MIT’s The Weather Oldest and Largest Today: Partly cloudy, 66°F (19°C) Tonight: Clear, cool, 48°F (9°C) Newspaper Tomorrow: Clear, pleasant, 60°F (16°C) Details, Page 2
Volume 120, Number 52 Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 Tuesday, October 24, 2000
CONCERT REVIEW Harvard Students and Faculty A Capella, Family Style MIT Groups Share the Family Weekend Spotlight Defend Use of Force by Israel Rally includes Frank, By Devdoot Majumdar and sweet, enjoyable melodies. As with most a capella groups, the Levanon, and Perez or those of us less emotion- group singing was fabulous, but ally connected to Copland the solos weren’t too spectacular. By Shankar Mukherji and Bartok and the whole Techiya, MIT’s Jewish a capel- STAFF REPORTER F orchestral genre in general, la group, also made an appearance. Approximately 200 students, there was yet another Family Week- Again, theirs was meaningful staff, and faculty braved the cold to end concert of musical entertain- music, but who made the wise participate in the “Rally in Solidari- ment following Fri- decision (or lack thereof) of not ty with the State of Israel” yesterday day’s performances having any solos? Hence, there at Harvard Yard. Sponsored by the Arts by MIT’s Concert were no audible imperfections. But Harvard Students for Israel, the Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Concert on the other hand, it wasn’t too fas- event came on the heels of over 3 Choir. This time it was a night of a cinating either. Aside from doing weeks of violence in the Middle capella from six MIT student the Oompa-Loompa dance from East. groups Saturday evening. Ranging Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The demonstrators rallied around from the religious to Sisqo, the to one of their more animated the central themes of “Israel’s right night showcased what exactly MIT songs, most of the music was sad, to exist” and “denouncing mob vio- students are capable of. albeit concordant. lence on the part of all people.” Among the speakers present were Religion, center Stage Pelvises in motion Representative Barney Frank (D- The evening began with the The Chorallaries presented an Massachusetts 4th District), Consul- Cross Products, the MIT a capella excellent, animated performance of General of Israel Itzhak Levanon, group that has “been changed by some easily recognizable songs. and the editor of The New Republic, Jesus Christ.” Lending the audi- Their first, “Rebubela” (originally Professor Martin Peretz. ence a three-dimensional represen- by Moe), came of as an Adiemus- tation of a cross product, they like enchanting melody with a Frank supports Israeli actions hoisted three members of the powerful solo by Bernard Levin Representative Frank opened his group and turned them into three ’01. The song came off as a vibrant speech by saying that “I speak as perpendicular vectors in true personification of meaningless someone who has been a strong sup- cheerleader fashion. Aside from words that nonetheless sounded porter of the Israeli government’s such antics, they sang admirably intense and joyous. The very versa- [mission] to take steps to peace.” and despite a few voice cracks, tile oral percussion (air drums) is Frank went on to outline his NATHAN COLLINS—THE TECH Tamar Miller of Middle East Holdings, former Executive Director of their songs actually had meaning just another example of their skill. involvement in Middle East policy, Harvard’s Middle East Institute, wanted to attend both rallies — including his decision not to vote in one supporting Israel and the other Palestine — but found herself A Capella, Page 14 caught in the middle. Harvard, Page 12 Tufts Students Protest Decision Tufts Students Protest Controversial judicial ruling condoned discrimination against bisexual Crackdown on Drinking By Jennifer Krishnan decision. unanimously that TCF’s violations STAFF REPORTER Tufts senior Julie Catalano filed were not serious enough to warrant By Vicky Hsu Tufts, students at Tufts believe that Over 400 college students and a complaint last April that the Tufts de-recognition of the club. Further, STAFF REPORTER the policy was influenced heavily by professors met Monday night on the Christian Fellowship had denied her the decision states that while the Tufts University students MIT’s recent settlement with the roof of Tufts University library in a leadership position in the group policy prohibits discrimination recently held a rally outside their family of Scott S. Krueger ’01. “The response to a recent controversial because of her sexual orientation. president’s house to protest the administration even admits it a lit- Tufts Community Union Judiciary On October 16, TCUJ ruled Discrimination, Page 10 administration’s crackdown on tle,” he said. Greenberg and Fox parties. Students expressed their agree that the administration wants unhappiness with the Tufts Univer- to avoid liability, even though “they sity Police Department consistent- claim they’re putting student safety ly breaking up parties before mid- before liability.” Greenberg laments night, and accused the that “the school is becoming more administration of killing the social lawyer-centered rather than student- life at Tufts. centered. Tufts is a different institu- In previous years, the adminis- tion [from MIT], and it has a differ- tration has recommended that par- ent culture.” ties end around 2 a.m. Although Greenberg is also a residential there has been no official change in advisor at Tufts, and has noticed a the Tufts administration’s policy, substantial increase in dormitory the TUPD has administered a much drinking this year. He said that he stricter set of rules and punishments has had to handle significantly more this year. The rally attempted to alcohol-related problems this year. determine who is responsible for the Andrew Sidraine, a sophomore at unannounced, and what many per- Tufts, said that the aggressive policy ceive as unjustified, change. has forced students to go off campus Vice President of the Tufts Com- to local pubs. This increases the munity Union Senate, Eric Green- probability of drunk driving and cre- berg, is frustrated by these changes. ates an environment that is “poten- He suspects that the campus police tially more dangerous and more is following orders from higher antagonistic than need be,” he said. authorities, possibly the president of According to the Tufts Daily, area Tufts and the Board of Trustees. pubs have confirmed an increase in Captain Mark Keith, head of the patronage by Tufts students this BRIAN HEMOND—THE TECH campus police, could not be reached school year. A survey taken at Tufts Katharine L. Cheung of Tufts University leads a student demonstration calling attention to recent for comment. recently revealed that a third of the issues of discrimination on their campus. Several hundred students from Tufts and other Boston area According to Jeff Fox, a member colleges participated in the march. of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity at Drinking, Page 11
Photos and Comics FEATURES World & Nation ...... 2 coverage of MIT will not sue Geekporn.com Opinion ...... 4 the Head of over the site’s usage of MIT’s Features ...... 7 the Charles name in its images. Arts ...... 13 regatta. Sports ...... 31 Pullout Page 23 Page 7 Page 2 THE TECH October 24, 2000 WORLD & NATION Military Seizes Control Albright, North Korea’s Kim Of Ivory Coast Elections THE WASHINGTON POST ABIDJAN, IVORY COAST Engage in Historic Meetings The nation’s disputed electoral process pitting army strongman Gen. Robert Guei against veteran opposition leader Laurent Gbagbo By Steven Mufson long-range missile development and formed with bayonets, and a tech- descended into chaos Monday when the military took control of the THE WASHINGTON POST exports, and military tensions along nology skit that included images of main vote-counting building, threw out journalists and observers and PYONGYANG, NORTH KOREA the border with South Korea. long-range ballistic missiles being suspended public bulletins announcing the voting results. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Kim and a few close launched. More than 100,000 peo- The elections, which have been condemned by the United States, Albright Monday became the first aides later had dinner and they plan ple, including about 20,000 chil- the European Union, Canada and African neighbors for being rigged senior American official to meet to meet again on Tuesday. State dren, performed. Albright and Kim in Guei’s favor, were held Sunday and boycotted by the nation’s two North Korea’s reclusive leader Kim Department officials said they need- applauded the skits and she later largest parties. Jong Il, who declared himself “very ed to see some tangible progress on called the spectacle “amazing.” Voting was light across the country and results were promised for happy” as he greeted her for three security issues if President Clinton Although some members of Con- this morning. But with only 8 percent of the votes counted and Gbag- hours of talks at a government guest is to travel here next month. gress and foreign policy experts bo’s lead growing, hourly public updates on the results were suspended. house Monday afternoon. Before dinner, Albright and Kim have criticized Albright for squeez- No official reason has been given, and various times announced for Dressed in his trademark two- attended a more than one-hour-long ing her trip to North Korea into the the resumption of the updates have passed. Instead, state-run television piece, khaki-green jacket and pants, extravaganza at a large stadium. short time she has left in office has run cartoons, music videos and soap operas. Diplomats and Kim said, “This is a new one from a When the two entered, the roughly instead of leaving it for a new observers here said the sudden muzzling of result announcements and historic point of view.” State 50,000 spectators reacted as though administration, Albright said her the military takeover of the vote-counting building were ominous signs. Department spokesman Richard someone had thrown a switch, pace was “very measured. We’re not Boucher later called the meetings breaking into tumultuous applause moving faster than it makes sense.” “substantive” and “very useful.” He as thousands of dancers and gym- The secretary of state’s visit here AT&T Could Split into Four Parts said Albright described Kim as nasts rushed forward to begin a pro- is replete with treacherous symbols THE WASHINGTON POST “very engaged.” gram marking the 55th anniversary even as she tries to thaw relations AT&T Corp.’s board convened Monday morning to consider a Neither side gave any indication of the North Korean Communist with a long-time foe and threat to radical restructuring of the company that could see the modern-day of what they accomplished, but Party. stability in northeast Asia. This remnants of Ma Bell split into as many as four parts, sources familiar Boucher said they discussed “the The show included a women’s morning she paid a courtesy call on with the proceedings said. issues which were of concern to us.” brass band playing a tune called Vice Marshal Jo Myung Rok at the At a meeting at the company’s Basking Ridge, N.J., headquarters, Officials earlier described those as a “The General and People Are of a memorial to Kim’s father and long- AT&T’s embattled chief executive C. Michael Armstrong offered the range of security matters such as Single Mind,” a soldiers’ martial time North Korean leader Kim Il board a series of options designed to boost AT&T’s severely North Korea’s nuclear program, arts and acrobatic troupe that per- Sung. depressed stock by highlighting its fastest-growing businesses. Among the scenarios on table: Breaking the company into four businesses. The core enterprise would control AT&T’s global tele- phone and Internet network and its business services division. AT&T Critics Assail New Legislation Wireless, already a separate stock from the rest of the company, would continue to focus on mobile telephone services. AT&T’s enor- mous cable television holdings would stand separately. Finally, the company would spin off its residential long-distance telephone busi- That Will Criminalize Leaks ness, which Armstrong has come to see as a mortal drag on overall company growth. By Vernon Loeb on Intelligence, represents the first nalize the unauthorized disclosure THE WASHINGTON POST time Congress has put the full of “national defense” information WASHINGTON weight of criminal law behind the by those with intent to aid a foreign China Still Committed to WTO Pact, Media organizations and civil government’s classification system, power or harm the United States. libertarians are alarmed by new leg- making the willful, unauthorized Other criminal laws prohibit the Premier Assures EU Leaders islation criminalizing leaks of all disclosure of classified material by unauthorized release of certain cate- THE WASHINGTON POST “properly classified” government government personnel a felony pun- gories of highly sensitive informa- SHANGHAI information, predicting that it will ishable by up to three years in tion, including the names of covert Chinese Prime Minister Zhu Rongji on Monday sought to reassure have a chilling effect on free speech prison. U.S. intelligence operatives and leaders from the European Union that China remains fully committed and public debate. “This legislation contains a pro- intelligence derived from communi- to market-opening agreements struck with the United States and Designed to stop what intelli- vision that will create, make no mis- cations intercepts. Europe this past year as part of its bid to win entry into the World gence officials have decried as a take about it, with not one day of But Congress previously had Trade Organization. torrent of damaging leaks to the hearings, without one moment of resisted attempts to broaden these “Our country will abide by its commitments and further open up press, the anti-leak provision was public debate, without one witness, criminal prohibitions to cover all domestic markets and open up in a step-by-step manner banking, passed by Congress this month an official secrets act,” Rep. Robert classified information out of con- insurance, telecommunications, foreign and internal trade, tourism without public hearings as part of a Barr (R-Ga.), a former CIA official cern about First Amendment protec- and other service sectors,” Zhu said in Beijing at a one-day summit larger intelligence bill and is now and U.S. attorney, said during tions and rampant over-classifica- meeting of leaders from China and the European Union. on its way to the White House, House debate. “It has been broached tion by a government security European participants blended declarations of their desire to see where Attorney General Janet Reno many times … But our regard for apparatus that is now classifying China speedily welcomed into the global trade body with expressions of and other senior administration constitutional civil liberties … has documents at the rate of 8 million concern about China’s reluctance to follow through with a host of spe- officials have signaled their sup- in every case in which an effort has per year. cific concessions that EU negotiators thought had already been settled. port. been made to enact an official What is particularly striking “There are a number of details to sort out,” the EU’s top trade The measure, drafted by Sen. secrets act beaten back those about the new anti-leak provision is negotiator, Pascal Lamy, told reporters. Richard C. Shelby (R-Ala.), chair- efforts.” that it has divided leading Republi- man of the Senate Select Committee Current espionage statutes crimi- cans in the House. WEATHER Head in the Clouds Situation for Noon Eastern Daylight Time, Tuesday, October 24, 2000 By Greg Lawson STAFF METEOROLOGIST Yesterday was a beautiful New England fall day thanks to a large high pressure system whose strong subsidence (sinking air) quelled the develop- ment of any clouds. Typically, clouds need rising motions to bring humid air to a level where the water vapor can condense. Fair weather cumulus clouds, “cotton-ball” looking clouds, generally form from convection, that is rising motions thermally forced from below. Today we will have high level clouds, mainly cirrus clouds. These clouds are among the highest in the sky and look wispy. They are comprised entirely of ice and are typically formed from large scale ascending air associated with converging air masses near the sur- face. A common example is at a warm front where a warm air mass is forced over a cold air mass: the warm air mass condenses at various heights, the highest levels producing cirrus clouds. Watch the sunset as cirrus clouds with their ice crystals produce some of the most aesthetic optical effects. On clear fall days like today the most common effect is the formation of sundogs, hor- izontal rainbow patches positioned 22 degrees to either side of the setting sun. If aligned properly in the sky, the hexagonal ice crystals can act as prisms and split the sun’s visible light into its components. They are hard to describe in text, but you’ll know them when you see them. As the high pres- sure slowly slips southeastward over the course of the next few days, we will have more beautiful fall days and concomitantly the potential for many beau- tiful sunsets and cool atmospheric optical effects. Keep your eyes peeled.
Today: Partly cloudy (high clouds mainly). Warm southwesterly breeze. High of 66°F (19°C). Tonight: Clear and cool. Light winds. Low of 48°F (9°C). Wednesday: Mostly clear and pleasant. High of 60°F (16°C). Low of 46°F (8°C). Thursday: Partly cloudy and pleasant. High in the low 60s (15° - 17°C). Low in the low 50s (10° - 12°C). Friday and Beyond: It looks like our luck may run out — showers ahead. October 24, 2000 WORLD & NATION THE TECH Page 3
Barak Talks with Likud Head, Federal Education Expenditures Increase Despite GOP Misgivings
THE WASHINGTON POST Seeks Emergency Government WASHINGTON By Edward Cody following more than 120 deaths and Lt. Gen. Shaul Mofaz, the Israeli Six years ago, Congress approved $750,000 to start a modest new THE WASHINGTON POST a swelling of mistrust on both sides chief of staff, warned residents of a program to pay schools to provide after-school study halls, tutoring JERUSALEM since rioting and shooting erupted Palestinian neighborhood on the and counseling. By this year, the program had grown to $453 million Prime Minister Ehud Barak here Sept. 29. It solidified a decision edge of Jerusalem that his tanks will annually. opened negotiations Monday with his announced Sunday to suspend the encircle their quarter, Beit Jala, and Now, in an end-of-session showdown with Congress over next main political adversary, hard-line peace negotiations for what Barak open fire any time the nearby Jewish year’s education spending bill, the Clinton administration is holding former defense minister Ariel Sharon, described as a reevaluation. neighborhood of Gilo comes under out for $1 billion instead of the $600 million the GOP has proposed in search of a broad-based emergency As Barak and Sharon began their fire again. Only hours after his state- for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers. government to guide Israel through bartering, violence between Israeli ment, heavy machine guns and tank The centers’ rapid growth from small seed to sturdy federal oak is the diplomatic and political ruins left soldiers and Palestinian rioters and cannons blasted Beit Jala tonight, emblematic of a little-noticed aspect of President Clinton’s tenure: by 25 days of bloodshed in Gaza and gunmen subsided on a gloomy, responding to what the Israeli army his success in expanding the government’s involvement in hitherto the West Bank. rainy day. Two more Palestinians described as sniper fire on Gilo. off-limits aspects of the nation’s schools despite determined opposi- Barak’s decision to seek an died from injuries received in earlier Mofaz sent helicopter gunships fir- tion from conservative Republicans. alliance with Sharon and his Likud rioting in the northern West Bank ing rockets into action Sunday night “We are moving in the direction of greater federal involvement no Party — firm opponents of the town of Nablus, however. Several against Beit Jala. matter who is elected,” said Diane Ravitch, an assistant secretary of prime minister’s willingness to dozen Palestinians were injured in His spokesman, Col. Raanan education in the Bush administration. make concessions for peace with the scattered clashes in two other West Gissin, said Israeli troops plan to The GOP, prodded by the administration in a series of bruising Palestinians — dimmed any remain- Bank towns, Hebron and Bethle- “screen” any Palestinians going into year-end confrontations, has reluctantly approved a near-doubling ing hope that peace talks could hem, as well as at the Erez crossing Beit Jala, seeking to ensure its of education spending since taking control of Congress in 1995. somehow be revived any time soon from Israel into the Gaza Strip. dwellings do not contain gunmen. More significant has been a steady shift in the federal govern- ment’s historic role in education, from provider of school services to the poor, disabled and needy to significant player in the growing effort to improve teaching, test scores and conditions in all Gore Picks up Support in Swing schools. States, Pulls into Tie with Bush Census Finds Increased By Richard Morin Nader received 4 percent of the major party candidates. Bush cur- Number of Working Mothers and Claudia Deane hypothetical vote, and Pat Buchanan rently gets the support of 35 percent THE BALTIMORE SUN THE WASHINGTON POST of the Reform Party got 1 percent. of independent women, down from The “traditional” American family — a working Dad, stay-at- WASHINGTON The latest results mark another 44 percent last week. home Mom and a clutch of kids — is fading away as record numbers Vice President Al Gore has and perhaps temporary change in Other big moves for Gore: In of mothers return to work. pulled into a virtual tie with Gov. the direction of this persistently recent days, the survey suggests he A report by the U.S. Census Bureau to be released Tuesday George W. Bush on the strength of volatile race. It largely came over has picked up six points among reveals that a record 59 percent of mothers with infants at home in increased support among indepen- the weekend, as Gore significantly independents who lean toward the 1998 had gone back to work, up from 31 percent in 1976. dent women and among voters in improved his standing with women, Democratic Party; six points among Families with married moms and dads who both work are now in the key battleground states of the independents, middle-aged voters, voters in the Midwest, five points the majority for the first time, while those where Dad is the only Midwest, according to The Wash- Democrats who only weakly identi- among voters in the west and seven breadwinner have slipped to just 24 percent of the total. ington Post daily tracking poll. fy with their party, and voters in the points among voters between the The reasons for these trends are complex, said Dr. Joan R. Kahn, The latest survey found Bush Midwest and in the west. ages of 45 and 60. professor of sociology at the University of Maryland College Park. leading Gore by 47 percent to 46 Gore now claims 53 percent of The survey suggests he has Many American mothers today are returning to careers they percent among likely voters, well the vote from women who say gained eight points among likely launched before they began their families — careers that were largely within the survey’s margin of sam- they’re politically independent. voters older than 60, and now leads unavailable to earlier generations of women. pling error and the first time Gore That’s an 11-point increase from a Gore 49 percent to 42 percent “The costs of dropping out are much higher because they are in a has been this close to his Republi- Post tracking poll completed Thurs- among these voters. But among vir- broader range of occupations,” Kahn said. “They have put in the time can rival in more than two weeks. day, which found these voters about tually every other key voter group, to build up some seniority.” Green Party candidate Ralph evenly divided between the two the Republican hasn’t moved. Page 4 THE TECH October 24, 2000 OPINION Six More Years for Kennedy Next month, Bay State voters will choose one of six candi- Kennedy also recognizes the importance of research fund- dates to serve as United States Senator for the next six years. ing to the Massachusetts economy. Only two states receive Chairman We believe the incumbent, Edward M. Kennedy, is uniquely more grants from the National Science Foundation than Massa- Satwiksai Seshasai ’01 positioned to fight for the needs of Massachusetts and its stu- chusetts does. MIT and other research universities across the Editor in Chief dents. The Tech endorses Senator Kennedy for re-election. state depend on this funding to support research projects, and Naveen Sunkavally ’01 After 38 years in the Senate, Kennedy is one of the body’s Kennedy has been one of the Senate’s strongest supporters for Business Manager most powerful legislators. The increasing funding for the National Science Foundation, Nation- Huanne T. Thomas ’02 architect of much of the nation’s al Institute of Health, and other federal agencies supporting social legislation of the past four basic research. Managing Editor Editorial Ryan Ochylski ’01 decades, Kennedy wields enormous Kennedy is undoubtedly the candidate best able to help influence on the Senate floor. And he regularly uses his clout to meet Massachusetts’s other concerns as well. Kennedy’s clout Executive Editor support programs desperately needed by students. and respect is indispensible as the state struggles to pay for the Gregory F. Kuhnen ’00 In his last term, Kennedy has championed increasing feder- Big Dig. This spring, when it was revealed that the Big Dig NEWS STAFF al financial aid to students. Kennedy has fought to increase the manager had been covering up billions of dollars of cost over- Director: Dana Levine ’02; Editors: Laura number of students receiving Pell grants and has also supported runs, Kennedy quietly worked to assuage the concerns of McGrath Moulton ’01, Rima Arnaout ’02, increasing the maximum amount of each Pell grant. Kennedy angered senators and continue federal support for the project. Mike Hall ’03; Associate Editors: Sanjay Basu ’02, Matthew Palmer ’03; Staff: has worked for low interest rates on student loans and loan for- Only a senator with Kennedy’s power could have prevented a Daniel C. Stevenson G, Kevin R. Lang ’02, giveness programs to help both undergraduate and graduate stu- wholesale rebellion against federal funding of the Big Dig. Karen E. Robinson ’02, Efren Gutierrez ’03, dents drowning in debt. He has vigorously opposed attempts to For these reasons, The Tech is pleased to endorse Senator Vicky Hsu ’04, Pey-Hua Hwang ’04, decrease federal aid for college students. Kennedy for re-election two weeks from today. Jennifer Krishnan ’04, Brian Loux ’04, Shankar Mukherji ’04, Shefali Oza ’04, W.S. Wang ’04, Jennifer Young ’04; Meteorologists: Véronique Bugnion G, Rob Letters To The Editor Korby G, Peter Huybers G, Greg Lawson G, Bill Ramstrom G. Responsible Drinking support the leadership of the U.S. has offered peace agreement. The American support is then PRODUCTION STAFF to the state of Israel and its not-so-sympathiz- guaranteed. Editors: Mary Obelnicki G, Eric J. Cholank- In England ing approach towards the Arab world and the Oded Rabin G eril ’02, Ian Lai ’02, Jordan Rubin ’02; Palestinian people in particular. (Cynically, the Associate Editor: Stacia Swanson ’03; Your article on the Cambridge/MIT Pro- author himself errs in trying to categorize Jews Staff: Gayani Tillekeratne ’03, Vimal What Pronoun? Bhalodia ’04, Laura Boylan ’04, Kasetta gram [“MIT Students in England Share Experi- and Arabs by their appearance and distance Coleman ’04, Joy Forsythe ’04, Andy ences through Exchange Program,” Oct. 17] from American culture, while in many Leiserson ’04, Andrew Mamo ’04, Eric made me think it was worth writing this letter. instances the similarities overwhelm the differ- (S)he Asked Tung ’04, Tao Yue ’04. Having lived in the United Kingdom for a few ences.) With a little more perspective, one I would like to raise awareness about the OPINION STAFF years, I was surprised to see how surprised MIT might even be convinced that politicians make need for a new pronoun in American English. Editors: Eric J. Plosky ’99, Kris Schnee ’02; undergraduates are that you can have a drinking use of cognitive reasoning skills before taking a We do not currently have an acceptable third- Columnist: Veena Thomas ’02; Staff: culture without death. I forgot how naive Amer- stand. person, singular, gender-neutral pronoun appro- Matthew L. McGann ’00, Michael Bo- icans can be. Not to sound like gun ads I don’t Perhaps the fact that Israel stood on the side priate for references to humans. Here are the rucke ’01, Jason Harmon Wasfy ’01, Philippe agree with, but drinking doesn’t cause death of the “free world” during the Cold War, while current options: C. Larochelle ’03, Philip Burrowes ’04, Roy unless it’s accompanied with selfishness. Arab nations preferred to be subsidiaries of the he — your English teacher’s fave, offends Esaki ’04, Jyoti Tib-rewala ’04. SPORTS STAFF The reason the drinking age in most U.S. USSR has something to do with it. Maybe the feminists; states is currently 21 instead of 18 is because of fact that many Arab regimes have poor democ- she — confusing, decidedly not gender-neu- Associate Editors: Jeffrey Colton ’02, Brian K. Richter ’02; Staff: Alvan Eric P. drunk driving. In the U.K., driving under the ratic foundations and some of their rulers have tral; Loreto ’01, Jennifer C. Lee ’03. influence isn’t just frowned upon, it’s about as radical standpoints which do not always con- it — inappropriate for humans; ARTS STAFF disgusting and inconceivable as urinating in sider the well-being of their own people has they — plural, grammatically incorrect; Editors: Rebecca Loh ’01, Annie S. Choi; your own living room. And this isn’t just for something to do with it. Maybe the fact that he or she, he/she, (s)he — inhibits readabili- Associate Editor: Fred Choi ’02; Staff: “educated” people. After 10 p.m. in Edinburgh, Israel managed to sign peace agreements with ty. Erik Blankinship G, Karen Feigenbaum G, Scotland, there are almost no private cars on the the more moderate of its neighbors has some- I am not trained in language, so I cannot say Bence P. Olveczky G, Roy Rodenstein G, roads. Everyone on a date is in a taxi (a funda- thing to do with it. Maybe the fact that Ameri- what the correct pronoun should be. However, I Vladimir V. Zelevinsky ’95, Zarminae mental cost of dating!) and everyone else is can flags are not being burnt and American citi- have been annoyed by too many random acts of Ansari ’97, Lianne Habinek ’02, Jumaane walking. On weekend nights, the streets are full zens are not being arrested or kidnapped by bad and misleading grammar to stay silent on Jeffries ’02, Jacob Beniflah ’03, Daniel J. of people talking and laughing, often in the Israelis, the fact that Arafat stood alongside this issue. Katz ’03, Amy Meadows ’03, Ryan Klimczak ’04. middle of the road. Saddam Hussein during the Gulf War, and that PHOTOGRAPHY STAFF This doesn’t only apply to cities. Every little he considers riots and martyrs as legitimate Catherine Howell ’03 Editor: James Camp G; Associate Editor: town has two or three guys who are “taxi dri- negotiation tools might have something to do Nathan Collins G; Staff: Erika Brown G, vers” — usually older married guys whom you with it. But I might be wrong; maybe it is prej- Krzysztof Gajos G, Sephir Hamilton G, Garry can always call at home. Everyone who runs a udice …. Fun With Maskaly G, Karlene R. Maskaly G, Wan pub knows their names and numbers. Getting a As far as gaining sympathy for Palestinians Yusof Wan Morshidi G, Michelle Povinelli G, taxi ride for miles isn’t that unusual, even if it and preventing “witch hunts,” Arabs can kill White Space Bob Sumner G, Samudra Vijay G, T. Luke means having to go back and get your car the two birds with one stone by addressing the peo- I’d like to thank you and the author for Young G, Nii Dodoo ’01, Ying Lee ’01, James next morning. It’s just a stupidity tax on poor ple involved and not only the American public printing such an especially pointless Fun Snyder ’01, Minnan Xu ’01, Yi Xie ’02, planning. opinion. Eventually, it is not the Americans, but with Clip Art during Parents’ Weekend. Roshan Baliga ’03, Leonid Drozhinin ’03, Every since I went to college (in the U.S.) the Israelis and the Palestinians who will live Maybe now someone with power and money Wendy Gu ’03, Pedro L. Arrechea ’04, Max Planck ’04, Jaqueline T. Yen ’04. I’ve heard people say that Americans can’t with the direct consequences of their acts. It can complain vehemently enough for you to FEATURES STAFF drink because they start too late, so they don’t would definitely help if we could hear moderate think about replacing it with something more Editor: Katie Jeffreys ’01; Associate Editor: know how to handle it, or they still find drink- and mature voices in the Palestinian camp, sim- useful and interesting, like white space …. Aaron D. Mihalik ’02; Cartoonists: Aaron ing very exciting. This is rubbish. The British ilar to “Strength Through Understanding” [Oct. Vernon Rhyne ’99 Isaksen G, Solar Olugebefola G, Jennifer drink until they are falling over all the time, 20]. Voices, not fists, Dimase ’01, Grace H. Wang ’01, Bao-Yi and all their experience does for them is make calling Arafat to gen- Chang ’02, David Ngo ’02, Baris Yüksel ’02, it take more beer. The only good advice I ever uinely act for the Lara Kirkham ’03, Alison Wong ’03, Guan- got about drinking in Scotland was never to benefit of his people, Jong Chen ’04; Staff: Katherine H. Allen ’03, do it alone. The real difference in fatalities is and voices preparing Bushra B. Makiya ’03, Sonali Mukherjee ’03, whether you would think about risking peo- the hearts of the men Melissa S. Cain ’04, Eun Lee ’04. ple’s lives by operating a car, and whether in the street for peace BUSINESS STAFF you would care more about your lifestyle or and for compromises Operations Manager: Jasmine Richards ’02; academic record than about getting someone — which, contrary to Associate Advertising Manager: Rachael Johnson ’02; Staff: Erica Pfister ’00, Kiwah poisoned to a hospital. the popular belief, are Kendrick ’02, Dashonn Graves ’03, Kedra Joanna Bryson G not a sign of weak- Newsom ’03, Joey Plum ’03. ness and betraying TECHNOLOGY STAFF Islamic principles, Staff: Chris McEniry G, Shantonu Sen ’02. Solidarity With Israel, but of foresight and EDITORS AT LARGE leadership. Such calls Senior Editor: Frank Dabek G; Contributing Not Prejudice have to be heard for Editors: Brett Altschul G, Gábor Csányi G, It is unfortunate that the author of “The U.S. both Barak and Michael J. Ring ’01. Foreign Policy Bias” [Oct.20] believes preju- Arafat to stay in ADVISORY BOARD dice might be a key factor in the continuous power and reach a Paul E. Schindler, Jr. ’74, V. Michael Bove ’83, Barry Surman ’84, Robert E. Malchman ’85, Thomas T. Huang ’86, Simson Letters and cartoons must bear the authors’ signatures, address- Garfinkel ’87, Jonathan Richmond PhD ’91, Opinion Policy es, and phone numbers. Unsigned letters will not be accepted. No let- Josh Hartmann ’93, Jeremy Hylton ’94, Editorials are the official opinion of The Tech. They are written ter or cartoon will be printed anonymously without the express prior Thomas R. Karlo ’97, Saul Blumenthal ’98, by the editorial board, which consists of the chairman, editor in Indranath Neogy ’98, Joel Rosenberg ’99, approval of The Tech. The Tech reserves the right to edit or condense B. D. Colen. chief, managing editor, news editors, and opinion editors. letters; shorter letters will be given higher priority. 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Advertising, subscription, and typesetting rates available. Entire contents © 2000 The Tech. Printed on recycled paper by Charles River Publishing. before the date of publication. World-Wide Web at http://the-tech.mit.edu. October 24, 2000 OPINION THE TECH Page 5 Opening a Forum on the IMF Another
Philippe C. Larochelle an appeal is made to the IMF or World Bank export have caused “rampant forest destruc- for a loan, the IMF will agree to grant it if a tion with no end in sight.” Saturday The MIT Undergraduate Economics Asso- government agrees to sign a “structural adjust- The IMF has not only come under attack ciation will be presenting a lecture by Profes- ment agreement.” This is a guideline given to from outside sources who question the sor Rudiger Dornbusch of the Economics nations by the IMF for the past two decades motives and efficiency of its policy decisions, Night Department on Tuesday, October 31st at 4:30 and is to be followed by troubled Third World but also by noted individuals within its own PM in room 6–120. The topic of his lecture economies. Its main elements are: framework. One of the most notable critics is will be the controversies that have recently Monetary Austerity: Control the money Joseph Stiglitz, a Stanford economics profes- Kevin Choi emerged concerning the policies of the Inter- supply of the country in such a way that inter- sor and former chief economist of the World national Monetary Fund within the global nal interest rates will rise to whatever is need- Bank. Shortly before the Washington, D.C. Over at East Campus, Brandy Evans ’01 was arena. ed to stabilize the local currency. protests that took place in April, Stiglitz wrote busy organizing a SNEC party for the dorm. The In preparation for this talk, The Tech will Fiscal Austerity: Increase tax collection an article in the New Republic stating, “They SNEC (Saturday Nights at East Campus) has be publishing two columns in its Opinion sec- and reduce government spending dramatical- [the protesters] will say the IMF is arrogant. been a tradition at East Campus since fall 1999. tion outlining the background of the material ly, mostly in social spending. They’ll say the IMF doesn’t really listen to the Every Saturday night, one of the ten halls takes Professor Dornbusch will be discussing. The Privatization: Sell public, state-controlled developing countries it is supposed to help. its turn putting on a party. This week, it was the article today will take a look at some of the industries to the private sector. They’ll say the IMF is secretive and insulated turn of Brandy’s hall, First West. That night’s arguments that have emerged opposing the Financial Liberalization: Remove restric- from democratic accountability. They’ll say theme: Total 80s Immersion. That means Frag- policies taken by the IMF. In next Tuesday’s tions on the inflow and outflow of internation- the IMF’s economic “remedies” often make gle Rock, Care Bears, Duck Tales, New Kids on issue, Dan Tortorice will write a column out- al capital as well as restrictions on what for- things worse — turning slowdowns into reces- the Block, Nintendo 8-bit, and Speak & Spell. lining some of the arguments that support the eign businesses and banks are allowed to buy, sions and recessions into depressions. And Inside Talbot Lounge, where the party was IMF’s actions. own, and operate. they’ll have a point. I was chief economist at held, residents from the halls gathered to play These structural adjustment programs the World Bank from 1996 until last Novem- Super Mario Brothers 3. The game was so pop- The IMF and World Bank are international (SAPs) have had a decisive effect on the ber, during the gravest global economic crisis ular that Brandy had to hang up a waiting list on financial institutions that were formed at the health, living conditions, and environment of in a half-century. I saw how the IMF, in tan- the wall. Those who were not playing the game economic conference held at Bretton Woods, developing countries. Cutting social programs dem with the U.S. Treasury Department, cheered on those who were. New Hampshire in 1944. The Inter- responded. And I was appalled.” “D’oh!” someone snapped as Mario shrunk national Monetary Fund is a world- Stiglitz specifically criticizes after being attacked by a fireball. wide financial institution created to They’ll say the IMF’s economic “remedies”often what he sees of the mishandling “You have to get to Negative World,” some- regulate an international monetary of the Asian financial crisis by one across the room yelled out. “Here, let me system based on convertible curren- make things worse, turning slowdowns into recessions the IMF, which made the crisis help!” cies to facilitate global trade while worse by encouraging a policy of After an hour of playing the game, a group leaving sovereign governments in and recessions into depressions.And they’ll have a fiscal austerity after a wave of of residents, led by Seth Bisen-Hersh ‘01, start- charge of their own monetary, fis- point. speculative investment led to bub- ed chanting “Fraggle Rock! Fraggle Rock! cal, and international investment bles, which eventually burst, in Fraggle Rock!” policies. The World Bank was many sectors of the economy. established to help finance the reconstruction forces populations already desperate for mea- “Under such circumstances, I feared, austerity of war-torn Europe and the development of ger levels of medical care into an even worse measures would not revive the economies of “You have to get to Negative poorer nations. situation. The most striking impact of such East Asia — it would plunge them into reces- Hearing the initial descriptions, one won- policies is apparent in sub-Saharan Africa. sion or even depression. High interest rates World,”someone across the room ders why there is such opposition to these The fulfillment of an SAP in Zaire in 1984 might devastate highly indebted East Asian institutions. Regulating currencies and helping mandated that the government cut more than firms, causing more bankruptcies and defaults. yelled out.“Here, let me help!” poorer countries develop seem like positive 80,000 teachers and health care workers. Sim- Reduced government expenditures would only After an hour of playing the and necessary goals. The opposition that has ilar cuts were seen in Senegal, where from shrink the economy further.” The transcript of been mounting is in response to the kind of 1980 to 1993 the number of people per nurse Stiglitz’s article can be found at game, a group of residents led by development that these institutions have been in that country rose more than six times, from www.tnr.com/041700/stiglitz041700.html. promoting over the past couple of decades. “If 1,931 to 13,174. The controversies over the IMF are, of Seth Bisen-Hersh started the WTO is the corporate rule-maker in the Through the SAPs the IMF also mandates course, of great interest to those pursuing chanting “Fraggle Rock! Fraggle global economy, then the IMF and the World that the countries it loans money to increase studies in the field of economics. However, Bank are the institutions that push Third exports, in order to insure that they have other students not directly involved in eco- Rock! Fraggle Rock!” World nations into that system,” explains enough money to pay back their IMF loans. nomics still have a vested interest in the Mike Prokosch, who coordinates the Global- According to the American Lands Alliance, a development of such issues, especially consid- ization project at United for a Fair Economy, Washington-based environmental group, the ering the fact that the IMF uses public funds Brandy bowed to popular demand. “I’m an organization that works for economic jus- IMF-sponsored drive toward export-oriented (your tax dollars) largely to cover the risk going to show ‘Fraggle Rock’ on the screen tice. growth has become a lead factor in the taken by private investment. Professor Dorn- now. There’s a small TV monitor in the corner Today, the IMF and World Bank adopt destruction of developing nations’ ecosys- busch’s lecture will no doubt provide valuable if anyone wants to play more Nintendo.” policies promoting the neo-liberal develop- tems. In Indonesia, the ALA states that poli- insight into arguments both for and against the The room got dark as everyone sat around the ment of distressed economies worldwide. If cies favoring the production of cash crops for policies taken by the IMF. screen waiting excitedly for the show to start. As soon as the title song started, everyone sang- along as if it was Saturday morning again and they were watching the show from their beds. Save Greyhounds, When Gobo and Uncle Matt came on screen, everyone cheered. It was the Muppets, after all. Across the campus, at the Johnson Barbecue Not Racing Pits, the MIT/Harvard Coming Out Week Bar- becue was wrapping up. Dania Palanker, gradu- validity of Question 3. trainers go to great lengths to care for their ate assistant to the Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, and Guest Column Not only is the tone of Ring’s column over animals if an injury does occur is also bunk. Transgendered Programs at MIT, was happy Cynthia Cash the top, his facts are wrong. Readers need to Case in point is Corky’s Scanner, who broke a and relieved. The event was a smash hit. More hear the other side. rear leg during a race this past January. His than fifty undergraduate and graduate students I’m sorry, but Michael J. Ring’s take on As far as the racing dog’s gourmet feast of leg was bandaged, and he was sent back to the from the Cambridge college community Question 3 [“Save Racing, Save Jobs, Save “beef, chicken, farm where showed up for the last event of Coming Out Research,” Oct. 17] is quite a stretch. The vegetables, and he received Week. Dania, new to the position, had worked concept that the banning of greyhound racing barley stew,” no further hard all week to organize events and she was will ultimately lead to the banning of biomed- please know As far as the racing dog’s gourmet feast of “beef, medical glad to see her efforts paying off. ical research is preposterous, if not a bit para- that the prima- chicken, vegetables, and barley stew”... the treatment for The students were busy cooking the meat noid. The proponents of Question 3 are not, as ry staple in a 7 weeks. and socializing. It was a beautiful night with Ring suggests, a group of radical animal rights racing dog’s primary staple in a racing dog’s diet is 4D When he just a small breeze and everyone was making activists with a hidden agenda of ending any diet is 4D was finally new friends. To those who were present, it was and all animal use. meat, 4D being meat, from cows that are dead, dying, diseased, rescued, he nice and liberating to meet others like them in The people behind Question 3 are, in fact, the USDA’s or down.The label on the package states “Do was at the community. a grass-roots group, composed primarily of term for meat death’s door, For Laura Dean, graduate student in Com- greyhound adopters who wish to ban grey- from cows that not handle with bare hands.” ravaged with puter Science, it was a breath of fresh air. Long hound racing for the simple reason that they are dead, infection. an activist on campus, she had gotten used to are fed up with the continued abuses heaped dying, dis- The track seeing the same people coming to the events upon the greyhound breed of dog. I have been eased, or down. The meat is notorious for E. sand was still in his filthy bandage. That that she organizes for GAMIT. This time involved in greyhound adoption for many coli and other bacterial contamination. The owner, too, has been charged with cruelty. around, there were plenty of faces that she had- years now and know the people supporting label on the package states “Do not handle The cruelty inherent in greyhound racing has n’t seen before. “I’m glad to see people finally this bill. They eat meat and wear leather with bare hands.” That should be the first clue a long, well-documented and poignant past. feeling comfortable enough to show up at a shoes. The simple fact that one supports an as to this supposed gourmet diet. Perhaps Ring should do more research public LBGT event,” she said. animal welfare issue does not automatically Ring’s portrayal of the racing industry as before claiming that “thousands” of jobs will Back at East Campus, Samidh Chakrabarti mean, as Ring suggests, that one puts human being highly regulated is pure bunk. The be lost should Question 3 succeed. According ’01 could not attend SNEC. He was busy coding rights over those of animals. And why paint National Greyhound Association has one full- to state records quoted in a recent Wall Street an artificial intelligence system for a spacecraft all Question 3 supporters with this brush of time inspector charged with overseeing all the Journal article, The Raynham track employs that will orbit Mercury in the near future. He had “animal rights extremists?” greyhound farms in approximately 135 full-time and 350 part-time been working on the system for months with his Clearly, the intention the country. I am workers. The Wonderland track is somewhat UROP team since the summer started. This last is to dimin- enclosing a picture less, but also primarily part-time. So it couple of weeks though, he had found himself ish and of Henry, a 9-year- appears the real numbers are, in fact, less than stuck. A near 5.0 GPA student, nothing was ever dismiss old stud dog found a thousand, and mostly part-time at that. Now tough for him. He had finally met his match. the emaciated on a who is spreading “spurious lies,” “false At 10:30 p.m., he received a phone call from Massachusetts breeding claims,” and “misinformation?” a friend down at the party, saying that the pizzas farm just last February. Several I was very disappointed to see Ring’s had finally arrived. Samidh suddenly remem- malnourished and injured dogs biased column on the greyhound racing issue bered that he hadn’t had dinner yet. Reluctantly, were found with Henry in the unheat- appear in such a well-respected newspaper as he put his project on hold, and walked down to ed kennel just outside the Raynham- yours. I hope that your readers will see Ring’s the party. It would only take him twenty min- Taunton Greyhound Park. The owner whipped-up hype about Question 3 as well as utes to eat, he thought, and then he could get was charged with neglect. Curiously, he his conclusion that a ban on greyhound racing back to his work. was also licensed with the Massachu- will ultimately lead to a ban on biomedical On any Saturday night around Boston, most setts State Racing Commission as an research for exactly what it is — hype. things stay the same. There’s the club scene and assistant trainer. Some regulation. Cynthia Cash is an independent advocate the non-stop partying. At MIT, there are parties, Ring’s further claim that owners and associated with greyhound racing. too, just not your typical variety. Page 6 THE TECH FEATURES October 24, 2000 October 24, 2000 THE TECH Page 7 FEATURES Not Your Typical MIT Start-Up Geekporn.com Uses Pornography as Vehicle to Distribute Arts and Features By Katie Jeffreys Robert M. Randolph confirmed that FEATURES EDITOR because the name is used in images rather MIT is known around the world for its than text, the site is not under scrutiny. technology-related start-up companies, “The name’s not a problem. They don’t but one recently founded company steps use the name as far as I know,” said Ran- outside the typical start-up stereotype. dolph. He pointed out two areas which Anna Dirks ’99 launched Geekporn Pro- were bigger concerns than the use of ductions, which runs the website geek- MIT’s name. porn.com. The company is described on “There are some questions of the its website
During this week in 1989, the MIT policy regarding public the policy. The two groups would determine whether the it does regulate the time, place, and manner in which they showing of pornography was under scrutiny. The following policy was violated, and what sanctions would be appropriate. may be shown. A group wishing to show an unrated or X- article [“Revised Porn Policy on the Table,” October 31, 1989] rated film must have an Institute committee review the describes the situation as it stood at that time. The current pol- Council seeks feedback film in advance. If the film does not meet the standards of icy states that “that no pornographic films shall be shown in MIT’s Academic Council, which is composed of the Insti- the screening committee, it may not be shown on registra- common areas at the Institute, including classrooms, lecture tute’s top academic officials, has discussed the pornography tion day of either term, during Residence/Orientation halls, corridors, and common spaces in MIT dormitories.” proposal and appears to support it, according to Jacoby and Week, or in Kresge Auditorium. Also, the sponsoring The Academic Council appears to support a new MIT Keyser. But before acting, the council “would like to hear group must give six weeks advance notice before the Policy on Pornography that would prohibit the showing of comments and suggestions from faculty, students and staff.” showing. pornographic films in Institute common areas, according to a Jacoby and Keyser have been circulating a draft copy of The proposed policy differs from the present one, Jaco- letter from Faculty Chair Henry D. Jacoby and Associate the proposal, which is the product of a year’s worth of delib- by said, in that it limits its scope to films that use sexually Provost Samuel Jay Keyser. But the proposed policy is tenta- eration, among student and faculty groups. The current draft explicit material to dehumanize or abuse subjects, rather tive, Jacoby said, and is still “very much up for discussion.” has been reviewed by the Faculty Committee for Student than films which are merely X-rated or unrated. Jacoby The proposal states that, except for educational or disci- Affairs and the Faculty Policy Committee, and reflects those said he did not foresee a problem in deciding what films plinary purposes, “no pornographic films shall be shown in discussions. The proposal has also been discussed with the meet the policy’s criteria. common areas” — including classrooms, lecture halls, corri- Graduate Student Council and sent to Undergraduate Associ- The draft also does not include a provision for prior dors, and dormitory common rooms. Films shown by stu- ation President Paul Antico ’91, Jacoby said. restraint, Jacoby said. Groups or individuals wanting to dents in their own rooms would not be affected. The full faculty is scheduled to discuss the draft proposal show films would not be required to have them screened in The policy is aimed at films that depict the degradation at its Nov. 15 meeting. advance. Only after a complaint had been filed would the or abuse of individuals, Jacoby said. For example, films Last week, Jacoby and Keyser sent letters to MIT house- ODSA or COD involve themselves in a case. meeting this definition might present subjects as enjoying masters and to Neal H. Dorow, ODSA advisor to indepen- In November 1987, the Committee on Discipline ruled rape or humiliation, or as sexual objects to be physically dent living groups, urging them to “circulate the proposal unanimously that the present pornography policy constitut- abused. A policy on such films is needed, according to the widely among students, to inform them of the proposal, stim- ed “an excessive restraint on freedom of expression at proposal, because “everyone who studies or works here has ulate discussion, and seek their reactions and suggestions.” MIT.” The COD’s ruling came in a case involving Adam L. a right to enter and use without being subjected to harass- Dershowitz ’89, who intentionally violated the policy in ment, intimidation, abuse, 1989or degradation.” Current policy has no blanket ban February 1987. The proposed policy is, in part, an attempt The Office of the Dean for Student Affairs and the The current pornography policy does not prohibit the to deal with the COD’s criticisms of the present policy, Committee on Discipline would handle complaints under use of MIT facilities for showing pornographic films, but Jacoby said. Page 8 THE TECH FEATURES October 24, 2000 The Big Race 2000 Energy and The Environment
By Derrick Carpenter STAFF REPORTER In two weeks the citizens of this country will head to their local polling stations and choose the next president of the United States. Many of them have weighed the issues that have been presented over and over, such as social security, education, and health care. It is doubtful, how- ever, that many have considered an issue that provide one of the largest divergences in the plat- forms of the two main presidential candidates: the environment and sources of energy. With regards to energy, Bush opposes the use of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve unless in situations of war or a national emergency. He supports construction of new pipelines and would increase refining capacity by eliminating regulations. The governor would invest fed- eral funds to research clean coal technology and hydroelectric power. Bush would also instruct the Energy Department to identify federal land that could be opened and explored, and he supports the exploration of oil and gas in the Alaskan National Wildlife Reserve. Vice President Al Gore opposes the search for new oil and gas resources in the Alaskan reserve. He promises to devote a portion of the anticipated surplus to create the Energy Secu- rity and Environment Trust Fund. Gore supports a variety of tax credits for energy-aware consumers, including $2000 for the purchase of a new energy efficient home, $1000 for upgrading the efficiency of a current home, 20 percent for businesses who purchase energy- efficient building equipment, and undetermined amounts for the purchase of fuel-efficient vehicles and the purchase of energy from a cleaner source. If elected, the vice president would provide assistance to state and local government to aid families and business in cutting energy bills, as well as providing financial aid to communities for creating new jobs to develop strategies to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Gore supports tapping the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to increase oil supplies, prevent shortages, and stabilize prices. Furthermore, he supports the establishment of a permanent heating oil reserve in the Northeast with an appropriate trigger for use. On the broader issues of the environment, Gore supports the ban of offshore drilling in undeveloped leases in California and Florida. He will spend $2 billion over the next ten years to create new park lands and open spaces, $1 billion in tax cuts to landowners who conserve property, and $1 billion for cities and states to create local parks. Gore would increase the money for clean water programs, raise standards, and ensure a more feasible watershed approach to improving water quality. Gore also supports expanding the Conservation Reserve Program that aids farmers in conservation and environmental efforts. Moreover, he supports the clean up of the nation’s worst environment problems and giving people the “right to know about toxic releases in their neighborhoods.” Governor Bush supports the increase of state patrol over environmental issues. He promises to establish “conservation partnerships” between the federal government and the states, local governments, and private landowners to meet environmental standards. The gov- ernor would fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund to $900 million plus, giving $60 million in grants to private landowners. He plans to decrease the sulfur content in gasoline and supports research into the causes and impact of global warming, with the goal of creating new technology to reduce green- house gas emissions. Bush proposes working with the Florida and California leaders and affected communities to decide on a case-by-case basis whether drilling should continue on existing leases. In addition, he supports the improvement of the country’s public lands, wildlife refugees, and national parks. The striking differences between party identification begin to emerge over such issues as environment and energy. Both Gore and Bush realize the importance of a healthy, clean envi- ronment but differ on how to go about achieving this ideal. Just be sure to take these ideas into consideration when you step into the booth in two weeks. October 24, 2000 THE TECH Page 9 Page 10 THE TECH October 24, 2000 Swiss House Comes under Fire Students Argue That By Arthur Musah than in Harvard, Central or Kendall in court and eventually settled the Square, where office space is readily case in the Court of Appeals. The Swiss House for Advanced available and there would be no Schreiber pointed out that while Decision was Flawed Research and Education (SHARE), contention with neighbors,” said he and the other residents of Ellery a building opened two weeks ago MIT Professor Emeritus of Electri- Square are not opposed to the Swiss Discrimination, from Page 1 dents from Harvard University, by the Swiss consulate to Cam- cal Engineering and Computer Sci- or their project, they object to the Emerson College, Northeastern Uni- bridge, has sparked protest and ence William Schreiber, who lives inappropriate location for such a based on sexual orientation, it “does versity, Wentworth Institute of debate among Cambridge resi- next door to Swiss House. facility. He said that encroachment not protect against discrimination on Technology, Regis College, and dents. Comtesse said that the location by institutions is frequent in Cam- the basis of specific beliefs … such Boston University. The facility was established to was chosen because it suited the bridge and said that many Cantabri- as the acceptance of one’s sexual “If we choose to ignore the poli- service visiting scientists and pro- needs of the project adequately. gians agree. orientation.” tics of other schools in our area, we fessors from Switzerland and to Schreiber and other residents Of 300 requests for signatures Although TCUJ found that TCF allow them to set a precedent,” said enhance their interactions with question the decision by the Board for a petition that were sent out to did discriminate against Catalano, Harvard student Thomas P. Dow. American scientists. “Swiss House of Zoning Appeals to grant permis- neighbors in the Ellery Square area, many feel the decision nullified the Nam D. Le, a student at North- is the first science consulate,” said sion for such a project. However, Schreiber said that 90 were signed University’s nondiscrimination poli- eastern, said that he came because Xavier Comtesse, a representative Liza Paden of the Community and returned, a high number for cy. “The difference between orien- “what one local university will do, of Swiss House. Herbert Einstein, Development Department said that such a petition. tation and self-acceptance is nonex- others will look to as an example.” an MIT professor who works at Swiss officials successfully peti- On the other hand, Comtesse istent,” Tufts English Professor For TSAD, the group that orga- Swiss House, said that SHARE is a tioned last year for permission to said that efforts to secure support Jonathan Strong told the crowd on nized the rally, the event was a suc- contact point for interaction with establish an institutional building in for Swiss House yielded only 60 the roof. “There is no gray area.” cess. “It felt really good to work so universities and high-tech compa- a residential area. signatures. In a letter to the Cam- “We want to get the administra- hard for this and see everyone come nies. According to Paden, the Inspec- bridge Chronicle last year, tion to take a stance other than neu- together like they did,” said TSAD The loss of a local laundromat tional Services Department looked Schreiber wrote that of the 60 sign- tral,” said Laura A. Sheppard-Brick, member Courtney B. Young. and a convenience store which used into the matter and held a public ers, only one lived nearer to the a Tufts student and member of Tufts But for Tufts student Nuntyia K. to be where Swiss House now hearing at which abutters could air closed-down convenience store than Students Against Discrimination. Paravichai, it wasn’t good enough. stands, coupled with the presence of their opinions and concerns. The to some other food store. After a few brief speeches from “There are 5000 people at this an institutional building in a town- findings of the Inspectional Services “Some of those opposed to this Tufts students and faculty, the stu- school. We only got about 1000 sig- house development project, has were in favor of the Swiss project, latest example of institutional dents marched from the library roof natures. I don’t think this is caused residents in Ellery Square to and a special permit was granted by encroachment in our neighborhood to the center of campus, eventually enough.” protest. the Board of Zoning Appeal for the picketed on all four nights [when surrounding the administration construction of Swiss House. receptions were held at Swiss House building. A student then delivered a TCUJ overturned past decision Residents attack SHARE location In an attempt to overturn this two weeks ago],” Schreiber said. “It box to the administration which Last April, when Catalano “It still is a mystery as to why decision, some residents of Ellery was gratifying that those who contained over 1200 letters of informed TCF leaders that she was the SHARE Program should be Square sued the BZA and the Swiss stopped to talk with us were almost protest. bisexual, the group responded by located in a residential district rather Government, but they were defeated all on our side.” Among the participants were stu- denying her a leadership position for the upcoming year. Catalano filed a complaint with TCUJ which claimed that TCF had discriminated against her on the basis of her sexu- ality. In an emergency meeting, TCUJ ruled in a 4-1-1 decision to de-rec- ognize TCF. When a group is de- recognized, it no longer receives funds from the university and it loses it privilege to use university facilities for its meetings. De-recog- nition usually occurs only in cases where a club is essentially inactive. With active groups, de-recognition is a rare procedure which makes a strong statement. As neither the TCF nor Catalano was present at the meeting, the deci- sion was later overturned. The case again came before the TCUJ on Fri- day, October 13. Both parties were present at this hearing, which was closed to the public. On Monday, October 16, TCUJ ruled that TCF had not intentionally discriminated against Catalano, lay- ing much of the blame on TCF adviser Jody Chang. TCF was put on probation. “The main part of the ruling did uphold TCF’s right to choose lead- ers based on religious criteria,” said Jonathan C. Crowe, a TCF member who said that this is an issue of reli- gious freedom. Crowe feels the nondiscrimina- tion policy as it stands “has been effective. It was intended to protect against discrimination, and it has done that.” He called the formation of TSAD “a largely emotional response” which was “totally unnec- essary.” Howard Solomon, a History pro- fessor at Tufts who also spoke at the rally, warned about finger-pointing. “When we win the battle, we will have lost the war if we do it using ‘us-them’ rhetoric,” said Solomon, referring to TCF and TCUJ. “We cannot win in the sense of silencing others.”
This space donated by The Tech October 24, 2000 THE TECH Page 11 Policy May Increase Off-Campus Drinking Drinking, from Page 1 has a “rippling effect, and affects social life here in Boston and every- students in one dorm have acquired where else.” fake IDs. John King, the director of Other student responses to the public safety at Tufts, admitted that crackdown have included a Social the number of off-campus incidents Life Forum, which Greenberg said resulting in arrests made by was attended by over 350 students. Somerville and Medford police has Although no promises were made to increased since last year, when the change the current policy, negotia- party policy was much more lenient. tions were started between the Inter- Freshman Kimberly Chao disap- Greek Council, students, and the proves of the change in party policy faculty. Greenberg noted a compro- at Tufts. “People will be forced to mise may include university funded find something else to do other than police details who would watch merely throwing a party,” she said. over each party. Several fraternities JAMES CAMP—THE TECH As for MIT’s influence, Chao con- had tried this idea before, and have Dr. Pascal Lee of the NASA Ames Research Center describes his experiences investigating Mars- cedes that the Krueger settlement liked the notion, he said. like landscapes at Earth’s polar regions. Lee’s talk was one of the opening lectures in MIT’s weekend-long Mars Week event, sponsored by ThinkMars, an MIT/Harvard organization dedicat- ed to sending a manned mission to Mars in the near future. The Tech has been nominated to win this year’s UMOC (Ugli - est Manifestation on Campus) Contest! Suggest a charity for The Tech to
This space donated by The Tech Page 12 THE TECH October 24, 2000 Harvard Arab Students Society Stages Silent Rally
Harvard, from Page 1 following the wars of 1948, 1967, and 1973 and adding that, “No one favor of moving the U.S. Embassy will be able to nullify [this shift].” to Jerusalem. The rest of the speech, “It is a tragedy that the Palestin- however, was devoted to defending ian people have not learned that “Israel’s right to defend itself” and stark truth,” he said. blamed the Palestinian leadership Professor Peretz also accused the for the recent violence. Palestinian leadership of inciting the “It is wholly unresponsible to youth to attack the Israelis. “These tell young people to destroy a nation young [Palestinian] men are being — Israel — and then be surprised sacrificed by the leadership — and when their lives are taken,” Frank let’s face it — by their mothers and said. fathers.” Frank closed his speech by spec- The professor closed on a grim ulating on how the situation would note, predicting that “peace will not be different had such actions as the be a victor among the Palestinians.” Yom Kippur War not taken place. “Had the Arab states not tried to Arabs stage counter-protest drive Israel out of existence, there Across Harvard Yard, on the would today be a Palestinian state steps of the Widener Library, the larger than [that] proposed today.” Harvard Society of Arab Students (SAS) staged a silent “presence” at Israeli denounces Arafat the rally. Holding signs of “all per- Following Frank was Consul- sons unlawfully killed in the recent General Yitzhak Levanon, repre- violence,” the group was dressed in senting the Israeli government. He all black and remained silent for the expressed the view that “[it is] clear entire rally. NATHAN COLLINS—THE TECH “Israel has the right to defend itself,” said Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank (D) to a gather- today that Arafat does not have any Harvard senior Darryl Li, a sup- ing of the Harvard Jewish community. Visible in the background is the silent counterprotest sponsored intentions to fulfill his promise to porter of the SAS, said that “our by the Harvard Society of Arab Students. the peace commitment.” Further- presence was successful and effec- more he called the pictures of dying tive and was presented in a dignified Palestinian youths “first-rate propa- way …. We drew a sharp contrast ganda” and deemed it “exploitation with their [Harvard Students for of children by the PLO.” Israel’s] message, which was one- “Keep the children away,” Lev- sided, with our message.” anon said, “They must be the seeds The SAS stressed that their of peace, not the sacrifices of war.” demonstration was in no way a The final speaker of the evening counter-rally and the evening was Harvard Professor Martin remained peaceful. David Illing- Peretz, editor of The New Republic. worth, associate dean of Harvard Peretz said that “we stand for College, was pleased by the relative Israel’s right to exist.” He recalled calm. “The event was remarkably Israel’s stormy past among Arab peaceful … and respectful. I am neighbors, saying that there was an hoping for some real dialogue [as a indelible shift in the Israeli psyche result],” he said.
NATHAN COLLINS—THE TECH The Harvard Society of Arab Students held signs bearing the names of Palestinians killed in the recent violence in Israel. The silent, black-clad students were a stark counterpoint to the pro-Israel rally across Harvard Yard.
This space donated by The Tech October 24, 2000 THE TECH Page 13 THE ARTS BOOK REVIEW GAME CONSOLE PREVIEW The Century of the Gene The Microsoft X-Box A Brief History of the Genetic Revolution You Can’t Escape It By Izzat Jarudi difficult to replace than it was a hundred years By Jumaane Jeffries using an Ethernet-based connection, as well ago. In 1906, Wilhem Johannsen implemented STAFF WRITER as DVD-ready. Allard stressed, however, Written by Evelyn Fox Keller what she is hoping will happen again in the t’s been listed in the main headlines. Dis- that its DVD-capability would by no means Harvard University Press twenty-first century. As Keller relates, played on the cover of Newsweek. Even be its primary, or secondary, feature of Johannsen invented the word gene to supplant showcased at a party near you. What is it? importance. velyn Fox Keller’s The Century of the “older terms [that] had become dysfunctional, I Microsoft’s X-Box. Allard emphasized the need for a memo- Gene is a well-crafted, concise history exerting too powerful a hold on our thinking.” With the new generation of video game rable experience graphically, stating, “We set of both the word and the concept of the Keller’s book is full of such examples where wars about to begin in America, news sur- the bar to be three times more powerful than E gene and ultimately argues that the her obvious mastery of the history of molecular faced of a stunning blow to the predicted vic- the PlayStation 2.” The X-Box possesses a term “gene” itself should become history. genetics makes her predictions about its future tor, the Sony PlayStation 2. Sony is faced with whopping 64 MB of texture memory and is As a chronicle of molecular genetics, so convincing. Keller certainly challenged some the daunting task of satisfying 1,000,000 additionally powered by a 300 MHz graphics Keller’s account effectively outlines the of my impressions of human heredity, and she hopeful owners with only half as many of the processor from rising chip-maker NVidia. But field’s breakthroughs from Watson and did it in under one hundred and fifty pages. That mega-console. who needs numbers when you have demos? Crick’s discovery of the structure of DNA in is rare among the abundance of books published The Sega Dreamcast, currently the sole The presentation did a good job of showing 1953 to the Human Genome Project’s recent this year that have chronicled the events and arcade-quality console in America, has off how X-Box handles reflection and translu- accomplishment in mapping the sequence of people of the last century. Keller’s presentation enjoyed moderate success, with its price cut to cency with its impressive “floating plane of the human genome. At the same time, Keller, is clear and focused, thanks to a meticulous $149 and an online service for it. The system water in an office building demo.” A demo in a professor of history and philosophy of sci- organization that allows the reader to draw the is relying on online blockbusters such as which a ball sets off a chain-reaction of ence at MIT, enriches her history of the genet- essential meaning from every section and chap- NFL2K1 to help propel them to the proverbial mousetraps shows its ability to simulate phys- ic revolution by acknowledging the more sub- ter even if the biological terminology is occa- Super Bowl of gaming. ical motion, including the ever-difficult rota- tle contributions of biologists who provided sionally confusing. Her profound familiarity The PlayStation 2 boasts the “Emotion tion effect. the theoretical and experimental foundation with the people behind the century of the gene Engine” and DVD capabilities, as well as Since we’re talking about Microsoft, the for the major triumphs of the last fifty years. makes the book an enjoyable narrative rather enhanced graphics processing power. While X-Box’s PC comparisons are inevitable. “We The aim of the book, however, lies in an than a dry history. its setback will prevent a repeat of Japan’s are a console,” is one of the main messages analysis of how the discoveries of molecular I was only left wondering why, after arguing runaway first-day sales of over a million, they that Allard aimed to deliver to the audience, genetics in the last two decades have chal- so effectively for a new lexicon as the ideal next appear destined for a record American launch which filled the lecture hall beyond capacity. lenged the classical role of the gene as the step for molecular biology as it begins a new less than a week away. The somewhat bulky physical design, shaped structural and functional unit of heredity. century of research into the secrets of life, Keller Finally, details on Nintendo’s new box like a large 3-dimensional X (of course) was Keller divides her book into four chapters that did not simply propose some new words herself. have surfaced. Not so much a box as a cube, made with that in mind. According to program each demonstrate how much or rather, Game Cube, it features screenshots manager Todd Roshak, the playing environ- more complicated biology’s that feature Nintendo’s benchmarks such as ment held a major role in the X-Box’s defini- understanding of heredity has Mario and Metroid. In addition, Nintendo tion. Whereas the average PC gaming experi- become since scientists like plans to release Game Boy Advance, a 16- ence requires a singular, intense engagement Crick paraphrased the secret of bit version of the best-selling platform of all that is physically closed off from others, he life by the formula: “DNA time. said, the video game is played in an environ- makes RNA, RNA makes pro- So who will win in this fifth modern chap- ment that is more conducive to group play teins, and proteins make us.” ter of the console wars? Will either Sega or requiring human contact. (At least it’s the In each chapter, Keller Nintendo once again flourish as they did in the same environment in which one would watch addresses a fundamental issue early 1990s? Will Sony, the landslide victor of TV.) of genetics in the last hundred the first 3-dimensional battle, pull it off again? There is no question that the X-Box defi- years, like the balance between Or will the old guard once again fall at the nitely has support. If you’re somewhat genetic stability and variability whim of a new contender? familiar with PC gaming, you’ve most likely for the purposes of heredity and Microsoft will have something to say heard of Microsoft’s entertainment-based evolution. To that historical about that. successes such as its various Flight Simula- account, she adds the lessons Microsoft’s X-Box remains the biggest tors, Links, and Age of Empires. The level of from modern molecular genet- next-generation mystery. However, if one pledged third-party support is already ics that have transformed the were to play the numbers game alone, the X- tremendous, with such names as Capcom, picture of heredity from a static Box would be superior to all of its counter- Konami, and Eidos among the big name and isolated process to a parts. Its 64 MB of main memory, for exam- companies. Of course, one would expect dynamic and interactive system ple, tops all systems. What’s more, the new titles as well as classic names to hit this in the human cell. ability to manually partition it towards gam- Box. But, even though I’ve seen my own To reflect that change, Keller ing tasks makes it a dream for game develop- favorite video game mascots in rather odd argues that biology should adopt ers. A 733-MHz processor is its driving places these days, Microsoft achieved some- a new lexicon for heredity force, and while it won’t stand up well to what of a feat of magic by luring Naughty because the appealing but inac- gigahertz-powered personal computers, it Dog’s Crash Bandicoot away from Sony for curate simplicity of the original will vanquish all other systems in that an X-Box stint. conception has proved difficult regard. OK, so it’s not a PC. It will, however, pos- to separate from the word As demonstrated by the Microsoft Tech sibly be the biggest thing to hit America next “gene.” The obsolete view of Talk seminar held here at MIT on September fall. The X-Box is “Ready 2 Rumble” with the gene as the core explanatory 28, the folks at Microsoft are very aware of some pretty solid numbers. Will we have to concept of heredity and devel- its competition. Lead speaker and X-Box agree to another anti-trust settlement to pre- opment persists most tenacious- general manager J. Allard highlighted some vent its dominance? Let’s hope not when the ly in the popular press where the —THE TECH of a modern console’s popular features these “evil empire” — or gamer’s paradise — term, she admits, will be more This is the cutline text. days. The X-Box, too, is online-capable, expands even further in 2001.
tion. Now his new album, The Hour of Bewilderbeast, is out MUSIC REVIEW here and driven by a great single, “Once Around The Block,” with an adorable video, in which two teenagers are kissing and their braces lock together. Between the images in the video, the use of a melodic bass line and bouncy guitars, and State of the Airwaves BDB’s wonderful vocals, he generates a very sweetly inno- cent atmosphere through the song which just makes you British Bands, Big Ego, and Badly Drawn Boy happy when you listen to it. Hey, it’s been a few weeks since I took a cheap shot at By Dan Katz does their flashback swing-dancin’ thing at the Roxy Friday Katie. Did you know that The Essential Vegetarian only eats STAFF WRITER night. vegetables because she never learned to chew solid foods? ’d like to respond to all of the e-mails of concern and Saturday’s packed to the rim with a bunch of shows, sev- Yes, folks, three-year olds can digest tofu, and so can you! sympathy for my tragic ankle injury with the news that I eral of them connected to the ever-nearing Halloween. For- I can’t quite figure out Dexter Freebish’s “Leaving am feeling much better. Yes, I’d like to do that, but there mer Soul Coughing front man Doughty plays a gig at Lilli’s Town.” It’s got a lot of qualities I like in a power-pop song I weren’t any e-mails of concern and sympathy. Don’t any in Somerville; closer to home, Rolling Stone presents a night — major volume contrasts and a clever little guitar riff — of you people have souls? Based on this infraction, I am far at the Avalon with Elliot Smith and critical darlings but I still don’t seem to like it very much. Perhaps it’s the less apologetic that a couple of errors crept into last week’s Grandaddy. Jim’s Big Ego have their annual Halloween dullness of the lyrics, or the fact that the refrain is so generic concert listings (Doughty and Superdrag moved their shows show Saturday, playing sets at 7 and 10 p.m. at Club Passim that it should be labeled “Semisonic Chorus #3” or “Eve 6 to this week). Let’s call it even, and talk about the week of in Harvard Square, and a huge show called the Electric Chorus X.” A decent effort, but I’m not impressed. music ahead. Funeral that combines metal and hip-hop with psychedelia Since I probably won’t get around to reviewing it in the The Paradise Rock Club, one of my favorite music venues and features Kool Keith, Lockgroove, Cave In and more, near future: Electrasy’s In Here We Fall is a very surprising in Boston, has reopened! They start off with a bang tonight, will be held at the Wheeler Lynch Gallery. album with wonderfully rich songwriting and excellent gui- with a show from the vocal-less Ozric Tentacles, and on Satur- New albums out today: PJ Harvey’s work is always reli- tar playing, and great production. I hadn’t heard of the band day, Superdrag plays with locals The Gravel Pit. Also tonight, able, and her new disc, Stories From The City, Stories From before this release, but it’s definitely worth picking up, espe- Moby and Hybrid play another show at the Palladium, which, The Sea, should be out by the time you read this. Shawn cially if you like British alt-rock bands like Mansun, Muse, although I couldn’t confirm it at press time, is probably sold Mullins (remember “Lullaby”? Funny, neither do I … ) aims or Bond. out. Tomorrow at the Middle East, you can catch a show with for a second successful album with Beneath The Velvet Sun. This has been State of the Airwaves, and I’ve been Dan. If unlikely one-hit wonders Southern Culture On The Skids, an Former Mercury Music Prize winners, Roni Size and you’ve got comments, questions, or you recently ran into me undeniably strange band who managed to pull off some heavy Reprazent follow up New Forms with In The Mode, and and want to know what the hell happened to my hair, you airplay for “Camel Walk” about five years ago. 6Gig have a new record out today called Tincan Experiment. can summon me via
CONCERT REVIEW Family Weekend Concert A Celebration of American Music
GABOR CSANYI—THE TECH Dante Anzolini leads the String Chamber Orchestra
By Devdoot Majumdar Bela Bartok, a composition of six separate pieces, each with its own moods and intonations, brilliantly ast Friday and Saturday, parents and their performed by the orchestra. abysmally patient children alike sat in awe of two wonderfully put-together musical shows in Percussion Ensemble L honor of MIT’s annual family weekend extrav- The Percussion Ensemble is quite an oddity — an aganza. Though a bit more low key, the shows gar- enchanting oddity — but an oddity nonetheless. nered well-deserved full houses in Kresge and proved Despite the fact that all of their faces (yes, all seven of to the audience just how great music at MIT — both them) were masked quite effectively by a sea of music from the music department itself and from individual a stands from the preceding performance, the percussion capella groups — can get. ensemble jolted the entire audience with a unique and Friday night was essentially a collage of MIT’s creative take on music. The MIT Concert Choir, singing the music of Aaron Copland music department, highlighting the String Chamber They took the Lion King approach to music, per- Orchestra; the Percussion, Wind, and Festival Jazz haps, in personifying an African fable through percus- Ensembles; and the Concert Choir. All in all, I didn’t sion. Their performance of “The Gift of the Modupe,” fall asleep — quite the opposite, actually. by Thomas Brown, was a vibrantly emotional master- Though the theme of “American Composers and piece. In any case, the tingle of xylophones, castanets, Dance Music” (later ad-libbed to “World Music” in and triangles brilliantly employed by the Percussion light of pieces by Bartok & friends) wasn’t perhaps Ensemble (under the direction of the seeming master the most enticing, they did a good job in playing the of versatility Frederick Harris) made for a very enjoy- saucy, stay-awake pieces. able, awakening performance. String Chamber Orchestra Concert Choir Musical Groups Hig Beginning with Arthur Piazolla’s Canyengue, the Led by Director William Cutter, the MIT Concert 12-member chamber orchestra endowed the drama- Choir decided to feature the music of Aaron Copland, tism, violent stops, and dissonant overtones of this whose orchestral music I respect greatly — though the piece with a sense of ease and freedom. Led by a performance of such pieces wasn’t as swell. Nonethe- fiercely red-faced Dante Anzolini (the music director), less, music is music, and delivery is delivery. And the they continued to perform Six Romanian Dances by delivery by the choir was good. Singing six of Copland’s choir pieces, there were times of bliss and times of unsettlement as to what they were singing about. But lyrics are lyrics, and music is music. More seri- ously though, the choir is a little short on tenors and basses and that makes for a female “overpowerment” on many of the pieces. A remarkable solo by Daryn Harkins ’01 in Copland’s “The Boat- men’s Dance” resulted in a very oper- atic solo backed up by the encompass- ing females of the choir. Harkins’s solid voice made the lyrics much easi- er to interpret. Indeed, the choir put on a delightful performance of music — a masterful presentation, dauntingly delivered because of the remarkable synchronization of 104 voices. Festival Jazz Ensemble Hard to fall sleep on these guys (and one girl!), as their performances of hits by jazz greats Sonny Rollins and Duke Ellington rocked the house. Truthfully, enumeration of great per- formances in the ensemble would be all-inclusive, so without the slightest trace of trite euphemism, I say, they all did a splendid job and closed the evening with a bang. Though the brass section was basi- cally the section of the evening, I have to commend the guitarist and congista Paulo Oliveria G for being the only one to groove to the beat like a real jazz musician. The Festival Jazz Ensemble closed the evening with “Mira, Mira,” a salsa beat by Matt Harris that featured ebullient solos by each of the mem- bers, most notably sax player Christo- pher Rakowski ’02 and Tom Sharfeld G on the trumpet. All in all, I guess the most fun of watching the ensemble perform is watching those pale, MIT faces turn BRIAN HEMOND—THE TECH violently pink — spewing out jazz as Curtis Chin solos on his alto saxophone during the Family Week- close to flawless as can be expected end Concert last Friday night. from MIT students. Flying in formation to imitate an airplane, The Logarhythms proudly displayed outfi h
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James Camp— James MIT Crews Perform on Par with Last Year’s Teams in Annual Race By Melissa Cain the boats. time of 17.02.31. The MIT Sloan Crew fin- MIT Sloan Crew that finished 144th with 35 staff reporter “My boat [the Women’s Champ 4] had an ished 62nd at 18.12.98. points. The MIT Boat Club was next with 34 This past weekend over 300,000 specta- exciting race, but we didn’t finish well.” Gra- An MIT Sloan Crew finished 35th in points, followed by the MIT Women’s Light- tors lined the banks and bridges of the Charles ham attributes this to the fact that the Champ the Women’s Club 8 division with a time of weight Crew and the MIT Rowing Associa- River to watch more than 6,000 rowers from 4 had a few collisions along the course of the 18.37.67. tion. The MIT Graduate Crew finished lowest all over the world, including race. “The Club 8 had a good race,” she The MIT Graduate Crew of all of the MIT teams. MIT students, compete in the said. “They beat who they was the only MIT entry in Overall, almost all of the teams did better Head of the Charles Regatta, the Men’s Master 8. They than they did last year, so no one is looking the largest rowing regatta in the finished 27th with a time of at this race as a failure. As Graham said, “The world. 18.32.43. Head of the Charles is fun because your friends Ath- The MIT Rowing Asso- can come cheer for you.” letes competed in ciation entered a crew into The rowers’ and the spectators’ excitement youth, collegiate, the Men’s Lightweight 8 for the event shows that winning isn’t every- master, and vet- division that finished 9th thing. Just attending an event of this magnitude, eran age groupings with a time of 16.20.79. competing in it, or seeing it out of your dorm representing more MIT had two teams window can be exciting. than 300 clubs, col- in the Men’s Champ leges, and universities 8 d i v i s i o n . T h e worldwide. MIT Boating Club The course was 3 finished 29th with a miles long down the time of 16.00.11 and Charles River from the the MIT Sloan Crew Boston University Boat finished 55th with a House through Cam- time of 18.16.86. bridge to Herter Park on T h e P a l m Soldier’s Field Road, Bos- Beach Rowing ton. Association took MIT athletes represent- ing undergraduates, gradu- ech ates, MIT Sloan, the MIT The T Boat Club, and the MIT Row- James Camp— ing Association competed in more than 8 categories. Many MIT students who wanted to. Every- went as spectators to cheer the body is pretty happy about how crews on were overwhelmed by we did.” the amount of people and crews i n t h e The only individual competitor repre- event. Tenley D. McHarg ’04 said that the real- senting MIT was Brian D. Harms G, ity of the importance of the Regatta did not who finished 15th in the Men’s Club hit her until, “I was walking across the [Har- Singles Event with a time of vard] bridge, and I saw all the crews and I just 20.29.43. thought this is huge.” Two MIT teams com- Sarah E. Smith ’04 said that, after hearing peted in the Men’s so much about the Regatta, “it was just excit- Club 8 division. ing to see [it] happening.” The MIT Boating The undergraduate Women’s Varsity Crew Club finished 44th entered three teams into the Regatta. Under the name of the MIT Boating Club, the Var- sity Women finished 36th in the Women’s Club 8 division with a time of 18.37.67. The MIT Women’s Lightweight Crew finished 10th in the Women’s Lightweight 8 division with a time of 19.00.33. Rowing
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Katherine S. Graham MIT crews were split up between Colli ’04, was satisfied with many divisions, so they were all ranked sepa- n the performance of all with a rately. The highest ranking MIT team was the
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Photography Credits: 1) James Camp 2) Nathan Collins 1 4 3) Nathan Collins 4) James Camp 3 5) Nathan Collins 6) James Camp 5 7) Greg Kuhnen
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CONCERT REVIEW Family Weekend a capella Cross Products, Techiya, Logarhythms, Chorallaries, Muses, and Toons
WENDY GU—THE TECH Opening Saturday night’s a capella concert, the Cross Products demonstrated the more technical meaning of their name. A Capella, from Page 1 In selling their CD, they enacted a modi- fied version of the Sisqo classic into a funny Chorallaries’ jubilance extended to Tori little jingle. Instead of “Baby move your Amos’s “Purple People,” “If I Could” by butt, butt, butt,” the Muses use “only twelve Phish, and perhaps most notably, “Excuse Me bucks, bucks, bucks.” Mr.” by No Doubt. They even managed to It isn’t the salacious black dresses or the remove the weighty cacophony of “Excuse fact that they’re all female that uniquely dis- GABOR CSANYI—THE TECH Me Mr.” with musical commotion — various tinguishes the Muses. They are a powerhouse tunes from the different members, all some- of great voices. In “Dreams” (originally by how melding into one great euphony. Fleetwood Mac and later by the Corrs), Vanessa Speed ’03 delivered a powerful, No shoes? sweet performance with great determination, Yes, it is the Logarhythms. Adorned in far better than Fleetwood Mac’s version. As silly hats and green and yellow suits, the Log- well, the backups to the song were creative arhythms are so much more than just another and formed quite an enjoyable side harmony a capella group. They are a comedy troupe, a — all in all, quite a sublime experience. musical troupe, and a carefully tuned percus- hlight Family Weekend sional instrument. Wellesley women They started with an interesting rendition Arguably saving the best for last, the of “Mysterious Ways” by U2. Most notable Toons (the co-ed MIT/Wellesley group) came was their creative interpretation of the unique- on and heartily entertained the audience. It ly 80’s base and drums. seems to be custom in a capella groups to While performing a brusque and quirky choose songs that everybody has heard of comedy sketch about aberrant neurons, the (with few exceptions). The Toons decided to upbeat, humorous overtones of the group real- resort to the lowest common denominator, ly showed through. Disney, and sang “Colors of the Wind” from They closed with a tribute to funk that the Pocahontas soundtrack. Rounding out inevitably brought out the reclusive James their pieces were Smash Mouth’s “Then The Browns in all of the MIT parents. They began Morning Comes,” and the fantastic “Angels with a weak and rushed version of “Ladies Would Fall” by Melissa Etheridge. Night,” which nonetheless proved to be hilari- The best two solos of the night were from ous in light of the fact that there are essential- the Toons. Sawaka Kawashima ’01 delivered a ly 16 eunuchs singing, “If you hear any noise soulful rendition of “Colors of the Wind” with it ain’t the boys, it’s ladies’ night!” Segueing more emotion than Sebastian the crab in heat. into “Jungle Boogie,” and later an animated Wellesley sophomore Brooke Bryant sounded version of “Celebration” with the group sway- as close to Melissa Etheridge in “Angels ing left and right to the melody, the Logs put Would Fall” as can be imagined. The depth on a purely delightful show for the crowd. and mesmerizing quality of her voice is with- out compare, and it was further heightened by Divas, seriously… the colorful backup provided by the group. The Muses (twelve well-dressed females) In an attempt to lure fans to their next con- sang mightily, powerfully, professionally, cert, they began a comedy sketch mimicking the and tastefully. Picking easily recognizable old 60s version of Batman, complete with songs like Sisqo’s “Thong Song,” Ella “Pow!” and “Bang!” Closing the evening, they Fitzgerald’s “How High the Moon,” and added that light humorous, family touch that Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams,” they picked up sent MIT families feeling (at least temporarily) a lot of audience interest. that their $36,000 was going somewhere useful.
WENDY GU—THE TECH Performing “Rebubula” by Moe, the upbeat Chorallaries dazzled Kresge Auditorium WENDY GU—THE TECH with sleek moves. osedly chosen by their mothers. Page 16 THE TECH THE ARTS October 24, 2000
RESTAURANT REVIEW FILM REVIEW Torch World’s Best Commercials of the Century Good Food, Long Wait Art or Advertising? By Raja Mohan STAFF WRITER By Amy L. Meadows tries — England, America, and Australia — “Where’s the Beef?” commercial, or the Life 26 Charles St. The ArtsSTAFF WRITER dominated. Cereal “Mikey” commercial, but I felt like those Boston MA 02114 Museum of Fine Arts Perhaps the cultures of these countries concertsare commercials were part of my cultural heritage. (617) 723-5939 Fri., Oct. 27, at 6 p.m. more accustomed to the medium. More likely, The collection concluded with the Advertiser Sat., Oct. 28, at 12:45 p.m. the cultures are more receptive to the field, of the Century award. Levi’s commercials had a ttracting throngs of investment bankers MBTA: Museum stop on the Green Line therefore allowing more creativity and expres- whole spread, with commercials from the sixties and consultants from Boston’s most sion because that is what sells the product. onward. Moreplays than any of the other advertise- prestigious firms, Torch is a neatly sit- mericans have ever decreasing atten- The most remarkable commercials were ments, Levi’s tried to sell a way of life. I was A uated French bistro claimed to be tion spans. Advertisers are paying more the funny or the shocking (and sometimes fascinated by how they intertwined history, sex, “Boston’s Best New Restaurant.” Evan Deluty, and more for thirty seconds of prime both). The British certainly had numerous rep- and nostalgia intomusicals one thirty-second package. owner of the restaurant, gained experience in Atime. Advertising bleeds over from resentatives in each of these categories. Of the Currently, commercials transmit as much the food business by working at Upstairs at the commercials into the movies and television one-hundred commercials in the collection, cultural information as any other medium, as Pudding and attending the Culinary Institute of shows we watch. In this environment, commer- forty-six were British. The British versionsO of nmuch Cas songs,a books,m por movies.us The com- America. Conveniently located a few T stops cials have become almost as popular as the commercials for which Americans have simi- mercials remind you of a particular place and away from MIT, Torch is a classy restaurant as shows they sponsor. Some people just watch lar products just seemed funnier. For example, time. Further, these commercials have become long as you don’t mind the bill. the Super Bowl for the commercials aired dur- John Cleese providedContact the voice Rebeccafor a Sony ora bigAnnie part of at popular x3-1541 culture. or As sendsaid in the Though the seating area is compact, Torch ing the game. Given this, one could conclude compact disc player commercial; he suggested program notes, “The selections are certain to evokes a romantic feeling. There are long, nar- that those thirty-second advertising tidbits are a people sip tea and crunch biscuitse-mail while tolis- [email protected] discussion and debate.” Indeed, what row mirrors that span the room, with valances certain junk food for the mind.Or are they? The tening for the same effect as their old record distinguishes popular culture from art? What decorated by fancy merlot bottles. The setting World’s Best Commercials of the Century player. Also notable, the politically incorrect can be said of beer commercials? Are they is part French bistro, part minimalist, a theme undermines our junk-food assumption and ele- commercials, those that poked fun at cultural provoking discussion or debate? What cultural which carries over to the food. vates commercials to a higher plane of market- norms or even standards of decency, were message are advertisers sending by showing The menu is quite simple: 7 appetizers, 7 ing and artistic creativity. largely from outside the United States. women in bikinis? Maybe the possibility of entrées, and 3 desserts. There are no spe- World’s Best Commercials sample a diverse My personal favorites were the “classics.” commercials becoming a mechanism for cul- cials whatsoever. I ordered the mussels ($8) array of advertisements, from cigar ads to pub- Even ones I hadn’t seen myself, but had heard tural transmission should force some account- from the list of appetizers. They were pre- lic service announcements. The top one hun- people talk about or heard their jingles and ability on the part of the advertisers. However, pared with white wine, red onion, garlic, dred commercials were selected from entries to catch-phrases, fell into this category. Remember commercials are an interesting and fascinating and red pepper flakes. The mussels were the Cannes International Advertising Film Fes- the California Raisins? Remember the Energizer medium, and World’s Best Commercials does tender, with a subtle hint of garlic sautéed in tival. Although there were commercials from Bunny? I don’t personally remember the Apple promote discussion and debate about adver- virgin oil. As I waited an hour and a half for around the world, the English-speaking coun- Computer “1984” ad that aired only once, the tisement, art, and accountability. my entrée, the waiters offered freshly baked ★★★ bread that went well with the olive oil. FILM REVIEW I sampled the hanger steak ($23), which was served over puréed potatoes covered with truffle vinaigrette and sprinkled with small bits of black The Legend of Drunken Master truffle. Most of the meat dishes at the restaurant are cooked medium rare unless otherwise requested. Supposedly, the meat market where Drunken Fun Deluty buys his meat is where Julia Child also goes. The entrée was superb. Although it looked By Vladimir Zelevinsky Filmed in the early nineties under the title sequence in the beginning, or the attack of a simple, the taste offered richness and more. STAFF WRITER Drunken Master 2 (it is a sequel, but pretty horde of ax-wielding assassins) are visually Another dish worth noting is the duck Directed by Chia-Liang Liu much self-sufficient) and released with a new dazzling, and their scale is impressive. Even breast ($24). This dish is garnished with car- Written by King-Sang Tseng and Kai-Chi Yun musical score, The Legend of Drunken Master more importantly, such sequences afford a rots and slices of potatoes and splashed with a With Jackie Chan, Lung Ti, Anita Mui, Ho is a perfect illustration of its own theme: Chi- wonderful window into the everyday Chinese tasty red wine shallot sauce. Deluty has Sung Pak, Ken Lo nese culture being exported to the West, via life (I don’t know how authentic they are, but catered to sushi lovers with salmon tartar Rated R for violent content any means possible. they feel authentic, and that’s what really mat- ($10), raw fish with Japanese rice and wasabi. Here, Jackie (his character is, as usual, ters). Even the main plot (about a British band The three desserts are two fruit tarts ($7) he Legend of Drunken Master is given some name, but let’s face it: Chan is of smugglers stealing historic artifacts) — mixed berry and caramelized banana — unique in the sense that unlike other Chan, even when he pretends to be James depends on this atmosphere to gain weight and crème brulee. The menu even suggests Jackie Chan films it is not only about Bond, as in First Strike, or Indiana Jones, as and importance. some wines that complement the desserts. T Chan doing what he does best, namely in Operation Condor) plays a hapless martial If only the two main subplots were any- Even though it is a long wait, if you would defying laws of physics. There is a surprising arts student, living with his step-parents who thing as involving. One of them involves the like to try a new, chic restaurant in Boston, amount of subtext here as well, which is good run a weird combo of a kung-fu school and a loss of a valuable ginseng root, and it’s total- then I definitely recommend firing up your as long as the subtext does not overwhelm the clinic. His strict father (Lung Ti) teaches reg- ly irrelevant (although when one character appetite and going to Torch this weekend. text. ular kung-fu and, thus, is wary of Chan’s attempts to substitute it with a giant rutabaga, own brand of fighting: it is quite funny). The second subplot is the drunken boxing. This noble conflict with Chan’s step-parents, and the less art (by the way, there is a is said about it, the better; random switches drunken boxing in-joke in from drama to slapstick comedy and back The Matrix) mostly con- rarely work. Anita Mui, as the step-mother, sists of staggering around does imbue the antics with great comic tim- as if the fighter was drunk, ing; the rest is quite dispensable. flailing his arms about and What does work superbly is the martial generally making a clown arts choreography, and it is nothing short of of himself. It is also highly superb. In particular, the final sequence, a effective, because of its seven minute fight in a steel mill (it took, by inherent unpredictability, the way, four months to film, yielding in dispatching numerous between three and four seconds of usable foes. It is also very, very footage per day) is utterly and absolutely funny. incredible, including one shot that is simply a The Legend of Drunken physical and biological impossibility. The fact Master is very impressively that this shot (involving a bed of hot coals) mounted: the mass scenes was filmed without any cinematic trickery (for example, the train really surpasses belief. October 24, 2000 THE ARTS THE TECH Page 17
1 FILM REVIEW ★★★ ⁄2 Pay it Forward Worth Paying For
By Ryan Klimczak Osment carry the movie to its greatest Vegas casino trash. However, Hunt’s dis- and the personal character struggles of STAFF WRITER strength. Spacey superbly depicts the figure tinctive and almost innately intellectual McKinney, Simonet, and Trevor. On another Directed by Mimi Leder of Eugene Simonet, a dimly sheltered man voice contradicts her character as an unin- level, set in the future, there is a reporter Produced by Mary McLagen and Jonathan whose only strength lies in his regimented telligent and garish casino changer and (Jay Mohr) who encounters this phenome- Treisman and empty life. With cogent conviction, cocktail waitress. non after he receives a Jaguar from a seem- Written by Catherine Ryan Hyde and Leslie Spacey succeeds in personifying a credible Haley Joel Osment, the Oscar-nominated ingly altruistic and outgoing stranger when Dixon role as the horribly burned and dedicated star in The Sixth Sense, continues to prove that his car is totaled. Starring Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt, Haley teacher, far surpassing Mel Gibson’s perfor- he is one of the greatest child actors to date. The reporter searches for the source of this Joel Osment, Jay Mohr, Angie Dickinson, Jon mance in a similar role in The Man Without a With raw emotion and eleven-year-old artless- unique plan as he goes on a spiritual journey Bon Jovi, and James Caviezel Face. His talent is truly manifested in the ness, Osment portrays the role of Trevor, a to examine the kindness of human nature. The scene where he tells the distraught Arlene dedicated and unassuming seventh grader audience is introduced, step by step, to the ith an award-winning cast of McKinney (Helen Hunt) the painful truth who, in a guileless attempt to complete his lives and people who were touched by “Pay It actors, Pay it Forward proves to behind his scars. He speaks with deep tor- assignment, unknowingly kindles a revolution Forward.” Though initially confusing, this be one of this year’s most emo- ment and passion and successfully expresses of kindness and hope for humanity. Osment sequence of events provides an effective and W tionally evocative movies. Eugene with profound insight the frustration, anger, successfully bridges the gap between acting dynamic perspective of the story, as the audi- Simonet (Kevin Spacey), a scarred social and resentment of his character to the audi- talent and youth. For movies that require ence is able to see the effects of Trevor’s plan studies teacher, gives an assignment of impos- ence. This is a different, but welcomed, young characters, there exists the inevitable without a long drawn-out, and consequently, sible standards, “Think of an idea to change approach to his usual acting persona, the sub- Catch-22: Either use young, untalented actors, boring plot. the world and put it into action.” Fascinated dued and methodical manner seen in such and form a believable cast, or use older, tal- The score of Pay it Forward, composed by and entranced by such a bold proposition, films as Seven, The Usual Suspects, and ented actors and form an unrealistic cast. Thomas Newman, reflects his previous score Trevor McKinney (Haley Joel Osment) American Beauty. Osment essentially represents the best of both in American Beauty with the same subtly and scrupulously constructs an ambitious idea Helen Hunt plays a somewhat suited role worlds, with his powerful acting ability and ambiguous atmosphere created by the music known as “Pay It Forward,” an elaborate sys- for Arlene McKinney, the tawdry and alco- young age. The caliber of his acting talent is of the film. tem where one person helps another, and they, holic mother to Trevor. With tastelessly exemplified in Pay it Forward with poignant With an outstanding cast and a unique plot, in turn, have to help three other people. The bleached hair, a conspicuously artificial expressions and passionate scenes of struggle, Pay it Forward provides long-needed opti- project initially goes awry, but as the realiza- suntan, and unkept make-up, she successful- anger, and frustration. mism and inspiration to the cinematic screen tion of the intrinsic goodness of humanity is ly portrays the appearance of her role, espe- The film offers a unique story line con- after a year of depressing and dull movies. achieved, his idea sparks hope for his mother, cially in the morning scene where she sisting of two separate interlaced plots of Eugene Simonet brings up an interesting ques- his teacher, and ultimately the world. wakes up, disheveled, and attempts to coax different time frames that meet at the end of tion in his class, “What if the world is just a By far, the strong acting performances of Trevor while battling a hangover. The audi- the story. At one level of the plot, there is big disappointment?” Well, the world may be, Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt, and Haley Joel ence is presented with the epitome of Las the creation of the “Pay It Forward” plan but this movie sure isn’t.
FOOD REVIEW dark and with the bar attached, relatively noisy. I will not be returning to Grafton Street anytime soon. I would rather wait and go to an Irish Pub in Ireland. Since it seems that portabello mushrooms are leading the The Essential Vegetarian second wave of the vegetarian revolution (the first being tofu), I will offer you a recipe that does not contain any Failed Gourmets fungi. As always, feel free to e-mail me comments or questions By Katharyn Jeffreys fare at Grafton Street (1280 Massachusetts Ave., Cam- at
This space donated by The Tech Page 20 THE TECH October 24, 2000 October 24, 2000 THE TECH Page 21
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the crass rat Page 24 The Tech October 24, 2000 October 24, 2000 The Tech Page 25 Crossword Puzzle Crossword
TechCalendar 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. TechCalendar Contact information for all events is available from the TechCalendar web page. Visit and add events to TechCalendar online at http://tech-calendar.mit.edu Tuesday, October 24 issues of women’s individuality and saneness. free. Room: Rm E52-466 . Sponsor: Sloan School of Management. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. – Peace Through Humor: Visions of Peace from the Hands of Children. Exhibition of paintings, hosted 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. – Mary A. Harman: Breaking the Mold. A series of images using multiple print processes to explore by MIT Hillel. Curated by Maureen Kushner. free. Room: W11, Religious Activities Ctr, 40 Amherst St. Sponsor: Hillel, MIT. issues of women’s individuality and saneness. free. Room: Rm E52-466 . Sponsor: Sloan School of Management. 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. – Flashes of Inspiration: The Work of Harold Edgerton. An interactive exhibition celebrating the life and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. – Peace Through Humor: Visions of Peace from the Hands of Children. Exhibition of paintings, hosted work of MIT legend Harold . $5; $2 students/seniors; $1 children 5-18; free with MIT ID. Room: MIT Museum, N52 2nd floor. by MIT Hillel. Curated by Maureen Kushner. free. Room: W11, Religious Activities Ctr, 40 Amherst St. Sponsor: Hillel, MIT. Sponsor: MIT Museum. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. – Privacy in the Age of Information. Catherine N. Stratton Lecture on Critical Issues. Panelists 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. – BOOKSALE. Books in math, sciences, engineering,history and fiction.Proceeds benefit MIT Libraries’ include MIT professors John Deutch, Ron Rivest and Peter Szolovits, and Christine Varney of the Washington law firm Hogan & PreservationFund. free. Room: Bldg.14, Hayden Basement. Sponsor: MIT Libraries Gifts Office. Hartson. These panelists will discuss the most sensitive issues about this topic. free. Room: Wong Auditorium, E51, 70 Memo- 12:00 p.m. – Forgetful Flies: Genetic and Molecular Studies of Learning and Memory in Drosophila . Dr. Scott Waddell of MIT rial Drive & Wadsworth. Sponsor: MIT Women’s League. Brain and Cognitive Sciences, shares his current research. Title of lecture above will be updated when available. Hosted by 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. – Flashes of Inspiration: The Work of Harold Edgerton. An interactive exhibition celebrating the life and Prof. Chip Quinn. free. Room: E18-208. Sponsor: Center for Learning and Memory. work of MIT legend Harold . $5; $2 students/seniors; $1 children 5-18; free with MIT ID. Room: MIT Museum, N52 2nd floor. 12:00 p.m. – Noon Chapel Concert. The Leonora String Quartet. Barbara Englesberg, violin; Edward Wu, violin; Kenneth Stal- Sponsor: MIT Museum. berg, viola; Joel Cohen, cello. Ravel and Haydn Quartets. free. Room: MIT Chapel. Sponsor: Music Section. 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. – Openness, Secrecy, Authorship: Technical Arts and the Cultures of Knowledge in Renaissance and 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. – Global Conceptualism: Points of Origin, 1950s-1980s. major touring group exhibition featuring more Early Modern Europe. Dibner Institute Lumchtime Colloquium. free. Room: E56-100. Sponsor: Dibner Institute. than 200 works (photographs, documentation, films, videos, postcards, posters and drawings, as well as paintings, mixed 12:00 p.m. - 12:50 p.m. – Communicating For A Better Grade. Learn the best ways to communicate with your instructors. media objects and installations) by over 130 international artists. free. Room: List Visual Arts Center (E15). Sponsor: List Visu- free. Room: 66-168. Sponsor: Academic Resource Center. al Arts Center. 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. – Word User Group. The MIT Microsoft User Group (WUG) was formed for people at MIT, from beginners 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. – Web Pub User Group (formerly CWIS User Group). The purpose of the Web Pub User Group is to: pro- to experts, who are using or interested in learning to use Microsoft Word word processing software. free. Room: N42 Demo vide a forum for information and support about web publishing at MIT. free. Room: N42 Demo Center. Sponsor: Information Center. Sponsor: Information Systems. Systems. 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. – Global Conceptualism: Points of Origin, 1950s-1980s. major touring group exhibition featuring more 1:00 p.m. – PE 2nd Qtr. Lottery Ends!. free. Sponsor: Physical Education. than 200 works (photographs, documentation, films, videos, postcards, posters and drawings, as well as paintings, mixed 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. – Experiences in Interactive Expression. Open discussion by visiting artists highlighting the history of media objects and installations) by over 130 international artists. free. Room: List Visual Arts Center (E15). Sponsor: List Visu- interactive digital art & contemporary issues in the field. free. Room: Rm N52-390. Sponsor: Center for Advanced Visual Stud- al Arts Center. ies. 12:15 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. – Monthly Meeting - Working Group on Support Staff Issues. Monthly meeting of employees, both sup- 4:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. – Faster Cheaper Optimization of the Management of Space Programs of Interdependent Projects. port and administrative staff, interested in exploring topics related to the working lives of MIT employees, with an emphasis on Refreshments to follow in E40-106. free. Room: E51-361. Sponsor: Operations Research Center. support staff issues. free. Room: Bush Room, 10-105. Sponsor: Working Group on Support Staff Issues. 6:00 p.m. 00 a.m. – Tech Songs, 1903. Institute Archives and Special Collections: Object of the Month illustrates how MIT stu- 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. – Rippling Instability of a Collapsing Bubble. Refreshments will be served a 3:30 PM in Room 2-349. dents of 100 years ago found a common bond and an outlet for frustration in songs about undergraduate life. free. Room: Hall- free. Room: Room 2-338. Sponsor: Physical Mathematics Seminar. Department of Mathematics. way exhibit case across from Rm 14N-118. Sponsor: Institute Archives and Special Collections. 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. – Deep Sub-micron Effects in High Performance Designs. MTL VLSI Seminar Series. free. Room: 34-101 7:00 p.m. – Women’s Volleyball vs. Tufts University. free. Room: du Pont Gymnasium. Sponsor: Department of Athletics. (Refreshments at 3:30). Sponsor: MTL VLSI Seminar. 7:00 p.m. – Water Polo vs. Boston College. free. Room: Alumni Pool. Sponsor: Department of Athletics. 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. – Occam’s Razor in Bayesian Influence. Abstract:TBA. free. Room: Laboratory for Information and Deci- sion Systems, room 35-225. Sponsor: LIDS Colloquium. Friday, October 27 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. – Slip Velocity at the Edge of a Porous Medium. free. Room: 3-133. Sponsor: Fluid Mechanics Semi- nars. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. – Mary A. Harman: Breaking the Mold. A series of images using multiple print processes to explore 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. – “Noncommutative geometry and duality of gauge theories”. free. Room: Room 4-231 at M.I.T. Spon- issues of women’s individuality and saneness. free. Room: Rm E52-466 . Sponsor: Sloan School of Management. sor: Harvard-MIT Mathematical Physics Seminar. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. – Peace Through Humor: Visions of Peace from the Hands of Children. Exhibition of paintings, hosted 4:30 p.m. – Working Toward Co-Existence Among Resettled Refugees. A session of the Inter-University Seminar on Interna- by MIT Hillel. Curated by Maureen Kushner. free. Room: W11, Religious Activities Ctr, 40 Amherst St. Sponsor: Hillel, MIT. tional Migration. free. Room: E38-615. Sponsor: Center for International Studies. 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. – Flashes of Inspiration: The Work of Harold Edgerton. An interactive exhibition celebrating the life and 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. – The Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process: Requirements for a Historic Compromise. free. Room: E51- work of MIT legend Harold . $5; $2 students/seniors; $1 children 5-18; free with MIT ID. Room: MIT Museum, N52 2nd floor. 095 . Sponsor: Center for International Studies. Sponsor: MIT Museum. 6:00 p.m. 00 a.m. – Tech Songs, 1903. Institute Archives and Special Collections: Object of the Month illustrates how MIT stu- 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. – Computer Security Vendor’s Fair. MIT Information Systems, MIT Police and MIT Insurance Office will dents of 100 years ago found a common bond and an outlet for frustration in songs about undergraduate life. free. Room: Hall- host a Computer Security Vendor’s Fair. Come see the devices and services available to protect your information and process- way exhibit case across from Rm 14N-118. Sponsor: Institute Archives and Special Collections. ing resources. free. Room: Bush Room 10-105. Sponsor: Information Systems. 6:30 p.m. – Virtual Palladio: Two Views. Department of Architecture Lecture with comments by Prof Howard Burns, University 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. – BrioQuery Quick Start. Learn how to download, install, and set up BrioQuery on your desktop. Learn of Venice and Prof Kurt Forster, Canadian Center for Architecture. free. Room: Rm 10-250. Sponsor: Department of Architec- how to download and process a standard report. An overview of the features and capabilities of BrioQuery will be given. free. ture. Room: N42 Demo Center. Sponsor: Information Systems. 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. – Identifying and Applying New Technology at Fidelity Investments. Ted Charette, VP Technology R&D, 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. – MIT Jewish Faculty Affairs Luncheon. “The Jew in American Politics”A Talk by Stephen Whitfield, Max will speak about development and implementation of technology at Fidelity Investments, a world financial institution. Refresh- Richter Char in American Civilization at Brandeis University. Author of the recent book: _In Search of American Jewish Culture_. ments will be served. free. Room: 3-370. Sponsor: Science and Engineering Business Club. $10. Room: W11 Small Dining Room. Sponsor: Hillel, MIT. 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. – Global Conceptualism: Points of Origin, 1950s-1980s. A major touring group exhibition featuring Wednesday, October 25 more than 200 works (photographs, documentation, films, videos, postcards, posters and drawings, as well as paintings, mixed media objects and installations) by over 130 international artists. free. Room: List Visual Arts Center (E15). Sponsor: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. – Mary A. Harman: Breaking the Mold. A series of images using multiple print processes to explore List Visual Arts Center. issues of women’s individuality and saneness. free. Room: Rm E52-466 . Sponsor: Sloan School of Management. 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. – “From Chemistry to Automotive Power Trains”. This year’s annual Hoyt C. Hottel Lectureship in the 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. – Peace Through Humor: Visions of Peace from the Hands of Children. Exhibition of paintings, hosted Department of Chemical Engineering to honor former Professor Hottel’s major contributions to the department. The lectureship by MIT Hillel. Curated by Maureen Kushner. free. Room: W11, Religious Activities Ctr, 40 Amherst St. Sponsor: Hillel, MIT. was begun in 1985 and is oriented to the fields of combustion and energy technology. free. Room: 66-110. Sponsor: Chemical 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. – Flashes of Inspiration: The Work of Harold Edgerton. An interactive exhibition celebrating the life and Engineering. work of MIT legend Harold . $5; $2 students/seniors; $1 children 5-18; free with MIT ID. Room: MIT Museum, N52 2nd floor. 4:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. – A Generating Tree for 321, Hexagon-avoiding permutations. Refreshments will be served at 3:30 PM Sponsor: MIT Museum. in Room 2-349. free. Room: Room 2-338. Sponsor: Combinatorics Seminar. Department of Mathematics. 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. – “New Media,Old Books: Italian Literature in the Digital Age”. First talk in a series of events/semi- 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. – MITSFS weekly ‘meetings’. While these are, technically, meetings, it is nigh-forbidden to conduct Real nars on “things Italian” sponsored by the MIT-Itlay program. The talk will discuss how to best reconcile new technologies and Business at them, as they’re really social events. Imaginary Business, however, is allowed. Usually a dinner trip follows. free. old classics , like Dante and Boccaccio. free. Room: Building 16, Room 676. Sponsor: MIT-Italy Program. Room: MITSFS Library, W20-473. Sponsor: Science Fiction Society, MIT. 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. – Electrically-Driven Organic Solid State Lasers. free. Room: 34-401B, Grier Room. Sponsor: Optics. 6:00 p.m. 00 a.m. – Tech Songs, 1903. Institute Archives and Special Collections: Object of the Month illustrates how MIT stu- 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. – Windows NT Quick Start. Master the five basic parts of Windows NT - the desktop, icons, mouse dents of 100 years ago found a common bond and an outlet for frustration in songs about undergraduate life. free. Room: Hall- pointer, Start button, and Taskbar. Learn how to launch or exit from applications, find files or folders, and access online help. way exhibit case across from Rm 14N-118. Sponsor: Institute Archives and Special Collections. free. Room: N42 Demo Center. Sponsor: Information Systems. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. – Steelpan Performance. This will be a display of the only percussion instrument to be developed in the 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. – Global Conceptualism: Points of Origin, 1950s-1980s. major touring group exhibition featuring more than 20th Century, and the culture behind it. Listen to the renditions of popular Caribbean tunes on the Caribbean’s most renowned 200 works (photographs, documentation, films, videos, postcards, posters and drawings, as well as paintings, mixed media objects musical instrument!. Free. Room: Lobby 10. Sponsor: Caribbean-Club. and installations) by over 130 international artists. free. Room: List Visual Arts Center (E15). Sponsor: List Visual Arts Center. 7:00 p.m. – LSC Presents Titan AE. Friday, October 27 at 7 & 10 pm, and Sunday, October 29 at 7 pm. 26-100. Matt Damon, 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. – Taking Another Look at General Disarmament. free. Room: E38-615. Sponsor: Security Studies Pro- Drew Barrymore, Janeane Garofalo. In the 31st century, the human race barely escapes annihilation by the Drej, a hostile ener- gram. gy-based alien species. With Earth gone, its human survivors wander through space in drifter colonies as second-class citizens 12:10 p.m. - 1:10 p.m. – Air-Sea Momentum Flux, Surface Waves, and Wave Breaking. Tetsu Hara, University of Rhode Island among alien creatures. Mankindís only hope for survival lies in the ìTitan,î an experimental ship that has the ability to create . free. Room: 54-915. Sponsor: Physical Oceanography. worlds. Matt Damon plays Cale Tucker, a cynical young refugee who unknowingly possesses a genetically encoded ring, the 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. – spouses&partners@mit - Culture Shock. We’ll talk about the factors that influence our adjustment to only key to finding the missing Titan. Drafted by a band of freedom fighters while on the run from the Drej, Cale reluctantly joins life in the U.S. Childcare provided. free. Room: W20-400. Sponsor: spouses&partners@mit, MIT Medical. them in a fast-paced, treacherous race to the Titan. Animation, comedy, sci-fi. Rated PG for action violence, mild sensuality and 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. – Weekly Practice Session for Oral Presentations. Practice oral presentations and get professional brief language. 94 minutes. $2.50. Room: MIT Room 26-100. Sponsor: LSC. feedback from Dr. Steven Strang, director of MIT’s Writing and Communicaiton Center. free. Room: 14N-325. Sponsor: Writing 7:30 p.m. – LSC Classics Presents Shaft (1971). Richard Roundtree. John Shaft (Roundtree) is the ultimate in suave black and Communication Center. detectives. He first finds himself up against Bumpy, the leader of the crime mob, and then against Black nationals, before 4:15 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. – On the Fractional Dimension of Posets of Trees: Closing a 10^-2000 Gap. Refreshments will be finally working with both against the White Mafia, who are trying to blackmail Bumpy by kidnapping his daughter. $2.50. Room: served at 3:30 PM in Room 2-349. free. Room: Room 2-338. Sponsor: Combinatorics Seminar. Department of Mathematics. MIT Room 10-250. Sponsor: LSC. 6:00 p.m. 00 a.m. – Tech Songs, 1903. Institute Archives and Special Collections: Object of the Month illustrates how MIT stu- 8:00 p.m. – Faculty Recital of Recent Music by Charles Shadle. Lecturer Charles Shadle, composer/piano with MIT students dents of 100 years ago found a common bond and an outlet for frustration in songs about undergraduate life. free. Room: Hall- Ole Nielsen (G—flute) and Dawn Perlner í01 (violin); MIT Affiliated Artist Margaret O’Keefe (soprano) performing Six Dickinsen way exhibit case across from Rm 14N-118. Sponsor: Institute Archives and Special Collections. Songs; and special guest, baritone Carlos Archuleta, who will premiere Estrella Fugaz. free. Room: Killian Hall. Sponsor: MIT 6:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. – MITGaard Weekly Meeting. free. Room: Student Center, PDR#3. Sponsor: Society for Creative Music and Theater Arts Section. Anachronism. 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. – Movie Night. Movie Title:”Third World Cop”. Free. Room: 471 Memorial Dr, third floor. Sponsor: 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. – International Film Club Film Seminar. Consult our web page for this weeks title: Caribbean-Club. http://web.mit.edu/ifilm/www. free. Room: 4-237. Sponsor: Graduate Student Council, International Film Club. 10:00 p.m. – LSC Presents Titan AE. Friday, October 27 at 7 & 10 pm, and Sunday, October 29 at 7 pm. 26-100. Matt – MIT Symphony Orchestra Concert. Dante Anzolini, director. Mahler’s Symphony #4, Ravel’s Tzigane with Rachel Levinson Damon, Drew Barrymore, Janeane Garofalo. In the 31st century, the human race barely escapes annihilation by the Drej, a hos- ‘01, violin. (Program subject to change.) Sponsored by the Council for the Arts at MIT. $2 at the door. Room: Kresge Auditori- tile energy-based alien species. With Earth gone, its human survivors wander through space in drifter colonies as second-class um. Sponsor: Music and Theater Arts Section. citizens among alien creatures. Mankindís only hope for survival lies in the ìTitan,î an experimental ship that has the ability to create worlds. Matt Damon plays Cale Tucker, a cynical young refugee who unknowingly possesses a genetically encoded ring, Thursday, October 26 the only key to finding the missing Titan. Drafted by a band of freedom fighters while on the run from the Drej, Cale reluctantly joins them in a fast-paced, treacherous race to the Titan. Animation, comedy, sci-fi. Rated PG for action violence, mild sensuali- 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. – Mary A. Harman: Breaking the Mold. A series of images using multiple print processes to explore ty and brief language. 94 minutes. $2.50. Room: MIT Room 26-100. Sponsor: LSC. Page 26 The Tech October 24, 2000
Dilbert ®
by Scott Adams October 24, 2000 THE TECH Page 27 SPORTS Women’s Martial Arts at MIT Tennis Is Have Open Workouts
By Malte Loos learn your techniques! NEWMAC TEAM MEMBER For an outsider, Karate and all The martial arts community pre- martial arts seem fundamentally miered the Open Workout Series paradoxical: how can one pursue Champion with a seminar on Oct. 15 held by such lofty and spiritual ideals with Shihan Kazumi Taba- an activity so physical and centered ta, head instructor of about the seemingly most primitive By Ann Hsing the Shotokan Karate of all instincts — to deliver a TEAM MEMBER Club. knock-out blow to your opponent? The MIT women’s tennis team Master Tabata is an Participants got a taste of the has finished off their dual fall sea- eighth degree black belt and the answer when Sensei Tabata led son, clinching the NEWMAC title highest ranking martial arts person them through a program of self- once again for the teaching at the Institute. He thrilled a defense techniques. The room filled year 2000. With an 8-1 crowd of 65 participants from a wide with his awe inspiring energy, and victory over Mount range of disciplines, including Judo, participants practiced block punch Holyoke College on Jiu Jitsu, Kung Fu and Taekwondo, combinations, fending off punch Oct. 14, MIT kept as well as various Karate groups. attacks. The seminar culminated in their flawless conference record in Focusing on the spiritual develop- randomly matched free sparring tact as many spectators gathered on ment that underlies the practice of bouts which challenged everyone to that lovely Saturday afternoon. On any martial art, Sensei Tabata test the worth of their techniques the next Sunday, the team extended explained the meaning of the name and styles with an opponent of its fall season to 11-1 as it sent Bates and the Japanese characters describ- unknown and likely very different back to the cold state of Maine with ing Karate, pointing out the basic education and abilities. The workout nothing to smile about. concept of harmony between soul concluded in a festive atmosphere. As weather proved to be and the surrounding universe. The Open Workout Series is extremely erratic the entire week, He followed up with an illus- designed to foster interaction, the women of the MIT tennis team tration of the ten successive stages knowledge and respect within the could not be entirely sure of what of enlightenment a martial artist martial arts community. The series to expect the past weekend. When can reach during the course of his is meant to showcase the contribu- Saturday finally rolled around, the spiritual journey through life. tions that martial arts can make and shining sun and singing birds indi- Referring to an ancient Chinese of the outstanding range of styles cated the “feelin’ so good” vibes allegory, he described the initial and their depth present at MIT. of the day. stage of superficial knowledge of MIT is indeed unique in the Beginning in doubles, the unstop- and confusion about one’s self wealth of martial arts opportunities pable duo of Kelly Koskelin ’02 and associated with the shodan, or first offered here; the Institute hosts more Victoria Davis ’04 cleaned off Mount black belt stage. During the than 13 martial arts clubs. Styles Holyoke 8-2, and Jessica Hall ’02 ascension to higher levels of taught in the clubs range from Judo and Shima Rayej ’04 also won, 8-3. development, one does recognize and varieties of Jiu Jitsu, Kung Fu, However, Ann Hsing ’02 and Caro- more clearly the nature of one’s Wing Tsun and Boxing to varieties of line Tien ’04 lost at third doubles, soul and gains hold of it. At the Taekwondo, Shotokan Karate, and 8-6, and Yi-Ning Cheng ’02 and upper five levels, associated with other Karate styles. Further informa- Jennifer Lee ’03 also fought long and mastership, one progressively tion on the Open Workout Series, hard, losing in a close 9-7 match. overcomes the need to deal with martial arts at MIT, and the Shotokan With the weather remaining BRIAN HEMOND-THE TECH one’s self, gaining freedom to turn Karate Club can be gathered at good and spirits high, singles ran Midfielder Monica Morrison ’04 jumps above her opponents to back towards the world and teach.