Where You

Sunny Read It First 76/58 THE TUFTS DAILY Est. 1980 VOLUME LXVI, NUMBER 10 thursday, September 19, 2013 TUFTSDAILY.COM

Election Results Tufts Divest rallies before Seven freshman Tufts Community Mauri Honickman, and the sophomore Union (TCU) Senate seats, two Judiciary class council vice president of academic Massachusetts State House positions and three Committee on programming is Matthew Marber. Student Life (CSL) positions, along with Warren Rixon and John Rodli won the b y Victoria Le i s t m a n UMass Amherst, Wheaton College and various Class Council seats, were filled senior Senate seats in an uncontested Daily Editorial Board Worcester Polytechnic Institute. during yesterday’s student election. election. Students heard from a variety of speak- Senior Nina Bernstein, senior Walker Freshman voter turnout was 56.53 Members of Tufts Divest For Our ers, including Downing; Chris Condon, Bristol and freshman Tafari Duncan will percent this year, as opposed to last Future attended a rally and spoke at director of politics and legislation of fill the CSL positions. year’s freshman voter turnout of 49.04 the Massachusetts State House on Sept. the Service Employees International Sophomore Matthew Ender-Silberman percent, sophomore Paige Newman, 10 in support of legislation that would Union’s Local 509; State Representative and freshman Anna Weissman will serve public relations chair of Tufts Election require Massachusetts’ divestment from Denise Provost (D-Somerville) and on the Judiciary. Commission, said. fossil fuel companies within five years. Mark Files Schwaller, member of the Students elected Oghenefego Ahia, “It was a statistically significant high- Sophomore Will Pearl and senior activist rock band Melodeego. Isabella Kahhale, Ramiro Sarabia, Gauri er voter turnout,” she said. Devyn Powell, both members of The speakers, banners and live music Seth, Shai Slotky, Constantin Weiss The total voter turnout this year was Tufts Divest, participated in a stu- during the rally created a strong atmo- and Bryson Wong to fill the freshman 27.88 percent, up from 22.76 percent dent panel that testified in support sphere of support prior to the hearing, Senate seats. last year. of the bill, along with representatives according to Powell. PJ Allen will serve as freshman class “We are always encouraged by voter from Boston University (BU) and the “That was a very empowering expe- council vice president of social pro- turnout, and we want to thank the University of Massachusetts Amherst rience,” she said. “There was a lot of gramming, and Anna Linton was elect- Tufts community for voting and encour- (UMass Amherst). really good energy, and people came ed freshman class council vice president age them to continue voting and con- The bill, titled S.1225, was pro- from all over.” of academic programming. tinue to be active citizens in their local posed in January by Senator Benjamin The bill calls on the Pension Reserves Michelle Bornstein was elected elections,” Newman said. Downing (D-Pittsfield, GSAS ’08), Investment Trust, a board charged with freshman class council treasurer, Katie according to Pearl. managing the pooled assets of state Waymack will serve as freshman class The rally began at 9:30 a.m. and employees and local retirement sys- council secretary and Prastama (Praz) included a large crowd of Tufts stu- tems, to divest 100 percent of its assets Perkasa was elected freshman class dents in addition to students from in fossil fuel companies progressively council president. BU, Brandeis University, Harvard over the course of five years. The sophomore class council vice University, Massachusetts Institute president of social programming is — by Abigail Feldman of Technology, Suffolk University, see DIVEST, page 2 Asbestos removed Tufts among top Teach For America colleges from Houston Hall b y De n a l i Ti e t j e n For America (TFA), a national non- members of the Class of 2013 enlisted Daily Editorial Board profit organization that employs col- in TFA, according to last year’s TFA b y Da n i e l Go t t f r i e d lege graduates to teach in underprivi- Recruitment Director Joni Roberson. Daily Editorial Board Tufts ranked sixth among medium- leged schools. Each year, TFA recruits high-per- sized colleges and universities with the The university is up 14 spots from Workers contracted by the university most graduates participating in Teach last year’s No. 20 ranking. Thirty-five see TEACH, page 2 abated asbestos in Houston Hall this sum- mer during a routine renovation project. Asbestos is a mineral that was widely used in construction until 1973, when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began to regulate its use due to its ability to cause lung and other organic diseases. Director of Facilities Services Bob Burns explained that abatement, or removal, of asbestos in buildings during renovation projects happens frequently and follows standard procedure. “There [were] asbestos found, but that isn’t uncommon,” he said. “For many build- ings built prior to the 1980s, asbestos was used and has many different applications. Unless it is airborne, which is called ‘friable’ [asbestos], it isn’t an issue.” According to Burns, when renovation projects occur, the possibility arises that asbestos will be disturbed. “Our policy is, if there is asbestos in a space and we have to pull up the carpeting or any minor demolition, then we would abate the asbestos,” Burns said. “You don’t have to deal with asbestos just because it is under the floor. You have to deal with asbestos if you pull up the floor, and we always do that when we renovate any of our buildings.” The project was completed over the sum- mer when no students were residing in the hall, he added. “We do most of our renovations when students and faculty are gone,” he said. Residents of Houston Hall were contact- ed last year informing them that the renova- tions and removal would occur following their departure from the dorm, according to a Resident Assistant in Houston Hall who wished to remain anonymous. “All we saw was preparation,” he said. “I don’t think there was any danger. The MCT see ASBESTOS, page 2 Thirty-five members of the Class of 2013 are currently enlisted in Teach for America.

Inside this issue Today’s sections

The Tufts-SMFA dual- The Museum of Bad News 1 Op-Ed 9 degree program tries Art is a hidden gem in to tackle its high drop- Davis Square. Features 3 Comics 10 out rate. Weekender 5Classifieds 11 Editorial | Letters 8 Sports Back

see FEATURES, page 3 see WEEKENDER, page 5 2 Th e Tu f t s Da i l y News Thursday, September 19, 2013

leadership, active citizenship TEACH which she believes eventu- Tuftscontinued from applicants page 1 ally benefit lead to her acceptance from forming college graduates at Tufts. to teach in urban and rural “If I didn’t have those TFA classrooms, Roberson said. teachers who believed in Twenty-three Tufts graduates me, I would not be where I are now serving their second am today,” she said. year as TFA corps members, As a current corps mem- totaling 58 Tufts grads in the ber, Porter is eager to rep- two-year program. resent the organization and Roberson credited the to help make education a university’s high ranking national priority. to the university’s wealth “I believed in the pro- of leadership opportunities gram and its mission and relationship with local statement to bridge the communities. inequality opportunity “I think that Tufts, the gap,” she said. Courtesy 350 Massachusetts university itself, has a strong With a rigorous applica- Last Tuesday, Tufts Divest participated in a rally to advocate for Massachusetts’ divestment from fossil fuel companies connection and commit- tion process that involves within five years. ment to the community in essay responses and several Somerville, which exposes interviews, TFA has accept- students to social issues ed less than 15 percent Students promote state divestment bill around race, class and of applicants for the past DIVEST Ten Tufts students attended the “We’re Massachusetts,” Powell privilege and makes them three years. Roberson said continued from page 1 testimonials that followed the State said. “We’re a leader in everything. strong candidates for the the next application dead- “If we lead with this [bill], it House rally, according to Pearl. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t corps, along with the many line for seniors consider- would have a huge ripple effect,” Although each testimony was be the first state to take a step like opportunities students have ing joining the corps is Oct. Pearl said. limited to three minutes, the this. If an entire state divests all to hold leadership roles dur- 25. As a new feature this Pearl coordinated a student event lasted two and a half hours, of its holdings from the fossil fuel ing their time at Tufts,” she year, TFA will also accept divest meet-up at Old West Church Pearl said. industry, that’s a huge thing.” said. Sade Porter (LA early applications — due the night before the rally, accord- “The over-arching narrative was Last year, Tufts Divest gar- ’13), who joined the TFA by Feb. 20 — from juniors ing to Powell. Around 30 students that we are young people, and cli- nered 1,500 student petition corps this year, explained interested in the program. participated in the event in prepa- mate change is going to affect our signatures, 240 alumni signa- the impact that TFA had Roberson encouraged ration for the rally. generation.” Powell said. tures and over 40 faculty sig- on her middle school edu- interested students to get “The idea of that was that we Powell added that the group natures in an effort to achieve cation in the Bronx, New in contact with this year’s wanted to bring as many stu- received overwhelmingly positive divestment on the Tufts campus. York, where members of the recruitment manager at dents as possible from all over the feedback from representatives. Students, faculty and university organization came to teach Tufts, Nick Diaz. state,” Powell said. “It is a state- “It was a little pat on the back,” trustees formed a working group her class. She said that TFA looks wide issue. [We wanted] to come Pearl said. “I think in general to facilitate conversation about “When I was being taught for three primary quali- together before the rally and try they’re sympathetic.” the prospect of divestment. The by TFA teachers, their level ties in applicants, includ- to garner support from students Powell said support for the Tufts Community Union Senate of rigor and their high ing academic achieve- who were involved with divest- state bill seems strong, as four also passed a resolution 24-1 in expectations and the things ment, leadership skills and ment movements on their cam- cities in Massachusetts, includ- favor of divestment. we were being taught were a strong desire to improve puses to try and bring that energy ing Cambridge, have already This year the group aims to con- a completely different level children’s education. to off-campus work with the state drafted plans for divestment. tinue to create buzz on campus compared to what I knew “We believe our students divestment group.” Pearl believes the biggest chal- and engage with the community, before,” Porter said. “The deserve the best,” Roberson Powell said that Jay Carmona, lenge will be getting the legislation Pearl said. teaching I received from said. “We want to ensure divestment campaigner from the past Speaker of the House Robert “I need to continue that work them helped pave my path that the students we choose environmental organization 350. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). here, now that students are actu- towards education.” to send into classrooms are org, flew in from Oakland to stay Tufts Divest hopes that the state ally on campus,” he said. “[We She said that her experi- going to be strong advo- with them at the church and give will pass the bill by January and that need to] find the similarity within ence with TFA influenced cates and help kids move advice and training before the next Governor Deval Patrick will sign it our power in coming to an issue her decision to attend a forward in terms of aca- day’s event. by July of next year, Pearl said. that is so much bigger.” private boarding school, demic achievement.”

Asbestos abatement part of routine renovation process

ASBESTOS into an academic building right now for a number of rooms, he said. have to deal with it,” he said. “You don’t continued from page 1 whatever reason — if something came loose According to Burns, the Department have to go looking for it.” act or removal didn’t take place until — our policy is to give everyone between of Facilities Services deals with asbes- Burns said that Facilities brings in outside everyone was out.” ten days and two weeks’ notice. But because tos cases regularly when it conducts contractors for the abatement process. Burns said that he gives advance notice [the Houston renovations] occurred this renovations. “We have to bring a contractor in who is if a project will be occurring during the aca- summer when no one was living there, we “In the course of doing business, we trained to deal with this material and pull demic year. just took care of it.” know that there is asbestos because of it off,” he said. “It has to be contained and “When the activity is occurring, we inform The renovations in Houston included when the buildings were constructed, but treated — you can’t just throw it in a dump- all occupants,” Burns said. “If we had to go updating bathrooms, common spaces and when we find it or encounter it, then we ster somewhere.”

Kyra Sturgill / The Tufts Daily During a routine renovation process this summer, workers contracted by the university abated asbestos in Houston Hall. 3

Featurestuftsdaily.com

Lily Sieradzki | Media Junkie Administrative transition at SMFA brings Follow changes, confusion me on b y Ju l i a McDa n i e l Daily Editorial Board Instagram,

The dual-degree program between Tufts and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, though Boston (SMFA) may soon undergo changes ike many other liberal-minded, pro- to address various difficulties and a high gressive-leaning, global citizen-as- dropout rate. piring Tufts students, I try to follow The combined-degree program, founded the news. I read the New York Times in the mid-1970s, gives students the oppor- andL the Washington Post as much as pos- tunity to obtain a Bachelor of Arts (BA) sible — that’s what my parents read, and or Bachelor of Sciences (BS) along with they are smart people, so those must be a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from Tufts. the best, I figure. I also like the Atlantic, Dual-degree students must apply and get the Guardian and the Boston Globe (gotta accepted into both schools separately, mak- keep it local), with slight dabbling into The ing admissions highly selective. Huffington Post. (News, blog or both? It’s Sophomore Andie Eisen said she trans- pretty entertaining either way.) When I’m ferred into this five-year program during her driving my dad’s Subaru Forester around freshman year, choosing to stay at Tufts an suburbia when I’m at home, I almost inevi- extra year to obtain both degrees. tably have NPR on. “I realized partway through my fresh- On principle, I prefer reading print to man year that I’d be taking art classes every online, for old time’s sake. Nothing wrong semester anyway, and I might as well get with supporting a dying industry, am I Wan Jing Lee / The Tufts Daily credit for it,” she said. “The big decision is right? I also really just love the feeling of Student criticism of Tufts’ dual-degree program with the School of the Museum of Fine whether or not to do the extra year.” flipping through a newspaper on Sunday Arts, Boston (SMFA) could prompt changes in the near future. Despite the selectivity of this special- morning with a cup of coffee. It feels so ized program, there is about a 50 percent ... classic. But in reality, online is a lot dropout rate, according to SMFA Associate to keep in the air,” Eisen said. told the Daily in an email. quicker and a lot easier to access. Plus, it’s Dean of Academic Affairs Susan Lush. This Giglio said that these types of compli- The SMFA is currently undergoing the future. is largely due to financial reasons and stu- cations deter students from completing administrative changes as well. The popu- Recently, though, my new Droid dents’ desire to graduate with the rest of the program. lar graduate program, Master of Arts in Smartphone has been a game-changer their class at Tufts. Lush discussed these “You can do it, but it’s really hard to Teaching - Art Education (MAT), recently in terms of both social media and news issues with the Daily in November 2010. plan and it’s hard to get everything done received a new interim director, according access. Candy Crush! Incredibly addicting, “Typically, it’s a money issue,” Lush in four years, so they give you the fifth to Giglio. Susan Barahal now directs the except I’ve been stuck on level 29 for about said. “Combined-degree students have year,” she said. “But by that time, people art education program, according to the three weeks now. Snapchat! So random, to pay for an additional year of tuition. are just kind of annoyed so they just don’t MAT website. so meaningless, so funny — I love it and I Students see their friends graduating and do it anymore.” “It’s administratively in flux,” Giglio said. hate it. But to be honest, it’s one of the main get burned out.” Given these difficulties, Giglio said she “But the communication through this tran- reasons I got a smartphone — I didn’t want Junior Lauren Giglio, who recently opted has heard rumors circulating among stu- sitional period hasn’t been great, and I think to be left out. Instagram! One of my guilty out of the dual-degree track, cited the incon- dents that the SMFA might cancel the dual- that’s where this confusion is coming in.” pleasures. It’s like Facebook, but trimmed venience of traveling between Tufts and the degree program in favor of emphasizing a In light of upcoming changes in the dual- down to one artsy, filtered picture and a SMFA as one of her reasons for withdraw- similar program that would earn students a degree program, there are concerns about few clever, or more often dumb, hashtags. ing from the program. The commute often BFA from Tufts — not a BA or BS. the impact on already enrolled students. Is it #throwbackthursday today or #sibling- takes at least an hour round-trip, she said. “It’s been confusing — I’ve heard rumors According to Karr, the museum school is sunday? Oh, and follow me if you want to “It’s very common to decide to drop from both sides, not in detail at all, that the negotiating plans for whatever transitions see some nice sepia-toned beachscapes the program,” Giglio said. “A lot of people combined-degree program was not going to may occur, but the program will continue and cute puppy pics. #butactuallythough are done with the whole combined-de- ... happen anymore, but there’s a BFA pro- for its current dual-degree students. #mylife #college #YOLO! gree thing.” gram that can happen,” Giglio said. “With “SMFA is in the process of becoming And of course, there’s Facebook, my oldest Many SMFA students, however, believe the BFA, you take classes over at the muse- independently accredited for its BFAs and and most familiar friend. I will admit that I’m that scheduling classes and balancing cred- um, but you get a degree from Tufts. It’s kind MFAs [Master of Fine Arts], but plans to pretty solidly addicted at this point. It is just its present the biggest issues, Giglio said. of like the combined-degree, but it’s just a continue with a reciprocity arrangement so useful for getting people to come to par- “[Scheduling] is horrific. You can either couple less classes.” between the two schools into the future,” ties, for the occasional stalking of an acquain- choose to have SMFA classes from nine Despite these rumors, the SMFA has Karr said. “There will be provisions for stu- tance or crush and for easy procrastinating. to 12, or two to five,” she said. “So, trying announced plans to improve the dual- dents to take courses at both institutions as Plus, now I can Facebook chat everyone from to plan Tufts classes in that is practically degree program rather than call it off alto- part of their degree programs. This has been my phone! As well as send emails, listen to impossible because they’re completely dif- gether. Administrators hope to expand the agreed to by the administrations as well.” music and basically do all the same things ferent block schedules.” program’s offerings, according to SMFA While the SMFA claims it has plans to I used my computer for — except writing Eisen agreed, adding that the separate Director of Marketing and Communications maintain its connection with Tufts, Giglio papers and watching movies. registration processes for each school make Amanda Karr. argued that it is hard for students to know When it comes down to the news, it so that students must keep track of all “The School of the Museum of Fine Arts, for sure. though, Twitter has been revolutionizing credits on their own, without relying on any Boston, is not cutting ties with Tufts. We “The communication between the two my lifestyle. In addition to getting con- one system. will continue with the current dual-degree schools isn’t very good,” Giglio said. “So if stant news updates from my Washington “We have iSIS with Tufts, and the SMFA program and eventually plan to enhance you’re trying to get information, you have Post and NYTimes apps, I almost exclu- has their own Web site, so nothing I register it by offering additional, targeted dual- to kind of ping-pong between them, which sively follow news sources on Twitter: CNN, for at the SMFA registers on iSIS, and it’s a lot degrees in areas of mutual interest,” Karr is difficult.” Al Jazeera, the Tufts Daily, you name it. Scrolling through and inhaling the bite- sized headlines is an easy way for me to feel like I know what’s going on. It’s overwhelm- Throwback Thursday ing how up-to-date I can be. That said, I also follow some friends and other funny celebrities. But their tweets inevitably get buried under the massive bar- rage of news in my feed. And I rarely tweet anything myself, other than to re-tweet an interesting human-interest story or inform the world of an awesome meal I had. To sum it all up, like most people in the “digital age,” I am constantly assaulted by tons of information in different forms. As I navigate and sort my way through this confusing mess that is the media, I want to try and figure out what it all means. As the medium of the news shifts rapidly, how is its content changing? What is the future of journalism? How do the media’s corporate interests make us all into consumers, and what is the role of advertising? (Shout-out to my class Media and Society and all my other homies at the Daily taking it with me.) Clearly I have lot of #questions and #thoughts — please bear with me as I try to figure all this out. And please excuse the excessive hashtagging. #sorrynotsorry.

Lukas Zahas (LA ‘94) Lily Sieradzki is a junior majoring Allison Basoh, Michelle Davis, Cindy Lazar and Brian Egleston (LA ‘92) led a Safe Sex talk in Hodgdon Hall on Nov. 6, 1990. in English. She can be reached at Lily. [email protected]. 4 Th e Tu f t s Da i l y advertisement Thursday, September 19, 2013 COLLEGE STUDENTS ALL ! 20% OFF full-price EMS ® brand items ALL 15% OFF full-price national brand items

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Gallery in Davis Square showcases ( collection of terrible art (

b y Ca r o l i n e We l c h ties, who keep MOBA up and running. castically written accompaniments, Controversy Daily Editorial Board Sacco explained that it costs relatively Sacco emphasizes that MOBA is in no For such a comic initiative, MOBA has little to run the museum. way trying to mock the art. still received its fair share of criticism. “We find ways to not pay for any- “We are celebrating these works — we “The people we have difficulty with rt museums are often con- thing,” she said. “We’ve never paid rent want to share them, we want to build are the people who say things like, sidered to be cultural corner- for a space. We don’t spend money on an audience for them,” Sacco said. “We ‘There’s no such thing as bad art’ and stones, esteemed educational PR or advertising. No one gets [a] salary. don’t want to make anyone feel bad. If who get really annoyed with us,” Sacco institutions which protect and The only bills we really have are to keep we’re making fun of anyone, it’s art writ- said. “Our take on that is, if there’s no preserve some of society’s fin- the website going and occasionally a few ers or art critics.” such thing as bad art, then there’s no Aest works. Yet, despite their prestigious dollars to have a reception.” So where does all the art come from? such thing as good art. They’ll say, reputations, many people also find art For the few expenses it does incur, Some pieces are donated by the artists ‘Who are you to say what’s bad?’ Well, museums intimidating, overwhelming MOBA is able to cover it through sales themselves, others are sought out and who is the MFA to say what’s good? We and sometimes even stodgy. Often, the of T-shirts, mugs and a MOBA book, purchased by Frank, while even more are who we are and you don’t have to stark white walls are unwelcoming, the ensuring that entrance to the galleries is are salvaged from yard sales, second agree with us.” library-like silences oppressive — even always free of charge. hand stores, thrift shops and even the the art itself can be infuriatingly preten- trash. Of the hundreds of pieces in their Success tious and enigmatic. The Art permanent collection, MOBA has the In general, however, the museum has The Museum of Bad Art in Davis MOBA’s Davis Square gallery is a tiny, capacity to exhibit just 20-40 of those at received positive reviews from locals Square is unlike any museum you’ve off-white room on the theater’s lowest each of their three galleries. and critics alike. Last May, for example, ever seen before or ever will see again. level, around the corner from the rest- “We have way more things offered to us the Times of London listed MOBA as A hidden gem in the truest sense of rooms. Fittingly, the space itself defies than we can possibly accept,” Sacco said. one the 50 best museums in the world. the term, MOBA (not to be confused the conventional box-room design; Despite the large size of its collec- Prestigious awards aside, for Louise with MOMA) defies every aspect of the instead, it has curved, sloping walls and tion, MOBA manages to maintain high Reilly Sacco, it’s real reactions from visi- “boring” museum stereotype. Small angled ceilings that lend an almost “Alice standards for the low quality of its art. tors that she appreciates the most. and intimate, the traditional hush-hush in Wonderland”-esque feel to the lay- To be accepted pieces must possess “I love to walk into one of our galleries gallery environment is punctuated by out. A little door, presumably leading to both artistic intent and demonstrate and hear people laughing or hear people loud, genuine laughter from visitors movie theater storage, starts halfway up some lack of artistic ability. In the arguing about a piece — whether it’s as they peruse pieces that range from the wall, its knob floating above viewers’ Somerville gallery, a poster outlines good or bad.” she said. delightfully kitschy to endearingly heads as they walk by. Two spiral-shaped MOBA’s criteria: The Museum of Bad Art is located awful. With the tagline “Art Too Bad To couches stand in the middle of the gal- “The principal principle for a work in the Somerville Theatre at 55 Davis Be Ignored,” MOBA is dedicated to — lery, inviting people to sink into their of art to be accepted to MOBA is that Square. Entrance to the museum is yes, you guessed it — collecting and cushy, red velvet upholstery, while the it must have been created by someone free with the purchase of a movie tick- exhibiting the worst works the art world muted sound effects from the upstairs seriously attempting to make an artis- et. Visitors interested in only visiting has to offer. theaters adds a touch of the surreal to tic statement but something has gone MOBA should send a request to MOBA@ the whole viewing experience. horribly awry in either its conception MuseumOfBadArt.org for a complimen- Beginnings And boy is the art bad. A hodgepodge or execution.” tary museum pass. MOBA was conceived in 1994. of poorly painted images pepper the According to Louise Reilly Sacco, one wall; disproportionate bodies and con- of the museum’s founding members trasting color schemes combine to cre- and also its “Permanent Acting Interim ate a collage-like effect. Though at first Executive Director,” the idea for MOBA they appear to be randomly displayed, developed after Scott Wilson, one of the the paintings are arranged somewhat five original founders, took an evening by categories: renaissance and religious drive through his neighborhood on the paintings in the front and nudes towards night before trash pick-up. the back, with various other groups scat- “He saw a picture frame leaning tered somewhere in between. against a trash barrel with a terrible In addition to the pictures them- picture in it, but the frame was really selves, the highlight of the museum is nice,” Sacco said. “He picked it up the small printed placards that provide intending to throw away the picture a brief analysis or explanation for each and sell the frame.” piece. Written in a distinctively dry tone, Before that could happen, Wilson was the clever blurbs often speculate about persuaded to keep the terrible painting the inspiration behind the artist’s work. by Sacco’s brother, friend Jerry Reilly. For some pieces, it is clear the artist “Jerry said, ‘You can’t throw that out was attempting to emulate a particular — that’s so bad it’s good,” Sacco said. style. Others are obviously replications Reilly kept the painting and then of renowned works gone awry. started collecting even more. One night “Too Fat People” by Leger Vilfort at a housewarming party in his West portrays a rather corpulent couple set Roxbury residence, Reilly decided to against a background of a pattern of showcase his collection — with the help colorful Bonzai trees. With faces that of Wilson, Sacco and a few others, the are too small for their heads and min- group installed some cheap track light- iature feet beneath an inflated phy- ing and wrote up a few witty descrip- sique, the description notes that the tions of the art. The 50 invitees quickly artist was undoubtedly trying to imitate swelled to nearly 200, with guests packed Colombian painter Fernando Botero. like sardines in Reilly’s basement to see “The Death of Marat” by David Santa the spectacle. With such a successful Fe is a new twist on a classic. Based turnout, the group decided to continue on the iconic piece of the same name the project — thus, MOBA was born. by Jacques-Louis David, the painting Since then, MOBA has expanded from depicts the murder of French revolu- its humble origins. The museum now tionary leader Jean-Paul Marat in his has three permanent galleries in the bathtub — except instead of a bath- greater Boston area, two of which are tub, the dead Frenchman is sitting in situated beneath old-time movie the- a coconut shell, while the frighten- aters. The first is located at the vintage ing Oz-like face of his murderer peers 1927 Dedham Community Theatre, in creepily out from behind a curtain in Dedham, Mass.; the second opened in the top right corner. 2008 at the Somerville Theatre in Davis The “Mona Lisa” of the Somerville Square; a third location is housed in the collection is, ironically, a version of the offices of Brookline Access Television. mystery woman illustrated by an anon- Despite its expansion, MOBA is still ymous artist. With thick eyebrows, a entirely staffed by unpaid volunteers. heavy forehead and stubby hands, the Sacco works alongside curator Michael figure was dubbed “The Mana Lisa” for Frank as the institute’s director. The proj- her masculine bodily features. A simple, ect does have other supporters, but it is one-sentence piece sums up the work, mainly Sacco, a retired management con- calling it “a cross-gender interpretation Caroline Welch / The Tufts Daily sultant, and Frank, a professional musi- of the DaVinci classic.” An artist’s rendition of the “Mona Lisa” is titled “Mana Lisa” for the subject’s masculine cian who also entertains at children’s par- Despite these funny, somewhat sar- physique. 6 Th e Tu f t s Da i l y weekender Thursday, September 19, 2013

What’s up this weekend Looking to make your weekend artsy? (Friday at 5:30 p.m. and Saturday at 3 p.m. Hall. Tickets are $35-$130 and can be pur- Life is good Festival: The annual Life Check out these events! at DCR’s Carson Beach. Admission is free.) chased at www.bso.org.) is good Festival returns this weekend, featuring sets from acts including Jack “Much Ado About Nothing”: This week- Boston Symphony Orchestra: The Boston Night of Stars: The Boston Ballet will cel- Johnson, Hall & Oates and the Roots. The end, the Artists’ Theater of Boston is per- Symphony Orchestra will open its 2013- ebrate its 50th anniversary with a free per- festival is a benefit for the Life is good forming William Shakespeare’s comedy 2014 season this weekend with an all- formance on Boston Common this weekend. Kids Foundation. (Saturday and Sunday “Much Ado About Nothing.” This will be Brahms program for “Opening Night at the The performance will feature the full com- from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Prowse the group’s premiere production at Carson Symphony.” The program will feature the pany along with the Boston Ballet Orchestra, Farm, 5 Blue Hill River Road, Canton. Beach in South Boston, and there will be composer’s second symphony and Double with pieces including excerpts from “Don Tickets are $65 for a single-day pass and seating at the event. In case of rain, the Concerto for violin and cello, performed by Quixote,” “Symphony in Three Movements” $120 for a weekend pass.) production will be held at Medicine Wheel violinist Augustin Hadelich and cellist Alban and a world premiere. (Saturday at 7 p.m. at Productions at 110 K Street, South Boston. Gerhardt. (Saturday at 8 p.m. at Symphony Boston Common. Admission is free.) —compiled by the Daily Arts Department

Courtesy Milestone Films The MFA’s presentation of ‘Portrait of Jason’ allows viewers to finally experience this long-lost film. MFA showcases newly restored ‘Portrait of Jason’ b y Dr e w Ro b e r t s o n — it is no wonder that the film was contro- Daily Editorial Board versial when it was first released 46 years ago. Perhaps as a result of mixed reviews, the film In a quiet and chilly auditorium of the was not as well-preserved as others may have Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston this been. Some copies of the film became dam- week, a man named Jason is having his pic- aged, and even more troubling, some of the ture taken. original film elements went missing. It was “I am doing what I want to do and it’s a nice approximately 45 years until Milestone Films, feeling that somebody is taking a picture of it. an organization largely devoted to the repair This is a picture I can save forever,” Jason says and restoration of old movies, took up the in the 1967 film “Portrait of Jason,” of which task of restoring it. he was the inspiration, the subject and the Milestone founders Dennis Doros and Amy star. “For once in my life I was together, and Heller first began this process by attempting to this is the result of it.” track down a full copy of “Portrait.” After two Recently restored after decades of being years, Doros finally found the original 16mm “lost,” “Portrait of Jason” is an extended inter- interpositive of the film — it had mistakenly view, or a cross-examination, of Jason Holliday: been labeled “outtakes.” The recovered ver- a black, gay man with quite the story to tell. sion of the film was re-released this year. But what kind of story is this? On its website, “Missing” since the 80s, “Portrait of the MFA — co-presenting “Portrait” with the Jason” certainly gives modern audiences a Boston LGBT Film Festival — invites visitors to lot to consider. Aside from the complicated Courtesy Milestone Films come and see one of a few special screenings and enigmatic Jason, Clarke’s choices dur- ‘Portrait’ explores the relationship between filmmaker and subject. of the film, a piece which explores “the border ing the production of the film are equally between cinema verité and fiction.” unexpected. Filmed in December of 1966 The sound of ice clinking in a glass is the inside Clarke’s own apartment at the Hotel first sound viewers hear in Shirley Clarke’s Chelsea over the course of 12 hours of con- Artsy Nugget of the Week groundbreaking movie. Slowly, an image tinuous shooting, “Portrait” does not try to fades in, and dark, fuzzy shapes become a conceal what happens off-screen from the Arcade Fire breaks silence with new face — and then a man. viewer. In moments when the film ran out “My name is Jason Holliday; my name during shooting, “Portrait” simply records ‘Reflektor’ single is Jason Holliday,” he says, and the words Jason’s voice. After winning the Grammy for Album of wife Régine Chassagne exchange ethe- are spoken with the same tone and cadence More unorthodox still, crew members and the Year for its 2010 album “The Suburbs,” real vocals — the track even features a as how one would say “testing — one, two, Clarke herself talk to Jason, and their voices, Arcade Fire essentially had a blank check cameo from the reclusive David Bowie three.” Then, with a slight chuckle, the man as well as his, are recorded. Sometimes their to try anything on its fourth studio album, that helps drive it to its conclusion. At says something unexpected: voices are encouraging, such as when they and worked on it in secret over the sub- first, the single may seem like a radical “My name is Aaron Payne.” prompt him to tell a particular story. Near sequent years. To fans’ delight, Sept. 9 departure from Arcade Fire’s usual work Puzzling, contradictory and intriguing, the end of the film, however, they provoke saw the release of the new song and title (it comes close to being dance music), the beginning of “Portrait” sets the tone for Jason, urging him toward something — what track of the forthcoming double LP, which but the song still retains the band’s the rest of the movie. Jason tells his tale as it is unclear, as are their aims. Throughout was produced by James Murphy of LCD trademark sound and feels like a natural he pleases, explaining that he changed his the shooting, filmmakers also provide Jason Soundsystem. “Reflektor” comes in at near- step in its evolution. The black and white given name, Aaron, for his preferred alias, with what seems like excessive amounts of ly eight minutes long, along with an accom- music video features the band wearing Jason, in San Francisco as part of a process of alcohol, mixed with apparently his own mari- panying music video and interactive website oversized masks, a disco ball and a cow- self-reinvention. From there, he recounts an juana and cigarettes. video (check it out on a Chrome browser by boy made of reflective mirrors; while the amalgamation of stories, maybe anecdotes, Inevitably, the film makes viewers suspect going to www.justareflektor.com). meaning of that imagery is up for inter- maybe memories, often interrupting himself Jason of disingenuity and Clarke of exploita- Lead singer Win Butler describes the pretation, this excellent single points to with a song (Jason’s long-time dream, he says, tion. At the very least, this forces audience new album as a “mash-up of Studio 54 one fact — Arcade Fire is back, and it’s is to have a night club act) or fits of hysterical members to question the validity of what they and Haitian voodoo,” and that’s actually going to be a painfully long wait until laughter. have just watched. But ultimately the nature a fair description for the new track, too. the Oct. 29 album release. Given its subject matter — Jason frank- of “Portrait” evades all easy categorization: it Sleek string and guitar lines glide over a ly shares his experiences as an openly gay is difficult, challenging and shocking — but pulsing disco-like beat while Butler and —by Dan O’Leary man and an African-American “houseboy” never obvious. Thursday, September 19, 2013 Th e Tu f t s Da i l y weekender 7

Susie Church | Food Fight Gallery Preview Ice cream ‘Combat Paper’ exhibit showcases from J.P. veterans’ art as expressive outlet Licks and b y Da n O’Le a r y Daily Editorial Board Toscanini’s very week, I go to two food ven- After a decade marked by two pro- dors within the Greater Boston longed wars in Afghanistan and Iraq area that are known for the same involving thousands of U.S. Armed dish. I’ll be pitting the two meals Forces members, mental health issues Ehead-to-head and letting you guys among veterans have become an know which one takes the cake. Keep increasing problem — even though this reading for facts, feelings and many, topic is rarely at the forefront of public many food puns. conversation. When returning from ser- vice, military veterans can experience J.P. Licks Toscanini’s a host of mental health issues, includ- Price: $4.24 $4.25 ing survivor’s guilt or Post-Traumatic Size: Small 1 Scoop Stress Disorder (PTSD), which seriously Flavor: 8/10 8/10 impact their ability to reintegrate into Ease: Very Easy Tricky society. The scope of this issue is evi- Envir.: Comfy Cool dent in veteran suicide rates, which a 2012 report from the Department of During orientation, traditions for Veterans Affairs estimated to be around freshmen are endless: from the O-Show 22 veterans a day in 2010. While there to the Target run to the illumination are a variety of therapies that have been ceremony, certain activities are just a utilized to help remedy these issues, part of becoming a real Tufts student. the Tufts chapter of Alliance Linking Other new experiences may not exist Leaders in Education and the Services on the orientation schedule, yet feel (ALLIES) has partnered with the Tufts necessary nonetheless. A quintessen- Art Gallery to display a somewhat tial example of one of these memora- unconventional therapy: artwork. ble first-year experiences is one’s first “Combat Paper,” an exhibit on display in outing to J.P. Licks in Davis Square. J.P. the Slater Concourse Gallery, is the culmina- Licks holds a special place in the hearts tion of a months-long process by the current Simone Backer / The Tufts Daily of many Tufts students. It’s a warm executive board for ALLIES. ALLIES is an Some of the pieces in the exhibit make political statements, such as ‘We Are All place to sit while the Joey takes its undergraduate organization that focuses on Free Now.’ sweet time in the freezing cold, a haven relations between civilians and the military to run to for a brownie sundae when through events like the annual Field Exercise the Combat Paper Project, an organiza- make political statements that are open times get tough or just a basic symbol in Peace and Stability Operations (FieldEX) tion based in San Francisco. As described to interpretation: “We Are All Free Now” of welcoming, Bostonian life. However, simulation and joint research projects with on posters in the exhibit, veterans cre- depicts an American flag comprised of not too far away from our Davis Square military academies. A gallery exhibition is ate artwork by cutting up their mili- Iraqi currency. The power of the exhibit backyard is a different mecca for ice a decidedly different venture for the group. tary uniforms to turn them into paper is not always present in the artwork itself cream lovers, and last week I began my Sophomore and ALLIES Programming pulp, which then becomes the canvas — instead, it often resides in the context journey for the best Boston ice cream Chair Eric Halliday said that Nan Levinson, on which they paint. The Combat Paper of the veterans’ experiences themselves. on the other side. a lecturer in the Department of English, website explains that this is part of the Halliday hopes that by expanding out- With flavors like saffron and gin- initially suggested the idea to the group. healing process, stating that, “partici- side the usual realm of ALLIES events, ger, Toscanini’s is not your typical ice Halliday noted that in addition to kicking pants use the transformative process of the exhibit will expose more members of cream parlor. Claiming to be The New off a year of veterans’ issues-themed events papermaking to reclaim their uniforms the Tufts community to veterans’ issues. York Times’ pick for “the world’s best that the group has planned, the exhibit also as art and express their experiences with He also emphasized that while the art- ice cream”, this artisan creamery sits gave them a chance to interact with other the military.” making process was not intended to be inconveniently between the Central campus groups. The pieces exhibited in “Combat therapy in the traditional sense, it was a and Kendall Square T-stops on the red “We wanted to do something like this Paper” show the various ways creating therapeutic outlet for veterans. line. However, once I finally made it for a while, since ALLIES is very estab- art can serve as an outlet for some of “[Veterans] can work through their there, I was greeted by cozy, exposed- lishment, IR [and] military focused, and the issues veterans face upon return- issues, and, instead of verbally express- brick walls and chairs scattered around this brought us in contact with other ing home and reintegrating into civilian ing their feelings, they can express them a pleasant, wide open space for hang- parts of campus that we don’t normally society. Some pieces are subdued, like through art ... so it was just working ing out while you enjoy a scoop. After interact with on a regular basis, like the “Alone,” which is merely a silhouette on through different aspects of veterans’ glancing at the flavor list, I jumped at Peace and Justice Studies department a battlefield. Others are more vibrant, issues of the aftereffects of war — psy- the burnt caramel and could not have and Tisch College,” he said. such as a powerful depiction of an explo- chological, emotional, PTSD, survivor’s been more pleased. It had the perfect Thanks to financial contributions from sion in “Napalm.” And while some vet- guilt — everything that veterans experi- so-sweet-I-think-I’ll-pass-out-now fla- many groups including the Institute of erans created art that is nondescript in ence after war,” he said. vor typical of really good caramel with Global Leadership, Tisch College, the nature, others used a more articulate “Combat Paper” runs through Monday, strong bitter, burnt hints. The texture Peace and Justice Studies department, and explicit approach. One such paint- Sept. 30 in the Slater Concourse Gallery. was silky smooth and the richness was the International Relations program and ing directly addresses survivor’s guilt by Admission is free and the exhibit is open enough to satisfy my sweet tooth for the Dean Nancy Bauer’s office, ALLIES was recreating a fallen comrade’s standard Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and next week. able to host an exhibit of materials from issue military ID on the canvas. Others remains open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays. And yet, unwavering in my quest, I made my way back home on the red line to Davis and walked into the comfort of J.P. Licks’ familiar walls. I’ve been to The Artsy Jumbo J.P. Licks maybe five or six times in my time at Tufts and have vowed each time Sophomore Emily Bono redefines and walks the line of the liberal ‘arts’ that I’ll try new flavors. But inevitably, Growing up in Wellesley, Mass., Emily I walk in and can never seem to resist Bono’s parents never expected her love of that Oreo cake batter with Junior Mints. Barbie clothing to translate into a career. The combination may sound a little However, once Emily began stitching her strange, but for me it is a scoop of nos- own original designs, it became clear to talgic childhood bliss. And that’s what both her parents that their daughter had ice cream is supposed to be, isn’t it? It’s a talent with fabric. comfort food; it makes even the worst Fast-forward to today, and Emily Bono day okay. has a résumé that her nine-year-old self So how can one really compare the would almost certainly envy. Bono is a comfort and familiarity of J.P. Licks sticher at the Tufts Department of Drama with the flashy creativity of Toscanini’s? and Dance costume shop, is a Continuing Toscanini’s is doing it all right with Education student at Rhode Island School adventurous, gourmet flavors that of Design during summers, has worked will give any foodie a rush. And yet, with freelance designers in the greater J.P. Licks, in all of its homey, Boston- Boston area and is, this semester, an assist- famous glory, seems to hold its own. ing costume designer in the Department When all is said and done, they are of Drama and Dance working under Linda both special for the joy they bring to Ross Girard. people, and ultimately neither is bet- However, getting to this point has ter than the other. There are days when not been easy. Attending a fairly aca- I like to be adventurous, when I love demically rigorous and conservative prep looking for a new flavor to try, so good school, Bono’s path to the art world has for Toscanini’s for bringing that to the been fairly rocky. table. But then there are those other “There was this big internal debate Dira djaya for the tufts daily days. Those days when maybe you just about whether to go to art school or liberal Sophomore Emily Bono aims to pursue a career in costume design. want a blanket and a tub of Oreo cake arts school,” she said. “I think a lot of fine — you need that foundation,” she said. day be able to support herself with a batter ice cream to make everything arts kids at Tufts have felt that pressure.” “I just didn’t want to specialize so early.” career in costume design. okay. And that’s when J.P. Licks will For Bono, though, choosing Tufts was This semester, you can see Bono’s work “Whether in theater, film or movies always be there for you. more about her artistic integrity than in the show “Welcome to Arroyo’s,” — I just want to be a working designer,” pressure from the outside. a production by the Department of she said. “I think a liberal arts education is Drama and Dance. Through experi- Susie Church is a sophomore who has not important if you’re going to be an artist ences like these, Bono hopes to one —by Veronica Little yet declared a major. She can be reached at [email protected]. 8 Th e Tu f t s Da i l y Editorial | Letters Thursday, September 19, 2013

Editorial THE TUFTS DAILY Ha n n a h R. Fi n g e rh u t Saturday night lights Editor-in-Chief This Saturday at 6 p.m., Tufts will up for what could be a successful activity to do at night on the weekends Editorial travel to Wesleyan for the first ever fall. Although the NESCAC is a legiti- and potentially becoming an antici- New England Small College Athletic mate league in its own right, a trend pated annual tradition. In addition, Jenna Buckle Conference (NESCAC) football game toward more evening games will bol- holding home football games at night Melissa Wang played at night under floodlights, mak- ster its already-solid reputation. With could attract greater numbers of fans Managing Editors ing league history. nighttime games, there would be an who might otherwise have conflicting This move forward by the NESCAC influx of fans from Tufts and other engagements during daytime events, Abigail Feldman Executive News Editor Daniel Gottfried News Editors presents Tufts athletics, as well as all schools alike. perhaps even providing more revenue Victoria Leistman This season, however, Saturday’s for the Athletics Department and the Menghan Liu other ‘CAC participants, with a number Melissa Mandelbaum of opportunities to raise game atten- game will be the only NESCAC match- university. The increase in attendance Elizabeth McKay Annabelle Roberts dance and school spirit. Nighttime up under the big lights. According might boost team morale since more Mahpari Sotoudeh football games bring to mind certain to Wesleyan’s official newsletter, the fans are there to root the players on. Josh Weiner Sarah Zheng imagery: a crisp fall evening, stands lights at Andrus Field are only tempo- Tufts, like Wesleyan, would need to Daniel Bottino Assistant News Editors full of supportive peers and alumni rarily installed for the game. obtain the lighting sufficient for play. Alexa Horwitz Elissa Ladwig and the winning team’s fans pouring Maybe it’s time, though, for this Though it may be implausible to invest Hunter Ryan out of the stadium together to con- to become a more regular part of the in a permanent option, temporary Denali Tietjen tinue the celebration that night. NESCAC football schedule, and per- lights can be installed. The fact that this game is the sea- haps Tufts should consider lighting Nighttime games might just bring Shannon Vavra Executive Features Editor son’s first makes it even more exciting up Ellis Oval for a game in seasons our football team the kick it needs to Lily Sieradzki Features Editors Charlotte Gilliland for both fans and the Tufts football to come. Night games at home would succeed and Tufts athletics the spirit Emily Bartlett team itself — this is the Jumbos’ accomplish a variety of things, includ- it needs to become more integral to Vicky Rathsmill Caitlin McClure Assistant Features Editors chance to start anew and to rile fans ing providing students with another Tufts’ reputation. Sabrina McMillin Julia McDaniel

Caroline Welch Executive Arts Editor Keran Chen Dan O’Leary Arts Editors Veronica Little Drew Robertson Assistant Arts Editors Brendan Donohue Lancy Downs Grace Hoyt

Alexander Schroeder Executive Sports Editor Marcus Budline Sports Editors Aaron Leibowitz David McIntyre Zachey Kliger Jake Indursky Claire Sleigh Kate Klots Matthew Berger Tyler Maher Assistant Sports Editors Ross Dember Jason Schneiderman Alex Connors

Elayne Stecher Executive Op-Ed Editor Bhushan Deshpande Op-Ed Editors Tom Chalmers Matthew Crane Nick Golden Jehan Madhani Cartoonists Keran Chen Denise Amisial Benjamin Boventer Scott Geldzahler Editorialists Drew Lewis

Kyra Sturgill Executive Photo Editor Caroline Geiling Photo Editors John Hampson Lee Wan Jing Simone Backer Nick Pfosi Staff Photographers Zhuangchen Zhou Courtney Chiu Sofia Adams

Alexander Kaufman Executive New Media Editor Oliver Porter Phuong Ta Jake Hellman New Media Editor Barton Liang Assistant New Media Editor

PRODUCTION Elliot Philips Production Director

Emily Rourke Executive Layout Editor Adrian Lo Senior Layout Editor Emma Arnesty-Good Layout Editors Jen Betts Shoshanna Kahne Daniel MacDonald Montana Miller Falcon Reese Reid Spagna Andrew Stephens Chelsea Stevens Maura McQuade Assistant Layout Editor

Jamie Hoagland Executive Copy Editors Julia Russell Emma Arnesty-Good Copy Editors Anna Haugen Adrienne Lange Drew Lewis Annaick Miller Vidya Srinivasan Marina Shtyrkov Hadley Gibson Assistant Copy Editors Patrick Schulman Rachel Salzberg Tori Porter

Hamid Mansoor Executive Online Editor Letter to the Editor Dear Editor, Now is a testament to our continued us to recently change providers, that confidence in the reliability of their decision was not due to any lack of reli- Your recent story “Tufts Emergency system. That confidence was based on ability in the Send Word Now system. BUSINESS Alert System updates software” pub- the actual use of the system on mul- Daphne Wu lished in the Tufts Daily on Tuesday, tiple occasions to notify our commu- Executive Business Director September 3, 2013, stated that our nity of situations of concern as well as former emergency alert software, Send many tests of the alert system. In fact, Sincerely, Li Liang Receivables Manager Word Now, was replaced due in part to the Daily wrote positively about the improved reliability provided by the actual use and tests of the system in a Geoffrey C. Bartlett, AEM P.O. Box 53018, Medford, MA 02155 new software. That is not the case. number of articles over the years. Director of Emergency Management, 617 627 3090 FAX 617 627 3910 [email protected] On the contrary, Tufts found Send While a competitive selection pro- Advisor to Tufts EMS Word Now to be highly reliable. Our cess — the kind we regularly conduct Tufts University, Department of Public six-year relationship with Send Word with all service providers — did lead and Environmental Safety

The Tufts Daily is a nonprofit, independent newspaper, published Monday through Friday during the aca- LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters must be submitted by 2 p.m. and ADVERTISING POLICY All advertising copy demic year, and distributed free to the Tufts community. EDITORIAL POLICY Editorials represent the position should be handed into the Daily office or sent to [email protected]. is subject to the approval of the Editor- of The Tufts Daily. Individual editors are not necessarily responsible for, or in agreement with, the policies and All letters must be word processed and include the writer’s name and in-Chief, Executive Board and Executive editorials of The Tufts Daily. The content of letters, advertisements, signed columns, cartoons and graphics telephone number. There is a 450-word limit and letters must be verified. Business Director. A publication schedule does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Tufts Daily editorial board. The editors reserve the right to edit letters for clarity, space and length. and rate card are available upon request. Thursday, September 19, 2013 Th e Tu f t s Da i l y op-ed 9

Off the Hill | Iowa State University Adam Kaminski | The Cool Column Atheism and theism are both beliefs Hi, my b y Ph i l Br o w n there are three balls in the room and that that some questions are not yet scien- Iowa State Daily they are red. tifically answered does not support any name is Things that are not factual evidence single unscientific explanation. It should Does God exist? are often invoked as if they are anyway. also be noted that this “evidence” for the Adam Theists believe yes. Atheists believe no. One example of this that atheists are existence of something divine confuses Neither side, no matter how much they commonly guilty of is saying something science with atheism, two completely or every student name I remember from may pretend otherwise, has an answer along the lines of “If God is real, may he different concepts. my first few days on campus, I’ve surely based in objective facts. The only objec- strike me down with lightning right now!” More so-called evidence for the exis- made a plethora of awkward, unsightly tively defensible position in this line of and then acting as if God is fictitious tence of mystical forces is a “feeling” reli- introductions. The script reads some- divine questions is that of an agnostic, purely because they aren’t stricken where giously inclined individuals have. They Fthing like this: “Hey, I’m Adam Kaminski. I’m who thinks that we cannot actually know they stand. claim to literally feel the presence of their from Arlington, Mass., and yes, I live in South. for sure one way or the other. That is not evidence; it is a useless ges- god or gods, or that they “just know” God Be jealous.” Easy? Yes. Worthwhile? Hmm... That is not to say that no one should ture that self-righteous morons exclaim exists, thereby providing proof of what- Not only do I feel buffoonish running hold atheist or theist beliefs. Agnostics to make themselves feel intellectually ever supernatural ideas they believe in. through this lazy prototype of an informal can be atheists or theists. The only defin- superior. If a divine presence existed, it Such assertions are not a claim of evi- greeting, but it’s also horribly ineffective. I’ve ing characteristic is that they think neither or they would not be beholden to the dence so much as they are simply a very retained the names of fewer classmates than belief system has an objective superiority. suggestions or commands of some ran- stern claim. Someone’s alleged extrasen- I care to admit and feel ridiculous asking Furthermore, there is absolutely noth- dom person. sory perception is not in itself proof. If it for the third, fourth and, in those particu- ing wrong with having beliefs that cannot A second bit of common “evidence” is were, psychics and magicians the world larly embarrassing cases, hundredth time. be proven, so long as they do not harm a reference to all of the world religions over would be making a lot more money. There are simply too many Toms, too many others. Likewise, there is nothing wrong now seen as pure mythology. An ancient Rather than try to even provide evi- Rachels and too many names I cannot pro- with devoting the entirety of one’s life to Greek would likely defend their pantheon dence of their own, some atheists and nounce. Tom, Rachel, (insert foreign name a belief. of gods with the same tenacity that a theists may claim that the burden of proof here): I apologize profusely. Billions of individuals have found Christian would defend the stories of the rests with their opponents. As it turns However, as hopelessly forgetful as I peace in their relationship with a god or Bible, but this does not mean both must out, the burden of proof lies with anyone am, there are individuals whom I recog- gods they believe in, while many others be wrong. who is asserting that their claim should nize, people whose names I can remember have been equally happy to go through Unfortunately for an atheist using this be believed by others, whether they see and utilize in greeting. While I can recall life with a belief that no divine or spiritual tactic, pointing out dead religions only themselves as spreading the Word of God these names, my retention is invariably due realm exist whatsoever. What these two weakens the claim that the exact ten- or spreading logic and reason. to some other aspect of their character: totally different views have in common is ants of a faith should be believed as fact, Neither atheism nor theism is the Students’ zany personality traits, idiosyn- that they are, in fact, beliefs. not the underlying belief in something default settings for humans. The dispo- cratic features and quirky appearances buff Beliefs are ideas we think to be true, supernatural. sitions and opinions of those who raise my memory, not their names, hometowns even without factual evidence. “Factual On the theist side, an often seen a child will always seep into that child’s or residential halls. evidence” refers to objective realities piece of “evidence” is an allusion to the belief structure. On my second day at Tufts, I met Simone that can be observed as identical by dis- notion that “science doesn’t have all the Both atheists and theists can believe Allen and promptly forgot her name, home- tinct individuals. For instance, if there answers,” (such as what existed before whatever they want. That is the nature town and residential hall. On my third day, are three red balls sitting in the middle the Big Bang) and therefore God exists in of belief. However, if they want to go I met her again. For the second time (and of a room, anyone who looks into the all of his (or her or its or their) splendor. around saying that “the evidence” sup- not the last), we exchanged our personal room, provided they have the ability to This nonargument is also distinctly ports their view, they need to actually information, dutifully, but we exchanged see color, will be able to tell you that lacking evidence, since the observation provide some evidence. something else, something truly personal, vulnerable and valuable: our college applica- tion essays. We discussed the question “Why Off the Hill | University of Minnesota Tufts?”, the brutal, unforgiving Common App and other formal pieces of writing you don’t want to think about. We didn’t want to, but A radical re-evaluation good stories make for great mnemonics. b y Br i a n Re i n k e n Simone has synesthesia, a “neurologi- Minnesota Daily cal condition in which stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway leads to auto- As I was strolling across the Washington matic, involuntary experiences in a second Avenue Bridge last week, I found a scrap sensory or cognitive pathway.” Thank you, of paper suddenly thrust into my hands. Wikipedia. Specifically, Simone sees music. As I glanced down at my newfound In her mind, each musical note is accom- possession, words like “dictatorship,” panied by a vivid color: C shines gold, E flat “police state” and “murder” leered up at appears dark orange and F sharp displays me. The radicals had struck again! lime green. She can visualize a Mozart and Wherever they fall on the political hear a Pollock. She has relative and perfect spectrum, radicals aren’t hard to find pitch. What Wikipedia is trying to tell me, in on campus. Most students probably other words, is that she wrote a more fasci- ignore the figures shouting about this nating college essay than I did. injustice or that and choose to con- Despite my fumbling memory and my tinue on with their daily business rather typical bumbling introductions, I will never than be bogged down in the ideological forget Simone or her unusual condition. I will quagmire that is extremism. Yet, invari- never forget where she’s from (California) or ably, some people are attracted to a where she lives. (Bush ... hit her up!) Our radical message. proper greeting — something that was more Let’s be clear: I respect the role of substantial than the expected and mun- radicals in our society, and I recognize dane “Hello, my name is...” — solidified the their right to speak on campus. In fact, retention of her personal information. More I celebrate that right. It’s a valuable importantly, it solidified our friendship. reminder that we in the United States I’m not at all suggesting that anyone have the freedom to be heard, regardless wear his college essay as a name tag. That of our views. would be torturous and unnecessary. College Yet I wonder whether being heard upperclassmen are long through with the is exactly what some radicals have in application process, and really, we all are. mind. The buzzwords — let’s all remem- We all want to tear away from those grueling ber “dictatorship” — that so often riddle memories of writer’s block, meddling parents their arguments serve only to alienate and unhelpful guidance counselors. I am anyone who isn’t exactly in tune with saying that maybe it’s time for a new, revised, whatever espoused view. pizzazz-ed script. Something more enthrall- Shouldn’t the purpose of radicalism MCT ing than a firm handshake and a fake smile. be to intelligently preach a message that ing an unquestioned doctrine; it’s just posts, “FREE PIZZA AND PRIZES!!!” — Let’s try again: “Hey! I’m (still) Adam isn’t often heard whereby prompting one that doesn’t happen to be in vogue. at some of its events. Kaminski. Fun fact: socks are my favorite critical discussion? If people automati- Naturally, while the weather is warm and And of course the Minnesota article of clothing. Also, do you play Settlers cally turn away, how can they question the new students are searching for their Autonomous Radical Space collective of Catan? It’s a passion of mine and of nerds their cozy and unchallenged lives? niche, groups like this occupy every must conveniently overlook the fact that, everywhere. You look geeky too, want to play? It’s possible to be radical in the truth, street on campus. on campus at least, it remains autono- Oh! And one more thing: If you ever need a and there are many political extrem- Exactly how much critical thought do mous and anarchical only after having barber, I’m your guy; I cut my own hair.” ists who voice their views in a relatively these radical groups, many of which are been granted permission to exist by a More engaging? I hope so. Possibly disturb- logical manner. Noam Chomsky and student-run, put into their messages? university that annually receives millions ing, too. Either way, disclosing unique, identi- Howard Zinn are both prime examples The Pro-Life Student Coalition, for of dollars in government funding. fiable characteristics will lead to memorable of intellectual radicalism, politics of a example, invokes “Christian Tradition” When it comes to radical groups like relationships, lasting friendships and easier breed that carefully evaluates everything to campaign against “infanticide.” these, what they don’t say is often as greetings. Introductions can be awkward, but that’s being said. Presumably this is because no secular important as what they do. Critically assisted by enthusiasm, attention and indi- Opposite of this, however, is what I’ll power would ever dare to combat the evaluating the presuppositions and viduality, maybe we can make them less so. call common campus radicalism. This is willful slaughter of newborn children. omissions in their arguments can eluci- Maybe I’ll even remember your name. the self-perpetuating strain that thrives The Ayn Rand Study Group, for date both the strengths and shortcom- on being seen, not heard, because it its part, disregards the politics of its ings of their messages. A little critical relies on shock and awe: It’s pure spec- eponymous heroine by cheerily offer- thought can have the power to change Adam Kaminski is a freshman who has not tacle. Much like their mainstream oppo- ing free pizza and prizes — or, to quote a person’s political perspective — yes, yet declared a major. He can be reached at nents, radicals of this strain are preach- directly from the group’s Facebook even radically. [email protected].

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Welcome to Week 3 of the beloved Editors’ Challenge. Just as it is still too early to pick Schneiderman. Leibowitz can do it all in the Daily office — that is, besides win the favorites for who will fill the NFL’s twelve playoff spots come January, the competition here Eds’ Challenge, as he hovers in the middle of the pack with his 22-10 overall record. at the Daily is still very much up for grabs. This week, we will enter the worlds of DC and Schneiderman, on the other hand, is just hanging on by a web to his chances at cracking Marvel Comics to compare our pickers to their superhero counterparts. the top five right now. Our current leader, Ross “The Incredible Hulk” Dember, crushed the competition with In seventh place is Alex “Batman” Schroeder. Schroeder, much like the Dark Knight, is the a 14-2 outburst. Who made him angry?! The “large green humanoid” might shrink back definition of consistent with two 10-6 records over the two weeks of competition. Behind down to size after this week depending on how well he’s picked. him is Claire “Captain America” Sleigh, who has been playing the game a little conservatively Right behind Dember is Jake “The Flash” Indursky. He’s “The Flash” for two very simple so far. We’ll see if she can break out of her defensive shell in the next few weeks. reasons: 1. He snuck up on everyone and took a spot at the top of the standings before Matt “Wolverine” Berger comes next in the standings as he tries to claw his way to a anyone could realize it, and 2. He’s about to drop to the bottom faster than he can say victory, and behind him is David “Wonder Woman” McIntyre, an opponent some have “fluke record.” mistakenly underestimated. Watch for either of these guys to make a run in their last shot Next up, we’ve got Zachey “Green Lantern” Kliger and Marcus “Iron Man” Budline. No one at the title. knows how Kliger has done as well as he has through the first two weeks, much like no one Sitting in second-to-last place is Alex “Aquaman” Connors. Unfortunately, Connors has knows the Green Lantern’s actual superpower. I mean he wears a cool ring, but what exactly floundered a bit in his first two weeks, though the master of the seas will look to bounce does it do? And Budline’s been putting in serious effort to read statistics and make projections back this week. with his technological gadgets, much like Iron Man’s alter ego Tony Stark. The metal suit can Rounding out the masthead is Kate “Robin” Klots. She’s earned this nickname with her only last him so long though, as the other heroes will soon find out his weaknesses. sub-.500 record, the only one thus far in our Eds’ Challenge competition. This truly proves Trailing behind these two are Aaron “Superman” Leibowitz and Jason “Spiderman” she still has some work to do before she can be considered a “real” superhero.

Ross Jake Zachey Marcus Aaron Jason Alex S Claire Matt David Tyler Alex C Kate GUEST OVERALL 25-7 24-8 23-9 23-9 22-10 21-11 20-12 19-13 19-13 18-14 18-14 18-14 15-17 Becca LAST WEEK 14-2 11-5 11-5 11-5 13-3 10-6 10-6 11-5 11-5 10-6 9-7 11-5 8-8 Leibowitz KC at PHI PHI KC PHI PHI PHI PHI KC PHI PHI PHI PHI KC KC PHI GB at CIN GB GB CIN GB GB GB GB GB GB GB GB GB GB GB STL at DAL DAL STL DAL DAL DAL DAL DAL DAL DAL DAL DAL DAL DAL STL SD at TEN SD SD SD TEN TEN TEN SD SD TEN SD SD SD TEN SD CLE at MIN MIN CLE MIN MIN MIN MIN MIN MIN MIN MIN MIN MIN MIN MIN TB at NE NE NE NE NE NE NE NE NE NE NE NE NE NE NE ARI at NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO DET at WAS WAS DET WAS DET DET WAS DET WAS DET DET WAS WAS DET WAS NYG at CAR NYG NYG NYG NYG NYG NYG NYG NYG NYG NYG NYG NYG NYG CAR HOU at BAL HOU HOU HOU HOU BAL HOU BAL BAL HOU HOU HOU HOU BAL HOU ATL at MIA ATL ATl ATL ATL ATL MIA ATL ATL ATL ATL ATL ATL ATL ATL BUF at NYJ NYJ BUF BUF BUF NYJ NYJ BUF BUF NYJ BUF BUF NYJ BUF BUF IND at SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF JAC at SEA SEA SEA SEA SEA SEA SEA SEA SEA SEA SEA SEA SEA SEA SEA CHI at PIT CHI CHI CHI CHI CHI CHI CHI CHI CHI CHI CHI CHI CHI CHI OAK at DEN DEN DEN DEN DEN DEN DEN DEN DEN DEN DEN DEN DEN DEN DEN

For Yankees, tough offseason decisions loom Cardinals break through in overtime

INSIDE MLB On the mound, Jon Lester has been SOCCER win, while Tufts picked up their first loss continued from page back solid and improving as of late, Felix continued from page back and fell to 3-1. The Jumbos are now 2-1 in will probably be left to play out only in Doubront has been serviceable and Clay goal, singlehandedly keeping his team NESCAC action. our minds. That’s because the Sox out- Buchholz has been flat-out remarkable, in the game. Tufts will look to get back in the win scored the Yankees 22-7 this past week- returning from a neck injury last week “I have complete faith in whichever column this Saturday when they take on end, because they snagged six of seven and not allowing an earned run in his one of our keepers takes the pitch,” soph- No. 12 Brandeis at home. Players know it games from New York in September last two outings while improving to 11-0 omore midfielder Connor Brown said. will not be an easy task but are thrilled and because they won 13 of 19 match- on the season. And then there is John “All of them can step up and make the big about the early season challenge. ups this season. Lackey — he of the seemingly bloated saves when needed. Scott has been play- “The team couldn’t be more excited to “They’ve basically whipped our five-year, $82.5 million contract — who ing well in practice and preseason, which play in front of our crowd again,” Brown [butts],” A-Rod told reporters after returned from Tommy John surgery and is why he is getting the starts.” said. “We’re just trying to take it one game Sunday’s game, which he left in the fifth has been the most consistent pitcher on Wesleyan improved to 3-1 with the at a time and keep getting better.” inning with calf tightness. the staff. The 2013 baseball season will go down Whether or not the Red Sox’ 2013 sea- as the one in which Rodriguez — and son is a fluke, their performance against Ryan Braun and 11 others — were sus- the Yankees — they had 13 wins, more pended for their roles in the Biogenesis than any team against the Yankees since case. But on the field, it may go down as the 1976 Orioles — is a bad sign for fans the year the Yankees finally got too old in the Bronx. and the balance of power shifted in the The Yankees are an aging team with American League. not much talent on the way in the minor You could see it coming. The Rays leagues. They are also hamstrung by long- averaged almost 92 wins from 2008 to term contracts, namely Rodriguez’s,which 2012 and will likely claim the top Wild lasts through 2017. And they may struggle Card spot this year. The Orioles made to hold on to some of their top players in the playoffs in 2012 and have a young, the offseason. talented offensive core led by a trio Most notably, Robinson Cano is a free of 27-year-olds in Chris Davis, Adam agent after this season and is not likely Jones and Matt Wieters and a 20-year- to accept a hometown discount, even old superstar in Manny Machado. That’s while being a client of Yankees fan Jay-Z’s not to mention the AL Central, where the agency. Additionally, Lyle Overbay, Travis Indians are battling for the second Wild Hafner, Curtis Granderson, Kevin Youkilis Card while the Royals, with an entire and Andy Pettitte all have expiring con- lineup of players on the right side of 30, tracts, while A-Rod will presumably be are anticipating their first winning sea- serving a suspension and Derek Jeter may son in 10 years. not have much left in the tank for 2014. What you couldn’t see coming was the The Yankees find themselves in a pre- Red Sox’ stellar year. Boston made a slew carious position. If they choose to re- of offseason moves, none of which made sign Cano, he may not have much sup- serious waves. Now, general manager Ben port around him. If they don’t, they may Cherington looks like a genius. His four go the Red Sox’ route of gambling on a offensive acquisitions currently in the start- handful of cheaper options. ing lineup — Mike Napoli, Stephen Drew, After making the playoffs in 17 of the Jonny Gomes and Shane Victorino — have last 18 years and winning the division 13 seen their collective on-base plus slugging times in that span, the Yankees are no percentages (OPS) increase by a total of longer the toast of the American League. 140 points over last year. Drew is having Young teams with savvy spending habits his best season since 2010, while Victorino have become postseason contenders. If CAROLINE GEILING / THE TUFTS DAILY boasts an OPS over .800 and the best ulti- the Yankees don’t play their cards right, Despite a loss to Wesleyan on Tuesday, the Jumbos have only conceded one goal all sea- mate zone rating (UZR) among regular it could be a while before they reclaim son. The team will look to keep up this defensive performance against a strong No. 12 right fielders, according to FanGraphs. their throne. Brandeis team Saturday. 12

Sportstuftsdaily.com

Men’s Soccer Tyler Maher | Beantown beat

b y Za c h e y Kl i g e r itive nature, and despite his young age, he know that there are plenty of things we A win’s a Daily Editorial Board is not afraid to command the team on the can learn from and improve upon going field, which is crucial for his position.” forward if we want to reach our goals.” win After winning its first three contests, Tufts outshot Wesleyan 11-9 and cer- The Cardinals were quick to pounce the men’s soccer team dropped its first tainly had their share of chances. Perhaps in the extra session, scoring the decid- Tuftsgame of the year suffers on Tuesday, falling tofirst the team’s loss best scoring opportunityof season came ing goal at just 32 secondsWesleyan into the extra eek 2 of the NFL season kicked in the 30th minute, when a foul in the frame. Wesleyan started overtime with off last Thursday night with MEN’S SOCCER box sent First-Team All-NESCAC junior the ball and promptly moved it down the New England Patriots’ (3-1 Overall, 2-1 NESCAC) Max Hoppenot to the 12-yard line for a the right side line. After a cross came home opener. The New York at Middletown, Conn., Tuesday penalty shot. Hoppenot sent a low liner into the middle, a battle for possession WJets, their division rivals, were in town. in, but Cardinal keeper, junior Emmett ensued just outside the Jumbos’ penalty Both teams had been victorious (barely) in Tufts 0 0 0 — 0 McConnell, guessed correctly and dove to box. Wesleyan junior Daniel Issroff found Week 1 and were looking to remain unde- Wesleyan 0 0 1 — 1 his left to deflect the ball away from net. himself in the right place at the right feated. On paper, it looked like the kind of The Jumbos continued to apply the time. With the ball loose just outside the matchup that would yield an entertaining, Wesleyan 1-0 in an overtime thriller. pressure, possessing the ball on the box, Issroff came racing in from midfield competitive game of football. Heading into Tuesday’s match, Tufts Cardinals’ side of the field for most of and laced a shot just inside the right post It didn’t. The Pats and Jets collaborat- had not allowed a single goal, outscor- regulation. With two minutes remain- to give Wesleyan their second victory of ed to produce one of the ugliest, sloppi- ing opponents 11-0 on the season. Their ing, Tufts let another golden opportu- the season. est, most painful games of football I’ve back line was at it once again Tuesday for nity slip away. A free kick was lofted The goal was Issroff’s first of the year ever watched. It was a rain-soaked mess much of the contest. Anchored by fresh- into the middle of the box, where junior and the first Greenwood had allowed plagued by unforced errors and missed man keeper Scott Greenwood, who tal- defenseman Sam Williams leaped and in 315 minutes of action, an impressive opportunities. lied three saves in the overtime loss, the directed a firm header towards the top mark for any player let alone a first-year For the record, I hate football — or any defense held strong, denying Wesleyan corner of the net. McConnell, however, starter. Yet, it was his counterpart who sport, for that matter — when it’s played time and again. was quick to react, snagging the ball shone brightest on this day. McConnell, during inclement weather conditions. “As for Scott Greenwood, I have all the with both hands and effectively sending in only his second career start, cor- Throws become less accurate. Receivers confidence in the world in him,” senior the game into extra time. ralled all five of the Jumbos’ shots on drop balls they would normally catch. forward Scott Blumenthal said. “He has a “Every NESCAC game is competitive,” Running backs fumble. Everyone falls tremendous work mentality and compet- Blumenthal said of the close contest. “We see SOCCER, page 11 down. Offense is non-existent, defense flourishes and the game slows to a grind- ing halt. Inside the MLB That’s exactly what happened last Thursday. The game started well enough — New England scored first and led 13-3 at Sox’ sweep points to new AL pecking order the half. The lead should have been larger, but the Patriots were clearly outplaying New York and appeared to have the game Young, talented teams have unseated aging Yankees well in hand. b y Aa r o n Leibowitz Wild Card spot. Rangers in their way. Until the Jets closed to within three Daily Editorial Board They arrived at Fenway Park with 15 It’s not quite over yet, and if any points in the third quarter, and the skies games left and a greater than 15 percent two teams know miracles do happen, opened up, and the game became a free- On Friday, the Yankees entered chance of making the playoffs, accord- they’re the Red Sox and Yankees (see: for-all. enemy territory with a golden oppor- ing to Baseball Prospectus. They left 2004 ALCS). Still, the strange prospect With Brady unable to connect with his tunity. They had just won three straight Boston on Sunday with just over a four of Alex Rodriguez parading through receivers and New England unable to get games against the Orioles, each by percent shot at the postseason, 2 and the Canyon of Heroes this October anything going on the ground, the Patriots two runs or fewer, to pull within a 1/2 games back with a dozen remain- offense sputtered. So New England, cling- single game of the Rays for the second ing and the Royals, Orioles, Indians and see INSIDE MLB, page 11 ing to its three point advantage, resorted to playing keep away. The Patriots would run a few plays, chew up some clock, then punt the ball away, trusting their defense to stop New York’s rookie quarterback Geno Smith from leading a comeback drive. Normally, watching a team trying to hold a three-point lead, which can be erased with a field goal, is a nerve-wrack- ing experience. All it takes is one mistake — a wide receiver slips behind the defense, a running back breaks loose into the back- field — for the game to change on a dime. Instead, it was mind-numbingly boring. Smith kept throwing the ball away, pre- venting the Jets from gathering any sort of momentum. New York never threatened, and at no point did I feel New England’s slim lead was in jeopardy. As the game dragged on through a score- less fourth quarter, I found myself paying more attention to the clock winding down than I was to the action (or lack thereof) on the field. I know there were passes caught and tackles made, but I can’t remember any of them. All I wanted was for time to run out, preferably with one team ahead of the other. Overtime was only going to prolong my misery. It was getting late, and I needed the game to end so I could move on with my life and get back to the home- work I was supposed to be doing. And yet, when time mercifully expired at the end of the fourth (after a massive brawl broke out — finally some action!), all the agony and frustration that had built up inside me was replaced by an enor- mous sense of satisfaction. The Patriots had made their 13-10 lead stand up. My team had come out on top. The previous three hours spent glued to the television, torturous as they were, had paid off. I can pick apart Tom Brady’s uncharac- teristically poor performance and ques- tion Bill Belichick’s play calls and lament the inexperience of New England’s receiv- ing corps all I want, but I can’t argue with the final result. It wasn’t pretty, but the Patriots pre- vailed. I can’t complain about that.

murphman61 via FLICKR CREATIVE COMMONS Tyler Maher is a junior who is majoring Shortstop Xander Bogaerts is just one of the many top prospects blooming in the Red Sox organization as the team is poised to win the in economics. He can be reached at tyler. AL East for the first time since 2007. [email protected].