vs. Senators (5) Leafs, and if Belfour goes, look for Peter Bondra from the Capitals a condition defined by impaired face recognition.

This grudge match comes back them to tap young Mikael Tellqvist wont hurt either. The Prosopagnosia Research Center at Harvard studies people with for another round. Before last year, for the job. This one’s going to go all the prosopagnosia. We study prosopagnosics to gain a better understanding the Leafs eliminated the Senators in Goaltending should be the least way to the wire. I’m looking for- of this condition and how the visual system works. three consecutive playoffs, and this fear for the Senators, who have one ward to a tight-checking, responsi- year they are better armed than ever of the best backups in the league in ble performance from both teams If you believe you are prosopagnosic, please visit our web site to read to make a deep run. Longtime Martin Prusek. Top goalie Patrick and some great attitudes in the more about this condition: www.faceblind.org Rangers defenseman Brian Leetch Lalime may be out with a sprained crowds. Leafs in seven. Page 24 THE TECH April 6, 2004 SPORTS Men’s Lacrosse Starts League Play With Blowout Win By Brian Chase consecutive goals, which came SPORTS EDITOR quickly with 12:12 and 11:52 left MIT Men’s Lacrosse placed in the quarter. But MIT shot Lasell itself at the top of the Pilgrim down again, scoring three goals in Lacrosse League on Saturday when the next nine and a half minutes it blew out Lasell while leaving Lasell scoreless. The College 16–7. As the rest of the game proceeded the season begins, MIT same way as the beginning, with finds itself 2–1 over- MIT scoring three goals to each all and 1–0 in its con- Lasell goal scored. ference. Lasell did not help itself down MIT opened conference play the stretch when it was trying to get this Saturday against Lasell, who back in the game. During a span of had won their previous conference several minutes in the third, three game against Maine Maritime consecutive attempts from the Academy. MIT took advantage of Lasell goalie to clear the ball went its clear offensive advantage over out of bounds, and MIT got posses- Lasell to grab the lead and never let sion again right by Lasell’s goal. Is it go. The first goal was scored in it any wonder, then, that MIT even- the first quarter by Isaac B. Taylor tually scored? MIT did take nearly ’05, and MIT followed that goal up twice as many shots on goal as with four more before Lasell final- Lasell (46 to 25), to achieve victo- ly answered towards the end of the ry, and part of that is due to quarter with a goal of its own. Lasell’s inability to clear the ball The second quarter saw more of and keep possession of it. the same MIT dominance, as they MIT’s team emphasis on scor- scored three more goals in the first ing also helped them to win. Only five minutes of the second quarter one of MIT’s starting midfielders before Lasell scored its second goal or attackers failed to score, and all with nine minutes left in the half, of them had shots on goal or STANLEY HU—THE TECH making the score 7–2. All these assists. The leading scorer was Midfielder Isaac B. Taylor ’05, left, fires off a shot as he gets hit by a Lasell College defender during second quarter MIT goals were Jonathan P. Stolmeier ’07, with MIT’s 16–7 victory on Saturday. scored without any kind of power four points. When asked why his play, over and through all of team had such success on the [team trip] … we emphasized teams chances were in the confer- league,” he thought MIT was the Lasell’s defenders. offensive side of the field, Coach stickwork, and that obviously ence this season, Alessi opined that equal to any team in the confer- MIT was up 10–3 in the third Walter A. Alessi stated that “we helped us score a few goals today.” with the possible exception of ence. Hopefully this year’s team before Lasell was able to score had a really good Spring Break When asked what he though the Springfield, “the class of the lives up to his assessment. Modifying Baseball’s Eastern Conference of NHL Playoffs Start Ruins Tradition Expected to Produce Close Finishes By Andrew C. Thomas day of the regular season since the goaltender Andrew Raycroft has By Yong-yi Zhu I thought that when the Wash- OPINION COLUMNIST playoff races were very close this shown ability and a steady hand and SPORTS COLUMNIST ington Redskins and the San Fran- These National Hockey League year, notably in the Eastern Confer- is a considerable improvement over Don’t you love the joys of Open- cisco 49ers opened their pre-season playoff picks are dedicated to the ence. Its going to make for a very last year’s unproven goalie. The ing Day in baseball? It’s been a long schedules last year with a game in MIT Men’s Hockey team, who had exciting playoff run. Today I’ll pick difference maker has to be the addi- winter, with icy roads, brutal snow Japan was brilliant. The important an excel- the Eastern Conference; Friday I’ll tion of stud defenseman Sergei and ridicu- fact was this occurred during pre- lent season go over the West. Gonchar, plucked from the strug- lously cold season. Fans here don’t watch pre- Column finished gling Capitals at the trade deadline, Column tempera- season games on TV that religiously with a Lightning (1) vs. Islanders (8) who has boosted the Bs abysmal tures. It’s anyway. Being able to bring two heartbreaking overtime loss to This one should seem like no power play. great that spring is finally rolling professional teams to a country for- Bryant College in the New England contest for the conference champion The Canadiens, however, have around again. It’s finally time for us eign to football and generate a fan Collegiate Hockey Association Lightning, who are not only one of flown under the radar all season. to get our ball caps on and go back base for the sport is a great idea. playoff finals. Thanks for a great the healthiest teams entering the Troubled goaltender Jose Theodore out to the ballparks to enjoy some (True, the NFL probably brought in season, guys. playoffs but are one of the few to was reborn with his victory in the games. Opening Day means base- Five of these playoff matchups have playoff-experienced goaltend- first outdoor NHL game in Novem- ball is back. Opening Day, Page 23 weren’t determined until the last ing in Nikolai Khabibulin, who had ber, and new general manager Bob But this year has seen a change his first series victory last year. The Gainey picked up struggling sniper from the normal routines of Open- Lightning have a surprise Hart Tro- Alexei Kovalev from the New York ing Day. True, for several years now phy (MVP) candidate in the small Rangers. Their success will ulti- ESPN has been opening up the but springy Martin St. Louis and at mately depend upon number one baseball season with a game the least two good scoring lines, plus a defenseman Sheldon Souray staying Sunday night before everyone else bolstered defense. Their greatest healthy, as well as rookies Mike starts. To me, it carried some merit fear might be injury, as this team Ribeiro and Michael Ryder keeping for those fans who are unable to has lost very few games due to up their pace. obtain tickets to the game the next missing players. They might not be In their first round series two day, or who are unable to skip work able to adapt to the loss of a key years ago, Montreal proved that to watch a baseball game. At least contributor like St. Louis during the they could easily be spoilers. I put for them, there was some way of grit of the playoffs. my first upset pick here, because the officially starting the season. The Islanders are making a play- Bruins can’t seem to get it done at However, this year, Major off appearance for the third straight home. Watch for Montreal to take League Baseball has decided to take year, but they’ve also exited in the the first game and the series in six. Opening Day to a whole new level. first round the last two times. Their While spring training goes on, the starting goaltender, young Rick Flyers (3) vs. Devils (6) first two games of the season went DiPietro, is unproven, but he could The key is goaltending. Pure and over to Japan to have the New York be the wildcard in the series. They simple. Sean Burke and Robert Yankees and the Tampa Bay Devil can also field four good lines, Esche of the Devils are capable, yes, Rays play each other overseas as a though they tend to be weak down but when defense bogs the scoring special effort in globalization. The the left side. down the outcome is going to come two teams then return home and However, this one will have to down to the red jersey in the blue conclude the rest of their spring go towards home ice advantage, paint. Martin Brodeur is the undis- training schedule before facing each since the Islanders are particularly puted king of the net in this era; it’s other in the final game of that series brutal on the road. Watch for Tampa no coincidence he’s led the Devils yesterday. Bay to get to a quick lead in the to three Stanley Cups while only 31 Okay, so what were they think- series and leave the Islanders in the years old. Never a high scoring ing? Don’t get me wrong. I love dust. Tampa in five. team, the Devils will rely upon the globalization. I love it when coun- defensive sensibilities of captain tries compete with one another in Bruins (2) vs. Canadiens (7) Scott Niedermayer, the quick return sports. The World Cup of soccer is A classic matchup, the season to form of Brian Rafalski, and “the one of the only soccer events I series between these two clubs best defense is offense” thinking of watch because it includes so many proved to be tantalizingly close. top line Scott Gomez, Patrik Elias nations, each with their best players. Boston has redefined itself beyond and Boston College product Brian I am a big fan of the Olympics as the one-line club they’ve presented Gionta. well because of the competition in past seasons. The top line of Joe The Flyers are facing a consider- among countries. I think it’s also Thornton, Mike Knuble and Glen able injury crisis with the return of great that football, the American Murray is devastating as ever, Jeremy Roenick and Keith Primeau variety, is finally being broadcast STANLEY HU—THE TECH while the Bs have given themselves from concussions and defenseman across the world. Imagine being out Co-captain Whitney E. Watson ’05 competes in the balance additional depth in the acquisitions Eric Desjardins from a broken arm. of the country during the playoff beam during last Friday’s team competition. Watson tied with of Michael Nylander and Travis Still, I hate the Flyers and fear their season and not being able to see a teammate Jennifer E. Sauchuk ’06 for 26th place with a score Green, and the emergence of rookie excellent coach Ken Hitchcock. I’m single game. That was what I had to of 9.300. See spread, page 22. forward Patrice Bergeron and struggle with over IAP. defenseman Nick Boynton. Young Hockey, Page 23