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Volume 126, Number 25 Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 Friday, May 12, 2006 Proposed Revisions to GIRs Are Unveiled Waitlisted Kelley Rivoire NEWS EDITOR At a town meeting Wednesday, Students the MIT community heard a status report from the faculty task force on MIT’s educational mission. The committee proposed several Get in For tweaks to the General Institute Re- quirements, including eliminating the Institute Laboratory require- First Time ment. But the basic structure of the MIT-wide undergraduate require- ments won’t change much. Since 2002 “Increasing freshman enthusi- asm and motivation is an important By Marissa Vogt goal,” said Dean Robert J. Silbey, NEWS EDITOR the committee’s chairman. For the first time in four years, “The freshman motivation and MIT has admitted students to the enthusiasm declines a lot from incoming freshman class off of the when they come in to Thanksgiving waitlist. Thirty of the 320 students re- break,” he said. “They come to MIT maining on the waitlist were admitted wanting to rule the world, change this week, and the rest of the applica- the world.” tions will be held for another week. The committee’s proposed Sixty-nine of the students originally changes, which are to be finalized placed on the waitlist had already this fall, will most significantly af- withdrawn, according to an e-mail fect the current science core. Only from Dean of Admissions Marilee Calculus I and II, along with Phys- Jones. ics I, would remain as strict require- Of the 1,474 students originally ments, half the six mandatory sub- RICARDO RAMIREZ—THE TECH admitted to the Class of 2010, 987, jects in the current science core. Dean of Science Robert J. Silbey introduces a plan for a new core curriculum that includes engineer- or 67 percent, have decided to enroll, In addition to these three sub- ing. The task force charged with reevaluating the General Institute Requirements held a town meeting Jones wrote in an e-mail. That per- jects, the newly-christened “Sci- Wednesday afternoon in 32-123 to receive community input on proposed new requirements. centage matched last year’s recent- ence-Math-Engineering core” could choose. HASS requirement quite closely to human nature, revolutions, or even high yield of 67 percent for the Class would require one subject from five Additionally, the Institute labo- the current model. The only major love, Silbey said. of 2009, when the admissions office of six categories: Math, Physical ratory currently departure to the Three pilot freshman experience decided not to admit anyone off of For a selected history of the Sciences, Chemistry, Life Science, required would eight-subject re- HASS classes, such as “How to the waitlist. Higher-than-expected GIRs and a diagram of the Computation and Engineering, and be subsumed into quirement would Stage a Revolution,” in addition to yields in the past few years and MIT’s proposed changes to the GIRs, a project-based freshman experi- departmental pro- be a freshman six science and engineering project- pledge to eliminate crowding in dor- see page 15. ence, with the latter two making grams, as would experience class, based experiences, two of which are mitories have prevented MIT from their first appearance in the core restricted electives in science and selected from a range of about 10 to related to energy, are already under admitting waitlisted students since subjects. Each category would offer technology. 16 classes, that would tackle a “big 2002. a few subjects from which freshmen The proposed changes to the idea” like poverty, globalization, GIRs, Page 15 “We purposely calculated high so we’d go to the waitlist,” wrote Jones in an e-mail. Thirteen percent of the applicants for admission to the Class Secretary Bodman Gives of 2010 were admitted, smaller than the Class of 2009 in terms of both the number of admits and the acceptance Views on Nuclear Energy rate. Jones did not say what the target By Curt Fischer tion were nuclear energy and cellu- size for the Class of 2010 had been. STAFF REPORTER losic ethanol. “It is a happy day when we can By the time secret service “We in this country need more admit waitlist students,” Jones wrote. agents led U.S. Secretary of Energy nuclear energy,” said Bodman. “Because we’re able to admit just 13 Samuel W. Bodman ScD ’65 into “I am convinced we will see new percent of this stellar applicant pool, the Stata Center’s Kirsch Audito- nuclear plants in our country,” he there are so many wonderful students rium on Tuesday, a packed house said. “We don’t need six new reac- we really want to admit on the wait- sat waiting to hear him speak about tors, we need 16, we need 26, we list. Some of the staff have developed America’s energy future. The talk need 46.” relationships with some of those was sponsored in part by the Ener- Another new nuclear thrust dis- students and we were all very, very gy Research Council and followed cussed by Bodman was Bush’s new happy to admit them.” the release of the council’s initial Global Nuclear Energy Partnership, Jones said that she expects about report last week. an international effort to develop 90 percent of the waitlisted admits In his talk and in the follow- responsible management of nuclear will matriculate. Most of the students ing question and answer session, waste through advanced reprocess- still on the waitlist “are ready to come Bodman, a former associate pro- ing technology. on the spot,” she wrote in an e-mail. fessor in chemical engineering at This technology relies on ad- “It’s tough because within the past MIT, highlighted proposed federal vanced burner reactors, which can two weeks they had to tell another budget increases to several energy use fast neutrons to consume and school they’d be enrolling and some research areas, including solar and eliminate elements which are other- of their hearts will be torn a bit.” As a wind energy, clean coal, and effi- wise removed from today’s reactors result, MIT tried to let students know cient hybrid vehicles, but the two as soon as possible if they would be topics that received the most atten- Bodman, Page 16 accepted off the waitlist, she said. Research VP Gast To Be Lehigh President By Marie Y. Thibault oversees 18 research laboratories, the together around a common agenda. NEWS EDITOR press release reported. All of these qualities will serve her Alice P. Gast, vice president for MIT President Susan Hockfield — and the university — very well as research and associate provost, will commented in the press release, Lehigh’s next president.” CHRISTINA S. KANG leave MIT and become the president her “leadership on issues relating Gast said that “It is a tremendous Heather A. Levites ’08 brings the first act to a close with of Lehigh University in Pennsylva- to research policy and organization, honor to be asked to serve Lehigh “WhatChu Know About That,” choreographed by Christina nia on Aug. 1, according to a news faculty governance, and intellectual University as its next president. I am Huang ’06. MIT Dancetroupe’s spring show, “Guilty Pleasures,” office press release. property, to name a few, is more extremely excited about the trajecto- runs until this Sunday in Little Kresge Auditorium. See page 12 Gast organizes research policy, than impressive, as is her ability to ry and momentum of this university,” for additional photos. copyright and patent licensing, and bring people with different interests according to the press release.

Comics MTG Performs NEWS World & Nation ...... 2 “Chicago” New Undergraduate Association Opinion ...... 4 officers Page 16 Arts ...... 8 MIT Gets Study Abroad Dean Police Log ...... 13 Page 17 Sports ...... 20 Page 6 Page 9 Page 2 THE TECH May 12, 2006 WORLD & NATION Influence Inquiry Turns Toward Senate Agrees to Extension House Panel By David Johnston and John M. Broder THE NEW YORK TIMES WASHINGTON Of Tax Cuts, Mostly For Rich Federal investigators are examining the activities of several members of the House Appropriations Committee, including Rep. Jerry Lewis, R- By Edmund L. Andrews But even as Senate Republicans Senate. Calif., chairman of the panel that wields broad influence over government THE NEW YORK TIMES celebrated, they failed to reach agree- The tax bill, which Bush is ex- spending, government officials said Thursday. WASHINGTON ment with House Republicans on pected to sign as early as Friday, The officials said the inquiry is focused on the relationships among The Senate voted 54-44 on Thurs- scores of other popular tax breaks, could set the stage for budgetary lobbyists, contractors and committee members who seem to steer lucra- day to pass almost $70 billion in tax including tax deductions for college heartburn in the years ahead. tive government contracts to favored vendors virtually free of outside cuts, mostly for the nation’s wealthi- tuition and a savings credit for low- Virtually all of President Bush’s oversight through a process known as earmarking. est taxpayers. The action ensures that income people that expired last year. tax cuts — rate reductions for indi- The officials, who had been briefed on the investigation, were granted virtually all of President Bush’s tax Democrats charged that the tax viduals, a bigger child tax credit, the anonymity so that they could speak more candidly about a case that re- cuts will be locked in place until af- bill focused almost entirely on cuts elimination of estate taxes and the mains under federal investigation. They cautioned that the inquiry is pre- ter the next presidential election. for wealthy investors and that it al- tax cuts for stock dividends — will liminary and has not yet established specific evidence of wrongdoing by The measure, which the House lowed programs aimed at ordinary expire simultaneously at the end of Lewis or by others. The officials declined to identify any other lawmakers passed on Wednesday, would extend citizens to languish. 2010. under scrutiny. Bush’s tax cuts on stock dividends “There is little in this bill to be Renewing all those tax cuts at Lewis, whose involvement in the inquiry was first reported by The and capital gains until 2010, and proud of,” said Sen. Max Baucus, the same time would cost hundreds Los Angeles Times on Thursday, issued a denial of any wrongdoing in shield about 15 million affluent fam- D-Mont. “Working people have been of billions of dollars a year, posing which he said he had adhered to strict ethical standards in all his decisions ilies for one year from an increase in left behind.” excruciating budget choices for the on the committee. He said he knew nothing about the inquiry. the Alternative Minimum Tax. House Republicans, meanwhile, next president as the nation’s baby The vote was a significant victory remained in disarray over a budget boomers become eligible for billions for Bush and beleaguered Repub- plan for next year. After vowing of dollars in Medicare and Social Se- Colombia High Court Eases lican leaders, who had viewed the earlier Thursday to vote on the plan, curity benefits. tax cuts on stock market profits as a which was to have been passed on In addition, lawmakers merely Nation’s Ban on Abortion defining party issue and had credited April 15, House leaders postponed postponed dealing with huge prob- By Juan Forero them with jump-starting economic the vote after failing to reach agree- lems surrounding the Alternative THE NEW YORK TIMES BOGOTA, COLOMBIA growth and reducing unemployment ment with Republican moderates Minimum Tax, a parallel tax that was Colombia’s highest court has legalized abortion under certain limited over the last three years. who wanted $3 billion more for originally aimed at millionaires but circumstances. The decision is expected to embolden women’s rights “We’re finally here; we have a health and education. is not adjusted for inflation and is set groups across Latin America to use courts in their countries to try to roll deal,” Sen. Charles E. Grassley of Even if House Republicans pass to engulf millions of middle-class back some of the world’s most stringent abortion laws. Iowa, chairman of the Senate Finance a budget plan later this month, their families. In a 5-3 decision handed down late Wednesday, the Constitutional Committee, declared with evident measure will have little practical im- Preventing an expansion of the Court overturned Colombia’s complete ban on abortion and ruled that the relief on the Senate floor. “More im- portance because it probably will not alternative tax in 2007 would cost procedure would be permitted when the life of a mother was in danger or portantly, the American taxpayer has be reconciled with a very different more than $40 billion, and the costs the fetus was expected to die or in cases of rape or incest. Women’s rights a deal. A deal that is long overdue.” plan passed earlier this year by the increase each year after that. organizations in places as varied as Argentina and New York, where sev- eral groups that closely tracked the case are based, hailed the ruling. “This is a triumph for Colombian and Latin American women,” said Monica Roa, a lawyer in Bogota who brought the suit on the grounds that Bush Defends NSA After Report by banning abortion, Colombia was violating its own commitments to international human rights treaties ensuring a woman’s right to life and health. That it Collected Phone Records By Eric Lichtblau over tens of millions of customer Gen. Michael V. Hayden, formerly the Broader Use of DNA Lists Could and Scott Shane phone records to the NSA since the head of the NSA, as the president’s THE NEW YORK TIMES Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. But Bush’s nominee to lead the Central Intelli- Solve Crimes WASHINGTON remarks appeared to do little to mol- gence Agency. By Nicholas Wade Congressional Republicans and lify members of Congress, as several The New York Times first reported THE NEW YORK TIMES Democrats alike demanded answers leading lawmakers said they wanted to in December, a week after its initial A team of Harvard scientists is proposing that DNA databases con- from the Bush administration on hear directly from administration of- disclosure that the president had autho- tain enough information so that criminals whose DNA has not been cata- Thursday about a report that the Na- ficials and telecommunication execu- rized the NSA to conduct eavesdrop- logued could be identified through their kinship to people already listed. tional Security Agency has collected tives. ping without warrants, that the agency They say this could be done by a method developed to identify victims records of millions of domestic phone The USA Today report could not had gained the cooperation of Ameri- of the World Trade Center attacks and other disasters. calls, even as President Bush assured be independently confirmed, and some can telecommunications companies to The FBI’s DNA database can now be searched only for exact matches Americans that their privacy is “fierce- former intelligence officials questioned get access to records of vast amounts to DNA found at crime scenes. But with slight modifications, it could be ly protected.” the accuracy of some details. of domestic and international phone searched for close relatives of whoever left the DNA. “We’re not mining or trolling But neither Bush nor any other ad- calls and e-mail messages. The agency “Genetic surveillance would thus shift from the individual to the through the personal lives of millions ministration figure explicitly denied analyzes communications patterns, the family,” the scientists, Frederick R. Bieber and David Lazer, say in an of innocent Americans,” Bush said be- the account, which suggested that the report said, and looks for evidence of article in Friday’s issue of Science. fore leaving for a commencement ad- NSA’s surveillance and data-mining terrorist activity at home and abroad. Kinship-based DNA searching is already used in Britain but has not dress in Mississippi. “Our efforts are operations in the United States go The USA Today article on Thurs- become routine in the United States. focused on links to al-Qaida and their further than previously acknowledged day went further, saying that the NSA Such searches might be valuable in generating leads, Bieber said, known affiliates.” and rekindled the controversy about had created an enormous database because 46 percent of prisoners said they had close relatives who either The president sought to defuse a domestic spying. of all calls made by customers of the were or had been incarcerated, a Department of Justice survey found in tempest on Capitol Hill over an article Several lawmakers predicted the three phone companies in an effort 1996. in USA Today reporting that AT&T, new disclosures would complicate to compile a log of “every call ever Verizon and BellSouth have turned confirmation hearings next week for made” within this country. WEATHER It Could Be Worse Situation for Noon Eastern Daylight Time, Friday, May 12, 2006 By Scott Stransky 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

Yes, we are stuck in a pattern that will add plenty of grayness and rain to � 40°N

our lives over the next week or so, just as we begin to study for final exams. 1005 � �

Yes, today’s high will be 10 degrees F (5ºC) lower than the average high �

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� for this date. Yes, five years ago today it was 88ºF (31ºC) here. But it could be � �

much worse. The United States has seen a number of extreme weather events � � �

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over the past few days. � 35°N

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����� � There have been tornadoes in seven southern states, hail in ten southern � �� � � ��

states, wind damage in nine states, snow in Colorado, and severe flooding in � �

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Missouri. Some of the hail in Richland Parish, Louisiana was reported to be � �

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vice issued a tornado watch for three Midwestern states, fire weather adviso- � 30°N

ries in Florida, flood watches and warnings in 13 states, high wind advisories � � in nine states, and a winter weather advisory in the Western Plains. Yet, there 1014 were no watches or warnings issued for Massachusetts. Hopefully, putting our rain and grayness into perspective will make you feel better. Towards the end of next week, we may see the sun again! 25°N

Extended Forecast Today: Cloudy and some rain likely. High 52ºF (11ºC).

Tonight: Cloudy and some rain likely. Low 49ºF (9ºC). 1017 Saturday: Cloudy and some rain likely. High low 50s ºF (11ºC). Saturday Night: Surprise! Cloudy and some rain likely. Low mid 40s ºF (7ºC). Weather Systems Weather Fronts Precipitation Symbols Other Symbols Sunday: Cloudy and some rain likely. High mid 50s ºF (13ºC). Snow Rain Fog High Pressure Trough Sunday Night: Cloudy and some rain likely. Low mid 40s ºF (7ºC). - - - Showers Thunderstorm

Monday: Cloudy and some rain likely. High near 60 ºF (15ºC). � � � � Warm Front Light Low Pressure Haze Monday Night: Sunny … just kidding, cloudy and some rain likely. Low mid ����� Cold Front Moderate Compiled by MIT 40s ºF (7ºC). Hurricane � � Meteorology Staff � � Stationary Front Heavy and The Tech May 12, 2006 WORLD & NATION THE TECH Page 3 France Gets Closer to Creating Police Beat Crowds Backing Egypt’s Judges THE NEW YORK TIMES CAIRO, EGYPT Copyright Law on Digital Music President Hosni Mubarak’s government dispatched thousands of By Thomas Crampton tunes could play on multiple devices inner workings of their programs; and riot police officers into the center of the city on Thursday to silence THE NEW YORK TIMES in a way that preserves some copy create an agency to rule on important demonstrators intent on showing support for judges demanding inde- PARIS protection and respects rights estab- digital copyright issues. pendence from the president. Resisting pressure from business, lished when the work was purchased. That agency will decide how many The police clubbed men and women trying to demonstrate as well French lawmakers have moved the The real-world application of all this times a consumer can copy digital as half a dozen journalists. country a step closer to a copyright to companies like Apple and Sony will music files for personal use and, in the “This is a farce in every meaning of the word,” said Salah Zidan, a law that would have wide-ranging ef- come out of committee actions. Senate version, will ensure that music lawyer involved in pressing for more freedoms. “There has never been fects on those selling or listening to The latest vote comes amid global bought from one online service can be anything like this: that someone should express his opinion is commit- digital music. debate over patents and copyrights in a played on any device. ting a crime.” The Senate passed the bill on world where instant Internet distribu- “We have nothing to add at this The police also blocked streets and subway stations, disrupting the Wednesday after amending it to ad- tion of perfect digital copies is being point,” Alan Hely, a spokesman for lives of thousands of people who live and work in the area. Officers dress concerns from companies like blamed for disrupting conventional Apple in Europe, said in an e-mail sealed off the Judges Club, a stately building that has become a kind of Apple that had called it “state-spon- media business models.“France has message, “as the discussions and vot- headquarters for people calling for more democracy. sored piracy.” adopted an entirely new and unique ap- ing continues” until May 30. “I am just trying to go to work,” said Fatma Shoeib, a lawyer who The Senate version of what is be- proach to managing digital music and Vivendi Universal and Time War- could not get to her office because of the police blockade. “But we are ing called the iPod bill softens some films that could be a model for other ner joined Apple in lobbying against witnessing a farce. We are in a police state; this cannot be a state of measures that could have forced countries to follow,” said Jonathan the bill. The government championed law.” Apple to open all music sold from its Arber, an analyst in London at Ovum, the law as a way of encouraging inno- iTunes Music Store to play on portable a consulting firm. “Everyone will be vation in Internet distribution models devices other than the Apple iPod. watching the impact six months down and the diversity of offerings. Universal Music Settles The change is the crucial differ- the line to see whether consumers or The law will set France apart from ence from the version passed in March companies have benefited.” many Western countries, especially Big Payola Case by the National Assembly. Government officials said differ- the United States, in its positions on By Jeff Leeds The National Assembly’s version ences between the versions of the bill copyright law, digital copying and pi- THE NEW YORK TIMES permitted consumers to ask a court would be worked out in the next few racy, several critics said. The Universal Music Group, the world’s biggest music company, to force companies like Apple to let weeks, with the law taking force with- “This law risks removing all deter- has agreed to pay $12 million to settle accusations that executives paid songs bought from iTunes play on in several months. rence against piracy,” said Olivia Reg- radio programmers to play songs, according to a settlement announced other portable devices. The Senate Both versions reduce penalties nier, who represents record labels as Thursday. It is the largest such settlement yet in an investigation by the version would accept such appeals for piracy to the equivalent of a traf- the European regional counsel for the New York attorney general that has shaken the music business. only from companies. fic offense; require software makers International Federation of the Pho- The office of the attorney general, Eliot Spitzer, said in documents The bill would guarantee that to give the government details of the nographic Industry. released Thursday that Universal, a unit of Vivendi, had used a broad array of illegal “pay-for-play” tactics to secure airplay for its music, in- cluding bribing programmers with laptop computers, tickets to sport- ing events and luxury hotel stays. Joint Edict Will Require Muslim Spitzer’s office has been examining whether the four corporations that dominate the music industry have violated federal or New York state laws that prohibit payments of cash or anything of value to radio programmers for airplay unless the transaction is disclosed to listen- Donations to Palestinian Authority ers. By Hassan M. Fattah Saudi cleric Salman al-Odeh and some odd juxtapositions. Doha is Last year, the authorities settled with Warner Music Group for $5 THE NEW YORK TIMES Sheik Harith al-Dhari, head of Iraq’s home to the U.S. army’s Central Com- million and Sony BMG Music Entertainment for $10 million in simi- DOHA, QATAR Sunni Islamic Scholars Association, mand and served as the operations lar arrangements. In March, Spitzer sued one of the nation’s biggest Religious leaders from a number met with leaders of Hamas and Pal- center for the American-led invasion radio broadcasters, Entercom Communications, accusing it of trading of Muslim countries issued a joint estinian Islamic Jihad in closed-door of Iraq in 2003. It is also home to the airplay for money, after settlement discussions faltered. edict from here on Thursday requir- sessions here over the past two days to satellite station Al-Jazeera. In an interview, Spitzer said the “uniformity” of record executives’ ing Muslims to donate money to the discuss various steps of breaking the Conservative and radical Muslim conduct, reflected in e-mail messages and other documents uncovered Hamas-led Palestinian Authority, cur- embargo on the Hamas-led govern- scholars debated ways out of the cri- in earlier settlements, “speaks to the understanding in the industry that rently boycotted as a terrorist group ment. The clerics drew up an action sis, with Khaled Meshal, a Damascus- radio play is the best way to motivate sales, and folks would do what by the United States and the European plan to support the Palestinians and based leader of Hamas, at one point needed to be done to get the airtime.” Union. wrote an edict calling on Muslims to openly calling on Arab governments The high-profile entry of the re- donate money and allay the financial to supply Hamas with arms, even as ligious leaders fuels rising popular crisis in areas under Palestinian se- American soldiers, some in uniform, Governor of Kentucky is Indicted pressure on Arab governments to curity or administrative control and, held meetings in nearby rooms. By Ian Urbina break the boycott and seeks to turn a in effect, resist the United States and The meeting occurred as Islamist THE NEW YORK TIMES political issue into a pan-Islamic one. Europe. and social movements throughout the Gov. Ernie Fletcher of Kentucky, a Republican, was indicted Thurs- By issuing a fatwa, or binding There were no representatives Arab world began collecting millions day on charges that he illegally rewarded political supporters with state legal ruling, the scholars, who hold from Fatah, the more secular Palestin- in support of the Palestinians in recent jobs. sway over a wide swath of the Mus- ian movement that led the Palestinian days. Fletcher, who is charged with three misdemeanors of criminal lim world, appear to have raised the Authority until it was ousted in Janu- Governments, too, have pledged conspiracy, official misconduct and violating the prohibition against stakes over the Palestinian Authority’s ary’s elections. support. Last month, Iran pledged political discrimination, has denied any wrongdoing and has accused financial crisis. “God instructed the men of reli- $50 million to the Palestinian Author- the state’s attorney general, Gregory D. Stumbo, a Democrat, of being “This meeting has reverted the gion to stand up for justice and keep ity, and Qatar and Saudi Arabia soon politically motivated in his investigation. Palestinian issue to its rightful depth the Muslim nation aware,” said Pro- followed suit, pledging $50 million The indictment is the culmination of a yearlong investigation that as an Arab, and Islamic issue,” said fessor Ahmad Ali al-Iman, a Suda- and $90 million respectively. began after a whistleblower provided paperwork to the attorney gener- Izat Reshq, a member of Hamas’ po- nese cleric who attended the sessions. It was not immediately clear, al, who accused Fletcher of violating civil-service hiring laws by filling litburo. “We in Hamas always said “Palestine is a religious issue, not just however, how Muslim donations rank-and-file state jobs based on political leanings of applicants rather this is not just an internal Palestinian a political one, and affects all Mus- would actually get to Palestinians than their merit. The governor could face up to 12 months in prison issue, it is an Arab and Muslim one.” lims. So we want the Muslim nation as American pressure continued on and $500 in fines. Prominent clerics like the Egyp- to stand as one with the Palestinians.” Arab banks not to transfer funds into “This has been a politically motivated, media-driven investigation tian Sheik Yusuf al-Qaradawi, the The site of the meeting produced Palestinian hands. from the start,” Fletcher said in a statement. “Because of the politiciza- tion of this entire investigation, we are filing a motion at this time to disqualify Greg Stumbo and his entire office from further participation Plans to Patent AIDS Drug Provoke in this matter.” Legal Fight in India Over Higher Cost Shiite Cleric Closes Mosques By Amelia Gentleman for patients fear that the law could cut Those backing the legal challenge To Honor Killing of Sunnis and Hari Kumar off their access to affordable generic are hoping to gain a legal precedent By Sabrina Tavernise THE NEW YORK TIMES drugs. for use in other patent applications. THE NEW YORK TIMES BAGHDAD, IRAQ NEW DELHI The Indian patent office is process- They say the recent rejection of a In a move to try to ease sectarian violence, Iraq’s most senior Shiite AIDS groups this week brought ing about 9,000 applications, most for patent application by Novartis for a cleric on Thursday ordered all Shiite mosques closed in a southern an important test of India’s new pat- drugs made by big international phar- cancer drug, Gleevac, on the grounds town after a Sunni Arab cleric and two bodyguards were shot dead ent law, which restricts the ability of maceutical companies. of similar legal arguments gave some there. Indian companies to produce low- “These generic drugs are not cause for optimism. Thursday was also the deadliest day for the U.S. military in a month, cost generic drugs. only consumed in India,” said Leena The World Health Organization with the deaths of seven service members and the announcement of an Two patients-rights groups sued Menghaney of Doctors Without Bor- recently recommended tenofovir for eighth death that occurred Tuesday. to stop Gilead Sciences, a California ders in New Delhi, which is working patients who are just starting treat- The mosque closings, ordered by Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, biopharmaceutical company, from with the Indian groups on the issue. ment for AIDS and for those who were for Zubayr, a town about 12 miles south of Basra, and were to re- patenting the anti-retroviral drug Vi- “People in Africa and the Caribbean have been receiving antiretroviral main in effect for Friday prayer services and Saturday. It was a gesture read — the company’s brand-name are relying on India to produce these treatment therapy for some time but of condolence to Sunni Arabs after gunmen killed a Sunni cleric, Sheik version of tenofovir, which is avail- drugs. The quality matches that of who have become resistant to other Khaled al-Sadoun, and two of his guards as they left a mosque in the able here as a generic drug, from be- U.S.-manufactured drugs, but the treatments. town just after evening prayers on Wednesday. ing granted a patent. If it is patent- prices are affordable.” In developed countries, Gilead’s Al-Sistani, who commands a broad following among Shiites in Iraq ed, the groups contend, making the The immediate challenge came tenofovir costs $5,718 per patient per and throughout the region, has repeatedly called for Shiites to refrain cheaper versions will become illegal, when the Delhi Network of Positive year. Cipla, one of the largest generic from revenge attacks after suicide bombings and other killings. and the drug will become too expen- People and the Indian Network for companies in India, is marketing a In Zubayr, al-Sistani was trying to command his followers to con- sive for patients here and in other de- People Living with HIV/AIDS for- version called Tenvir, at a cost of demn a killing carried out against Sunnis, something that Sunni leaders veloping countries. mally registered opposition to a pat- $700 per person per year in India. Yu- are not always quick to do for Shiites. The patent law, enacted in March ent application by Gilead Sciences for suf Hamied, chairman of Cipla, said “The order came from his eminence to close the Shiite mosques to bring India in line with World tenofovir. the drug would eventually be made to deplore the aggression and the security chaos in the province,” said Trade Organization rules, frustrates The lawyers for the groups made available in Africa for about half that Sheik Mohammed Falak, al-Sistani’s representative. “Sistani demand- some companies in the country’s their case on Tuesday, contending price. ed the Shiite and the Sunnis to be as far from dispute as possible.” large pharmaceutical industry, which that tenofovir is not a new drug, but But Tenvir would have to be “The Basra community lives in pain and the security forces stand makes copies of many Western medi- a modified version of an earlier drug, withdrawn if Gilead were given a helpless in front of the assassinations that reach Sunnis and Shiite,” cines. International organizations and therefore not eligible for a new patent, which would be in effect for he said. providing medical aid and advocates patent under India’s new law. 12 years. Page 4 THE TECH May 12, 2006 OPINION Letters To The Editor spire” concerning student dissatisfaction with As a student in Professor Gabriella Sciol- Chairman 8.022 Lecture Format the 8.02 TEAL classes, Professor Peter Dour- la’s 8.022 class, I would like to point out that, Zachary Ozer ’07 mashkin states that students frustrated with although I have been quite frustrated at times No Problem the Electricity & Magnetism materials tend to with the course material, I have never felt frus- Editor in Chief In your May 9 news article “Striking a displace their frustrations on the TEAL for- trated with the course’s lecture format. Jenny Zhang ’06 Balance In TEAL: Whether To Learn Or In- mat. Matthew W. Petersen ’09 Business Manager Jeffrey Chang ’08 The page 10 table of new Undergraduate Association officers in the Monday, May 9 issue Managing Editor were not students elected, as indicated, but approved by the UA Senate after being nominated Michael McGraw-Herdeg ’08 by UA President-elect Andrew T. Lukmann ’07. A May 5 page 14 caption about the Big Jimmy mural misidentified Sotero “BG183” Ortiz

NEWS STAFF as Davide “Nosm” Perre. Corrections The May 9 news article “Community, Energy Priorities for Hockfield Addressing UA Editors: Kelley Rivoire ’06, Marissa Vogt ’06, Senate, President Focuses on Community Within, Beyond Undergrad Living Groups” re- Marie Y. Thibault ’08; Associate Editors: Ben- jamin P. Gleitzman ’09, Angeline Wang ’09; ported incorrectly that the MIT Energy Forum took place on Tuesday, when in fact it was Staff: Curt Fischer G, John A. Hawkinson ’98, held on Wednesday, May 3. Brian Keegan ’06, Waseem S. Daher ’07, Ray C. He ’07, Tongyan Lin ’07, Hanhan Wang ’07, Michael Snella ’08, Jiao Wang ’08, Daniela Cako ’09, Mei-Hsin Cheng ’09, Gabriel Fouas- non ’09, Hannah Hsieh ’09, Diana Jue ’09, Lau- ra Nicholson ’09, Yinuo Qian ’09, Kirtana Raja ’09, Yi Zhou ’09; Meteorologists: Cegeon Chan G, Robert Korty G, Jon Moskaitis G, Michael J. Ring G, Roberto Rondanelli G, Brian H. Tang G, Tim Whitcomb G, Angela Zalucha G; Police Log Compiler: Marjan Rafat ’06.

PRODUCTION STAFF Editors: Tiffany Dohzen ’06, Austin Chu ’08; Associate Editor: Rong Hu ’08; Staff: Sie Hen- drata Dharmawan G, Valery K. Brobbey ’08, Emily Ko ’08.

OPINION STAFF Editor: Beckett W. Sterner ’06; Associate Edi- tor: Aditya Kohli ’09; Staff: Hector H. Hernan- dez G, Barun Singh G, Josh Levinger ’07, Ruth Miller ’07, Justin Wong ’07, Ali S. Wyne ’08, Krishna Gupta ’09.

SPORTS STAFF Editors: Brian Chase ’06, Travis Johnson ’08; Associate Editor: Yong-yi Zhu ’06; Staff: Chris Bettinger G, Caitlin Murray ’06, Albert Ni ’09.

ARTS STAFF Editors: Jacqueline O’Connor ’06, Nivair H. Gabriel ’08; Associate Editor: Jillian Berry ’08; Staff: Bogdan Fedeles G, Andrew Guerra ’06, Yao-Chung King ’06, W. Victoria Lee ’06, Kapil Amarnath ’07, Tony Hwang ’07, Nikhil S. Nad- karni ’07, Mirat Shah ’08, Natania Antler ’09.

PHOTOGRAPHY STAFF Editors: Stephanie Lee ’06, Christina Kang ’08, Omari Stephens ’08, Ricardo Ramirez ’09; Associate Editor: Yun Wu ’06; Staff: Melanie Miller G, Stanley Hu ’00, Scott Johnston ’03, Liang Hong ’06, Grant Jordan ’06, Edward Platt ’06, Fred Gay ’07, Dmitry Kashlev ’07, Stepha- nie Dudzic ’08, Scot Frank ’08, Tiffany Iaconis ’08, Nicole Koulisis ’08, Mary-Irene Lang ’08, David M. Templeton ’08, Kenneth Yan ’08, Con- nie Yee ’08, Sally E. Peach ’09, Eric D. Schmiedl ’09, Yalu Wu ’09.

CAMPUS LIFE STAFF Editor: Bill Andrews ’05; Staff: Bruce Wu G, Kailas Narendran ’01, Sarah Buckley ’06, Nikhil S. Shenoy ’06, Elizabeth Zakszewski ’06, Victor Cabral ’07; Cartoonists: John David Payne G, Emezie Okorafor ’03, Juan Pablo Mendieta ’06, Josie Sung ’06, Jia Lou ’07, Ash Turza ’08.

BUSINESS STAFF Advertising Managers: Cokie Hu ’08, Tai Ho Kang ’08; Operations Manager: Jennifer Wong ’07; Staff: Fan Yu ’06, Julia Ye ’09.

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EDITORS AT LARGE Contributing Editors: Rosa Cao G, Brian He- mond G, Kevin G. Der ’06; Senior Editors: Keith J. Winstein G, Jina Kim ’06, Lucy Li ’06.

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ry argument for this restraint is that continual use Ali S. Wyne mingle with those from the other. Whatever Hans E. Anderson would drive down the potency of all resolutions. experiences I have accrued in my two years However, this reasoning is flawed; it takes far too Undergraduate Association (UA) elections here at MIT suggest that East and West Cam- Perennial dissatisfaction with the Undergrad- long to build potency, and during that time many having recently concluded, and now is an ap- pus residents socialize all the time, not just uate Association centers on concern about its unfavorable policies could be enacted. The Sen- propriate time to outline the UA’s priorities for at large-scale events such as Beast Roast or legitimacy, as evident in the lack of support, un- ate is unjustified in restraining its voice, even if the upcoming year. There are several issues Steer Roast. I know many dormitory row derstanding or appreciation for its work among administrators fail to react. that I could reasonably discuss, but a treat- people in Courses 6 and 18 who routinely its constituents. The principle behind the lack of resolutions ment of the term “macrocommunity” seems visit Bexley, Random, East Campus, and What are the factors undermining UA legiti- against unpopular measures may be due to the the most appropriate. Senior House, and vice versa, to work on macy? close ties between the administration and the First, what is its definition? Does the projects. The Student Center, furthermore, First, low voter turnout. Although the recent UA. The vast majority of UA funding is filtered achievement of a macrocommunity entail the serves as a focal point of interaction, as it presidential election might suggest otherwise, through the administration. Students have no intermingling of groups from different resi- houses most of MIT’s extracurricular orga- turnout is usually directly correlated to the num- leverage against the administration when their dences? Of different religious faiths? Of dif- nizations. These two examples (among oth- ber of platforms. government’s existence depends on administra- ferent ethnicities? Of different majors? Of dif- ers) illuminate a broader point: “Don’t fix it Second, inaction and ineptitude among offi- tive largesse. The only obvious check to adminis- ferent extracurricular activities? Without any if it ain’t broke.” Natural interaction between cials, who have often run unopposed to win their trative decisions is a potentially negative impact consensus on what macrocommunity means, different social groups on campus is already positions, lending weight to the perception of on admissions applications. As it stands, the UA it would be imprudent to attempt to construct robust. Forcing further socialization would lack of legitimacy. is a giant lobbying organization operationally one. That being said, however, proponents of accordingly be counterproductive. And third, the inability of the UA to address tied to the group it is lobbying. a macrocommunity generally define it as a I admit, however, that when I came here what should be its highest priority: to stop the There are reasons for the dependence on the union of students from different dormitories, as a freshman, I readily (and naively, I should trend among MIT administrators to act first and administration. The institutional memory of the fraternities, sororities, and independent living add) endorsed all proposals to “unite” the two seek student opinion later (if at all). UA is limited by a four-year rollover at best (as- groups. sides of campus. Although an East – West mix- One way to counter these UA shortcomings suming fall elections). Administrative involve- It is likely that any endeavor to achieve er might sound like a simple way to achieve is to increase the UA’s independence. ment is crucial to prevent embezzlement from such a group would either (1) compromise the this objective, it would simply reinforce the Low voter turnout tends to become a down- entering the financial system, and thus, financial diversity of its mem- perceived gap between ward spiral. Lack of legitimacy drives disillusion- duties are performed by external parties. As long bers, or (2) perhaps them and, accordingly, ment, which cuts the participation at the polls, as its members cannot be trusted, the UA cannot even further polarize Natural interaction between further their separa- which then further decreases the legitimacy of balance its own checkbook. students on campus, if tion. As a member of the newly elected body. It is an unfortunate cycle The creation of an Independent UA would ad- they objected to such different social groups on campus various committees, I that can only be addressed by trying to improve dress issues of both undue financial dependence an artificial arrange- went to East Campus the appeal of the UA in other ways, for example and lack of legitimacy. The new UA would con- ment. In addition to is already robust. Forcing further and Senior House and by improving diversity of the candidates. trol its own finances from an account outside of being undesirable, socialization would accordingly asked the residents to The problem goes deeper; because of the per- MIT, generated from additional revenue gather- then, constructing a suggest ideas for bridg- ception that the UA tends ing measures, supple- macrocommunity is be counterproductive. ing campus divides. to draw resumé builders menting contributions unnecessary, for while Their recommenda- rather than those com- As it stands, the UA is a from the student life fee. there is a tendency tions could reasonably mitted to serving the No longer tied to the to associate one personality or culture with be distilled to: (1) host more events that ap- student body, otherwise giant lobbying organization administration to oper- a given residence, each living community in peal to particular residences or constituencies genuinely interested ate, the UA could better actuality comprises myriad vibrant cultures. and (2) implement policies that benefit a broad people may expect it to operationally tied to the meet them as equals. To In any given living group, some floors are far segment of the student body. be a low-responsibility group it is lobbying. prevent the embezzle- more social than others, or house more ethnic Rather than guess or presume to know what title and act according- ment problem, the said or exchange students. There are also floors on various constituencies’ needs and preferred ly. Fortunately, resumé account could be jointly which certain elements of social experience events are, as the UA sometimes has in the builders are not the run by a board such that (for example, religious faith, cooking, and in- past, this year we intend to proactively learn dominant contingent among UA members. withdrawals would require the consent of a ma- tramural sports) play a central role in bringing about them. To this end, we will host some reg- Unfortunately for those genuinely committed jority. students together. Why, then, should we argue ular meetings, as well as several “town hall” to effective student government, the power of the An argument that might be made against this for a macrocommunity when micro commu- sessions, at various living groups throughout UA as a body is limited, perhaps because those in program is that MIT could then divert the student nities afford their residents such richness of the year. power are too concerned with limiting abuses of life fee to other purposes that are not in the best experience? With this thought in mind, the UA’s cen- power to allow its justifiable exercise. interests of the students. This is a problem, but Although there are some individuals who tral priority for the upcoming year should be While individual senators have successfully to what extent? Any such inappropriate measure enjoy venturing out of their “comfort zones” to improve its communication with members brought positive changes to facilities and proce- would hopefully cause enough outcry among the and socializing with individuals whom they of the student body. This sort of statement has dures at MIT, such activities build the popularity student population to prevent its passage. But as perceive to be different from themselves, hu- become clichéd by now, and invariably arous- of the person who leads the project, while mar- time has shown, institutional memory is quite man instinct compels most of us to associate es cynicism in many quarters, but it should ginalizing the role of the UA as a whole. If the short; students may not notice if they only redi- with those whom we regard as similar to our- not be regarded as a secondary priority. As a UA’s job is to give people a title to use when they rect funds slowly from the UA to something else. selves. We should certainly commend individ- member of the UA, while I have addressed a champion pet projects, we have succeeded. If it Additionally, administrators may argue that the uals who take the initiative to explore social number of campus issues, I acknowledge that is to systematically improve the way the admin- external account replaces student life funding; groups other than their own, but we would be there are instances in which I could have bet- istration interfaces with students, then we have we must make it clear that on the contrary, it is remiss to look down upon those who follow ter communicated with my constituents. I take much distance to go. designed to augment it. their natural tendencies. full responsibility for those mistakes, and will This distance is compounded by the minimal As things now stand, the UA is inherently Having disavowed the notion of a mac- work to rectify them, especially when issues of power vested in the UA Senate. The Senate can dependent on the MIT administration, and will rocommunity, however, I must confess my wide concern (in recent memory, the decision do three things: regulate itself, fund groups, and remain so either until it starts collecting fees di- belief that some of the supposed barriers to modify the space in Lobby 10 of the Infinite write resolutions. The first two are exercised the rectly from students, or finds another means to between different residential groups are con- Corridor) are involved. More continuous and most often and most effectively. The third is less achieve self-solvency. trived. During orientation, my tour guides substantive communication is the clearest way common, but it is what makes the Senate a senate Hans E. Anderson ’08 was the 2005-2006 gave me the impression that there was quite to make all students feel comfortable in their and not a self-regulating funding board. However, Undergraduate Association Senate Representa- literally a Berlin Wall of sorts that divided micro communities, which we should value these resolutions are used only sparingly against tive to the Finance Board, and is the incoming East Campus and West Campus, and that above all else. undesirable administrative measures. The prima- UA Chair of the Finance Board. it was unheard of for a member of one to Ali S. Wyne is the UA Senate Vice Chair. May 12, 2006

Page 6

Proof of False by Andrew Spann

Trio by Emezie Okorafor

Dilbert® by Scott Adams May 12, 2006 The Tech Page 7 Solution, page 13 Crossword Puzzle Crossword Page 8 THE TECH May 12, 2006 ARTS THEATER REVIEW MTG’s ‘Chicago’ Seductive and Sensational Talented Cast Brings Tale of Murder and Intrigue to Life

WAN YUSOF WAN MORSHIDI The Merry Murderesses (Krista Sergi, Amelia Thomas, Eleanor M. Pritchard ’06, Kelsey E. Contreras of Wellesley ’06, Dawn M. Erickson ’07, Nicolina A. Akraboff ’07) of the Cook County jail perform the “Cell Block Tango.” By Robert Morrison action. In particular, the “Cell Block Tango” seductive negligees, to pink dancing outfits for room came together fluidly in the midst of a Chicago makes excellent use of the tableau, and is ef- a fan dance, and of course, the sharp clothes lot of action onstage. Roxy disappeared after Julie Kang G and Cristina A. Thomas G, fectually punctuated by lighting (Sean Glass) Billy Flynn changes into and out of on stage. one number, and was back on stage in a differ- producers to keep everything sharp and vivid. The light- They make the night club numbers stand out as ent dress for the next. The actors wore micro- Danbee Kim ’09, director ing also does its job in the rest of the show. The real spectacles. phones so everything could be heard, but the April 28-30, May 4-6, 2006 costumes (by Nori Pritchard ’06 assisted by The costume and set changes all went quality was natural and blended well with the Kresge Little Theatre Steven L. Flowers ’06) are outstanding, from smoothly the night I saw the show. The court music.

here is a dark, bare stage with four lighted doorways in front of a full house. A cell phone/flash photography T announcement appears, and then we are transported back to the roaring 1920’s and the era of nightclubs. The show begins with a stylish Emcee introduction (Estevan M. Mar- tinez ’08), followed by “All that Jazz.” This ensemble piece is led by Velma Kelly (Eleanor M. Pritchard ’06) to the subdued (at least for now) rhythms of Isaac Brody and his orchestra behind the stage. So begins a fine evening at MTG’s “Chicago.” Across the stage, the acting fits the bill. Eloisa M. De Castro ’07 is excellent as Roxie Hart, the spotlight-hogging bombshell whose trip through the penal system is the main story line. She sparkles in her solos, plays coy to get her way, and flashes anger when she doesn’t get what she wants. Matthew A. Ciborowski ’08 is veritably the smooth op- erator, Billy Flynn, who’s always in control. Pritchard embodies the ever-changing per- sona of Velma Kelly. She is harsh to Roxy in their first encounter, later attempts recon- ciliation (but is rebutted), and finally garners sympathy when supplanted from the murder- ess’ row spotlight. The audience sympathizes with Gregory J. Lohman G’s Amos Hart, Roxie’s painfully honest and boring husband. Thom Dancy, who plays Mary Sunshine, accentuates the idealis- tic sweetness of her job as a reporter (and is a well set-up surprise in the trial). Momma, the prison warden, is cheerfully played by Pa- tricia M. Fogerson ’07, but then again, she’s raking in her money assisting these popular murderesses. The host of murderesses and ensemble all fill their roles seamlessly and with spunk. The stage direction (courtesy of Danbee Kim ’09 as mentored by Stephen L. Peters G) is fluid, moving from act to act, revealing the plot smoothly as it jumps between nightclub acts. Of special note is the trial opening tour deforce, “Razzle Dazzle.” Strangely enough, as good as the song is, the jury steals the scene. WAN YUSOF WAN MORSHIDI The choreography (by Diana T. Lusk ’08 Roxie Hart (Eloisa M. de Castro ’07), with the assistance of Billy Flynn (Matthew A. Ciborowski ’08, obscured), reenacts her and captained by Amelia H. Thomas) has piz- crime as reporters (from left to right, Dawn M. Erickson ’07, Nicolina A. Akraboff ’07, Edmund Golaski ’99, and Sally E. Peach zazz and flare, befitting both the setting and the ’09) look on. May 12, 2006 ARTS THE TECH Page 9

Counterclockwise from above: Roxie Hart (Eloisa M. de Castro ’07) tries to make a deal with lawyer Billy Flynn (Matthew A. Ciborowski ’08). Roxie Hart (Eloisa M. De Castro ’07) sings about “Me and My Baby” while sur- rounded by doctors and nurses (from left to right, J. Michael Spencer, Matt Ma- randa, Carlos Cardenas ’09, Edmund Golaski ’99). Velma Kelly (Eleanor M. Pritchard ’06) schemes to win the jurors’ hearts when she takes the witness stand. Billy Flynn (Matthew A Ciborowski ’08) and his chorus in “All I Care About is Love.” Photography by Wan Yusof Wan Morshidi Page 10 THE TECH ARTS May 12, 2006

CONCERT REVIEW Spring Weekend Caters to ‘Alternative’ Tastes Strong Performances Marred by Rude Concertgoers

DAVID TEMPLETON—THE TECH Cake frontman John McCrea gestures towards trumpet player Vince DiFiore. By Minyoung Jang — Matt Pond PA did not quite live up to my and brassy contrast of the trumpet line was signature. According to Cake, this was their STAFF WRITER expectations. They were not bad by any means, sometimes the only thing that kept Cake from rebellion against the abundance of 4/4 songs Spring Weekend Concert but their live performance lacked the irides- suffocating on its own poker-faced style of fa- on the airwaves. Cake with Josh Cole and the Household, Matt cence and the almost orchestral feel found in cetiousness. Despite the great performances, I have to Pond PA their recordings. Cake performed songs in a variety of say that the concert ended on a bitter note. Out Johnson Athletic Center What I enjoy most about Matt Pond PA’s styles. They veered into a more dance-friend- of the many concerts I’ve attended, ranging Friday, April 28, 2006 music is that all the parts, be it vocal or cello, from Jewel to the Kaiser Chiefs, I have nev- 7:45 p.m. blend together beautifully to form a full sound. er crossed paths with as many rude audience There’s always a flurry of activity in the treble, I’d be remiss at this point if members. Starting from the beginning of Cake’s hat do you get when you have a however, that gives a sense of intricacy to each set, some people blatantly leaned into my space few vocalists, guitarists, bassists, song. In their live performance, however, the I didn’t mention that Cake’s to attempt to get a better view, and throughout drummers, and, oh, a trumpet play- parts sounded too distinct. Although I didn’t trumpet player is, for lack of a the night, a couple of students repeatedly cut W er and a cellist around? hear any major flaws in each individual part, at through the crowd to move up front. MIT’s Spring Weekend concert, of course. times the performance sounded like five differ- better description, totally awesome. By far the worst part of this entire sce- With Cake headlining this year’s concert, ent solos playing at the same time. nario, however, was the fact that concert or- and Matt Pond PA and Josh Cole and the Singer John McCrea said Cake was “here ganizers didn’t do anything about it. I under- Household as the openers, concert organiz- to serve you tonight” in a deadpan voice and stand that it’s difficult to get into the middle ers succeeded in catering to the “alternative” almost militaristic style. Opening with the laid- ly, sunny mood with “Wheels,” “Love You of the crowd to warn people or kick them out, crowd. back but dark sounding “Frank Sinatra,” fol- Madly,” and “Ruby Sees All.” The set also in- but I’ve seen it happen to crowd surfers at I have to confess that I only caught the tail lowed by “Comfort Eagle,” the band added to cluded well-known hits, such as “Stickshifts previous MIT concerts, so it’s definitely not a end of Josh Cole’s set, but I was impressed by this tongue-in-cheek vibe of being countercul- and Safetybelts” and “No Phone” — dur- new concept. Concert organizers had no offi- what little I heard. Cole’s voice reminded me a ture revolutionaries. Cake’s performance fell ing which McCrea encouraged a guys vs. cial comment when I e-mailed them after the little bit of Dan Bern, but it was thankfully less flat at times, but only because I find a lot of girls competition in yelling out “no phone, concert. sharp and nasal. Altogether, the band put on a their songs to be weak in the first place. no phone.” Perhaps somewhat ironically, a So, I give props to Josh Cole, Matt Pond tight performance with a rich sound. I’d be remiss at this point if I didn’t men- good portion of the crowd waved cell phones PA, and Cake for putting on a pretty good con- Unfortunately — and I say this with es- tion that Cake’s trumpet player is, for lack of a in lieu of lighters just few songs later dur- cert, and would like to extend a plea for better pecial regret, because I really like these guys better description, totally awesome. The bright ing “Mexico,” a ballad in a relaxed 3/4 time etiquette at the next Spring Weekend. CD REVIEW Starr Shines with Soulful Voice Emotive Fifth Album Highlights a Style All Her Own By Jillian Berry ever, I realized just how distinct most of the plores the past with all its hardships, but now of carrying a note long enough that she does ASSOCIATE ARTS EDITOR songs really are. I am not sure how her songs that she has sung of her pain, she can finally not need to restrict her lyrics to short couplets, The Sound of You and Me can be so similar yet so different at the same move on and go to sleep. but instead can express her feelings with more Garrison Starr time, but she has obviously found her voice. Other notable complex and descrip- Vanguard Records The CD starts with “Pendulum,” which songs are “Pre- tive lyrics. Released March 13, 2006 begins, “Pendulum / Are you lonely on the tending” and “Big Another aspect of run?” As with this song, much of the record Enough.” Both dis- The strength of the lyrics the CD that adds to ave you ever heard a song that just explores the loneliness of life and the pains of play the intensity of contrasts with the high its appeal is the edit- makes you want to cry and you don’t past loves. her vocals, and the ing and sound mix- know why? If after having shed those While most songs center on this theme, a power of her lyrics. and pure voice in the singing ing. Not only are the Htears, you feel a great relief, you’ll few stand out. In “Sing It Like A Victim,” she In fact, “Big Enough” so that the song does not songs ordered per- know what I mean when I say that Garrison sings “tighten up your jar / let the tears roll would be nearly per- fectly to tell Starr’s Starr’s fifth album, “The Sound of You & Me,” down from your eyes” and think about all the fect except that she become overwhelming. story, they also have is an hour-long version of one of those songs. hurt that someone has caused so that you can switches from an a raw quality not of- Starr was born in Mississippi, moved to move forward. This song is particularly mov- emotional piece to a ten heard in records Los Angeles for a few years, and now resides ing, as most of it is sung as if she is reading rock solo — the rock today. Some notes in Memphis. “Sound” is unique, with pop, poetry while the band is there to simply match part isn’t bad, but it doesn’t fit with the song. may not be perfect, but they convey an intensi- folk, country, blues, and bluegrass inspira- the beat of her words. As a result, every line In addition, “Beautiful in Los Angeles” and ty that would severely reduce the quality of the tions blending to form eleven moving songs. is clear and powerful. The strength of the lyr- “No Man’s Land” prove that she can also cre- CD if removed. In addition, you get the feeling Her distinctive voice can be at once pure and ics contrasts with the high and pure voice in ate songs with faster, pop tempos. that nothing has been synthesized, and that if intensely soulful, or mature and raspy. I could the singing so that the song does not become While all of these songs have emotive lyr- you saw her live, she would sing at the same try to compare her sound to that of some other overwhelming. ics, this is not a record full of sappy ballads. level as she does on the record. musician, but I think she is the only one of her Another great song is “We Were Just Boys Instead, Starr appears to be commenting on This CD is a great one that will withstand kind. and Girls.” This is the last song on the CD, and her past so that she can move forward unhin- the test of time. I had never heard of Starr be- When I first listened to the CD, the songs it sounds like a lullaby. It’s fitting as the clos- dered. Just as you will feel better for having fore writing this review, but I am so glad I have blended together, and I was afraid none were ing piece; Starr sings “Before we were stained cried with the song, she has freed herself from found her. This is a CD that I will certainly very memorable. Once I listened again, how- / we were just boys … and girls.” Starr ex- the past hurt. Moreover, her voice is capable listen to many times over. May 12, 2006 ARTS THE TECH Page 11 THEATER REVIEW Felix for President! ‘Felutopia’ is Food for Thought, Brings Farming to the People

By Robert Morrison best he can, while maintaining an uncorrupted farmers in colorful Hawaiian prints that comple- equality of the new society most keenly, and re- Felutopia farmer’s heart, but gets trapped by the presiden- ment their accepting, cheerful outlook on life. sponds almost vindictively. Adam Miller’s Dave The Coalition Against Racist Propaganda and cy more and more, until he is finally set up as a Then, as the characters change their station and is the newcomer to this society; he is warmly ac- Other Crimes Perpetrated by the White Man scapegoat by those around him. role in society, their costumes change to match. cepted initially, but then abandoned as the only Dramashop As a production, it is beautifully crafted. The set is just a few chairs, with the actors mim- farmer left from the original enclave. April 27-29, 2006 Susan B. Wilson ’08 stage manages, house ing simple actions and performing motions cho- Felutopia will be performed again over Kresge Rehearsal Room A manages, and runs the lights and sound. Adam reographed to represent more complex actions. Graduation Weekend, then it will be taken on A. Miller ’06, the director, gives the audience The cast is tight, and works well together to tour to the United Kingdom. This show should or an intimate, simple production, Felu- plenty of food for thought, basing the action bring across abstract concepts. Chonde’s Felix travel well with its spare set and minimal but topia was elegant and thought provok- and mood on universal concepts without refer- is spontaneous and original, still loving the sim- effective use of props, and costumes. Because ing. Four actors set up an open farm- ring to specific historical events. For example, ple farming life even in a position of authority. its strong concept base can incorporate new F based community, which, in order to the characters have town meetings to decide Adam C. Love ’07 plays Don, a charming advi- interpretations as it is performed for different deal with population pressures and the difficul- things, and vote left or right (rather than yea or sor to Felix, even as the advice he gives becomes audiences, Felutopia should continue to evolve ty of running a government, promotes a simple nay). more and more motivated by selfishness. Diane, and be just as thought-provoking and enjoyable farmer, Felix, to president. He runs things as Daniel B. Chonde ’07 costumes the opening played by Helen F. McCreery ’06, feels the in- in England as it was here. FILM REVIEW M Bar Mitzvah Movie Can’t ‘Keep Up’ Awful Acting, Awful Plot, Awful Jokes Make for a Truly Horrible Film

By Yong-Yi Zhu pared to become a man, yet is trying desper- He does not feel as though he is ready to be a almost artificial. Marshall, on the other hand, is STAFF WRITER ately to get ready for his bar mitzvah. What’s man. Instead of delving deeper into his Hebrew simply over the top. He lives in a trailer home by Keeping Up with the Steins worse is that his parents are trying to throw him studies or better understanding his life, Ben’s choice, he swims naked in Adam’s jacuzzi, and Directed by Scott Marshall the biggest bar mitzvah party in the history of plan is to invite his paternal grandfather Irwin he carries a cane with a sword sheathed within. Written by Mark Zakarin bar mitzvah parties; they want to top the one (Garry Marshall) who left Ben’s grandmother Piven and Gertz might be the two positives Starring Jeremy Piven, Jami Gertz, that their friends, the Steins, threw their son (Doris Roberts) more than twenty years ago. He to take away from the film, but only because Doris Roberts Zachary (Carter Jenkins). changes the date on the invite so that his grand- they play normal characters. They are the wor- Rated PG-13 Ben’s dad, Adam Fiedler (Jeremy Piven), father will arrive two weeks early and divert his ried parents, obsessed with making their kid Opens Today used to work with Zach’s dad, Arnie Stein (Lar- parents’ attention from the bar mitzvah party. look better than another family’s kid. Piven is ry Miller), until Arnie stole Adam’s clients and Adam hates his father for abandoning the almost childlike in his role as the father, but azel tov” would not be an appropri- started an agency firm of his own. Adam wants family, and after twenty years, he is still as he has to be — his character’s own father is in ate way to toast “Keeping Up With revenge of sorts by upstaging his old colleague resentful as ever. It does not help that Irwin town. Even Gertz, however, appears unrealistic the Steins”; “oy vey” would be much and throwing his own son a better bar mitzvah brings both his trailer home and his young at times; at first, she is an overbearing mother Mmore appropriate. This is a comedy party. That may sound easy to do until you re- girlfriend to Adam’s fancy Brentwood home. flustered about the bar mitzvah, but then she with only a few funny jokes and many unnatu- alize that Zach’s bar mitzvah was held aboard From this difficult experience, every person in turns into a comforting mother who consoles ral, awkward scenes. At some points it tries too a cruise ship with a Titanic theme, almost as the family manages to learn a little more about Benjamin about his problems. hard to be funny or outrageous, and only man- though Zach were a movie star himself. themselves and how they should behave. After all the criticism, this movie may be ages to be corny or dumb. Sure, it had a few Now the Fiedlers are wracking their brains Perhaps some of the worst moments in the good for one thing: reminding the studios that redeeming moments, but the fact that none of to think of a way to beat the Steins. But while film are the ones with Roberts and Marshall. they are capable of creating a completely awful them come to mind right now reveals exactly Adam and his wife, Joanne (Jami Gertz), tackle They are supposed to be ex-husband and wife, film. Let’s just hope that summer blockbusters how memorable the movie really is. the guest list, the venue location and the seat- but they still have the tenderness of a loving — sequels and remakes though they may be The film is about a boy, Benjamin Fiedler ing chart, Ben is simply trying to understand couple that is happily married. Roberts is ex- — will have higher standards and be slightly (Daryl Sabara), who is not completely pre- what it means to go through a bar mitzvah. tremely awkward in the film; her performance is more entertaining. ON THE SCREEN — B Y T H E T E C H ARTS STAFF —

★★★★: Inspired brilliance be not just the perfect robbery, but the perfect and it is no ordinary film. It explores the poli- breathtaking; though films themselves can’t ★★★: Solid filmmaking thriller as well. (Yong-yi Zhu) tics and morality of religion, and tells the story change the world, Mehta hopes to begin the ★★: Mild entertainment of three widows and how the Indian Indepen- dialogue that will lead to that change. (Parama ★: Embarrassing dreck ★★★½ Lucky Number Slevin dence movement affects their lives irrevocably Pal) A boss, a rabbi, a man in a purple-flowered — making them question the set of beliefs on ★★★½ American Dreamz towel, a cop, a perky neighbor, an assassin, which their existence rests. The movie was Compiled by Nivair H. Gabriel This is one of the few comedies in recent years and a missing friend: sounds like a recipe for that doesn’t give away its funniest moments in total disaster. Somehow, though, this group of the previews. What makes this film so enjoy- misfits comes together in one of the most bril- able is the amazing cast, which includes Den- liant films of the year. Director Paul McGuigan nis Quaid, Hugh Grant, Willem Dafoe, and pieces together the stories of all these charac- Mandy Moore. It would be incomplete, though, ters to make a disorienting dark comedy about without the plethora of minor characters and a man who just happens to be in the wrong impressive unknowns, like Sam Golzari and place at the wrong time — all the time. In a Tony Yalda. “American Dreamz” is delightful- strong male cast, Lucy Liu steals the show, and ly satirical; the writers didn’t hold back. Pretty the superb acting is crucial; it makes this film much everyone and everything is a target: Bush come out just right. (Yong-yi Zhu) and his administration, Britney Spears, Ryan Seacrest, the entertainment industry, the army, ★★½ The Notorious Bettie Page immigrants, terrorists, and gay stereotypes. Gretchen Mol plays Bettie Page, one of the (Alice Macdonald) most famous pinup models of the 1950s, who transformed from an innocent Tennessee ★★½ Ice Age: The Meltdown girl into the queen of bondage. In addition to This sequel begins where “Ice Age,” the first presenting her blossoming career, the movie film, left off; the animals have found a warmer shows the trials and tribulations Bettie endured paradise and discovered that the ice age is com- as a woman with so much sex appeal. The act- ing to an end. More appealing to a younger au- ing was relatively weak, and some of the scenes dience, “Meltdown” has a straightforward plot came out of nowhere and do not add to the — and unlike recent animated features that movie, but the makeup and cinematography do dabble in pop culture — doesn’t require view- a convincing and authentic job of identifying ers to be hip to get a good laugh. Despite the the decade. (Yong-yi Zhu) second-class graphics and predictable story, the movie is filled with creative humor, and it ac- ★★★½ Thank You for Smoking complishes one goal with ease: entertainment. This film is absolutely brilliant in making (Hendrata Dharmawan) everything wrong seem right, everything dis- turbing seem funny, and everything pointless ★★★ Inside Man seem meaningful. Not until the end of the Think of “Inside Man” as a Da Vinci Code- film did I realize that there was no plot — just esque film, with a huge mystery hidden be- one laugh-out-loud scene after another in the hind small clues revealed every so often. The life of evil tobacco spokesman Nick Naylor film draws us in right from the get-go, and it (Aaron Eckhart). The list of talented perfor- doesn’t release us until the final secret is un- mances is endless; from the amazingly cre- veiled. Clive Owen excels as a calm and col- ative opening credits to the last words, every lected bank robber; he gives the impression part is selected with such care that the result- that his character is conducting a well-re- ing creation is a contemporary work of art. hearsed orchestra instead of pulling off a heist. (Yong-yi Zhu) Jodie Foster’s character, on the other hand, is superfluous, and Denzel Washington is also ★★★½ Water disappointing. The plot and the idea behind “Water” is the latest installment in Deepa the movie, though, are addictive — this may Mehta’s critically acclaimed elements series, Page 12 THE TECH ARTS May 12, 2006 Dance Troupe Debuts ‘Guilty Pleasures’ MIT Dance Troupe’s “Guilty Pleasures” opened in Little Kresge on yesterday and will run until Sunday.

Clockwise from left:

Jorge L. Alvarado ’06 tangos with Karima Robert Nigmatulina G to “Roxanne,” inspired by the movie Moulin Rouge.

Ray “Raytomic Bomb” Y. Cheng ’09 breakdances in “Getting Krump is My Anti-Drug,” choreographed by Stephen A. Steger ’08.

Hubert “Afrodezeak” L. Roberts ’06 pumps it in “Getting Krump is My Anti-Drug.”

“Comedic Dreams,” choreographed by Augusta K. Dibbell ’07.

Photography by Christina Kang. May 12, 2006 THE TECH Page 13 Police Log The following incidents were reported to the Cambridge or MIT Police between April 26 and May 4. This summary does not include in- cidents such as suspicious activity, false alarms, general service calls, or medical shuttles.

April 23: Student Center (84 Mass Ave.), 6:45 p.m., Miguel Mo- rales, 24, homeless, arrested on a warrant and resisting arrest. April 24: Bldg. E39 (264 Main St.), 4:00 p.m., theft of cash; 4:35 p.m., suspicious activity; 5:45 p.m., attempted breaking into room. April 26: PLP (450 Beacon St.), 3:30 a.m., complaint about noise on rooftop., Bldg. 36 (50 Vassar St., Fl. 3), 7:45 a.m., Ms. Kelly Jones, homeless, arrested on an outstanding warrant. Stata Center (32 Vassar St.), 4:00 p.m., call about protesters disturbing a speech. April 27: Bldg. 42 (59 Vassar St.), 8:30 a.m., sighting of smoke; fire on room caused by welder’s spark. April 28: NW16 (167 Albany St.), 12:30 p.m., breaking and enter- ing; building material stolen. March 4: E53 (30 Wadsworth St.), 8:30 a.m., bicycle stolen. May 5: Senior House (70 Amherst St.), 11:50 p.m., Daniel Jacobs, 14 Hawthorn St., after being observed entering and exiting the build- ing was arrested for trespassing (second offense) and possession of class “C” controlled substance. According to http://www.mass.gov/le- gis/laws/mgl/94c-31.htm, Class C controlled substances include hal- lucinogens, CNS depressants, and low-strength prescription narcotics such as codeine.

— Compiled by Marjan Rafat with assistance from other members of the MIT Crime Club.

Solution This space donated by The Tech to Crossword from page 7 Page 14 THE TECH May 12, 2006

Combat tested.

[email protected] W20-483, x3-1541 May 12, 2006 THE TECH Page 15 Science Core, HASS Requirement Changes Proposed GIRs, from Page 1 classes. “We want to have a freshman ex- development. (See http://web.mit. perience in HASS that will be full edu/darbeloff/current.htm for more of energy and concentrate on big details.) ideas and fundamental knowledge,” The General Institute said Silbey. New core’s goal is ‘flexibility’ To signify the importance of The proposed science-math-en- HASS, the classes would be offered Requirements gineering core aims to offer students in a time block during which no oth- some additional flexibility by allow- er freshmen classes could be held, ing them to pick one subject out of a change Silbey deemed a “radical Current Proposed several from five of six categories, recommendation,” that would also rather than stipulating specific re- eliminate scheduling constraints Science/Mathematics/Engineering Requirement quirements. that might otherwise affect selec- Required Some students at Wednesday’s tion of HASS classes. • Calculus I (18.01) • Calculus I (18.01) forum worried that in the proposed All too often, advisors tell their • Calculus II (18.02) • Calculus II (18.02) model, their choice of subjects as freshmen advisees only to “find • Physics I (8.01) } {• Physics I (8.01) freshmen would restrict their op- yourself a Humanities, Arts, and Required portunities as upperclassmen, while Social Sciences subject on this list • Mathematics others feared that the core might of 75 that you’ll enjoy and that fits Differential Equations (18.03), Linear lose cohesiveness. into your schedule,” Silbey said. Algebra (18.06), Probability and Flexibility can sometimes indi- With the addition of the fresh- Statistics (for example 6.041), or … cate an attitude of “we don’t know man experience subject, the current • Physical Sciences what you should be learning,” said three-subject HASS distribution

All 3 required Electricity and Magnetism (8.02), physics major Michelle Zimmer- requirement (which would drop the • Physics II (8.02) Physics of … mann ’07. name HASS-D), • Chemistry — Introduction to Solid-State • Chemical Sciences “Flexibility How to Give Feedback on the would be reduced Chemistry (3.091) or Introduction to Solid-State Chemistry sounds good, but Proposed GIRs to “foundational” Principles of Chemical Science (5.01x) (3.091), Chemistry of … by increasing flex- subjects from two ¶ The members of the task force • Introductory Biology (7.01x) } • Life Sciences ibility in the core, of three catego- can be reached by e-mail at Molecular Biology, Biology of … you may actu- ries: Humanities, [email protected]. • Computation and Engineering ally be decreasing Arts, and Social ¶ Information about the task Algorithmic Thinking, Principles of flexibility in the Sciences. A three force, including a list of Engineering, or … long-run,” said to four-subject members, can be found on- • Freshman Experience Jessica H. Lowell HASS concentra- line at http://web.mit.edu/ Project-based subjects in engineering, ’07, a Brain and tion would remain committees/edcommons/ { each of 5 out 6 categories Choose 1 from science, and/or design Cognitive Scienc- a requirement, • 2 Restricted Electives in Science and es major who said she needed un- which Silbey said would be better- Technology (RESTs) til midway through her sophomore defined and more demanding than • No more REST or Institute Lab GIR; year to select her major. “I’m glad at present. • 1 Institute Lab lab requirement to be subsumed into that I had the foundational classes The Communication Intensive departmental requirements in chemistry, physics, and biology, requirement for HASS classes will and math,” she said, concluding that remain, said Fitzgerald, and the “there’s a reason at a tech school freshman experience subject would Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences Requirement for a science core to be more rigid.” serve as one of two required CI-H Lowell is also the outgoing vice subjects. president of the Undergraduate As- Few students jumped to sup- • Freshman Experience (required) sociation. port the common experience sub- “There will be a tightening of jects. Lowell called the idea “pa- HASS Distribution (HASS-D) the possibilities for students,” Sil- tronizing” and “antithetical to the (Take 1 subject from each of 3 out of 5 Foundational Electives in HASS bey acknowledged, especially in idea that MIT students should be categories) (Take 1 subject from each of 2 out of 3 departments requiring many of the allowed to decide these things for • Literary and Textual Studies categories) GIR subjects, but he said the trad- themselves.” • Language, Thought, and Value • Humanities eoff was a worthwhile one. Sarah C. Hopp ’08, a double ma- • Visual and Performing Arts • Arts The proposed project-based jor in Courses VII and IX, worried • Cultural and Social Studies • Social Sciences GIR, which Silbey said might re- that restricting HASS subjects in the • Historical Studies semble current subjects like 12.000 freshman year might put students (Solving Complex Problems and who need specific HASS classes for Advanced Subjects (5 classes) Advanced Subjects (5 classes) 16.00 (Introduction to Aerospace their majors at a disadvantage. • HASS Concentration • HASS Concentration and Design), drew praise. “It is a little bit controversial to • HASS Electives • HASS Electives The new option would “get the try to squish down to 16 [Freshmen manus back into mens et manus,” Experience] classes the huge vari- MIT’s motto, said Edward J. Mo- ety of [HASS] classes that incoming Proposed changes to the requirements riarty ’76, a technical instructor at freshman now have,” said Deborah Above is a comparison of the current General Institute Requirements and the proposal redesign by the Edgerton Center, which houses K. Fitzgerald, chair of the subcom- the Task Force on the Undergraduate Educational Commons that was presented on Wednesday. a student machine shop. mittee that helped construct the new Note that the precise list of subjects that will satisfy the category requirements in the science/ HASS requirement. Freshman feel mathematics/engineering requirement has not yet been determined, and may also include sub- Freshman HASS classes proposed overwhelmed or intimidated by the jects that have not been developed yet. The proposed freshman com- current choice of over 100 HASS mon experience HASS classes, classes that “all look pretty much which freshmen would take in one the same,” she said. Reducing the likely to make more general recom- of double degrees with double ma- Suarez ’06, a student serving on the of their first two terms, are intended number of open classes provides a mendations about undergraduate jors, which would have fewer unit committee. to raise the prominence and impor- way to “offer some guidance to stu- education at the Institute, Silbey requirements. Studying abroad can be a “really tance of HASS subjects and give dents.” said. Among these would be push- Currently, “departments are not eye-opening and maybe life-chang- students a common experience ing to make international experi- very encouraging” of study abroad ing” experience, Silbey said. “Why that allows them to converse about Study abroad to be encouraged ences such as study abroad easier, programs, leading some to fear that would we not give our students that their humanities classes, as well as In addition to the changes to improving advising and mentoring, “by leaving the Institute, they may opportunity if we can figure out how their core science and engineering the GIRs, the committee is also and recommending the replacement fall behind,” said Christopher A. to do it keeping the rigor of the MIT undergraduate education?” A few questioned the new em- phasis on international experiences, A Selected History of the GIRs however. “I applied to MIT because The newly proposed modifications to the “serious consideration,” according to a report by The new core goes into effect in the fall of I wanted an MIT education, not be- General Institute Requirements stress flexibility the Committee on Educational Policy, which also 1951. cause I wanted to be in Europe,” and innovative project-oriented experiences. suggests the “possibility of a required subject in ¶ 1950: A direct result of the 1949 Lewis Zimmermann said, while Lowell But these guiding motivations are far from computation.” Commission report, the School of Humanities questioned the potential impact an new — previous iterations of revisions to the core The same committee expresses doubt that the and Social Sciences is created. exodus of undergraduates studying curriculum have espoused similar goals, and even science requirement then in place gives students ¶ 1974: The humanities core is scrapped by abroad might have on communities suggested similar requirements. enough breadth, and calls the laboratory require- the faculty in favor of a distribution/concentra- of students. The end result is that over the past 50 years, ment “unsatisfactory.” tion model that fully goes into effect for the Class The committee also hopes to the Institute has moved from a strict curriculum ¶ 1991: The faculty approves a biology Insti- of 1978. address the quality of undergradu- where freshmen and sophomores took nearly tute requirement. With that addition, the science The distribution requires three subjects in ate advising, which has long been identical classes to one where academic freedom distribution requirement is cut from three subjects three different fields, and a three- to four-subject a concern at the Institute and was and broadness have become the valued commod- to two, which are renamed Restricted Electives in concentration also becomes required. Dean of the the subject of a faculty committee ity. Science and Technology. School of Humanities and Social Sciences Har- report last year. Advising “needs to old Hanham calls it “a proposal which is flexible be fixed, improved,” according to Changes to the Science Core Changes to the HASS Core enough to allow us to move forward.” Silbey. ¶ 1964: The science requirements are cut in ¶ 1949: A committee reports an overhaul of ¶ 1986: A committee evaluating the HASS “We are really concerned that half, with the faculty voting to replace four phys- undergraduate education, with more emphasis on requirement proposes a four-subject distribution there’s been a culture at MIT where ics subjects (8.01–8.04) with two, four mathe- humanities, as well as on fundamental principles requirement, with one subject in each of four cat- advising is a rubber stamp,” Suarez matics subjects (18.01–18.04) with two, and two instead of detailed context. egories. This proposal was not adopted. said. chemistry subjects (5.01–5.02) with one, in the The commission proposes replacing the four- ¶ 1987: The HUM-D distribution created the What tweaks these recommen- name of academic flexibility. year program in humanities with strong emphasis decade before is replaced by the current HASS-D dations may undergo before they are A laboratory subject, aimed at emphasizing on history, English, and economics. requirement, requiring students to take three sub- finalized this fall, and whether the projects rather than routine experiments, becomes In its place, they suggest a four-year humani- jects in five categories, going into effect for the faculty will approve them, remains a requirement. Rounding out the new core is a ties program with a two-year core curriculum for Class of 1992. An alternative proposal to require to be seen. Between now and then, three-subject science distribution requirement. freshmen and sophomores followed by elective one subject each in humanities and social sci- faculty and students on the task The new requirements take effect starting sequences in the junior and senior years. The core ence and a third in any HASS subject was voted force will solicit input by e-mail and with the Class of 1969. is designed to emphasize Western civilization and down. discussion forums. The task force ¶ 1981: A biology requirement should be a contemporary American heritage. —Kelley Rivoire members can be reached by e-mail at [email protected] Page 16 THE TECH May 12, 2006 2006 –2007 UA Officers Funding For Science Research Senate Speaker Steven M. Kelch ’08 Senate Vice-chair Ali S. Wyne ’08 Priority for DOE, Says Bodman Secretary-General JiangWei Zhu ’08 Bodman, from Page 1 when he took office in 2005. years, Bodman said, as part of Bush’s Advanced Energy Initiative. For fis- Treasurer Lauren E. Oldja ’08 as waste. Basic research a priority cal year 2007, this office’s budget Assistant Vice President These advanced reactors pro- Bodman also spoke passionately would expand 14 percent, from $3.6 Jizi Dai ’08 for Public Relations duce more electricity and less about the need for basic science billion to $4.1 billion, he said. These nuclear waste than current technol- and research, and the DOE’s com- expanded funds could support 2,600 Assistant Vice President Justin H. Tan ’09 ogy. The GNEP arrangement “car- mitment to funding basic research, new energy researchers in 2007. of Resource Development ries the potential to allow poorer particularly in the physical sciences. Bodman paralleled the national Chairman, Committee on nations to leapfrog over some of the “While recent advances in biology, security, public health, and competi- Richard Li Athletics dirtiest … fossil fuel-based tech- genetics, and medicine have been tiveness challenges of today to the nologies,” he said. nothing short of outstanding … it is times of his youth. “I was a product Chairman, Committee on Dining Sisi Zhu ’08 GNEP is set to begin in fiscal a risky business in my view to fund of the Sputnik generation,” which Chairmen, Student Committee on Toyya A. Pujol-Mitchell ’07 year 2007, Bodman said, pending one area of study at the possible ex- was a “time of fear,” that led to not Educational Policy Shreyes Seshasai ’08* Congress’s approval of an initial pense of others.” only the space race but a massive in- $250 million of funding. Bodman cited the ongoing con- crease National Science Foundation Chairman, Committee on Arnaldo E. Pereira-Diaz ’09 By 2026, cellulosic ethanol struction of a coherent x-ray light funding, he said. Sputnik and fear Housing could account for as much as a source at the Stanford Linear Accel- of Russian dominance led America Chairman, Committee quarter of America’s transportation erator Center, an increased invest- to recognize that its economic pre- Andrew P. Spann ’07 on Orientation fuels usage. While most ethanol is ment in microbial research, and the eminence required substantial and currently formed from corn, cellu- creation of five nanoscale science sustained investment in science and Chairman, Committee David Lee losic ethanol is derived from feed- research centers at DOE labs around technology. On Space Planning stocks such as wood chips, prairie the country as examples of the depart- That investment must continue Chairman, Committee switchgrass, or the leftover leaves ment’s commitment to basic science. today, said Bodman, saying that “this Zahir A. Dossa ’08 on Student Life and stalks of corn plants, all of Also touted by the Secretary of government is committed to holding which are more abundant than corn Energy were several new initiatives up our end of the bargain” to scien- Chairman, Committee Anna S. Jaffe ’08 grain. on energy from the Bush administra- tists and engineers. On Sustainability Today, ethanol comprises less tion. One, the American Competi- Bodman singled out MIT at sev- Chairman of Nominations Sharlina Hussain ’07 than 5 percent of U.S. fuel use, par- tiveness Initiative — a “watershed for eral points in his lecture. He con- tially because this year’s national American science and engineering,” gratulated the Institute on its recent Vice-chair, Nominations Sam J. Cole ’07 ethanol production — at 5.6 billion would fund not only breakthroughs selection to participate in the DOE’s Committee gallons — comes from corn. Last in research, but also the education of Solar Decathlon, which involves the Chairman, Financial Board Hans E. Anderson ’08 year, about 14 percent of the na- future scientists and engineers at the design and construction of solar- tion’s corn crop went into ethanol, elementary and high school levels, powered, energy-efficient houses on Vice-chair, Financial Board Evelyn T. Chen ’07 Bodman said, but reliance on corn he said. the Mall in Washington, DC. Senate Representative could lead to economic disturbance He also reflected fondly on his Benjamin Navot ’07 Increased funding is crucial to Financial Board of food markets. time in Cambridge and MIT, saying Nuclear energy and cellulosic Bodman also repeatedly and that his experiences taught him not Senate Representative to Sarah C. Hopp ’08 ethanol highlight the short-term candidly acknowledged the politi- only chemical engineering or prob- Executive Committee focus that Bodman is bringing to cal realities he faces in Washington. lem solving, but also “how to be in the Department of Energy. In re- Several times he mentioned that his the world.” Officers for the 2006-2007 Undergraduate Association were sponse to a question on the long- department’s overall budget has been Perhaps it was these larger les- selected at Monday night’s meeting of the UA Senate. The term potential of nuclear fusion, flat and openly stated that certain en- sons that inspired the best punchline UA Senate Chair, Vice-Chair, and Senate Representatives to for example, as an energy source, ergy policies that are widely favored of the secretary’s talk: after strongly Financial Board and Executive Committee were elected by the Bodman said that he was trying to by analysts, such as raising national defending President Bush’s deci- Senate. All the other officers were nominated by UA President- foster a “let’s get some things done” fuel taxes, are simply politically un- sion not to sign the Kyoto protocol, elect Andrew Lukmann and approved by the Senate. attitude at the department, which tenable. he smiled and added, “By the way, contrasted with the abundance of The President has committed to I don’t agree with the President on *Shreyes Seshasai is The Tech’s Technology Director. SID127 MITTech (MFE) 10x8 25/4/06 3:47 pm Page 1 research projects that “seemed to doubling the budget of the DOE’s everything, but if I don’t, you won’t have no end” in the department Office of Science over the next 10 hear about it from me.”

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Applications will be accepted until 26th May 2006 for October start.

SCOTT EDWARDS T: +44 (0)1865 288849 [email protected] May 12, 2006 THE TECH Page 17

MIT’s First Study Abroad Head HMS MOVING SERVICES Plans to Increase Participation By Daniela Cako study abroad programs is transfer- the study abroad offi ce’s Web site by M.I.T.ʼS PROFESSIONAL MOVER STAFF REPORTER ring credits, she said. Currently there making it more dynamic and infor- As many MIT sophomores pre- are various abroad programs that fi t mative. pare to study next year in Cam- with the curriculum requirements of The search for the new assistant bridge, England, they might be inter- different MIT departments, but not dean took the entire fall semester, HOME OF THE acting with all programs offer classes that are Enders said. SMALL SHIPMENT EXPRESS!! Malgorzata accepted for credit by every depart- Radziszewska-Hedderick was Feature Radzisze- ment. hired at the beginning of the spring wska-Hed- For example, Courses XIII, XIV, semester from a pool of 130 appli- � EXPRESS SHIPMENTS TO THE ENTIRE EAST COST derick, MIT’s fi rst assistant dean for and XVIII accept classes taken as cants. She was previously involved the study abroad program. part of the CME program, and most in the MIT-Japan Program and com- � 1 AND 2 DAY DELIVERY WINDOWS Both Senior Associate Dean Mar- students receive credit for classes mented, “I fi nd [MIT] a very wel- � 90 DAY STORAGE PACKAGES-SINGLE PRICE PACKAGE garet S. Enders and Radziszewska- taken in the Humanities, Arts, and coming environment and especially FOR LOAD/STORE/DELIVER Hedderick agree that there needs to Social Sciences. Course X accepts supportive from everyone.” � CURBSIDE PICK UPS FOR ½ PRICE be more publicizing of the various classes taken by students in a pro- Along with the hiring of Radzisze- � study abroad options that are avail- gram in Madrid which was started wska-Hedderick in January, the study DAILY LOADINGS FOR ALL 50 STATES able to students. Radziszewska-Hed- this year. abroad offi ce received its own offi ce � INTERNATIONAL MOVING SERVICES derick said that she plans to inform Radziszewska-Hedderick’s pri- space in 26-163. However, the space � GUARANTEED PRICING PROPOSALS ON-SITE students about studying abroad ear- mary goal is to help students who is not student-friendly and will hope- � FULL VALUATION COVERAGES lier, during their freshman year. want to go abroad by preparing them fully only be temporary, Enders said. � MONEY BACK GUARANTEES IN WRITING Holly C. Greenberg ’08, a Course early and strategizing with them on II student who is going to Cambridge what classes they should take. She ON ALL MOVES through the Cambridge-MIT Ex- said that she has also had conversa- change program, said that two draw- tions with different departments this Earn $500+ Daily, Working backs of the program are its lack of term, and is encouraging them to From Home/Dorm. CALL: (888) 767-5720 credit and research opportunities. “It promote and support the possibility www.ProfitProfitProfit.com will not get me ahead neither will it of studying abroad. leave me behind” she said, describ- She said she will be holding ing the academia curriculum. monthly information sessions for Enders confi rmed the former students about educational opportu- — the major issue with the current nities overseas and plans to redesign

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[email protected] May 12, 2006 THE TECH Page 19 Spring Flowers

Top left: A daffodil brightens up the corner of Hampshire and Clark Street in Cambridge. Above: Yellow tulips blossom at the Hatch Shell. Left: A purple hyacinth stands out in a flower bed in Cambridge. Below: Runners pass by magnolia blossoms lining the Esplanade along the Charles River. Photography by Xanat Flores Page 20 THE TECH May 12, 2006 SPORTS NBA Playoffs Fun This Year Thanks to Spurs, Pistons By Travis Johnson experience and depth, but an upset is ing series of the second round, is still to average more than 20 is Richard entertaining team in the league with SPORTS EDITOR certainly possible. fun to watch in the hope that someone Hamilton of the Pistons at 20.1. their strategy of fast breaking, shoot- For the first time in years, I’m re- Already you can see one reason will emerge to challenge Detroit. Detroit has gotten a lot more ing in 7 seconds, and going for 130 ally excited about the NBA playoffs. dominant teams are a good thing: it While rooting for underdogs like fun to watch under new coach Flip points. Matched in the first round I know the players take three steps means you can have upsets. If San Dallas and the Cleveland Cavaliers, I Saunders. Their offense has become against a surging Lakers team with down the Antonio weren’t the favorite, Dallas’ still hope they lose in the end so we much more aggressive, resulting in a a contrasting style and clutch Kobe lane, don’t great first round victories and game can have another Pistons-Spurs final 3.5 points per game increase in scor- Bryant, their games were the best Column play de- two win over the Spurs would just series. Last year the Finals between ing and a noticeable change in their I’ve seen in the NBA. fense, and be an example of the blue uniformed them went to game seven, the first such style. So far in the playoffs, they are Dallas fast breaks too, but I swear only care about their paychecks. But team from Texas looking better than game in the Finals since 1994. Watch- second in scoring with 106.6 points their owner Mark Cuban is the real I’m hooked this year, and I think I the black uniformed one. But now ing the Lakers beat up on the Nets or per game. reason they are so fun to watch. He know why: for the first time since the it’s an upset in the making, and col- Sixers in previous Finals was fun, but For their part, San Antonio has suffers more after a loss and glows Celtics and Lakers of the 80’s, there is lege basketball’s March Madness has only if you live in Los Angeles. The added Michael Finley to an already more after a win than anyone on the a dominant team in each conference, proven how fun upsets can be. rest of us want every game to be close, potent lineup. Along with Brent team, and has invested a lot in mak- the San Antonio Spurs and the Detroit The rivalry between the Spurs and and we have a good chance of that in Barry, he gives stars Manu Ginobili, ing the American Airlines Center a Pistons. Both teams are number one Pistons also gives otherwise uninter- 2006 if it’s the Spurs and Pistons. Tony Parker, and Tim Duncan two great place to watch a game in per- seeds and can make the finals winning esting playoff games a context that Anyone who complains about great shooters to kick to. They aren’t son or on TV. only at home, where they have the best makes them more enjoyable. Watch- how selfish NBA players are should that far behind the Pistons in playoff So what’s my prediction for the two records in the league and looked ing the Spurs beat Sacramento by 34 be spewing praise for San Antonio scoring, sitting at third with 102.4 rest of the playoffs? San Antonio dominant in their opening round se- in the first game of their first round and Detroit. Both teams succeed by points per game. squeaks past Dallas and easily beats ries. series was still interesting because distributing the ball and playing as The league as a whole is getting Phoenix but loses in 7 to Detroit, What about the Dallas Mavericks, it was a message to the Pistons. The a team. They each have four starters more watchable every year thanks which obliterates the Eastern Con- you say? I think San Antonio is still current quarterfinal series between the averaging 10 or more points a game, to teams like the Phoenix Suns and ference and uses the extra rest and the favorite thanks to their playoff Heat and the Nets, the least entertain- and the only player on either team Dallas. Phoenix is by far the most home court to reclaim the title.

When: Sa turda y, Ma y 13th a t 7:00 pm

Where: La Sala Room, MIT Student Center (2F)

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