Volume 128, Number 48

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Volume 128, Number 48 Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 Friday, October 17, 2008 Students Plan Sit-In Admissions To Protest Handling Blog Post Of Student Life Issues Removed By Jeff Guo top grievances, which include MIT’s News Editor surprise eviction of Green Hall resi- At MIT’s Students are planning a sit-in to- dents last year and its comments day in Lobby 7 to protest the admin- about the Logan Airport arrest of istration’s treatment of student issues Star A. Simpson ’10, whose actions Request like hacking, housing, and dining. an MIT press release labeled “reck- As campus opens up for Fam- less.” By Pearle Lipinski ily Weekend, the protesters hope to An e-mail sent from campaign- The ‘admissions blogs,’ weblogs draw attention to their complaints, [email protected] last night sponsored by the MIT admissions which have one common theme: that also mentioned the “state of dining office, have seen at least two entries students are cut out of the Institute’s and dining halls at MIT including removed within the past year. The decision-making process. Simmons, Baker, W1 and Pritchett first, relating to last spring’s Ring “MIT’s big spiel is that MIT stu- Dining.” Students might be con- Committee flame war, was removed dents will change the world — but cerned that the Phoenix Group din- following requests from Admis- we can’t even change MIT,” said ing plan, which charged the NW35 sions. The other, drawing criticism Nathan S. Lachenmyer ’10, who is undergraduates $600 at the begin- for what was deemed inappropriate involved with the protest. ning of the fall semester to receive content, was removed by the blog- In their mission statement, the free all-you-can-eat meals (from ger. The student blogs are generally protesters ask for more transparency 6–8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday), student-run and do not usually have from the administration, publicly might be applied to other dormitory content removed after it is initially available notes from any meeting in- dining halls without student input. posted. volving students, and monthly town For instance, MIT has tried repeat- The first post to be removed, hall meetings between the adminis- edly to introduce all-you-can-eat written by sophomore Michael J. tration and students. dining to the Simmons Hall. Snively, was posted in May 2008 The protesters are calling them- “The administration consistently and discussed a lengthy conversa- selves the “Campaign for Students,” disregards student opinion,” the pro- tion across several dormitory mail- a name taken from Susan Hockfield’s test organizers write in their mission ing lists about the composition of effort to raise $500 million, also statement. “Students feel misled into the Class of 2011’s Ring Commit- Perry Hung—The Tech called the “Campaign for Students.” believing that decision makers will tee. Snively’s entry detailed the Bryan L. Newbold ’09 watches a screening of the third presi- Their website, www.campaign- developing flame war, which arose dential debate on Wednesday evening in the Coffeehouse of forstudents.com, lists some of the Protest, Page 19 when students discovered that the the Stratton Student Center. The screening of the debate was ring committee had no members a joint presentation of the MIT Forum on American Progress, from the east side of campus. The Current.com, and the Student Activities Office, and featured Prof. Haldeman’s Novel entry brought the discussion from live commentary from users of Twitter, an internet blogging service. ‘Forever War’ Picked Up MIT Blogs, Page 12 By 20th Century Fox Film MIT Experts Weigh In on Economic Woes By Omar Abudayyeh drew Lo of the MIT Sloan School said. By Michael McGraw-Herdeg the protagonist finds that the world Staff Reporter of Management. “In the short term, The crisis, however, likely could Executive Editor has changed in his absence. With a long recession looming, more banks and businesses might have been averted if regulators act- Twentieth Century Fox Film Cor- Basically, The Forever War is “all the government is enacting drastic close,” said Lo. ed sooner. “It’s understandable why poration has acquired the rights to about Vietnam,” said Haldeman, a measures to curb the recent financial Students will also be hit by the there was a crisis. For a period of The Forever War, an award-winning draftee who served in Vietnam’s Cen- problems, but when will things im- crisis; Lo said that they would most several years of very low interest 1974 novel by science fiction author tral Highlands in 1968. “I didn’t sit prove? Is Congress doing enough? likely find it harder to secure jobs rates allowed for easy money,” said and MIT writing professor Joe Hal- down and make a chart or anything,” Can Congress even solve the prob- after graduation. Lo. For years, people effortlessly deman. The film will be directed by he said, “but the [Vietnam] war was lem now? Ricardo Caballero of the MIT borrowed money and the economy Ridley Scott, whose last science fic- my model. The book won a Nebula From a frozen credit market Economics Department said that boomed. “There was a housing mar- tion films wereAlien and Blade Run- Award and a Hugo Award, two of sci- to major financial firms declaring although student loans will be nega- ket that would never go down and ner. The producers are now search- ence fiction’s most coveted honors. bankruptcy, there are many ways tively affected, the effect would die strong market trends. Now people ing for a writer. Americans can be hurt by the finan- down soon. But, he said, university are paying the price,” explained Lo. In Haldeman’s novel, a physicist Film to draw analogies to War on cial crisis. The unemployment rate endowments are sure to be hurt. Lo said that careful attention is drafted into a long-fought war Terror (currently about 6 percent) is likely According Caballero, before any must be paid to proposed govern- against an alien race, where dis- Today, the book is still relevant as to rise as more Americans lose jobs strong recovery can occur, the gov- mental plans. “To avoid another tant battlegrounds are reached by a sharp rebuke of the Iraq war. while credit will remain hard to ernment must become more flex- crisis,” Lo said, “we have to deal faster-than-light travel. The battles When Ridley Scott wrote about come by during the recession that is ible. An “economic come-back is with lessening the number of fore- are short, bleak affairs against an obtaining the movie rights, he said likely to follow. all politics at this point,” he said. closures and helping banks that uncommunicative enemy, with fre- Before the economy gets better, The government failed to respond quent casualties. When he returns, Forever War, Page 16 it’ll probably get worse, said An- until the downturn began, Caballero Economy, Page 10 Initiative Seed Grants Fund 17 Energy Projects In Short By Robert McQueen Reja Amatya G, who is seeking said she hopes to expand the limited ¶¶MIT cats will be featured on The ship award, the top honor out of Staff Reporter her doctorate in Electrical Engi- function of the solar cookers to store Today Show today between 8:30–9 the 20 awards in its annual list. The For the second time this year, the neering and Computer Science, is energy in batteries. That way, she ex- a.m. The Today Show was on cam- magazine called Smith “a visionary” MIT Energy Initiative awarded over heading one of the funded projects. plained, villagers who lack reliable pus Sept. 15, filming students in Se- and said she is “an inspiration to stu- $1.7 million in seed grants to energy The goal of her project is to install sources of energy can adapt their nior House, Bexley Hall, and Ran- dents and volunteers who dedicate research. The grants fund 17 energy solar-cookers to generate energy in solar cookers to power other neces- dom Hall. their time to improve the standard projects ranging from designing so- third-world countries, particularly in sities including lighting. of living in Haiti, Ghana, India, and lar cookers for third world countries Nepal. Currently, the project is in the ¶¶The MIT Police Bike Auction other countries.” to synthesizing thin-films for ther- By installing thermoelectric gen- will be held today at 290 Albany St. moelectric power. erators in solar cookers, Amatya Energy, Page 15 at noon, with a preview beginning at ¶¶A memorial service for Robert 11:30 a.m. The auction is open to the Hulsizer PhD ’48, a former MIT MIT community only, and an MIT professor of physics, will be held ID must be presented to participate. Sunday, Oct. 19 at 3 p.m. in the MIT Chapel. A reception will be held at Ne w s Op i n i on World & Nation ������������2 ¶¶The Harvest Co-op grocery McCormick Hall following the ser- Math skills suffer in U.S. Post-debate impressions Opinion ��������������������������4 store, located at 581 Massachusetts vice. Page 13 Page 4 Ave., will begin accepting Tech- Arts ��������������������������������6 CASH today. ¶¶A remembrance gathering for Baylor rewards frosh The need for a nuanced Fun ��������������������������������7 Alexander Vladimir d’Arbeloff who retake SAT Russia policy ¶¶MIT Senior Lecturer Amy B. ’49, former MIT Corporation Chair- Sports ��������������������������20 Smith, creator of the D-Lab classes, man, will be held today at 3:30 p.m. Page 18 Page 5 was awarded Popular Mechanics in Kresge Auditorium. magazine’s Breakthrough Leader- Page 2 The Tech October 17, 2008 Wo r l d & Na t i o n UBS, Credit Suisse Get Urgent Funds Oil Price Falls Beneath By Nelson D. Schwartz The New York Times PARIS Switzerland extended urgent help Thursday to its storied banking industry as the government acknowledged that even the world’s biggest $70 in Rapid Descent wealth haven needed protection from the tumult gripping the global financial system. By Jad Mouawad from a summer peak of $4.11 a gal- ity to better plan long-term projects to Less than a week after Europe and the United States coordinated The New York Times lon, according to AAA. develop new sources of oil. moves to ease the crisis, the Swiss government said it would take a 9 Oil prices dropped below $70 a The decline in oil prices came If they cannot be confident that percent stake in UBS, the financial giant that has been among the hard- barrel for the first time in 14 months after a government report showed a they will get a stable return on their est hit by losses from American subprime mortgage debt, and inject on Thursday, prompting the OPEC larger-than-anticipated rise in domes- investment, they may hold back. it with 6 billion Swiss francs, in capital. Rebuking UBS for failing to cartel to call for an emergency meet- tic crude oil stockpiles as Americans That in turn could set the stage for maintain adequate risk controls, regulators also set up a $60 billion ing next week to establish some sta- use less oil, in part because they are possible shortages of oil and higher fund to absorb toxic assets lingering on its books, a move designed to bility in prices that have swung wildly driving less. In the past month, do- prices when global demand picks up strengthen its financial and competitive position. along with the stock market this year. mestic oil demand has fallen to its again. Credit Suisse, the country’s other banking powerhouse, rebuffed an Oil prices have tumbled by nearly lowest level since June 1999, at 18.6 The sharp drop-off has forced offer of direct government help and said it would raise $8.75 billion on $40 a barrel in just three weeks amid million barrels a day, according to the OPEC’s hand. The cartel said just its own from the Qatar Investment Authority and other private backers growing signs that demand for energy Department of Energy. last week that it would meet in mid- to shore up its capital base. will slow along with weakening econ- Oil settled down $4.69 a barrel at November, after the U.S. elections. Although neither bank is in danger of collapse, with evidence omies around the world. As recently $69.85 on Thursday. The drop, along But on Thursday it rescheduled its mounting that confidence in UBS’s core wealth management business as July, oil was trading at a record of with other promising signs on the in- emergency session for next Friday, was eroding, the Swiss National Bank moved quickly. $145 a barrel. flation front, was among the reasons Oct. 24. The decline in oil prices could investors bid stocks higher, with the The cartel’s producers, who con- provide a form of stimulus to the Dow Jones industrial average closing trol 40 percent of global experts, GOP Donor Is Accused of economy as consumers pay less to up 401.35 points at 8,979.26, could curb their output by about a fill up their tanks. If oil prices stay at Natural gas prices have also million barrels a day to try to stem the Overcharging Pentagon current levels, consumers would have tumbled since their summer peak of drop in prices, according to analysts. By James Glanz $250 billion more, over a year, to $13.58 per thousand cubic feet. On From its inception the oil industry and Michael Luo save or spend elsewhere, according to Thursday, natural gas futures rose 19 has gone through countless cycles, The New York Times Lawrence Goldstein, an energy econ- cents, to $6.81, after a report showed with oil companies cutting invest- The Democratic chairman of a House investigative committee pre- omist. Some analysts expect oil prices that stockpiles rose less than expect- ments when prices fell. The price sented documents to the Pentagon on Thursday charging that a top Re- to keep declining, perhaps to as low ed. collapse of the 1980s forced compa- publican fundraiser, Harry Sargeant III, has made tens of millions of as $50 a barrel in coming months. While consumers may have rea- nies to slash investments and sparked dollars in profits over the last four years because his contracting com- Americans will probably see low- son to cheer the falling oil prices after a wave of large mergers through the pany vastly overcharged for deliveries of fuel to U.S. air bases in Iraq. er energy bills this winter, as gasoline such a sharp run-up, the wild roller industry. But this retrenchment left In a written statement on Thursday, a lawyer for Sargeant, who and heating oil futures also dropped coaster of volatility is a nightmare for the world scrambling for oil when de- is the finance chairman of the Florida Republican Party and a major sharply on Thursday. Gasoline prices oil producers and petroleum execu- mand from Asian and Latin American fundraiser for Sen. John McCain’s presidential campaign, called the now average $3.08 a gallon, down tives who say they need more stabil- economies soared. allegations “deeply disappointing” and asserted that they were not sup- ported by the facts. The contracting company, called the International Oil Trading Co., or IOTC, was briefly in the news over the summer when a former part- Airstrike in Afghanistan ner filed a lawsuit against Sargeant in a Florida circuit court. The former partner, a Jordanian named Mohammad al-Saleh, is a brother-in-law of the King of Jordan. The court papers laid out his Threatens to Anger Populace assertion that he obtained special governmental authorizations for the company to transport the fuel through Jordan and was then unlawfully By John F. Burns from coalition airstrikes. U.S. com- had hit three houses in a village in the forced out by Sargeant, who strongly disputed those allegations. The New York Times manders have acknowledged the war Loy Bagh District that were sheltering KABUL, Afghanistan has been going badly in recent months seven families seeking refuge from A NATO airstrike Thursday on a as the Taliban and al-Qaida have fighting elsewhere in the district over EPA Toughens Standard on village near the embattled provincial stepped up their campaign of bomb- the past week. Mahboob Khan, the capital of Lashkar Gah killed between ings and assassinations. district chief, said in a telephone inter- Lead Emissions 25 and 30 civilians, Afghan officials in Residents claiming to have wit- view that 18 bodies had been pulled By Felicity Barringer the area said. nessed the airstrike said at least 18 from the rubble, and that as many as The New York Times While NATO confirmed that an bodies, all women and children — 12 other bodies remained buried in The Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday set stringent airstrike had taken place in the area, including one only six months old — the ruins. Khan said the bombing had new standards for airborne lead particles, following the recommenda- where Taliban fighters have been bat- were pulled from the rubble and taken caused widespread anger among the tions of its science advisers and cutting the maximum allowable con- tling NATO forces, it said the reports to the provincial governor’s compound villagers. centrations to a tenth of the previous standard. It was the first change were being investigated and that the in protest. “They’re busy burying their family in federal lead standards in three decades. command was “unable to confirm any At nightfall in Kabul, the Afghan members now,” he said. But the cleanup of areas with excessive lead levels is not required civilian casualties.” capital, the NATO command issued He added: “But tomorrow, they for more than eight years, and the system of monitors that detect the Reliable information on the air- a statement confirming only that an will demand to know why their houses toxic contaminant is frayed. Currently, 133 monitors are in operation strike — whether it caused the deaths, airstrike had taken place in the Nadali were targeted.” nationwide, down from about 800 in 1980, an EPA spokeswoman, as local officials and residents report- District, northwest of Lashkar Gah, Khan’s account, and similar ones Cathy Milbourn, said. The agency is working on rebuilding this net- ed, and whether the number of civilian the capital of Helmand province in given by other local officials, could work, to include more than 300 monitors, Milbourn said. deaths was accurate — was elusive. the southwest. The command said it not be verified because reporters were The new standards set the limits for exposure at 0.15 micrograms But any substantial civilian death toll expected to give more details on Fri- unable to reach the site of the strike. per cubic meter of air, down from 1.5 micrograms, and well within the would further inflame an Afghan gov- day. Khan’s compound in Nadali is said to outer limit of 0.2 micrograms recommended by the advisers. ernment and public already uneasy Local officials and residents of be the only place in the district that is over a recent rise in civilian casualties Nadali said Thursday that a bomb under the control of the government. We a t h e r Omar Churns in Atlantic as Situation for Noon Eastern Daylight Time, Friday, October 17, 2008

130°W 125°W 120°W 115°W 110°W 105°W 100°W 95°W 90°W 85°W 80°W 75°W 70°W 65°W 60°W Boston Cools Down 40°N By Vince Agard Although fall is in full swing, the annual hurricane season stretches through the month of October, and the Atlantic has been home to some recent cyclone activity in the form of Hurricane Omar. After forming on Monday off the northern coast of South America in the 35°N Caribbean Sea, Omar began strengthening, attaining Tropical Storm status on Tuesday and Hurricane status the following day. During the early morning 1026 hours on Thursday, Omar battered Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands with sustained winds upward of 125 mph (200 km/h) before moving out to sea and 1026 beginning to lose strength. Although a storm of such strength is unlikely to 30°N reach New England, the possibility for the formation of new tropical cyclones still exists for the next few weeks. Here in the Boston area, we will see some more autumn-like weather over the coming week. Although we have been enjoying temperatures in the up- per 60s for most of this week, a cold front that passed through the region on 25°N Thursday will bring cooler, crisper weather in the near future. Mostly clear conditions can be expected for the next few days, with temperatures ranging from the 50s during the daytime to the lower 40s overnight.

Extended Forecast Today: Mostly sunny. High 56°F (13°C). Weather Systems Weather Fronts Precipitation Symbols Other Symbols Tonight: Clear. Low 41°F (5°C). Snow Rain Fog High Pressure Trough Saturday: Mostly sunny. High 51°C (11°C). - - - Showers Thunderstorm

Sunday: Mostly sunny. Highs in the low 50s°F (11°C). Q Q Q Q Warm Front Light Low Pressure Haze Monday: Mostly sunny, Highs in the upper 50s°F (15°C). LLLLL Cold Front Moderate Compiled by MIT Hurricane Q Q Meteorology Staff L L Stationary Front Heavy and The Tech October 17, 2008 Wo r l d & Na t i o n The Tech Page 3

Debate Puts ‘Joe the Judge Orders Investigation of Executions in Franco Era Plumber’ in the Spotlight By Dale Fuchs The New York Times MADRID By Larry Rohter and does not belong to the plumber’s vision, worked all day at the plumbing The crusading investigative judge Baltasar Garzon opened Spain’s and Liz Robbins union, which has endorsed Obama. business and came home to fix dinner first criminal investigation into Franco-era executions and repression The New York Times His full name is Samuel J. Wur- and help his 13-year-old son with with an order Thursday to open 19 mass graves, including one believed One week ago, Joe Wurzelbacher zelbacher. And he owes a bit in back his homework. His goal, in his own to contain the remains of the poet Federico Garcia Lorca. was just another working man living taxes, too, according to public re- words, was simply “to have a house, a Garzon, who has focused on terrorism cases in recent years, is often in a modest house outside Toledo, cords. The premise of his complaint dog, a couple rifles, a bass boat.” praised for his failed attempt to prosecute Gen. Augusto Pinochet, the Ohio, and thinking about how to ex- to Obama about taxes may also be But he became the hero of con- Chilean dictator, in 1998 for crimes against humanity. But his order on pand the plumbing business where he flawed, according to tax analysts. servatives and Republicans when he Thursday raised an immediate controversy within Spain itself. Silence works. But when he stopped Sen. Ba- Contrary to what Wurzelbacher as- stopped Obama, who was campaign- and a so-called pact of forgetting about past atrocities were the pillars rack Obama during a visit to his block serted and McCain echoed, neither ing on his street on Sunday, and asked of the peaceful transition to democracy after the nearly 40-year dicta- last weekend to complain about taxes, his personal taxes nor those of the whether he believed in the Ameri- torship of Franco, who died in 1975. he set himself on a path to becoming business where he works are likely can dream. Wurzelbacher said he In a 68-page court document, Garzon accepted a petition to investi- America’s newest media celebrity and to rise if Obama’s tax plan were to go was concerned about having to pay gate the forced disappearances of thousands of people who, like Garcia as such suddenly found himself fac- into effect, they said. higher taxes when he made the transi- Lorca, were on or linked to the losing Republican side of the Spanish ing celebrity-level scrutiny. None of that is likely to matter tion from employee to the owner of a Civil War. The petition was filed by 13 associations of victims’ families. As it turns out, “Joe the Plumber,” to those who see Wurzelbacher as a small business. Garcia Lorca was executed in Granada, where he was born, by a as he became nationally known when symbol of the entrepreneurial spirit “I’m getting ready to buy a compa- firing squad at the start of the war, which ran from 1936 to 1939. The Sen. John McCain made him a theme they hope to foster with tax cuts — ny that makes $250,000 to $280,000 a grave his remains are believed to lie in, along with those of a school- at Wednesday night’s third and final McCain, campaigning in Pennsylva- year,” he told Obama in an exchange teacher and two union leaders, is in a nearby village, Viznar. It has presidential debate, may work in the nia on Thursday, again put him at the that was videotaped and later showed become a pilgrimage site for lovers of Garcia Lorca’s tragic, passion- plumbing business, but he is not a li- center of his pitch — but even Wur- up on YouTube. “Your new tax plan is ate verse, as well as for students of Spanish history — many of whom censed plumber. zelbacher said he was shocked by all going to tax me more, isn’t it?” leave flowers or notes at the site. Thomas Joseph, the business man- the attention. That encounter quickly led to ap- ager of Local 50 of the United Asso- “I’m kind of like Britney Spears pearances on the Fox News Channel, ciation of Plumbers, Steamfitters and having a headache,” he told The Asso- interviews with conservative blog- In Economic Crisis, Newly Service Mechanics, based in Toledo, ciated Press on Thursday. “Everybody gers and an editorial in The New York said Thursday that Wurzelbacher had wants to know about it.” Post, all of whom seized on a small Profligate India Cuts Back never held a plumber’s license, which Just five days ago, Wurzelbacher, part of Obama’s long reply. “I think By Somini Sengupta is required in Toledo and several sur- 34, lived in anonymity on Shrews- that when you spread the wealth The New York Times NEW DELHI rounding municipalities. He also bury Street in Holland, Ohio, a single around, it’s good for everybody,” Aman Walia, 21, dreamed of flying. never completed an apprenticeship father who, as he said on national tele- Obama had said. Armed with a student loan, he enrolled in flight attendant school and snatched himself a dream job with Jet Airways, India’s largest pri- vate carrier, six months ago. In short order, he bought his first car, renovated his apartment and threw himself into the high life of young, Presidential Rivals’ Visions exuberant New India. This week, he was fired. Jet Airways, having posted large losses over the last year, announced Differ on Sparking Innovation layoffs of 1,900 crew members, including 800 flight attendants. It was part of India’s first taste of pain from a bruising global eco- By William J. Broad ture on which innovation depends. user, commenced an aggressive drive nomic slowdown. “Dreams are on hold right now,” Walia said Thurs- and Cornelia Dean The visions both face tough questions for campaign donations over the Inter- day. He and dozens of former Jet employees, the men in navy suits and The New York Times on their viability amid the nation’s net. the women in knee-length golden yellow jackets usually seen on board For decades, the United States deepening financial crisis. Obama embraces the theory of evo- doling out lemonade with smiles, marched incongruously through the dominated the technological revolu- Sen. John McCain, the Republi- lution and argues that the teaching of domestic airport here this morning, shouting slogans. tion sweeping the globe. The nation’s can presidential nominee, seeks to intelligent design and other creationist “Jet Airways, down, down,” they chanted as news television cam- science and engineering skills pro- encourage innovation by cutting cor- ideas “cloud” a student’s understand- eras rolled. duced vast gains in productivity and porate taxes and ending what he calls ing of science. While McCain says he While the airline reversed itself later in the day and reinstated the wealth, powered its military and made “burdensome regulations” that he personally believes in evolution, he workers, the shock seemed likely to linger. it the de facto world leader. says inhibit corporate investment. But has also said that children should be Until recently, Indians had been spared the worst of the fallout Today, the dominance is eroding. McCain has also repeatedly gone up taught “all points of view.” from the current global financial crisis: no mass foreclosures, no banks In 2002, the nation’s high-technology against business if he sees a conflict McCain has written five books, threatening default under mountains of debt. But India’s fast-clip econ- balance of trade went south, and it with national security, for instance, in starting in 1999, but none discuss in omy is beginning to show signs of a slowdown, in turn tamping the never came back. By 2007, the annual seeking to limit sensitive exports. any detail how the nation might re- country’s newfound predilection to spend. gap between high-tech exports and In Sen. Barack Obama’s view, the spond to technical rivals — a central imports had grown to $53 billion. The United States must compete far more theme of Obama’s second book, pub- gap this year is expected to be the larg- effectively against an array of inter- lished in 2006. Obama posted a de- Google’s Net Is Up 26 Percent est ever — approaching $60 billion. national rivals who are growing more tailed set of technology proposals on By Miguel Helft Both presidential candidates, in technically adept. Obama, the Demo- his Web site late last year; McCain did The New York Times SAN FRANCISCO their careers and in their campaigns, cratic nominee, looks to the federal so in recent months. For months, Google has promised investors that the company’s on- have made detailed arguments for government to finance science, math It remains to be seen how the can- line advertising system would do relatively well in an economic down- how the nation should deal with tech- and engineering education and the didates would pay for their proposals. turn. On Thursday, it showed evidence that it may be able deliver on nology rivals, sharpen its competitive kind of basic research that can pro- At the request of The New York that promise. edge and improve what experts call its duce valuable industrial spinoffs. Times, the Information Technology Google said that its growth rate continued to slow in the third quar- “ecology of innovation.” The personal styles of the candi- and Innovation Foundation, a nonpar- ter. But the company fared better than Wall Street expected as it re- Yet their visions are strikingly dif- dates also contrast. McCain says his tisan research group in Washington, ported a solid 26 percent jump in net income to $1.35 billion, or $4.24 ferent. They diverge mainly on the leadership of the Senate commerce estimated the annual costs of the plans a share, from $1.07 billion in the third quarter of 2007. The company’s appropriate role for the federal gov- committee has versed him in technol- and put Obama’s at $85.6 billion and results were bolstered by strong gains in online advertising and efforts ernment in education, in spending on ogy issues, but he also jokes about his McCain’s at $78.8 billion, excluding by Google to slow hiring and rein in costs. research, and in building, maintaining ignorance of personal computers and his proposed reductions in corporate Google’s shares, which rose to $353.02, or 4 percent, in regular and regulating the complex infrastruc- e-mail. Obama, an avid BlackBerry taxes. trading on Thursday, jumped an additional 10 percent after the com- pany reported its financial results. However, they remain down sharply from their high of just over $740 in November 2007. A Senator Takes the Witness Stand Google’s chief executive, Eric E. Schmidt, said the results reflected marketers’ acceptance of a system that is better and more measurable than By Neil A. Lewis “Did you ever intend to file false neur who made a fortune in Alaska’s other forms of advertising. He said that while the economic environment The New York Times statements?” His response: “No, I North Slope oilfields, testified for was unpredictable, Google was poised to continue doing relatively well. WASHINGTON did not.” the prosecution earlier this month “We are very realistic about the macroeconomic climate, but we are Sen. Ted Stevens took the wit- Stevens’ brief declarations of in- that Stevens fully understood that he optimistic about Google’s future,” Schmidt said during a conference ness stand in his own defense on nocence came at the end of two days was getting the goods and services call with analysts. Thursday, asserting that he had never in which defense witnesses includ- for free. engaged in any scheme to file false ing his wife, Catherine Stevens, were Stevens’ defense has been that disclosure forms in the Senate. subjected to strong cross-examina- that he and his wife paid about Nader Displays New Fervor In taking the calculated risk of tions by Justice Department prosecu- $130,000 to some contractors, which testifying at his corruption trial, tors, For the rest of his 20 minutes on they believed covered the cost of the On the Bailout Issue Stevens, a Republican, made what the stand before court recessed for renovation. Although the Stevenses By Julie Bosman should be a fateful decision to tell his the day, Stevens recounted some of never paid Allen or Veco any money, The New York Times story before two distinct audiences his personal and political history in defense lawyers argued that Allen Standing on the steps of Federal Hall just after noon on Thursday, — the jury hearing the case and the Alaska. had done lots of things on his own Ralph Nader was the same familiar tall, rumpled, graying figure, fer- Alaska electorate that will decide on It was what Sullivan said was a and never sent Stevens any bills. vently railing against corporate power and greed. Nov. 4 whether to return him to the “warmup” for a full bout of testi- Defense lawyers asserted that Al- “There are no bailouts for the working people of this country!” Senate, where he has represented the mony on Friday morning by Stevens len, who had once been close friends said Nader, 74, addressing a crowd of several hundred people on Wall state for 40 years. before what is expected to be a criti- with Stevens, had turned on him, to Street, a mix of cheering fans toting “Jail Time for Corporate Crime” Stevens, 84, is charged in seven cal cross-examination. win favor with the government. He signs, curious workers on their lunch breaks and bewildered tourists felony counts with knowingly fail- The heart of the case is whether needed the government’s agreement snapping pictures. “Just bailouts for the speculative corporations of ing to list on Senate disclosure forms Stevens knew that his longtime to sell his company for some $380 this country.” some $250,000 in gifts and services friend, Bill Allen, an oil services million and is also facing sentenc- In the $700 billion bailout plan for the financial system, Nader, now in connection with the renovation of tycoon, used his company, Veco, ing for his conviction in Alaska for a on his fourth presidential run, has finally found a real-life event to il- his Alaska home. to rebuild a small A-frame home scheme to bribe state lawmakers. lustrate what he has made a cause of his career. Ending days of suspense in the in Girdwood, Alaska. Beginning in The defense posture was put to “Oh yeah, it’s got everything,” Nader said in an interview after the courtroom about whether he would 1999, the Stevens home underwent the test for most of Thursday with rally. “Taxation without representation, no public hearings. This is the testify, he was called to the stand late a complete makeover; it was jacked Stevens’ wife, Catherine, on the worst yet, procedurally and substantively.” in the afternoon by his lawyer, Bren- up, a new floor was built underneath, stand. She is a well-known Washing- Nader continues to draw scorn for his role in the 2000 election, dan Sullivan. decks were added on two floors and ton lawyer and is, in her own right, when many Democrats felt his long-shot candidacy destroyed Al “When you signed these forms various appliances and gifts were known as a formidable figure. Under Gore’s chances of becoming president. But this time, some polls in did you believe they were accurate added including an expensive gas questioning by Robert Cary, a Ste- critical swing states like Florida suggest he is drawing votes from Sen. and truthful?” Sullivan asked. “Yes grill and a stained glass panel. vens lawyer, she was self-assured John McCain, the Republican nominee. sir,” Stevens replied. Allen, a rough-hewn entrepre- and straightforward. Page 4 The Tech October 17, 2008 Op i n i o n

Because of a production error, the Oct. 14, 2008 story “Gender Ratios Vary Widely Across MIT Courses” incorrectly described the coloring of a chart showing graduate student gender ratios by major as “mostly magenta.” In fact it is mostly cyan, indicating that the Chairman composition of many graduate programs is more heavily male. Also because of a production Benjamin P. Gleitzman ’09 Corrections error, the article incorrectly stated that the chart for undergraduates “has slightly more cyan Editor in Chief than magenta” because women are the majority in more departments; in fact, that chart has Nick Semenkovich ’09 more magenta than cyan for that reason. Business Manager Austin Chu G Managing Editor Post-Debate Impressions Jessica Witchley ’10 Executive Editor Why Aren’t the Candidates Talking More About Science and Technology? Michael McGraw-Herdeg G for a reform of No Child Left Behind and in- ponents of a strong American military and all News Staff Ethan Solomon creased federal funding for schools. owe their development to research in science News and Features Director: Angeline Wang True to form, both made very sure to not and technology, particularly at institutions ’09; Editors: Arkajit Dey ’11, Jeff Guo ’11, Barack Obama and John McCain faced off address the question directly, lest they acci- such as MIT. Natasha Plotkin ’11; Associate Editors: Ryan Ko ’11, Emily Prentice ’11; Staff: Curt Fischer in their last presidential debate this Wednes- dentally provide an answer. Obama certainly So why don’t the candidates like talking G, Ray C. He G, Ramya Sankar G, John A. day, and by many measures, it was the most could have though — his website specifically about this? Would it not play well with the Hawkinson ’98, Daniela Cako ’09, Diana Jue interesting of the three rumbles. The sena- addresses that math and science scores should American people? The people would rather ’09, Ji Qi ’09, Yiwei Zhang ’09, Yi Zhou ’09, tors tackled the economy, healthcare, energy, be a top priority in the American education hear confused responses about vouchers, No Nick Bushak ’10, Yuri Hanada ’10, JiHye Kim and for the first time, abortion, education and scheme. Either Ctrl+F on Firefox isn’t work- Child Left Behind and charter schools than ’10, Joyce Kwan ’10, Jenny Liu ’10, Manisha the nomination of justices for the Supreme hear about what’s really going to make our Padi ’10, Joanne Y. Shih ’10, Yan Huang ’11, Court. country strong? Elijah Jordan Turner ’11, Lulu Wang ’11, Jessica But since your time is precious and you Here’s my advice: the candidates should do Lin ’12, Robert McQueen ’12; Meteorologists: Here’s my advice: the Cegeon Chan G, Garrett P. Marino G, Jon can just flip on the TV to see what the talking everything they can to associate themselves Moskaitis G, Roberto Rondanelli G, Scott heads on CNN, MSNBC, and Fox have to say candidates should do with developments in science and technology Stransky G, Brian H. Tang G, John K. Williams about who won the debate, or how John Mc- (S&T, if you will). The debates would have G, Angela Zalucha G. Cain’s facial expressions are going to decide everything they can to associate been a great time to do this. The candidates the future of this country, I’d like to comment could have connected the dots between na- Production Staff specifically on the candidates’ positions on themselves with developments tional security, the economy, energy, climate Editor: Steve Howland ’11; Staff: K. Nichole education in the context of one of Bob Schief- change and education into a beautiful, inter- Treadway ’10. fer’s questions: in science and technology. connected web of promises with S&T at its Opinion Staff Our country spends the most on education, core, and I totally would have bought it. Editor: Andrew T. Lukmann G; Staff: Gary but our standardized math and science scores ing, or McCain’s section on education does Plus, it’s an issue that plays well with both Shu G, Keith A. Yost G, Josh Levinger ’07, lag well behind most other countries. What not mention “math” or “science” once. parties, so I would see no reason why either Krishna Gupta ’09, Aditya Kohli ’09. will the candidates do to close this gap and During the debate, Obama made a brief candidate wouldn’t try and capitalize on some Sports Staff improve education in America? connection between education, the economy, S&T cred. What we saw Wednesday night Editor: Aaron Sampson ’10. Since we’re at MIT, math and science edu- and national security, but more needs to be shows that both candidates are missing the cation is kinda’ important to us and maybe we said on the matter. The American economy and big picture. Stronger education in science and Arts Staff should pay attention to what the candidates the outstanding role model the United States math means more innovations in technology Editor: Praveen Rathinavelu ’10; Staff: are saying about it. Last night, that was easy, used to represent to the rest of the world de- which means more efficient sources of power Bogdan Fedeles G, Andrew Lee ’07, Tyson C. because neither of the candidates addressed pended largely on American innovation in sci- and more effective ways to defend the coun- McNulty ’08, S. Balaji Mani ’10, Tina Ro ’10, the issue of education in terms of America’s ence and technology. The renewable sources try which means energy independence and job Kevin Wang ’10. lagging math and science scores. of energy that Obama and McCain “discuss” creation which means a strong economy. Photography Staff Both re-hashed their talking points on edu- ad nauseum hinge on the same type of leaps It’s essentially that simple. The American Editors: David M. Templeton ’08, Andrea cation — in a nutshell, McCain advocates for and bounds in science and technology (some people know this. Robles ’10, William Yee ’10; Staff: Vincent a competitive model, throwing education to of those advances being made right at MIT). If either candidate reads this and is stuck Auyeung G, Alex H. Chan G, Alice Fan G, the wolves of the free market (the same meta- In a very literal sense, the security of on how to boost their S&T cred, here’s another David Da He G, Perry Hung G, Maksim phorical wolves who brought the metaphori- the United States is a direct function of our suggestion: come to MIT and give a talk at Imakaev G, Dmitry Kashlev G, Arthur Petron cally broken, partially devoured carcass of prowess in science and technology. Innova- Kresge. Please. That’d be so cool. G, David Reshef G, Martin Segado G, Noah our financial sector to the American people’s tions like radar, computers, GPS, and Stark Ethan Solomon is a member of the Class Spies G, Scott Johnston ’03, Christina Kang ’08, Martha Angela Wilcox ’08, Chelsea Grimm ’09, metaphorical doorstep), while Obama argued Industries’ Jericho missile are all vital com- of 2012. Ana Malagon ’09, Peter H. Rigano ’09, Eric D. Schmiedl ’09, Jerzy Szablowski ’09, Diana Ye ’09, Daniel P. Beauboeuf ’10, Biyeun Buczyk State of the Race ’10, Arka P. Dhar ’10, Mindy Eng ’10, Helen Hou ’10, Monica Kahn ’10, Samuel E. Kronick ’10, Diane Rak ’10, Jongu Shin ’10, Dhaval With 19 Days Left, Where Do We Stand? Adjodah ’11, Monica Gallegos ’11, Michael Guess what’s happening now? all above his national average. This means that Y. McCanna ’11, Michael Meyer ’11, Kari Williams ’11, Sherry Yan ’11, Rachel Fong ’12. Spenser Skates John McCain is not a happy camper. More McCain cannot only tie Obama in the popular people believe that Sarah Palin is not qualified vote — he needs to gain a solid lead to guar- Campus Life Staff It was only a month ago that Democrats had to be president than believe she is qualified. antee victory. Editor: Charles Lin G; Staff: J. Graham Ruby a serious fear of losing the 2008 presidential Voters are especially concerned with McCain’s Therefore, if McCain wants to win, he has G, David Shirokoff G, Jason Chan ’09, Sarah election. The nomination of Sarah Palin was age with respect to the vice-presidency, as to upset the applecart in a major way. He does C. Proehl ’09, Michael Ciuffo ’11, Michael T. thought to be the beginning of the end of the Sarah Palin would literally be a heartbeat away not have many opportunities left to do so. Now Lin ’11, Christine Yu ’11; Cartoonists: Daniel Klein-Marcuschamer G, Roberto Perez-Franco Obama juggernaut. This was the first time that from the presidency. that the debates are finished, he really only has G, Ben Peters ’11. McCain had held a lead nationally since May If elected into office, McCain will become a chance to either come out with a major story — far before Obama had wrapped up the nomi- 72 years-old on inauguration day, the oldest about Obama, seize on a major international Business Staff nation. start to the job of the presidency in history. incident hugely favorable to the Republican Advertising Manager: Mark Thompson ’11; In spite of a ringing endorsement the week CBS News released a national poll on party (think terrorist attack or war with Rus- Operations Manager: Michael Kuo ’10; Staff: of the Democratic National Convention from Wednesday featuring a 14 point lead for sia), or wait for Obama to make a major elec- Neeharika Bhartiya ’10, Jennifer Chu ’10, both Senator Clinton and her husband, the for- Obama. tion changing gaffe. Heymian Wong ’10, Connie Chan ’12, Sandra Chen ’12, Mengjie Ding ’12, Joseph Maurer mer president, disaffected Clinton supporters 14 points! Continuing with the status quo, or even ’12, Greg Steinbrecher ’12, Eric Trac ’12. were supposed to be ready to throw their sup- After going through two nail biting elec- making a small dent in his numbers on the ba- port Sarah Palin and sink Obama for his bitter tions where the margin of victory was 1-2 sis of the same tired stories will result in an Technology Staff primary battle with the New York senator. percent, 14 points is huge. As long as national Obama victory. It’s time for the Hail-Mary play Director: Ricardo Ramirez ’09; Staff: Quentin Headlines around the world featured “Mc- tracking polls have been around, no candidate — otherwise McCain will be stuck sitting on Smith ’10. Cain picks woman as running mate” and the has come back from a double digit deficit with his hands waiting for a unlikely gift from the Editors at Large Republican base was energized for the first less than 3 weeks to go and win. extraordinarily disciplined Obama campaign. Contributing Editors: Rosa Cao G, Brian time since McCain was nominated, with record On top of this, Obama has the advantage Will McCain go out with a whimper or a Hemond G, Valery K. Brobbey ’08, Caroline levels of volunteers and donations streaming to in the electoral math. His poll numbers in the bang? Huang ’10; Senior Editors: Satwiksai Seshasai the McCain campaign. The Republican Party Kerry states plus Iowa, New Mexico, Colorado, Spenser Skates is a member of the Class of G, Shreyes Seshasai G, Jillian A. Berry ’08, had a reason to be excited. and Virginia — a winning combination — are 2010. Omari Stephens ’08, Sarah Dupuis ’10.

Advisory Board Paul E. Schindler, Jr. ’74, V. Michael Bove ’83, property of The Tech, and will not be returned. Letters, columns, and Barry S. Surman ’84, Robert E. Malchman Opinion Policy cartoons may also be posted on The Tech’s Web site and/or printed ’85, Deborah A. Levinson ’91, Jonathan E. D. Editorials are the official opinion of The Tech. They are written by or published in any other format or medium now known or later that Richmond PhD ’91, Karen Kaplan ’93, Saul the editorial board, which consists of Chairman Benjamin P. Gleitzman, becomes known. The Tech makes no commitment to publish all the Blumenthal ’98, Frank Dabek ’00, Daniel Ryan Editor in Chief Nick Semenkovich, Managing Editor Jessica Witchley, letters received. Bersak ’02, Eric J. Cholankeril ’02, Jordan Opinion Editor Andrew T. Lukmann, and Contributing Editor Rosa Cao. Guest columns are opinion articles submitted by members of the Rubin ’02, Nathan Collins SM ’03, Keith J. Dissents are the opinions of signed members of the editorial MIT or local community and have the author’s name in italics. Col- Winstein ’03, Akshay R. Patil ’04, Tiffany board choosing to publish their disagreement with the editorial. umns without italics are written by Tech staff. Dohzen ’06, Beckett W. Sterner ’06, Marissa Vogt ’06, Zachary Ozer ’07, B. D. Colen. Letters to the editor, columns, and editorial cartoons are writ- ten by individuals and represent the opinion of the author, not neces- Production Staff for This Issue sarily that of the newspaper. Electronic submissions are encouraged To Reach Us Editors: Jessica Witchley ’10, Steve Howland and should be sent to [email protected]. Hard copy submis- The Tech’s telephone number is (617) 253-1541. E-mail is the eas- ’11. sions should be addressed to The Tech, P.O. Box 397029, Cambridge, iest way to reach any member of our staff. If you are unsure whom

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[email protected]. Letters to the editor should be sent to let- bridge, Mass. 02139-7029. Telephone: Editorial: (617) 253-1541. Busi- ness: (617) 258-8324. Facsimile: (617) 258-8226. Advertising, subscription, The Tech reserves the right to edit or condense letters; shorter let- [email protected]. The Tech can be found on the World Wide and typesetting rates available. Entire contents © 2008 The Tech. Printed on ters will be given higher priority. Once submitted, all letters become Web at http://www-tech.mit.edu. recycled paper by Saltus Press. October 17, 2008 Op i n i o n The Tech Page 5 The Need for a Nuanced Russia Policy An Analysis of the Candidates’ Takes on Russian Relations in would do well to 1) study the region closely whose democratic credentials the Republican the Russian leadership and society in recent Florence Gallez and 2) know who they are talking to. party has been trumpeting about with especial years may make the job harder for Obama. The United States’ response to the five-day vehemence. This is a country that has seen rampant rac- “A wolf with a limited point of view” — conflict between Russia and Georgia in August As last month’s brief war showed, Saakash- ism and increased attacks against non-white this is how Russian Prime Minister Vladimir largely ignored the local and regional factors vili is no saint. However, it also helps to know citizens over the past couple of years, and Putin (then president) referred to the United and instantly resorted to high geopolitics — an about McCain’s top foreign policy advisor where the word ‘negr’ [nigger] is perfectly States days after Condoleezza Rice spoke on easy formula that the new US president should Randy Scheunemann’s long financial relation- acceptable in the Russian language. Dubious US-Russian cooperation at Boston College in avoid when dealing with Russia and the CIS ship with Saakashvili to lobby his interests in jokes on skin color abound in TV shows and May 2006. region. As for his interlocutor, it is clear to all the United States, which earned him nearly one advertisements. Whoever is elected to the U.S. presidency, now that Putin is the one running the show million dollars. Or that Palin’s husband works Having said this, Condoleezza Rice seemed the job of ‘dealing with Russia,’ won’t be easy and it should be no surprise if he engineered for BP, the oil company that has been locked in to have had no problems commanding respect … a comeback. a battle with the Russian government over its among her Russian counterparts on her nu- And not just for a less internationally-expe- Particularly when it comes to the two new 50 percent stake in Russian energy giant TNK, merous visits to Moscow. rienced candidate like Barack Obama. To start American players on the international scene and that BP is the largest stakeholder in the Just as McCain would need to tone down, with, both candidates are being handed by the — Obama and Palin — one wonders if they Baku-Ceyhan pipeline — which runs through Obama needs a more assertive voice when talk- media an all too familiar simplistic Cold War- realize how dysfunctional the US-Russia rela- Georgia. ing to Russia. His style may be more in sync styled script. The second debate at Belmont tionship can be. Despite crucial partnerships In short, there is no doubt that Big Oil is with (at least seemingly) a ‘softer’ Medvedev, University in Nashville, Tennessee on Oct. 7 on many fronts, from trade to space, and ecol- behind much of the McCain-Palin agenda, But he needs to be ultra clear on policies too. did just that. ogy to antiterrorism, diverging views on core which throws into question the motivation The vague ideal of trying to be everything to Asked to assess Russia amid already concepts such as democracy and human rights, behind their broadly broadcast concerns over all people of his initial campaign will not work strained US-Russian relations, the candidates an endless blame game and a one-sided war of democracy in the region. in this context, and Putin has proved to be a were asked the barbed question, “Do you think words have been the trademarks of talks be- The United States may have good reasons very shrewd strategist. that Russia under Vladimir Putin is an evil em- tween Moscow and Washington. for NATO expansion and its plans for a mis- Obama may have also a deeper understand- pire?” with the option to reply “yes” or “no.” On the US side, just as on Russia’s, finger- sile-defense shield in Eastern Europe, but Mc- ing of what Russians went through — as may Both skillfully skipped past the pointed re- shaking and talk that casts the other as ‘the en- Cain’s anger-filled pronouncements on Russia suggest a comparative chart of what African- plies, but made clear that they have problems emy’ has been characteristic of American poli- verge on provocation and following the Bush Americans and ethnic Russians in Russia have with Russia. cy on Russia throughout Bush’s two terms. Administration’s debacle in Iraq, one can only in common, published earlier this year in the “Maybe,” McCain replied, adding, “If I say There is no minimizing the despotic nature wonder what kind of world order such aggres- now defunct expat newspaper The Exile. yes, then that means that we’re reigniting the of Putin’s Russia, which over the past couple sive leadership would create. Among the entries are: African-Americans old Cold War. If I say no, it ignores their be- of years has been marked by a trampling of The Democrats are not entirely clean of du- (AA) were freed in 1863 by President Lincoln, havior.” the opposition, the free press, and the indepen- bious dealings with the Georgian ruling elite Russians were freed in 1861 by Tsar Alex- “I think they’ve engaged in an evil behav- dent judiciary. The government has resorted either, as was made clear by Bill Clinton’s ander II; AA only given full voting rights in ior, and I think that it is important that we to sending its message through harassment, frolicking on the yachts of KGB-connected 1960s, Russians only given full voting rights understand they’re not the old Soviet Union, rigged trials, and slaying of critics. Ukrainian nationalist politician Viktor Yanu- in 1989, voting rights taken away in 2000; AA: but they still have nationalist impulses that I Should he be elected, McCain’s unresolved kovich, whose party ‘Our Ukraine’ received white-only stores, Russians: foreigners-only think are very dangerous,” Obama said, as if Cold War issues and Russophobic rhetoric advice from the firm run by Clinton’s pollster, hard currency stores; AA: problem of father- taking his cue from McCain’s long-standing promise to exacerbate such ‘we’ vs. ‘they’ Stan Greenberg, during the 2004 presidential less families, Russians: problem of fatherless anti-Russia stance — which he seems to have sentiments and continue down the anti-Russia election. families; African Americans invented rock’n been doing with increased frequency when hysteria path. Palin’s assurances that she is knowledge- roll, an African-Russian named Pushkin in- commenting on foreign policy. Maybe he really did have a point when he able on Russian affairs on the basis of Alaska’s vented modern Russian literature. The list Now, with just two weeks to go after the said that when he looked into Putin’s eyes he proximity to Russia raises similar doubts on goes on … final presidential debate on Oct. 15, one won- saw three letters: K.G.B. (This is itself a ref- the future government, although on a different Despite the newspaper’s highly contro- ders if this reductionistic mindset will taint erence to George W. Bush’s own declaration level … versial nature — it was closed down by the US-Russia relations, be it under an Obama or that when he first met the Russian president, … the exact same level as Obama’s lack of Kremlin earlier this year — these compari- McCain presidency. he caught a glimpse of Putin’s soul by look- experience in negotiating with big international sons may throw some new light on Obama The Russia Question may well take a back- ing into his eyes and found him to be trust- players. This is a worrying scenario, although as Russia’s possible interlocutor. One thing is seat to leave room for Iraq, Iran, China, or worthy.) Obama’s past political records prove him to be sure, whichever wolf faces the bear in coming most obviously the financial crisis, as it did But his calls for kicking Russia out of the a fast learner. On the other hand, having highly months and beyond, and whatever the global during the foreign policy-turned economy de- Group of 8 (G8) nations rather than engaging Russia-critical Zbigniew Brzezinski in his for- economic conditions, he will have to engage bate of last week. the country will only further alienate the Rus- eign policy team is where our same McCain- rather than enrage him. A new, more nuanced However, with an increasingly assertive sian people and their new president, Dmitry type leadership fears could resurface. Russia policy, and a redefinition of NATO’s and aggressive Russia and growing tension in Medvedev. Arguably, this may seem mild Although Russian polls show that, were role and U.S. interests in the Caucasus are a the Central Asian republics following the war compared to his running mate Sarah Palin’s Russians allowed to vote in U.S. elections, true imperative. with Georgia (where both sides are vying for declaration last month that she was ready to they would prefer Obama over McCain, the Florence Gallez is a graduate student in the strategic control of energy) Obama and McCa- go to war with Russia on behalf of Georgia, resurgence of xenophobic ultra-nationalism in Department of Comparative Media Studies. The ‘Joe the Plumber’ Debate McCain and Obama Remind Us What a Presidential Debate Should Actually Look Like

Plumber) is an uncommitted voter from Ohio caught Obama using weasel words and adding an attempted abortion, McCain stressed how Joseph Maurer who hopes to buy the plumbing business he has dubious qualifiers to his statements, noting how he and his wife had adopted a child. While worked for. His claim to fame came from talk- Barack claimed that he supported off-shore Obama’s counter argument for judges who are It’s 3 a.m., and my roommate is quiet and ing heatedly with Obama at a rally after learn- drilling simply by the virtue of his willingness concerned with the opinions of the day involved asleep. But there’s a phone on my desk, and it’s ing that Obama’s economic plan would raise to, “look at it,” as a source of energy. a dismissed lawsuit of a woman who sued be- ringing. taxes on small businesses like the one Joe wants That’s not to say that McCain was always cause of pay discrimination, McCain was able Thankfully, my cell phone is only reminding to buy. In what could be called either a Freudian flawless, as Obama’s statements were as a to respond that the case in question had more to me to finish this story, but in my sleep deprived slip or a life preserver to the McCain campaign, rule more eloquent than McCain’s. Similarly, do with the statute of limitations than judicial state, I can’t help but chuckle at how much the Obama bluntly responded to Joe by telling him no matter how many times McCain has been fairness. Score another one for the Maverick. Presidential race has shifted in the past few that the higher taxes would not be punishment nailed by pundits for looking uncomfortable The final question about education revealed months. When Hillary Clinton first ran the now for success, but instead a way to, “spread the around Obama, he continued to reveal his dis- nothing new, and both candidates had rather infamous red phone ad, she was emphasizing wealth around.” dain for his adversary lackluster closing statements, with McCain how we live in a “dangerous world,” telling vot- McCain seized this through body language poorly rehashing part of his excellent conclu- ers that she was better prepared than Barack opportunity, and from and words. sion from the past debate and Obama taking a Obama to tame any foreign threat. that point on proved Obama bluntly responded to Joe When the issue of page out of Bob Dole’s playbook by asking for Fast forward to Wednesday night’s debate at that when the Maverick by telling him that the higher health care came up, the viewer’s votes. Overall though, Obama tried the Hofstra University between Senators Barack is good in debates, he Obama gained the edge to play the role of a nonplussed leader but came Obama and John McCain, and it’s easy to won- is very, very good. He taxes would not be punishment as McCain focused too off looking all too vulnerable to tough ques- der how the situation changed so dramatically. was able to put Obama much time on explain- tions, while McCain used the night to mount This last of three Presidential debates fittingly on the defensive from for success, but instead a way to, ing how his opponents’ attacks on Obama while advancing his own focused exclusively on domestic policy: health the start, and build “spread the wealth around.” plan would lead to a views. care, taxes, and of course, the economy. some much needed mo- bigger and less efficient In the end though, I look at what both For this debate, and at this time in our na- mentum for the rest of government, without candidates did after the debate as a revealing tion’s history, Americans are more concerned the debate. Furthermore, McCain took one of focusing enough on the benefits of his own plan. measure of their personality. After shaking about the literal bread and butter crises of their Obama’s key attacks and flipped it on its head However, the fact that the Illinois Democrat had hands and meeting their wives, both Senators everyday lives. Pocketbook issues and the finan- in his most memorable line of the night: “I am to devote some of his time to addressing Joe the stood waving to the crowd, but while Obama cial crisis trump the equally important but more not President Bush. If you wanted to run against plumber alone demonstrates the brilliance of looked stoic, McCain was enthusiastic, almost distant problems of Iran, North Korea, and as President Bush, you should have run four years McCain’s debate strategy. jumping to shake Bob Schieffer’s hand. Mc- John McCain puts it, “countries that don’t like ago.” Obama never fully recovered, and Joe the After each candidate had adequately con- Cain’s eagerness looked reassuring, no doubt us very much.” Plumber gave McCain a big advantage. vinced every senior citizen in the country that stemming from an idea of, “I’ve been through Moderator Bob Schieffer wasted no time Following a string of back and forth ques- the other’s health care plan would hang them tough times before, and I’m not about to let ev- by immediately asking the Senators to evaluate tions about the economy and whether either out to dry, Bob Schieffer directed them to the ery little red phone crisis shake my belief in each other’s economic recovery plans, where candidate really was capable of bucking their topics of Supreme Court appointees, Roe vs. America’s might.” both candidates agreed on the necessity of sta- party’s leadership, Schieffer threw McCain and Wade, and eventually abortion in general. Mc- With the media predicting doom and gloom bilizing falling home values. Beyond this brief Obama a curve by asking them why neither had Cain’s firm stance against judicial activism and from stock markets, terrorists, or ‘record break- agreement though, the debate served to illus- lived up to their promise of a clean campaign. his reasoning behind it held more water than ing profits’ at oil companies, McCain’s level of trate the meaningful differences between Mc- Unfortunately, about the only meaningful result Obama’s support of everything about judicial experience and well grounded optimism for the Cain and Obama. of this trip back into the mud was McCain’s activism but the name, though whether voter’s future are exactly what American’s want to see Things got heated quickly on taxes, where ability to bring up Obama’s affiliation with the will agree largely depend on how successful the in their next leader. Once you look past Obama’s Obama’s 95 percent tax cut butted against Mc- recently scandalized ACORN. This episode candidates were in backing up their positions. eloquent words, as McCain did Wednesday Cain’s pro-business policies. While the rhetoric stands as the low point in an otherwise well In that case, McCain’s success in bringing night, you find a lack of substance to Obama’s from both campaigns is familiar at this point, moderated debate. up another part of Obama’s record probably campaign promises. John McCain wins this one Mac proved once again how he earned the McCain continued to perturb the normally had conservatives pumping their fists with glee because while Barack Obama showed America ‘maverick’ label by injecting Joe the Plumber stoic Senator Obama in the second half of the (at least that’s how this conservative reacted). he knows how to campaign, McCain showed he into the debate. debate, and Obama’s nervous chuckle during Pointing to Obama’s vote of ‘present’ in an Il- knows how to lead. For those who didn’t get his life story from some of Senator McCain’s rebuttals looked de- linois Senate vote that would have required Joe Maurer is a member of the Class of the debate, Joe Wurzelbacher (aka Joe the cidedly un-Presidential. Additionally, McCain medical care for any child born alive during 2012. Page 6 The Tech October 17, 2008 Ar t s Movie Review hhhh Concert Review Family Bringing Music Back Alive Unions and Two Perspectives on MITSO’s Season-Opening Concert Reunions By Praveen Rathinavelu Arts Editor Rachel Getting Married Directed by Jonathan Demme Written by Jenny Lumet Starring Anne Hathaway, Rosemarie DeWitt, Debra Winger, and Bill Irwin Rated R Now Playing in Limited Release

lmost a year ago, I reviewed Noah Baumbach’s Margot at the Wedding: a film about a damaged and grotesquely Aself-involved woman, Margot, returning to her childhood home to attend her sister’s wed- ding. The family collapses and rebuilds over the course of film, with Margot always at its center. At a cursory glance, Jonathan Demme’s new film, Rachel Getting Married, is the exact same story. It’s entirely to Demme’s credit that he can take Sherry Yan—The Tech what should have been a nearly identical film to Baumbach’s, and allow it to transcend genre in a By Sudeep Agarwala By Sam Markson way Margot couldn’t. Baumbach’s Margot was hen did classical music become bor- Carnival Overture, Op. 92 odern classical performance is of- a sharp, witty, and extremely thoughtful film — ing? It’s not hard to understand why Antonin Dvorák ten a rigid form — a study of strict an adept exploration of family. But watching it is: music is taught at schools on Piano Concerto No. 3 in C, Op. 26 tempos, pitches, and moods. The Rachel Getting Married makes deeply apparent Wa pedestal lower than, yet not dis- Sergey Prokofiev Mperformers take it upon themselves everything that Margot lacks; Demme’s film has tinct from calculus, English literature or honors Punkie Night (2006) Peter Child to recreate the vision of the original artist, and both technical subtlety and emotional grace, and French. It’s been mummified beyond recognition Sinfonia Sevillana, Op. 23 as that artist is usually dead, that recreation can gives its characters the freedom to move through — at some point, students are asked not to listen Joaquín Turina become a study in accuracy rather than explo- the movie with complete honesty. to music, but to understand the music — in fact, ration — what not to play, rather than what to Margot was clearly the work of a skilled di- there are musical rules, drills and practices that MIT Symphony Orchestra play. rector; it is brisk and intelligent. What separates students must complete with stoic integrity, an Kresge Auditorium, MIT Unless it’s done well, of course. Demme — what makes him great — is his abil- entire body of history to digest and, if you can Friday, Oct. 10, 2008 In music, as with college-age social gather- ity to invest Rachel with such vigorous human- imagine — exams, even. ings, there’s a fine line between recreation and ity. As a proud product of this system, I feel I regurgitation. Capturing the intended feel is can’t complain. As little as I’d like to believe it, terpoint. The energy that was building through- much more than following directions. To get there’s a sense to all of this education, but part of out the performance of the concerto culminated an 80-person orchestra to sync up to a cohesive The film would sometimes subtly me can’t help but feel that this Spartan training in the final movement, the conclusion of which emotional message takes time, effort and soul. does more harm for the form than it helps edu- received a well-earned standing ovation for both And I’m happy to say that MITSO has some switch to footage from the cameras cate. Its proponents only act to exacerbate the sit- soloist and orchestra. of that. uation: classical music stations somehow endow The second portion of Friday night’s per- Opening their concert with Dvorák’s Carni- of characters within the movie, their radio announcers with precise diction and formance began with a composition from MIT val Overture, the group instantly turned away stiff, wooden personalities and it’s no secret that faculty member Peter Child, Punkie Night, con- from the outside world and toward that of mu- particularly the groom’s cousin the best way to feel incredibly young and poor is ceived and composed based off a folk tradition sic, with the audience following suit. The per- and the wedding photographer. to attend a recital at Symphony Hall the Gardner similar to that of Halloween. Although requiring formance was solid, and an excellent opener Museum or any of the various musical venues in audience participation, the piece itself seem to — perhaps the most recognizable piece of the or around Boston. fail in the context of the concert—melodic lines night, and a palatable choice for the as-yet- The film chronicles the wedding of its title In this suffocating context, the MITSO con- meandered and never presented a solid thesis. untuned ear. Conductor Adam Boyles’s perfor- character Rachel (Rosemarie DeWitt), but as cert on Friday, Oct. 10, in Kresge Hall was a A difficult work, the piece may have been more mance here was strikingly energetic, but still the title shrewdly pokes at, the film itself and the breath of fresh air. The auditorium was virtually successful on a second or third hearing. precise enough to lend the orchestra a startling- characters within it are largely occupied with the crackling with energy from audience members The highlight of the second portion was, by ly unified sound: here were not eighty individu- return of Rachel’s sister Kym (Anne Hathaway) as director Adam Boyles far, Joaquín Turina’s als, but one voice, and one message. from rehab. Demme’s film seamlessly shifts its charged onto stage and Sinfonia Sevillana (Op. Next up was Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto focus between these two somewhat predictable drove the orchestra in MITSO’s opening concert 23). The only major No. 3, featuring soloist Matthew A. Serna ’09. indie-movie tropes: the small, truthful family a thrilling performance Spanish symphony of Following half a century later, Prokofiev’s mu- portrait, and the intense, “provocative” depic- of Antonin Dvorák’s provided apt challenges to its the early nineteenth sic is much less defined than Dvorák’s, and the tion of a drug addict. Carnival Overture (Op. century, Turina utilizes concert order here did much to accentuate the Demme acknowledges that these themes are 92). audience while maintaining a musical palette dense better parts of the latter piece. The flowing, each only a fraction of any sort of reality, and The conductor a sense of fun throughout with melodies indig- dreamlike quality of Prokofiev’s music was lets the movie grapple between being a celebra- makes a real differ- enous to his homeland. well-realized by Serna, with good interplay be- tion of family and union, and a meditation on ence: Friday’s concert the entire evening. Here, Boyles provided a tween piano and orchestra. Boyles added just human weakness and loss. It’s this tension that marks the beginning brief introduction to the the right touches to perfect the natural shifts in gives the film its breadth and honesty: we see of the second season piece, familiarizing the rhythmic and sonic intensity, leading the audi- its characters at their most tender moments, but that Boyles has been working with the MITSO audience with the central leitmotif of the sym- ence from semi-cadence to semi cadence with- also at their darkest and most abject. and the results have been consistently amazing. phony. out ever resolving completely. Rachel Getting Married is particularly ef- Boyles’s MITSO is vibrant, excited and exciting These five minutes were invaluable to the au- After the intermission, Boyles introduced the fective because of its rigorous and brilliantly and Carnival was no exception. Boyles, conduct- dience’s appreciation of the music, providing the next piece, MIT Professor Peter B. Child’s 2006 executed documentary style: it is filmed al- ing without a score for the entire concert (a feat audience with context with which to understand Composition “Punkie Night,” a musical tribute most entirely on handheld D.V. cameras. The most conductors only strive for), confidently led the music: this melody is beautifully expounded to an English Halloween-like custom. Asking movie’s scenes are mainly composed of large, the orchestra through the second of Dvorák’s Na- upon and modified throughout the three move- for audience participation, Boyles explained the only loosely scripted family gatherings, and the ture, Life and Love overtures. His dynamism was ments of the piece, starting with a slow, evoca- rules: make ghoulish noises on cue, and decre- director of photography, Declan Quinn allowed reflected in the orchestra from the phrasing of tive description of the spanish landscape in Pan- scendo slowly on command. More light-hearted multiple cameramen to roam the scenes freely, long melodic lines traded from section to section orama, ending in the festive Fiesta en San Juan and jaunty than the previous pieces, this work picking up unexpected moments and conversa- to the remarkably clean Alberti bass motive that de Aznalfarache. A difficult piece, there was a had the added bonus of being incompletely re- tions. The film would sometimes subtly switch appeared throughout the string sections. sense of absolute commitment to the music from hearsed — thus, the orchestra had no difficulty to footage from the cameras of characters within Prokofiev was no different. It certainly didn’t both conductor and orchestra as they depicted making “Punkie Night” seem fresh to the audi- the movie, particularly the groom’s cousin and seem like it was going to be: the third piano con- Turina’s nostalgic images of Spain. ence. Excellent contrast between the rapidity the wedding photographer. certo begins in a pensive orchestral reverie. This, The overall effect of Friday evening’s con- in the upper strings and the booming ostinatos Similarly, the soundtrack of the film comes however, has little to do with the rest of the piece: cert, of course, was one of exhilaration. MIT- within the low brass — all in all, a fun, succinct from within the scenes themselves: the wedding the piano enters and quickly transforms the piece SO’s opening concert provided apt challenges work. musicians music seeps wonderfully into every into a thrilling and high-energy dialogue. Mat- to its audience while maintaining a sense of fun Finally came Sinfonia Sevillana, a work scene. The actors themselves had little indica- thew A. Serna ’09 negotiated the considerable throughout the entire evening — most illustra- by the relatively obscure Spanish composer tion of when the camera was on and what was third piano concerto with devastating ability. tive of this sense was the close of Sinfonia Sevil- Joaquin Turina. The perfect closer, the Sin- being filmed, and were compelled to respond Certainly, moments between the orchestra lana, at which point, the woman sitting behind fonia had all the best of defiant grandeur and intuitively and honestly to the scenes around and soloist seemed unsteady in the first move- me simply gasped “Wonderful.” restrained agony, a “tone poem” to a country. them. ment and the balance between the piano and the It was, of course, wonderful: wonderful to Oscillating between heart-rending solo lines, The film is devoted to capturing and incorpo- orchestra was skewed such that the orchestra see MITSO provide such an engrossing concert, full orchestral melodies, and grandiose conclu- rating every character in its scenes, even if they often obfuscated some of Serna’s detailed piano wonderful not to be the youngest and poorest in sions, the piece was a cinematic masterpiece. It only have a single line, or are simply dancing in work. However, Serna was able to compensate the seats, but, instead, to see a rapt, engaged audi- ended, and all of Kresge exhaled in time. the corner. There are some stunning individual for these issues and more: the second movement ence absorbed in exciting music — a refreshing After a good performance, one thinks, “I performances, but Demme depends on the hu- of the concerto, a theme and variation between a change from the droll, somnolent intellectual don’t think that could have been any better.” manity and honesty in every single one of his piano and orchestra, was virtuosic in its concep- space that this wonderful music usually inhabits After a great performance, you don’t think. You characters to build his film and give it its weight. tion and performance. that left me wishing that more concerts were like only feel. The music has transcended the paper, Focusing on individual actors — no matter how Serna struck a fair balance in this movement, this one. Though this was one of the largest audi- so that it’s more than time signatures and breath good they are — seems to distract from what emphasizing the melody of the theme but found ences I have seen at Kresge Hall, it was still a marks. That’s the office of live music. makes Rachel Getting Married so great. a fair balance with Prokofiev’s hair-raising coun- pity to see even a single seat left empty. And that’s what MITSO supplied. October 17, 2008

Page 7

The Daily Blunderbuss by Ben Peters

Theory of Pete by Cai GoGwilt

ACROSS 56 Subtitle of a Rupert 21 Brit. flyboys 1 Marsh grass Holmes hit (with “The”) 22 Now __ seen 6 Scandinavian capital 60 Tailless cat everything! 10 Makes a move 61 Norwegian king 27 Sphere 14 Traction aid 62 Change labels 28 “Thelma and Louise” 15 Lat. list-ender 63 A single time co-star 16 Lima’s land 64 California valley 29 Actor Lugosi 17 Go-between 65 Mild cigar 30 Boats like Noah’s 18 Surrealist Salvador 66 Shooter ammo 31 Confound it! 19 Jack Horner’s find 67 __ the line (obeys) 32 Recipe meas. 20 Jimmy Buffett hit 68 Superman’s pal Jimmy 33 Slangy okay 23 Corp. VIP 34 Spartan queen 24 Mimic DOWN 36 Fancy vase with a base 25 Eden evictee 1 Little rascal 39 Free of charge 26 Vegan fare 2 “Pomp and 40 Trash in a review 28 Spoils Circumstance” 41 Hype too much 32 Polk’s predecessor composer 46 Short-tailed wildcats Solution, page 14 35 Chop __ 3 Plow pioneer 47 Penlight battery 37 Miss the mark 4 Career criminal 49 Fort __, CA 38 Andrews Sisters hit 5 Blues vocalist James 51 Calgary NHLer 42 Glum 6 Drama by Sophocles 53 Teensy bits 43 Ala. neighbor 7 Cabinet department 54 Part of a drum set 44 Hold it, sailor! 8 Refrain syllables 55 Incite 45 Troop group 9 Popeye’s girl 56 Window piece 48 Top-rated 10 Cameos and pippins 57 Royal Peruvian

Crossword Puzzle Crossword 50 Ming of the NBA 11 Slammer cubicle 58 Potpourri 51 New Deal pres. 12 In alignment 59 Sacramento arena 52 Get out of bed 13 Addition solution 60 Swabbie’s tool Page 8 The Tech October 17, 2008

Pseudoscience by Daniel Klein-Marcuschamer Steal My Comic by Michael Ciuffo

Blobbles by Jason Chan - (Laser Diode Technology and Applications II) x 7 - (Laser Interferometry VIII: Applications) x (Laser Optics ’95: Biomedical Applications of Lasers) x 3 - (Laser Source and System Technology for Defense and Securi ty II)/4 - (Lasers in Urology, Gynecology, and General Surgery) x 3 - (Machine Vision Applications, Architectures, and Systems Integration III) x 2 - (New Frontiers in Stellar Interferometry) x 148 - (Ophthalmic Technologies VI) x 3 - (Optical Diagnostics of Living Cells V) x 34 - (Optical Fiber and Fiber Component Mechanical Reliability and Testing) x 2 - (Acquisition, Tracking, and Pointing XX) - (Optical Manufacturing and Testing IV) x - (Advances in Optical Structure Systems) x 5 (Storage and Retrieval for Image and - (Biomedical Optoelectronics in Clinical Video Databases II) x 5 - (Optics in Atmospheric Propagation and Thanks to Murtaza Nek for today’s caption. Chemistry and Biotechnology) x 3 Want to see your caption in Blobbles? Send it to - (Characterization, Propagation, and Adaptive Systems VII)/2 Simulation of Sources and Backgrounds II) - (Photochemotherapy: Photodynamic [email protected] and I’ll draw a cartoon for it! x 241 Therapy and Other Modalities) x 2 Instructions: Fill in the grid so - (Color Imaging VIII: Processing, Hardcopy, - (ANSWER WOULD GO HERE) that each column, row, and 3 by and Applications)/2 - (Quantum Dots, Nanoparticles, and 3 grid contains exactly one of Nanoclusters)/3 each of the digits 1 through 9. - (Gradient Index, Miniature, and Diffractive Solution on page 10. Optical Systems) - (Saratov Fall Meeting 2004: Optical - (Head-Mounted Displays) x 307 Technologies in Biophysics and Medicine VI) - (ICONO ’95: Fundamentals of Laser-Matter - (Selected Papers from International   Interaction) x 2 Conference on Optics and Optoelectronics - (Imaging Spectrometry VIII)/7 ‘98) x 89 - (Instruments for Optics and Optoelectronic - (Solid State Cr ystals in Optoelectronics   Inspection and Control) x (Medical Imaging and Semiconductor Technology) x 2 1999: PACS Design and Evaluation: - (Stray Radiation in Optical Systems) x 5    Engineering and Clinical Issues) - (Three-Dimensional Image Capture and - (Intelligent Manufacturing) Applications VII)/8 - (Investigative Image Processing II) x - (Tribute to Warren Smith: A Legacy in Lens   (Optomechatronic Computer-Vision Design and Optical Engineering) Systems II) x 2 - (Videometrics II) x 3   Think you’ve solved it?    Use Libraries resources to solve this puzzle. If you’re an MIT student and your answer is correct, you could    win a new iPod Nano! Go to libraries.mit.edu/puzzle to get a copy or submit your answer by October 21,   2008 to be eligible for the drawing.    Solution, tips, and computer program at http://www.sudoku.com October 17, 2008 The Tech Page 9

Dilbert® by Scott Adams

Steal My Comic by Michael Ciuffo           

Bonus 

Instructions: Fill    in the grid so that each column, row, and 3 by 3 grid     contains exactly one of each of the digits 1 through 9.   Solution on page 13.  at http://www.sudoku.com Solution, tips, and computer program Page 10 The Tech October 17, 2008 Professors Prescribe Remedies to Revive Hurry! An Anemic Economy Economy, from Page 1 But despite slim prospects, plans are in motion to alleviate the stress still have value to get back on their on the economy. The government is feet.” now instituting multiple plans to in- To preserve long-term economic fuse into the economy, including the stability, Lo recommends better in- hotly debated $700 billion “bailout” Sign up! surance measures and the develop- plan. ment of rescue packages. As part of the bailout plan, the In an economy panel on Oct. 8, Treasury Department has outlined William Wheaton, a professor of five steps that will supposedly me- Teach for Splash! economics at MIT, explained that diate the crisis. In a press release, nd rd instead of trying to keep people in top Treasury Official Neel Kash- ( their homes, stable house prices kari described these measures as Nov 22 -23 ) should be achieved. purchasing equity in a range of financial institutions, buying trou- Solution to Sudoku bled mortgage-backed securities, from page 8 purchasing mortgages from banks,          insuring assets so that banks don’t lose money in case borrowers are          unable to pay, and exhausting every possible means to keep borrowers          that default in their homes.          With the plan in place, Caballero said that in the best-case scenario,          there will only be around 3 to 4 more          quarters of financial difficulty. Lo said that three years of reces-          sion probably lie ahead.          “The natural reaction is to panic, but there is hope at the end,” said          Caballero.

We want you in our sheets.

[email protected] W20-483, 617-253-1541 The Federal Agency Career Fair Wednesday, Oct. 22nd,1-5pm Walker Memorial Bldg. 50 Morss Hall Rm. 140

Employer Resume Book Deadline: October 20th CAREERBRIDGE October 17, 2008 The Tech Page 11 Economic Crisis Hits Hard for Tuition-Paying Families By Jonathan D. Glater about paying so much for education changing market, as many com- the lender’s letter on his blog, where “It would be in my mom’s name,” The New York Times if the country’s economic distress is panies have decided that student he called it “extremely bad news for Rice, who said she would repay her In difficult dinner-table conver- prolonged. A survey of nearly 3,000 loans are just not profitable enough. students.” mother, said, “but it’s my stepdad’s sations, college students and their parents by Fidelity Investments re- Many student loan providers, cit- Michaela Rice, a sophomore at money if anything went wrong.” parents are revisiting how to pay leased earlier this month found that ing reduced profit margins and Plymouth State University, is one She was lucky, though, because tuition as their personal finances 62 percent of parents plan to use greater difficulty selling loans, have of the students who had to redesign not all students’ parents qualify for weaken and lenders get tough. student loans to help fund expenses, stopped making federally guaran- her borrowing after she learned in PLUS loans. To satisfy companies Diana and Ronnie Jacobs, of Sa- up from 53 percent last year. teed loans, private loans or both. the spring that a student loan she that make private loans, more stu- lem, Ind., thought their family had Jacobs said that with a fam- Federal loans account for about had taken out with her father as dents have had to find cosigners. a workable plan for college for her ily income of more than $100,000 three-quarters of student borrow- cosigner would evaporate because Kiara S. Holiday, a sophomore twin sons, using a combination of a year, they had been counting on ing, and the government has as- the lender was getting out of that at High Point University in High savings, income, scholarship aid some loans to help pay for college sured that money will flow unin- business. A financial aid specialist Point, N.C., learned just weeks and a relatively modest amount of for her 21-year-old sons, Justin and terrupted by agreeing to buy those at Plymouth State, which has about before classes were to start that borrowing. Then her husband lost Jacob Keeton. Tuition, room and loans, even if fewer companies are 4,300 undergraduates in Plymouth, her mother had not qualified for a his job at Colgate-Palmolive. board add up to just over $32,000 at in the business. Federal loan vol- N.H., suggested the family switch PLUS loan. “It just seems like it’s really Hanover, which Justin attends, and ume is likely to grow this year; the to federal parent loans. “It threw me for a loop,” said hard, because it is,” Jacobs, an in- nearly $29,500 at Franklin College, number of applications for federal That led Rice to ask her mother, Holiday, who is 19. “Person after formation technology specialist, which Jacob attends. aid so far this year has risen to 13.5 who is divorced from her father, to person, they just denied, like my said of her financial situation. “I Then, in December, Colgate- million, up nearly 10 percent from take on $17,000 in debt. The new mother, my aunts.” have two kids in college and I want Palmolive closed its Jeffersonville 12.3 million a year earlier. loan, called a parent PLUS loan, Holiday said she investigated to say ‘come home,’ but at the same plant, where her husband worked. Private lending, which helps has a more flexible repayment op- the options. But even taking ad- time I want to provide them with a “I said, this year the loans are families to plug the gap between tions and a fixed 8.5 percent interest vantage of larger maximum fed- good education.” going to have to be in your name, federal aid and the total cost of rate. But it also puts her mother at eral Stafford loan amounts that are The Jacobs family may be a har- I’m not going to be able to pick up attendance, has been the fastest risk if Rice does not earn enough as available to students whose parents binger of what is to come. Jacobs as much as I have before,” Jacobs growing segment over the last de- a teacher to cover repayments. are denied PLUS loans, she did not pressed the schools’ financial of- recalled. “They said they would be cade but has been undergoing rapid The subject touched on other have enough to cover about $31,000 fices for several thousand dollars willing to put the student loans in changes. Some of the biggest lend- sensitive issues — in this case, the in tuition, room and board at High more for each son’s final year of their names and continue on. We all ers, like Sallie Mae, have tightened question of how Rice’s biological Point. college, and each son increased his came to that consensus, but I hate it their credit standards and raised father might continue to help pay So she called her great grand- borrowing to the maximum amount because I hate for them to come out their interest rates yet again in re- for her college education and what mother, an octogenarian in Boston. through the federal loan program. of school with $20,000 in student cent weeks. “The current financial her stepfather’s role should be. Holiday, who wants to go to medi- So they at least will be able to finish loans,” Jacobs added. “To me that markets provide no other choice,” Rice’s mother, Judy Krahulec, cal school and become an immu- at their respective colleges — in- is so much money.” Sallie Mae wrote to colleges last remarried to an American Airlines nologist in a laboratory, said that stead of switching to less expensive She also called the two colleges, week. “When conditions improve, pilot who already had children of despite the poor economy, she was schools or attending one where they and each contributed about $3,000 we hope to relax our underwriting his own, and she did not want to not worried about being able to pay could live at home — though they more in aid, she said. criteria and serve more students.” saddle him with debt for children her debts after graduation. will have more debt upon gradua- Financial aid administrators Tim Ranzetta, the founder of that were not his. She and Rice hes- “I’m pretty sure something will tion. have been scrambling in a rapidly Student Lending Analytics, posted itated over the parent loan. work out for me,” Holiday said. With the unemployment rate rising and a recession mentality gripping the country, financial aid administrators say that expect many more calls like the one from Jacobs. More families are applying for fed- eral aid, and a recent survey found that an increasing portion of fami- lies expect to need student loans. College administrators worry that as fresh cracks appear in family finances they will not have enough aid money to go around, given that their own endowment returns are disappointing, states are making Seeking super smart Seniors interested in cutbacks and fundraising will be- come more difficult. “We are looking ahead and try- careers in financial services... ing to be prepared for what might be coming,” said Jon Riester, asso- ciate dean of financial assistance at Hanover College, a private institu- tion with about 1,000 undergradu- ates, including Justin Keeton, one Come to hear about MIT Sloan’s new one of Jacobs’ sons. “We’re looking internally at our own budgets to see what we may be able to do in year degree program -- the Master of terms of providing additional as- sistance to students under various Finance! situations.” The concern is widespread, even though college officials say it’s too soon to quantify how many students will face a shortfall. Even at wealthy institutions, financial aid administrators have begun weigh- ing contingency plans. “Part of the conversation that’s going on now in M.Fin. Information Session many institutions is, do we want to put a dollar figure on how much we are willing to extend ourselves,” said L. Katharine Harrington, dean Thursday, October 23rd of admission and financial aid at the University of Southern Cali- fornia. Bush Room, bldg 10-105 Harrington said she opposed setting a limit on aid, but added that the university’s pockets were not bottomless. “If we start seeing mas- sive layoffs,” she added, “we may 4:15 pm – sign in; refreshments available be in for a real bumpy ride.” The credit crisis has made it 4:30 pm – presentation begins harder for students and their parents to borrow, even as their needs grow 5:00 pm – Q & A and their savings accounts dwindle. In plenty of cases, students who had been borrowing on their own have had to ask parents — and in some cases, other relatives and friends — to help cover tuition or to cosign loans, both aid officials and lenders say. Officials at most four-year col- All majors are welcome. leges, say that they have not seen rampant problems so far, because If you plan to attend, please reply to [email protected] students had found alternatives. Include your name, course, and year. The financing for the fall semester was mostly in place many months ago, before the severity of the credit crisis and the economic downturn For information about the M.Fin. program, please visit became apparent. http://mitsloan.mit.edu/mfin/ Others wonder privately wheth- er there will a rebellion by parents Page 12 The Tech October 17, 2008

What are you doing right now? Post on Flame War Removed From MIT Admission Blog Site MIT Blogs, from Page 1 that the article was unfit for an ad- missions blogs and would be more the MIT campus to the public ad- suitable for a personal blog. Snively missions front. It was removed at pulled the post on his own several the request of the Admissions Of- hours after it initially appeared. fice. “A lot of people were upset At a recent alumni conference, that I mentioned breast cancer and Schmill stated that blogs were not Spore in the same post … there censored. In an interview, he clari- were too many upset people for not fied this statement by saying that enough cause,” he said. Snively re- beyond the flame war post, Admis- moved the post before Matthew L. sions does not censor the blogs. McGann ’00, Associate Director of Snively mentioned that Schmill was Admissions, asked him to review likely unaware of a second contro- the post. Snively then took a week’s versial post about breast cancer that hiatus from blogging. was removed. When the admissions blogging “It didn’t help the pre-frosh at system was launched as “MIT- all, it didn’t explain anything about Blogs” in November 2004, it rep- MIT, and that’s why that was re- resented a pioneering attempt to moved,” Snively said. bring more reality to the admissions According to Stuart Schmill landscape. Today, bloggers seem to ’86, Dean of Admissions, the post- be permitted to post even negative ing “was basically starting a flame information about MIT as long as war on our blogs, and we didn’t they show different sides of the think [the blogs] were the most ap- Institute as it actually exists. Posts propriate place for that flame war are made directly by the bloggeres, to occur.” Following the original without any intermediate editing or entry’s removal, a follow-up post approval by the admissions office, was made discussing the politics of and revisions are made indepen- Ring Committee, the mailing lists, dently by the bloggers. and flame wars as a part of MIT “There’s a lot of trust between culture. admissions and us [the bloggers],” The second controversial blog Snively said. “They’re trusting us post, written by Snively in Sep- not to post anything that is really, College Students tember, discussed breast cancer really bad.” Get 15% OFF full-price items. and the release of the computer Schmill said that the blogs offer Must show valid college ID. Restrictions apply; visit store for details. game Spore. It was viewed as in- a unique look inside MIT. “We rec- appropriate to place the release of ognize that there will be and there a computer game within the same have been things that the students frame as breast cancer, seen as a say are not positive about their MIT Harvard Square more serious topic. The post fea- experience. We’re not out there en- 1 Brattle Square tured a mock up of a t-shirt with couraging them to write negative Second Floor the phrase “I Boobs”, the things, but we accept it and it’s one 617-864-2061 heart replaced by a pink breast can- thing that makes the blogs as valu- cer ribbon. Many commenters said able as they are,” said Schmill.

Sunday, October 19th October 17, 2008 The Tech Page 13

Math Skills Suffer in Made possible by the Council for the Arts at MIT U.S., New Study Finds Free tickets for MIT students! By Sara Rimer fully.) The New York Times The United States has competed The United States is failing to in the Olympiad since 1974. Its six- Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company develop the math skills of both member teams are selected over Friday October 24, 8pm ICA Boston, 100 Northern Avenue, Boston girls and boys, especially among years of high-level contests, and those who could excel at the high- trained during intensive summer “Another Evening: Serenade/The Proposition” draws on the legacy of Abraham Lincoln, using his est levels, a new study asserts, and math camps. documented words, his contemporaries’ writings and speeches, and other texts to set up the push girls who do succeed in the field are One two-time Olympiad gold and pull of historical perspective. Our connection to history—or lack thereof—is evoked through video, almost all immigrants or the daugh- medalist, 22-year-old Daniel M. an original score blending classical and folk music in a contemporary pastiche. ters of immigrants from countries Kane, now a graduate student at where mathematics is more highly Harvard, is the son of Dr. Mertz and valued. her husband, Jonathan M. Kane, a from Mali The study suggests that while professor of mathematics and com- Toumani Diabaté many girls have exceptional talent puter science at the University of Saturday, November 1, 8pm Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square, Somerville in math — the talent to become top Wisconsin, and a co-author of the math researchers, scientists and en- study. The other two co-authors are One of the most important musicians in Africa today, Toumani Diabaté is a performer of truly gineers — they are rarely identified Joseph A. Gallian, a math profes- exceptional talent and creativity. Regarded by many as the greatest living kora player, in the United States. A major reason, sor at the University of Minnesota he performs a very special concert of stunningly beautiful solo work, a timeless blend of according to the study, is that Ameri- and president of the Mathematical traditional melodies, original compositions and breathtaking improvisations. can culture does not highly value tal- Association of America, and Titu ent in math, and so discourages girls Andreescu, a professor of math edu- — and boys, for that matter — from cation at the University of Texas at Radius Ensemble excelling in the field. The study will Dallas and a former leader of the be published Friday in Notices of the United States Olympiad team. Saturday, November 15, 8 pm Killian Hall, 14W-111, MIT American Mathematical Society. All members of the United States Villa-Lobos Bachianas Brasiliaras for flute and bassoon “We’re living in a culture that is team were boys until 1998, when Harbison Variations for clarinet, violin and piano telling girls you can’t do math — 16-year-old Melanie Wood, a cheer- Holland Quintet for flute and strings (World Premiere Commission by Jonathan Bailey Holland) that’s telling everybody that only leader, student newspaper editor and Mozart Quintet in E-flat for piano and winds, K.452 Asians and nerds do math,” said the math whiz from a private school in study’s lead author, Janet E. Mertz, Indianapolis, made the team. She an oncology professor at the Uni- won a silver medal, missing the gold versity of Wisconsin, whose son by a single point. Since then, two Huun Huur Tu: Throat Singers of Tuva is a winner of what is viewed as female high school students, Ali- Saturday, November 22, 8pm Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square, Somerville the world’s most-demanding math son Miller, from upstate New York, competitions. “Kids in high school, and Sherry Gong, whose parents From the independent republic of Tuva, bordering Mongolia, comes an ear-twisting vocal technique where social interactions are re- emigrated to the United States from called khöömei. In this style, a single vocalist produces two or three notes simultaneously. ally important, think, ‘If I’m not an China, have made the United States Accompanied by traditional string and percussion instruments, the ensemble sings rhythmic songs Asian or a nerd, I’d better not be on team (they both won gold). the math team.’ Kids are self select- By comparison, relatively small that capture the magic of the Siberian steppe. ing. For social reasons they’re not Bulgaria has sent 21 girls to the even trying.” competition since 1959 (six since Tickets available at the MIT Office of the Arts (E15-205) Many studies have examined 1988), according to the study, and Monday - Friday, 2 - 5:30pm in person, first-come, first-served only. and debated gender differences and since 1974 the highly ranked Bulgar- math, but most rely on the results of ian, East German/German and So- the SAT and other standardized tests, viet Union/Russian IMO teams have PLEASE NOTE NEW BOX OFFICE HOURS Dr. Mertz and many mathematicians included 9, 10 and 13 girls respec- 1 ticket per MIT student ID say. But those tests were never in- tively. “What most of these countries http://web.mit.edu/arts/see/freetickets/index.html tended to measure the dazzling cre- have in common,” the study says, ativity, insight and reasoning skills “are rigorous national mathematics required to solve math problems at curricula along with cultures and the highest levels, Dr. Mertz and educational systems that value, en- others say. courage and support students who Dr. Mertz asserts that the new excel in mathematics.” study is the first to examine data Ms. Wood is now 27 and com- from the most difficult math compe- pleting her doctorate in math at titions for young people, including Princeton University. “There’s just the USA and International Math- a stigma in this country about math ematical Olympiads for high school being really hard and feared, and Understanding One students, and the Putnam Mathe- people who do it being strange,” she matical Competition for college un- said in a telephone interview. “It’s dergraduates. For winners of these particularly hard for girls, especially Another's Culture: competitions, the Michael Phelpses at the ages when people start doing and Kobe Bryants of math, getting competitions. If you look at schools, an 800 on the math SAT is routine. there is often a social group of nerdy

Communty Lecture Series An Interfaith Perspective The study found that many students boys. There’s that image of what it from the United States in these com- is to be a nerdy boy in mathematics. petitions are immigrants or children It’s still in some way socially unac- of immigrants from countries where ceptable for boys, but at least it’s a education in mathematics is prized position and it’s clearly defined.” Thursday, October 23, at 7:30 pm and mathematical talent is thought to be widely distributed and able to Solution to Bonus Sudoku from page 9 be cultivated through hard work and Building W11 persistence.          Religious Activities Center The International Olympiad,          which began in Romania in 1959, is Corner of Amherst and Mass. Ave. considered to be the world’s tough-          Main Dining Room est math competition for high school          students. About 500 students from as many as 95 countries compete each          year, with contestants solving six problems in nine hours. (Question          5 from the 1996 test was famously          difficult, with only six students out MIT Interfaith Dialogue Program of several hundred able to solve it                   Speaker Imam Yahya Hendi Imam Hendi – of Georgetown University's Campus Ministry – will focus on experiences as a Palestinian Muslim coming to the US, encountering those of other faiths and insights into the necessity of Elias learning from and about each other.

Questions: [email protected] Website: mit.edu/dsl/addir/ hair care All are invited to attend. 319 massachusetts avenue Addir is a word in Ancient Sumerian which means “bridge”. In the Addir Fellows Program cambridge, massachusetts 02139 617 . 497 . 1590 we aspire to build bridges of dialogue and understanding. The Addir Fellows MIT Interfaith Dialogue Program is sponsored by Office of Dean for Student Life and MIT Hillel in 5 Dollars Off cooperation with the Board of Chaplains. This event is co-sponsored by MISTI – http://mit.edu/misti – and will include a brief overview of With This Coupon!!!! how MISTI provides MIT students with opportunities to connect to cultures in other countries. Page 14 The Tech October 17, 2008 Some in Community Resist ‘Nerd’; Others Embrace It By Tracy Jan and students taking part in athletics and drawn criticism from certain circles to write a fashion column, but conclud- who writes one of the admissions blogs, The Boston Globe the arts. On the school’s admissions site, and spurred a fresh debate over the ed her services in that realm would be said his activities reflect interests that Students wear circuit boards on some students candidly chronicle their 147-year-old school’s identity. unwelcomed. “Most people here are so students at most universities might cul- their sweatshirts and sing in a cappella lives in blogs to attract an array of po- Some students and professors say happy in their free, oversized math and tivate. He belongs to a fraternity, serves groups with names like Logarhythms tential applicants by showing how well- they are reluctant to de-emphasize the science T-shirts,” Yu said. “They like on the student government, and edits a and Chorallaries. They run a model rail- rounded they are. institution’s nerdy image. After all, wearing the periodic table to class.” student-run research journal. road club. It meets on Saturday nights. Last year, scantily clad students that’s what put MIT on the map. Some students point out, however, But other activities feed his inner It’s just life as usual at MIT, where posed for a calendar to raise money for Others embrace the movement but that there is a dorkiness spectrum, and a geek. As a member of the Assassins’ math jokes draw appreciative chortles a scholarship fund, following an equally doubt it will get very far. Even the name marked difference between the socially Guild, a live-action role-playing society, and even frat boys pride themselves on provocative display of skin in another of an explicit sex column in the school awkward nerd and a cool, hip geek — a he spends weekends acting out scenari- engineering high-tech pranks under the calendar touting “hot geek girls.” newspaper riffs on the stereotype — term some on campus consider compli- os he says are full of drama, espionage, cover of darkness. “Just because we work hard in our “Talk Nerdy to Me.” mentary. and intrigue, “like pretending you’re a But enough with the nerdiness. classes doesn’t mean we don’t know “You’re just surrounded by so many “MIT is absolutely the place where king trying to find an heir, or the captain Intent on debunking the stereotype how to have fun,” said Alberto Mena people here who like to be nerds that the nerds and geeks of the world come of a starship trying to find a safe place of MIT as a haven for geeks, some stu- ’09, a civil engineering major from Mi- if you don’t embrace it, you’re ostra- to live together for four years,” Paul to land.” dents have taken it upon themselves ami who is president of the school’s In- cized,” said Christine Yu ’11, a former Baranay ’11, a biological engineer- “We’re not normal, and we like it to inject unexpected edginess — even terfraternity Council. “We throw a lot of homecoming princess from West Vir- ing major, said in the student center en that way,” he said. “To some extent, the sexiness — into a campus scene where parties — with great risk management, ginia who inserts geek humor and sci- route to meet a friend for a linear alge- world misunderstands us.” problem-set sessions often double as might I add.” ence analogies as often as possible into bra problem-set session. “People seem The ground zero of geekiness, some social functions. The recent efforts are an attempt to the weekly column. “In high school, to like the fact that MIT is sort of this students say, is several blocks away A six-minute, student-produced we- “de-nerdify” the world-class science I didn’t really identify with my more nerd farm, this geek reservation. But from the main campus, on the first floor bcast called MIThBusters that is posted and engineering school without mar- nerdy side. MIT has brought it out.” we don’t just spend all our time in our of a building adjoining the MIT Mu- on a university site features sorority ring its global reputation as an intel- The political science major with a rooms studying.” seum. That’s where, on a recent night, girls, bare-chested male cheerleaders, lectual haven. Still, the approach has shopping addiction said she would like Baranay, a sophomore from Indiana David M. Lambeth G proudly showed off an expansive model train set that generations of students helped build. The computerized locomotives run through elaborate replicas of city and country settings, with tiny figurines of people and animals. “It’s really cool,” said the 26-year- old graduate student in aeronautics and astronautics. “You’ve got this little min- iature world here with trains moving around, and MIT students can appreci- RAIT ate the complex hand-built electronics RT S. that go into powering this thing.” . s As governor, treasurer, publicity O . ig n P u chair, scenery chair, and car and logo p R on chair of the school’s renowned model lin railroad club, Lambeth spent a week- O e end diagnosing and cataloging all the I to mechanical problems in the railcars. re N se rv E e y S o Trying to u r t Keep Track of 9 i 31 m h- st. e 0 t . ; Guantánamo? . 20 .... w 0 . a c o t u s l o g r . l Try S B .. k e . - . i If you’re trying to keep 2 b . n hn . s track of information on pris- ec iq . o /t u . w oners held by the U.S. gov-

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Energy

Grants BURCHARD Fund 17 SCHOLARS PROGRAM

Projects Energy, from Page 1 ALL MIT JUNIORS AND SOPHOMORES testing and information-gathering phase. Many villagers in Nepal al- ready own solar cookers, which means that Amatya must specially THE 2009 BURCHARD SCHOLARS PROGRAM design her project so that it is com- patible with multiple setups. With the seed grant funds, Amatya plans IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS to purchase a solar simulator for her lab, allowing her to test her ideas here on campus. The Burchard Scholars Program brings together members of the “Instead of using the popular semiconductor of bismuth tellu- ride,” she said, “we plan to use sili- MIT faculty with juniors and sophomores who have con germanium, which can stand up to temperatures of 500–600 degrees demonstrated excellence in some aspect of the humanities, arts, Celsius.” Within the next year, Am- atya hopes to bring her project to and social sciences. 30 Burchard Scholars are invited to a series Nepal. Energy seed grants can amount to of dinner-seminars throughout the year to discuss topics of as much as $150,000 over a period of two years. The spending of these funds is unrestricted, giving freedom current research or interest by faculty members, visiting to project leaders to experiment and test new ideas that could perhaps re- scholars, and Burchard Scholars. The 2009 program begins in invent current energy-saving strate- gies. February. Another project, led by Cy Chan G of EECS, is developing complex algorithms to simulate and forecast wind intensities. Unlike wind fore- casting models that meteorologists For information or an application, contact: depend on today, Chan’s algorithms implement complex computational Dean’s Office, SHASS, E51-255 (x3-8962) techniques (such as kernel regres- sions, Markov random fields, and On line at: http://web.mit.edu/shass/undergraduate/scholarships/burchard/index.shtml fluid dynamics) in order to predict the wind. Chan explained that by creating such models, power utilities can ac- APPLICATION DEADLINE: MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2008 curately determine when and where the strongest winds will blow. Due to the random and volatile nature of wind, wind-energy can only account for as much as 20 percent of power Sponsored by the DEAN’S OFFICE, utility portfolios. By utilizing high- performance computing and large SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES, ARTS, AND SOCIAL SCIENCES parallel chip-processing systems, Chan plans to base his complex al- gorithms on years of past meteoro- logical wind-data as well as future national forecasts. “Right now, we are in the pi- lot phase of the project,” Chan said. “We started this project three months ago, and we hope to have a functioning product by the end of the semester.” If Chan’s new computational ap- proach to predict wind intensity suc- cessfully models the forecast, power utilities may gain more confidence in wind and allocate a larger portion of its energy profile to this renew- able source. Other notable research projects receiving seed grant funding include high-performance batteries, self- powering electric systems, estab- lishing hydroelectric power in Indo- nesia, reducing carbon-footprints in urban environments, and genetically engineering yeast strains for biofuel production. The MIT Energy Initiative Seed Fund Program works to finance MIT projects intended to improve energy and environmental issues. Areas of interest include research in clean en- ergy, development of efficient ener- gy systems, and technologies geared towards climate change. Funding for the program is provided by the MITEI Founding and Sustaining Members Program. In January 2008, MITEI funded 17 energy research projects in its first round of energy seed grants. MITEI will continue to award these grants twice annually to energy re- We need people like you to join our staff! search projects that show high po- tential for future application. Only faculty and research staff with principal investigator privi- leges are eligible candidates for e-mail: [email protected] these grants. To apply for an energy seed grant, visit http://web.mit.edu/ mitei/. Page 16 The Tech October 17, 2008 Ridley Scott to Direct Movie Based on ‘Forever War’ Forever War, from Page 1 “Soldiers find out they’re not fight- Novel repudiates Starship ence fiction for so long makes him an What about artistic integrity? ing for their own culture,” he said. In some ways The Forever War “extremely unfriendly reader,” Hal- Is he deeply worried about the way the book was especially relevant now In The Forever War, about as reads as a post-Vietnam response deman said. “I’ve written so many Scott will portray his work? “No,” in view of the present War on Terror, many casualties come during train- to Heinlein’s Starship Troopers, the books that I can see the bones, I just Haldeman said. “It’s not my work Haldeman said. Although today’s ing exercises or because of accidents hawkish 1959 novel that tracks the see the tools working away,” he said. any more. I’ll spend the check and army is comprised of volunteers, not as come from contact with the alien career of a soldier fighting against “Teaching it makes it even worse,” they can have my book.” the conscripts of Vietnam (and those enemy. “In Vietnam, it didn’t take an uncommunicative alien race; the he said. “You get to read amateur fic- Haldeman said he doesn’t need in The Forever War), involuntary con- you long to see that the actual enemy novel follows him from enlistment, tion for three-and-a-half months out a strong say in the film, and that his tract extensions are common. “These was the people on your side” — the throughout an exciting series of of the year.” A good book needs to conversations with Scott have so far poor guys wind up going four times draft boards and the Army itself, combat actions, to a climactic final stay interesting and not make mis- been through their respective agents. overseas,” Haldeman said. Haldeman said. “You had no person- battle. takes, so that it makes him curious “The only time I ever met Ridley In the book, the protagonist is in al problem with the Vietnamese.” In the Starship Troopers version about the story, Haldeman said. So Scott,” Haldeman said, “was when he combat for less than a decade, but The film, like the book, will prob- of Earth, service guarantees citizen- he mostly reads nonfiction: “I’ve got got the Hugo award for best movie” the Earth ages thousands of years in ably have an “obvious antiwar mes- ship: only veterans can vote. The to get outside of science fiction to re- for Blade Runner,” the film based on his absence due to relativistic effects. sage,” Haldeman said. “I want peo- protagonist and his friends are en- ally be captivated.” Philip K. Dick’s Do Androids Dream Every time he comes back from com- ple to understand what a dislocating thusiastic volunteers. Fans still write, at the rate of about of Electric Sheep? that excited sci- bat, the protagonist finds an entirely experience it is, which the Army cer- Heinlein’s soldiers are volunteers, ten e-mails a day, which Haldeman ence fiction readers but drew poor new human civilization. tainly isn’t telling anybody. People and their death is rare (and, Halde- answers with at least a sentence or attendance in theaters. “And he said, Haldeman calls this “the dislo- don’t understand that when you sign man says, heroic). In The Forever two, he said. “I got an actual letter ‘Oh, you were the people who saw cating effect of warfare,” which he up you lose your civil rights. The Bill War, like in Vietnam, some soldiers last week and it was the first one I’d it.’” experienced firsthand. Like the sol- of Rights no longer applies to you. are drafted. had in months,” he said. diers in Haldeman’s book, Vietnam Once you’re inside, in a sense you Conscription “was a really bad Haldeman says he makes a com- Novel reflects military experience veterans came home to a society that have less citizenship than someone idea for Vietnam,” Haldeman said, fortable upper middle-class living Haldeman was drafted in 1968 had changed rapidly in their absence. who’s in prison.” although it “was socially necessary from his works, which generally pay and spent a year in the service. “I got for World War II.” We’re too far into better than being an MIT professor. there February 29, 1968, and every- the Iraq war to need a draft now, he His current project, the novel Star- one was afraid the computer would Eating Disorder Treatment said, but “when they start fighting in bound, will be the second in a trilogy make us wait four years,” he said. Treatment of Adults Suffering from Iran, they’re going to need a draft.” that began with Marsbound and will He spent the year as a demolitions Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa Haldeman says he teaches Star- end with a novel to be called Earth- engineer on search and destroy mis- ship Troopers as a “didactic novel. bound. sions in groups of about fifty, travel- Informed clinicians refer their clients to … [It’s] a very effective propaganda ing around the jungle trying to draw Laurel Hill Inn. LHI provides the most tool for getting 16 or 17 year olds en- Film will be Haldeman’s second Vietcong fire. effective treatment and deploys the highest thusiastic about becoming soldiers.” Haldeman has written a story “When they started shooting at us staff-to-client ratio in New England. We Haldeman, a self-described pacifist, and screenplay before, for the film we’d bring in artillery and air support provide extensive programming in a highly condemns that message. But, he said, Robot Jox; he largely disavows that and try to draw them out,” he said. structured and supervised non-institutional “Heinlein and I were friends at the story now. “Some people enjoy [Ro- But “they’d disappear three minutes therapeutic setting. Evening, day, and residential treatment as well as end of his life … we just forgave bot Jox], but to me it’s as if I’d had a after fighting,” knowing that it took weekly support groups in West Medford and West Somerville. Call each other our politics.” child who started out well and then air support four minutes to arrive. Linda at 781 396-1116 or visit www.laurelhillinn.com. sustained brain damage,” Haldeman Haldeman refused an commission Two jobs: MIT professor, writer wrote on his website. and served as a private the whole What exactly is Haldeman doing One other novel, Haldeman’s time, eventually ranked Specialist-4. read our live blog & discuss your ideas at MIT? Before he was hired in the 1987 “Tool of the Trade,” almost His Army career ended when a all week late 1980s, “kids were all writing sci- became a TV series, but the group booby-trapped pile of ordnance ex- http://gpi.mit.edu ence fiction, and nobody in the pro- in Hollywood interested in the story ploded in an abandoned enemy posi- gram wrote science fiction, so they disappeared. The book follows an tion while his demolitions team had searched for a recognizable name MIT psychology professor, secretly been assigned to guard the pile. “Our with a degree and who had college a Russian intelligence agent, who sergeant protested, this could be a teaching experience,” Haldeman said. is unsure of his loyalties and has booby trap, it’s really a sitting duck” MIT didn’t have a lot of options. invented a device that will make al- situation, but “the major in charge of Haldeman now teaches two writ- most anyone do whatever he asks. the infantry wanted to wait and have POVERTY WEEK 2008 ing subjects, workshops in science The book, which Haldeman calls his his boys get some chow before they fiction and longer fiction. Do MIT “most cinematic novel,” was finished left.” The pile blew up a few minutes OCTOBER 18-24 students actually write publishable during his first year teaching at the later, sending hundreds of bullets stories? “Well, some of them,” Hal- Institute. and pieces of shrapnel into his body. deman said. Haldeman says that The For- Of the wounded, “I was the only one “I love teaching here for many ever War’s plot will translate well who survived with all my limbs in- reasons,” he said. “I could go to any into film, at least in broad outlines. tact,” Haldeman said. hear Nicholas Negroponte (Keynote) liberal arts college and find people “From what I’ve seen of Ridley’s After spending time in several full of a burning desire to write,” he public statements, the first movie, military hospitals, Haldeman was as- Monday 10/20 said. But he refused an offer from The Forever War, won’t cover all of signed to work as a postman and got 7:30 pm, 32-123 Harvard University. “There’s no the novel,” more likely about half of out of the service three months early, place elsewhere I could really fit in it, Haldeman said. “The first time I considered “40 percent disabled” very well,” he said, because MIT ap- optioned the novel, it was for a 4-part based on the location and number of preciates science fiction more many miniseries on television. I wouldn’t his wounds. “In a very practical way, More events! other universities might. “The facul- expect what I had proposed as a or perhaps a cynical way, it was the ty is much more receptive,” he said. 8-hour movie to show up on a mov- best thing that ever happened to me,” http://gpi.mit.edu Having written and taught sci- ie,” he said. he said. There are few prominent Army veterans in science fiction. The field has “two or three veterans of my generation,” and he’s “met one guy from the current conflict,” Haldeman said. Combat changes you, he said. “Sometimes [being a veteran is] very, very binding, and sometimes it’s the opposite,” Haldeman said. In The Forever War, and in mod- ern wars, machines and technology sometimes dominate the fighting. “The people are counters that give war the extra value,” Haldeman said. “We very rarely saw the enemy, we saw them after you killed them. I saw a total of two enemy soldiers whom we had wounded,” he said. “There was no epic sense to any- thing that I experienced in combat,” he said. “It was really gang fighting with airplanes.” The protagonist of The Forever War rarely does anything heroic, though he does make clever tactical decisions that save him and many of his comrades. He gains rank mostly by default: by constantly surviving missions, he keeps getting promoted. The protagonist is “not a hero type, he’s not that good looking, he’s just an everyman with an education,” Haldeman said. Of course, in Holly- wood, even the everyman has to look Henisi. Pat, cor sum nos doloreet elesseq uatuera esectem doloboreet, con heniscidunt at, quat dolobore diam, veliquisl el ut adip eraesto duis dolor sum ex exeros ea faci ea amcommo lorper adit nullaor at, commy nosto odolenim nostrud et laore feu facidunt alit lutetue modolor accum ea am, quamcon sequat wisl ullam, consequat. Iquat. Ut el iure feugait elit, quis adionsectet ex endre facip er accum zzrit lor sustis aut verit, sed modolor eraessim et dolore duis nisis ad minit in vendrem quatums andigna feuissed enim zzriusci tem nos dipsusto od magniat wismod tat, voluptat. Ut amcon volesequisl iure deliscillam quatetum dolorpe riusto del eriusto core facilit, qui tem nonsenim zzriustrud dolore conse molestrud modolore corpercilla feu faccum quisci blan volut iustrud minim ipsum ad magnibh esequatem qui bla con volor sectem zzrit eum nonum ese dolortisis amconullaore vulla feu feu feu feum duipsus tionsectem erci tet aci endreet lor si. good. “Daniel Craig would be good,” Magnim do doloreet, conulput wisi ex ex eu facincilit alit iustissed eugue vel dolore vent he said.

LEGAL COUNSEL MIT students, family, employers and start-ups seeking U.S. legal counsel, campus or office consultation. Call: James Dennis Leary, Esq. 321-544-0012 October 17, 2008 The Tech Page 17 IM IN UR ROOM, READIN UR

[email protected] Page 18 The Tech October 17, 2008 Baylor Offers Frosh Financial Incentives To Retake the SAT By Sara Rimer who had been recommended by col- The New York Times leagues. Georgia Green, a music educa- Baylor is a 14,000-student pri- tion professor at Baylor University in vate Baptist university, and faculty Waco, Tex., said she did not believe it members said Wednesday that the in- when a colleague told her in June that centives were at odds with its strong Baylor was offering incoming fresh- commitment to academic integrity. men financial incentives to retake the In the university’s widely publi- SAT. cized 10-year strategic plan, called “I said, ‘That can’t be right; that’s Baylor 2012, officials laid out their just impossible,’” recalled Dr. Green, goals of deepening their “distinctive who has taught at Baylor for more Christian mission” while entering the than 20 years and is chairwoman of top tier of national rankings. the Faculty Senate. While a university spokesman, The report turned out to be true, John Barry, has said the decision to and late Tuesday, Dr. Green and her offer freshmen financial incentives to colleagues in the Faculty Senate retake the SAT was primarily driven passed a motion criticizing the ef- by a desire to distribute additional fort. Baylor had offered incoming merit aid, Dr. Green and other faculty freshmen a $300 credit at the campus members expressed skepticism. bookstore to retake the SAT. Students Robert C. Cloud, a professor of who raised their scores by 50 points higher education, said, “I do think or more received $1,000 a year in there was an underlying motivation to merit scholarship aid. increase the average SAT scores and “This practice is academically dis- therefore then improve our position honest and should be discontinued,” with regard to the rankings.” the motion read. Mr. Barry said Wednesday that the Dr. Green said that after she first interim president, David Garland, was heard about the plan, she approached interested in learning about the Fac- Baylor’s president, John M. Lilley, at ulty Senate’s concerns and expected a meeting. “I said, ‘I just heard the to meet with Dr. Green soon. THANK YOU . . . most bizarre thing; someone told me Philip A. Ballinger, the director of M IT we’re paying freshmen to retake the admissions at the University of Wash- SAT.’ He said, ‘I don’t know anything, ington in Seattle, was among the col- but I’ll check into it.’” lege admissions officials who were The next day, Dr. Green said, she on a panel that spent a year drafting a received a call from Baylor’s vice study on the uses, and possible misus- president for finance, Reagan Ram- es, of the SAT and ACT in college ad- sower. “He said, ‘Dr. Lilley tells me missions for the National Association you’re concerned about this SAT for College Admission Counseling. thing,’” she said. Dr. Green said she The study urged colleges, universities challenged Dr. Ramsower to explain and other institutions to re-examine the move. their use of the tests in admissions According to Dr. Green, Dr. Ram- and in the awarding of merit aid. sower said that a group of people in In more than 20 years in college admissions had brought the idea to admissions, Dr. Ballinger said, he had him, and that he had signed off on it. never heard of an institution using the Dr. Green said: “He said, ‘It’s a SAT the way Baylor did. ® win-win: the scores go up; the kids “I’m just astounded that rankings get money.’ I said, ‘I hope you’re pre- would drive policy to such an extent,” Bose® Wave® music system pared to get a lot of criticism from the Dr. Ballinger said. faculty.’ He just didn’t think it was a “It’s just rotten all around,” he said. big deal.” “The general context for this whole Her concerns were soon eclipsed thing is that it’s simply a misuse of by a larger and more public issue: Dr. the test. But also it just separates this Lilley, the president, was dismissed whole thing from the educational mis- ThankThank you you to to Students, Students, in July after two years in office, amid sion of a university. It’s just like all of faculty concerns about his refusal a sudden people removed their brains Faculty, Staff and to grant tenure to several candidates and went to Mars.” Faculty, Staff and ANNE ROSEMARIE BILL TUNDE MATHER ANNA DEAVERE AND DEBRA Employees of M.I.T. HATHAWAY DeWITT IRWIN ADEBIMPE ZICKEL SMITH WINGER “I LOVE THIS MOVIE! LEAVING SCREENS Employees of M.I.T. AND AUDIENCES GLOWING!” Bose Corporation was founded and -Ty Burr, BOSTON GLOBE

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©2004 Bose Corporation. Patent rights issued and/or pending. Delivery is subject to product availability. [email protected] October 17, 2008 The Tech Page 19 Protesters Demand More Student Input, Echoing Past Gripes Protest, from Page 1 Student protests have sometimes worked, too. Students reacted strong- use their input.” ly to a 1994 MIT committee report “It’s our goal to revive student that proposed moving residents out participation,” Lachenmyer said. of East Campus and Senior House T-shirts picturing a string of dom- and possibly into Ashdown House. inoes collapsing onto the MIT logo The response was really something, will be distributed at the protest. Brown said: “Sport Death Banners Inscribed on each falling domino is over McCormick.” (Tire swings ap- an area of concern — “communica- peared across campus and copies tion,” “hacking,” “dining,” “hous- of Senior House’s iconic banner ap- ing,” and “community.” peared in front of five West Campus The shirts were designed and dorms. The report was abandoned.) paid for by the Undergraduate As- “The student reaction to almost sociation in the spring, according to anything is almost always to main- former UA president Martin F. Hol- tain the status quo,” Brown said. “I mes ’08. They were left over from a can really see how the administra- failed UA initiative unrelated to the tion could ultimately choose effi- current protest. The UA has tried to ciency over … negotiation when the 5-6:30pm, distance itself from today’s protest negotiation is for no change. I don’t and the campaign behind it. know how you fix it, because every Last fall, about 30 MIT students freshman comes in just as dumb as picketed Walker Memorial to protest the freshman the year before.” But if the administration’s statements about the administration were to try to ne- Simpson’s arrest. Simpson was ap- gotiate with students, they’d get bet- prehended at gunpoint at Logan air- ter decisions and a “better taste left port for wearing a blinking LED sign, in someone’s mouth” when students which was mistaken for a bomb. On graduate, Brown said. the same day, MIT released a state- “I started donating after Chuck ment condemning Simpson’s actions Vest left,” he said. as “reckless.” At last year’s protest, students marched with signs that read “Think before you speak” and “Support the students.” Today’s sit-in will probably be more studious, Lachenmyer said. “It’s a tool-in,” he said. “It’s like a sit- in, but people get together with their psets to tool.”

Tool-in recalls 1999 protest A similar “tool-in” was held in April 1999. Students from the group ILTFP organized the tool-in to pro- test what they saw as creeping pa- ternalism and a tendency to ignore student requests, The Tech reported. “We have a committee. We discuss stuff. They do what they were going to do anyway,” tool-in organizer Jer- emy Brown ’94 said in 1999. At the time, he told The Tech, “My fantasy is that it’ll put a differ- ent spin on the state of student dis- satisfaction.” “I guess as a solidarity activity it was successful,” Brown said last night, as he looked back on the pro- test. He said they had hoped to get non-MIT press to cover the activity. Brown, who now runs a small software business, said that in his time, students and administrators sometimes got along. When Stephen D. Immerman, now senior associate dean for student development, “took a direct personal hand” in helping Senior House students during their dorm’s renovation, “it was probably the single most successful student- administration team-up I ever saw,” Brown said.

This space donated by The Tech Page 20 The Tech October 17, 2008 Sp o r t s Steinbrenner Million Crain Plows Through smallbore and 2226 in air rifle, good for second among the three squads. On Sunday, in a head to to Ninth at New head matchup with Navy, Tech was outshot by the host team 2288 to 2239 in smallbore and 2335 to Dollar Pledge Allows England Singlehanded 2225 in air rifle. On Saturday, Emily F. Houston ’10 and Joseph Championships K. Lane ’11 would match the top two marksmen from Navy in the smallbore category, shooting 576 Upgrades to Stadium Representing MIT at the New England Men’s Sin- and 573 respectively. However, the Engineers could glehanded Championships, Philip C. Crain ’12 finished not keep up with the host’s air rifle scores, as the top By James Kramer brenner Stadium for generations an amazing ninth out of 33 entries at the two day sailing three point totals in that event belonged to Midship- DAPER Staff to come,” added George M. Stein- event hosted by Yale University. men. Nigel C. Kojimoto ’12 helped contribute to The Steinbrenner Foundation, brenner III. After an average start in which the second place finish, shooting 549 in smallbore which helped shape the outdoor Henry G. Steinbrenner received he ranked 16th in the opening category and 550 in air rifle. Jennifer K. Paek ’10 landscape at MIT over 30 years ago a bachelor of science degree in naval Sports round, Crain poured it on, plac- rounded out the scoring for Tech with scores of 539 with a gift leading to the construc- architecture and engineering from ing fourth, seventh, and ninth in in smallbore and 534 in air. tion of the Institute’s most prominent MIT in 1927 and at the same time Shorts the next three races. Overall, the The Engineers returned to the range Sunday but athletic venue, has made another won the American Bureau of Ship- MIT standout registered eight top were again outdueled by the Naval Academy in both generous pledge as MIT continues ping Award for outstanding achieve- 10 finishes among the 11 races. guns. Houston had another accurate performance, to celebrate the legacy of Henry G. ment as a scholar. A two-time track Charles D. Field ’10 also sailed for the Engineers. with scores of 574 in smallbore and an impressive Steinbrenner ’27. The gift will aid in and field All-American, Steinbrenner On Saturday, the fleet was sent out amid a fading 588 in air rifle, just two points off the high score in the construction of a new entrance became the first MIT student-athlete northerly wind which had disappeared by the time the the meet. The next three shooters for Tech finished and pathway from Vassar Street to to win a national title after winning participants hit the starting area. By late morning, a within two points of each other in the smallbore cat- Steinbrenner Stadium and will also the low hurdles championship in re- light easterly breeze held enough to finish the first race. egory. Lane led the way with a 556, Kojimoto was include lighting, seating, and a new cord time during his senior year. The following rounds saw a current steadily shift right one off that score with Paek just a point below that. press box. In 1977, George Steinbrenner to the southwest and holding at around 7-8 knots. Once again, the Midshipmen dominated the air rifle “The legacy of the Steinbrenner III and his sisters, Susan and Judith, Winds consistently built to a southwesterly eight event, outshooting the Engineers by 110 points. connection to MIT lives on through provided MIT with a significant knots on Sunday. All races were completed on wind- MIT will be back in action in two weeks when this generous gift from the Stein- contribution for the construction ward/leeward twice around courses. Navy comes to Cambridge for a meet, along with brenner Foundation,” said Director of an athletic stadium in honor of Among the other New England teams competing the Wentworth Institute of Technology, on Saturday, of Athletics Julie Soriero. “This pro- their father. The commitment was were rivals Harvard University, Tufts University, Boston October 25. vides us with funding to upgrade our announced at MIT’s annual alumni University, and event winner Brown University. —Greg McKeever, DAPER Staff stadium seating, access areas, and luncheon in support of the Class of —Mike Stoller, DAPER Staff working press box. This will vastly 1927’s 50th Reunion Gift. improve Steinbrenner Stadium as it For most of his professional ca- Women’s Volleyball currently exists, making it an out- reer, Henry G. Steinbrenner served Women’s Soccer Blanks standing venue in which to compete as president of the family-owned Sweeps WPI, 3-0 or watch a game. We are appreciative shipping line, The Kinsman Marine Coast Guard, 4-0 Following a week-long hiatus, the MIT women’s of the continued generosity from the Transit Company. The naming of MIT women’s soccer delivered its best offensive ef- volleyball team returned to action with a 25-15, 25- Steinbrenner family.” the Stadium in his honor was a tes- fort of the season in a 4-0 victory over Coast Guard at 15, 25-5 victory over WPI in a New England Wom- “It is our honor and privilege to timonial to his athletic and academic Roberts Field on Tuesday. Alisha D. Lussiez ’12 scored en’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) ensure that future athletes, fans, and achievements as an undergraduate two goals and assisted on another in the victory. match on Tuesday night. the entire MIT community will be and his professional achievements The Engineers opened the scoring in the 37th min- MIT raced out to an 11-1 lead in the opening able to continue to enjoy the Stein- as an American industrial leader. ute as Lussiez connected on her fifth goal of the season. set, but WPI responded with five unanswered points Lauren R. Hernley ’11, who was in command of the including a pair of kills from Becca Holmberg. Each midfield all afternoon, supplied an assist on the open- side traded points, but MIT captured five out of the ing marker. last six points with a service ace by Alexandra T. Up c o m i n g Ho m e Ev e n t s MIT added to its advantage in the 58th minute as May ’10 to seal the set. Hernley knocked home her second goal of the cam- MIT again built an early advantage in the second Friday, Oct. 17, 2008 paign. Taking a feed from Jean E. “Liz” Theurer ’10 set. MIT closed the set with an 11-3 run, culminat- Pistol vs. U.S. Coast Guard Academy 6:00 p.m., duPont Athletic deep in the Coast Guard box, Hernley slammed the ball ing in a four-point serving run by Barden E. Clee- Center into the middle of the net just under the top post. Six land ’10. Men’s Water Polo vs. Connecticut College 8:30 p.m., Zesiger Center minutes later, Lussiez delivered another goal off a pass Cecily L. Joujon-Roche’s ’12 blocking efforts from Claire M. DeRosa ’11. with Jennifer Li ’11 and Katrina M. Ellison ’10 on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008 Hernley capped off the scoring with a blast from 25 the first two points of the final set helped power MIT Pistol vs. U.S. Coast Guard Academy 9:00 a.m., duPont Athletic yards out in the 88th minute. to a 10-2 lead. Lindsay E. Hunting ’09 served the Center Rookie net-minder Mary Mills was sensational in final eight points to clinch the match for MIT. Sailing Invitational 9:30 a.m., Charles River a losing effort for Coast Guard. With several diving Joujon-Roche recorded a match-high six blocks Men’s Soccer vs. U.S. Coast Guard Academy 10:30 a.m., Steinbrenner lunges and a strong presence between the pipes, Mills to go along with four kills. Cleeland collected sev- Stadium slowed the MIT attack while finishing the day with 14 en kills on 13-errorless attempts for a .538 hitting Women’s Volleyball MIT Quad Tournament 10:30 a.m., Rockwell saves. Stephanie V. Brenman ’09 made two saves en percentage. May tallied six kills, five digs, and two Cage route to her fifth shutout of the season. aces as Ellison added six kills and a .556 hitting Men’s Water Polo vs. Queens College 12:00 p.m., Zesiger Center MIT enjoyed a 26-5 advantage in shots and a 5-1 performance. Kelly E. Schulte ’12 connected on all Field Hockey vs. Smith College 1:00 p.m., Jack Barry Field edge in corners. four of her hitting attempts while Li, Emily Obert Football vs. Western New England College 2:00 p.m., Steinbrenner —James Kramer, DAPER Staff ’11, and Allison E. Hamilos ’12 each posted three Stadium kills. Hunting notched eight digs and five aces as Li picked up three aces. Catherine Melnikow ’10 Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008 MIT Rifle Drops a Pair of totaled 17 assists and 11 digs while Evelyn C. Cord- Crew Head of the Charles 9:00 a.m., Charles River ner ’12 dished out five assists. Men’s Water Polo vs. St. Francis College 12:00 p.m., Zesiger Center Matches at Navy On Saturday, Oct. 18, MIT will host its Quad The MIT rifle team traveled to the U.S. Naval Tournament featuring Western New England Col- Academy over the weekend for a pair of matches with lege, Saint Mary’s College (Ind.), and Millikin Uni- the Midshipmen, as well as the team from Penn State. versity. Sc o r e b o a r d On Saturday, the Engineers had scores of 2237 in —Mindy Brauer, DAPER Staff

Rifle Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008 MIT (1-2) 2239(s), 2225(a) U.S. Naval Academy (8-0) 2288(s), 2335(a)

Men’s Soccer Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008 MIT (12-1-1) 0 Bates College (6-5-0) 3

Women’s Soccer Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008 MIT (4-7-1) 4 U.S. Coast Guard Academy (5-7-0) 0

Women’s Tennis Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008 MIT (7-2) 6 Wheaton College (10-2) 3

Women’s Volleyball Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008 Allison M. Alwan Worcester Polytechnic Institute (10-11) 0 Kelly E. Schulte ’12 spikes the ball during the women’s volleyball team’s 3-0 win over Worcester MIT (14-11) 3 Polytechnic Institute on Tuesday evening in Rockwell Cage.