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Volume LXII, Number 12
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POWERFUL WORDS
FACULTY
Univ to look at faculty tasks
ACADEMICS
Learning goals drafting process begins
■ The Faculty Workload
■ Individual departments will formulate learning goals on the major, minor and syllabus levels.
Committee will look at work distribution among Arts and Sciences faculty. By MIRANDA NEUBAUER
By MIRANDA NEUBAUER
JUSTICE SENIOR WRITER
The new Faculty Workload Committee will examine the distribution of workloads among Arts and Sciences faculty in an effort to implement a recommendation made by the Curriculum and Academic Restructuring Steering committee last spring, Provost Marty Krauss and Faculty Senate Chair Prof. Sabine von Mering (GRALL) wrote in an e-mail to faculty last Wednesday. Dean of Arts and Sciences Adam Jaffe will chair the committee. Its other members are Profs. Marc Brettler (NEJS), Bulbul Chakraborty (PHYS), Jerry Cohen (AMST) and Richard Parmentier (ANTH). The committee held its first meeting last Wednesday. “As we strive to deliver our ambitious curriculum with fewer faculty, it is imperative that the workload be shared,” states the final report of the CARS committee, which was released last April. The report notes that the Faculty Handbook designates the responsibilities of faculty as teaching, advising, scholarship and creative activity and service. “While the number of courses taught is specified in each department, expectations regarding the other activities are more qualitative. Nonetheless, if a faculty member’s contributions in any of those areas are significantly and consistently below expectations, there should be an adjustment of responsibilities in another area to compensate,” the report states. The report recommends that the dean of Arts and Sciences work with the Faculty Senate “to develop a policy for adjustment of teaching loads and other work responsibilities for faculty whose contributions in any of our areas of responsibilities are below expectations.”
See FACULTY, 5 ☛
Waltham, Mass.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
ROBYN SPECTOR/the Justice
An Israeli perspective
health center has administered 700 seasonal flu inoculations, and that she expects the last shipment of 300 doses to arrive in December. Poaster wrote in her e-mail that the health center had ordered 3,000 vaccinations. Sawyer said that after the first two dosages were distributed, he hoped to open H1N1 clinics distributing the vaccination to all who wanted it after Thanksgiving. Sawyer added that opening these clinics would likely entail bringing in additional medical help to facilitate, explaining that there is simply not enough staff to operate the clinics. He did not say where the medical help would come from. He added that outsourcing could potentially result in additional costs to students receiving the vaccinations but that the costs would be minimal. The Health Center is particular-
University academic departments are starting the process of drafting learning goals for all majors and minors by spring 2011 as the University prepares to submit an interim report to the New England Association of Schools and Colleges on its progress in meeting the group’s accreditation guidelines. The Provost’s Advisory Committee on Assessment of Student Learning has been holding workshops and meeting with individual departments to encourage them to formulate learning goals on the major, minor and syllabus levels in accordance with the NEASC’s standards. The standards state that an institution must “[develop] the systematic means to understand how and what students are learning and to use the evidence obtained to improve the academic program.” After visiting campus and examining a study the University conducted itself in 2007, NEASC concluded in its report that Brandeis “does not have a systematic, broadbased and integrated approach to assessment of student learning.” Earlier this year, after consultation with various community members, the Provost’s Advisory Committee formulated Universitywide learning goals with an emphasis on core skills, knowledge and social justice. Among the core skills are communication skills, quantitative skills and critical thinking. Examples of knowledge are demonstrating the ability to engage in research and scholarship as well as demonstrating intellectual flexibility and creativity. Examples of social justice are participating as informed citizens in a global society, demonstrating an understand-
See HEALTH, 5 ☛
See GOALS, 5 ☛
Prominent Israeli writer Amos Oz, left, came to Brandeis as part of the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies’ annual program of invited artists and scholars. Oz spoke about his views on the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. See story in Arts, page 19.
HEALTH CENTER
Vaccine given to students with pre-existing conditions ■ The University gave most
of the initial allotment of H1N1 vaccine to emergency and health care personnel. By ALANA ABRAMSON JUSTICE EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
The Health Center has received its first dosages of the H1N1 vaccinations from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, which have been distributed to University emergency and health care personnel, said Rick Sawyer, the dean of student life, in an interview with the Justice. The extra vaccinations were distributed to approximately 20 students with pre-existing health conditions, he said. Sawyer sent an e-mail to the Brandeis community Nov. 7 in which he explained that the department of public health recommended inoculating emergency and
health personnel first, and that there would be a gradual increase in the number of dosages. He wrote in the e-mail that after the health and emergency personnel were inoculated, the subsequent round of vaccinations would be provided to those students with pre-existing health conditions. In his e-mail, Sawyer cited the qualifying conditions: pregnancy, acting as the caretaker of an infant, as well as suffering from cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, neurological conditions, cancer or pulmonary diseases like asthma and cystic fibrosis. He told the Justice, however, that there could potentially be some ambiguity as to what constitutes a pre-existing health condition. “It gets a little gray when considering who is high-risk and who is risky,” Sawyer said. Dr. Deborah Poaster, the health center medical director, wrote in an e-mail to the Justice that the
JUSTICE SENIOR WRITER
Early Music players
Al-Quds students visit
U.N. appointment
■ Students play pre-Baroque music in preparation for their Nov. 22 concert.
■ Students from Al-Quds University spent a week at Brandeis.
■ Brandeis benefactor Elaine Schuster will serve in the United Nations general assembly.
ARTS 21 For tips or info call Let your voice be heard! Submit letters to the editor online (781) 736-6397 at www.thejusticeonline.com
INDEX
FEATURES 9 ARTS SPORTS
17 16
EDITORIAL FEATURES
10 7
OPINION POLICE LOG
11 2
COMMENTARY
11
NEWS 3 COPYRIGHT 2009 FREE AT BRANDEIS. Call for home delivery.
2
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2009
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THE JUSTICE
NEWS AP BRIEFS
POLICE LOG
Massachusetts struggles to turn green technology into jobs
Medical Emergency
BOSTON—In June, lithium-ion battery maker BostonPower Inc. unveiled plans for a new manufacturing plant in Auburn that it said would employ 600 workers—a big gain in the state’s drive for green jobs. Five months later, the Westborough-based company has scrapped its plans and is scoping out sites in China and other parts of Asia. The company said the planned 455,000-square-foot facility was always contingent on federal stimulus funds that never materialized, but the story is emblematic of a larger problem facing the state. Massachusetts has plenty of small research companies hoping to design the next big breakthrough in renewable energy. But when it comes to holding onto the manufacturing jobs that spin out of that research, the state is struggling. Marlborough-based Evergreen Solar Inc. has received $58 million in state aid and been hailed by Gov. Deval Patrick as a green jobs hero for its decision to bring hundreds of solar panel manufacturing jobs to Devens. But this month, the company announced it’s moving some of those jobs to China next year, a move forced in part by the company’s $167 million loss this year. The state doesn’t need to look halfway around the world for competitors. Michigan, struggling to rebound from declines in the auto industry, has aggressively courted Massachusetts firms. In August, Watertown-based A123Systems, which traces its roots back to the research labs of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, announced plans to build a lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility in Livonia, Mich., using a $249 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. Another company making the trek to Michigan is Mascoma Corp. The company was based in Boston before moving its headquarters to Lebanon, N.H. earlier this year. It’s planning to break ground on its first full-scale ethanol facility in Kinross Township, Mich., in 2010. The company received $26 million from the Department of Energy and the state of Michigan kicked in another $23.5 million. Mascoma Chairman Bruce Jamerson said there were many reasons for the move, including the availability of wood chips needed to produce the fuel. And while Massachusetts has market incentives to encourage green jobs, Michigan—in more dire economic straits—offered more aggressive financial incentives. Critics in Massachusetts say the state needs to do more to keep those coveted manufacturing jobs. “We have a long history of research and development, but our success of turning R&D into manufacturing jobs has been spotty,” said Brian Gilmore, executive vice president of the Associated Industries of Massachusetts. Lilliputian, a Wilmington-based consumer electronics fuel cell company, expects to create 75 jobs in the next three years in Massachusetts and hundreds more over the next five, Bowles said. The solar technology company Konarka is expanding its manufacturing capabilities in a former Polaroid facility in New Bedford and hopes to hire over 100 workers over the next three years, he added. He also said critics shouldn’t downplay Massachusetts’ strength as a research hothouse. In a recent round of federal green energy research awards, Massachusetts received 22 percent of all funding, more than even California.
Nov. 9—University Police received a call about a student who had injured his elbow. University Police were notified by the Waltham Police Department, which had received a 911 call. University Police and BEMCo responded. The party was treated on-scene and transported to the Newton-Wellesley Hospital. Nov. 9—University Police and BEMCo responded to a report that a female in the Charles River Apartments had cut her finger. The party was treated on-scene and transported to the NewtonWellesley Hospital. Nov. 10—University Police received a call from a community advisor in Shapiro Residence Hall stating that a resident was experiencing a fever and sore throat and was vomiting. The student was transported to the Newton-Wellesley Hospital. Nov. 11—University Police received a call that a bicyclist at the
main entrance to the University had fallen off his bicycle and suffered leg and head trauma. BEMCo and the Waltham Fire Department responded. The patient was treated on-scene with a signed refusal for further care. Nov. 15—A party in HassenfeldKrivoff reported that a male party was intoxicated and vomiting. University Police and BEMCo responded and the patient was transported to the Newton-Wellesley Hospital.
Disturbance Nov. 13—University Police responded to a report of a loud party in North Quad. University Police had some vehicles moved from the area and advised the crowd to quiet down. No further action was taken by the University Police. Nov. 15—University Police received a call complaining of noise in the Foster Mods. University Police issued a verbal warning to the residents of Mod 11.
Miscellaneous Larceny Nov. 12—A party in the Usdan Student Center reported that a student had falsely claimed to be the owner of a lost and found item. University Police compiled a report on the incident. Nov. 13—Students in North Quad reported that a number of items had been taken from a lounge on one of the floors. University Police compiled a report on the incident.
Nov. 10—Students at the Charles River Apartments reported a group of younger boys riding their bicycles into the road. University Police checked the area, but the parties were gone upon arrival. Nov. 11—University Police compiled a report on an incident that took place during the “Challenge of the UN Gaza Report” event, held in the Levin Ballroom on Nov. 5. The report was com-
Senate tables action on non-compliant clubs
An article in News last week referred to Al-Quds University as “The Arab school in Israel.” Many students from the school, however, identify themselves not only as Arabs, but more specifically as Palestinians. (Nov. 10, p. 2) An article in News last week misstated the position of a Brandeis professor. Prof. Marya Levenson is the director of the Education Program, not the director of the Master of Arts in Teaching program. (Nov. 10, p. 5)
An article in Arts last week misspelled the name of a campus group. The group’s name is Tympanium Euphorium, not Tymphanium Euphorium. (Nov. 10, 19) The Justice welcomes submissions for errors that warrant correction or clarification. E-mail justeditor@ brandeis.edu.
theJustice The Justice is the independent student newspaper of Brandeis University. The Justice is published every Tuesday of the academic year with the exception of examination and vacation periods. Editor in chief office hours will be held Friday from 10 a.m. to noon in the Justice office this week. Editor in chief office hours are usually held every Wednesday from 1 to 2 p.m. Main Line News Forum Features Sports Arts Ads Photos Managing
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SENATE LOG
CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS
An article in Sports last week misspelled the name of a member of the Men’s Ultimate Frisbee team. The athletes’ name is Toly Rinberg, not Tony Rimburg. (Nov. 10, p. 13)
piled on information received via an e-mail to the Chief of University Police. Nov. 12—A traffic monitor reported that Crystal Shuttle Bus 640 was leaking fuel. University Police notified facilities. University Police reported that there was a large amount of fuel on the ground. The Waltham Fire Department and Department of Public Works were notified. University Police reported that the Waltham Police Department will cite bus 640 and that it needed to be towed. Nov. 14—University Police saw when watching on closed circuit television a golf cart heading toward North Quad. Near Usen Castle, two parties parked the golf cart and began walking. University Police investigated and judicial charges will be filed against two students for unauthorized use of University equipment.
PAULA HOEKSTRA/the Justice
Autism speaks Karolina Przewloka LaBrecque spoke at the panel discussion “Social Issues Surrounding Autism.” The event, a part of Autism Awareness Week, took place Wednesday in the Shapiro Campus Center.
The Senate motioned to table the de-chartering of over 60 clubs after much discussion. These clubs have not signed the Anti-Hazing Policy form as dictated by Massachusetts law and required by the Student Union for recognition. The clubs were issued five warnings, one of which was directly addressed to the club leader, Jenna Rubin, senator for the Class of 2011, said. Some senators argued that the clubs who have not signed the form yet are still active while other senators countered that the clubs have had sufficient warnings already. Senator-at-Large Rami Abdelghafar ’10 said that he will send out a final e-mail to clubs this week, informing them that they will be de-chartered if the form isn’t signed. The Senate voted to make a Senate Money Resolution submitted by senator for the Class of 2012 Nipun Marwaha into an Emergency Senate Money Resolution, which can immediately voted on. The resolution asks the Senate for $1,275 that will be used to purchase 150 t-shirts. All profits from the sales will be donated to the Center for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital. The Senate also passed another Emergency Senate Money Resolution submitted by Class of 2012 senator Jackie Saffir to buy t-shirts for the Midnight Buffet. Rebecca Bachman ’13, a member of the Provost’s Committee on the Assessment of Student Learning, told the Senate that the committee is looking into learning goals that will benefit students throughout their four years at Brandeis. Bachman urged senators to engage in dialogue with their professors about learning goals. Director of Student Rights and Advocacy Lev Hirschorn ’11 reported that senators interested in reviewing the student conduct process should attend meetings held by Director of Student Rights and Community Standards Dean Gendron. Jon Freed (GRAD) requested that senators consider creating the post of a mid-year senator. In his senator report, Abdelghafar said that he will be starting a defense training course for women in response to the six reported cases of sexual violence at Brandeis.
—Nashrah Rahman
ANNOUNCEMENTS How to Find an Internship Interested students can come and learn tips and techniques for finding summer or academic internships. Students can also learn about the Hiatt Career Center’s World of Work (WOW) fellowships, which help students fund unpaid internships during the summer. Today from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Hiatt Career Center.
Fair Trade Fair Students can purchase Fair Trade certified gifts from the nonprofit store Ten Thousand Villages. Fair trade means that the buyer pays a fair price for the artisans’ handiwork, which allows the artisans to support their families, pay for education and improve their standard of living. The event’s sponsor, the Brandeis Labor Coalition, will donate 90 percent of the proceeds to Ten Thousand Villages. Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Shapiro Campus Center Atrium.
Writing Between Worlds: On Being a Jewish Writer with Tova Mirvis Hadassah-Brandeis Institute Scholar-inResidence and author Tova Mirvis will discuss how the preponderance of the questions “Is this a Jewish book?” and “Are you a Jewish author?” and the anxiety in the responses are distinctly Jewish. Mirvis examines the landscape of contemporary Jewish American literature. A book signing of her novel The Outside World will follow. Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the Liberman-Miller Lecture Hall. For more information, e-mail hbi@brandeis.edu.
Study Abroad Info Session: Funding Study Abroad Focus Students can attend an information session designed to give an overview of the off-campus study process at Brandeis, including tips for researching programs and destinations, the application process, getting credit for your work off campus, financial aid and resources
and services the office provides. Attending a general information session is mandatory for students wishing to study off campus. Thursday from 4 to 5 p.m. in Usdan Student Center 122. For more information call the Office of Study Abroad at (781) 736-3483.
Teach for America Come hear tips from Joe DuPont, director of the Hiatt Career Centers and former Vice President at Teach for America about how to stand out in the Teach For America interview process so you get to put your best foot forward in the interview process. Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Hiatt Career Center.
Careers in the Law Students can come and listen to local attorneys, many of whom are Brandeis alumni, who will share their experiences and what their day-to-day work is like. Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m in the Feldberg Lounge.
THE JUSTICE
STUDENT UNION
Management System will let club leaders generate transaction forms online. By LIZ POSNER JUSTICE STAFF WRITER
The Student Union issued a press release Nov. 9 to announce that it has entered the final stages in the development of the Student Union Management System, a new software program that will help student organizations better manage their finances. All student organizations will be required to use the Web site beginning Jan. 19, according to the press release. The primary goal of SUMS is to increase transparency and efficiency in the distribution of club finances, according to Stephen Costa, a budget analyst in the Office of Students and Enrollment, who handles Union finances. When SUMS is fully implemented next semester, each student organization will be given an account through which it will be able to access the program. The main page shows a list of finance requests, a description of each request, the date it was issued and its approval status. Another page includes details of the club’s allocations and where its finances are directed. SUMS is the result of a partnership between the Student Union and Village Software, a Boston-based company that develops database systems and software programs for businesses, universities and nonprofit organizations. According to Adam Leffert, a developer at Village Software, the Union has been working with Village Software to develop the new system since January 2008, when the project began. The Student Union paid approximately $75,000 for the development and maintenance of the system. The project was funded by leftover club allocations. According to Costa, the push for development of a new finance organization system was a combined effort. “I was the one originally pushing hardest for a robust application, but [past Union Treasurer] Choon Woo Ha ’08 and [Assistant Vice President for Students and Enrollment] Frank Urso made significant contributions to help make it possible,” Costa wrote in an e-mail to the Justice. Student Union Treasurer Daniel Acheampong ’11 and Costa gave a presentation to club leaders at a special Nov. 13 meeting arranged to introduce clubs to the new SUMS program. In his presentation to club leaders, Acheampong said that designers of the program wanted to make the Web site user-friendly. “We tried to remove what was not necessary and make things simpler for student organizations,” he said. SUMS will allow club leaders to submit requests through the Web
site to apply for funding. The site automatically generates a form for each transaction, which may then be submitted to the Union Treasury. Currently, requests are downloaded from the Union Treasury Web site, TheTreasurer.org, or taken from the Student Union office and written out by hand. “Now clubs can do almost everything [regarding finance transactions] online,” Acheampong told the Justice. Then both Costa and the Union Treasury will review the request. According to Costa, SUMS will make the request process more efficient and timely. Costa and Acheampong believe that the new SUMS program will be an improvement over the prior system, a database system developed by Costa through Microsoft Access in the spring and summer of 2007. Student groups have been using this system since 2007. “I wouldn’t characterize the previous system as ‘inefficient,’ but it is less efficient than this,” Costa told the Justice. Costa said that one of the main problems with the current system is that information is sometimes outdated because the Treasury and the Office of Students and Enrollment must process each club’s request. “This situation often led to clubs thinking that they had more or less money than they really did—they would drop off a request form at the Student Union, but it would take about a week or two before the information was actually reflected online, because we had to manually enter the data, plus run and upload the reports,” Costa said in an e-mail. With SUMS, clubs will be able to see their requests and other financial status information in real time. Costa does not expect much difficulty during the switch to the new system. “There will be a period of adjustment,” he told the Justice. “We’ve done a lot to make the transition as easy as possible.” A reference sheet will be available on the SUMS Web site to explain the different features of the system. Costa does not believe that any objections to the implementation of the new system have been made. “The responses I have seen have all been very positive,” he told the Justice in an e-mail. “I’m really excited about the system and glad that clubs will soon be able to start using it,” Acheampong told the Justice. The Union Treasury and the Office of Students and Enrollment have already switched to the SUMS program. “It’s been working great,” Costa said. “I feel that the new system will be a huge improvement because I know some clubs in the past have had some organizational trouble,” Emma Fuchsberg ’10, a member of Students Talking About Relationships, told the Justice. “This will be more efficient—it seems quicker and easier,” Natalie Janafaza ’13, treasurer of the Brandeis Law Journal, told the Justice.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2009
3
PROMINENT BENEFACTORS
SUMS nears completion ■ The Student Union
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PHOTO COURTERSY OF CLAIRE PAVLIK PURGUS
PHILANTHROPISTS: Elaine and Gerald Schuster are founding donors of the Schuster Institute for Investigative Journalism.
Schuster appointed to UN ■ Elaine Schuster, a
prominent Brandeis donor, has been appointed to the 64th United Nations General Assembly. By NASHRAH RAHMAN JUSTICE EDITOR
Elaine Schuster, a founding donor of the Schuster Institute for Investigative Journalism and a board member of the Women’s Studies Research Center, has been appointed as the United States representative to the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly, according to an e-mail to the Justice from the Schuster Institute. A Sept. 22 White House press release states that Schuster, a philanthropist and health care and education advocate, has been a member of the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts for eight years. She has also served as the New England chair of the Democratic Women’s Leadership Forum and was honored by the Massachusetts State Democratic Party for her work in support of Democratic values. Additionally, Schuster has been recognized by Franciscan Children’s Hospital for her help in fundraising
and increasing the hospital’s visibility, according to the press release. She has also received the Heritage Society Award from the Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Schuster could not be reached for comment by press time because she was traveling by air. “I think in that nominating Elaine Schuster, [President Barack Obama] has made an outstanding choice because she, in addition to all her other qualities, is [a] smart and knowledgeable woman about world affairs and is going to represent the United States in a very caring and intelligent way,” said University President Jehuda Reinharz in an interview with the Justice. “[Schuster] told me that at the United Nations, she is particularly interested in learning more about the enormous problem of modernday slavery worldwide, and about the sex trafficking of girls and women worldwide,” Florence Graves, the founding director of the Schuster Institute, wrote in an email to the Justice. Elaine and Gerald Schuster made a gift of $5 million to Brandeis’ previously named Institute for Investigative Journalism in 2007. The Institute was renamed to include the Schusters after the gift was received. Graves also wrote that Schuster’s
concerns about human rights and social justice align with those of the institute she founded, which is currently working on a project devoted to reporting on slavery issues. “Elaine Schuster’s many generous philanthropic efforts reflect her lifetime commitment to social and political justice. In particular, she leapt at the opportunity to fund investigative reporting into issues of social justice precisely because she understands what an enormous effect such work can have on public understanding and therefore on politics and policy,” Graves wrote. “[The WSRC is] so proud of [Schuster]. She has many accomplishments before this, but I think this tops them all. … We’re sure that she’ll do a great job,” said Prof. Shula Reinharz (SOC), who is also the director at the WSRC. Prof. Reinharz said that she had known Schuster for 15 years before Schuster became involved with the WSRC in 2001. Prof. Reinharz added that she admired Schuster’s “political savvy” and said that Schuster’s political interests did not lie just within Massachusetts. “I love talking to her about who she thinks will win a race [because] she’s always got great insight into political missions and trends,” Prof. Reinharz said.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Town hall meeting will be held to engage students ■ Meyer Koplow ’72, chair of
the Presidential Search Committee, will run a town hall meeting Nov. 30. By NASHRAH RAHMAN JUSTICE EDITOR
The Student Advisory Committee, which was created to provide the Presidential Search Committee with student feedback, will hold a townhall meeting Nov. 30 to encourage student input in the search process, Committee Chair and Student Union President Andy Hogan ’11 said in an
interview with the Justice. The meeting will take place at either 5:30 or 6 p.m. in Sherman Function Hall, Hogan said. Trustee and faculty members of the Presidential Search Committee will be invited to the meeting, which will be run by Meyer Koplow ’72, the chair of the search committee. The meeting will be a forum “where students can express what they want in a new president,” Hogan said. “After we finish the town hall, hopefully the search committee will have a better idea of what students really want to see in a new president,” he said.
The SAC was created after University President Jehuda Reinharz announced his intention to resign in a Sept. 24 campuswide e-mail. Reinharz will remain president until a new president has been selected or until June 30, 2011, according to a Sept. 24 University press release. The PSC, appointed at the Oct. 29 Board of Trustees meeting by Chair of the Board of Trustees Malcolm Sherman, does not contain any student members. Koplow told the Justice Nov. 3 that the committee will be responsible for managing the search process and presenting recommendations to the Board.
The number of faculty on the PSC was increased to three after discussions with Sherman. Sherman charged the Faculty Senate with creating a faculty advisory committee to provide the search committee with faculty input. Over 30 out of the 84 faculty members who were nominated are willing to run for the eight seats on the faculty advisory committee, Chair of the Faculty Senate Prof. Sabine von Mering (GRALL) said. The electronic ballots for the faculty advisory committee election will be sent out this week, von Mering said. “There will be one person from
each school [on the faculty advisory committee]: … four in Arts and Sciences, one [in the International Business School] and one [in the Heller School for Social Policy and Management], and then there will be two people at large. They can be from any of the other six [departments]”, von Mering said. The committee will advise the search committee and have input on the position descriptions of presidential candidates, von Mering wrote in an Oct. 30 e-mail to the faculty. Von Mering also wrote that the committee will be involved in interviewing finalists.
THE JUSTICE
FACULTY: Univ to review tasks CONTINUED FROM 1 The Committee’s Web site states that “the purpose of this review is to determine what (if any) changes in policy and practice are needed to ensure equity and to achieve the multiple missions of Arts and Sciences.” It also states that it will include recommendations for a post-tenure review process within Arts and Sciences. Krauss wrote in an e-mail to the Justice that post-tenure review refers to reviewing faculty after they have received tenure. Brandeis does not currently have a “formal system” for post-tenure review, she wrote. “The exact nature of such a review, should we develop one, would be discussed/deliberated by the Faculty Workload Committee.” The Committee is expected to make recommendations by Feb. 1 to the Faculty Senate, the School Councils and the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee for review before submitting the recommendations to the provost. “The CARS committee had a number of recommendations that it gave to the provost, and most of these recommendations have become purview of the Dean’s Curriculum Committee,” von Mering said. “But there were two things that were not assumed by the DCC, and one was the faculty workload issue and one will be the centers and institutes review, which is not an Arts and Sciences issue, so that’s going to be taken care of in a different way,” she said. With regard to centers and institutes at Brandeis, the CARS report had recommended analyzing to what extent CARS proposals could alleviate costs of core University functions or could contribute more to the University’s core mission, as they are often the beneficiary of funds with very specific requirements. Krauss declined to comment on what plans exist to address that recommendation. Von Mering said that an initial idea for addressing the workload issue was to revise the CARS committee and reestablish it to consider the issue. “But the DCC pointed out that the workload’s issue goes further than what CARS had sort of touched upon, and so that’s why this new committee was formed, which has a member of the DCC and a member of CARS,” she said. Parmentier was on the CARS committee and is a member of DCC. In addition to the concerns raised by CARS with regard to faculty workloads, “there’s been discussion about ... what should the University do if a faculty member is no longer meeting all the expectations with regard to scholarship, teaching and service,” Krauss said. “Right now we don’t have any particular policies to address that.” Teaching loads differ to some extent by discipline, Krauss said, depending on the competitive norms of individual disciplines and the degree to which faculty are more likely to have external research grants that pay for them to conduct research. “The sciences in general have a lower teaching load than the social sciences, humanities and creative arts because they have labs to run and a lot of their teaching is done in the lab,” she said. Krauss said that the members of the committee are knowledgeable and well respected and that they were familiar with workload issues due to their administrative experience. She added that it was an issue she had been interested in for a long time. “There is inevitably a certain amount of overlap between workload issues and issues about managing the curriculum,” Jaffe said. “We recognize that these two issues connect, and that’s part of the reason why we made sure to have someone on the workload committee who is also on the Dean’s Curriculum Committee
—Nashrah Rahman contributed reporting.
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2009
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STUDENT UNION
Committee holds first meeting ■ The Constitutional Review
Committee will compile a report detailing any changes that it proposes. By EMILY KRAUS JUSTICE EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
The Constitutional Review Committee, which is examining possible changes to the Student Union Constitution, discussed procedural issues at its first meeting Nov. 14 and will begin the review process at next week’s meeting, according to the committee’s chair, Jessica Steinberg ’10. According to a summary of the meeting that was e-mailed to committee members, the rest of the committee’s meetings will be held in “executive session,” meaning that no people may attend other than the committee members. The e-mail said, “[The committee] will attempt
to keep meetings as confidential as possible until we choose to release information to the public and media organizations.” The committee will compile a report outlining its proposed changes. According to the summary e-mail, “[The committee] will allow proposals from outside the committee to take place at the meetings when specifically requested.” Article 13, Section 1 of the Student Union Constitution states that the committee is “charged with conducting a full review of all aspects of the Union, including the operation of clubs, Secured Organizations, and Union Government.” There are 17 representatives on the committee representing different campus constituencies such as secured media, club sports, secured non-media groups and the Student Union Senate. Three alumni are also serving on the committee. Student Union President Andy Hogan ’11 selected
Kimberlee Bachman ’08, Jessica Blumberg ’09 and Caroline Shlager ’09 to serve on the committee based on recommendations that he received. Hogan said that the alumni serve on the committee because the Constitution mandates it; however, he said “I do think they serve an institutional purpose the students who are just in and out in four years can’t” and that they bring a “historical perspective” to the committee. Saturday’s meeting also addressed topics such as the twothirds majority that will be required for any decision to pass. If any member cannot attend a given meeting, he or she will not be able to vote on issues discussed at that meeting. Members of the committee were urged in the e-mail to examine the Constitution over the next week and consider changes that they would like to see occur. They are also encouraged to meet with their con-
stituencies to discuss issues with the current Constitution. According to Article 13, Section 6 of the Constitution, “The task force shall release its final report no later than the first week of March.” Steinberg wrote, “I believe that [the March deadline] is a reasonable and an attainable goal, but if necessary we will petition for additional time.” Steinberg told the Justice that Hogan appointed her as chair of the committee. Steinberg said that while not all of the committee members were present at the meeting, “I am confident that next weekend we will have a larger turnout.” The next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 21, and a “town hall” meeting open to the entire student body will be held after the executive session. Editor’s Note: Andrea Fineman ’10 is the secured media representative to the Constitutional Review Committee. She is the managing editor of the Justice.
HEALTH: 20 students received the swine flu vaccinations CONTINUED FROM 1
JULIAN AGIN-LIEBES/the Justice
Soli Sorabjee Lecture Sugata Bose, professor of Oceanic History and Affairs at Harvard University, gave a lecture titled “Different Universalisms, Colorful Cosmopolitanisms: The Global Imagination of the Colonized,” in Rapaporte Treasure Hall yesterday afternoon.
GOALS: Learning objectives drafted CONTINUED FROM 1 ing of diverse societies and engaging in a life of service. At a Nov. 5 faculty meeting, Provost Marty Krauss said Anthropology; Computer Science; Russian Studies; German, Russian, and Asian Languages and Literature; Near Eastern and Judaic Studies; and Romance Studies are engaged in pilot programs to draft learning goals. Krauss said that these are volunteer departments who are going through the process first to help determine what approaches to formulating the goals for majors and minors are most effective. Krauss said in an interview that she felt departments would find the process of formulating learning goals helpful as they begin to get involved in it. “It often provokes interesting conversations with their colleagues because they may not agree on the departmental goals, and it acts as a catalyst for clarifying what it is different majors are trying to do,” she said. The Anthropology department met with the committee last week to present a draft of its learning goals. The Anthropology document states that students majoring in the subject “will come away with a strong understanding of: the diversity of human cultures and the interdependence of people around the world; the inequality in relations of
power within and among the world’s societies and nations in the past and present; [and] what it means to be a human being: who we are, how we came to be that way, and where we may go in the future,” and will meet the knowledge learning goal as a result. Following a description of the core skills Anthropology teaches, the document states with regard to social justice, “The anthropology curriculum provides graduates with the knowledge and perspectives needed to participate as informed citizens in a global society. Anthropology emphasizes tolerance and respect for other cultures’ ways of living.” In a section titled “Upon Graduating,” the document states that Anthropology majors, in addition to being prepared to study anthropology on the graduate level, can “use the knowledge and perspectives gained from the sustained study of humanity to pursue professional training and a range of careers in any field dealing with people—including healthcare, government, business, law, journalism, education, and human rights work—in local and international settings “We thought that they did a great job,” Krauss said. She said that a discussion was held with regard to how the presentation of learning goals should be structured—in particular, how to allow for variability
depending on the department while at the same providing an overall context for the learning goals. “In our department we’ve found it quite rewarding, enjoyable and fruitful to think about the learning goals for our department,” Prof. Sarah Lamb, chair of the Anthropology department, said. “The students seem to be kind of excited about it, because it’s a way for us to articulate clearly in a document what actually we do aim for students to get out of the Anthropology major.” She said that the department had the freedom to expand on the Universitywide learning goals in drafting its own. “We were inspired by some of the Brandeis learning goals, but we didn’t feel constrained by them,” Lamb added. The department looked at the objectives for each concentration already formulated in the Bulletin and looked at anthropology learning goals at other institutions, she said. Lamb suggested that learning goals will inform students about what they can gain from a major and could also be useful for parents. “I think some of the majors are less obviously career-oriented, … so if a student can point their parents to the Anthropology page and the parents can read, ‘Oh, it’s useful in these ways,’ I think it helps if you’re not a premed or prelaw or prebusiness major.”
ly understaffed, said Sawyer, as its nursing director and co-administrator Kathleen Maloney retired last summer. A search is under way for a new director, but Sawyer said the search has not yet been successful. “In the Boston job market, I think most of the people that would normally be a candidate are pretty well set with a job. That’s what it feels like. It’s a good job, and an attractive job, but the kind of person we need is probably employed,” he explained. “We continue to interview candidates for this position,” Poaster wrote. She also wrote that she has been working extra hours to compensate for Maloney’s retirement. A student committee was implemented to interview potential candidates for the position. However, Daniel Litwok ’10, a committee member and the Brandeis Emergency Medical Corps’ director of operations, wrote in an e-mail to the Justice that the committee has not met since he was selected to serve on it. Sawyer explained that the student committee has not yet been involved in interviewing candidates because no candidates have visited campus yet. According to an e-mail Sawyer sent to the Brandeis community Nov. 13, approximately 170 students have been diagnosed with the flu this semester, and currently 17 students are actively ill and under treatment. Sawyer attributed the spike to events like the Nov. 5 Ben Folds concert and the Nov. 7 Pachanga, a popular, annual dance sponsored by the International Club. He said that at these type of events, during which large numbers of students are crowded close together, it is very easy for the flu virus to spread. Sawyer explained that in the upcoming weeks there would be other well-attended events taking place in crowded quarters but he did not specify any such events. He has been sending out regular e-mails to the Brandeis community throughout the semester recounting the specific number of students ill with the flu.
Starving Artists Semester Show Will Sing for Food!
Tuesday Nov. 17 8:30- 9:30 p.m. Schwartz Auditorium
Love going to the games? Join the Justice Sports section and give us the scoop on all the latest games and events.
Tickets $4 in advance, $5 at door.
Please bring non-perishable food to be donated to our food drive!
For more information, e-mail Ian Cutler at ianc@brandeis.edu.
THE JUSTICE
just
features
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2009
VERBATIM | Napoleon Bonaparte Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.
ON THIS DAY...
FUN FACT
In 1833, the United States and the Soviet Union established diplomatic relations for the first time.
Starfish don't have brains.
Fostering peace through exchange By TESS RASER JUSTICE STAFF WRITER
“What are you doing tonight? Come to our room and visit.” Hardly an evening passed last week in which the six students and recent graduates visiting from AlQuds University didn’t invite another group of Brandeis students to join them for an impromptu nighttime gathering in their suite. Al-Quds, the Palestinian university in Jerusalem, has participated in a partnership with Brandeis officially since 2003, even though Brandeis administrators and faculty have held meetings and exchanges with Al-Quds since 1997. Dan Terris, vice president for global affairs, director of the International Center for Ethics, Justice, and Public Life and a Brandeis leader in the partnership, said that one piece of the exchange includes a faculty exchange. This involves improving the administrative capacity of Al-Quds University, at their president, Sari Nusseibeh’s, request. Another part of the partnership includes a student exchange. The first student exchange took place in summer 2007, when eight Brandeis students: Joe Farbeann ’08, Jessica Kent ’09, Gabriela Lupatkin ’09, Yael Mazor ’08, Garrett Nada ’10, Daniel Pereira ’08, Jeremy Sherer ’10 and Hilla Shimsoni ’10 met eight Al-Quds students in Istanbul, Turkey. There, they studied philosophy and history and discussed the question for a seminar with the theme, “What is a Good Society?” In 2008, seven Brandeis students: Claire Cooper ’11, Holly Devon ’11, Jared Hirsh ’10, Diana Marte ’11, Stephen Robinson ’11, Danielle Shmuely ’10 and Saghi Sofinzon ’11 traveled to Istanbul. Both student groups participated in intensive workshops led by Brandeis and Al-Quds faculty members for 10 days. The second part of the exchange took place in May 2009, when Claire Cooper ’11, Garrett Nada ’10, Holly Devon ’11 and Jared Hirsh ’10 went on a 10-day visit to Al-Quds in Jerusalem. The exchange was made possible through a grant from the Ford Foundation. The foundation’s mission, according to its Web site, is “[to work] with visionary leaders and organizations around the world.” The organization was founded to “advance social justice.” “During my time in Turkey, I gained insight into the political situation in the West Bank, Palestinian identity and their historical narrative. I also became more acutely aware of cultural differences and the effects of these on political philosophies,” said Nada in an e-mail to the Justice. Open dialogue was a key component of the Brandeis visit to AlQuds, as well as the Al-Quds visit to Brandeis. On any given night last week, you could walk into Ridgewood suite 150 B, where the Palestinian students were staying, and find them passionately discussing politics, joking around and just hanging out with Brandeis students. Intense discussions would usually end not in anger or sadness but in a broadened sense of understanding. While most of the time Brandeis visitors to suite 150 B were more liberal-leaning on the issue of the Israel-Palestine conflict, a couple of Brandeis students came with more conservative opinions. One night, Shirel Guez ’12, who is more conservative in her views about the conflict and very
Students and faculty from Al-Quds University in Jersualem spent a week visiting Brandeis
MAX BREITSTEIN MATZA/the Justice
RECEPTION MINGLING: At the welcoming reception for the Al-Quds students in the Faculty Lounge, Brandeis students and faculty talked with the Palestinian visitors.
MAX BREITSTEIN MATZA/the Justice
MAX BREITSTEIN MATZA/the Justice
WORDS OF LIFE: Last Thursday, the Al-Quds students attended a poetry night.
UNITE: Despite their differences, Palestinian and Brandeis students connected.
passionate about her connection to Israel, debated the issue with Sinan Abu Shanab, one of the Al-Quds students. The discussion intensified until Abu Shanab said something that caught Guez’s attention. He told her that he, too, felt a connection to the land. “To me it was really eye-opening, because it let me see that [Palestinians] aren’t anti-Semitic. They don’t hate Israelis. They have a connection to the land as well,” Guez said. “My favorite moments are when we are in the suite and have lot of Brandeis students [over] and [have] the ability to tell them a little about the conflict. I see the excitement in [them] wanting to know more,” Abu Shanab said. While it is easy to find differences between Brandeis and AlQuds students, whether they be political or in the way they dress,
“I’m so interested and excited to come to Brandeis,” said Aqel, a recent graduate of Al-Quds who studied electrical engineering. The class was filled with mostly international students from countries such as Rwanda, Venezuela, Uganda, Ghana and Turkey. The visiting students were quick to contribute to class and shared their struggles with and hopes for coexistence. “Where is the justice if [I am] kicked out of my land?” asked Abed Aqel, an Al-Quds business student. On Thursday, the Palestinian students attended a Palestinian poetry night hosted by Brandeis Students for Justice in Palestine. There, Brandeis students and visiting Al-Quds students shared some of their feelings of frustration and confusion. Aqel spoke about missing a final exam once because he was stopped
last week’s visit revealed that they share many similarities. Relaxing in the Palestinians’ suite at night, Brandeis and Al-Quds students alike would head to one of the laptops left open in the room to either check their Facebooks or to pull up songs on YouTube. On other nights, both Brandeis and Al-Quds students played music and danced together. “The biggest message is to keep an open mind and to try and listen to others’ points of view. Challenge yourself and [your] point of view,” said Abu Shanab. “I feel like I met people who I never would have met in a normal life, and those people really touched me as a person.” On Wednesday, the Al-Quds students attended Prof. Mari Christine Fitzduff’s (HELLER) graduate course, “Coexistence and Conflict.” At the start of class, the Palestinian students spoke about their trip.
at a checkpoint. Hasan Odeh, an AlQuds student in his last year who is studying computer science and has a passion for Palestinian hip-hop and poetry, also recited emotional poems. "I [felt like] there are people representing me and my ideas at Brandeis and in the United States,” Odeh said of the poetry night. “I hope [this visit] builds on a great conversation we have had before and will have in the future,” said Terris. Odeh reflected on his week at Brandeis. “When we started I had fear as a Palestinian [of] meeting Jewish students, and I had fear of what will happen by sharing with [Jewish students] the Palestinian perspective. That changed the second day in Istanbul [in 2007]. We had lots of discussions. There is no reason for what is going on [in the Middle East],” Odeh said.
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THE JUSTICE
Progress through education
DAVIDA A. JUDELSON/the Justice
OFFICE DISCUSSION: The Triskelion office, which is located on the third floor of the Shapiro Campus Center, is a safe space for students to discuss sexual identity, discrimination and other GLBTQ-related topics.
Triskelion takes initiatives toward a more accepting future By JULIE ZONG JUSTICE CONTRIBUTING WRITER
There are few spaces on campus more welcoming than a Triskelion meeting. Nestled at the end of a hall on the third floor of the Shapiro Campus Center, members gather every Thursday evening at 8 p.m. to discuss sexual identity, discrimination and challenges that the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning community continues to face. A few members sit on couches, others take up residence next to the bookshelves and someone is always engaged in conversation. It is a support group, an intellectual coffee discussion and a sociology class. Trisk, Brandeis University’s GLBTQ and Queer Alliance, currently shares an office with Student Sexuality Information Services in Room 328 of the Campus Center. Books and DVDs line the wall of the lounge where students gather for meetings and do homework in between classes. Many students at Brandeis pride themselves for being liberal-minded and open to discussing sexuality and gender. However, declaring the college campus progressive is not enough to move Brandeis forward. Students and staff involved in Trisk and the Queer Resource Center say the University will continue to face challenges in the coming years. These challenges include incorporating multiple identities into the GLBTQ community, creating a full-time job for GLBTQ affairs, implementing gender-neutral housing and opening the dialogue for better education about misunderstood aspects of gender and sexuality. Trisk currently has six branches: Outreach, Pride, Queer Resource Center, TransBrandeis, Sex and Sexualities Symposium and Queer People of Color. SASS and QPOC are two of the newest branches this year. They helped organize the drag show on Accepted Students Day and Trisk’s annual Halloween dance. “Each of these branches has goals, but personally, the most important for me is to foster a safe space where literally any person can feel free to be themselves and not be judged,” says Simon Zahn ’12, general coordinator of Trisk. “My whole goal for Trisk this year was to make it more intersectional. Queer people are not just white or gay men. When you see pride parades or any form of queer life in the movies, it’s very focused on certain groups. You either see butch lesbians or flamboyant gay men.” Zahn feels it is important to focus on intersectionality, which he defines as “how each person is composed of multiple identities. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” Intersectionality is the way in which socially and culturally constructed categories interact on multiple levels to manifest them-
selves in inequalities in society. These include sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, religion, gender, nationality, disability and class. Trisk has embraced this concept through the incorporation of QPOC. “QPOC is reconciling a person of color as a queer person [when] certain identities don’t match. Some people who identify as being [Jewish] can also be gay,” says Zahn. QPOC, headed by co-coordinators Austin Auh ’10 and Kaamila Mohamed ’11, began as a project inspired by Prof. Sue Lanser’s (ENG) Women and Gender Studies class, which focused on how women fit into a colored community as well as a queer community. “[QPOC] is a very safe place and it allows people to address particular issues about homophobia and other related things,” says Mohamed, a Sociology major. QPOC is working on building support groups and on collaborating with other clubs in the Intercultural Center. Toward the end of the semester, Brandeis African Student Organization and QPOC are considering holding collaborative efforts in which students from both groups hold meetings with themes on queer members of the black community. Members of Trisk’s outreach group, including Zahn and Jessie Brandon ’10, will speak at Arlington High School in association with the high school’s Gay Student Association on Nov. 20. “When we were choosing who was going to go talk, it was important for me not to pick four gay white men to go talk. We have two males and two females. Two people who identify as people of color, bisexual and gay; … We have a broad group of identities presenting,” says Zahn. One of Trisk’s goals is to create a full-time staff position to address LGBT issues. Currently, Alison Better works parttime as the Coordinator for GLBTQ affairs in the ICC. Better, a Ph.D. candidate in the Sociology department, has taught five University Writing Seminars and University Seminars on sexuality between 2007 and 2008. “I try to support Trisk in whatever it is they do. I am here as an advisor role. The Trisk students decide their own agenda and I try to support it. In the past, students took a lot of burdens. … They took responsibility of everything that related to sexuality,” Better says. Better also believes that a full-time position in the future would help to alleviate the burden: “[Working on Trisk] burnt a lot of people out. It’s fantastic to have leadership roles in college and in clubs, but it shouldn’t be a full time job when you’re a sophomore, junior or senior. Your job is not to fight with the administration,” she says. “Clearly, our community has made some efforts and is very interested in being queerfriendly and addressing any issues therewith. It helps to have a residential effort to
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ROBYN SPECTOR/the Justice
PRIDE TIME: Members of QRC, Aaron Breslow ’10 and Chase Hiller ’12, spend time in the Trisk office. assist us in getting it correct, … and evidence of that is the tremendous effort Alison has done,” says Jamele Adams, associate dean of Student Life. Zahn, Mohamed and Trisk’s Sanity Coordinator Megan Straughan ’11, all note Better’s positive impact on Trisk but feel there can be more improvements in the future. “Many schools have an office or a center for GLBTQ life that is part of student affairs, and that is something that we don’t have. It’s something that would be good for Brandeis,” says Zahn. In the two years Better has been coordinator and the seven years she has worked with the University, Better has noticed three major changes: the incorporation of Gender Identity and Expression in 2006 in the NonDiscrimination Clause of the Rights and Responsibilities in the Student Handbook, Better’s appointment as a consultant in 2008 and the effort to incorporate gender-neutral housing in the fall of 2009. “Alison and I have never run into an adversary against moving a queer-friendly
agenda forward,” said Adams. He notes that the problems are usually about “timing and financing.” Still, Alex Luo ’11, who is involved in QRC, says that although the Brandeis queer community is “tight-knit,” it is a community that is “difficult for people to integrate into.” Many students who are allies of Trisk are not necessarily members. “I do feel like there are untapped parts of the population,” says Mohamed. Students and faculty have also expressed interest with introducing more classes that focus on sexuality and gender studies to address topics that are still sensitive or shrouded with confusion. “Slurs are still thrown around a lot,” says Luo. Transgender, polyamory, sadomasochism and asexuality are topics that still need to be introduced into the dialogue. “There’s no overt prejudice, but people still have issues. There’s still a stigma, especially about men exploring their sexuality, using phrases such as ‘No homo,’” says Mohamed. “Although we are an accepting place, we should not be too easy on ourselves.”
THE JUSTICE
Deal maker
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2009
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JULIAN AGIN-LIEBES/the Justice
TO PLAY: A handheld version of Deal or No Deal.
Tova Ferstenberg ’12 appears on the television show ‘Deal or No Deal’ By REBECCA KLEIN JUSTICE EDITOR
Cut to commercial break. Suddenly the rehearsed glamor of television has been interrupted and transformed into chaos. Cameras are flashing, the audience is abuzz with commentary and a light is shining so brightly you get the distinct feeling the sun has been imported into the studio. You find yourself surrounded by an army of makeup artists ready to rectify your every imperfection through the use of their weapon of choice: a concealer brush. Television star Howie Mandel baits you with a joke to which you respond with a coy giggle and a look of nonchalance. For Tova Ferstenberg ’12, a Sociology major, appearing on an episode of Deal or No Deal in October provided more than just an opportunity to potentially win $1 million. It also fulfilled a secret hope. “I’ve always wanted to be an actress,” says Ferstenberg. “I’m going to pursue law, though, [because it’s] more definite, so I was hoping this could be my claim to fame.” Ferstenberg, who was a midyear, read that a casting call of Deal or No Deal was coming to her home state of New Jersey in July and was immediately interested. However, Ferstenberg first needed to cajole her parents into driving her to the casting call, which was at a car dealership. “My parents observe Shabbat, so they didn’t want to drive,” says Ferstenberg. “But I told them it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—when does anything ever come to central Jersey? I convinced my mom to drive me, and we waited on line with thousands of people.” Ferstenberg showed up at the casting call ready to make an impression on the show’s producers. The 5-foot-10-inch brunette wore her prom dress and heels because she knew she “had to stand out.” However, Ferstenberg ultimately got her chance to talk to the producers due to a combination of good luck and her mother’s ambition. “The executive producer made an announcement like, ‘Listen, I feel badly; we’re taking up all this room at the dealership, [so] I will interview the first 20 people who get an oil change.’ So the next thing I know, my mom throws my stuff at me, and even though there were thousands of people there she ended up being the first one to get an oil change.” Ferstenberg and her mother both landed interviews and after several rounds of questioning were asked go to New York the next day for the second round of casting. In September, the show’s producers contacted Ferstenberg again because they were going to have a college-themed episode of the show and asked Ferstenberg to send them a picture of herself in a Brandeis sweatshirt. “I didn’t have [a sweatshirt], so I ran
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JULIAN AGIN-LIEBES/the Justice
AN INSTANT STAR: Tova Ferstenberg ’12, who got the chance to appear on Deal or No Deal in October, displays a handheld version of the game show. around [to get one], but the school store was closing and I couldn’t get one,” Ferstenberg says. “I ended up borrowing a friend’s sweatshirt and sent them a picture.” Although the episode Ferstenberg appeared on did not ultimately end up being college-themed, the producers got in touch with her a few weeks later and asked for one final interview. “We talked, and I just tried to stand out,” says Ferstenberg. “[The producer] said, ‘Okay, we’ll call you back with details.’ I figured at this point I was going to get on [the show] ,but I didn’t want to get too excited.” Sure enough, the producers called Ferstenberg the next day and asked her to come to the studio in Connecticut for three days at the end of September to appear on the show. The show is based on a game of chance. Each contestant has to choose from 26 closed briefcases containing varying amounts of
cash and is then forced to compete against a mysterious entity called “the banker.” “The banker” tempts contestants to accept an offer of cash instead of the amount of money that is contained in their chosen briefcase. Ferstenberg ended up sticking with her chosen briefcase. Although she cannot disclose the amount of money she actually won, she says, “It was nice considering all I did was point to cases.” Ferstenberg says that being on the show, which will most likely air in December, felt like a taste of the celebrity life. “It was so cool when they went to commercials, [and] there were people running to me and touching up on my hair and makeup,” Ferstenberg says. “And even Howie [Mandel, the show’s host] was really nice. Like during each commercial he was like, ‘Oh, your name is Tova? You go to Brandeis? Chag sameach.’” Ferstenberg says that being on the show
also made her realize how fortunate she was because she received ample support from her family and friends. Ferstenberg’s roommate, Marina Goreau ’12, bought her a handheld Deal or No Deal to practice on. “I also looked up all sorts of statistics about probability,” Goreau says. “I looked up contestant accounts on various blogs and Web sites ... I was so excited for her. A lot of money can be great for any college student.” “Everyone tried so hard to make this work,” Fernsteinberg says. “It was really kind of eye-opening because you get so caught up [at school] with your work. You lose sight of the fact that everything is amazing and working out. I was able to look at the big scheme of things and realize that I ... [am] incredibly fortunate. Unfortunately, it took just a phone call from a producer to make me see that.”
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THE JUSTICE
the Justice Established 1949
Brandeis University
HANNAH L. KIRSCH, Editor in Chief J OANNA SCHORR, Senior Editor ANDREA FINEMAN, Managing Editor ANYA B ERGMAN and SHANA D. LEBOWITZ, Associate Editors NASHRAH RAHMAN, News Editor HARRY SHIPPS, Acting News Editor REBECCA KLEIN, Features Editor REBECCA B LADY, Forum Editor IAN CUTLER, Sports Editor J OSH ASEN, Acting Sports Editor SARAH BAYER, Arts Editor JULIAN AGIN -LIEBES and MAX B REITSTEIN MATZA, Photography Editors B RIAN N. B LUMENTHAL, Layout Editor B RIAN FROMM, Copy Editor B RAD STERN, Advertising Editor
Retain extra BranVan service Last week, the Student Union began a trial period in which it added an additional Waltham BranVan. The extra BranVan ran between 5 and 9 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday last week and will run at the same times this week. We support the Union’s initiative and encourage further similar transportation improvements. The extra BranVan is an ideal way to help reduce the problems created by overcrowding. The large size of this year’s first-year class exacerbated the already-problematic issue of overcrowding; one BranVan traveling from the Brandeis campus to places around Waltham is not sufficient to fulfill students’ transportation needs. Adding just one more van makes travel into Waltham more convenient for students. It doubles students’ chances to get a seat without having to wait sometimes hours before another seat becomes available. Drivers will also not have to turn away students who reserved seats on the van because the van is already full with students who did not reserve seats. Also, the Waltham BranVan generally sees more demand than the campus BranVan. While students annoyed with overcrowding on the campus BranVan can almost always walk to their destination, walking is rarely a practical option for students going to Waltham. The second BranVan also comes as winter weather approaches and demand for the Waltham BranVan will likely increase. If the second BranVan trial succeeds, the Union should consider extending the second van’s services to
It alleviates overcrowding the weekend, when excursions into Waltham are more common. Running a second BranVan on the weekends would alleviate the stress that ensues when weekend plans are thwarted due to insufficient transportation. Although it is difficult to find enough drivers available to work on the weekends, it may be worth the effort. The University should also look to expand transportation options by having a trial period for running more frequent Crystal Shuttles. At present, two Crystal Shuttles run every 90 minutes during peak hours Friday through Saturday nights. Students often have to plan their entire evening around traveling to and from Boston. Instead, the University should consider running just one Crystal Shuttle every 45 minutes. This way, the University could make transportation off campus more convenient without spending extra to hire more drivers or buses. While the shuttles might consequently become more crowded, the shuttles aren’t especially packed now. Students would likely be willing to put up with the possibility of having to stand on the bus if it meant getting on and off campus more easily. The Union’s move to add another BranVan shows its practicality in finding a feasible method of reducing overcrowding on campus. We advise the Union and the University administration to show similar innovation in seeking small ways to improve transportation that will make life much easier and less hectic for students.
Refocus Louis Louis Week Student Events planned several events this past week in celebration of Brandeis’ annual Louis Louis Week in honor of Louis Brandeis’ birthday. While the “Louis Jr.” theme effectively conveyed a fun, childlike sentiment, this page feels that this year’s Louis Louis Week could have been better focused with a broader, more varied event schedule to include more members of the Brandeis community. Because Louis Louis Week is a week of school spirit, we encourage Student Events to focus less on light, quick entertainment, such as free food and parties, and incorporate other artistic and athletic achievements of the community at large. While free food at The Stein and free giveaways by the Usdan Student Center brighten the mood, these actions don’t reflect the sentiment that Louis Brandeis’ birthday celebration should. Student Events could have collaborated with other campus groups in order to highlight various Brandeis occasions and accomplishments. For example, with the basketball season commencing this week, Student Events could have organized a large spirit event in cooperation with the Department of Athletics. Student Events could have also advertised Mela, the South Asian Student Association’s biggest cultural event of the year, as part of the celebration. Last weekend’s fall concert featuring Ben Folds could have made an exciting addition as well. Pachanga, a generally well-attended event on campus, also
Collaborate with other clubs would have been a great occasion to include in a weeklong celebration of the University community. We clearly cannot simply change the date of Louis Brandeis’ birthday in order to coincide with other organizations’ events. However, Student Events should try to synchronize Louis Louis Week with other major campus happenings in order to create an environment that truly integrates the community at large. But the onus does not fall solely on Student Events: Individual groups must connect with Student Events to ensure that they receive adequate promotion. These conversations should happen well in advance so that the Student Events staff is well informed on how to properly plan Louis Louis Week. By structuring Louis Louis Week this way, individual clubs and organizations would receive the appropriate attention from the Brandeis community and increase attendance at events as a result. Furthermore, Student Events can save funds by featuring large-scale events already planned by clubs in lieu of planning new events at additional cost. Refocusing Louis Louis Week in this manner will both benefit student clubs and organizations and take advantage of the wonderful resources that Student Events offers. This collaborative campuswide effort would foster an exciting and inclusive week of spirit shared by the entire Brandeis community.
A. ELI TUKACHINSKY/the Justice
Shabbat United unifies the Jewish community By MATEO ACEVES SPECIAL TO THE JUSTICE
Every year, a conversation on campus decries a void in the Jewish community at Brandeis. Many argue that a physical Hillel building would allow for a greater level of cohesion, which would combat the pervasive sense that Brandeis Jewish communities are driven apart by theological and ritual differences. This idea correctly identifies the need for unity on campus and presents a possible solution. However, a physical building will not solve our problems. Judaism is, at its heart, a legalistic tradition. The Torah and accumulated Jewish literature encompasses countless volumes outlining how to eat, pray, marry, farm and adjudicate civil and criminal law. These teachings represent an impressive and extensive case law, with its most authoritative sources in the Talmud, a collection of rabbinic writings. On the other had, Judaism also has a set of overarching meta-values that transcend specific laws and manifest themselves in the beauty of Jewish life, history and morals. Among them, there is the idea to treat others with respect, create a pluralistic society and ultimately to pursue truth and justice. It is upon these meta-values that Brandeis University was founded. One of the most important meta-values that Judaism demands is the unconditional love of a fellow Jew. To be clear, this divine obligation extends to all human beings, but all too often, we find it easier to judge and negate those most similar to us. For this reason, the idea of loving a fellow Jew is vital to this campus. Our Jewish community is rich, diverse and flourishing. We have first-generation Russian immigrants, Orthodox yeshiva students from New York, Reconstructionist Jews from Philadelphia, Reform Jews from Cleveland, traditional egalitarian Jews from Washington, secular Jews from Los Angeles, South American Sephardic Jews, Syrian Jews from France and Israelis of every background. All of these Jews, living and learning together, manifest a Jewish culture marked by a living tradition, flowing history and a bright future. Lamentably, our community has failed to realize the potential for friendship and unity between its disparate parts. We need to take a bold step and bring unity to campus. Individuals must reach out to one another, step out of their comfort zone and engage meaningfully, with people who are different than themselves. We need intellectual openness and a commitment to engross ourselves in the study of our foundational texts. We need a deep empathy for those in need and a commitment to help repair our broken world. We need respect for ideas and an enduring dedication to pluralism. We need scientists, lawyers, doctors, community organizers, clergy and professors, all living by the meta-values that this community stands for—values demanded by Jewish tradition and law. A building won’t create this reality. We could pray in the palatial buildings of the University of Pennsylvania, Boston University, Harvard University or Yale University, built by tens of millions of dollars of donations from philanthropists. But no matter how much we spend and how many material amenities we provide, the community will still be deeply at odds. Brandeis’s ubiquity is the natural flow of Jewish life from classrooms to dining halls, from dorms to the soccer field. We don’t relegate and compartmentalize our Jewish experience in one building or physical location. This is the distinct beauty of our arrangement and what helps establish a positive and holistic Jewish experience for students. Both Chabad at Brandeis and Hillel at Brandeis recognize that no matter our aesthetic, geographic or theological differences, we are all members of the Jewish people and are bound by the same meta-values. That’s why this Friday night in Hassenfeld Conference Center, Chabad and Hillel will jointly host Shabbat United, a celebration of Brandeis’ Jewish community. While the event doesn’t represent a total reimagining of Jewish pluralism on campus, it is a step in the right direction. The most powerful experience that we can have as a community is sharing in a cultural, religious and social moment that will bind us together and viscerally expound the shared values that define Brandeis. And to that end—the event is not solely relevant for Jewish students. Our school was born of the American Jewish community and has been deeply influenced by Jewish morals and ideals, which in many cases form the basis for our shared Western values. The campus milieu finds its roots in Jewish tradition. Cultural pluralism and mutual respect are defining features of Brandeis culture. I am hopeful for the future of the Jewish life at Brandeis. Shabbat United is the harbinger of future change and a signal to the entire campus that unity, respect and love of a fellow person are enduring values in our community.
OP-BOX Quote of the Week “I think that if you look to the mainstream all the time for meaning, you’re simply not going to find it.” —Nick Zammuto, the lead singer of the indie band The Books, which will play in concert here this coming Thursday at the Rose Art Museum (See Arts, page 19).
Brandeis Talks Back What did you think about Louis Louis Week?
HEDDY BEN-ATAR ’11 “Loved it. Kosher food at Thirsty Thursday!”
JAKE WEINER ’13 “I thought it was a cool idea; I just didn’t get around to doing much.”
BORU ZHANG ’13 “I didn’t even see the activities. I saw the table, but I didn’t do anything.”
ANUSHKA AQIL ’12 “I saw the e-mail. I had no idea what it was.”
THE JUSTICE
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2009
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Veterans Day deserves more attention By EITAN COOPER JUSTICE STAFF WRITER
Last Wednesday, I got a call from my brother at 12:30 in the afternoon. While this may seem perfectly normal, it actually puzzled me greatly. You see, he’s a very serious high school student. Unlike many of his peers, he leaves his cell phone in his backpack during school hours. He would never dream of texting someone during class (let alone calling). I immediately thought that either something must be terribly wrong or my brother was developing a rebellious side. However, neither was true. Because last Wednesday, Nov. 11, was Veterans Day. The vast majority of schools as well as post offices are closed for the day. At first, I shrugged this off as just another lame excuse for a free day. I wished that Brandeis had also canceled classes, too. But later in the day, as I procrastinated on my schoolwork, I decided to do some research. What is Veterans Day? Why was it established as a holiday? And why did I have no idea that it was happening until I spoke to my studious brother on his day off? At 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1919—the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month—an armistice agreement was signed that effectively ended World War I. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the day to be a national holiday in celebration of the end of all wars (World War I was supposedly the “war to end all wars”). After World War II, it became pointless to commemorate a day that supposedly ended all wars, so the name was changed to Veterans Day. In theory, everyone would pause to recognize the importance of fighting for one’s country. Veterans Day is also important because it allows us to raise awareness for veterans’ issues. According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, “The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs estimates that 131,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. And approximately twice that many experience homelessness over the course of a year. Conservatively, one out of every three homeless men who is sleeping in a doorway, alley or box in our cities and rural communities has put on a uniform and served this country.” Needless to say, this research shed some new light on Veterans Day. I looked through all the major papers and read about how President Barack Obama as well as many other world
STACY HANDLER/the Justice
leaders took time to recognize men in uniform all over the globe. But then I went to the Brandeis student calendar of events and didn’t even find a mention of the day. The only event was a concert in the Slosberg Music Center on Nov. 13. In short, I am fully confident that had I not gotten that call from my brother, I would have had no idea that last Wednesday was Veterans Day. Why did this happen? It could be entirely due to my ignorance. I am willing to admit that I simply don’t know enough about our coun-
try and its holidays. And maybe I just didn’t look hard enough on the Brandeis Web site. But at the same time, I am pretty sure that I wasn’t the only one who wouldn’t have known. Are we just an ignorant generation? I don’t think so. I think it is the community’s job—in this case, the University’s responsibility—to inform its members about significant events. This could have been accomplished through a more prominent program, speaker or even just an e-mail, as the Brandeis Chaplaincy does on the occa-
sion of different religious holidays. In short, our community failed us. And perhaps there is an even greater point here: My brother’s school also failed him. Because while they did inform him of the holiday, that was really all they did. My initial frustration that Brandeis did not cancel school was both naïve and immature. Really, classes should not have been canceled last Wednesday because educational institutions have the awesome responsibility of, well, educating us. And closing school on a significant
day on the calendar is not the best way to do it. Schools need to be open on Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Columbus Day. Here’s what we can learn from all of this: Our country’s history is important. We may study it in classes, write papers about it and take exams on it. But knowledge isn’t everything. It isn’t until we actively recognize important events that we can be true citizens and really appreciate the gift it is to live in this country.
Better late than never to pursue creative ideas Ethan
MERMELSTEIN MIND OVER MADNESS
On the surface, Brandeis seems like it’s in pretty good shape, because on the surface it is. A visitor taking a quick look here these past few weeks would have seen many exciting marks of a stable and flourishing school—progress on construction, stimulating and controversial lectures and discussions, the approval of eight seemingly exciting Justice Brandeis Semester programs, big-name concerts like Ben Folds and (even bigger-name) dances like Pachanga. Digging only slightly beneath the surface, however, the picture is far less cheerful: the enormous budget deficit, a student population forced to increase
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beyond the school’s capacity, staff layoffs and a hiring freeze leading to crowded classes, unfunded sports teams and slashed scholarships. For the sake of the school, anybody with any administrative power here should be thinking big for ways to fix our financial woes—and that’s exactly what they’re doing. The Bold Ideas Group, which held its first meeting Nov. 16, seeks means of significant revenue, ostensibly intended to fix the school’s underfunded and slowly deteriorating interior. From the description on the Brandeis Web site, BIG resembles a think tank comprised of faculty and administration and is also reaching out to the general Brandeis community for submission of ideas. According to an article in last week’s Justice, the types of initiatives that BIG intends to formulate are “on the scale of the Rabb School for Continuing Studies [which now] earns about $2 million
The Justice welcomes letters to the editor responding to published material. Please submit letters through our Web site at www.thejusticeonline.com. Anonymous submissions cannot be accepted. Letters should not exceed 300 words, and may be edited for space, style, grammar, spelling, libel and clarity, and must relate to material published in the Justice. Letters from off-campus sources should include location. The Justice does not print letters to the editor and op-ed submissions that have been submitted to other publications. Op-ed submissions of general interest to the University community—that do not respond explicitly to articles printed in the Justice—are also welcome and should be limited to 800 words. All submissions are due Friday at 5 p.m.
a year.” Exciting stuff, right? In the article, Provost Marty Krauss says that the criteria for projects that BIG will be devoting its energies to is “a positive return within three years of initiation and yield a steady-state positive net return of at least $2 million. … There might be things we could do that might bring $100,000 or $200,000 more into the University; we’re really looking for something bigger.” Projects bringing millions of dollars to the school within three years? Despite its excessively corny name, the big thinking that BIG is about seems to be exactly what the University needs. The group is comprised of all-star members of the Brandeis community, many of whom seem to be a perfect fit for the job. Dean of the International Business School Bruce Magid’s résumé is a perfect blend of business and academia. Daniel Terris, the director of the International Center
The opinions stated in the editorial(s) under the masthead on the opposing page represent the opinion of a majority of the voting members of the editorial board; all other articles, columns, comics and advertisements do not necessarily. For the Brandeis Talks Back feature on the opposite page, staff interview four randomly selected students each week and print only those four answers. The Justice is the independent student newspaper of Brandeis University. Operated, written, produced and published entirely by students, the Justice includes news, features, arts, opinion and sports articles of interest to approximately 3,000 undergraduates, 800 graduate students, 500 faculty and 1,000 administrative staff. In addition, the Justice is mailed weekly to paid subscribers and distributed throughout Waltham, Mass. The Justice is published every Tuesday of the academic year with the exception of examination and vacation periods. Advertising deadlines: All insertion orders and advertising copy must be received by the Justice no later than 5 p.m. on the Thursday preceding the date of publication. All advertising copy is subject to approval of the editor in chief and the managing and advertising editors. A publication schedule and rate card is available upon request. Subscription rate: $35 per semester, $50 per year.
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for Ethics, Justice and Public Life, started the division of Graduate Professional Studies at the Rabb School, on which Krauss suggests BIG should model its future projects. This sounds like a rare recipe for success, but its timing is quite strange. Although the University is in dire need of a big fix today, our situation was equally urgent last year. In last week’s Justice, “Krauss said that BIG is a continuation of a process begun in the fall of 2008, which looked at new, potentially profitable academic options for the University. These activities were put on hold during the rising financial crisis, but the BIG committee is a reawakening of that initial effort.” Put on hold during the rising financial crisis? Wouldn’t a rising financial crisis call for even more robust and immediate BIG thinking? Perhaps the administration thought that its exploration for new initia-
tives could be replaced by selling several pieces of art from the Rose Art Museum. Maybe the administration was too busy cleaning up the ensuing mess to think BIG. Speculation aside, the fact that it took over a year for this group to reemerge serves as a reminder of the slow and contemplative nature of academia. Academics are all about thought and deliberation—which is exactly what BIG is looking for—but the pace of their deliberation makes me hesitant to feel too comfortable that the group will figure out a way to shrink or close our budget gap anytime soon. Life slightly beneath the surface here still looks and feels like life at a prestigious, thriving university. The harsh realty, however, is that if trajectories don’t change—shrinking faculty, freefalling endowment, growing student body, stagnant residential space— even the biggest of BIG ideas won’t be able to save us.
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS NEWS: Alana Abramson FORUM: Hillel Buechler ARTS: Amy Melser PHOTOS: Asher Krell, Robyn Spector LAYOUT: Debra Friedmann COPY: Emily Kraus ADS: Cody Yudkoff
News: Erin Doniger, Ruth Orbach, Liz Posner Features: Tess Raser Forum: Eitan Cooper, Hannah Goldberg, Ethan Mermelstein Sports: Jeffrey Boxer, Max Goldstein, Jonathan Steinberg Arts: Wei-Huan Chen, Marianna Faynshteyn, Morgan Manley, Daniel Orkin, Alex Pagan, Bryan Prywes, Justine Root, Ben Serby, Sujin Shin, Shelly Shore Photography: Genevieve Armstrong, Maegan Bautista, Jaxson Dermer, Nathaniel Freedman, Paula Hoekstra, Shaefali Shandilya Copy: Ariel Adams, Danielle Berger, Jacob Chatinover, Jenn Craig, Patricia Greene, Liana Johnson, Rebecca Kellogg, Daniella Kohlhagen, Lauren Paris, Zane Relethford, Jared Stoen Illustrations: Rishika Assomull, Stacy Handler Layout: Karen Hu, Nan Pang
STAFF Senior Writers: Miranda Neubauer, Melissa Siegel Senior Photographer: Rebecca Ney Senior Copy Editor: Joyce Wang Senior Illustrator: A. Eli Tukachinsky
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2009
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THE JUSTICE
FORUM
Despite stigma, college is not for everybody By DIEGO MEDRANO JUSTICE CONTRIBUTING WRITER
This past year I attended a high school graduation during which the school celebrated sending off the members of yet another class of students to their respective futures. For many of the students, this involved a summer vacation followed by four years at a college or university; for others, military careers, trade school or simply ... life. At this graduation, the speakers made note of some of the impressive universities that the students had been accepted to and led the crowd in a standing ovation for those who chose a military future. But despite wishing “good luck” to every student regardless of his or her future endeavors, the speakers never made mention of those who decided to go straight into the workforce. The omission of such a large population of students is representative of the stigma that our society has with a student’s decision to pursue higher education— a stigma that is especially strong at Brandeis University, where overachievement is commonplace. I have heard friends talking about people from their hometowns who did not attend a university after high school. For such a seemingly liberal and enlightened bunch of students, few members of the national university community seem to consider not attending school as a legitimate option. Here at Brandeis, every student tends to participate in as many clubs as he or she can possibly handle, take the highest-level classes, engage in unspoken competition with one another and have hopes so high that many at Brandeis could never imagine not attending a university and attempting a different career path. However, I would be startled to learn that no Brandeis graduate ever had to take a job he or she was overqualified for after entering the workforce post-college. That is not to say that students should not pursue higher education, but many students seem to see the blue-collar career route as simply not good enough. Yet I can imagine that many graduates have found themselves at the very least close to jobs that their blue-collar counterparts might hold. As Richard K. Vedder, director of the Center for College Affordability and Productivity and professor of economics at Ohio University says, “A large subset of our population should not go to college. ... The number of new jobs requiring a college degree is now less than the number of young adults graduating from universities, so more and more graduates are filling jobs for which they are academically overqualified.” In truth, the main difference between high school graduates who choose to go to college and those who enter the workforce directly lies in the amount of debt that each person is beginning “real life” with. College graduates from all over the country graduate with thousands of dollars in debt and take jobs they are clearly overqualified for solely to pay their bills. Bryan Caplan, associate professor of economics at George Mason University, argues that few graduates will truly benefit from col-
lege because “most college courses teach few useful job skills; their main function is to signal to employers that students are smart, hard-working and conformist.” However, college does not actually prepare most students for many high-level jobs; graduates must acquire substantial experience in their respective fields before beginning to think about realistically achieving higherlevel employment. Therefore, college graduates should not be so surprised when they enter the workforce and find that high-paying jobs are not so readily available to them. Meanwhile, many trades require knowledge in only a certain field to be successful. I guarantee that some of my friends who never went to college will be more financially successful as plumbers, mechanics and bluecollar workers than their college counterparts. Marty Nemko, a trade counselor based in Oakland, Calif. says of trade jobs, “Employers are accelerating their offshoring, part-timing and temping of as many white-collar jobs as possible, resulting in ever more unemployed and underemployed bachelors. Meanwhile, there’s a shortage of people to take the Obama infrastructure-rebuilding jobs. And you and I have a hard time getting a reliable plumber even if we’re willing to pay $80 an hour— more than many professors make.” I understand that the majority of blue-collar workers are not more successful than those who went to college. But the point is that our society should not place such a stigma on not going to university. This is a country that claims to be founded on the ideals of a person working his way to the “American dream,” yet the idea of working one’s way up has changed drastically over time. The old image was of blue-collar workers one of people getting sweaty and dirty, doing tough jobs for a chance at fulfilling that dream. Nowadays, the image is one of a person going to university, burying himself in books, graduating to a desk job or somewhere in middle management, and moving into a suburb. This image varies from person to person, but there seems to be a shift toward thinking that everyone successful never has to do an ounce of truly strenuous work for pay. In many cases, learning a trade leads to success and a fruitful existence, but unfortunately, many still buy into the misleading impression that an expensive college education at a prestigious university is the only legitimate way to success. Of course, people should not be discouraged from going to university or to continue learning. Parents and guardians should continue to encourage their children to pursue knowledge, and this sort of intellectual pursuit does not always have to include going to university. More parents should not only push their children toward college career paths but also be just as accepting and encouraging to those who choose the realistic, blue-collar future. And students, especially many of those chronic overachievers, should also understand the realities of the future after college and seriously consider all of the real options available to all.
ADVOCATING LOCAL CAUSES
PAULA HOEKSTRA/Justice File Photo
FEEDING THE HUNGRY: Justin Booksa ’13 engages in local community service by participating in Halloween for the Hungry.
Concentrate less on large-scale campaigns By HANNAH GOLDBERG JUSTICE STAFF WRITER
A few weeks ago, my sister invited me to the Facebook event “A National Day Without Shoes.” The tagline stated, “Because we must speak for those who cannot.” The event’s goal was to bring awareness to communities about the genocide in Darfur, Sudan. I refused to “attend” because these events are just not beneficial—on the contrary, I believe that they are ultimately detrimental. My sister was offended and explained her opinion that these events are of value because not everyone knows about the situation in Darfur and any advocacy work being done to inform an uninformed public can only help the situation. Despite her good intentions, I still disagree. It has become trendy of late to be socially aware and to advocate causes that will seemingly have no impact on daily life. These advocates thus become more worldly, pious and … hip? After all, who doesn’t own a “Save Darfur” Tshirt? However, this trend all too frequently stops before taking action. Facebook events and causes that give voices to those who cannot speak merely allow fortunate citizens the opportunity to feel as though they’ve fulfilled their obligation to help others. This is deceptive. Words and generic advocacy will not halt a tragedy such as genocide. On college campuses, there is increased incentive to participate in advocacy and volunteer groups: Being selfless as well as academically accomplished is appealing to graduate schools that want to accept students who will hopefully aspire to use their educations to benefit the world rather than to simply establish a career.
For example, at Brandeis we have the club Students Take Action Now: Darfur, a student anti-genocide coalition. Its constitution states that the group’s goal is to bring an end to genocide by increasing consciousness about the genocide in Darfur both in the U.S. and abroad; by raising relief and development funds for victims and displaced persons; by urging political action for a swift, sustainable and just solution to the situation in Darfur; and by coordinating national and international student efforts to achieve the aforementioned purposes. The students in STAND accomplish these goals by creating awareness through “teach-ins” and by coordinating with regional, national and international Darfur advocacy groups. Unfortunately, campus advocacy work is often much easier than taking action. Advocacy involves alerting the general public to the occurrence of abominations. Action, in contrast, entails finding a way to physically improve the situation in the effected area. Actions speak louder than words. Regrettably, this is the reality of the situation and not the fault of STAND’s efforts. These students are clearly inspired to do something productive for the community, and the fact that it is difficult to improve a situation occurring in Africa from Waltham is not their fault. Rather, it is admirable that they are willing to give it a shot. Don’t get me wrong—I do not believe that those advocating for social justice abroad are wrong or that they are acting competitively rather than a sincere desire to improve the global community. Instead, I believe they are naïve. There are many students at Brandeis who are gifted in the area of advocacy in that they have the motivation to make a difference; after all, Brandeis is a school found-
ed on a pillar of social justice. That said, Brandeis students are, simply by the nature of the academic programs and community here, already aware of global injustice. Recipients of money raised on campus by organizations such as STAND are of course appreciative of University advocacy organizations. However, it is possible that their money could go even further and its use traced in a more transparent manner if donated locally. Additionally, Brandeis students would get the benefit of seeing the products of their efforts on a daily basis in our own community. Brandeis students who want to improve the lives of others and to provide aid for those who cannot advocate for themselves should start on a smaller, more local scale. The Waltham community could benefit so greatly from having such a productive and motivated college at their disposal. For example, my friend is starting a program called Be Our Guest!, which will welcome the homeless from Waltham onto campus to use the extra guest meals left on our meal plans at the end of the semester. In addition, the Waltham Group is already conducting this sort of productive work in the Waltham community. To quote from its Web site, “Hundreds of student volunteers participate in outreach programs on campus and throughout the greater Waltham and Boston communities. Through its tutorial, recreational, mentoring and other programs, the Waltham Group responds to the needs of children and adults in the community and is a center for service and advocacy.” This is just the tip of the iceberg in programming that can make a difference. Those who desire to save the world should perhaps harness their desire in a smaller way in order to make a larger impact.
THE JUSTICE
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2009
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SPORTS SWIMMING & DIVING
Brandeis sweeps dual meet at Babson ■ The men’s and women’s
swimming and diving teams both defeated Babson College last Thursday. The men’s team improved to 3-1 while the women are at 2-2. By JONATHAN STEINBERG JUSTICE STAFF WRITER
In a week highlighted by fall season championships and the start of the women’s basketball season, the men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams did their part to earn a piece of the spotlight. In a dual meet at Babson College, the women dominated their local rivals by a score of 137-107, while the men got just enough out of their squad to earn a close win, 119-114. The men’s team improves to 3-1 on the season while the women get back to 2-2. The women’s team did not fail to impress this week. The squad
recorded first-place finishes in nine of 11 swimming events, and secondand third-place finishes in the other two events, while also recording wins in both the 1- and 3-meter diving events. Leading the way for the team was Angela Chui ’12, who won three individual events. She clocked in first in the 200-yard individual medley, 100-yard freestyle and 200-yard backstroke, all of which she won by more than 1.5 seconds. Although her streak of 29 consecutive wins was broken last week, Chui has maintained her dominant run this season. Coach Jim Zotz attributes her success to her versatility. “On a regular basis, our training consists of a combination of all stokes,” Zotz said. “I like to develop versatility and put people into races based on weaknesses of other teams. That’s just the philosophy of swimming.” In addition to Chui, three other swimmers recorded multiple wins in the meet. Hollis Viray ’10 took
first place in the 200-yard freestyle and 500-yard freestyle with a time of 5 minutes, 26 seconds, a long 21.55 seconds in front of the second place finisher. Captain Siobhan Lyons ’10 took first as a member of the 400-yard medley relay with Emily Heldman ’10, Holly Spicer ’13 and Elise Allan ’12. Lyons also placed first in the 200-yard butterfly in front of teammate Dasha Hentoff ’10 and clocked in first in the 1000-yard freestyle with a time of 11:50.27. Her time was 29.61 seconds ahead of second-place swimmer Lisa Rice ’10. Equally impressive was Dana Simms ’11, who recorded two crucial first place scores in the 1- and 3meter diving events. Simms recorded scores of 221.25 points and 212.15 points in the one- and three-meter events, respectively, both of which were more than 50 points ahead of her Babson opponent. The men’s team’s meet was much closer than the women’s meet, but the squad inched past Babson for a win. The Judges lost both diving
events but were able to earn firstplace finishes in seven of 11 swimming events and four crucial second-place finishes in the other swimming events. Swimmers Aaron Bennett ’11 and Marc Eder ’12 led the way for Brandeis, both recording multiple wins. Daniel Danon ’13 and Alex Cemaj ’10 also added a pair of wins for the squad. Bennett was able to take first in the 200-yard butterfly and the 500yard freestyle, winning by 12.15 seconds and 17.95 seconds, respectively. In both events, a Brandeis swimmer came in second. Eder took first place in the 200yard individual medley over teammate David Fei ’12, and took first in the 200-yard backstroke by over 13 seconds. Eder was also a member of the winning team in the 400-yard medley relay along with Danon, James Liu ’10 and Justin Wellins. Aside from the first-place finishes, it was the second- and thirdplace finishes that gave the men the slim advantage over Babson. The
JUST OUT OF REACH
squad took second place in the four events it did not win, and placed second or third in 10 total events. Liu, normally a multievent winner, recorded second-place finishes in the 50-yard freestyle and 100-yard freestyle. In both events, Liu lost by mere milliseconds to freshman Greg Bissett of Babson. Aaron Lefland ’13 took a third-place finish in the 200-yard backstroke, and Cemaj placed third in the 1-meter diving event, earning the team three points each. When asked about the importance of earning second- and thirdplace finishes, Bennett noted the team’s motivation in light of its ultimate suspension at the end of the season. “It is great to have some depth and see some other guys swimming hard,” Bennett said. “We have a lot to swim for, given the status of the program. It gives us a little extra fire.” Both teams will face crosstown rival Bentley University tonight at 7:30 p.m.
WBBALL: Judges’ late runs carry them to first victory CONTINUED FROM 16
MAX BREITSTEIN MATZA/the Justice
DESPERATION DIVE: Goalie Hillary Rosenzweig ’10 comes up short in a dive for a penalty kick shot by a Keene State College player in the Judges’ ECAC loss last Sunday.
WSOCCER: Squad loses in shootout CONTINUED FROM 16 unfortunately the fouls on both teams took a little bit of the game away because we were so busy stopping and starting and having to watch our backs. ... It definitely took a little bit of the fun out of the game.” In the semifinal game last Saturday, the Judges got out to an early lead in the pouring rain against No. 4 MCLA, going up 1-0 at the half on a hard shot by Vallone assisted by forward Melissa Gorenkoff ’10. However, the Trailblazers scored the next three goals, two of which were by senior forward Jess Tietgens for her 29th and 30th goals of the season. Brandeis stormed back to tie the game off goals from midfielder Mimi Theodore ’12 and Gorenkoff. After neither team could break the tie in regulation and both overtimes, the game went to a shootout,
with Brandeis winning 3-1 off successful kicks from defenseman/midfielder Francesca Shin ’12, forward Tiffany Pacheco ’11 and defenseman Jessica Schulman ’12. The conditions were some of the worst Vallone said she had ever seen during a game. “I don’t even think the majority of our team has ever played through conditions like that,” Vallone said. “You got to the point where the ball was not moving, and your legs could barely move, and you had to kick the ball with all your might, and I think that that definitely took a toll on us physically [for Sunday]”, she added. Last Wednesday, the Judges defeated eighth-seeded Castleton State College 3-0 in the first round of the tournament. Pacheco scored twice in the first half to give Brandeis a lead it
would never relinquish. Forward Kelly Doolittle ’12 added an insurance goal in the second half, and goalie Hillary Rosenzweig ’10 had four saves for her 22nd career shutout. The loss in the finals last Sunday ended the careers of the Judges’ two seniors, Gorenkoff and Rosenzweig. Gorenkoff finishes her career as the Judges’ all-time assists leader with 28 to go along with 24 career goals and an ECAC tournament MVP award from last season. Rosenzweig graduates with two of the program’s top goalkeeper records with 37 career wins and 23 career shutouts. After the game, both Brandeis greats were in tears. “They’re seniors; they’re going to take [the loss] really hard,” Dallamora said. The team will return the rest of its starters for next year’s squad,
including Pacheco and Theodore, who tied for the team lead with 24 points each. The Judges also will retain their starters on defense, backs Schulman, Shin, Taryn Martiniello ’11, Alanna Torre ’12 and Allison Maresca ’12, who gave up two goals or more only four times all season. The only time the Judges gave up three goals in one game was in the ECAC semifinal game against MCLA. Vallone looks forward to the team’s chances next season. “I’m sad to see the season over, but I’m definitely excited for next season,” Vallone said. “I think that we’re going to have another great season. We’re really hoping to make NCAAs, and I think the best thing our team can do is take this loss [to Keene State] and look to next year and see what we can do about it [and] see what we can change,” she added.
in the contest. Following the Judges’ 15-0 run at 8:34 when they led 25-6, the Engineers fought back, putting pressure on the Judges and forcing them to evaluate their level of play as the Engineers outscored the Judges 18-9 to close out the half. Junior guard Elle Fontaine notched a game-high 13 points to lead the Engineers. Gieschen noted the team’s struggles late in the first half. “We got complacent,” she said. “When we had our halftime meeting, we decided not to be so relaxed. We determine the outcome of the game and we wanted to prove to people we know our potential.” Cincotta said the major problem was a lack of defensive intensity. “We weren’t boxing out, and a lot of their points were coming off second chances. We realized that if we focused on boxing-out and defending we could eliminate a lot of their scoring,” she said. Simon said that the team’s cocaptains led the Judges in their second-half run. “We came back in the second half playing our brand of basketball,” Simon said. “Most of Chapin and Gieschen’s points came in the second half. [Gieshen] really played within herself and capitalized on that, and Chapin pushed the ball up the court and attacked really well.” Looking ahead, Simon stressed the importance of playing “the full 40 minutes,” and to play “the way we want to.” Chapin also noted that the Brandeis defense and communication could always be improved. “Working together is always a priority,” Chapin said. The Judges will play at Babson College tonight at 7 p.m. and then host Wentworth Institute of Technology Friday at 6 p.m. to open the annual Brandeis Tip-Off Tournament. The team will then face either Bates College or Mt. Holyoke College Saturday afternoon.
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2009
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THE JUSTICE
SPORTS VOLLEYBALL
Judges fall in opening round of ECACs ■ The No. 2 volleyball team
was upset by No. 7 ColbySawyer College in the first round of the Eastern College Athletic Conference tournament last Wednesday. By JOSH ASEN JUSTICE EDITOR
After dropping the first two sets to No. 7 Colby-Sawyer College in the Eastern College Athletic Conference Volleyball quarterfinals last Wednesday, the volleyball team roared back to take the next two sets. However, the Judges could not prevail in the fifth and final set as the Chargers took 8 of the final 10 points in a 15-10 fifth-set victory, ending the Judges’ season. The Judges, who finished the season with a record of 18-17 (2-9 in University Athletic Association play), lost by a score of 25-15, 25-16, 14-25, 16-25, 15-10. Outside hitter and second-team All-UAA selection Paige Blasco ’11 was held out of the match due to a knee injury suffered in the UAA Championships from Nov. 6 to 7. Blasco finished third in the UAA and first on the team with an average of 3.41 kills per set. Her 2.80 digs per set also led the Judges while the team ranked 16th in the UAA. Without Blasco, outside hitter/middle blocker Bridget McCallister ’10 recorded 14 kills and 17 digs, both season highs for the departing senior. After the first set, setter and allUAA honorable mention selection Abby Blasco ’11 was removed from
her primary setter position also due to injuries suffered in the UAAs. Abby Blasco’s 8.91 assists ranked fourth in the UAA but easily eclipsed all player averages for the Judges. She led the team with 15 double doubles, finishing second to sister Paige in digs with an average of 2.59 per set. Her 0.59 service aces per set ranked second on the team and fourth among all UAA players. Since Abby Blasco was unable to play setter, captain and right-side hitter Piera Carfagno ’10 served as the team’s setter. Carfagno recorded a career-high 34 assists in her final match as a Judge. Carfagno recognized that she was the best option to replace Abby Blasco. “There wasn’t really much of a choice [who should play setter] because Abby was hurting,” Carfagno said. “I set a little bit last year, so it wasn’t completely new [for me].” Kim noted the problems that the Blascos’ injuries posed for the quarterfinal match. “We had to make some judgments,” Kim said. “We used a lineup we never practiced with before, so it was a little bit hectic and chaotic.” With a depleted lineup, outside hitter/middle blocker Lauren Berens ’13 saw increased playing time in her 14th appearance of the season. Berens had a career-best 14 kills in the loss. While it took time for the Judges to get used to playing with a different lineup than they normally played with, Kim was pleased with how her team played despite the adversity. “We were able to work through
most of [our injuries],” Kim said. Becca Fischer ’13, another firstyear who played a more prominent role in the match as a middle blocker, had a team-high five blocks. Despite the fact that the team finished just above a .500 winning percentage this year, Kim was pleased with her team’s play over the course of the season. “This is a team with a lot of potential,” Kim said. “We had a tough schedule, and that’s the type of volleyball we want to play: a tough schedule. We worked hard [this year]. At any point, I don’t think we gave up on anything. I thought our players worked hard all season, and I’m happy about that.” Along with Abby Blasco, middle blocker Nicole Smith ’11 was an honorable mention selection after leading the UAA in blocked shots with 140, averaging 1.16 per set. Smith propelled the team toward the top of the UAA standings in blocked shots with an average of 2.25 per set. Kim looks forward to next season’s team, which will return notable players like the Blasco sisters, Smith, Fischer and libero Anna Homitsky ’13. “We got some good players returning, Kim said. “We are recruiting a lot of good players too, so we will have to see how that goes.” However, the team will graduate Carfagno, McCallister and libero/defensive specialist Lauren Polinsky ’10 in the spring. “I met a lot of fun people, and I am glad I [played for Brandeis],” Carfagno said. “[Carfagno, McCallister and Polinksky] have done a lot for our program, and I am grateful for that,” Kim added.
MAX BREITSTEIN MATZA/the Justice
KILLED: Outside hitter/middle blocker Lauren Berens ’13 in the team’s ECAC loss.
THE JUSTICE
■ The women’s cross country runner qualified for the NCAA Championships with a teambest 26th place finish at the NCAA Division III Regional Championships last Saturday.
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games in the women’s soccer Eastern College Athletic Conference tournament that were decided by penalty kicks. The Judges won their semifinal match in penalty kicks but lost the ECAC Championship game to Keene State College 0-0, 4-2 in penalty kicks.
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second-half points allowed by the women’s basketball team in its opening game at Worcester Polytechnic Institute last Sunday. The Judges won the game 66-32.
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consecutive individual wins for swimmer Angela Chui ’12 until her streak was broken in an Oct. 31 match at Wheaton College. Chui picked up her winning ways last Thursday at Babson College when she took first place in three events.
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out of 48 squads that finished behind the men’s cross country team at the NCAA Division III Regional Championships last Saturday.
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men’s and women’s swimmers and divers who won multiple events in the Judges’ sweep of Babson College last Thursday.
The intramural men’s flag football championship featured the two top teams in the league. It showcased the top two seeds from the regular season, No. 1 PHAT against No. 2 The Compound, in which The Compound upset the favored PHAT 35-19 to emerge as the 2009 intramural men’s flag football champion. The Compound jumped out to an early 21-0 lead on three touchdowns by quarterback and varsity baseball player Tony Deshler ’11. Deshler completed touchdown passes to football and baseball teammates Eric Rosenberg ’11 and James Likis ’10 and also ran the ball into the end zone himself for another score. PHAT had a strong comeback in the second half behind two touchdown receptions by David Swiedler ’13 to cut into the lead. This proved to be not enough, however, as The Compound’s Drake Livada ’10, also a varsity baseball player, brought relentless pressure from the defensive line to secure the victory for his team.
—Courtesy of Intramural Supervisor Jason Magid
AP BRIEFS US Supreme Court will not hear case to change Redskins’ name
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY SHAEFALI SHANDILYA /the Justice
chances for next season. “We’re coming out in the best shape, and I have two more seasons to go, so I think everyone’s ready to run really well, and everyone is [going to] run really fast, and it’s going to be a great season,” she said. Selig also noted how the squad has
improved since she joined the team. “The girls program has really stepped up a lot, and we’re going to do really well in the future,” Selig said.
—Max Goldstein
UAA STANDINGS Men’s Basketball
Women’s Basketball
Not including Monday’s games
Not including Monday’s games
UAA Conference WL New York 0 0 Washington 0 0 JUDGES 0 0 Case 0 0 Chicago 0 0 Emory 0 0 Rochester 0 0 Carnegie 0 0
W 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
L 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Overall Pct. 1.000 1.000 .000 .000 .000 .000 .000 .000
UAA Conference WL JUDGES 0 0 Washington 0 0 Chicago 0 0 New York 0 0 Case 0 0 Carnegie 0 0 Rochester 0 0 Emory 0 0
W 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0
Overall Pct. 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 .000 .000 .000 .000
L 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
TEAM LEADERS WSoccer (goals)
WSoccer (points)
Forward Mimi Theodore ’12 led the Judges with 10 goals this season.
Forwards Mimi Theodore ’12 and Tiffany Pacheco ’11 led the team with 24 points this year.
Player Mimi Theodore Tiffany Pacheco Sofia Vallone Melissa Gorenkoff Alanna Torre
Player Mimi Theodore Tiffany Pacheco Melissa Gorenkoff Sofia Vallone Two tied with...
Goals 10 9 6 4 2
Points 24 24 18 15 5
WBball (points)
WBball (minutes)
Guard Jessica Chapin ’10 and center Kasey Gieschen ’10 lead the Judges with 12.0 points per game.
Guard Jessica Chapin ’10 leads the team with 23.0 minutes per game.
Player Jessica Chapin Kasey Gieschen Diana Cincotta Morgan Kendrew Shannon Hassan
Player Jessica Chapin Kasey Gieschen Diana Cincotta Carmela Breslin Three tied with...
PPG 12.0 12.0 11.0 10.0 7.0
MPG 23.0 22.0 21.0 19.0 18.0
UPCOMING GAME OF THE WEEK Men’s basketball vs. Lasell College tonight The men’s basketball team will open its season tonight at home at 7 p.m.
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women’s basketball players who scored in double figures in the squad’s opening victory last Sunday.
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Men’s flag football champion crowned in upset of No. 1 seed
Grayce Selig ’11
Judging numbers
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2009
INTRAMURAL BRIEF
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Grayce Selig ’11 has emerged this year as one of the women’s top cross country runners. Last Saturday, Selig led the team to a sixth-place finish in the NCAA Division III New England Regional Championships. Her time of 22 minutes, 33.8 seconds was the best among Brandeis women’s runners since 2003 and was 26th overall, good enough to earn her an individual bid to the NCAA Championships next weekend. “I had good summer training, and it paid off this week,” Selig said. “Hopefully I can continue it into next week.” Selig is the only women’s runner on the team who will compete at the National Championships, as the squad did not receive a bid to go as a team. Selig will join Paul Norton ’11 and the men’s team at Nationals, which did qualify as a team. Still, Selig said the team was disappointed that it will not get to compete at Nationals as a group. “The team raced really well; we did the best we can, we are a really strong team, and we’re disappointed we’re not going as a team,” she said. Selig’s time at the regional championships was also her best-ever finish in the 6-kilometer race. However, Selig largely attributes her success to the team. “The team is really close; everyone supports each other,” Selig said. “I get pretty nervous before games, so they help calm me down [and help me] stay focused. That’s what really helps.” Despite falling short of reaching nationals, Selig is confident in the team’s
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Last season, Lasell College avenged its 2008 NCAA Tournament loss at Brandeis by defeating the Judges at home to open the 2008 to 2009 season. Tonight, the Judges will get their chance at redemption. Brandeis enters the season ranked No. 22 in the D3Hoops.com preseason national top 25 poll. The squad returns
five seniors to this year’s team, four of whom have experience in the starting lineup. Lasell captain and senior forward Jose Guitian leads the squad as a preseason D3Hoops.com All-American Honorable Mention. Lasell was 19-10 last season and reached the Eastern College Athletic Conference semifinals.
WASHINGTON—The Supreme Court won’t hear an appeal from a group of Native Americans who think the name of the NFL’s Washington Redskins football team is offensive. The high court yesterday turned away an appeal from Suzan Shown Harjo. That ends the latest round in the 17year court battle between the Redskins and a group of American Indians who want them to change their name. Harjo and her fellow plaintiffs have been working since 1992 to have the Redskins trademarks declared invalid. They initially won their case in 1999 when the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office panel canceled the trademarks, but U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly overturned the ruling in 2003 in part because the suit was filed decades after the first Redskins trademark was issued in 1967. The U.S. Court of Appeals then sent the case back to Kollar-Kotelly, noting that the youngest of the plaintiffs was only one year old in 1967 and therefore could not have taken legal action at the time. But Kollar-Kotelly rejected that argument, saying the youngest plaintiff turned 18 in 1984 and therefore “waited almost eight years” after coming of age to join the lawsuit. The Court of Appeals upheld that decision last May, and the Supreme Court now has refused to review that decision. This doesn’t end the legal battle, however. The plaintiffs have a backup plan: A group of six American Indians ranging in age from 18 to 24 filed essentially the same claim two years ago, but the new case has been on hold until this one was resolved. None of the judges has commented on whether the Redskins name is offensive or racist, instead holding in favor of the football team on legal technicalities. The case is Harjo v. Pro-Football, Inc.
USC falls, Stanford rises in the latest AP poll and BCS standings NEW YORK—After another humiliating loss, the Univrsity of Southern California tumbled to its worst ranking since Pete Carroll’s Trojans began their run as one of college football’s best programs in 2002. USC was No. 22 in the Associated Press Top 25 released last Sunday, dropping 11 spots after losing 55-21 to Stanford University. The Trojans have been ranked in 128 consecutive media polls dating to the start of the 2002 season but have not been ranked lower than No. 13 since October 2002. Meanwhile, Stanford soared up the rankings to No. 14, its best showing since being No. 11 in the last regular-season poll of 2001. The University of Florida remained No. 1, and the University of Alabama leapfrogged the University of Texas into the No. 2 spot, one of only two small changes to the top 10. The Gators received 36 first-place votes. Alabama received 14 first-place votes after its most convincing victory—31-3 at Mississippi State University—in more than a month. Texas got 10 first-place votes. The Crimson Tide and Longhorns are separated by just 5 points. The other three undefeated major college teams were next, with Texas Christian University at No. 4, the University of Cincinnati at No. 5 and Boise State University at No. 6 for the second consecutive week. The Bowl Championship Series standings had the same top six teams as the AP poll. No. 7 Georgia Tech University and No. 8 the University of Pittsburgh also held their places. No. 9 Ohio State University and No. 10 Louisiana State University flipflopped for the only other change in the top 10. For USC, the lopsided loss to Stanford marked the second time in the last three games the Trojans were handed the worst loss of the Carroll era. Now No. 11, the University of Oregon, beat USC 47-20 in Eugene, Ore. Oct. 31. The latest embarrassment happened at the Coliseum, where USC has lost only two of its last 49 games—both times to Stanford. “This isn’t what we grew up watching,” USC freshman quarterback Matt Barkley said after the Stanford game. Carroll’s first USC team went 6-6. The Trojans then went 82-9 between 2002 and 2008, winning at least a share of seven straight Pac-10 titles. Though USC has not been eliminated from Pac-10 title contention, it will be the Trojans’ first season with more than two losses since 2001. Only Texas with 153 consecutive poll appearances has a longer streak than USC. USC next plays UCLA on Nov. 28.
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VOLLEYBALL FALLS The volleyball team was upset in the first round of the ECAC tournament last Wednesday, p. 14.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
THREE-PEAT DENIED
Waltham, Mass.
CROSS COUNTRY
Norton leads men to spot at NCAAs ■ The men’s cross country
team will run at the NCAA Championships after a top finish at Regionals. Women’s runner Grayce Selig ’11 will also compete. By JEFFREY BOXER JUSTICE STAFF WRITER
MAX BREITSTEIN MATZA/the Justice
DRAWN AWAY: Women’s soccer defenseman Jessica Schulman ’12 gets away from a Keene State player last Sunday.
Judges fall just short of third consecutive ECAC Championship ■ The women’s soccer team
lost the Eastern College Athletic Conference finals at home to Keene State College in penalty kicks. By MELISSA SIEGEL JUSTICE SENIOR WRITER
After defeating Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in a shootout last Saturday in the rainheavy semifinals of the Eastern College Athletic Conference Division III New England women’s soccer tournament, the top-seeded Judges once again found themselves tied after two overtimes in the finals against No. 2 Keene State College. This time, the penalty kicks went the other way, leaving the Judges with a heartbreaking loss of 0-0 (4-2 PKs).
“I don’t think the goalkeeper [for Keene State] was that much better [than the goalie for MCLA]; we just didn’t put [the balls] in the right spot,” coach Denise Dallamora said of her team’s performance in the shootouts. The loss ends the Judges’ season with a record of 10-6-5 and leaves them just short of their third straight ECAC title. Two seasons ago, they defeated Keene State 2-0 in the championship game of the ECACs before winning the title over University of New England 3-1 last season. In the shootout, Owls rookie defender Mary Lake put her team ahead 3-1 on a shot into the right side of the net. Brandeis midfielder Sofia Vallone ’11 gave the team hope with a slow roller into the right corner to make it 3-2, but sophomore midfielder/forward Samantha Jo Saltalamaccia hit her
shot to give the Owls an insurmountable lead of 4-2 with the Judges having only one more opportunity to shoot. For the game, the Owls had more scoring chances, outshooting the Judges 23-10, including 15-1 in the second half. Dallamora thought fatigue from Saturday’s game may have been a factor in the team’s early struggles, and Vallone agreed. “I think we were so drained from the overtime and the penalty kicks and the conditions [last Saturday], it was too difficult to bounce back from that,” Vallone said. Both teams played a physical game, combining to commit 29 total fouls, 15 by Keene State and 14 by Brandeis. “I think it definitely was one of the most physical games we played all season,” Vallone said. “I think
See WSOCCER, 13 ☛
Behind Paul Norton’s ’11 thirdplace finish, the men’s cross country team placed fourth in the Division III New England Regionals last weekend and earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Championships next weekend. Grayce Selig ’11 paced the women’s team to a sixth-place finish at the meet in Cumberland, Maine, and qualified as an individual for the NCAA Championships, but the women’s squad fell just short of qualifying as a team. Norton paced the men’s team as he has all season long. Norton’s time of 25 minutes, 17.5 seconds left him only 1.3 seconds behind the race winner, senior Edgar Kosgey of Williams College. He improved six spots on his ninth-place finish from a year ago. Coach John Evans raved about his team leader’s performance. “[Norton] is running with some of the best people in the country and taking it to a new level. He’s a great leader and is setting an example for everybody.” Evans said. In total, three Brandeis runners earned All-New England status. In addition to Norton, Chris Brown ’12 and classmate Marc Boutin ’12 both finished within the top 35 to win regional honors. Brown finished in 18th place with a time of 25:52.9. Boutin finished the 8-kilometer race with a time of 26:17.2, good for 32nd place. Devon Holgate ’11 continued an impressive season with a 42nd-place finish in his first-ever regional meet after missing it the last two years with injuries and illness. His time of 26:27.1 bested the fifth Brandeis runner by just less than 7 seconds. Ben Bray’s ’11 time of 26:33.0 was good for 50th place, and gave Brandeis five runners in the top 50 overall. “[Holgate] is having a great season for us” coach Evans said. “Him and Bray were really the keys for us qualifying for nationals,” he added. The finish, which equaled the men’s team’s fourth-place finish at the meet last season, was good enough to qualify the men for their second straight NCAA Championships. On the women’s side, Selig was the highest finisher for Brandeis at 26th place, running the course in 22:33.8. The finish was the highest for a
Brandeis woman since 2003 when Gretchen Chick ’04 finished 22nd. “[It was] just an unbelievable race by [Selig],” Evans said. Alyssa Pisarik ’12 joined Selig on the All-New England team with a time of 22:48.1. Her 32nd-place finish was a 26-spot improvement over her 58th-place 2008 finish. Marie Lemay ’11 was next over the line for the women, finishing in 43rd place with a time of 23:04.0. Ally Connolly ’10 was less than 5 seconds behind her. Connolly, who ran in her final cross country meet as a collegiate athlete, improved an impressive 42 spots over her 2008 finish. Kate Warwick ’11 rounded out the Brandeis scoring, placing 57th overall with a time of 23:21.4. Though the women are disappointed about not earning an NCAA berth, Evans was pleased with the team’s effort. The Judges finished seven spots higher than their 13th place finish last year at New England and took 18th place in 2007. “The women have had an unbelievable season and have really shown improvement,” Evans said. Both squads fared especially well given the strong regional competition. The men’s team finished behind No. 10 Williams College, No. 22 Amherst College and No. 23 Keene State College while finishing ahead of two ranked teams: No. 19 University of Southern Maine and No. 29 Tufts University. The two finished in ninth and eighth place, respectively. The women’s finished behind five teams ranked in the top 20 in the country and outran No. 28 ColbySawyer College, which finished in seventh place. “We were just really unlucky,” Evans said. “In any other region we would have qualified, but the competition in the Northeast is really strong this year.” The women’s team graduates three senior runners. Connolly, who ran one of her strongest races two weeks ago at the University Athletic Association championships to earn All-UAA honors, earned rave reviews from her coach. “She’s having her best season ever,” Evans said. Joining Connolly is co-captain Beth Pisarik ’10 and Jess Girard ’10. Though neither competed at regionals, both had great cross country careers and will now turn their focus to running indoor track for the Judges. “[Beth Pisarik and Girard] have been a big part of the team over their careers. The two of them and [Connolly] really helped build our team this year. We keep improving every season, and a big part of that is our seniors,” Evans said. The NCAA Championship meet will take place Saturday at BaldwinWallace College in Ohio.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Squad runs away with opener at Worcester Polytechnic Institute ■ The women’s basketball
team dominted the second half in its 66-34 opening win at WPI last Sunday. By QUINCY AUGER JUSTICE CONTRIBUTING WRITER
With 15 minutes, 32 seconds left in the second half of the women’s basketball season opener at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute
last Sunday, the Judges had extended their 10-point halftime lead to 15 when forward Shannon Hassan ’12 put in a layup off a pass from rookie forward Courtney Ness ’13. Hassan’s easy basket started a 14-0 run for the Judges that put the Engineers out of reach. Brandeis outscored WPI 32-8 in the second half en route to a 66-32 victory to put the Judges at 1-0 to start the season. Co-captains guard Jessica Chapin ’10 and forward Kasey Gieschen ’10
helped set the tone for the Judges. Chapin’s 12 points and four steals, combined with Giechen’s careerhigh 12 points and eight rebounds, assured the victory. Off the bench, guard Diana Cincotta ’11 contributed 11 points while guard Morgan Kendrew ’12 added 10 more. Cincotta had a key early basket, when she hit a two-point jump shot with 12:21 left in the first half. The jumper put Brandeis ahead 12-6 and propelled the squad to its first big
run of the game to go up 25-6 with 8:34 left in the half. Coach Carol Simon played 15 players in the game, capitalizing on the depth of this year’s team. Simon emphasized the importance of solid play off the bench. “Our depth really showed [against WPI]. Rotating a lot of players tired [WPI] out,” Simon said. “Even when we subbed, our level of play didn’t go down, and that allowed us to continue to play our brand of basketball.”
Chapin said that it is not unusual to see a varying lineup in the early games of the season and that “a lot of changes will occur in the next couple weeks” as the players learns one another’s habits and playing styles. Chapin added, “It is always good early in the year to have the younger players in game situations.” Despite their lead in the second half and the 34-point victory, Brandeis had its share of struggles
See WBBALL, 13 ☛
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November 17, 2009
Ensemble of Early Music p.
Photos and design: Asher Krell/the Justice.
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2009
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THE JUSTICE
POP CULTURE
INSIDE ON CAMPUS
Because beauty pageant drama absolutely counts as a pop culture topic, I would like to take this week to update my readers on what has basically become one of the most overrated “scandals” in beauty pageant history. Carrie Prejean, a contestant for Miss USA 2009, came shooting into the spotlight when judge Perez Hilton asked her whether she felt every U.S. state should legalize gay marriage. Prejean’s response: “I think it’s great that Americans are able to choose one way or the other. We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage. And you know what, in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman, no offense to anybody out there. But that’s how I was raised and I believe that it should be between a man and a woman.” Needless to say, the media exploded. Some people attacked her for being a bigot; others defended her for expressing her faith and her right to believe whatever she wanted. She gained instant fame—though she lost the Miss USA pageant. Of course, with instant fame comes instant scandal, and Prejean was no exception. Despite her projected image as a wholesome girl next door, over the last few months, a total of 30 nude photos and eight sex tapes of Prejean have surfaced. When the first sex tape showed up—recorded, by the way, by Prejean herself when she was still underage—she called it the “biggest mistake of her life.” Since then, RadarOnline has uncovered seven more “biggest mistakes of her life,” all of them solo performances, just like the one sex tape that the religious beauty queen has admitted to. And there are 30 photos of Prejean, most with her topless, some showing every-
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■ ‘Game of Love and Chance’ 19 The Brandeis Theater Company production failed to rise above the farce’s tedium. ■ The Books interview 19 Singer Nick Zammuto spoke to justArts before the band’s performance at the Rose. ■ Amos Oz speaks 19 The acclaimed author discussed his personal perspective on Israel’s history and politics.
20 ■ ‘The Box’ review The film disappointed a ‘Donnie Darko’ fan. 20 ■ Steven Poster interview The cinematographer spoke of his background in still photography and his film work. 21 ■ Early Music Ensemble Musicians readied a medieval repertoire.
OFF CAMPUS
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■ ‘Carmen’ 22 Shubert Theater’s masterful production of the opera revealed its enduring appeal.
22 ■ ‘Before I Self Destruct’ 50 Cent failed to find a focus on his new album, although some songs stood out. 23 ■ ‘Pirate Radio’ The wacky film about Brits illegally broadcasting rock music featured a talented ensemble. 23 ■ ‘(Untitled)’ Characters were not fully fleshed out in this movie set in the world of contemporary art.
CALENDAR
INTERVIEW by Shelly Shore
Students get artistic grants ■ In an e-mail interview with
justArts, Catherine McConnell ’10 and Hannah Richman ’10 discuss their experience with applying for last year’s Leonard Bernstein Festival of the Creative Arts grants.
DENIS POROY/The Associated Press
LOUD MOUTH: Prejean caused an uproar with her remarks on gay marriage at Miss USA 2009. thing, and most taken by Prejean using her reflection in a mirror. In her new book, Still Standing, Prejean writes, “God gave us our bodies, and it’s perfectly right that we use them in ways where we can give glory to God by making our bodies, our temples of the Holy Spirit, strong and fast.” Thanking God for a great body is one thing, but if you’re going to profess to be the good girl, Carrie, you might want to stop taking naked videos of yourself and letting them get leaked to the media. Just a hint.
What’s happening in Arts on and off campus
Islam in the Arts The Muslim Students Association will present an evening of original spoken word performance, photography and other visual art by Brandeis students. Today from 8:30 to 10 p.m. in the Ridgewood C common lounge.
Starving Artists semester show The coed a cappella group will perform some of its long-standing favorites as well as a few new pieces. Audience members are also asked to bring a nonperishable food item to be donated to charity. Tickets are $4 in advance and $5 at the door. Today from 8:30 to 10 p.m. in the Schwartz Auditorium.
‘Vagina Monologues’ auditions Students wishing to participate in this year’s production of the hit play by Eve Ensler should e-mail slebo@brandeis.edu for more information. Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. in Shapiro 314 and Thursday from 3 to 11 p.m. in Shapiro 315. DANIEL D. SNYDER/Justice File Photo
Company B’s 25th anniversary The a cappella group, which only performs songs that are more than 20 years old, will perform in celebration of its 25th anniversary. A reception will follow. Tickets are $4 in advance and $5 at the door. Wednesday from 8:30 to 10 p.m. in the Berlin Chapel.
The Books at the Rose Punk, Rock n’ Roll Club presents the popular indie band in concert. Daniel Harris will open. Thursday from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. in the Rose Art Museum.
STUDENTS SOAR: Dancers perform at last year’s Mela. The annual showcase, occurring Saturday, includes Bollywood dances, music, spoken word performances and a fashion show. bride who is possessed by a malicious spirit on the eve of her wedding. The Dybbuk was inspired by Ansky’s extensive research on the beliefs of Hassidic Jews during his travels through the shtetls of Russia and Ukraine. Tickets are $3. Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Carl J. Shapiro Theater.
Mela 2009 ‘The Game of Love and Chance’
Peter Maphatsoe, an artist and children’s book creator from Lesotho, will join students for African drumming, dancing and spoken word poetry performances. Maphatsoe is on campus for a weeklong artistic residency. Friday from 9 p.m. to midnight in Cholmondeley’s.
This 1730 play by Pierre de Marivaux tells the story of an arranged marriage that goes hilariously awry due to multiple cases of mistaken identity. This production of the Brandeis Theater Company was directed by Prof. Janet Morrison (THA). Tickets for students are $9 for Thursday and the Saturday matinee and $10 for all other performances. Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Laurie Theater.
‘The Dybbuk’
‘Kuwait’
Hillel Theater Group will stage a production of the Yiddish play by S. Ansky about a young
Free Play Theatre Cooperative presents an intimate production of the play by Vincent Delaney,
Coffeehouse in Chum’s for African artist Peter Maphatsoe
WHAT’S ON?
which tells the story of a soldier who imprisons a news reporter embedded in his regiment. Seating is limited, so e-mail Kayla Dinces at kdinces@brandeis.edu to reserve a spot. Thursday through Sunday at midnight, and Saturday and Sunday at 9 p.m. in the South Campus Commons.
Brandeis’ yearly South Asian cultural festival returns with the theme of “Milan: Together We Are...” signifying the meeting between modern society and the traditional cultures of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Tickets are $5 in advance and $8 at the door. Saturday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Levin Ballroom.
Testrogen The a cappella groups Too Cheap for Instruments and Jewish Fella Acapella will pair up for a joint concert. Tickets are $3. Saturday from 8 to 9:30 p.m. in the Schwartz Auditorium.
The Office of the Arts provides grants every year to students who make new work for the Leonard Bernstein Festival of the Creative Arts. In 2009, more than 100 students and faculty participated in 21 dance, music, theater, and multidisciplinary projects. The Festival of the Arts will take place April 27 to May 2, 2010. The 2010 Grant Application deadline is 5 p.m., Nov. 25, 2009. Catherine McConnell, ’10, and Hannah Richman, ’10, discuss their experience with the 2009 grants. JustArts: How did you find out about the grant? Hannah Richman and Catherine McConnell: We became aware of the festival of the arts our freshman and sophomore years and were inspired by the works we saw. The festival provides an amazing opportunity for students to create a work of art outside the realm of classes and explore new ideas and mediums. We both don’t know how we initially heard about the grants, but we [were] reminded of the opportunity by publicity from the office of the arts. JA: Why did you apply for one? HR and CM: We applied for a grant because we wanted to work on a project and create work that was separate from what we were doing in class. We also wanted to use art as a way to engage the Brandeis community in dialogue about what education means. JA: What was your project? HR and CM: We created a visual image that provided a commentary on the meaning of a Brandeis education through a mixed media sculpture. We constructed the structure of a flame, using student’s notes to act as the embers of a fire. Notes that people take in class are a physical representation of the education that we get within the classroom. Thus, we took these notes, combined with fliers and student newspaper article, and created a college of them on a flame shaped plywood structure. Notes were crumbled in the bottom of the center of the work from which originated phrases, words, and comments that all come directly from the notes that we collected. These notes, doodles and profound and less profound thoughts also provided an unexpected lens through which we could try to understand a Brandeis education. JA: How was the overall experience? HR and CM: Creating this piece for the festival was a learning experience. While making it, we knew that we were not making artwork for the intention of display in a gallery. Instead, we had the chance to work on something outside of the classroom, and we could allow the process of creating the work to take center stage. Through ... our project, we were able to explore the idea of two artist[s] coming together to work on a piece. JA: What advice would you give to future applicants? HR and CM: Think outside the box. Try something that is a little bit of a risk that you would not necessarily feel completely comfortable doing. Challenge yourself. From our experience, one of the many benefits was working with a partner. Both of us would recommend for others to do the same—it helps to have someone else there to motivate and support you. Also, take advantage of the office of the Arts, their website has a lot of resources that can help you fill out the application. Finally, talk to Ingrid Schorr, Assistant Director of the Office of the Arts. She has a lot of great advice and she can be a wonderful support in the process. Take advantage of the resources on the web—http://www.brandeis.edu/arts/ festival/participants. The website has lots of information about the different types of grants, guidelines, and other information for people thinking about applying. —Amy Melser
Top 10s for the week ending Nov. 17
Box Office
College Radio
Billboard
WBRS
1. 2012 2. Disney’s A Christmas Carol 3. The Men Who Stare at Goats 4. Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire 5. Michael Jackson’s This Is It 6. The Fourth Kind 7. Couples Retreat 8. Paranormal Activity 9. Law Abiding Citizen 10. The Box
1. Monsters of Folk – Monsters of Folk 2. Raveonettes – In And Out Of Control 3. Flaming Lips – Embryonic 4. Yo La Tengo – Popular Songs 5. Built to Spill – There Is No Enemy 6. Avett Brothers – I and Love and You 7. Sea Wolf – White Water, White Bloom 8. Islands – Vapours 9. XX – The Xx 10. No Age – Losing Feeling [EP]
1. Carrie Underwood – Play On 2. Michael Jackson – Michael Jackson’s This Is It 3. Andrea Bocelli – My Christmas 4. Soundtrack – Glee: Season One: The Music Volume 1 5. Various Artists – NOW 32 6. Taylor Swift – Fearless 7. Weezer – Raditude 8. Michael Buble – Crazy Love 9. Sting – If On A Winter’s Night... 10. Soundtrack – The Twilight Saga; New Moon
1. Mission of Burma – “SSL 83” 2. Real Estate – “Fake Blues” 3. Fool’s Gold – “Yam Lo Mosech” 4. Andrew Bird – “Bein’ Green” 5. The Very Best – “Chalo” 6. Phoenix – “1901” 7. The Flaming Lips – “Evil” 8. Tegan and Sara – “Hell” 9. MonkeyJunk – “Small Time Evil” 10. Tune-Yards – “Hatari”
Album information provided by Billboard Magazine. Box office information provided by Yahoo!Movies. Radio charts provided by CMJ.
THE JUSTICE
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2009
19
ON CAMPUS BTC’S ‘GAME’
MUSIC
The Books prepare to play at the Rose ■ The band’s singer spoke
about the upcoming concert in a telephone interview.
PHOTO BY MIKE LOVETT
SIBLING SCENE: Silvia (Samantha Richert (GRAD)) reacts to mocking by her brother Mario, (Johnny McQuarley (GRAD)).
‘Game’ is partial loss ■ The production of an
18th-century play failed to rise above a flawed script. By MARIANNA FAYNSHTEYN JUSTICE STAFF WRITER
At least according to stereotype, the French are champions of bourgeois indulgence and consequently also champions of farces on the matter. The Game of Love and Chance, an 18th-century play by Pierre Carlet de Chamblain de Marivaux—“the most important French playwright of the Enlightenment,” as proclaimed in the director’s (Prof. Janet Morrison (THA)) note—currently running at the Brandeis Theater Company, champions this championship. Unfortunately, even with their iconic moments, champions are doomed to lose steam at some point. Game follows the mischievous scheme of bourgeois heiress Silvia (Samantha Richert (GRAD)), who compels her well-meaning father (Equiano Mosieri (GRAD)) to let her assume the role of her chambermaid, Lisette (Japonica Brown (GRAD)), when Silvia’s prospective husband, Dorante (Johnnie L. McQuarley (GRAD)), comes to visit. Her father, Monsieur Orgon, concedes with little trouble, keeping a crucial detail away from his daughter: Proving that Silvia and Dorante are meant to be together (and that they are uncreative in the most bourgeois sense), Dorante has devised a similar plot, exchanging places with his valet, Harlequin (Levi Rion Ben-Israel (GRAD)). Oh, the mischief! The play demonstrates that dressup does little to conceal status, and apparently, playing pretend requires little method. That is, Silvia and Dorante (as their servant counterparts) keep up aristocratic proprieties and
fall in love in a matter of seconds while maintaining a respectful distance, while Lisette and Harlequin drop formalities and share a moment of underling bitterness, exchanging a high five in their overblown “aristocratic” outfits. McQuarley, as Dorante, establishes a domineering presence upon entering the scene, his voice booming and his chest almost always heaving, which provides the absurdity of his self-maneuvered role-reversal. McQuarley and Richert seem to have a connection—at least as much of a connection as they can have as they hustle back and forth, wrestling with their not-so-ill-fatedlove—but their interactions grow tiring. Lisette and Harlequin have more enticing elements in their relationship than the morally restricted Dorante and Silvia, highlighting several bourgeois assumptions. The occasional touching and sexual innuendos (such as their promise to love each other forever, including before their wedding) added a sincerity missing from their superiors’ love story—servants have more fun, it seems. Also, unlike their mistress and master, the pair presented a tangible romantic conflict, their love story containing a more layered difficulty as they could be thwarted by their lack of status and opportunity. Dorante and Silvia’s inevitable union brings together wealth and love while their servant couple remains at their posts with only the prospect of a cottage to look forward to. The added conflict and lack of high-class sensibilities propelled Ben-Israel and Brown to a more heightened connection as the actors shared entrancing eye-locked moments. All the performances, including Jesse Hinson (GRAD) as devious brother Mario Orgon and Mosieri as
Monsieur Orgon, proved to be engaging—but only to a point. Though full of wordplay, quips and silly bourgeois contradictions, the play left the cast in search of momentum to continue with its lengthy scenes whose significance was made within the first minutes. A balance could not seem to be struck: Worthy moments were followed by overzealous deliveries, and fitting motions were blown over by unnecessary mannerisms. Game is a weighty task for any company with its subject, language and commentary rooted in the time period in which its set, affording little flexibility. However, that does not restrict a production to no stretching at all. The vibrant and detailed costumes were occasionally outfitted with anachronistic items such as sunglasses, and modern props were sometimes added—all of which were appropriate. But these tidbits were minor in their contribution. Though often amusing, the BTC’s rendition of Game seemed to take a misdirected cue from its characters. Much as Orgon knows that his daughter is suited for Dorante by their common ploy, we all know within a minute of the first conversation, ’tis but a farce, a farce! But what of it? The characters are rooted in external significance, but the actors seem unable to drive their outer selves into a developed inner being. Lisette and Monsieur Orgon’s suspicious tender moments never amount to anything, and Mario seems to have little purpose other than to occasionally serve as a plot device. Though the cast members made valiant attempts to infuse dimensionality into their roles, The Game of Love and Chance proved too formidable a sport. The challenge of persuading the audience to become invested in the characters’ outcome was not met.
On Nov. 12 justArts spoke with Nick Zammuto, guitarist and vocalist for the band The Books, which also includes cellist Paul de Jong. The Books’ music resists easy categorization, but the best description is probably “collage music.” Intricate, layered and ambitious, the band combines acoustic instrumentation and digitally sampled found sounds. The band is currently based in North Adams, Mass. and will come to the Rose Art Museum on Thursday at 8:30 p.m. to kick off its winter tour. The show is sponsored by the Punk, Rock n’ Roll Club and tickets are free; entrance requires a Brandeis ID. JustArts: As I understand it, you’re starting your tour next week at the Rose Art Museum, right? Nick Zammuto: Right, and I’m really looking forward to the show. It’s going to be like coming home. Brandeis is where my parents actually met. Both my parents grew up in Waltham, and their parents went there for years before as well. I’ve been to the Rose Art Museum on several occasions, and I know about the controversy and am curious to know and get a firsthand account of that right now. JA: What are your plans for the tour? Will you play a lot of new material? NZ: Yes, we have a lot of new material already incorporated into the show and then a lot of new material again in the spring; we’re going to have a new show for that, as well. JA: I’ve read in some past interviews that you’re not the biggest fan of touring and it’s more of a financial necessity for you. Has that changed at all? NZ: Yeah, I am. The only problem now is that I have two young boys and I have to leave them behind when I travel, and that’s always hard on the family when I leave. I do enjoy it quite a bit more than I used to. Before, I was just quite freaked out by the idea of being out in front of people. I’m kind of over that hump, and now I really enjoy meeting people and getting a chance to directly interact. JA: Do you think of yourself as more of a performer now? I mean, would you call yourself that? NZ: I guess reluctantly. Basically, I just get up there, and I play and I sing, and we both sit down when we’re on stage, so it’s not like we’re jumping around and really performing in an outward kind of way, but it is a performance. But we think of the video as the real performer. JA: So that’s the big part of your tour then, the video? NZ: The video is kind of our lead singer, in a lot of ways; you know, always shifting temperament and intensity, and it sucks up a lot of attention, which has always been the goal. But the video, especially with the new pieces, is very integrated with the music, so it’s very rhythmically oriented stuff. JA: How do you sort through everything, all that lost material?
NZ: Slowly but surely, and we kind of follow our noses. We have a pretty good sense and a lot of experience collecting stuff. ... We try to go straight for the good stuff whenever we can. … It’s like gambling; you never know where a piece is going. And we just have thousands of tapes. Most of them we haven’t gone through, but our library has grown hugely since our last record; it’s been a while since we released a new record. JA: It sounds like you’re sort of saving all this lost material, rescuing it. NZ: I think it has this instant effect on people when they see it’s from the ’80s and ’90s, and that’s when most of us grew up. ... It’s not 100-percent nostalgia, but just seeing the way videotape degrades kind of reminds us of our home movies in a way that just cuts straight to the heart. It’s really fun to work with that stuff. JA: Do you think that lifting these objects out of obscurity makes it more profound in a way because you’re decontexualizing it? NZ: Yeah, you know, profound is one of those kind of dangerous words. ... We’re always trying to find meaning in ordinary, everyday things. And I think that if you look to the mainstream all the time for meaning, you’re simply not going to find it. It’s all kind of prepackaged too much if you’re looking for something a little more raw and less self-conscious. So yeah, if you’re able to change your perspective on things and recontextualize things, and then ordinary things become profound again, and that’s always a wonderful moment. That’s the great thing about having kids; you get to live in that moment all the time because they’re experiencing everything for the first time. JA: Where do you start when you start to compose a song? NZ: It could be anything, but again, it’s intuition. If you feel like there’s something there, you start to play around with it and push it and pull on it and see what happens. ... Usually we have the visual in mind from the beginning, and we’re going for that kind of chicken-and-egg feeling where when you’re watching the show, you have no idea whether the sound or the image came first. JA: Do you like performing in museums, then? Is that kind of space a new experience for you? NZ: I really want to try it all, how the music plays in different environment. So far, so good; the music seems to be received well. ... You know, the thing that I don’t really like is a lot of drunk people [because] I just think people miss important things when they’re not completely there. ... If it gets out there on one of those big hipster sites, people just show up because it’s the place to be. But right now we’re kind of lucky because we’ve been able to fly under the radar for a while. JA: Actually, I know this show in particular will be Brandeis students only. NA: Yeah, and I think it’s early, so they won’t be drunk yet. —Joyce Wang
EVENT
Author Amos Oz delivers perspective on Israel at Brandeis ■ The award-winning writer
discussed current affairs in Israel with depth and wit. By SARAH BAYER JUSTICE EDITOR
Award-winning author Amos Oz spoke at Brandeis on Sunday night as part of a daylong workshop sponsored by the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies. A founding leader of Israel’s Peace Now movement, which advocates a two-state solution to the IsraelPalestine conflict, Oz is a professor of literature at Ben-Gurion University in Beersheba, Israel. His acclaimed books, such as his 2003 memoir A Tale of Love
and Darkness, have netted him a hoard of international literary prizes and inspired translation into at least 44 languages. Oz delivered his address, titled “Israel—A Personal Perspective,” to a full house of over 200 people in the Hassenfeld Conference Center. His remarks were broadcast live online and to an overflow audience in the Shapiro Campus Center. As Provost Marty Krauss told Oz during her opening remarks, “You’re viral now.” Introducing Oz, Prof. Ilan Troen (NEJS) described him as a “superlative educator,” and stated that his background in education was the primary reason for Oz’s presence on campus, rather than his reputation as a virtuosic writer and prominent political
voice. Indeed, while many in the audience seemed well acquainted with the social and political conditions in Israel that Oz described, they listened eagerly to his nuanced descriptions. Oz’s comments ranged from affectionate anecdotes to grandiose metaphors, incorporating centuries of Jewish and Israeli history and slipping seamlessly between the Hebrew and English languages. Distinguishing between the violent, reactionary “Israel of the CNN” and more complex real-life conditions in the country, Oz asserted that “the feud with the Arabs and the Palestinians … is deeply corrupting Israeli society.” He deemed the conflict “a clash between right and right … or more recently, be-
tween wrong and wrong.” The attendees applauded when Oz predicted that someday there would be a Palestinian embassy in the Israeli state and vice versa. Warning them that they had clapped too soon, Oz added that these embassies would be within walking distance, one in East Jerusalem and one in West Jerusalem. About half the audience applauded again. Even in his eloquence, Oz wasn’t afraid to play the clown at times, poking fun at the foibles of his countrymen and himself. While calling for political compromise in grandiloquent tones, Oz fell back on the old joke, “I know how hard compromise is because I’ve been married to the same woman for 50 years.” His speech also elicited know-
ing laughter from the audience when he characterized Israel as “a nation of 7 million prime ministers, of 7 million prophets and messiahs” all arguing about the country’s future. “Israel is neither a country or a nation,” Oz continued. “Rather, it is a fiery collection of arguments.” While he celebrated this cultural characteristic, he also found that it had detrimental implications for Israel. “No one ever listens,” he mourned. “Except for me— I listen sometimes, that’s how I make a living.” Oz expressed a great deal of optimism regarding Israel’s future. However, as he conceded at the beginning of his speech, “Unfortunately, it’s not in the nature of hopes to be fully fulfilled, especially when those hopes are contradictory and mutually exclusive.”
20
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2009
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THE JUSTICE
POSTER BRINGS ‘THE BOX’
Poster tells of his past in pictures ■ Before his engagement to
speak at Thursday’s screening of ‘The Box,’ Steven Poster, ASC, discussed cinematography.
PHOTO COURTESY OF WARNER BROS. PICTURES
MONEY MATTERS: Arthur (James Marsden) and Norma (Cameron Diaz) ponder an offer that will bring them a financial windfall through the press of a button.
‘The Box’ is captivating riddle ■ The new movie by Richard Kelly,
which will screen on campus on Nov. 19, presents thrilling twists and perplexing themes, though fans of Kelly’s earlier work may find themselves thirsting for more. By ALEX DESILVA JUSTICE STAFF WRITER The Box, is the newest movie from director Richard Kelly, known best for his masterpiece head-scratcher Donnie Darko (2001) and the disastrous head-exploder that was Southland Tales (2006). He has stated that he wants to make The Box a “commercial film,” and it shows. The movie has big name stars like Cameron Diaz and Frank Langella, and the first part of the movie plays like a tight, intriguing thriller. But then something happens: It starts getting weirder. By the end of the movie, the plot becomes so strange that we are reminded that even though Kelly is trying to make a commercial film, he’s not a commercial director. The movie concerns Arthur and Norma Lewis, played by James Marsden and Cameron Diaz, respectively, a young couple in 1976 Virginia that has a young son named Walter. One night, they find a box on their doorstep that contains a button and cryptic instructions to wait for a man named Arlington Steward. Over the course of the day, both Arthur and Norma encounter setbacks at work that leave the family strapped for cash. Into this situation comes Steward (Frank Langella), a man with burn wounds covering half his face and an explanation of what the box does. If Norma and Arthur push the button, someone they don’t know will die, and they will receive $1 million dollars. If they don’t, then he will take the box back and they will get nothing. To this point, the movie follows the basic plot of “Button, Button,” an episode of The Twilight Zone that was itself based off of Richard Masterson’s short story of the same name. But a half-hour Twilight Zone episode couldn’t be spread out over the almost twohour running time of The Box, so the Lewises start to look into just who Arlington Steward is and for whom he is working. The more information is uncovered, the more outlandish and confusing the story gets. It’s shown that the box involves Mars, lightning, mind control and even the afterlife. These twists would have been much easier to swallow had they been sufficiently explained, but Kelly often skims over many of the ideas presented, leaving the viewer with a rudimentary but insufficient explanation for all that is going on and therefore the sense that something was either left out or forgotten in the plot. After seeing the movie and taking in the plot and themes, something hit me: I had seen this before. Not literally, of course, but I realized
PHOTO COURTESY OF WARNER BROS. PICTURES
DIAZ IN DANGER: Cameron Diaz sports ’70s fashion in Richard Kelly’s science fiction thriller ‘The Box.’ that Kelly’s earlier Donnie Darko had some astounding similarities to The Box. They share the Virginia setting, the private schools, the strange figure (Frank in Donnie Darko, Steward in this), the global implications, the themes of self-sacrifice and even the “magical water” effect, which looked similar in both movies despite the fact that Darko was produced in 2001. I realize that there are certain explanations for these similarities. Kelly grew up in Virginia in the ’70s and ’80s and his father had worked at NASA, but still, the amount of similarities is kind of disappointing. The very fact that Kelly was trying to make something different from his usual work magnifies the sense that this really isn’t very different. Still, the movie has its merits because the acting is mostly good. Diaz made her character believable and easy to relate to. Norma is just as confused as the audience was most of the time and seeks a balance between fear and perseverance in the face of a seemingly limitless organization that’s out to get her and her family. Langella is perfect as Steward. Having played both Dracula and Richard Nixon in the past, he is an obvious choice for such a menacing, shadowy character, giving glimpses of humanity and even sympathy in his role. I did have some trouble with Marsden, though. Something about him just seemed a bit out of
place. He just feels too young to make a believable husband to Diaz. He still plays his role well, but he seemed out of place, not really fitting in with the setting of the ’70s. This becomes even more obvious when Norma jokingly refers to his “mid-life crisis.” I’m not saying that The Box was a bad movie. It wasn’t. It actually kept me engaged throughout—I never felt like it was dragging on. I just feel like it had much more potential than this. Kelly is an immensely creative man; anyone who’s seen Donnie Darko can attest. So the fact that he ends up retreading a lot of the themes and motifs he explored in that movie makes me more than a little disappointed. It doesn’t seem like he knows what to do in this film, and the result could have been so much more. Since the movie’s actually going to be screened on campus, you’ll have a chance to see it for yourself. Maybe if you’ve never seen Donnie Darko, you’ll like it more—who knows? The Box will screen in Wasserman Cinematheque at 7 p.m. on Nov. 19. The event, sponsored by the Film, Television and Interactive Media department, will also feature a conversation between cinematographer Steven Poster, ASC, and Boston Globe columnist Mark Shanahan. Tickets will be distributed today at 2:45 p.m. in Olin-Sang 219.
JustArts: Could you tell me about how you got interested in cinematography? Steven Poster: I got interested in photography when I was 10 years old just as a hobby. By the time I was 12, I was serious enough about it that I knew that somehow photography was going to be my life’s work. When I was 14, I was living in Lincolnwood, [Ill.] already, and there was an empty lot next to our house. I was sitting in the living room one day and a car drove up: an old Jaguar. The guy got out, had a cap on and a beard, smoked a pipe and had a light meter on his belt. I ran outside and I said, “Gee, I’m Steve, I live next door here. What kind of light meter is that?” He said, “We’ll have a lot of time to talk about that, son, because I’m building a house next to you.” And he became my mentor, but what happened was, the day I met him, I thought he was the coolest person I’d ever seen, and I said, “Well, I want to do what he does.” And he was a newsreel cameraman who also owned the film lab that processed all the news film in Chicago. … From that point on, I knew what I wanted to do. I was one of the lucky ones. JA: So when you went to school you knew you wanted to study photography? SP: I went to school specifically to study photography. There was very little of it in high school, but I made my way through it. But my mentor, Morrie, insisted that I study film photography because at that point there weren’t really any great cinematography schools. … I went to Southern Illinois University for photography. They had a basic course in photography, but it wasn’t very deep. It was mostly how to shoot weddings and things like that. After about two years of that I got out and went to what is now the Pasadena Art Center College of Design. I learned my craft of photography and mostly how to see light and work with light. Then I came back to finish up my education at the Institute of Design in Chicago, which was the American Bauhaus and got another perspective to it all. In my senior year … I went for a job to a little commercial company that looked at a little film I shot in school. … They said, “We’re going to hire you as a cameraman.” … Within a week later, I shot my first national commercial and I never looked back. JA: How do you balance your passions for still photography and cinematography? SP: For me it’s still the same emotional quality when I make the image. However, when I do it for film, I usually have a lot more help. That’s a big part of the difference. … I have a whole crew. It’s like being a muralist. You have a whole studio of helpers to do the physical labor. JA: Do you usually work with the same people? SP: If you find people that you like working with and you’re working consistently enough, then it’s not hard. Very often our work is more sporadic than that, so it’s very hard to keep a good crew. But yeah, I have people that I’ve worked with for years. JA: Could you tell me about your favorite experiences working on movies? SP: In terms of great moments, [in] every film there’s some great moments. One of the great moments of my career certainly was doing Donnie Darko because of the unique nature of that movie. And Richard Kelly was 23 years old when we were doing that. And we partnered in a way that is almost rare in the motion picture business. We created a cult classic with that. I think we’re going to create something similar with the movie The Box. JA: Were there any particular challenges or advantages to shooting a thriller? SP: From the very beginning of my career I shot some horror films. My first two feature films were Blood Beach and Dead and Buried. I did some thrillers too along the way. … Someone To Watch Over Me, that was a thriller with director Ridley Scott.
—Sarah Bayer
THE JUSTICE
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2009
EARLY MUSIC ENSEMBLE
Playing music of the distant past ■ As Brandeis’ Early Music
Ensemble prepares to play a concert on Nov. 22, group members talked about their passion for medieval and Renaissance music. By HANNA SHANSKY JUSTICE CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The words “early music” may call to mind a static-filled recording of Chuck Berry laying down the first rock and roll tracks or a cartoon-like vision of cavemen banging rocks and sticks. In actuality, the Brandeis Early Music Ensemble brings to life a repertoire from the medieval through baroque eras, pieces that laid the essential groundwork for wellknown classical artists such as Haydn and Beethoven. The group is led by Prof. Sarah Mead (MUS), who also teaches classes in Historical Performance and in Medieval and Renaissance Studies. She has been with the Brandeis Music department for 27 years, heading the EME all the while. Mead’s instrumental expertise is the viola da gamba (or “viol”), a stringed instrument developed in the 1400s. It is slightly shorter, rounder and more sharply cut than the modern orchestral viola; it is gripped between the knees instead of rested on the shoulder; and it can be either bowed or plucked. Mead also has a vocal background and has conducted the University Chorus and Chamber Choir in the past. More than 15 undergraduates, graduate students and alumni come together for weekly rehearsals in preparation for several concerts a year, the next being their semester show, “Point, Counterpoint,” on Nov. 22. With several different combinations of vocalists, wind instruments, strings and more, the ensemble will demonstrate the beauty and versatility of the musical technique known as counterpoint, the intertwining and harmonizing of melodic textures against one another. The EME welcomes experienced members as well as beginners and fosters a learning and helping environment rather than a strict and competitive one. According to Mead, “We like to have our vocalists also learn one of the instruments and have our instrumentalists do some singing as well.” She says that many ensemble members start the semester knowing nothing about a particular instrument but that they wish to get involved and learn. For example, in the upcoming concert, one of the pieces will feature a canon (round) with eight viola da gambas. Each of the players in this piece began playing this year and progressed immensely. Mead, a violist herself, teaches this instrument to the beginners who wish to learn it, and then the new members and experienced ones work together to refine their knowledge and learn new skills from one another. Al Hoberman ’09 has spent more than four years in the ensemble, beginning his first semester of his first year and continuing into the present. “I like playing this type of music because it isn’t what you hear every day. Even most professional musicians have very little experience with music before 1700 or so. This music was written before the tradition of classical music as we know it was developed and conforms to a totally different set of rules and ideals,” he says. Hoberman, who plays primarily wind instruments in the ensemble, is also proud to be a multi-instrumentalist, with knowledge ranging from ukulele to jaw harp to dulcian and a large variety of recorders. In the lower level of the Slosberg Music Center is the Jencks Early Music Room, a temperature-
ASHER KRELL/the Justice
SONGS OF OLD: From left to right, Amanda Gadrow (GRAD), Rob Pearson (GRAD) and Ross Brown ’10 sing in rehearsal for the Early Music Ensemble’s Nov. 22 concert.
ASHER KRELL/the Justice
DUELING VIOLS: Prof. Sarah Mead (MUS), left, plays tenor viol and Koren Wake ’06 plays treble viol during the Early Music Ensemble’s rehearsal last week. controlled storage area specially made to have optimal conditions for the variety of delicate instruments. A fairly recent addition to the building, the Jencks Room was funded and finalized in early 2008 and is home to Renaissance instruments such as lutes, harps, three sizes of viola da gamba, a fortepiano (the predecessor to today’s grand piano) and an original harpsichord. “Just ask any of the students in the ensemble to show you around the room to have a look any time,” offered Mead. This past summer, Mead and some of her EME students performed at the biennial Boston Early Music Festival together, one of the largest gatherings in the country featuring line up columns historical music performance and education. Mead stressed how grateful she was to participate with her students and greatly appreciated the growth and concepts they were exposed to. However, other than occasional appearances, it has been hard to take the ensemble to perform in other areas. “It is my dream to take the students to perform on a tour, but unfortunately there just isn’t enough spare money flowing into the department to make that happen.” Another key member of the group is Adina Geller ’12, a Music
major who brings life to the organetto in EME. The organetto, or “portable organ,” is an instrument designed not from an organ itself but rather inspired from the 15th century painting by Hans Memling, “Mystical Marriage of Catherina,” in which an angel is depicted playing the organetto, a symbol of the beautiful sound it creates. Geller is extremely involved in the Fine and Performing Arts departments, focusing her studies in piano performance and studio art and also participating in ballroom dance. She says, “EME is exciting for me because I get to play something different than usual. All of us do, actually! It’s fun to use skills you may have learned previously to create an entirely new sound on a unique instrument.” Performing in the EME, a welcoming and fostering environment, is also a task of artistic delicacy. Hoberman fully understands the balance of creating music outside one’s familiar time frame. “Much of the work involves figuring out just how this music should be played—what instruments or voices should play which part, what tone quality is best, phrasing—everything.” As a multi-instrumentalist, Hoberman also knows that it can be a challenge to learn something
ASHER KRELL/the Justice
STRINGING ALONG: Mu-Xuan Lin (GRAD) and Jeremy Slosberg ’10 play harps. Ensemble members are encouraged to try instruments outside their expertise. new, which EME members are encouraged to do. “Modern instruments have gone through so many more years of evolution that make them more consistent and easy to play, and there are well-established methods and techniques for playing each one. Early instruments are more temperamental, and certainly more challenging because there aren’t those well-established techniques to fall back on.” To watch the members of EME collaborate together is an uplifting experience. The snug setting of musicians gathering together,
learning from each other and communicating through sound provides a sense to jovial serenity to the listener. In a tranquil yet cozy environment where some remove their shoes and even call their director by her first name, it is apparent that they aim to have fun and to create original, exquisite and primitive vibrations together. In a predominantly research- and science-oriented university, the Early Music Ensemble is one of the most essential expressions of culture, humanities and performance arts in our community.
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THE JUSTICE
OFF CAMPUS THEATER
‘Carmen’ is a cultured experience ■ The Boston Lyric Opera’s stunning production of the popular opera by George Bizet proved that even a wellknown work can provide new insights into the nature of passion. By SUJIN SHIN JUSTICE STAFF WRITER
Let me tell you the kind of people that my friend and I had to rub elbows with as we walked into the Shubert Theater just prior to the curtain for Carmen. I only saw two other people remotely close to my age. One was a 13year-old who looked more miserable than any child should have any healthy right to be. The other was barely out of toddlerhood and looked about ready to throw a tantrum in his pressed shirt and shiny black shoes. The perfect representation of the pool of operagoers would be this: a woman in her 60s with a silk shirt, a pressed silk skirt, black silk gloves, nude hose, snakeskin heels, pearl necklaces and bracelets and a Fendi handbag clutched tightly in her 24karat gold-ringed hands. Don’t forget the rhinestone-studded opera binoculars. I call her the “Opera Diva.” We were sitting in a vat of steaming privilege stew, a mélange consisting of money-flavored Boston aristocracy. Here I was, in my white hooded sweatshirt, sneakers and teal-colored skinny jeans feeling exceptionally poor next to Opera Diva. But what was I to expect? The environment of the Shubert itself foreshadowed the type of people in attendance. There was a crystal chandelier in the middle of the theater. The main chamber was adorned with baroque, gilded columns and meticulous fish scale carvings on the walls. It was all incredibly beautiful. I was almost floored when I walked in. But I didn’t need the theater to impress me into speechlessness; the show itself would quite soon accomplish that. From the second I heard the first few chords in the overture, my dark mood from feeling poor lifted and I couldn’t stop smiling as the curtain rose on Seville. The orchestration was, of course, perfectly executed and the conductor, the famous Boston Pops Opera conductor Keith Lockhart, really drew out the sensualities and almost seductive emotions from Bizet’s composition. The sound really draws from Cuban roots, specifically of Havana (thus the “Habanera”) and I thought I heard some Middle Eastern influences as well, perhaps even overtones from the Iberian Peninsula and Córdoba. The four main performers of Carmen were, needless to say, just fabulous. Tenor John Bellemer’s portrayal of Don José was almost transcendent. I haven’t heard such a great, strong tenor since the last time I watched Pavarotti on Youtube; I missed that powerful and heavenly voice. I wanted to hear him singing every second. To balance Bellemer’s smooth and creamy tone was Dana Beth Miller’s hard and sultry one. Her interpretation of Carmen is one to admire. She is perfectly suited to the role, which requires one to be sexy, opportunistic, loveable and seductive at the same time. Her voice is rich and thick; it has a resonance that rings in the chest and fills your head with sound. And speaking of resonant, Daniel Mobbs, who plays the cocky and self-assured Escamillo the matador, had a booming powerful baritone that made my head
JEFFREY DUNN/Boston Lyric Opera
GYPSY SUMMIT: Carmen (Dana Beth Miller, second from left) consults with her fellow gypsies in Boston Lyric Opera’s production of George Bizet’s ‘Carmen.’ thud and my seat shake. I nearly squealed with joy at his excellent execution of “The Toreador Song.” It’s too famous to perform less than masterfully; he does not disappoint. His character also provided some welcome comic relief in a storyline rife with lust, murder, deceit and all those other great things. Finally, Hanan Alattar, who played the cheated first love Micaëla, floats in with a beautiful high soprano: fluty but powerful, sweet but emotional. My one qualm with the show was that sometimes the orchestra would overpower the cast and the voices would be lost amid blaring trumpets. But still, the great overall performance made suffering through a sore behind and stiff legs quite worthwhile. Listening to and watching the whole work from which those two famous tunes, “Habanera” and “The Toreador Song” come, a different sort of feeling came upon me. Those songs, out of context and usually extensively curtailed to fit into the time slot of a 30-second commercial, hold a completely different meaning when lodged in their correct places in the opera. Carmen, the beautiful and hedonistic gypsy girl, sings the famous “Habanera” when the soldiers of a brigade ask when she will love them. Afterward, during the second act, the matador Escamillo sings “The Toreador Song” when he is toasting himself for a great bullfight and flirting with Carmen. These timeless arias hold a different type of significance in proper context. These characters are declaiming their lives and presenting their philosophies, and these actors are pouring out their souls and their voices to live up to the name of these renowned arias—it’s almost criminal to
attach them to a Spongebob Squarepants episode or a Comcast Dish TV commercial. The themes of Carmen are too profound for that. Since the word “l’amour” or “love” is thrown around a lot during the four acts of Carmen, one might suspect that it’s an important theme of the opera itself. Those suspicions are entirely correct. Love just abounds in this score (it’s mentioned at least 27 times in “Habanera” alone). Carmen, the aforementioned bohemian, comes in and seduces Don José, the greenhorn soldier, after she takes a liking to his looks. Later, when she is arrested for getting into a knife fight with another woman (who ends up with a slash on her face), Carmen convinces Don José (using lots of “love”) to help her escape. She runs away and he ends up escaping with her, leaving a shy and honest girl who truly loves him, Micaëla, and his dying mother behind. Then somehow, another man, Escamillo the matador, falls in love with Carmen too. Don José and Escamillo fight for Carmen’s love and in the end, Don José’s restrictive jealousy leads to the play’s dramatic conclusion. The storyline just does not fit with a plug for Smartwater. What I think Carmen accomplishes is artistically examining love, that word so liberally sprinkled into the libretto, stripped from all fancy and romantic ideals. It gets to what love is at its crux: a primal and insatiable obsession, an overwhelming psychological want to absorb a significant other. When love is inseparable from an unquenchable appetite for attention, is it still so beautiful? When the madness of love is brought to the surface, is it
really still love and not lust? I found this theme to be dripping from every corner of the play and the richness that it adds to both the story and the music is quite delicious. After walking out of the theater, I wondered to myself why younger people don’t enjoy going to the opera. And I don’t mean those little kids that were practically strapped into their seats by their parents. I mean the teenagers and the twentysomethings. Perhaps opera itself is becoming an anachronism in this era. Older types of productions tend to be very dramatic, maybe even overly dramatic and exaggerated. Traditionally, all aspects of the production were embellished tenfold to make up for the inability of audiences to see subtleties. Today, in an era of movies with zoom-in shots, black-box theaters, highly sensitive microphones and advanced lighting techniques, the grandiosity and bombastic ways of opera might seem loud and silly. It’s in this way that opera might be antiquated. But it’s an acquired taste, I guess. I still love it. I still consider it one of the greatest, purest, most beautiful types of musical expression. It is the fastest growing genre of classical art forms, according to the Boston Lyric Opera press kit, so perhaps opera is making a comeback in today’s society. I certainly hope so. This is too wonderful an experience to let fade into the faint memories of another generation. I felt uplifted and in awe of the beauty that people could create together. I actually cannot wait until my next opera experience. But next time, I’ll be sure to wear heels and a dress, or something. My dirty sneakers felt awkward next to Opera Diva’s crocodile-skin pumps.
MUSIC
50 Cent’s ‘Self Destruct’ full of crazed threats ■ 50 Cent’s new album finds the
rapper trying to reestablish his street credibility with a display of raw anger, though his commercial sensibilities are evident on many tracks. By BRYAN FLATT JUSTICE CONTRIBUTING WRITER
50 Cent needed a comeback. Since he lost his now-infamous battle of the albums to Kanye West back in 2007, (Kanye’s Graduation sold 975,000 copies while 50’s Curtis only sold 691,000) and his last album was panned as “too commercial,” he could really use a boost in street cred and sales. Now, after months of re-release dates, two singles that never made it onto the final cut of the album (“Get Up” and “I Get It In”) and the album leaking over a month before it was supposed to be released, Before I Self Destruct is finally here. With the album’s release today, 50
Cent gets to try again and from the loud angry growl six seconds into the first song, “The Invitation,” it’s obvious he’s trying hard. Before I Self Destruct is 50’s way of attempting to redefine himself to the rap world. His angry lyrics and violent threats over loud booming beats attempt to show that he is not one to be messed with. In the not-so-subtly titled song “Death to My Enemies,” he attacks longtime rivals such as The Game and Kanye West with profanities every third word to push the point that he is very angry and dangerous. The whole first half of his album follows this trend with such songs as “Hold Me Down,” a love song to his gun that states, “I need you to hold me down … you give me a sense of security … From three point range, with a Glock, I shoot better then Kobe.” The song that truly stands out in this opening sequence of angry, loud, profanity-ridden tracks is “Psycho,” featuring Eminem. The issue here is that Eminem is the only thing that makes the song worth listening to, and when 50 Cent tries to imitate his collaborator’s staccato raps and
singing, he comes off as an inferior knockoff. His song “Stretch” reiterates his rough and tough nature, preaching about his previous experiences dealing drugs on the bad New York streets. “I’m the dope man, coke man, smoke man, whatever man … sellin’ morphine and codeine.” In contrast to the first batch of tracks, the second part of the album is much more listenerfriendly and will be the source of this album’s popular singles. The clearest cut from this bunch (and also the catchiest track on the album) is “Baby By Me” featuring Ne-Yo. The great beats mixed with Ne-Yo’s soft R&B voice and 50 Cent’s rhythmic raps are the recipe for a song sure to be heard at club scenes and on the radio. Though not the best track, this is definitely the one that most listeners will enjoy, and it sets the precedent for the second half of the album. The changeover from intense to more mainstream ‘pop’ tracks can be clearly heard in the song “Gangsta’s Delight,” which is both a homage to and elaboration on Sugahill Gang’s classic “Rapper’s Delight.” 50 Cent attempts to both establish himself as a ‘gangster’—a hard-
core man of the street instead of just a basic rapper. He states, “I’m the underground king, I reside on the throne,” declaring himself at the top of the “true rap” scene with a classic recognizable backbeat more people can recognize and enjoy. The best track on the album is called “Strong Enough.” This track with beats, background singers and lyrics that rival Jay-Z contains enough originality to make an enjoyable track from what could have been a cheap imitation, (temporarily) cementing 50 Cent’s place as a legitimate street rapper. In recent years, 50 Cent has come out with overplayed radio singles, an acting career (under his real name Curtis Jackson) and commercial endorsements for Vitamin Water. If commercialism makes him “self destruct,” then this album came out just in time. This album as a whole isn’t for everyone, even though there are certain songs that are more mainstream. Unless you are a diehard 50 fan, take this album one track at a time to see what is for you, as this is a generally darker, louder and more raw 50 Cent than has been heard in years.
THE JUSTICE
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2009
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FILM
ART HOUSE CINEMA
‘Pirate’ rocks out on the sea ■ ‘Pirate Radio’ is a funny musical
film set on a British boat manned by a crew of disc jockeys in the North Sea during the 1960s. By BRYAN FLATT JUSTICE CONTRIBUTING WRITER
PARKER FILM COMPANY/Samuel Goldwyn
EVERYDAY ECCENTRIC: Adam Goldberg hits the indie screen yet again as Adrian, an artist with bold opinions and numerous failed attempts at materpieces.
‘(Untitled)’ paints snide picture ■ ‘(Untitled),’ which stars Adam
Goldberg and Marley Shelton, mocks the pretentions of the art world, but the movie may leave viewers dissatisfied and confused about the movie’s underdeveloped characters and plot. By JUSTINE ROOT JUSTICE STAFF WRITER
When it comes to art, I am one of the unenlightened. If you try to talk to me about Rembrandt, I’ll just go on a tirade about why I prefer Colgate (I feel very strongly about teeth whitening products). The only reason I know anything about Van Gogh is because I am morbidly curious about people who cut off their own extremities. And if you brought me to a contemporary art museum, I’d probably spend 90 percent of our trip proclaiming in a very loud and embarrassing manner: “You call this art? Anyone and his brother could splatter paint on a canvas/pee into a bucket/freeze-dry a shark/do something else that is frequently passed off as contemporary art.” So, it seemed appropriate that an artistically unaware, modern-art-mocking barbarian like myself go to see (Untitled), the new film by writers Jonathan Parker and Catherine di Napoli. (Untitled), which stars the talented likes of Adam Goldberg and Marley Shelton as eccentric artist Adrian and gallery owner Madeleine, respectively, pokes fun at the New York art scene as the film follows Adrian’s attempts to further his career while carrying on a romance with Madeleine. Unfortunately, the film puts aside plot and character development in favor of devoting the majority of its time to lampooning the art world, which makes for decent entertainment at best and for characters that are as inaccessible and static as paintings situated behind velvet ropes. In regard to the former point, (Untitled)’s treatment of the artistically oriented ranges on the satire spectrum from being clever to being heavy-handed, but it more often nears the latter: There are no redeeming figures in (Untitled), but rather only a collection of overthe-top, borderline psychotic stereotypes (Adrian describes one artist’s potential as being more in the realm of serial killing than creating art) with delusions of grandeur. It’s difficult to like such characters as is, but it’s even more difficult when the only side of the characters the audience sees is the gallery-
PARKER FILM COMPANY/Samuel Goldwyn
IT’S LOVE: Adrian (Adam Goldberg) enjoys an abrupt romance with the pretentious but beautiful art gallery owner Madeleine (Marley Shelton) in ‘(Untitled),’ a movie written by Jonathan Park and Catherine di Napoli. worthy public persona: Even when they’re alone, characters never reveal any kind of motivation or depth, and, what’s worse, the artists never undergo any growth. By the film’s end, when you want to see Adrian and company creating the emotional equivalent of the Mona Lisa, they’re still scribbling portraits not fit for the refrigerator. But (Untitled) dedicates just as much time to mocking the art market’s outsiders, as well, and the end result is that certain portions of the film feel mean-spirited. To elaborate: Madeleine frequently takes advantage of both artists and patrons who she feels are unworthy of her gallery’s contents, and at times the movie seems to justify her practices. One hapless art collector who was admitted into the art world due to newly acquired wealth, for example, is frequently portrayed as buffoonish and is only allowed to purchase pieces after being cajoled into funding Madeleine’s latest project. The ultimate result is a depressing character reminiscent of the whipping boy in one of your high school’s cliques. And (Untitled)’s progression is as jarring as the sound made by a man kicking a bucket at a contemporary music concert. Essentially, the movie feels as though someone followed Adrian and Madeleine for several months to a year taking photographs and then picked at
random 10 or so snapshots to represent that entire year. Thus, when Adrian and Madeleine go from acquaintances to adoring lovers to arguing artists within the span of half an hour with little dialogue in between to explain each transition, it makes for a film that feels like an unfinished portrait. (Untitled) does feature a noteworthy, incredibly original method of characterization, however. The musician Adrian, despite possibly having the fewest number of lines in the entire film, is perhaps the most well developed character due to the inclusion of enhanced sound during his scenes. For example, when the film focuses on Adrian, cell phones become annoyingly loud or clothing crumples pleasantly depending on how he feels emotionally or artistically. The result is that we’re given a glimpse into how the character’s mind works as well as an idea of a talented man attempting to work in an intrusive, distracting world. Ultimately, (Untitled)’s message is more mixed than the mediums at an art museum; the audience is left without any likeable personas, and it is unclear whether the filmmakers believe artists are truly excessively arrogant or whether modern man is incapable of recognizing beauty. And whether (Untitled) itself is a work of art is equally uncertain.
If there were one word to sum up the movie Pirate Radio, it would be fun. Pirate Radio, previously titled The Boat that Rocked, is a comedy set in 1966 about a band of Brits and one American who broadcast banned rock ’n’ roll music over the North Sea and onto British airwaves from their ship, Radio Rock. Though seemingly based around the music, the story is truly character-driven. The development of all the personalities really makes this film enjoyable. The roles are all quirky in their own ways and bring a special something to the story. The film begins with the arrival of Carl (Tom Sturridge), an 18-year-old who has been sent, at the request of his mother, aboard the Rock Radio ship to set him straight and spend time with his godfather, ship captain Quentin (Bill Nighy). Here he meets the rest of the ship’s crew: the loudmouthed American named The Count (Phillip Seymour Hoffman); Angus (Rhys Darby), a comically annoying New Zealander; and a heavyset, smooth-talking, bawdy man named Dave (Nick Frost). Also broadcasting are the mysterious man of few words, Midnight Mark (Tom Widsom); the good-hearted and soft-spoken Simon (Chris O’Dowd) and Smooth Bob (Ralph Brown), the scraggly late-night host who managed to reside and broadcast on the ship for seven months without being seen. A bit into the film, Gavin (Rhys Ifans), the purple-suitwearing so-called “king of the airwaves,” comes back after a stint in America that creates for some interesting feuding scenes with Hoffman’s character who feels threatened by his presence. A dangerous game of chicken ends up uniting the men, and their on-screen dynamic plays very well off each other. Finally, the ship contains the lesbian cook Felicity (Katherine Parkinson)—the only exception to the “no women on board rule” for the sole reason that she has no sexual desire for anyone on board—and the assistants Harold (Ike Hamilton) and Thick Kevin (Tom Brooke), whose name fits his intellect. While most comedies have a short running time and focus on quick-paced humor, Pirate Radio goes well over two hours, and every minute is worth it. The action on the boat is enjoyable, and the character-based comedy writes itself through great performances from all involved. The audience really feels involved and attached to the story and can laugh along with the ridiculous personalities the actors created. For example, there is a running joke where Carl is trying to have his first experiences with a woman. He gets many opportunities, but each time the smooth-talking Dave always seems to swoop in and steal the women away. Even when Dave overtly sets up a no-fail situation for Carl, it still ends in a mishap that leaves the lady confused and creates a hilariously awkward situation. The one small issue I have with the film is that there isn’t such a clear plot established. Only at the very end of the film does the conflict between government minister Dormandy (Kenneth Branagh) and his interestingly named subordinate Twatt (Jack Davenport) become relevant to the Pirate Radio DJs. That aside, the true growth of the large band of characters and how they all survive and enjoy life alone out on the sea is both hilarious and uplifting to see. For example, in one scene where the crew is playing “Never Have I Ever,” certain backstories come out that create enjoyable moments. The film’s incredible soundtrack will be nostalgic for some and just plain enjoyable for others. In the previews, the film names big ’60s rockers whose music is featured such as The Who, The Kinks and The Rolling Stones. While the movie is more about the lives and times of the DJs, the classic rock soundtrack rivals that of the famously rock-centric 2000 film Almost Famous. The songs are integrated well with the on-radio banter and usually relate to on-screen plot points integrating names of characters such as Maryanne and Eleanor. From the powerful soundtrack alone, one can tell this is a boat that rocks. The clever script and masterful direction by Richard Curtis (Love Actually, Mr. Bean) keeps the action and laughs going strong. As the crew survives its own quasi-Titanic experience, the film ends with a big splash that will have the audience clapping as the credits roll.
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THE JUSTICE
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) There could be an unexpected change in plans for your upcoming holiday travels. But keep in mind that a little flexibility goes a long way in resolving any disappointments. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) A new relationship might not be responding quite as quickly as you’d hoped. Could you be expecting too much too soon? Try to ease up and let things happen at their own pace. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) As we approach the frenetic pace of pre-holiday planning, take time out now to reconnect with the wonderful people who share your life, especially the one who also shares your dreams. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A misunderstanding should be resolved before you get caught up in the flurry of holiday preparations. Set your pride aside and deal with it, regardless of who might have hurt whom first. LEO (July 23 to August 22) Being told that a colleague might have been trying to undercut your effectiveness might or might not be true. Get all the facts before you even think about acting on this so-called information. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) It’s a good idea to start your holiday preparation plans early in order to avoid a time crunch if an unresolved workplace situation causes a problem. That old friend might have some welcome news. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A family member’s actions continue to surprise you, but this time with positive results. Could be your wise counsel finally got through. It’s like having an early holiday gift, isn’t it? SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Your reluctance to act in a current situation could be traced to your inner self advising you to take ACROSS 1. Some time — 4. Aesopian story 9. Bribe 12. Violinist’s need 13. Forcefully 14. Mine output 15. Lawyer, in the U.K. 17. Confederacy leader 18. Opposite of “trans-” 19. Idea 21. Missing 24. Hit with an open hand 25. Brazilian resort 26. Joke 28. Lascivious 31. Right angles 33. Poorly lit 35. Wear out 36. Cut corners 38. Talk and talk and talk 40. The Red or the Black 41. Dweeby type 43. Tenant 45. Maine city 47. Heavy weight 48. Previous night 49. Card game for recluses? 54. In medias — 55. Foolish 56. Conventual 57. Wife’s address 58. Lukewarm 59. Homer’s neighbor Flanders DOWN 1. Tummy muscles 2. Sticky stuff 3. Pussycat’s partner 4. Up against 5. 1839 mutiny site
more time to study its complexities before you attempt to deal with it. Good luck. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Soothing hurt feelings before they can ignite an angry outburst is the wise thing to do. And, of course, when it comes to doing the “wisdom thing,” you do it so well. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Budget your time so that you can handle both your workplace duties and your personal holiday planning—including travel arrangements —without burning out on either end. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) You might find that you still need to firm up one or two of those still-outstanding decisions so that you can finally move forward as you had planned. Weigh the facts, then act. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) You usually don’t carry grudges, but you might feel this is one time when you’re justified in doing so. But aren’t you spending too much energy holding onto it? Let it go and move on. BORN THIS WEEK: You have a way of using your quiet strength to persuade people to follow their better instincts and do the right thing.
BRANDEIS
Through the Lens
Solution to last issue’s crossword.
MAX BREITSTEIN MATZA/the Justice
Bunny hop Visiting Al-Quds University student Abed Aqel pets a rabbit at Friday’s petting zoo. The zoo was sponsored by Student Events as
Sudoku 6. Slugger’s prop 7. They have their pride 8. Sign up 9. “Only the self exists” theory 10. Sandwich cookie 11. Hammerhead part 16. Capades locale 20. Lacking slack 21. War god 22. Swindle 23. Reliability 27. Showbiz job 29. Genealogy chart 30. Calendar quota 32. Urban blight 34. 007’s quaff
37. “Cheers” 39. Started a computer 42. Danish money 44. — rampage 45. Shoulder of a road 46. State with certainty 50. Stander’s loss 51. Hostel 52. Regret 53. This clue’s place, aptly enough
King Crossword Copyright 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.
■ It was Serbian electrical engineer and inventor Nikola Tesla who made the following sage observation: “One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite insane.”
■ It was in 2006 at a Christian youth conference in Atlanta that the world’s largest recorded pillow fight took place, with some 10,000 teenagers taking part in the festivities.
■ You may be surprised to learn that in 1980, the mayor of Detroit gave the key to the city to Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.
■ American author Ken Kesey is best known for his novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, which is set in a veterans’ hospital. He got the inspiration for the novel from work he did with patients while working the night shift at Menlo Park Veterans Hospital—a job from which he was later fired.
■ If you’re planning a trip to Minnesota anytime soon, you might want to stop in the town of Pipestone to see its claim to roadside-attraction fame: a 30-foot-long peace pipe. ■ If you think postage rates are getting high now, consider this: Sending mail by Pony Express originally cost $5 per ounce—and that was when a dollar was worth a whole lot more than it is today. ■ The World Health Organization does not include cockroaches on its list of insects hazardous to human health.
■ If you’re ever vacationing in Denmark’s capital city, you might want to keep in mind this unusual statute: It is against the law in Copenhagen for an unmarried couple wearing bathing suits to kiss on the beach. Thought for the Day: “I like an escalator because an escalator can never break; it can only become stairs. There would never be an ‘Escalator Temporarily Out of Order’ sign, only an ‘Escalator Temporarily Stairs. Sorry for the Convenience.’” —Mitch Hedberg
Enter digits from 1 to 9 into each blank space so that every row, column and 3x3 square contains one of each digit.
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part of Louis Louis week. The event gave new meaning to the term “Animal House” to describe the college experience.